Communication device

Abstract

To provide a technique for a communication device to appropriately execute communication with a portable terminal.SOLUTION: Upon receiving NFC information by using an NFC I / F (YES in S2), an MFP uses the NFC information to determine whether the MFP 10 and a portable terminal currently belong to the same network (S6). Upon determining that the MFP and the portable terminal do not currently belong to the same network, the MFP connects to the portable terminal (S18) and uses a wireless LAN I / F to execute a data communication process (S20). On the other hand, upon determining that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal currently belong to the same network, the MFP executes a data communication process using the wireless LAN I / F via the same network (S20).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed by this specification relates to a mobile terminal and a communication device for performing communication of target data.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose technologies for two communication devices to perform wireless communication. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the two communication devices perform wireless setting communication according to short-range wireless communication (that is, wireless communication according to the NFC (Near Field Communication) method). The above wireless setting is a setting for performing wireless communication according to a communication method different from the NFC method (for example, IEEE802.11a, 802.11b). Thereby, the two communication devices can perform wireless communication according to the wireless setting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In this specification, a technology for a communication device to appropriately perform communication with a mobile terminal is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device disclosed in this specification includes a first type of interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal, and a second type of interface for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal, wherein the communication speed of the wireless communication using the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of the wireless communication using the first type of interface. The second type of interface, and a first transmission unit that transmits, using the first type of interface, the SSID used by the mobile terminal to establish a first wireless network to the mobile terminal without transmitting the password used by the mobile terminal to establish the first wireless network including both the mobile terminal and the communication device, and a communication execution unit that, after the SSID is transmitted to the mobile terminal, performs wireless communication of target data between the mobile terminal and the first wireless network using the second type of interface. The technology disclosed by this specification Other is a communication device. The communication device includes a first type of interface, a second type of interface, and a control unit. The first type of interface is an interface for communicating with a mobile terminal. The second type of interface is an interface for communicating with a mobile terminal. The communication speed of communication using the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of communication using the first type of interface. The control unit includes a receiving unit, a determining unit, and a communication execution unit. The receiving unit receives specific information from the mobile terminal using the first type of interface. The determining unit determines, using the specific information, whether the communication device is currently in a communicable state in which it can communicate with the mobile terminal using the second type of interface to communicate target data. When it is determined that the communication device is not currently in a communicable state, the communication execution unit executes a specific process for changing the state of the communication device to a communicable state, and then communicates with the mobile terminal using the second type of interface. Execute communication of target data. When it is determined that the communication device is currently in a communicable state, the communication execution unit communicates with the mobile terminal using the second type of interface without executing a specific process. Execute communication of target data.

[0007] When the current state of the communication device is not a communicable state using the second type of interface, the communication device changes the state of the communication device to a communicable state by executing a specific process. As a result, the communication device can communicate with the mobile terminal at a relatively high communication speed using the second type of interface to communicate the target data. On the other hand, when the current state of the communication device is a communicable state using the second type of interface, the communication device can communicate with the mobile terminal at a relatively high communication speed using the second type of interface without executing a specific process. Execute communication of target data. According to this configuration, since the communication device can determine whether to execute a specific process according to the current state of the communication device, it can appropriately communicate with the mobile terminal.

[0008] The determination unit may determine whether the communication device is currently in the communicable state by using specific information to check whether the mobile terminal belongs to a specific network to which the communication device currently belongs. The specific network may be a network for the communication device to execute communication using a second type of interface. According to this configuration, when both the communication device and the mobile terminal currently belong to a specific network, it is not necessary to execute specific processing. Thereby, the communication device can execute communication with the mobile terminal for target data at a relatively high communication speed without executing specific processing.

[0009] The second type of interface may be an interface for the communication device to execute specific wireless communication. The specific wireless communication may be wireless communication that the communication device and the mobile terminal execute without passing through different access points. The specific processing may include processing for the communication device and the mobile terminal to execute specific wireless communication by using the second type of interface. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not a communicable state, the communication execution unit may execute specific processing and then execute specific wireless communication with the mobile terminal for target data by using the second type of interface. According to this configuration, the communication device can execute communication with the mobile terminal for target data without passing through an access point.

[0010] The communication device may be selectively operable in any one of a plurality of states including a master station state that functions as a master station of a wireless network, a slave station state that functions as a slave station of the wireless network, and a device state different from the master station state and the slave station state. The communication device may execute specific wireless communication via the wireless network by operating in either the master station state or the slave station state in the wireless network. The communication execution unit, when it is determined that the communication device is not currently in a communicable state and the communication device currently belongs to a first wireless network for executing specific wireless communication (a first case), may execute a specific process of transmitting, to the mobile terminal, a first wireless setting for the mobile terminal to belong to the first wireless network, using a first type of interface. The communication execution unit, when it is determined that the communication device is not currently in a communicable state and the communication device does not currently belong to the first wireless network (a second case), may execute a specific process for newly constructing a second wireless network, which is a second wireless network for the communication device to execute specific wireless communication and to which the communication device and the mobile terminal should belong. According to this configuration, when the current state of the communication device is not a communicable state, the communication device can appropriately execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal via the first wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs by executing a specific process. Also, when the communication device does not currently belong to the wireless network, the communication device can appropriately execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal via the newly constructed second wireless network.

[0011] In the first case, when the communication device is operating in the master station state in the first wireless network, the communication execution unit may execute a specific process of transmitting the first wireless settings to the mobile terminal. In the first case, when the communication device is operating in the slave station state in the first wireless network in a specific situation, the communication execution unit may not transmit the first wireless settings to the mobile terminal. According to this configuration, when the communication device is operating in the master station state in the first wireless network, the communication device can appropriately execute communication with the mobile terminal for the target data via the first wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs. On the other hand, when the communication device is operating in the slave station state in the first wireless network, the communication device can suppress the mobile terminal from participating in the first wireless network.

[0012] In a specific situation, the communication execution unit may transmit, using the first type of interface, information indicating that the communication device does not execute communication with the mobile terminal for the target data to the mobile terminal without executing the specific process. According to this configuration, the mobile terminal can acquire information indicating that the communication device does not execute communication with the mobile terminal for the target data. Thereby, the user of the mobile terminal can know that the communication device does not execute communication with the mobile terminal for the target data.

[0013] In a specific situation, after detaching the communication device from the first wireless network, the communication execution unit may execute a specific process for newly constructing the second wireless network. According to this configuration, the communication device can detach from the first wireless network in which the communication device is operating in the slave station state and newly construct the second wireless network. Thereby, the communication device can appropriately execute communication with the mobile terminal for the target data via the newly constructed second wireless network.

[0014] In the second case, the communication execution unit may execute specific processing including processing for determining that the communication device should operate in the parent station state in the second wireless network without executing the selective determination processing for selectively determining whether the communication device should operate in the parent station state or the child station state in the second wireless network. According to this configuration, the communication device can newly construct a second wireless network in which the communication device necessarily operates in the parent station state. Thereby, the communication device can appropriately execute communication with the mobile terminal and the target data by operating in the parent station state in the newly constructed second wireless network.

[0015] In the second case, the communication execution unit may execute specific processing including processing for executing the selective determination processing for selectively determining whether the communication device should operate in the parent station state or the child station state in the second wireless network. According to this configuration, the communication device can newly construct a second wireless network in which the communication device operates in either the parent station state or the child station state. Thereby, the communication device can appropriately execute communication with the mobile terminal and the target data by operating in the parent station state or the child station state in the newly constructed second wireless network.

[0016] The control unit may further include a mode setting unit. The mode setting unit may set the mode of the communication device to either a first mode in which the communication device can belong to a wireless network for executing specific wireless communication or a second mode in which the communication device cannot belong to a wireless network for executing specific wireless communication according to a user's instruction. In the second case and when the communication device is set to the second mode, the communication execution unit may change the mode of the communication device from the second mode to the first mode and execute specific processing for newly constructing the second wireless network. According to this configuration, when the communication device should execute specific wireless communication and the communication device is set to the second mode in which the communication device cannot execute specific wireless communication, the communication device can be changed to the first mode in which the communication device can execute specific wireless communication.

[0017] When the mode of the communication device is the first mode, it may be capable of performing wireless communication with an external device different from the mobile terminal and belonging to a second wireless network. After the mode of the communication device is changed from the second mode to the first mode, and after specific wireless communication of target data is performed between the communication device and the mobile terminal via the constructed second wireless network, if the external device currently belongs to the second wireless network, the mode of the communication device may not need to be changed from the first mode to the second mode. After the mode of the communication device is changed from the second mode to the first mode, and after specific wireless communication of target data is performed between the communication device and the mobile terminal via the constructed second wireless network, if the external device does not currently belong to the second wireless network, the mode of the communication device may be changed from the first mode to the second mode. According to this configuration, after communication of target data between the communication device and the mobile terminal, if the external device belongs to the second wireless network, it is possible to suppress the communication device from detaching from the second wireless network. On the other hand, after communication of target data between the communication device and the mobile terminal, if the external device does not belong to the second wireless network, the mode of the communication device can be appropriately changed from the first mode to the second mode.

[0018] The second type of interface may be an interface for the communication device to perform wireless communication of target data with the mobile terminal. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not a communicable state and the communication device currently belongs to a specific wireless network for performing wireless communication using the second type of interface, the communication execution unit may execute a specific process of transmitting, to the mobile terminal using the first type of interface, specific wireless settings for the mobile terminal to belong to the specific wireless network. According to this configuration, the mobile terminal can participate in the specific wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs. As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform communication of target data with the mobile terminal via the specific wireless network.

[0019] The communication device may be capable of executing, via a second type of interface, specific wireless communication that the communication device and the mobile terminal execute without going through different access points, and other wireless communication that is executed via an access point. When the communication device belongs to a specific network for executing specific wireless communication, the communication execution unit may execute specific processing for transmitting specific wireless settings including a password, which are specific wireless settings for the mobile terminal to belong to the specific network. When the communication device belongs to a specific network for executing other wireless communication, the communication execution unit may execute specific processing for transmitting specific wireless settings that do not include a password. According to this configuration, the communication device does not need to transmit the password required for the communication device to belong to the specific network to which the access point belongs to the mobile terminal.

[0020] The second type of interface may be an interface for the communication device to execute wireless communication of target data with the mobile terminal. The specific information may include third wireless settings for the communication device to belong to the third wireless network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not a communicable state, the communication execution unit may execute specific processing for the communication device to belong to the third wireless network using the third wireless settings. According to this configuration, the communication device may belong to the third wireless network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. As a result, the communication device can appropriately execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal via the third wireless network.

