Communication device

Abstract

To disclose a technology for enabling first and second communication apparatuses to appropriately execute radio communication of target data.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises: an IC tag I / F22 which functions as an IC tag compliant to an NFC standard; a wireless LAN I / F20; and a control unit 30. The IC tag I / F22 transmits an SSID "X1" to a mobile terminal 50 by using NFC connection established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50. The control unit 30 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 through the wireless LAN I / F20 by using a WFD network to which both printer 10 and mobile terminal 50 belong.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a communication device that performs wireless communication of target data.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a gate installed in a museum or the like, a mobile communication terminal, an access point, and a content server. The gate includes a reader / writer, communicates with a non-contact IC chip of the mobile communication terminal, and transmits the SSID of the access point and the URL of the content server to the mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal establishes communication with the access point and accesses the URL of the content server. Thereby, the mobile communication terminal can acquire content data from the content server via the access point.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification discloses a technique by which first and second communication devices can appropriately perform wireless communication of target data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first communication device disclosed by this specification includes a first type of interface that functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, a second type of interface, and a control unit. The control unit includes an interface control unit and a data communication unit. The interface control unit causes the first type of interface to execute a transmission operation using a first wireless connection established between the first communication device and the second communication device. The transmission operation includes an operation in which the first type of interface transmits network identification information used in a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong to the second communication device. After the first type of interface executes the transmission operation, the data communication unit uses the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong and performs wireless communication of target data to be communicated with the second communication device via the second type of interface with the second communication device.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the first type of interface that functions as an IC tag transmits network identification information used in the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong to the second communication device using the first wireless connection. In this way, since the network identification information is transmitted to the second communication device, the first communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device using the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong via the second type of interface. In particular, since the first type of interface is an interface that functions as an IC tag, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device using a relatively simple configuration.

[0007] The first communication device may further include a forming unit that, when receiving a specific signal including network identification information from the second communication device via the second type of interface, establishes a second wireless connection between the first and second communication devices via the second type of interface and forms a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. Yes. According to this configuration, when the first communication device receives a specific signal including the network identification information from the second communication device as a result of transmitting the network identification information to the second communication device, the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong can be appropriately formed. For this purpose, the first communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device using the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong.

[0008] The first communication device may selectively operate in any one of a plurality of states including a parent station state that functions as a parent station of a wireless network and a non-affiliated state that is a state of not belonging to the wireless network. The control unit further includes a state transition unit that, when a first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the non-affiliated state in a first case, transitions the state of the first communication device from the non-affiliated state to the parent station state to form a first wireless network to which only the first communication device belongs. After the first wireless network to which only the first communication device belongs is formed, when the forming unit receives a specific signal, it may establish a second wireless connection to form a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. According to this configuration, in the first case where a first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the non-affiliated state, the first communication device forms a first wireless network to which only the first communication device belongs, and then forms a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. The first communication device can appropriately form the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong.

[0009] The first type of interface may supply a specific notification to the control unit when the first wireless connection is established. In the first case, when a specific notification is acquired from the first type of interface, the interface control unit may generate network identification information and supply the network identification information to the first type of interface. According to this configuration, when the first wireless connection is established, a specific notification is supplied from the first type of interface to the control unit, so the control unit can know that the first wireless connection has been established. As a result, the generation of network identification information and the supply of the network identification information to the first type of interface are executed. For this reason, the first type of interface can appropriately transmit the network identification information to the second communication device when the first wireless connection is established.

[0010] In the first case, after the network identification information is generated, the state transition unit may transition the state of the first communication device from the unassociated state to the parent station state.

[0011] When the second wireless network in which the first communication device functions as a parent station disappears, the interface control unit may generate network identification information to be used in the first wireless network to be formed after the second wireless network, and supply the network identification information to the first type of interface. According to this configuration, when the second wireless network disappears, the generation of network identification information and the supply of the network identification information to the first type of interface are executed. For this reason, the first type of interface can appropriately transmit the network identification information to the second communication device when the first wireless connection is established.

[0012] The first type of interface may supply a specific notification to the control unit when the first wireless connection is established. In the first case, when a specific notification is acquired from the first type of interface, the state transition unit may transition the state of the first communication device from the unassociated state to the parent station state. According to this configuration, when the first wireless connection is established, since a specific notification is supplied from the first type of interface to the control unit, the control unit can know that the first wireless connection has been established. As a result, the transition from the unassociated state to the parent station state is executed. It is.

[0013] The first type of interface may supply a specific notification to the control unit when the first wireless connection is established. When a specific notification is acquired from the first type of interface, the interface control unit may supply network identification information to the first type of interface. According to this configuration, since a specific notification is supplied from the first type of interface to the control unit, the control unit can know that the first wireless connection has been established. Therefore, the interface control unit can supply network identification information to the first type of interface at an appropriate timing.

[0014] The interface control unit may further control the operation mode of the first type of interface so that the first wireless connection is established in a state where the operation mode of the first type of interface is the first mode. The first mode is a mode in which when the first type of interface receives a read command from outside the first communication device, the first type of interface executes an operation of transmitting information to the outside of the first communication device in response to the read command, and even when the first type of interface receives a write command from outside the first communication device, it may not execute an operation according to the write command. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress unnecessary information from being written to the first communication device.

