Wireless communication device

Abstract

To provide a technology which allows a wireless communication device to form an appropriate connection state.SOLUTION: A printer 10 establishes non-WFD connection with an AP 4, by utilizing a non-WFD channel value Vap. Subsequently, the printer 10 determines a WFD channel value Vwfd matching the non-WFD channel value Vap, with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap. The printer 10 performs WPS negotiation by utilizing the WFD channel value Vwfd, and establishes WFD connection with a portable terminal 8. Consequently, a state where both the WFD connection of the printer 10 with the portable terminal 8, and the non-WFD connection of the printer 10 with the AP 4 are established is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a wireless communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 describes Wi-Fi Direct (hereinafter referred to as "WFD") established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. A wireless network of WFD is composed of one device (hereinafter referred to as "G / O device") that operates as a Group Owner, and one or more devices (hereinafter referred to as "client devices") that operate as clients managed by the G / O device. When a connection according to WFD is to be established between a pair of devices, each of the pair of devices executes G / O negotiation to determine whether it should operate as a G / O or a client. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1", Wi-Fi Alliance, 2010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification provides a technique for enabling a wireless communication device to form an appropriate connection state in a situation where the wireless communication device needs to establish connections with multiple devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a wireless communication device that can selectively operate in one of a plurality of states including a master station state in which the wireless communication device functions as a master station of a wireless network and a slave station state in which the wireless communication device functions as a slave station of the wireless network. The wireless communication device includes a first connection unit, a second connection unit, and a determination unit. The first connection unit executes a state determination process for determining that one of the other device and the wireless communication device should operate in a master station state and for determining that the other of the other device and the wireless communication device should operate in a slave station state, and establishes a first type of connection with the other device so that the wireless communication device operates in the state determined by the state determination process. The first connection unit establishes the first type of connection with the first device using a first wireless channel when the first type of connection with the first device should be established. The second connection unit establishes a second type of connection with the other device. The second connection unit establishes the second type of connection with the second device using a second wireless channel when the second type of connection with a second device different from the first device should be established. The determination unit determines at least one of the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel so that the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel match in a specific case in which the other of the first type connection with the first device and the second type connection with the second device should be established while one of the first type connection with the first device and the second type connection with the second device is established.

[0006] In the above technique, the wireless communication device determines at least one of the first wireless channel value and the second wireless channel value so that the first wireless channel value and the second wireless channel value match in a specific case. For this reason, the wireless communication device can form a state in which both a first type of connection with a first device and a second type of connection with a second device are established. Thus, the wireless communication device can form an appropriate connection state in a specific case.

[0007] A specific case may be a case where a first type connection with the first device should be established in a state where a second type connection with the second device is established. The determination unit may, in the specific case, refer to a value of a second wireless channel used in the second type connection with the second device and determine a value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately determine a value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel in the specific case.

[0008] The first connection unit may execute a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in a master station state in a specific case. The determination unit may refer to the value of the second wireless channel after the specific process and determine a value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel. With this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately determine a value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel in a specific case.

[0009] The first connection unit may further execute a state determination process by comparing a first setting value stored by the wireless communication device with a setting value stored by the first device when the first type connection with the first device should be established in a state in which the second type connection with the second device has not been established. The first connection unit may execute a state determination process by comparing a second setting value stored by the wireless communication device with a setting value stored by the first device in a specific case. The first connection unit may execute a specific process using a second setting value that is more likely to determine that the wireless communication device should operate in the master station state in the state determination process compared to the first setting value in a specific case. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately execute a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state in a specific case.

[0010] The first connection unit may execute a specific process for setting the wireless communication device to a specific mode for maintaining the wireless communication device operating in a master station state in a specific case. With this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately execute the specific process for operating the wireless communication device in a master station state in a specific case.

[0011] The determination unit may further determine the value of the first wireless channel without referring to the value of the second wireless channel when the first type connection with the first device is to be established in a state in which the second type connection with the second device has not been established. With this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately determine the value of the first wireless channel depending on the situation.

[0012] The wireless communication device may further include a notification unit that, in a specific case, notifies the first device of only the value of the second wireless channel as a value of a wireless channel available to the wireless communication device. With this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately establish a first type connection with the first device.

[0013] The notification unit may further notify the first device of a value different from the value of the second wireless channel as a value of a wireless channel available to the wireless communication device when the first type connection with the first device cannot be established even if only the value of the second wireless channel is notified to the first device. With this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately establish the first type connection with the first device.

[0014] The determination unit may determine a value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel by referring to the value of the second wireless channel when it is a specific case and it is determined that the wireless communication device should operate in a master station state. The wireless communication device may further include a channel determination unit that determines whether or not the value of the first wireless channel matches the value of the second wireless channel when it is a specific case and it is determined that the wireless communication device should operate in a slave station state. The first connection unit may establish a first type of connection with the first device using the first wireless channel when it is determined that the value of the first wireless channel matches the value of the second wireless channel. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can execute an appropriate process according to the state in which the wireless communication device should operate. For this reason, the wireless communication device can appropriately establish a first type of connection with the first device.

[0015] The second device may be an access point. With this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately establish a second type of connection with the access point (i.e., the second device).

[0016] The value of the second wireless channel may be a value determined by the access point. With this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish a second type of connection with the access point (i.e., the second device) using the second wireless channel determined by the access point.

[0017] A control method for implementing the above-mentioned wireless communication device, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a flowchart of non-WFD connection processing. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a flowchart of a WFD connection process. [Figure 4] 1 shows a sequence diagram of a case realized in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] The sequence diagram continues from Figure 4. [Figure 6] 13 shows a flowchart of a WFD connection process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 shows a sequence diagram of a case realized in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] (First Example) (System Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 4, a PC 6, a mobile terminal 8, and a printer 10 (peripheral devices such as the PC 6 and the mobile terminal 8). The mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10 are each capable of executing a wireless communication function according to Wi-Fi Direct, which will be described later. In the following, Wi-Fi Direct is referred to as "WFD," and a connection according to WFD is referred to as a "WFD connection." The printer 10 can establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8, which creates a WFD network. As a result, the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10 are capable of executing wireless communication of target data to be communicated, such as print data.