[0021] The specific network to which the communication device currently belongs may be a specific wireless network. The specific information may include an identifier of a third wireless network to which the mobile terminal is currently connected. The determination unit may determine whether the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs by checking whether the identifier of the third wireless network included in the specific information matches the specific identifier for identifying the specific wireless network. According to this configuration, by comparing the wireless network identifiers, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network to which the communication device currently belongs.

[0022] When the determination unit determines that the wireless network identifier is not included in the specific information, the determination unit may determine that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the specific network. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the specific network.

[0023] When the determination unit determines that the terminal identification information for identifying the mobile terminal is included in the specific information, if the terminal identification information is obtained via the specific network by executing communication using the second type of interface, the determination unit may determine that the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network, and if the terminal identification information is not obtained via the specific network by executing communication using the second type of interface, the determination unit may determine that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the specific network. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network.

[0024] When the determination unit includes the IP address of the mobile terminal in specific information, it transmits an inquiry with the IP address specified as the destination to a specific network by executing communication using the second type of interface. When a response from the mobile terminal is received for the inquiry, it may determine that the communication state is available, and when a response from the mobile terminal is not received for the inquiry, it may determine that the communication state is not available. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the state of the communication device is an available communication state.

[0025] In addition, a control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above communication device are also novel and useful. Further, a communication system including the above communication device and the mobile terminal is also novel and useful.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Communication System) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a multi-functional device (hereinafter referred to as "MFP" (abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral)) 10, a mobile terminal 50, an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 6, and a PC 8. The MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are capable of performing short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication is wireless communication according to the NFC method. In this embodiment, wireless communication according to the NFC method is performed based on the international standard specifications of ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092.

[0028] In addition, the MFP 10 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WiFi Direct method described later. Hereinafter, WiFi Direct is referred to as "WFD". In WFD, wireless communication is performed based on the IEEE (abbreviation for The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and standards equivalent thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). The NFC method and the WFD method (hereinafter referred to as the "WFD method") have different wireless communication methods (i.e., wireless communication standards). Also, the communication speed of wireless communication according to the WFD method is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication according to the NFC method.

[0029] For example, the MFP 10 can construct a WFD network by establishing a connection with the mobile terminal 50 (hereinafter referred to as a "WFD connection") according to the WFD method. Similarly, the MFP 10 can construct a WFD network by establishing a WFD connection with the PC 8.

[0030] The PC 8, the MFP 10, and the mobile terminal 50 can further perform wireless communication according to a normal Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11) method different from the WFD method. Generally speaking, the wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi is the wireless communication in which the AP 6 is used, and the wireless communication according to the WFD method is the wireless communication in which the AP 6 is not used. For example, the MFP 10 can belong to a normal Wi-Fi network by establishing a connection with the AP 6 (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi connection") according to normal Wi-Fi. The MFP 10 can perform wireless communication with other devices (e.g., the PC 8, the mobile terminal 50) belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network via the AP 6. Note that the NFC method and the normal Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi method") have different wireless communication methods (i.e., wireless communication standards). Also, the communication speed of normal Wi-Fi is faster than the communication speed of NFC.

[0031] (WFD) WFD is a standard formulated 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.

[0032] As described above, the PC 8, the MFP 10, and the mobile terminal 50 can each perform wireless communication according to the WFD method. Hereinafter, a device capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method is referred to as a "WFD-compatible device". In the WFD standard, three states, namely, a Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), a client state, and a device state, are defined as the states of a WFD-compatible device. A WFD-compatible device can selectively operate in one of the above three states.

[0033] The WFD network is composed of a device in the G / O state and devices in the client state. In the 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. The device in the G / O state manages one or more devices in the client state. Specifically, the device in the G / O state generates a management list in which the identification information (i.e., MAC address) of each of one or more devices in the client state is described. When a device in the client state newly belongs to the WFD network, the 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.

[0034] The device in the G / O state can perform wireless communication of target data (for example, data including information in the network layer of the OSI reference model (print data, scan data, etc.)) with the devices registered in the management list, that is, the devices in the client state (i.e., the devices belonging to the WFD network). However, the device in the G / O state can perform wireless communication of data for the unregistered device to belong to the WFD network (for example, data not including information in the network layer (physical layer data such as Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal, etc.)) with an unregistered device not registered in the management list, but cannot perform wireless communication of the above target data. For example, the MFP10 in the G / O state can wirelessly receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 registered in the management list (i.e., the mobile terminal 50 in the client state), but cannot wirelessly receive print data from a device not registered in the management list.

[0035] In addition, a device in the G / O state can relay wireless communication of target data (print data, scan data, etc.) among a plurality of client-state devices. For example, when a client-state mobile terminal 50 is to wirelessly transmit print data to another printer in the client state, the mobile terminal 50 first wirelessly transmits the print data to the MFP 10 in the G / O state. In this case, the MFP 10 wirelessly receives the print data from the mobile terminal 50 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printer. That is, a device in the G / O state can execute the function of an AP of a normal Wi-Fi network.

[0036] Note that a WFD-compatible device that does not belong to the WFD network (i.e., a device not registered in the management list) is a device in the device state. A device in the device state can execute wireless communication of data (physical layer data such as Probe Request signals and Probe Response signals) for belonging to the WFD network, but cannot execute wireless communication of target data (print data, scan data, etc.) via the WFD network.

[0037] Note that hereinafter, a device that cannot execute wireless communication according to the WFD method but can execute wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi is called a "WFD-incompatible device". A "WFD-incompatible device" can also be called a "legacy device". A WFD-incompatible device cannot operate in the G / O state. A device in the G / O state can describe the identification information of a WFD-incompatible device in the management list.

[0038] (Configuration of MFP10) The MFP10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a printing execution unit 16, a scanning execution unit 18, a wireless LAN interface (hereinafter, the interface is referred to as "I / F") 20, an NFC I / F 22, and a control unit 30. The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the MFP10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The printing execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The scanning execution unit 18 is a scanning mechanism such as a CCD or a CIS.

[0039] The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an interface for the control unit 30 to execute wireless communication according to the WFD method and wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi. Physically, the wireless LAN I / F 20 is one interface. However, both a MAC address (hereinafter referred to as "WFD MAC address") used for wireless communication according to the WFD method and a MAC address (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi MAC address") used for wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi are assigned to the wireless LAN I / F 20. More specifically, a normal Wi-Fi MAC address is pre-assigned to the wireless LAN I / F 20. The control unit 30 generates a WFD MAC address using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address and assigns the WFD MAC address to the wireless LAN I / F 20. The WFD MAC address is different from the normal Wi-Fi MAC address. Therefore, the control unit 30 can simultaneously execute both wireless communication according to the WFD method and wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi via the wireless LAN I / F 20. As a result, a situation where the MFP10 belongs to a WFD network and also belongs to a normal Wi-Fi network can be established.

[0040] Note that the device in the G / O state can describe in the management list not only the identification information of the WFD-compatible device in the client state but also the identification information of the non-WFD-compatible device. That is, the device in the G / O state can also establish a WFD connection with the non-WFD-compatible device. Generally speaking, the WFD connection is a wireless connection using the WFD MAC address of the MFP10. Also, the WFD network is a wireless network using the WFD MAC address of the MFP10. Similarly, the normal Wi-Fi connection is a wireless connection using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP10. Also, the normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP10.

[0041] The user can change the mode to either a mode in which wireless communication according to the WFD method using the wireless LAN I / F 20 can be executed (hereinafter referred to as the "WFD=ON mode") or a mode in which wireless communication according to the WFD method using the wireless LAN I / F 20 cannot be executed (hereinafter referred to as the "WFD=OFF mode") by operating the operation unit 12 or by changing the settings of the wireless LAN I / F 20. The mode setting unit 46 sets either the WFD=ON mode or the WFD=OFF mode according to the user's operation. Specifically, the mode setting unit 46 stores a mode value representing the mode set by the user in the memory 34.

[0042] Note that the control unit 30 cannot execute each process according to the WFD method (for example, the process of setting the MFP10 to the self-initiating G / O mode described later, G / O negotiation, etc.) in the state where the WFD I / F=OFF mode. In the state where the WFD I / F=ON, the memory 34 stores a value indicating the current state of the MFP10 regarding WFD (any one of the G / O state, the client state, and the device state).

[0043] NFCI / F22 is an interface for the control unit 30 to perform wireless communication according to the NFC method. NFCI / F22 is composed of a chip physically different from W-FiI / F20.

[0044] Note that the communication speed of wireless communication via the wireless LANI / F20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 454 Mbps) is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI / F22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps). Furthermore, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the wireless LANI / F20 (for example, the 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is different from the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via NFCI / F22 (for example, the 13.56 MHz band). Also, when the distance between the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 is approximately 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50 according to the NFC method via NFCI / F22. On the other hand, whether the distance between the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, up to about 100 m), the control unit 30 can perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50 according to the WFD method and normal Wi-Fi via the wireless LANI / F20. That is, the maximum distance at which the MFP10 can perform wireless communication with a destination device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) via the wireless LANI / F20 is greater than the maximum distance at which the MFP10 can perform wireless communication with the destination device via NFCI / F22.

[0045] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 34. By the CPU 32 executing processes according to the programs, the functions of each part 40 to 46 are realized.

[0046] The memory 34 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, etc. The memory 34 stores the above program executed by the CPU 32. The memory 34 includes a work area 38. When the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network, the work area 38 stores information indicating that it currently belongs to the WFD network and wireless settings (including authentication method, encryption method, password, SSID (Service Set Identifier) of the wireless network, and BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier)) for executing communication of target data (e.g., print data) via the WFD network. Also, when the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, the work area 38 stores information indicating that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network and wireless settings for executing communication of target data via the normal Wi-Fi network. The SSID of the WFD network is a network identifier for identifying the WFD network, and the SSID of the normal Wi-Fi network is a network identifier for identifying the normal Wi-Fi network. The BSSID of the WFD network is an identifier unique to the G / O state device (e.g., the MAC address of the G / O state device), and the BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi network is an identifier unique to the AP (e.g., the identifier unique to the AP).

[0047] When the MFP 10 is operating according to the WFD method, the work area 38 further stores a value indicating the current state of WFD (any one of the G / O state, client state, and device state). The work area 38 further stores a mode value representing the WFD = ON mode or a mode value representing the WFD = OFF mode.