[0015] The first type of interface may function as an IC tag compliant with the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The interface control unit may cause the first type of interface to execute a transmission operation using the first wireless connection compliant with the NFC standard. According to this configuration, since the first type of interface is an interface that functions as an IC tag compliant with the NFC standard, the first communication device can perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device using a relatively simple configuration.

[0016] The second type of interface may be an interface for performing wireless communication according to a specific standard different from the NFC standard. The interface control unit may cause the first type of interface to execute a transmission operation when the first wireless connection is established, whether or not the second communication device has an application for performing wireless communication of target data according to a specific standard. The data communication unit may perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device when the second communication device has an application, and may not perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device when the second communication device does not have an application. According to this configuration, the first type of interface transmits network identification information to the second communication device regardless of whether the second communication device has an application. However, the first communication device can appropriately change whether to perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device according to whether the second communication device has an application.

[0017] The control unit may further include a determination unit that determines whether the number of child station devices, which are devices in the child station state belonging to the first wireless network, matches a predetermined upper limit value in a second case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the parent station state and there exists a first wireless network in which the first communication device functions as the parent station. In the second case, when it is determined that the number of child station devices does not match the upper limit value, the interface control unit causes the first type of interface to perform a transmission operation, and the data communication unit may perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the second type of interface using the first wireless network. In the second case, when it is determined that the number of child station devices matches the upper limit value, the interface control unit does not cause the first type of interface to perform a transmission operation, and the data communication unit performs wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the first type of interface using the first wireless connection. According to this configuration, in the second case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the parent station state, the first communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the first type or the second type of interface according to whether the number of child station devices matches the upper limit value.

[0018] The plurality of states may further include a child station state in which the first communication device functions as a child station of the wireless network. In a third case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the child station state, the interface control unit does not cause the first type of interface to perform a transmission operation, and the data communication unit may perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the first type of interface using the first wireless connection. According to this configuration, in the third case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the child station state, the first communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the first type of interface.

[0019] The interface control unit may further control the operation mode of the first type of interface so that the first wireless connection is established in a state where the operation mode of the first type of interface is the first mode. The first mode is a mode in which when the first type of interface receives a read command from outside the first communication device, the first type of interface executes an operation of transmitting information to the outside of the first communication device in response to the read command, and even when the first type of interface receives a write command from outside the first communication device, it may not execute an operation corresponding to the write command. The interface control unit may further change the operation mode of the first type of interface from the first mode to the second mode when the first type of interface is not made to execute a transmission operation. The second mode may be a mode in which when a write command is received from outside the first communication device, information is received from the outside of the first communication device in response to the write command and supplied to the control unit. The data communication unit may receive target data from the second communication device via the first type of interface using the first wireless connection in a state where the operation mode of the first type of interface is the second mode. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress unnecessary information from being written to the first communication device. Further, when the first type of interface does not execute a transmission operation, the operation mode of the first type of interface is changed from the first mode to the second mode, so that the first communication device can appropriately receive target data from the second communication device via the first type of interface.

[0020] The communication speed of the wireless communication via the second type of interface may be faster than the communication speed of the wireless communication via the first type of interface. According to this configuration, the first communication device can quickly execute the wireless communication of the target data via the second type of interface.

[0021] The data communication unit may receive target data from a second communication device via a second type of interface using a first wireless network. The first communication device may further include a printing mechanism that executes printing of an image represented by the received target data. According to this configuration, the first communication device can receive target data from the second communication device and appropriately execute printing of an image.

[0022] A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above-described first and / or second communication devices are also novel and useful. Also, a communication system including the above-described first and second communication devices is also novel and useful.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Communication System 2) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10 and a mobile terminal 50. Although a PC (abbreviation for Personal Computer) 110 is shown in FIG. 1, the PC 110 is used in the third embodiment described later.

[0025] (Configuration of Printer 10) The printer 10 is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function (i.e., a peripheral device such as the PC 110). The printer 10 includes an operation panel 12, a display mechanism 14, a printing mechanism 16, a wireless LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) interface 20, and an IC (abbreviation for Integrated Circuit) tag interface 22, and a control unit 30. Each of the units 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). Hereinafter, an interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0026] The operation panel 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can give various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation panel 12. The display mechanism 14 is a display for displaying various information. The printing mechanism 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method.

[0027] The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an I / F for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "WFD communication") according to the WFD (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Direct) method. The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in the standard document "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD method is, for example, a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication according to the IEEE (abbreviation for The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto (e.g., 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.).

[0028] Hereinafter, a device (e.g., printer 10) capable of executing WFD communication according to the WFD method is referred to as a "WFD-compatible device". In the above WFD standard document, three states of the WFD-compatible device are defined as the Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as the "G / O state"), the client state (hereinafter referred to as the "CL state"), and the device state. The WFD-compatible device can usually selectively operate in one of the above three states.