[0020] The printer 10 can execute normal wireless communication functions (for example, wireless communication according to IEEE802.11) in addition to wireless communication functions according to WFD. That is, the printer 10 can establish a connection with the AP4 (hereinafter referred to as a "non-WFD connection"), thereby constructing a non-WFD network. The PC 6 can also establish a non-WFD connection with the AP4. As a result, the printer 10 and the PC 6 can execute wireless communication of target data to be communicated, such as print data, via the AP4.

[0021] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP4, the PC6, and the printer 10 are fixed in, for example, a specific company. That is, in the specific company, a non-WFD network including the AP4, the PC6, and the printer 10 is constructed. For this reason, a user of the PC6 (for example, an employee of the specific company) can cause the printer 10 to execute printing via the AP4. Then, for example, a user of the mobile terminal 8 (for example, a person visiting the specific company) can temporarily establish a WFD connection between the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10. That is, the user of the mobile terminal 8 can temporarily construct a WFD network including the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10. This allows the user of the mobile terminal 8 to execute printing on the printer 10 without going through the AP4. In this way, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the non-WFD network is a network that should be constructed constantly, and the WFD network is a network that should be constructed temporarily.

[0022] (Printer 10 Configuration) The printer 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wireless interface 18, and a control unit 20. The above units 12 to 20 are connected to a bus line (reference numbers omitted). The operation unit 12 is composed of a plurality of keys. A user can operate the operation unit 12 to give various instructions to the printer 10. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 comprises a printing mechanism such as an inkjet type or a laser type, and executes printing according to instructions from the control unit 20.

[0023] The wireless interface 18 is an interface used when the control unit 20 executes wireless communication. The wireless interface 18 is physically one interface. However, both a MAC address to be used in a WFD connection and a MAC address to be used in a non-WFD connection are assigned to the wireless interface 18. Therefore, the control unit 20 can execute both a wireless communication function conforming to WFD and a normal wireless communication function simultaneously using the wireless interface 18. As a result, as will be described in detail later, the control unit 20 can create a state in which both a WFD connection and a non-WFD connection are established.

[0024] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc. The memory 24 stores the above programs executed by the CPU 22, and stores data acquired or generated in the process of the CPU 22 executing the processes. The CPU 22 executes the processes according to the above programs, thereby realizing the functions of a first connection unit 30, a second connection unit 32, a determination unit 34, a notification unit 36, and a channel determination unit 38.

[0025] Although the details will be described later, the first connection unit 30 is a unit for executing a wireless communication function according to WFD. For example, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. The second connection unit 32 is a unit for executing a normal wireless communication function, not a wireless communication function according to WFD. For example, the second connection unit 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with the AP4.

[0026] (PC6 configuration) The PC 6 cannot execute a wireless communication function according to the WFD. However, in a modified example, the PC 6 may be able to execute a wireless communication function according to the WFD. The PC 6 can establish a non-WFD connection with the AP 4. The PC 6 includes a CPU, a memory, a display, and the like, which are not shown. The memory of the PC 6 stores a printer driver program for the printer 10. The CPU of the PC 6 can generate print data to be printed using the printer driver program. In a state in which a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 4 and a non-WFD connection is also established between the PC 6 and the AP 4, the PC 6 can wirelessly transmit print data to the printer 10 via the AP 4.

[0027] (Configuration of mobile terminal 8) The mobile terminal 8 is a portable terminal, and includes, for example, a smartphone, a PDA terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, and the like. The mobile terminal 8 is capable of executing a wireless communication function according to the WFD. The mobile terminal 8 is capable of establishing a WFD connection with the printer 10. The mobile terminal 8 includes a CPU, a memory, a display, and the like, which are not shown. The memory of the mobile terminal 8 stores a printer driver program for the printer 10. The CPU of the mobile terminal 8 can generate print data to be printed using the printer driver program. In a state where a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 can wirelessly transmit print data to the printer 10 without going through the AP4.

[0028] (WFD) WFD is a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WFD is described in the "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

[0029] As described above, the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 are each capable of executing a wireless communication function according to the WFD. Hereinafter, a device capable of executing a wireless communication function according to the WFD is referred to as a "WFD-compatible device." The WFD standard defines three states for a WFD-compatible device: Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), client state, and device state. A WFD-compatible device can selectively operate in one of the above three states.

[0030] A WFD network is composed of devices in the G / O state and devices in the client state. In a WFD network, there can be only one device in the G / O state, but there can be one or more devices in the client state. A device in the G / O state manages one or more devices in the client state. Specifically, a device in the G / O state generates a management list that describes the identification information (i.e., MAC address) of each of one or more devices in the client state. When a device in the client state newly joins the WFD network, a device in the G / O state adds the identification information of the device to the management list, and when a device in the client state leaves the WFD network, the device in the G / O state deletes the identification information of the device from the management list.

[0031] A device in the G / O state can perform wireless communication of target data to be communicated (e.g., data including network layer information of the OSI reference model (print data, etc.)) with a device registered in the management list, i.e., a device in the client state. However, a device in the G / O state can perform wireless communication of data for participating in a WFD network (e.g., data not including network layer information (physical layer data such as a Probe Request signal and a Probe Response signal)) with a device not registered in the management list, but cannot perform wireless communication of the above target data. For example, a printer 10 in the G / O state can wirelessly receive print data from a portable terminal 8 registered in the management list (i.e., a portable terminal 8 in the client state), but cannot wirelessly receive print data from a device not registered in the management list.

[0032] Furthermore, a device in the G / O state can relay wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) between multiple devices in the client state. For example, when a portable terminal 8 in the client state needs to wirelessly transmit print data to another printer in the client state, the portable terminal 8 first wirelessly transmits the print data to the printer 10 in the G / O state. In this case, the printer 10 wirelessly receives the print data from the portable terminal 8 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printer. In other words, a device in the G / O state can execute the function of an AP (Access Point) of a wireless network.