[0048] Note that the user can set the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode by operating the operation unit 12. The spontaneous G / O mode is a mode that causes the MFP 10 to continue operating in the G / O state. The work area 38 in the memory 34 further stores a value indicating whether the MFP 10 is set to the spontaneous G / O mode. When establishing a WFD connection with other WFD-compatible devices in the device state, the WFD-compatible device in the device state usually executes G / O negotiation to selectively determine whether it should operate in either the G / O state or the client state. When the MFP 10 is set to the spontaneous G / O mode, the MFP 10 maintains operation in the G / O state without executing G / O negotiation.

[0049] (Configuration of the mobile terminal 50) The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music player, a portable video player, or the like. The mobile terminal 50 includes two wireless interfaces: a wireless LAN I / F (i.e., an interface for WFD and normal Wi-Fi) and an NFC I / F. Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 can perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 using the wireless LAN I / F and can also perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 using the NFC I / F. The mobile terminal 50 includes an application program for causing the MFP 10 to execute functions (e.g., a printing function, a scanning function, etc.). Note that the application program may be installed in the mobile terminal 50 from a server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10, or may be installed in the mobile terminal 50 from a medium shipped together with the MFP 10.

[0050] Similar to the MFP 10, the mobile terminal 50 has a work area 58 in the memory 54. When the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to a WFD network or a normal Wi-Fi network, the work area 58 stores wireless settings (including authentication method, encryption method, password, SSID and BSSID of the wireless network) for executing communication via the network. Further, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating according to the WFD method, the work area 58 stores a state value representing the state of the mobile terminal 50 (i.e., any one of the G / O state, client state, and device state).

[0051] (Configuration of the PC 8) The PC 8 is equipped with a wireless LAN I / F (i.e., an interface for WFD and normal Wi-Fi), but not with an NFC I / F. Therefore, the PC 8 can communicate with the MFP 10 using the wireless LAN I / F, but cannot execute wireless communication according to the NFC method. The PC 8 is equipped with a driver program for causing the MFP 10 to execute processing (e.g., printing processing, scanning processing, etc.). Note that the driver program is usually installed on the PC 8 from media shipped together with the MFP 10. However, in a modified example, the driver program may be installed on the PC 8 from a server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10.

[0052] (Configuration of the AP 6) The AP 6 is not a device in the G / O state of WFD, but a normal access point called a wireless access point or a wireless LAN router. The AP 6 can establish normal Wi-Fi connections with a plurality of devices. Thereby, a normal Wi-Fi network including the AP 6 and a plurality of devices is constructed. The AP 6 receives data from one of the plurality of devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network and transmits the data to another one of the plurality of devices. That is, the AP 6 relays communication between a pair of devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network.

[0053] The differences between the device in the G / O state of WFD and a normal AP are as follows. That is, when the device in the G / O state of WFD disconnects from the WFD network to which the device currently belongs and newly belongs to another WFD network, it can operate in a state other than the G / O state (i.e., the client state). In contrast, a normal AP (i.e., AP6) executes the function of relaying communication between a pair of devices regardless of which normal Wi-Fi network the AP belongs to and cannot operate in the client state.

[0054] (Communication process executed by MFP10) Referring to FIG. 2, the communication process executed by MFP10 will be described. When MFP10 is powered on, the control unit 30 executes the communication process. In S2, the receiving unit 40 monitors receiving NFC information by executing wireless communication according to the NFC method. Note that the receiving unit 40 receives NFC information via NFCI / F22. Specifically, the receiving unit 40 monitors that an NFC communication session is established between MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50. While MFP10 is powered on, the receiving unit 40 causes NFCI / F22 to transmit radio waves for detecting a device capable of executing wireless communication according to the NFC method.

[0055] The user of the mobile terminal 50 starts an application program. By operating the mobile terminal 50, the user causes the mobile terminal 50 to generate NFC information including a process execution instruction (e.g., a print instruction, a scan instruction) indicating the process to be executed by MFP10. The NFC information further includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to a wireless network. Note that the case where the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to a wireless network means a case where at least one wireless connection of WFD connection and normal Wi-Fi connection is established between the mobile terminal 50 and another device (e.g., AP6, MFP10).

[0056] The user can bring the mobile terminal 50 close to the MFP 10. As a result, when the distance between the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 becomes smaller than the distance at which radio waves can reach each other (for example, 10 cm), the mobile terminal 50 receives the above radio waves from the MFP 10 and transmits a response radio wave to the MFP 10. As a result, the control unit 30 receives the response radio wave from the mobile terminal 50 and establishes an NFC communication session. When the NFC communication session is established, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the generated NFC information to the MFP 10.

[0057] When NFC information is received (YES in S2), in S4, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the network. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the wireless network (YES in S4) and proceeds to S6 when at least one of the information indicating that it currently belongs to the WFD network and the information indicating that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38. On the other hand, when neither the information indicating that it currently belongs to the WFD network nor the information indicating that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the wireless network (NO in S4) and proceeds to S8.

[0058] In S6, the determination unit 42 checks whether the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Specifically, first, the determination unit 42 determines whether the SSID and BSSID of the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information. If the SSID and BSSID are not included in the NFC information, the determination unit 42 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6). According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can appropriately determine that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. When the SSID and BSSID of the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information, the determination unit 42 determines whether the SSID and BSSID included in the wireless settings stored in the work area 38 match the SSID and BSSID included in the NFC information.

[0059] When both the SSID and the BSSID match, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES in S6), and the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, when at least one of the SSID and the BSSID does not match, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 does not belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6), and the process proceeds to S8. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can appropriately determine whether the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. In S6, the determination unit 42 determines whether the SSIDs match and whether the BSSIDs match. Thereby, the determination unit 42 can determine whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network constructed by the same AP. More specifically, there may be a case where one AP constructs a plurality of wireless networks by using a plurality of SSIDs. Therefore, when the BSSIDs match and the SSIDs do not match, there is a possibility that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to different wireless networks constructed by the same AP. In this embodiment, by determining whether both the SSID and the BSSID match, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network. In a modification, in S6, it is not necessary to determine whether the SSIDs match and whether the BSSIDs match. Thereby, even when the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to wireless networks constructed by different access points, if the SSIDs match, it can be determined that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network.

[0060] When the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the same network as the MFP10 currently does, the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 can communicate via the network they currently belong to. That is, the mobile terminal 50 can perform wireless communication with the MFP10 using the wireless settings currently stored in the work area 58. In S7, the control unit 30 transmits setting change unnecessary information indicating that data communication can be performed without changing the wireless settings of the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22 and proceeds to S20. Note that the setting change unnecessary information includes the IP address of the MFP10.

[0061] In S8, the determination unit 42 determines whether the WFD=ON mode is set. The determination unit 42 determines YES in S8 and proceeds to S10 when the mode value stored in the memory 34 represents the WFD=ON mode. On the other hand, the determination unit 42 determines NO in S8 and proceeds to S9 when the mode value stored in the memory 34 represents the WFD=OFF mode.

[0062] In S9, the communication execution unit 44 changes the mode value stored in the memory 34 to change from the WFD=OFF mode to the WFD=ON mode and proceeds to S15. The communication execution unit 44 further stores setting change information indicating that the mode value has been changed in the memory 34.

[0063] In S10, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP10 is operating as a client in the wireless network it currently belongs to. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that it is operating as a client (YES in S10) when the status value stored in the work area 38 represents the client status. On the other hand, the determination unit 42 determines that it is not operating as a client (NO in S10) when the status value stored in the work area 38 does not represent the client status. If YES in S10, it proceeds to S14.

[0064] On the other hand, if the answer is NO in S10, in S12, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state in the wireless network to which it currently belongs. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that it is operating in the G / O state (YES in S12) when the state value stored in the work area 38 is a value representing the G / O state. On the other hand, the determination unit 42 determines that it is not operating in the G / O state (i.e., the MFP 10 is in the device state) when the state value stored in the work area 38 is not a value representing the G / O state (NO in S12). If the answer is YES in S12, the process proceeds to S13, and if the answer is NO in S12, the process proceeds to S15.

[0065] In S13, the determination unit 42 determines whether the number of devices other than the MFP 10 included in the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state (i.e., the devices connected to the MFP 10) is less than a predetermined maximum number of clients. The determination unit 42 determines YES in S13 when the number of device identification information stored in the management list is less than the maximum number of clients, and determines NO in S13 when they are equal. If the answer is YES in S13, the process proceeds to S16, and if the answer is NO in S13, the process proceeds to S14.

[0066] In S14, the communication execution unit 44 transmits communication NG information indicating that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 cannot currently execute communication to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, and returns to S2.

[0067] In S15, the communication execution unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. The spontaneous G / O mode is a mode that causes the MFP 10 to continue operating in the G / O state. Therefore, although the WFD network is not constructed at the stage of S15, the MFP 10 is set to the G / O state. When the MFP 10 is set to the G / O state, the communication execution unit 44 prepares wireless settings (such as SSID, BSSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) for the WFD-compatible device and / or the non-WFD-compatible device to perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 operating in the G / O state via the WFD network. According to this configuration, whether the device that receives the wireless settings from the MFP 10 (the mobile terminal 50 in this embodiment) is a WFD-compatible device or a non-WFD-compatible device, the MFP 10 can perform wireless communication with the device that receives the wireless settings.

[0068] Note that the authentication method and the encryption method are predetermined. Further, the communication execution unit 44 generates a password. Note that the SSID may be generated by the communication execution unit 44 when generating the password, or may be predetermined. The BSSID is the MAC address of the MFP 10. Note that at this stage, the management list managed by the MFP 10 does not describe the identification information of the device connected to the device in the G / O state.

[0069] In S16, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the prepared wireless settings to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. When the process of S16 is executed after the process of S15, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the wireless settings prepared at the stage (S15) when set to the spontaneous G / O mode to the mobile terminal 50. When the process of S16 is executed after the process of S13, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the wireless settings prepared at the stage when the WFD network in which the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state is constructed to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22.

[0070] Next, in S18, the communication execution unit 44 establishes a WFD connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 using the wireless LAN I / F 20. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless settings of the MFP 10 operating in the G / O state from the MFP 10, it stores the received wireless settings in the work area 58. Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 executes wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi. Next, the communication execution unit 44 executes wireless communication of Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Association Request, Association Response, and 4-way handshake with the mobile terminal 50. In the process of the above wireless communication, various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication of the authentication method and encryption method, and password authentication are executed. When all authentications are successful, a wireless connection is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50.