[0029] When a pair of WFD-compatible devices in the device state should newly form a wireless network, the pair of WFD-compatible devices usually executes wireless communication called G / O negotiation. In G / O negotiation, one of the pair of WFD-compatible devices determines to become the G / O state (i.e., the G / O device), and the other determines to become the CL state (i.e., the CL device). Thereafter, the pair of WFD-compatible devices establishes a connection and forms a wireless network (i.e., the WFD network). In FIG. 3 and the like described later, the WFD network is described as "WFDNW".

[0030] At the stage when a WFD network is newly formed by G / O negotiation, only one G / O device and one CL device belong to the WFD network. However, the G / O device can establish a connection with another device and newly allow the other device to participate in the WFD network as a CL device. In this case, a state is reached where two or more CL devices belong to the WFD network. That is, in the WFD network, one G / O device and one or more CL devices can exist.

[0031] The G / O device manages one or more CL devices. Specifically, the G / O device registers the MAC addresses of one or more CL devices in a management list within the memory of the G / O device. Also, when a CL device disconnects from the WFD network, the G / O device deletes the MAC address of the CL device from the management list. Note that the upper limit value of the number of CL devices that the G / O device can manage (i.e., the upper limit value of the number of MAC addresses of CL devices that can be registered in the management list) is predetermined by the G / O device. Generally speaking, the above upper limit value may be any integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0032] The G / O device can perform wireless communication of target data with the CL devices registered in the management list without going through other devices. The target data is data that includes information in the network layer of the OSI reference model and information in layers higher than the network layer (e.g., the application layer), and includes, for example, print data, scan data, etc. Also, the G / O device can relay wireless communication of target data between multiple CL devices. In other words, a pair of CL devices can perform wireless communication of target data through the G / O device.

[0033] As described above, in the WFD network, wireless communication of target data can be performed between the WFD-compatible device that is the source of the target data and the WFD-compatible device that is the destination of the target data without going through an access point that is configured separately from these WFD-compatible devices. That is, it can be said that WFD communication and the WFD method are, respectively, wireless communication without going through an access point and a wireless communication method in which an access point is not used.

[0034] The G / O device is unable to perform wireless communication of target data with a WFD-capable device in the device state (i.e., the device device), but is able to perform wireless communication of connection data in the WFD mode with the device device. That is, the G / O device can establish a connection with the device device and allow the device device to participate in the WFD network by performing wireless communication of connection data in the WFD mode with the device device. In other words, the device device can establish a connection with the G / O device and participate in the WFD network by performing wireless communication of connection data in the WFD mode with the G / O device. In this case, the device device transitions from the device state to the CL state. The connection data in the WFD mode is data that includes information from layers lower than the network layer of the OSI reference model (e.g., the physical layer, the data link layer) (i.e., data that does not include network layer information), and includes, for example, Probe Request signals, Probe Response signals, Provision Discovery Request signals, Provision Discovery Response signals, Association Request signals, Association Response signals, Authentication Request signals, Authentication Response signals, 4-Way Handshake signals, etc.

[0035] Note that the G / O device can also establish a connection with a device that is unable to perform WFD communication according to the WFD mode (hereinafter referred to as a "legacy device") and allow the legacy device to participate in the WFD network. When the G / O device establishes a connection with a legacy device, it describes the MAC address of the legacy device in the management list. Thereby, the legacy device can participate in the WFD network. The legacy device does not selectively operate in any of the three states (i.e., the G / O state, the CL state, the device state), but operates in a state similar to that of a CL device while belonging to the WFD network.

[0036] The printer 10 is a WFD-compatible device, but in this embodiment, it cannot operate in the CL state. Also, the printer 10 does not have a program for executing G / O negotiation with other WFD-compatible devices. That is, the printer 10 can selectively operate in one of two states, the G / O state and the device state.

[0037] The IC tag I / F 22 is an I / F for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "NFC communication") according to the NFC (Near Field Communication) method for so-called short-range wireless communication. The NFC method is a wireless communication method based on, for example, the international standard specifications of ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092. As types of I / Fs for executing NFC communication, an I / F called an NFC Forum Device and an I / F called an NFC Forum Tag are known. The IC tag I / F 22 is an NFC Forum Tag and functions as an IC tag of the NFC standard (i.e., ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092).

[0038] The NFC Forum Device can operate in any one of the P2P (Peer To Peer) mode, the R / W (Reader / Writer) mode, and the CE (Card Emulation) mode. The "D" is an interface that can operate selectively. For example, when both the NFC I / F of the first device and the NFC I / F of the second device operate in the P2P mode, the first and second devices can perform two-way communication of information. Also, for example, when the NFC I / F of the first device operates in the Reader mode among the R / W modes and the NFC I / F of the second device operates in the CE mode, the first device can read information from the second device, that is, receive information from the second device. Also, for example, when the NFC I / F of the first device operates in the Writer mode among the R / W modes and the NFC I / F of the second device operates in the CE mode, the first device can write information to the second device, that is, transmit information to the second device.