[0033] A WFD-compatible device that is not participating in a WFD network (i.e., a device that is not registered in the management list) is a device in device state. A device in device state can perform wireless communication of data for participating in a WFD network (physical layer data such as a probe request signal and a probe response signal, etc.), but cannot perform wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) via the WFD network.

[0034] (Non-WFD connection processing; Figure 2) Next, a description will be given of the contents of the processing executed by the printer 10. First, a description will be given of the contents of the non-WFD connection processing executed by the printer 10 with reference to Fig. 2. When the user inputs a predetermined non-WFD connection instruction to the operation unit 12, the control unit 20 starts the non-WFD connection processing of Fig. 2.

[0035] In S10, the second connection unit 32 executes a scan process to search for each AP present around the printer 10. Next, in S12, the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display an AP list including information (e.g., SSID, etc.) about each AP found in the scan process. The user of the printer 10 designates an AP from the AP list with which a connection with the printer 10 should be established. The second connection unit 32 selects an AP according to the user's instructions. The following description will be continued using an example in which AP4 is selected.

[0036] Although details will be described later, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation (see S42 in FIG. 3, etc.) to establish a WFD connection. In contrast, the second connection unit 32 does not execute G / O negotiation. AP4 determines the value of the wireless channel to be used in the non-WFD connection from among 1-14ch (hereinafter referred to as the "non-WFD channel value Vap"). AP4 transmits the non-WFD channel value Vap to the printer 10. As a result, in S13, the second connection unit 32 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from AP4. The second connection unit 32 stores the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24.

[0037] Next, in S14, the second connection unit 32 determines whether or not a WFD connection has been established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. If a WFD connection has been established (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S16, and if a WFD connection has not been established (NO in S14), the process proceeds to S20.

[0038] In S20, the second connection unit 32 uses the non-WFD channel value Vap received in S13 to perform communication for authentication with the AP4. In the communication performed here, the second connection unit 32 transmits data such as an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password to the AP4. As a result, the AP4 performs authentication of the authentication method, the encryption method, the password, and the like, and if the authentication is successful, transmits data indicating successful authentication to the printer 10. As a result, a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP4. As a result, the printer 10 (i.e., the second connection unit 32) can use the non-WFD channel value Vap to perform communication of target data (print data, etc.) to be communicated with the PC6 via the AP4. When S20 ends, the non-WFD connection process in FIG. 2 ends.

[0039] Meanwhile, in S16, the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is to be disconnected. Next, in S18, the first connection unit 30 changes the state of the printer 10 from the G / O state or the client state to the device state. For example, if the current state of the printer 10 is the G / O state, the first connection unit 30 erases from the memory 24 the management list stored by the printer 10 in the G / O state and the value of the wireless channel currently used in the WFD connection (hereinafter referred to as the "WFD channel value Vwfd"). As a result, the printer 10 transitions from the G / O state to the device state, and as a result, the WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 is disconnected. Also, for example, if the current state of the printer 10 is the client state, the first connection unit 30 erases the WFD channel value Vwfd from the memory 24. As a result, the printer 10 transitions from a client state to a device state, and as a result, the WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected.

[0040] After S18 is completed, in S20, the second connection unit 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 by using the non-WFD channel value Vap received in S13 in the same manner as described above. Since the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected in S18, a state is created in which only the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is established.

[0041] For example, when the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is being established (YES in S14), it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 and the non-WFD connection with the AP4 are both established without disconnecting the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. However, the wireless interface 18 is physically one interface. Therefore, if the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are different, the printer 10 cannot simultaneously and appropriately perform wireless communication using the WFD connection and wireless communication using the non-WFD connection. In order to avoid such a situation from occurring, in this embodiment, when YES in S14, a configuration is adopted in which the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected (S18) and only the non-WFD connection with the AP4 is established.

[0042] It is possible to adopt a configuration in which, when the WFD connection is being established (YES in S14), a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is not established and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is maintained (i.e., a configuration in which a state in which only the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is established is formed). However, as described above, a non-WFD network is a network that should be constantly established, and if such a network is disconnected, the user of the PC 6 cannot cause the printer 10 to execute printing. In order to prevent such an event from occurring, this embodiment adopts a configuration in which, when YES in S14, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 that should be temporarily established is disconnected and a state in which only the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 that should be constantly established is established is formed. That is, this embodiment adopts a configuration in which a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 that should be constantly established is given priority.

[0043] (WFD connection process; Figure 3) Next, the contents of the WFD connection process executed by the printer 10 in the device state will be described with reference to Fig. 3. When the user inputs a predetermined WFD connection instruction to the operation unit 12, the control unit 20 starts the WFD connection process in Fig. 3.

[0044] In S40, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not a non-WFD connection has been established between the printer 10 and the AP 4. If a non-WFD connection has been established (YES in S40), the process proceeds to S46, and if a non-WFD connection has not been established (NO in S40), the process proceeds to S42.

[0045] Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the first connection unit 30 executes a Search process to search for each device (e.g., the mobile terminal 8) in the device state existing around the printer 10 regardless of whether the answer to S40 is YES or NO. Furthermore, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display a device list including information (e.g., device name, model name, MAC address, etc.) about each device found in the Search process. The user of the printer 10 specifies a device with which a connection to the printer 10 should be established from the device list. The first connection unit 30 selects a device according to the user's instructions. The following description will be continued using the case where the mobile terminal 8 is selected as an example.

[0046] Furthermore, when a WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8 in the device state, the mobile terminal 8 executes a search process in the same manner as the printer 10. As a result, a device list including information about the printer 10 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 8. The user of the mobile terminal 8 selects a device with which a connection should be established with the mobile terminal 8 from the device list. The following description will continue using the case where the printer 10 is selected as an example.