[0071] Note that in the process of S18, the communication execution unit 44 acquires the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 using the wireless LAN I / F 20. When the wireless connection is established, the control unit 30 further adds the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 to the management list. Note that the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 is included in the NFC information. As a result, the MFP 10 in the G / O state can execute communication of target data (print data, scan data, etc.) with the mobile terminal 50 according to normal Wi-Fi. Note that 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 MFP 10 in the G / O state can execute wireless communication of the network layer with the mobile terminal 50 in the client state.

[0072] Next, in S20, the communication execution unit 44 executes data communication processing with the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. The content of the data communication processing varies depending on the content of the processing execution instruction included in the NFC information. When the processing execution instruction is a print instruction, the communication execution unit 44 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 in the data communication processing. In this case, the control unit 30 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute a printing process using the received print data.

[0073] On the other hand, when the processing execution instruction is a scan instruction, the control unit 30 causes the scan execution unit 18 to scan the document set in the scan execution unit 18 and generate scan data. Next, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the generated scan data to the mobile terminal 50.

[0074] Next, in S21, the communication execution unit 44 monitors for receiving a disconnection request from the mobile terminal 50 to disconnect the connection with the mobile terminal 50 using the wireless LAN I / F 20. If no disconnection request is received even after a predetermined period has elapsed (NO in S21), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, if a disconnection request is received from the mobile terminal 50 within a predetermined period after the data communication processing in S20 ends (YES in S21), the communication execution unit 44 disconnects the wireless connection with the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 deletes the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 in the management list. Next, in S22, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether the setting of the wireless LAN I / F 20 has been changed by the process of S9. Specifically, when the setting change information is stored in the memory 34, the communication execution unit 44 determines that in S9, the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode has been changed to the mode value indicating the WFD=ON mode (YES in S22) and proceeds to S23. On the other hand, when the setting change information is not stored in the memory 34, the communication execution unit 44 determines that in S9, the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode has not been changed to the mode value indicating the WFD=ON mode (NO in S22) and returns to S2.

[0075] In S23, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether an external device (e.g., PC 8) other than the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the WFD network newly constructed in S18. Specifically, when the management list contains identification information other than the identification information of the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 determines that an external device currently belongs to the WFD network (YES in S23). In this case, without changing the mode value, the process returns to S2. According to this configuration, when an external device currently belongs to the WFD network, it is possible to prevent the MFP 10 from detaching from the WFD network.

[0076] On the other hand, when the management list does not contain identification information other than the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 determines that no external device currently belongs to the WFD network (NO in S23) and proceeds to S24. In S24, the communication execution unit 44 changes the mode value indicating the WFD = ON mode to the mode value indicating the WFD = OFF mode and returns to S2. That is, in the communication process, when it is determined in S8 that the mode is the WFD = OFF mode, in order to temporarily execute wireless communication using the wireless LAN I / F 20 with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network, the mode is changed from the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode. Then, when the mode is changed from the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode in S25, the WFD network constructed in S18 disappears. According to this configuration, when the mode value is changed from the mode value indicating the WFD = OFF mode to the mode value indicating the WFD = ON mode during the execution of the communication process, the mode value can be restored to the previous setting.

[0077] (Effect of this embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, the effects of this embodiment in the first to fifth situations will be described. Note that each of FIGS. 3 to 7 shows the corresponding process in the communication process of FIG. 2.

[0078] (First situation) In the first situation shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 currently belong to the same WFD network or the same normal Wi-Fi network. In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES in S6). In S7, the MFP 10 transmits setting change unnecessary information to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the setting change unnecessary information, the mobile terminal 50 transmits print data to the MFP 10 using the IP address included in the setting change unnecessary information and the wireless settings stored in the work area 58. The MFP 10 receives the print data using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S20). When the MFP 10 receives the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute print processing.

[0079] Note that in the sequence diagrams of this specification, the wireless communication in which the MFP 10 uses NFCI / F22 (that is, wireless communication according to the NFC method) and the wireless communication in which the MFP 10 uses the wireless LAN I / F 20 (that is, wireless communication according to the WFD method or normal Wi-Fi) are represented by arrows. The arrow representing the wireless communication using the wireless LAN I / F 20 is drawn thicker than the arrow representing the wireless communication using NFCI / F22.

[0080] According to this configuration, when it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute communication of print data via the network to which the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 currently belong without changing the wireless settings currently set in the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50.

[0081] (Second situation) In the second situation shown in FIG. 4, MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network. The PC 8 in the client state currently belongs to the WFD network. The mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network to which MFP 10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 may or may not currently belong to a wireless network other than the wireless network to which MFP 10 currently belongs.

[0082] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, at S6, MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network to which MFP 10 currently belongs (YES at S6). Note that the NFC information includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the wireless network, but does not include the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network when the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network. At S12, MFP 10 determines that MFP 10 is in the G / O state (YES at S12). In this case, at S16, MFP 10 transmits the wireless settings of MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 and the IP address of MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless settings, it stores the received wireless settings in the work area 58. Then, MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network to which MFP 10 currently belongs. Note that MFP 10 transmits the wireless settings including the authentication method and encryption method of MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. According to this configuration, the mobile terminal 50 can execute the authentication process according to the authentication method and encryption method received from MFP 10, and does not need to execute the process of confirming which authentication method and encryption method should be used. Therefore, MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can establish a connection relatively early.

[0083] Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 by using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address received in S16. The MFP 10 receives the print data by using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S20). When the MFP 10 receives the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the print process. According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute communication of the print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs.

[0084] (The third situation) In the third situation shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating in the client state in the WFD network. The PC 8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

[0085] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC I / F 22, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6). In S10, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 is in the client state (YES in S10). In this case, in S14, the MFP 10 transmits communication NG information to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC I / F 22.

[0086] In this case, the MFP 10 does not transmit the wireless settings stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the wireless settings of the PC 8 operating in the G / O state in the WFD network to the mobile terminal 50. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the mobile terminal 50 from accessing the WFD network. Further, the mobile terminal 50 can notify the user of the mobile terminal 50 that the MFP 10 does not execute communication of the target data with the mobile terminal 50 by receiving the communication NG information from the MFP 10.

[0087] (Fourth situation) In the fourth situation shown in FIG. 6, the MFP 10 is set to the WFD = ON mode but does not currently belong to the WFD network. That is, the MFP 10 is operating as a device state. Note that the MFP 10 is in either a state of currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network or not currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

[0088] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, at S4, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network (NO at S4: when the MFP 10 is not currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network), or at S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES at S6: when the MFP 10 is currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network). Also, at S10 and S12, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 is neither in the G / O state nor in the client state (both NO at S10 and S12). In this case, at S15, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode without performing the G / O negotiation.

[0089] Next, at S16, the MFP 10 transmits the wireless settings of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 (i.e., the wireless settings prepared when set to the spontaneous G / O mode at S15) and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless settings, it stores the received wireless settings in the work area 58. Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating as the G / O state.

[0090] Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 by using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address received in S16. The MFP 10 receives the print data by using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S20). When the MFP 10 receives the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the printing process. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can newly construct a WFD network in which the MFP 10 operates as a G / O state in the WFD network. Thereby, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute communication of print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network. Further, since the MFP 10 necessarily operates as a G / O state in the newly constructed WFD network, the authentication method and the like used in the WFD network can be determined.

[0091] (The fifth situation) In the fifth situation shown in FIG. 7, the MFP 10 is set to the WFD = OFF mode. Note that the MFP 10 is in either a state of currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network or a state of not currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

[0092] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F 22, it is determined as NO in S4 or S6 as in the fourth situation. The MFP 10 determines in S8 that it is set to the WFD = OFF mode. In this case, in S9, the MFP 10 changes from the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode. Next, in S15, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode.

[0093] Hereinafter, until the printing process, it is the same as the fourth situation. Even in this configuration, the same effects as those in the fourth situation can be achieved. When the printing process is completed, the MFP 10 determines that no external device currently belongs to the newly constructed WFD network (NO in S23), and changes from the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode. According to this configuration, after the communication of the print data, when no external device belongs to the WFD network, it can be appropriately changed from the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode.

[0094] In this embodiment, the MFP 10 executes processing according to whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, that is, whether the MFP 10 can communicate with the mobile terminal 50, so that the wireless LAN I / F 20 can be used to appropriately execute wireless communication of target data with the mobile terminal 50 at a relatively high communication speed. In addition, the MFP 10 can execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network without passing through different access points between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50.

[0095] Furthermore, when the MFP 10 cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Also, when the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network.

[0096] (Corresponding relationship) The MFP10 is an example of a "communication device", the NFCI / F22 is an example of a "first type of interface", and the wireless LAN I / F20 is an example of a "second type of interface". From the above description, the NFCI / F22 (i.e., the "first type of interface") can be said to be an interface used for communication executed between the MFP10 (i.e., the "communication device") and the mobile terminal 50 in order to execute communication using the wireless LAN I / F20 (i.e., the "second type of interface").

[0097] The AP6 is an example of an "access point". That is, an "access point" is a device that relays communication between a pair of devices belonging to a network to which the access point belongs, that is, a normal Wi-Fi network, in the normal Wi-Fi network.

[0098] The NFC information is an example of "specific information", and the SSID and BSSID included in the NFC information are "wireless network identifiers included in the specific information". The state in which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP10 currently belongs is a "communicable state". The processes of S15 to S18 are an example of "specific processing". Wireless communication via the WFD network using the wireless LAN I / F20 is an example of "specific wireless communication". The G / O state is an example of a "parent station state", and the client state is an example of a "sub-station state". When it is determined YES in S4, the WFD network to which the MFP10 belongs is an example of a "first wireless network", and the WFD network constructed by the processes from S15 to S18 is an example of a "second wireless network". The communication NG information is an example of "information indicating not to execute communication of target data". The WFD=ON mode is an example of a "first mode", and the WFD=OFF mode is an example of a "second mode".

[0099] (Second Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of the communication process of FIG. 2, the communication process of FIG. 8 is executed. S2 to S24 in FIG. 8 are the same as the processes of S2 to S24 in FIG. 2. If YES in S10, that is, when MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network and operates in the client state in the WFD network, in S42, the determination unit 42 determines whether MFP10 can leave the WFD network to which it currently belongs. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that it is impossible to leave the currently belonging WFD network when it is in either the situation where data communication via the WFD network is currently being executed or the situation where data communication should be executed (NO in S42). On the other hand, the determination unit 42 determines that it is possible to leave the currently belonging WFD network when it is in neither the situation where data communication via the WFD network is being executed nor the situation where data communication should be executed (YES in S42).