[0039] The NFC Forum tag (i.e., the IC tag I / F 22) is not an interface that can operate selectively in any of the above three modes, but is an interface that functions only as an IC tag. For example, when the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 operates in the Reader mode among the R / W modes, the mobile terminal 50 can read information from the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10, that is, receive information from the printer 10. Also, for example, when the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 operates in the Writer mode among the R / W modes, the mobile terminal 50 can write information to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10, that is, transmit information to the printer 10.

[0040] Since the NFC Forum tag (i.e., the IC tag I / F 22) is not an interface that can operate selectively in any of the above three modes, it has a simpler configuration than the NFC Forum device (i.e., the configuration of the IC chip is simple). Generally speaking, the IC chip that functions as an NFC Forum tag is less expensive than the IC chip that functions as an NFC Forum device.

[0041] Note that the method of supplying power to the IC tag I / F 22 may be either a so-called passive type or active type. The passive type is configured to receive radio waves from the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 to generate power and activate the circuit of the IC chip in the IC tag I / F 22. Since the passive type IC tag I / F has a simpler structure compared to the active type IC tag I / F, it is relatively inexpensive and can achieve miniaturization of the I / F itself. However, the passive type IC tag I / F has the characteristic that it can achieve a shorter communication distance compared to the active type IC tag I / F. On the other hand, the active type is configured to receive power supply from the power supply in the IC tag I / F or the power supply in the printer 10 to activate the circuit of the IC chip in the IC tag I / F 22. The active type IC tag I / F is expensive compared to the passive type IC tag I / F and has the characteristic that it can achieve a longer communication distance.

[0042] In this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 includes a buffer memory (not shown) for temporarily storing the information supplied from the control unit 30 in order to transmit the information to an external device (for example, the mobile terminal 50). However, the IC tag I / F 22 does not include a RAM for storing the information supplied from the control unit 30 over a long period (for example, the period until other information is supplied from the control unit 30). Note that in the second embodiment described later, the IC tag I / F 22 includes a RAM 24 (see FIG. 5).

[0043] As operation modes of the IC tag I / F 22, there are a ReadOnly mode and a Writable mode. The ReadOnly mode is a mode in which, when the IC tag I / F 22 receives an NFC-standard read command from an external device (e.g., the mobile terminal 50), it executes an operation of transmitting information to the external device in response to the read command (hereinafter referred to as "read response operation"). However, the ReadOnly mode is a mode in which the IC tag I / F 22 does not execute an operation corresponding to the write command (hereinafter referred to as "write response operation") even when it receives a write command from an external device. On the other hand, the Writable mode is a mode that executes both the read response operation and the write response operation.

[0044] The above-described write response operation is, for example, an operation of supplying the information to the control unit 30 when information is received from an external device together with a write command. In the ReadOnly mode, since the write response operation is not executed, the information received from the external device is not supplied to the control unit 30. As a result, it is possible to suppress the information in the memory 36 for IC tag in the control unit 30 from being overwritten by the information received from the external device. Also, in the second embodiment described later, it is possible to suppress the information in the RAM 24 of the IC tag I / F 22 from being overwritten by the information received from the external device.

[0045] Here, the differences between the wireless LAN I / F 20 and the IC tag I / F 22 will be described. The communication speed of wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the IC tag I / F 22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps). Also, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, the 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is different from the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the IC tag I / F 22 (for example, the 13.56 MHz band). Further, for example, when the distance between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is about 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can perform NFC communication with the mobile terminal 50 via the IC tag I / F 22. On the other hand, whether the distance between the printer 10 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 WFD communication with the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. That is, the maximum distance at which the printer 10 can perform wireless communication with a destination device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) via the wireless LAN I / F 20 is greater than the maximum distance at which the printer 10 can perform wireless communication with the destination device via the IC tag I / F 22.

[0046] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32, a main memory 34, and an IC tag memory 36. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the main memory 34. The main memory 34 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, etc. The main memory 34 stores not only the above programs but also various data generated or acquired in the process of the printer 10 executing various processes. The IC tag memory 36 is a memory for storing data to be supplied to the IC tag I / F 22.

[0047] (Configuration of the mobile terminal 50) The mobile terminal 50 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music player, a portable video player, etc. The mobile terminal 50 includes a wireless LAN I / F and an NFC I / F (not shown).

[0048] The mobile terminal 50 is a WFD-compatible device and can selectively operate in any one of three states: the G / O state, the CL state, and the device state. Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 can execute WFD communication via the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50.

[0049] Note that in a modified example, the mobile terminal 50 may be a legacy device instead of a WFD-compatible device. Even with this configuration, the mobile terminal 50 can establish a connection with a G / O device (e.g., the printer 10) and participate in the WFD network.

[0050] Also, the mobile terminal 50 can execute NFC communication via the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50. Note that the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 is the above-described NFC Forum device and can operate at least according to the R / W mode.

[0051] (Processing executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10; FIGS. 2 and 3) Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the processing executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the processing executed by the CPU 32, and FIG. 3 shows a specific example realized by the flowchart of FIG. 2.