[0047] In S42, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation to determine one of the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 as the G / O, and determines the other of the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 as the client. Specifically, the first connection unit 30 first transmits the Intent value of the printer 10 stored in the memory 24 to the portable terminal 8. The first connection unit 30 also receives the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 stored in the portable terminal 8 from the portable terminal 8. The Intent value is a setting value indicating the degree to which the printer 10 should become the G / O. The Intent value is any value within the numerical range of 0 to 15. The larger the Intent value, the easier it is to become the G / O. In other words, the smaller the Intent value, the easier it is to become a client.

[0048] For example, a device with relatively high CPU and memory capabilities (e.g., a PC) can execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, a relatively large Intent value is usually set for such a device so that it is likely to become a G / O. On the other hand, for example, a device with relatively low CPU and memory capabilities may not be able to execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, a relatively small Intent value is usually set for such a device so that it is unlikely to become a G / O (i.e., so that it is likely to become a client).

[0049] In this embodiment, in the G / O negotiation in S42, "2" is used as the Intent value (i.e., the default Intent value) of the printer 10. The printer 10 usually has a relatively low CPU and memory capacity compared to a PC or the like. For this reason, a relatively small default Intent value is set in the printer 10. Therefore, in S42, the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value "2" of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8.

[0050] In S42, the first connection unit 30 further compares the Intent value of the printer 10 with the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 to determine the G / O and the client. For example, if the Intent value of the printer 10 is greater than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should be the G / O and that the mobile terminal 8 should be the client. For example, if the Intent value of the printer 10 is less than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should be the client and that the mobile terminal 8 should be the G / O. Note that, if the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 match, the first connection unit 30 may change the Intent value of the printer 10 and use the changed Intent value to execute G / O negotiation again, or may cause the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection cannot be established.

[0051] The mobile terminal 8 determines the G / O and the client based on the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 using the same method as the printer 10.

[0052] In the process of the G / O negotiation in S42, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies (i.e., transmits) to the portable terminal 8 a channel list (hereinafter referred to as a "normal list") including all values ​​of 1 to 14ch as values ​​of wireless channels available to the printer 10 in a WFD connection. Similarly, the portable terminal 8 notifies (i.e., transmits) to the printer 10 a channel list including values ​​of wireless channels available to the portable terminal 8 in a WFD connection. This allows the first connection unit 30 to acquire the channel list of the portable terminal 8. When the G / O negotiation in S42 ends, the process proceeds to S44.

[0053] In S44, a process according to the result of the G / O negotiation in S42 is executed. For example, when it is determined that the printer 10 should be the G / O, in S44, the determination unit 34 determines the WFD channel value Vwfd to be used in the WFD connection. Specifically, the determination unit 34 determines, as the WFD channel value Vwfd, the value of one wireless channel included in the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8 in S42, among the wireless channel values ​​(1 to 14ch) included in the normal list notified to the mobile terminal 8 in S42. In this embodiment, if the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8 includes "11ch", the determination unit 34 determines "11ch" as the WFD channel value Vwfd. However, if the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8 does not include "11ch", the determination unit 34 determines another value (for example, "10ch") as the WFD channel value Vwfd.

[0054] Next, the first connection unit 30 transmits (i.e., notifies) the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to the portable terminal 8. This allows the portable terminal 8 to know the WFD channel value Vwfd and to use the WFD channel value Vwfd in subsequent communications. The first connection unit 30 stores the determined WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer 10 should become a client, in S44 the determination unit 34 does not determine the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the portable terminal 8 from the portable terminal 8 in the G / O state. In this case, the first connection unit 30 stores the received WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10.

[0056] In S44, the first connection unit 30 further executes a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) negotiation to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. If it is determined that the printer 10 should be the G / O, the first connection unit 30 executes a WPS negotiation for the G / O state. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer 10 should be the client, the first connection unit 30 executes a WPS negotiation for the client state.

[0057] (WPS negotiation for G / O state) In the WPS negotiation for the G / O state, the first connection unit 30 generates data indicating a wireless profile (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) required to establish a WFD connection. The authentication method and encryption method are determined in advance. The first connection unit 30 generates a password when processing S44. The SSID may be generated by the first connection unit 30 when processing S44, or may be determined in advance. Next, the first connection unit 30 transmits data indicating the wireless profile to the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd.

[0058] The wireless profile is transmitted from the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8, so that the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 can use the same wireless profile. The first connection unit 30 uses the wireless profile to perform wireless communication with the portable terminal 8, including an Authentication Request, an Authentication Response, an Association Request, an Association Response, and a 4-way handshake (hereinafter referred to as "specific wireless communication"). Note that the WFD channel value Vwfd is also used in the specific wireless communication. In the process of the specific wireless communication, various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication of an authentication method and an encryption method, and password authentication are performed. If all authentications are successful, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8.

[0059] Next, the first connection unit 30 adds the identification information of the portable terminal 8 (i.e., the MAC address of the portable terminal 8) to the management list. As a result, the printer 10 in the G / O state (i.e., the first connection unit 30) can execute communication of target data (print data, etc.) to be communicated with the portable terminal 8 in the client state using the WFD channel value Vwfd. The target data includes data of the network layer, which is a layer higher than the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Therefore, the printer 10 in the G / O state (i.e., the first connection unit 30) can execute wireless communication of the network layer with the portable terminal 8 in the client state. Furthermore, the printer 10 in the G / O state (i.e., the first connection unit 30) can relay wireless communication between the portable terminal 8 in the client state and other devices in the client state registered in the management list.

[0060] As described above, when it is determined in the G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should become the G / O, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd so that the printer 10 operates in a G / O state.

[0061] (WPS negotiation for client state) On the other hand, in the WPS negotiation for the client state, the first connection unit 30 receives data indicating a wireless profile from the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Then, the first connection unit 30 executes the above-mentioned specific wireless communication with the portable terminal 8 using the wireless profile. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8.