[0100] For example, assume that in the WFD network to which MFP10 currently belongs, PC8 is operating in the G / O state. When MFP10 is currently receiving print data from PC8 using the wireless LAN I / F 20, the determination unit 42 determines that it is in the situation where data communication is currently being executed. Also, when MFP10 is generating scan data according to a scan instruction from PC8, since MFP10 should transmit the scan data to PC8 using the wireless LAN I / F 20 when the scan data is generated, the determination unit 42 determines that it is in the situation where data communication should be executed.

[0101] If NO in S42, proceed to S14, and if YES in S42, proceed to S44. In S44, the communication execution unit 44 disconnects MFP10 from the WFD network to which MFP10 currently belongs. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 deletes the wireless settings stored in the work area 38 and changes the state value in the work area 38 to a value representing the device state. Subsequently, the communication execution unit 44 executes the process of S15.

[0102] (Effect of this embodiment) In the second embodiment, the MFP 10 can achieve the same effects as the MFP 10 in the first embodiment in the first, second, fourth, and fifth situations. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the effects of this embodiment in the sixth and seventh situations will be described. Note that in each of FIGS. 9 and 10, the corresponding processes in the communication process of FIG. 8 are shown.

[0103] (Sixth situation) In the sixth situation shown in FIG. 9, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating as a client in the WFD network. The PC 8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation. Further, the MFP 10 is receiving print data from the PC 8.

[0104] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, similar to the third situation, it is determined as NO in S6 and YES in S10. Since the MFP 10 is receiving print data from the PC 8, it is determined that it is impossible to disconnect from the WFD network (NO in S42). In this case, in S14, the MFP 10 transmits communication NG information to the mobile terminal 50 via NFCI / F22.

[0105] According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 is executing data communication via the currently belonging WFD network or should execute data communication via the currently belonging WFD network, the MFP 10 can be prevented from disconnecting from the currently belonging WFD network.

[0106] (Seventh situation) In the seventh situation shown in FIG. 10, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating as a client in the WFD network. The PC 8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong. However, the MFP 10 is not currently performing data communication with the PC 8, nor is it in a situation where data communication with the PC 8 should be performed. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

[0107] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, similar to the sixth situation, it is determined as NO in S6 and YES in S10. Since the MFP 10 is neither in a situation where it is performing data communication via the WFD network nor in a situation where data communication should be performed, the MFP 10 determines that it can disconnect from the currently belonging WFD network (YES in S42). In this case, in S15, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. The following processing is the same as the processing after the MFP 10 is set to the spontaneous G / O mode in the fourth situation.

[0108] According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can disconnect from the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating as a client and newly construct a WFD network. Thereby, the MFP 10 can appropriately perform communication of target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network.

[0109] (Corresponding relationship) The processing of S42 and S44 in FIG. 8 and the processing of S15 to S18 are examples of "specific processing".

[0110] (Third Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of the communication process of FIG. 2, the communication process of FIG. 11 is executed. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 further transmits NFC information including WFD compatibility information indicating whether the mobile terminal 50 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method and the device ID (e.g., MAC address, manufacturing number, etc.) of the mobile terminal 50 to the MFP 10.

[0111] S2 to S24 in FIG. 11 are the same as the processes of S4 to 24 in FIG. 2. When the process of S9 is executed and when it is determined as NO in S12, that is, when the MFP 10 is operating as a device state, in S52, the determination unit 42 determines whether the mobile terminal 50 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method using the NFC information. When the WFD compatibility information indicating that the mobile terminal 50 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method is included in the NFC information, the determination unit 42 determines that the mobile terminal 50 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method (YES in S52) and proceeds to S54.

[0112] On the other hand, when the WFD compatibility information indicating that the mobile terminal 50 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method is not included in the NFC information, the determination unit 42 determines that the mobile terminal 50 is not capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method (NO in S52) and proceeds to S15.

[0113] In S54, the communication execution unit 44 transmits WFD connection start information indicating the start of a WFD connection to the mobile terminal 50 via NFCI / F22. As a method for executing a wireless connection in the WFD method, a wireless connection method of WPS (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is used. The wireless connection method of WPS includes a PBC (abbreviation for Push Button Configuration) method and a PIN (abbreviation for Personal Identification Number) code method. In this embodiment, the PBC code method will be described, but the technology of this embodiment is also applicable to the PIN code method. The WFD connection start information includes information indicating the use of the PBC code method as a method for executing a wireless connection in the WFD method. The WFD connection start information further includes the device ID (for example, MAC address, manufacturing number, etc.) of the MFP10. Thereby, the mobile terminal 50 that receives the WFD connection start information can recognize that it should execute the processes of S58 and S62 described later with the device (that is, MFP10) identified by the device ID included in the WFD connection start information.

[0114] When the mobile terminal 50 receives the WFD connection start information, the mobile terminal 50 determines whether it is set to be able to execute wireless communication according to the WFD method. When the mobile terminal 50 is set to be able to execute wireless communication according to the WFD method, it maintains the setting of the wireless LAN I / F, and when it is not set to be able to execute wireless communication according to the WFD method, it changes to a setting that enables wireless communication according to the WFD method.

[0115] Next, in S55, the communication execution unit 44 searches for the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 sequentially executes a Scan process, a Listen process, and a Search process. The Scan process is a process for searching for devices in the G / O state around the MFP 10. Specifically, in the Scan process, the communication execution unit 44 sequentially transmits Probe Request signals wirelessly using 13 channels from 1ch to 13ch. Note that this Probe Request signal includes P2P (Peer 2 Peer) information indicating that the MFP 10 can execute the WFD function.

[0116] For example, when there is a WFD-compatible device in the G / O state (hereinafter referred to as a "specific G / O device") around the MFP 10, the specific G / O device has pre-determined to use one of the channels from 1ch to 13ch. Therefore, the specific G / O device wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10. In this case, the specific G / O device wirelessly transmits a Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. This Probe Response signal includes P2P information indicating that the specific G / O device can execute the WFD function and information indicating that the specific G / O device is in the G / O state. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 can find the specific G / O device. Note that the above Probe Response signal further includes the device name of the specific G / O device, information indicating the model of the specific G / O device (e.g., mobile terminal, PC, etc.), and the MAC address of the specific G / O device. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 can obtain information about the specific G / O device.

[0117] When the device ID of a specific G / O device included in the Probe Response signal matches the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information, the specific G / O device can identify that the mobile terminal 50 is itself. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 through the Scan process.

[0118] For example, when there is a WFD-compatible device in the device state (hereinafter referred to as "specific device") around the MFP10, the specific device has pre-determined to use one of the channels 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch. Therefore, the specific device also wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP10. In this case, the specific device wirelessly transmits the Probe Response signal to the MFP10. However, this Probe Response signal contains information indicating the device state and does not contain information indicating the G / O state. Also, a device in the client state does not wirelessly transmit the Probe Response signal to the MFP10 even if it wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP10. Therefore, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 in the Scan process whether the mobile terminal 50 is in the G / O state or the device state.

[0119] The Listen process is a process for responding to the Probe Request signal. The specific device can wirelessly transmit the Probe Request signal in the Search process described later. That is, when the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the device state, the mobile terminal 50 wirelessly transmits the Probe Request signal periodically. This Probe Request signal contains the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 (such as MAC address, manufacturing number, etc.).

[0120] When the device ID of a specific device included in the Probe Request signal matches the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information, the communication execution unit 44 can identify that the specific device is the mobile terminal 50. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating as a device state, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 by Listen processing. When the communication execution unit 44 receives a Probe Request signal from the mobile terminal 50, it wirelessly transmits a Probe Response signal.

[0121] In the Search process, the communication execution unit 44 sequentially uses three channels, namely 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch, to wirelessly transmit Probe Request signals sequentially. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly receives a Probe Response signal from a specific device. This Probe Response signal includes P2P information indicating that the specific device can execute the WFD function, information indicating that the specific device is in a device state, and the device ID (e.g., MAC address, manufacturing number, etc.) of the specific device. When the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is in a device state, the mobile terminal 50 wirelessly transmits a Probe Response signal as a response to the Probe Request signal transmitted from the MFP 10.

[0122] When the device ID of a specific device included in the Probe Response signal matches the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information, the communication execution unit 44 can identify that the specific device is the mobile terminal 50. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating as a device state in the WFD network, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 by Search processing.

[0123] In the above S55, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating in the G / O state or the device state, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S56). In S56, if the mobile terminal 50 is not discovered (NO in S56), the process proceeds to S14.

[0124] When the mobile terminal 50 is discovered (YES in S56), in S57, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether the discovered mobile terminal 50 is in the device state. Specifically, in the process of S55, when information indicating that it is in the device state is received, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 is in the device state (YES in S57), and the process proceeds to S58. On the other hand, in the process of S55, when information indicating that it is in the device state is not received, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 is not in the device state (that is, the mobile terminal 50 is in the G / O state) (NO in S57), and the process proceeds to S62.

[0125] In S58, the communication execution unit 44 uses the wireless LAN I / F 20 to execute G / O negotiation with the mobile terminal 50 to determine which one of the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 operates in the G / O state and which one operates in the client state.

[0126] Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 first wirelessly transmits a connection request signal to the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 also wirelessly transmits an OK signal to the MFP 10. Next, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly transmits information indicating the G / O priority of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 and receives information indicating the G / O priority of the mobile terminal 50 from the mobile terminal 50. Note that the G / O priority of the MFP 10 is an index indicating the degree to which the MFP 10 should become G / O and is predetermined in the MFP 10. Similarly, the G / O priority of the mobile terminal 50 is an index indicating the degree to which the mobile terminal 50 should become G / O. For example, a device with relatively high CPU and memory capabilities (e.g., MFP 10) can execute other processes at high speed while operating as G / O. Therefore, for such a device, the G / O priority is usually set so that the degree to which it should become G / O is high. On the other hand, for example, a device with relatively low CPU and memory capabilities (e.g., mobile terminal 50) may not be able to execute other processes at high speed while operating as G / O. Therefore, for such a device, the G / O priority is usually set so that the degree to which it should become G / O is low.