[0052] When the printer 10 is powered on (i.e., when the printer 10 is started up), the printer 10 is not connected to any wireless network and is in the device state of the WFD standard. When the printer 10 is powered on, the CPU 32 stores a value indicating the device state (hereinafter referred to as the "WFD state value") as a value indicating the state of the printer 10 in the main memory 34.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, when the power of the printer 10 is turned on, the CPU 32 (i.e., the control unit 30) of the printer 10 supplies a mode setting instruction to the IC tag I / F 22 to set the operation mode of the IC tag I / F 22 to the ReadOnly mode. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the information in the IC tag memory 36 of the control unit 30 from being overwritten by the information received from an external device (for example, the mobile terminal 50). As a result, although details will be described later, the printer 10 can appropriately supply the information (WFDWSI described later) in the IC tag memory 36 to the mobile terminal 50.

[0054] The IC tag I / F 22 emits a detection radio wave for detecting a device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) capable of executing NFC communication. The NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 also emits a detection radio wave for detecting a device (for example, the printer 10) capable of executing NFC communication. When the user brings the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 close to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10, the distance between the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 and the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 becomes smaller than the distance at which radio waves can reach each other (for example, 10 cm). In this case, one of the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 receives the detection radio wave from the other and transmits a response radio wave.

[0055] Next, wireless communication for establishing an NFC connection (i.e., a wireless connection in the NFC method) is executed between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50. In the process of the wireless communication, the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 transmits type information indicating that it functions as an IC tag conforming to the NFC standard (i.e., that it is an I / F of an NFC Forum tag) to the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can know that the communication partner (i.e., the printer 10) is an NFC Forum tag.

[0056] ​When an NFC connection is established between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 determines which mode of the R / W mode it should operate in. Regarding which mode of the R / W mode the mobile terminal 50 should operate in, it is determined in advance by a program (for example, an application) installed in the mobile terminal 50. For example, when a printing application for causing the printer 10 to execute a printing function is already installed in the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Reader mode of the R / W mode according to the printing application. On the other hand, when the printing application is not installed in the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 may determine to operate in the Reader mode of the R / W mode according to an application different from the printing application or according to the operation system (that is, OS) of the mobile terminal 50, or may determine to operate in the Writer mode of the R / W mode.

[0057] When the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Reader mode of the R / W mode, it transmits a read command to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10. Also, when the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Writer mode of the R / W mode, it transmits a write command to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10.

[0058] The IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 does not execute a write response operation even when receiving a write command from the mobile terminal 50. This is because the operation mode of the IC tag I / F 22 is set to the ReadOnly mode. On the other hand, when the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the mobile terminal 50, it executes a read response operation. Specifically, the IC tag I / F 22 first supplies a specific notification for notifying that an NFC connection has been established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 to the control unit 30.

[0059] As shown in S10 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 monitors for obtaining a specific notification from the IC tag I / F 22. When the CPU 32 obtains a specific notification from the IC tag I / F 22 (YES in S10), it proceeds to S12.

[0060] In S12, the CPU 32 generates wireless setting information used in the WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong. Hereinafter, the wireless setting information used in the WFD network is referred to as "WFDWSI". The WFDWSI includes an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier), a BSSID (abbreviation for Basic Service Set Identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password. The SSID and the BSSID are identification information for identifying the WFD network. More specifically, the SSID is the network identifier of the WFD network, and the BSSID is the MAC address of the printer 10. The authentication method, the encryption method, and the password are information for performing device authentication, data encryption, etc. in the WFD network. In FIG. 3, "X1" is shown as a specific value of the SSID.

[0061] The CPU 32 newly generates the SSID and the password by randomly generating a character string. However, the BSSID, the authentication method, and the encryption method are information determined in advance and are not information newly generated by the CPU 32. The CPU 32 writes the generated WFDWSI into the IC tag memory 36.

[0062] Next, in S14, the CPU 32 supplies the WFDWSI in the IC tag memory 36 to the IC tag I / F 22. As a result, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (i.e., the NFC connection used for communication of the read command). When the WFDWSI is transmitted from the IC tag I / F 22, the NFC connection is disconnected.

[0063] As described above, since the IC tag I / F 22 is set to the ReadOnly mode, even if a write command is received from the mobile terminal 50 after the WFDWSI is stored in the IC tag memory 36 (for example, even if a write command transmitted by an application other than the printing application of the mobile terminal 50 is received), the WFDWSI in the IC tag memory 36 can be prevented from being overwritten by other information. For this reason, the printer 10 can appropriately transmit the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50.

[0064] Subsequently, in S16, the CPU 32 changes the state of the printer 10 from the device state to the G / O state. In S16, the CPU 32 spontaneously shifts the state of the printer 10 to the G / O state without executing G / O negotiation. Specifically, the CPU 32 first changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from the value indicating the device state to the value indicating the G / O state. Next, the CPU 32 generates a management list in the main memory 34 in which the MAC address of the CL device should be described. At the stage of S16, no MAC address is described in the management list. That is, at the stage of S16, the CPU 32 forms a WFD network to which only the printer 10, which is a G / O device, belongs.