[0062] The portable terminal 8 adds the identification information of the printer 10 (i.e., the MAC address of the printer 10) to the management list. This allows the printer 10 in the client state (i.e., the first connection unit 30) to communicate target data (print data, etc.) with the portable terminal 8 in the G / O state by using the WFD channel value Vwfd.

[0063] As described above, when it is determined in the G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should become a client, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd so that the printer 10 operates in a client state. When S44 ends, the WFD connection process in FIG. 3 ends.

[0064] Next, the contents of the processing from S46 onwards that is executed when YES is selected in S40 (when a non-WFD connection is currently established) will be described. In S46, the first connection unit 30 judges whether or not the first G / O negotiation should be executed since the start of the WFD connection processing in Fig. 3. If the first G / O negotiation should be executed (YES in S46), the process proceeds to S48, and if the second or subsequent G / O negotiation should be executed (NO in S46), the process proceeds to S50.

[0065] In S48, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation in the same manner as in S42. However, the G / O negotiation in S48 differs from S42 in the following respects. In the G / O negotiation in S48, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. Therefore, in S48, the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value "14" of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8. Also, in S48, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies (i.e. transmits) to the portable terminal 8 a channel list (hereinafter referred to as a "restriction list") that includes only the non-WFD channel value Vap (i.e. the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24) used in the currently established non-WFD connection as the value of the wireless channel that the printer 10 can use in the WFD connection. When the G / O negotiation in S48 ends, the process proceeds to S52.

[0066] In S52, the first connection unit 30 judges whether the G / O negotiation has been successful. For example, if the communication environment between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 is poor, communication for the G / O negotiation cannot be executed between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. In this case, the first connection unit 30 judges NO in S52. Also, for example, in the G / O negotiation in S48, if the restriction list (i.e., the non-WFD channel value Vap) is notified to the portable terminal 8, the following event may occur. That is, if the non-WFD channel value Vap is not included in the channel list notified from the portable terminal 8, the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 cannot use a common wireless channel. Therefore, in this case, the first connection unit 30 also judges NO in S52. If NO in S52, proceed to S54.

[0067] In S54, the first connection unit 30 judges whether the number of times the G / O negotiation has been performed is equal to or greater than a threshold (the threshold is an integer equal to or greater than 2). If the number of times the G / O negotiation has been performed is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S54), in S56, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that a WFD connection cannot be established. In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Therefore, the state in which only a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is established is maintained. When S56 ends, the WFD connection process in FIG. 3 ends.

[0068] On the other hand, if the number of times the G / O negotiation has been performed is less than the threshold value (NO in S54), the process returns to S46. In this case, the first connection unit 30 determines NO in S46 and proceeds to S50.

[0069] In S50, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation in the same manner as in S42. However, in the G / O negotiation in S50, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. Therefore, in S50, the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value "14" of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8. Note that in S50, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies the portable terminal 8 of the normal list (1-14ch). That is, if the G / O negotiation in S48 is unsuccessful, the notification unit 36 ​​notifies the portable terminal 8 of a value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap.

[0070] In a modified example, in S48 and S50, the first connection unit 30 may use a value other than "14" (e.g., "13", "15", etc.) as the Intent value of the printer 10. That is, in S48 and S50, the first connection unit 30 may use an Intent value that is greater than the Intent value of the printer 10 used in S42 (i.e., the default Intent value).

[0071] As described above, in the G / O negotiation of S48, the restriction list is notified to the mobile terminal 8, so that NO may be determined in S52. In this case, when the G / O negotiation of S50 is executed again, the normal list is notified to the mobile terminal 8 instead of the restriction list, so that YES may be determined in S52. If YES is determined in S52, proceed to S58.

[0072] In S58, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not it has been determined in the G / O negotiation in S48 or S50 that the printer 10 should become the G / O. In the G / O negotiation in S48 or S50, since the Intent value "14" of the printer 10 is used, it is usually determined that the printer 10 should become the G / O. In this case, the first connection unit 30 determines YES in S58 and proceeds to S64.

[0073] In S64, the determination unit 34 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap (i.e., the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24) used in the currently established non-WFD connection, and determines a WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Then, the determination unit 34 transmits (i.e., notifies) the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to the mobile terminal 8. Note that the first connection unit 30 stores the determined WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10. As described above, in S64, the WFD channel value Vwfd is determined so that the WFD channel value Vwfd matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. This makes it possible to appropriately execute communication using a WFD connection and communication using a non-WFD connection simultaneously.

[0074] In S66, which is executed after S64, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state. As a result, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 by using the WFD channel value Vwfd determined in S64. Because the non-WFD connection with the AP4 has already been established, a state is formed in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established. This ends the WFD connection process in FIG. 3.

[0075] On the other hand, if the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is "15", it is determined in the G / O negotiation of S48 or S50 that the printer 10 should become the client. In this case, the first connection unit 30 judges NO in S58 and proceeds to S60.

[0076] In S60, the first connection unit 30 receives, from the portable terminal 8 in the G / O state, the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the portable terminal 8. Then, the channel determination unit 38 determines whether or not the received WFD channel value Vwfd matches the non-WFD channel value Vap used in the currently established non-WFD connection.

[0077] For example, since the restriction list is notified to the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation in S48, if the G / O negotiation in S48 is successful, the mobile terminal 8 determines the WFD channel value Vwfd to be a value that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap included in the restriction list. In this case, in S60, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8, and as a result, the channel determination unit 38 determines YES in S60.

[0078] If the answer is YES in S60, in S66, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the client state. As a result, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 by using the WFD channel value Vwfd (i.e., a value that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap) received from the mobile terminal 8. Since the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 has already been established, a state is formed in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established. As a result, the WFD connection process in FIG. 3 ends.

[0079] On the other hand, since the normal list is notified to the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation in S50, if the G / O negotiation in S50 is successful, the mobile terminal 8 may determine the WFD channel value Vwfd to be a value that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap. In this case, in S60, the first connection unit 30 may receive from the mobile terminal 8 a WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap, and as a result, the channel determination unit 38 may determine NO in S60.