[0127] The communication execution unit 44 compares the G / O priority of the MFP 10 and the G / O priority of the mobile terminal 50, determines that the device with the higher priority (MFP 10 or mobile terminal 50) should operate in the G / O state, and determines that the device with the lower priority (MFP 10 or mobile terminal 50) should operate in the client state. When the communication execution unit 44 determines that the MFP 10 should operate in the G / O state, it changes the state value in the memory 34 from the value corresponding to the device state to the value corresponding to the G / O state. As a result, the MFP 10 will operate in the G / O state. Also, when the communication execution unit 44 determines that the MFP 10 should operate in the client state, it changes the state value in the memory 34 from the value corresponding to the device state to the value corresponding to the client state. As a result, the MFP 10 will operate in the client state. Note that the mobile terminal 50 determines the G / O state and the client state based on the G / O priority of the MFP 10 and the G / O priority of the target device using the same method as the MFP 10. When the G / O negotiation in S58 ends, the process proceeds to S62.

[0128] In S62, the communication execution unit 44 establishes a connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 according to WPS. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state and whether the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the client state. When the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state and the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the client state, the communication execution unit 44 executes the WPS negotiation for the G / O state.

[0129] Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 generates wireless settings (such as SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary to establish a wireless connection and wirelessly transmits them to the mobile terminal 50. Note that the authentication method and the encryption method are predetermined. Also, the communication execution unit 44 generates a password when generating the wireless settings. Note that the SSID may be generated by the communication execution unit 44 or may be predetermined. When the wireless settings are transmitted to the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can use the same wireless settings. That is, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 execute wireless communication of Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Association Request, Association Response, and 4-way handshake using the wireless settings. In this process, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 execute various authentication processes such as authentication of the SSID, authentication of the authentication method and the encryption method, and authentication of the password. When all the authentications are successful, a wireless connection is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are in a state of belonging to the same WFD network.

[0130] On the one hand, when the current state of the MFP10 is the client state and the current state of the target device is the G / O state, the communication execution unit 44 executes the WPS negotiation for the client state. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 generates wireless settings (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary to establish a wireless connection and wirelessly transmits them to the MFP10. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly receives the wireless settings from the mobile terminal 50. The subsequent processing (communication processing such as Authentication Request) is the same as the WPS negotiation for the G / O state. Thereby, the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 come to belong to the same WFD network. As a result, the MFP10 in the client state can execute wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) with the mobile terminal 50 in the G / O state. When S62 ends, the control unit 30 executes the processing of S20 to S24 in FIG. 2 to end the communication processing.

[0131] (Effect of this embodiment) The MFP10 of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the MFP10 of the first embodiment in the first to third situations. With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the effects of this embodiment in the eighth and ninth situations will be described. Note that corresponding processing in the communication processing of FIG. 11 is shown in each of FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0132] (Eighth situation) In the eighth situation shown in FIG. 12, the MFP10 is set to the WFD=ON mode but does not currently belong to the WFD network. That is, the MFP10 is operating as a device state. Note that the MFP10 is in either a state of currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network or not currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network.

[0133] In this situation, when the MFP10 receives NFC information from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, it determines NO in S4 or S6 and determines NO in S10 and S12 in the same manner as in the fourth situation.

[0134] The MFP10 transmits the WFD connection start information to the mobile terminal 50 using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S54). Next, the MFP10 performs the search process in S55 to search for the mobile terminal 50. When the MFP10 discovers the mobile terminal 50 (YES in 56), it determines whether the discovered mobile terminal 50 is in the device state (S57). If it is determined that it is in the device state (YES in S57), the G / O negotiation (S58) and the WPS negotiation (S62) are executed using the wireless LAN I / F 20. As a result, the WFD network to which the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong is constructed.

[0135] Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP10. The MFP10 receives the print data using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S20). When the MFP10 receives the print data, it causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the printing process.

[0136] (The ninth situation) In the ninth situation of FIG. 13, the MFP10 is set to the WFD=OFF mode. Note that the MFP10 is in either a state of currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network or not currently belonging to it. The mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network.

[0137] In this situation, when the MFP10 receives the NFC information from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC I / F 22, similar to the fifth situation, it determines NO in S4 or S6 and determines NO in S8. In this case, in S9, the MFP10 changes from the WFD=OFF mode to the WFD=ON mode.

[0138] After changing from the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode, the processes executed until the printing process are the same as the processes until the printing process is executed after determining NO in S10 and S12 in the eighth situation. When the printing process ends, if the MFP10 determines that the external device does not currently belong to the newly constructed WFD network (NO in S23), it changes from the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode. According to this configuration, after communicating the print data, when the external device does not belong to the WFD network, it can be appropriately changed from the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode.

[0139] According to this configuration, the MFP10 can construct a WFD network that operates in either the G / O state or the client state with the mobile terminal 50. Thereby, the MFP10 can appropriately execute communication of print data with the mobile terminal 50.

[0140] (Corresponding relationship) The processes of S15 to S18 and S52 to S62 in FIG. 11 are examples of "specific processes".

[0141] (Fourth Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of the communication process in FIG. 2, the communication process in FIG. 14 is executed. S2 to S24 in FIG. 14 are the same as the processes of S2 to S24 in FIG. 2. When NO in S8, that is, when the MFP10 is not set to the WFD = ON mode, in S76, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network. When the information indicating that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES in S76) and proceeds to S80. On the other hand, when the information indicating belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network is not stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP10 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network (NO in S76) and proceeds to S9.

[0142] If the result in S10 is YES, that is, if the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating as a client in the WFD network, in S72, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the wireless settings other than the password among the G / O wireless settings stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, and proceeds to S20.

[0143] When the mobile terminal 50 receives the G / O wireless settings, it causes the user to specify a password. When the password is specified by the user, the mobile terminal 50 uses the wireless settings received from the MFP 10 and the password specified by the user to establish a connection with the device in the G / O state. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 via the device in the G / O state. If the connection between the mobile terminal 50 and the device in the G / O state cannot be established, the MFP 10 cannot perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 returns to S2 without executing the processes of S20 to S24.

[0144] If the result in S12 is YES, that is, if the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating as a G / O in the WFD network, it proceeds to S13. In S16, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the wireless settings of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, and proceeds to S18. The wireless settings of the MFP 10 transmitted in S16 include the password.

[0145] Also, when it is determined that the result in S12 is NO, that is, when the MFP 10 is operating in the device state, the determination unit 42 executes the process of S78. The process of S78 is the same as the process of S76. When the result in S78 is NO, it proceeds to S15, and when the result in S78 is YES, it proceeds to S80.

[0146] In S80, the communication execution unit 44 transmits, via NFCI / F22, the wireless settings for belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network stored in the work area 38, that is, the wireless settings other than the password among the wireless settings of the AP (for example, AP6), to the mobile terminal 50 and proceeds to S20. When the wireless settings of the AP are received, the mobile terminal 50 establishes a connection with the AP using the wireless settings received from the MFP10 and the password specified by the user, in the same manner as in the case of S72. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can perform wireless communication with the MFP10 via the AP. If the connection between the mobile terminal 50 and the AP cannot be established, the MFP10 cannot perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 returns to S2 without executing the processes of S20 to S24.

[0147] (Effect of this embodiment) The MFP10 of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the MFP10 of the first embodiment in the first, second, fourth, and fifth situations. With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the effects of this embodiment in the tenth and eleventh situations will be described. Note that each of FIGS. 15 and 16 shows the corresponding processes in the communication process of FIG. 14.

[0148] (Tenth situation) In the tenth situation shown in FIG. 15, the MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP10 is operating in the client state in the WFD network. The PC8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

[0149] In this situation, when the MFP10 receives NFC information from the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22, it makes a NO determination in S6 and a YES determination in S10, similar to the third situation. In S72, the MFP10 transmits, using NFCI / F22, the wireless settings of the PC8 operating in the G / O state that do not include a password and the IP address of the MFP10 to the mobile terminal 50. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a password to the mobile terminal 50 and the user. As a result, when the mobile terminal 50 and the user do not know the password for the PC8 to belong to the WFD network operating in the G / O state, it is possible to prevent the mobile terminal 50 from accessing the WFD network.

[0150] When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless settings, it stores the received wireless settings in the work area 58. Then, the mobile terminal 50 displays a password specification screen on the display unit of the mobile terminal 50. The user can specify a password by operating the operation unit of the mobile terminal 50. When a password is specified by the user, the mobile terminal 50 establishes a WFD connection with the PC8. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network to which the MFP10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 operates in the client state in the WFD network.

[0151] Note that in a modification, the mobile terminal 50 may store in its memory the wireless settings used to belong to a network in the past. In this case, when the mobile terminal 50 receives wireless settings that do not include a password, it may identify the wireless settings including the same SSID as the SSID included in the received wireless settings from the memory of the mobile terminal 50. Then, the mobile terminal 50 may establish a WFD connection with the PC8 using the wireless settings identified from the memory of the mobile terminal 50.

[0152] When the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the WFD network, it transmits print data to the MFP 10 by performing wireless communication via the PC 8 using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address of the MFP 10 received at S72. When the MFP 10 receives print data from the PC 8 using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S20), upon receiving the print data, it causes the print execution unit 16 to execute print processing.

[0153] According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 does not belong to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute communication of print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs.

[0154] (11th situation) In the 11th situation shown in FIG. 16, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network. The MFP 10 is connected to the AP 6 in the normal Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

[0155] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC I / F 22, at S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO at S6). Also, at S8, the MFP 10 determines that it is set to the WFD = OFF mode (NO at S8). Subsequently, at S76, the MFP 10 determines that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES at S76). In this case, at S80, the MFP 10 transmits to the mobile terminal 50 the wireless settings of the AP 6 stored in the work area 38 that do not include the password and the IP address of the MFP 10. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the password to the mobile terminal 50 and the user. As a result, when the mobile terminal 50 and the user do not know the password for belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network where the AP 6 is used, it is possible to prevent the mobile terminal 50 from belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network.

[0156] When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless settings, similar to the tenth situation, it receives the wireless settings and asks the user to specify a password. Next, when the password is specified by the user, the mobile terminal 50 establishes a normal Wi-Fi connection with the AP6. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 can transmit print data to the MFP10 via the AP6. When the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, it uses the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address of the MFP10 received in S80 to execute wireless communication via the AP6, thereby transmitting the print data to the MFP10.

[0157] Although not shown in the figure, even when the MFP10 is currently operating as a device state (Yes in S8, NO in S10 and S12) and the MFP10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES in S78), the MFP10 transmits the wireless settings that do not include the password among the wireless settings of the AP stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50.