[0065] As shown in Case A of FIG. 3, when the printing application is already installed in the mobile terminal 50, when the mobile terminal 50 receives the WFDWSI from the printer 10, the mobile terminal 50 uses the WFDWSI to execute a process for establishing a wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as "WFD connection") with the printer 10, which is a G / O device. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a Probe Request signal including the SSID included in the WFDWSI via the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50. On the other hand, as shown in Case B of FIG. 3 If the printing application is not installed on the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 can operate in Reader mode to receive the WFDWSI from the printer 10, but does not send a Probe Request signal. This is because the printing application for interpreting the WFDWSI and sending the Probe Request signal is not installed.

[0066] In S18 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 monitors receiving a Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" via the wireless LAN I / F 20. The CPU 32 When receiving a Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" (i.e., in case A of FIG. 3), it determines YES in S18 and proceeds to S20. On the other hand, after the printer 10 transitions to the G / O state in S16, when a predetermined period elapses in a state where the CPU 32 does not receive a Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" (i.e., in case B of FIG. 3), it determines NO in S18 and skips S20 to S24 (i.e., without executing the receiving process and printing process of the print data) and proceeds to S26.

[0067]

[0068] In S20, the CPU 32 executes a process for establishing a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 50 (i.e., a process for allowing the mobile terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network where the printer 10 is a G / O device). Specifically, the CPU 32 executes communication of subsequent data such as a Probe Response signal, an Authentication Request signal, and an Authentication Response signal with the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20.

[0068] During the communication process of the above connection data, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the authentication method, encryption method, password, etc. included in the WFDWSI to the printer 10. Then, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executes the authentication of the mobile terminal 50. Since the WFDWSI is transmitted from the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 50, authentication usually succeeds. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the wireless LAN I / F 20 of the printer 10 and the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50.

[0069] When the WFD connection is established, the CPU 32 describes the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 in the management list. Thereby, the mobile terminal 50 participates as a CL device in the WFD network where the printer 10 is a G / O device. That is, the CPU 32 forms the WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong.

[0070] When the WFD connection is established, the mobile terminal 50 (i.e., the printing application) uses the WFD network to transmit the print data to the printer 10 via the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50. Since the mobile terminal 50 is a CL device and the printer 10 is a G / O device, the print data is directly transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the printer 10 without passing through other devices. The print data is data specified as the printing target by the user of the mobile terminal 50, and is, for example, an image file, a document file, or the like.

[0071] In S22, the CPU 32 uses the WFD network to receive the print data from the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Then, in S24, the CPU 32 supplies the print data to the printing mechanism 16. Thereby, the printing mechanism 16 prints the image represented by the print data on the printing medium.

[0072] Since the print data is an image file or the like, it has a relatively large data size. And the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than that of WFD communication. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which wireless communication of print data is performed between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 using NFC communication, it takes a long time for the wireless communication of the print data. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 perform wireless communication of print data using WFD communication, the wireless communication of the print data can be executed quickly.

[0073] In S26, the CPU 32 changes the state of the printer 10 from the G / O state to the device state. That is, the CPU 32 changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from the value indicating the G / O state to the value indicating the device state. Next, the CPU 32 deletes the management list from the main memory 34. Thereby, the WFD network disappears. After finishing S26, the CPU 32 returns to S10.

[0074] (Effect of the First Embodiment) According to the printer 10 of this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 that functions as an IC tag compliant with the NFC standard transmits a WFD WSI including the SSID "X1" to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (that is, by executing NFC communication). Then, the printer 10 shifts to the G / O state and forms a WFD network to which only the printer 10 belongs. When the printer 10 receives a Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" from the mobile terminal 50, the printer 10 establishes a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 and forms a WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong. Next, the printer 10 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network (that is, by executing WFD communication). The printer 10 prints the image represented by the print data on the print medium. Thereby, the printed print medium can be provided to the user of the mobile terminal 50.

[0075] As mentioned above, the NFC Forum tag (i.e., IC tag I / F22) supports the NFC Forum. It has a simpler configuration than a RAM device (i.e., the IC chip configuration is simple). Therefore, compared to the case where an NFC Forum device is used as an I / F for performing NFC communication, the printer 10 of this embodiment can be realized with a simpler configuration. As a result, for example, the printer 10 can be manufactured relatively inexpensively.

[0076] In addition, as in a second embodiment described later, if the IC tag I / F 22 has a RAM, the CPU 32 needs to write the WFDWSI to the RAM in the IC tag I / F 22 in S14 of Fig. 2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 does not have a RAM, so the CPU 32 does not need to write the WFDWSI to the RAM in the IC tag I / F 22 in S14 of Fig. 2. Therefore, the process of S14 can be executed quickly, and as a result, the WFDWSI can be supplied from the printer 10 to the portable terminal 50 quickly.