[0080] If NO in S60, in S62, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that a WFD connection cannot be established. In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Therefore, a state in which only a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is established is maintained. Again, a configuration is adopted in which a non-WFD network that should be constantly established is given priority. When S62 ends, the WFD connection process in FIG. 3 ends.

[0081] (Examples: Figures 4 and 5) Next, various cases of the processes executed by the devices 4, 8, and 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The sequences of Figures 4 and 5 are realized by the printer 10 executing the processes according to the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 3.

[0082] The case in FIG. 4 illustrates a case in which a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 4, and then a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8.

[0083] When a non-WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from the AP 4 (S13 in FIG. 2), and executes communication for authentication using the received non-WFD channel value Vap (S20). This establishes a non-WFD connection between the printer 10 and the AP 4.

[0084] Subsequently, when a WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 judges YES in S40 of Fig. 3 and executes G / O negotiation in S48. Here, "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10, and a restriction list including only the non-WFD channel value Vap is notified to the mobile terminal 8.

[0085] If the G / O negotiation in S48 is successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 normally determines that the printer 10 should become the G / O. This is because "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation in S48. In this case, the printer 10 determines YES in S58 and references the non-WFD channel value Vap to determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64).

[0086] Next, the printer 10 uses the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G / O state (S66). This establishes a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. As a result, a state is created in which both a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 and a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 are established (hereinafter referred to as a "dual connection state").

[0087] On the other hand, even if the G / O negotiation in S48 is successful (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should become a client. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58, but in S60, the printer 10 normally receives a WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8. This is because, in the G / O negotiation in S48, a restriction list including only the non-WFD channel value Vap is notified to the portable terminal 8, and therefore the portable terminal 8 normally determines a WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Therefore, the printer 10 determines YES in S60.

[0088] Next, the printer 10 executes WPS negotiation for the client state using the received WFD channel value Vwfd (i.e., a value that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap) (S66). This establishes a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. As a result, a bidirectional connection state is formed.

[0089] For example, if the non-WFD channel value Vap is not included in the channel list of the portable terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation of S48, the G / O negotiation of S48 fails (NO in S52). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the printer 10 executes the G / O negotiation of S50. Here, "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10, and a normal list including all values ​​from 1 to 14ch is notified to the portable terminal 8. This usually results in the G / O negotiation of S50 being successful.

[0090] If the G / O negotiation in S50 is successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 normally determines that the printer 10 should become the G / O. This is because "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation in S50. In this case, the printer 10 determines YES in S58 and references the non-WFD channel value Vap to determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64).

[0091] Next, the printer 10 uses the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G / O state (S66). This establishes a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. As a result, a bidirectional connection state is formed.

[0092] On the other hand, even if the G / O negotiation in S50 is successful (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should become a client. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58 and normally receives a WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8. This is because in the G / O negotiation in S50, the normal list is notified to the portable terminal 8, and the portable terminal 8 normally determines a WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap. Therefore, the printer 10 determines NO in S60.

[0093] Next, the printer 10 displays information indicating that a WFD connection cannot be established on the display unit 14 (S62). In this case, the printer 10 does not establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. However, the printer 10 maintains a non-WFD connection with the AP 4. Therefore, a state in which only a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is established (hereinafter referred to as a "single connection state") is created.

[0094] (Effects of the first embodiment) 4 and 5, when a WFD connection is to be established while a non-WFD connection is established, the printer 10 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap and determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. This allows the printer 10 to appropriately form a dual connection state. Therefore, the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD connection, and can also receive print data from the PC 6 via the AP 4 using the non-WFD connection.

[0095] Note that the printer 10 cannot perform appropriate wireless communication using two different channel values ​​due to the configuration of the wireless interface 18. Therefore, as shown in the case of FIG. 5, when a WFD connection should be established in a state where a non-WFD connection is established, if the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap do not match, the printer 10 forms a single connection state in which only the non-WFD connection is established. Also, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, when a non-WFD connection should be established in a state where a WFD connection is established (YES in S14), the printer 10 disconnects the WFD connection and forms a single connection state in which only the non-WFD connection is established. This allows the printer 10 to appropriately receive print data from the PC 6 via the AP 4 using the non-WFD connection. In particular, the printer 10 forms a single connection state by giving priority to the non-WFD connection that should be constantly established. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an event in which the user of the PC 6 cannot execute printing on the printer 10 in the environment in which the printer 10 and the PC 6 are installed (for example, in the above-mentioned specific company). According to this embodiment, the printer 10 can form an appropriate connection state.

[0096] When a WFD connection should be established when no non-WFD connection has been established, the printer 10 uses a relatively small Intent value of "2" for the printer 10 (S42 in FIG. 3). This makes it easier to determine that the printer 10 should become a client. This makes it possible to appropriately establish a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 while suppressing an increase in the processing load on the printer 10.

[0097] On the other hand, as shown in the cases of Figures 4 and 5, when a WFD connection is to be established while a non-WFD connection is established, the printer 10 uses the relatively large Intent value of "14" of the printer 10 (S48 or S50 in Figure 3). This makes it easy to determine that the printer 10 should become the G / O. Therefore, the printer 10 can refer to the non-WFD channel value Vap and appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form a bidirectional connection state.

[0098] Even if it is determined that the printer 10 should be a client, the printer 10 may notify the portable terminal 8 of the restriction list (S48 in FIG. 3). For this reason, the printer 10 may receive the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8 (YES in S60). As a result, the printer 10 may appropriately form a bidirectional connection state. Also, if the printer 10 notifies the portable terminal 8 of the restriction list, but the G / O negotiation fails (NO in S52), the printer 10 may notify the portable terminal 8 of the normal list that includes a channel value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap (S50). As a result, the printer 10 may appropriately establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 because the G / O negotiation may be successful (YES in S52).