[0158] According to this configuration, when the MFP10 does not belong to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, the MFP10 can appropriately execute communication of print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP10 currently belongs.

[0159] (Corresponding relationship) The processes of S15 to S18, S72, S7 to S18, and S80 in FIG. 14 are examples of "specific processes". When it is determined YES in S4 of FIG. 14, the WFD network and the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP10 belongs are examples of the "first wireless network".

[0160] (Fifth Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network, the mobile terminal 50 transmits, as the wireless settings stored in the work area 58, NFC information further including a password, an authentication method, and an encryption method, to the MFP 10.

[0161] Also, in this embodiment, instead of the communication process of FIG. 2, the communication process of FIG. 17 is executed. S2 to S24 in FIG. 17 are the same as the processes of S2 to S24 in FIG. 2. When the answer is NO in S4 (that is, when the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network), or when the answer is NO in S6 (that is, when the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network), in S82, the determination unit 42 determines whether the NFC information received from the mobile terminal 52 includes wireless settings by using the NFCI / F22. When it is determined that the wireless settings are included (YES in S82), in S83, information indicating that no setting change is required is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F22. Then, in S84, the communication execution unit 44 uses the wireless settings included in the NFC information and proceeds to S20 while belonging to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs.

[0162] On the other hand, when it is determined that the NFC information does not include the wireless settings (NO in S82), the process proceeds to S8.

[0163] (Effect of this embodiment) The MFP 10 of the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the first to fifth situations. Referring to FIG. 18, the effect of this embodiment in the twelfth situation will be described. Note that FIG. 18 shows the corresponding processes in the communication process of FIG. 17.

[0164] (Twelfth situation) In the twelfth situation shown in FIG. 18, the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network or currently belongs to a network to which the mobile terminal 50 does not belong. On the other hand, the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the AP 6 belongs.

[0165] In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 via NFCI / F22, the MFP10 determines that the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not currently belong to the same network (NO in S4 or NO in S6). Next, in S82, the MFP10 determines that the wireless settings for belonging to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information (YES in S82).

[0166] Next, in S83, the MFP10 transmits the setting change unnecessary information to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. Note that when NO in S4 (that is, when the MFP10 does not currently belong to the network), the MFP10 transmits the setting change unnecessary information including the MAC address of the MFP10 to the mobile terminal 50. Also, when NO in S6 (that is, when the MFP10 currently belongs to the network but the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network), the MFP10 transmits the setting change unnecessary information including the IP address of the MFP10 to the mobile terminal 50.

[0167] The MFP10 establishes a normal Wi-Fi connection with the AP6 using the wireless settings included in the NFC information (S84). When the IP address of the MFP10 is included in the setting change unnecessary information, the mobile terminal 50 designates the IP address as the destination and transmits the print data to the MFP10 via the AP6 (S20). Also, when the MAC address of the MFP10 is included in the setting change unnecessary information, the mobile terminal 50 identifies the IP address of the MFP10 according to RARP (abbreviation of Reverse Address Resolution Protocol), designates the identified IP address as the destination, and transmits the print data to the MFP10 via the AP6 (S20).

[0168] According to this configuration, when the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network, the MFP10 can appropriately execute communication of print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs.

[0169] (Corresponding relationship) The processes of S15 to S18 in FIG. 17 and the processes of S83 and S84 are examples of "specific processes". When it is determined as YES in S82 of FIG. 17, the network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs is an example of the "third wireless network".

[0170] (Sixth Embodiment) Differences from the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of the communication process of FIG. 14, the communication process of FIG. 19 is executed. In the communication process of FIG. 19, in S10, when it is determined as YES, the process of S72 in FIG. 14 is not executed, and the same process as S14 in FIG. 2 is executed.

[0171] According to this configuration, the same effects as in the third situation can be achieved.

[0172] (Seventh Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. The MFP10 of this embodiment includes a wired LAN I / F (not shown) in addition to each I / F 20, 22. In this embodiment, instead of the communication process of FIG. 2, the communication process of FIG. 20 is executed. S2, S8 to S24 in FIG. 20 are the same as the processes of S2, S8 to S24 in FIG. 2.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 20, when NFC information is received using NFCI / F22 (YES in S2), the determination unit 42 determines in S94 whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to a wired network using the wired LAN I / F, and further, whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to a wireless network using the wireless LAN I / F20. Specifically, when the MFP 10 belongs to the wired network using the wired LAN I / F, the MFP 10 stores information indicating that it currently belongs to the wired network in the work area 38 of the memory 34. When the information indicating that it currently belongs to the wired network is stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that it currently belongs to the wired network (YES in S94). Also, when the information indicating that it currently belongs to the wired network is not stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that it does not currently belong to the wired network (NO in S94). The determination as to whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the wireless network is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0174] In S94, when it is determined that the MFP 10 currently belongs to at least one of the wired network and the wireless network (YES in S94), the process proceeds to S96. In S4, when it is determined that the MFP 10 does not belong to either the wired network or the wireless network (NO in S94), the process proceeds to S8.

[0175] In S96, the control unit 30 determines whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can communicate with the mobile terminal 50 via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (which may be a wired network or a wireless network) in a state where communication of the target data is possible. Specifically, an explanation will be given according to the 13th situation in FIG. 21.

[0176] FIG. 21 shows an example in which the MFP 10 is connected to the AP 6 via a wired LAN and the mobile terminal 50 is connected to the AP 6 via a normal Wi-Fi network.

[0177] In the sequence diagram of FIG. 21, communication using the wired LAN I / F is further represented by an arrow. The arrow representing communication using the wired LAN I / F is drawn thicker than the arrow representing wireless communication using the wireless LAN I / F 20.

[0178] The MFP 10 receives NFC information from the mobile terminal 50. The NFC information transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 includes the device ID and IP address of the mobile terminal 50. In S96, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 can communicate with the mobile terminal 50 via the network (wired LAN in the example of FIG. 21) to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Specifically, the determination unit 42 unicasts an inquiry about the device ID using the wired LAN I / F. The determination unit 42 transmits the inquiry by designating the IP address included in the NFC information as the transmission destination of the inquiry.

[0179] When the mobile terminal 50 receives the inquiry via the AP 6, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 to the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the inquiry. When the determination unit 42 receives the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 via the AP 6 using the wired LAN I / F, the determination unit 42 determines whether the received device ID matches the device ID included in the NFC information. When the two device IDs match, the determination unit 42 determines YES in S96 and proceeds to S7. On the other hand, when there is no response to the inquiry or the two device IDs do not match, the determination unit 42 determines NO in S96 and proceeds to S8.

[0180] According to this configuration, when the current state of the MFP 10 is a state in which it can communicate with the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 can execute communication of target data with the mobile terminal 50 using the wired LAN I / F.

[0181] In the first embodiment, it is determined whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 exist in the same network in S6. In contrast, in this embodiment, in S96, regardless of whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 exist in the same network, it is determined whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can communicate with each other.

[0182] (Corresponding relationship) The wireless LAN I / F and the wired LAN I / F are examples of the "second type of interface". The wired LAN is an example of the "first wireless network". The device ID included in the NFC information is an example of the "terminal identification information".

[0183] As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0184] (Modification example) (1) The "communication device" is not limited to a multifunction machine, and may be other devices (for example, a printer, a fax machine, a copier, a scanner, etc.) provided with the first type of interface and the second type of interface.

[0185] (2) The MFP 10 may store an AP program for functioning as an access point. When the control unit 30 activates the AP program, it may store predetermined wireless settings in the work area 38. For example, in S15 of FIG. 2, instead of setting the MFP 10 to the ad-hoc G / O mode, the communication execution unit 44 may activate the AP program. Next, the communication execution unit 44 may transmit the wireless settings stored in the work area 38 in advance to the mobile terminal 50. Then, the communication execution unit 44 and the mobile terminal 50 may establish a connection using the wireless settings stored in the work area 38 in advance. In this case, the MFP 10 may establish a normal Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal 50, and the MFP 10 may also construct a normal Wi-Fi network. In this modified example, the normal Wi-Fi executed between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 by the MFP 10 activating the AP program and functioning as an access point is an example of "specific wireless communication". Also, the activation of the AP program, the transmission of the wireless settings, and the establishment of the normal Wi-Fi connection are examples of "specific processing".

[0186] (3) The combination of the "first type of interface" and the "second type of interface" is not limited to the combination of NFCI / F and wireless LAN I / F. For example, when wireless LAN I / F is adopted as the "second type of interface", the "first type of interface" may be an interface for executing infrared communication, or an interface for executing Bluetooth (registered trademark), or an interface for executing Transfer Jet. Also, when NFCI / F is adopted as the "first type of interface", the "second type of interface" may be an interface for executing wired communication, or an interface for executing Bluetooth (registered trademark). Generally speaking, it is sufficient if the communication speed of the communication via the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of the communication via the first type of interface.

[0187] (4) The "first type of interface" and the "second type of interface" may be physically two interfaces (i.e., two separate IC chips) as in the above embodiments, or may be physically one interface (i.e., two types of communication are realized with one IC chip).

[0188] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the interface for performing wireless communication according to the WFD method and the interface for performing wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi were physically one interface (Wireless LAN I / F 20), but may be physically a plurality of interfaces (i.e., two separate IC chips). In this modification example, the plurality of interfaces are an example of the "second type of interface".

[0189] (6) In the above first, second, fourth to seventh embodiments, in S15, the communication execution unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. However, when the mobile terminal 50 is capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method, the communication execution unit 44 may execute the processes of S54 to S62 in FIG. 11 instead of S15 to S18. In this modification example, the processes of S54 to S62 are an example of the "specific process".

[0190] (7) In the above-described seventh embodiment, the determination unit 42 designates the IP address included in the NFC information (i.e., the IP address of the mobile terminal 50) as the transmission destination and transmits an inquiry for the device ID. However, the determination unit 42 may broadcast an inquiry for the device ID via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (which may be a wired network or a wireless network). In this case, the inquiry for the device ID may include the device ID included in the NFC information. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the broadcast inquiry, if the device ID included in the inquiry is the device ID of the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 may transmit a response to the inquiry to the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the inquiry. The MFP 10 may receive a response to the inquiry via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. When a response is received, the determination unit 42 may determine that the current state of the MFP 10 is a state in which communication with the mobile terminal 50 is possible (YES in S6 of FIG. 2). According to this modification, when the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are in the same subnet, it can be determined as YES in S6 of FIG. 2. In this modification, the determination in S6 is an example of the determination of "whether or not the mobile terminal belongs to the specific network to which the communication device currently belongs".