[0077] (Correspondence) The printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are examples of a "first communication device" and a "second communication device." The IC tag I / F 22 and the wireless LAN I / F 20 are examples of a "first type of interface" and a "second type of interface," respectively. An operation of transmitting a WFDWSI including the SSID "X1" to the mobile terminal 50 is an example of a "transmission operation." Print data is an example of "target data." The WFD standard is an example of a "specific standard." The ReadOnly mode is an example of a "first mode." The NFC connection and the WFD connection are examples of a "first wireless connection" and a "second wireless connection," respectively. The G / O state and the device state are examples of a "parent station state" and a "non-associated state," respectively. The WFD network, the SSID "X1," and the Probe Request signal are examples of a "first wireless network" and a "network identification information," respectively. A "report" is an example of a "specific signal". A printing application is an example of an "application". The processes of S12 and S14 in FIG. 2 are examples of processes executed by the "interface control unit". The processes of S16, S20, and S22 are examples of processes executed by the "state transition unit", "formation unit", and "data communication unit", respectively.

[0078] (Second Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 includes a RAM 24 for storing information supplied from the control unit 30 over a long period of time.

[0079] (Processes Executed by the CPU 32 of the Printer 10; FIGS. 4 to 6) With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the content of the processes executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 in this embodiment will be described. Different from the first embodiment, when the power of the printer 10 is turned on, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 (i.e., the control unit 30) generates a WFD WSI and supplies the generated WFD WSI to the IC tag I / F 22. The method of generating the WFD WSI is the same as that of S12 in FIG. 2. In FIG. 5, "X1" is shown as a specific value of the SSID included in the WFD WSI generated when the power of the printer 10 is turned on. The IC tag I / F 22 stores the WFD WSI in the RAM 24.

[0080] Each process S10 to S26 in FIG. 4 is the same as each process S10 to S26 in FIG. 2, but the order of each process is different. As shown in FIG. 5, the state in which an NFC connection is established between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 and then a read command is communicated using the NFC connection is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0081] When the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the portable terminal 50, it supplies a specific notification to the control unit 30. As a result, the CPU 32 judges YES in S10 of Fig. 4 and proceeds to S16. In this embodiment, when the result of S10 is YES, the CPU 32 generates the WFDWSI (S12) and supplies the WFDWSI to the IC tag I / F 22. The controller 30 does not execute the step of supplying the WFDWSI (S14) because the WFDWSI is supplied to the IC tag I / F 22 when the printer 10 is powered on or when processing S14 described below is performed, and the WFDWSI is already stored in the RAM 24 of the IC tag I / F 22. Therefore, when the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the portable terminal 50, it transmits the WFDWSI (i.e., SSID "X1") in the RAM 24 to the portable terminal 50 without acquiring the WFDWSI from the controller 30.

[0082] The processes of S16 to S26 in Fig. 4 are the same as the processes of S16 to S26 in Fig. 2. When the processes of S16 to S26 in Fig. 4 are executed, as shown in Fig. 5, a WFD network to which only the printer 10 belongs is formed, a WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong is formed, and communication of print data is executed, and then the WFD networks disappear.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 32 finishes S26 (i.e., when the WFD network disappears), it generates a WFDWSI (S12) and supplies the WFDWSI to the IC tag I / F 22 (S14). In S12, the CPU 32 generates an SSID and a password by randomly generating a character string. Therefore, the SSID and password generated in S12 are different from the SSID and password generated when the power is turned on (or when S12 was previously executed). In FIG. 6, "X2" is shown as a specific value of the SSID generated in S12. The IC tag I / F 22 deletes the WFDWSI in the RAM 24 (i.e., the WFDWSI generated when the power is turned on) and stores a new WFDWSI (i.e., the WFDWSI supplied in S14) in the RAM 24.

[0084] When the CPU 32 finishes S14 in FIG. 5, it returns to S10. As shown in FIG. 6, when an NFC connection is re-established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the WFD WSI (i.e., the SSID "X2") in the RAM 24 to the mobile terminal 50. The subsequent processing is the same as that in FIG. 5 except that the SSID "X2" is used instead of the SSID "X1".

[0085] (Effect of the Second Embodiment) Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in this embodiment, since the IC tag I / F 22 includes the RAM 24, the WFD WSI can be stored in the RAM 24 in advance before the NFC connection is established. For this reason, when the NFC connection is established, the IC tag I / F 22 can quickly transmit the WFD WSI in the RAM 24 to the mobile terminal 50 without acquiring the WFD WSI from the control unit 30.

[0086] (Corresponding Relationship) In this embodiment, the WFD network in FIG. 5 and the WFD network in FIG. 6 are examples of the "second wireless network" and the "first wireless network", respectively. Also, the SSID "X2" is an example of the "network identification information".

[0087] (Third Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 does not include a RAM as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the printer 10 selectively operates in either one of two states, the G / O state and the device state. In contrast, in this embodiment, the printer 10 selectively operates in any one of three states, the G / O state, the CL state, and the device state. For example, the printer 10 can execute G / O negotiation with a device different from the printer 10 and determine that the printer 10 becomes a CL device.

[0088] (Processing Executed by the CPU 32 of the Printer 10; FIGS. 7 and 8) Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the content of the process executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described. When the user desires to form a WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong, the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation panel 12 of the printer 10 and a predetermined operation on the PC 110. Thereby, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executes G / O negotiation with the PC 110 via the wireless LAN I / F 20.