[0099] (Correspondence) The printer 10, the mobile terminal 8, and the AP 4 are examples of a "wireless communication device," a "first device," and a "second device," respectively. The G / O state and the client state are examples of a "parent station state" and a "child station state," respectively. The G / O negotiation is an example of a "state determination process." The Intent value "2" and the Intent value "14" are examples of a "first setting value" and a "second setting value," respectively. The use of "14" as the Intent value of the printer 10 in S48 and S50 of FIG. 3 is an example of a "specific process." The WFD connection and the non-WFD connection are examples of a "first type of connection" and a "second type of connection," respectively. The WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are examples of a "first wireless channel value" and a "second wireless channel value," respectively.

[0100] (Second Example) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the WFD connection process of FIG. 6 is executed instead of the WFD connection process of FIG. 3. S40 to S44 of FIG. 6 are the same as S40 to S44 of FIG. 3. If YES in S40, in S61, the first connection unit 30 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. The autonomous G / O mode is a mode that causes the printer 10 to maintain operation in the G / O state. Therefore, although the WFD connection has not been established at the stage of S60, the printer 10 is set to the G / O state. At this stage, the management list managed by the printer 10 does not describe identification information of devices in the client state.

[0101] When the printer 10 is set to the autonomous G / O mode in S60, the printer 10 does not execute G / O negotiation. As described above, when a WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 executes a Search process to search for devices in client status that exist around the mobile terminal 8, and in addition, executes a Scan process to search for devices in G / O status (i.e., the printer 10) that exist around the mobile terminal 8. As a result, a device list including information about the printer 10 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 8. When the user of the mobile terminal 8 selects the printer 10 in G / O status from the device list, the mobile terminal 8 determines that the mobile terminal 8 should become a client without executing G / O negotiation.

[0102] 6 are the same as S64 and S66 in FIG. 3. That is, in S64, the determination unit 34 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap and determines a WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Next, in S66, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state using the WFD channel value Vwfd. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8.

[0103] (Example: Figure 7) In this embodiment, the case of FIG. 7 is realized instead of the cases of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Each process until the non-WFD connection is established is the same as the case of FIG. 4. However, as described above, in S61 of FIG. 6, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. Therefore, the printer 10 can refer to the non-WFD channel value Vap and determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64). Next, the printer 10 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G / O state, and a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is established (S66). As a result, a bidirectional connection state is formed.

[0104] (Effects of the second embodiment) As shown in the case of Fig. 7, when a WFD connection should be established while a non-WFD connection is established, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. As a result, the printer 10 can refer to the non-WFD channel value Vap and appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. This allows the printer 10 to appropriately form a dual connection state. In this embodiment, the autonomous G / O mode is an example of a "specific mode." Setting the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode in S61 of Fig. 6 is an example of a "specific process."

[0105] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0106] (Variation 1) The "wireless communication device" is not limited to the printer 10, but may be other devices capable of wireless communication (e.g., a mobile terminal, a PC, a server, a FAX machine, a copier, a scanner, a multifunction device, etc.). Furthermore, the "first device" and the "second device" are not limited to the mobile terminal 8 and the AP 4, but may be other devices capable of wireless communication (e.g., a PC, a server, a printer, a FAX machine, a copier, a scanner, a multifunction device, etc.).

[0107] (Variation 2) The "master station state" is not limited to the WFD G / O state, but may be any state in which other devices constituting a wireless network are managed (for example, managing a list of information on other devices, relaying wireless communications between other devices, etc.). Furthermore, the "child station state" is not limited to the WFD client state, but may be any state in which the device is managed by a device in the master station state. Therefore, the "first type of connection" is not limited to a WFD connection, but may be any other type of connection that allows a wireless communication device to selectively operate in one of the master station state and the child station state.

[0108] (Variation 3) The "second type connection" is not limited to a non-WFD connection with the AP4, and may be, for example, a WFD connection with a PC or the like. That is, the "first type connection" and the "second type connection" may be the same type of connection. Furthermore, the "second type connection" may be, for example, an ad-hoc connection with a PC or the like.

[0109] (Modification 4) For example, if the "second type connection" is an ad-hoc connection with the PC 6, any one of the following modifications 4-1 to 4-3 may be adopted.

[0110] (Modification 4-1) Assume a situation in which a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 should be established in a state in which an ad-hoc connection with the PC 6 has been established ("Vad" is used as the value of the ad-hoc wireless channel). For example, when it is determined in the G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should become the G / O, the determination unit 34 first determines the WFD channel value Vwfd, and then further determines the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad' (Vad' is different from Vad) that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Furthermore, the second connection unit 32 re-establishes the ad-hoc connection with the PC 6 using the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad'. That is, generally speaking, the determination unit may determine both the value of the first wireless channel (Vwfd in this modified example) and the value of the second wireless channel (Vad' in this modified example) when a first type connection with a first device is to be established while a second type connection with a second device has been established.

[0111] (Modification 4-2) Assume a situation in which a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 should be established in a state in which an ad-hoc connection with the PC 6 has been established ("Vad" is used as the value of the ad-hoc wireless channel). For example, when it is determined in the G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should become a client, the first connection unit 30 receives from the portable terminal 8 the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the portable terminal 8. Thereafter, the determination unit 34 may determine the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad' (Vad' is different from Vad) that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Furthermore, the second connection unit 32 re-establishes an ad-hoc connection with the PC 6 using the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad'. That is, generally speaking, the determination unit may determine the value of the second wireless channel (Vad' in this variant) when a first type connection is to be established with a first device while a second type connection with a second device is established.

[0112] (Modification 4-3) Assume a situation in which an ad-hoc connection with PC6 should be established when a WFD connection with mobile terminal 8 has been established. In this case, the determination unit 34 may determine an ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the second connection unit 32 establishes an ad-hoc connection with PC6 using the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad. That is, generally speaking, the determination unit may determine the value of the second wireless channel (Vad in this modification) when a second type connection with a second device should be established when a first type connection with a first device has been established.

[0113] As is clear from the above first and second embodiments and each of the above modified examples 4-1 to 4-3, generally speaking, the determination unit may determine at least one of the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel such that the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel match in a particular case.