[0191] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the units 40 to 46 are realized by software, but at least one of the units 40 to 46 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0192] Also, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Further, the technology illustrated in this specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of those purposes itself has technical utility. The features of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below. (Item 1) A communication device, A first type of interface for communicating with a mobile terminal, A second type of interface for communicating with the mobile terminal, wherein the communication speed of the communication using the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of the communication using the first type of interface. The second type of interface, A control unit, The control unit, A receiving unit that receives specific information from the mobile terminal using the first type of interface, A determination unit that determines, using the specific information, whether the communication device is currently in a communicable state in which communication of target data with the mobile terminal can be performed using the second type of interface, When it is determined that the communication device is not currently in the communicable state, after performing a specific process for changing the communication device to the communicable state, communication of the target data between the mobile terminal and the communication device is performed using the second type of interface. When it is determined that the communication device is currently in the communicable state, a communication execution unit that executes communication between the mobile terminal and the target data using the second type of interface without executing the specific process. A communication device comprising: (Item 2) The determination unit determines whether the communication device is currently in the communicable state by using the specific information to check whether the mobile terminal belongs to a specific network to which the communication device currently belongs. The communication device according to item 1, wherein the specific network is a network for the communication device to execute communication using the second type of interface. (Item 3) The second type of interface is an interface for the communication device to execute specific wireless communication. The specific wireless communication is wireless communication in which the communication device and the mobile terminal are executed without passing through different access points between the communication device and the mobile terminal. The specific process includes a process for the communication device and the mobile terminal to execute the specific wireless communication using the second type of interface. The communication execution unit, when it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not the communicable state, executes the specific process and then uses the second type of interface to perform the specific wireless communication between the mobile terminal and the target data. The communication device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The communication device can selectively operate in any of a plurality of states including a master station state that functions as a master station of a wireless network, a slave station state that functions as a slave station of the wireless network, and a device state different from the master station state and the slave station state. The communication device can execute the specific wireless communication via the wireless network by operating in either the master station state or the slave station state in the wireless network. The communication execution unit When it is determined that the communication device is currently not in the communicable state and the communication device is in a first case of currently belonging to a first wireless network for executing the specific wireless communication, the first wireless setting for the mobile terminal to belong to the first wireless network is transmitted to the mobile terminal using the first type of interface. Execute the specific process. The communication device according to item 3, wherein when it is determined that the communication device is not currently in the communicable state and the communication device does not currently belong to the first wireless network in a second case, the communication device executes the specific process for newly constructing a second wireless network for performing the specific wireless communication, which is the second wireless network to which the communication device and the mobile terminal should belong. (Item 5) The communication execution unit In the first case, when the communication device is operating as the master station in the first wireless network, executes the specific process of transmitting the first wireless setting to the mobile terminal. The communication device according to item 4, wherein in the first case, in a specific case where the communication device is operating as a slave station in the first wireless network, the first wireless setting is not transmitted to the mobile terminal. (Item 6) The communication execution unit according to item 5, in the specific case, without executing the specific process, uses the first type of interface to transmit information indicating that the communication device does not perform communication with the mobile terminal and the destination data to the mobile terminal. (Item 7) The communication execution unit according to item 5, in the specific case, after detaching the communication device from the first wireless network, executes the specific process for newly constructing the second wireless network. (Item 8) The communication execution unit according to any one of items 4 to 7, in the second case, without executing the selective determination process of selectively determining whether the communication device should operate as the master station or the slave station in the second wireless network, executes the specific process including the process of determining that the communication device should operate as the master station in the second wireless network. (Item 9) The communication execution unit according to any one of items 4 to 7, in the second case, executes the specific process including the process of executing the selective determination process of selectively determining whether the communication device should operate as the master station or the slave station in the second wireless network. (Item 10) The control unit further A mode setting unit is provided to set the mode of the communication device according to a user's instruction to either a first mode in which the communication device can belong to a wireless network for performing the specific wireless communication or a second mode in which the communication device cannot belong to the wireless network for performing the specific wireless communication. The communication execution unit is as described in any one of items 4 to 9, where in the second case and when the communication device is set to the second mode, the communication execution unit changes the mode of the communication device from the second mode to the first mode and executes the specific process for newly constructing the second wireless network. (Item 11) When the mode of the communication device is the first mode, the communication device can perform wireless communication with an external device different from the portable terminal and belonging to the second wireless network. The communication execution unit After the mode of the communication device is changed from the second mode to the first mode and the specific wireless communication of the target data is performed between the portable terminal and the second wireless network, if the external device currently belongs to the second wireless network, the mode of the communication device is not changed from the first mode to the second mode. The communication device according to item 10, where after the mode of the communication device is changed from the second mode to the first mode and the specific wireless communication of the target data is performed between the portable terminal and the second wireless network, if the external device does not currently belong to the second wireless network, the mode of the communication device is changed from the first mode to the second mode. (Item 12) The second type of interface is an interface for the communication device to perform wireless communication of the target data with the portable terminal. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not the communicable state and the communication device currently belongs to a specific wireless network for performing the wireless communication using the second type of interface, the communication execution unit executes the specific process of transmitting, to the mobile terminal, specific wireless settings for the mobile terminal to belong to the specific wireless network, using the first type of interface. The communication device according to item 1 or item 2. (Item 13) The communication device can execute, using the second type of interface, specific wireless communication that the communication device and the mobile terminal execute without going through different access points, and other wireless communication that is executed through the access point. The communication execution unit When the communication device belongs to the specific network for performing the specific wireless communication, the communication execution unit executes the specific process of transmitting specific wireless settings including a password, which are specific wireless settings for the mobile terminal to belong to the specific network. The communication device according to item 12, when the communication device belongs to the specific network for performing the other wireless communication, executes the specific process of transmitting the specific wireless settings not including the password. (Item 14) The second type of interface is an interface for the communication device to perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal for the target data. The specific information includes third wireless settings for the communication device to belong to a third wireless network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not the communicable state, the communication execution unit executes the specific process for the communication device to belong to the third wireless network, using the third wireless settings. The communication device according to item 1 or item 2. (Item 15) The specific network to which the communication device currently belongs is a specific wireless network. The specific information includes an identifier of the third wireless network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. The determination unit The communication device according to item 2, which determines whether the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific wireless network by checking whether the identifier of the third wireless network included in the specific information matches the specific identifier for identifying the specific wireless network. (Item 16) The communication device according to item 15, wherein when the specific information does not include a wireless network identifier, the determination unit determines that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the specific network. (Item 17) The determination unit when the specific information includes terminal identification information for identifying the mobile terminal, if the terminal identification information is acquired via the specific network by executing communication using the second type of interface, determines that the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network, The communication device according to item 2, wherein if the terminal identification information is not acquired via the specific network by executing communication using the second type of interface, determines that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the specific network. (Item 18) The determination unit when the specific information includes the IP address of the mobile terminal, sends an inquiry with the IP address specified as the destination to the specific network by executing communication using the second type of interface, if a response from the mobile terminal is received for the inquiry, determines that it is in a communicable state, The communication device according to item 1, wherein if a response from the mobile terminal is not received for the inquiry, determines that it is not in a communicable state. (Item 19) A computer program for a communication device comprising a first type of interface for communicating with a mobile terminal and a second type of interface for communicating with the mobile terminal, wherein the communication speed of communication using the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of communication using the first type of interface, causing a computer mounted on the communication device to perform the following processing, namely, a reception process of receiving specific information from the mobile terminal using the first type of interface, a determination process in which the communication device determines, using the specific information, whether the communication device is currently in a communicable state in which communication with the mobile terminal for the target data can be executed using the second type of interface; when it is determined that the communication device is not currently in the communicable state, after executing a specific process for changing the state of the communication device to the communicable state, communication with the mobile terminal for the target data is executed using the second type of interface; a computer program that causes the communication device to execute a communication execution process in which, when it is determined that the communication device is currently in the communicable state, communication with the mobile terminal for the target data is executed using the second type of interface without executing the specific process.

Description of Symbols

[0193] 2: Communication system, 6: AP, 8: PC, 10: MFP, 20: Wireless LAN interface, 22: NFC interface, 30: Control unit, 50: Mobile terminal

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: a first type of interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal; a second type of interface for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication using the second type of interface is faster than a communication speed of wireless communication using the first type of interface; a first transmission unit that transmits, using the first type of interface, an SSID used by the mobile terminal to establish a first wireless network to the mobile terminal without transmitting a password used by the mobile terminal to establish the first wireless network; a communication execution unit that, after the SSID is transmitted to the mobile terminal, performs wireless communication of target data between the mobile terminal and the first wireless network using the second type of interface.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless network is formed by an access point.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transmission unit transmits the SSID to the mobile terminal using the first type of interface without transmitting the password when the communication device currently belongs to the first wireless network.

4. The communication device further comprises: a second transmission unit that, when the communication device does not belong to the first wireless network, transmits, using the first type of interface, wireless settings for the mobile terminal to belong to a second wireless network formed by the communication device operating as a parent station to the mobile terminal; The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wireless settings include an SSID and a password for identifying the second wireless network.

5. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transmission unit transmits the SSID to the mobile terminal using the first type of interface without transmitting the password when the communication device is currently operating as a child station of the first wireless network.

6. The communication device further comprises: When the communication device is currently operating as the parent station of the first wireless network, a third transmission unit that transmits wireless settings for belonging to the first wireless network to the mobile terminal using the first type of interface. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wireless settings include the SSID and password for identifying the first wireless network.

7. When the mobile terminal belongs to the wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs, the password for connecting to the wireless network and the SSID for identifying the wireless network are not transmitted to the mobile terminal. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first type of interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to the NFC method or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method.

9. A computer program for a communication device, comprising: a first type of interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal; and a second type of interface for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication using the second type of interface is faster than a communication speed of wireless communication using the first type of interface, and the second type of interface. On a computer mounted on the communication device, the following processes, namely, A first transmission process of transmitting, using the first type of interface, the SSID used by the mobile terminal to establish the first wireless network without transmitting the password used by the mobile terminal to establish the first wireless network including both the mobile terminal and the communication device to the mobile terminal. A communication execution process of performing wireless communication of target data between the mobile terminal and the first wireless network using the second type of interface after the SSID is transmitted to the mobile terminal. A computer program.

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