[0114] (Variation 5) In each of the above embodiments, in the G / O negotiation (see S44 in FIG. 3, etc.), the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should become the G / O when the Intent value of the printer 10 is greater than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8. Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may determine that the printer 10 should become the G / O when the Intent value of the printer 10 is less than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8. In the above first embodiment, the "second setting value" is a value greater than the "first setting value", but in this variation, the "second setting value" may be a value less than the "first setting value".

[0115] (Variation 6) In the above-described first embodiment, in S48 and S50 of FIG. 3, the first connection unit 30 uses "14" as the Intent value of the printer 10 so that it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be the G / O. Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may receive the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 before transmitting the Intent value of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8. Then, the first connection unit 30 may determine an Intent value of the printer 10 that is greater than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, and transmit the determined Intent value of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8. In this case, it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be the G / O. In this variation, using an Intent value of the printer 10 that is greater than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is an example of a "specific process".

[0116] (Modification 7) In each of the above embodiments, 1ch to 14ch is used as the range of wireless channel values. This is the specification used in Japan. Alternatively, 1ch to 11ch (US specification), 1ch to 13ch (European specification), or another range may be used as the range of wireless channel values.

[0117] (Variation 8) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration is adopted in which the first connection unit 30 always disconnects the WFD connection in a situation where a non-WFD connection should be established when the WFD connection is established (YES in S14 in FIG. 2). Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may disconnect the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in a client state in the above situation. Also, the first connection unit 30 may maintain the WFD connection without disconnecting it when the printer 10 is operating in a G / O state in the above situation and the WFD channel value currently used in the WFD connection matches the non-WFD channel value received in S13 in FIG. Also, the first connection unit 30 may disconnect the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in a G / O state in the above situation and the WFD channel value and the non-WFD channel value do not match in the above situation.

[0118] (Modification 9) In each of the above embodiments, the CPU 22 of the printer 10 executes processes according to software to realize each of the units 30 to 38. Alternatively, at least a portion of the units 30 to 38 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0119] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 2: communication system, 4: AP, 6: PC, 8: mobile terminal, 10: printer, Vwfd: WFD channel value, Vap: non-WFD channel value

Claims

1. 1. A wireless communication device, comprising: An operation unit; An interface; a first connection unit that establishes a first type connection with the first device using a first wireless channel when an instruction to establish a first type connection with the first device via the interface is input via the operation unit in a state in which a second type connection with an access point other than a first device has not been established via the interface; a second connection unit that establishes the second type of connection with the access point using a second wireless channel when an instruction to establish the second type of connection with the access point is input via the operation unit while the first type of connection with the first device is not established, the second connection unit having a value determined by the access point; When an instruction to establish the second type connection with the access point is input via the operation unit in a state in which the first type connection with the first device using the first wireless channel is established, a disconnection unit that disconnects the first type of connection currently established with the first device; an establishment unit that establishes the second type of connection with the access point using the second wireless channel; an operation setting unit that sets the wireless communication device to operate as a master station and not as a slave station when a specific instruction is input via the operation unit while the second type connection with the access point is established; a determination unit that determines, when the specific instruction is input via the operation unit and the wireless communication device is set to operate as the master station in a state in which the second type of connection with the access point is established, a value that coincides with a value of the second wireless channel as the first wireless channel; a status determination communication execution unit that executes status determination communication with a specific device via the interface when the specific instruction is input via the operation unit in a state in which the second type of connection with the access point is not established, the status determination communication execution unit being communication for determining that one of the wireless communication device and the specific device operates as a parent station and the other of the wireless communication device and the specific device operates as a child station; A wireless communication apparatus that establishes the first type of connection with the specific device after the state determination communication is performed.

2. The wireless communication device further comprises:

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a third connection unit that establishes the first type connection with the specific device using the already determined first wireless channel when, after the specific instruction is input via the operation unit and the wireless communication device starts operating as the master station while the second type connection with the access point is established, the specific device searches for master station devices present around the specific device and selects the wireless communication device to operate as the master station from one or more master station devices found by the search.

3. 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first type of connection is a wireless connection for performing wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the disconnection unit disconnects the first type connection with the first device by changing a state of the wireless communication device to a device state of Wi-Fi Direct.

5. The wireless communication device further comprises:

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a third connection unit that establishes the first type of connection with the first device without disconnecting the second type of connection with the access point when the specific instruction is input via the operation unit while the second type of connection with the access point is established.

6. A computer program for a wireless communication device including an interface, an operation unit, and a computer, The computer performs the following processes: a first connection process for establishing a first type connection with the first device using a first wireless channel when an instruction to establish a first type connection with the first device via the interface is input via the operation unit in a state in which a second type connection with an access point other than a first device has not been established via the interface; a second connection process for establishing the second type of connection with the access point using a second wireless channel when an instruction to establish the second type of connection with the access point is input via the operation unit while the first type of connection with the first device is not established, the second connection process being a value determined by the access point; When an instruction to establish the second type connection with the access point is input via the operation unit in a state in which the first type connection with the first device using the first wireless channel is established, a disconnection process for disconnecting the first type of connection currently established with the first device; an establishment process of establishing the second type of connection with the access point using the second wireless channel; an operation setting process for setting the wireless communication device to operate as a master station and not as a slave station when a specific instruction is input via the operation unit while the second type connection with the access point is established; a determination process of determining, when the specific instruction is input via the operation unit and the wireless communication device is set to operate as the master station in a state in which the second type of connection with the access point is established, a value that coincides with a value of the second wireless channel as the first wireless channel; a status determination communication execution process for executing status determination communication with a specific device via the interface when the specific instruction is input via the operation unit in a state in which the second type connection with the access point has not been established, the status determination communication being communication for determining that one of the wireless communication device and the specific device will operate as a parent station and the other of the wireless communication device and the specific device will operate as a child station; causing the computer to establish the first type of connection with the particular device after the state determination communication has been performed; Computer program.

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