[0089] In the G / O negotiation, the CPU 32 transmits information indicating the G / O priority of the printer 10 (more specifically, the Intent value) to the PC 110 and receives information indicating the G / O priority of the PC 110 from the PC 110. The G / O priority of the printer 10 is an index indicating the degree to which the printer 10 should enter the G / O state, and is predetermined in the printer 10. Similarly, the G / O priority of the PC 110 is an index indicating the degree to which the PC 110 should enter the G / O state, and is predetermined in the PC 110.

[0090] The CPU 32 compares the G / O priority of the printer 10 with the G / O priority of the PC 110, determines that the device with the higher priority enters the G / O state, and determines that the device with the lower priority enters the CL state. In case C of FIG. 8, it is determined that the printer 10 enters the G / O state and the PC 110 enters the CL state. That is, the CPU 32 changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from a value indicating the device state to a value indicating the G / O state. Further, the CPU 32 generates a management list including the MAC address of the PC 110 in the main memory 34. In case D, it is determined that the printer 10 enters the CL state and the PC 110 enters the G / O state. That is, the CPU 32 changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from a value indicating the device state to a value indicating the CL state.

[0091] When the printer 10 becomes a G / O device (i.e., case C), the printer 10 (i.e., the CPU 32) generates a WFD WSI. Then, the CPU 32 supplies the generated WFD WSI to the PC 110 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the PC 110, and a WFD network to which the printer 10 as a G / O device and the PC 110 as a CL device belong is formed.

[0092] On the other hand, when the printer 10 becomes a CL device (i.e., case D), the PC 110 generates a WFD WSI. Then, the CPU 32 receives the WFD WSI from the PC 110 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the PC 110, and a WFD network to which the printer 10 as a CL device and the PC 110 as a G / O device belong is formed.

[0093] When a WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong is formed as in case C or D above, the printer 10 can receive print data from the PC 110 using the WFD network and execute a printing process.

[0094] In the first or second embodiment, an NFC connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 while the state of the printer 10 is the device state, but an NFC connection is not established while the state of the printer 10 is the G / O state or the CL state. In contrast, in this embodiment, since a WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong can be formed, an NFC connection can also be established while the state of the printer 10 is the G / O state or the CL state.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, the state in which an NFC connection is established between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFC I / F of the mobile terminal 50 and then a read command is communicated using the NFC connection is the same as that in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

[0096] When the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the mobile terminal 50, it supplies a specific notification to the control unit 30. As a result, the CPU 32 determines YES at S10 in FIG. 7 and proceeds to S50.

[0097] At S50, the CPU 32 determines whether the current state of the printer 10 is the device state. Specifically, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 indicates the device state, the CPU 32 determines YES at S50 and proceeds to S12. Each process from S12 to S26 is the same as each process from S12 to S26 in FIG. 2.

[0098] On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 indicates the G / O state or the CL state, the CPU 32 determines NO at S50 and proceeds to S52. At S52, the CPU 32 determines whether the current state of the printer 10 is the CL state. Specifically, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 indicates the CL state (i.e., case D in FIG. 8), the CPU 32 determines YES at S52 and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 indicates the G / O state (i.e., case C in FIG. 8), the CPU 32 determines NO at S52 and proceeds to S54.

[0099] At S54, the CPU 32 determines whether the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD network in which the printer 10 is a G / O device matches a predetermined upper limit value. Specifically, the CPU 32 first reads the number of MAC addresses described in the management list in the main memory 34 to identify the number of CL devices. Then, when the number of CL devices matches the upper limit value, the CPU 32 determines YES at S54 and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the number of CL devices does not match the upper limit value, that is, when the number of CL devices is less than the upper limit value, the CPU 32 determines NO at S54 and proceeds to S56.

[0100] In S56, the CPU 32 writes the WFD WSI (i.e., the WFD WSI generated by the printer 10 after the above G / O negotiation) currently used in the WFD network where the printer 10 is a G / O device into the memory 36 for IC tag. Then, the CPU 32 supplies the WFD WSI in the memory 36 for IC tag to the IC tag I / F 22. As a result, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the WFD WSI to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection.

[0101] When the CPU 32 finishes S56, it proceeds to S18. When the CPU 32 receives a Probe Request signal from the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S18), the printer 10 and the PC 110 allow the mobile terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network to which they belong (S20), receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network (S22), and execute a printing process (S24). Note that even after the CPU 32 finishes S24, it does not shift from the G / O state to the device state (i.e., it does not execute the process of S26). This is because if the process of S26 is executed, the WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong will disappear, and the printer 10 will not be able to receive print data from the PC 110.

[0102] In this embodiment, in the WFD network, a security policy is adopted in which the G / O device has the authority to allow other devices to participate in the WFD network, while the CL device does not have the authority to allow other devices to participate in the WFD network. Therefore, when YES in S52, that is, when an NFC connection is established while the state of the printer 10 is the CL state, the printer 10 cannot allow the mobile terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network. For this reason, in S58, the CPU 32 does not supply the WFD WSI used in the WFD network where the printer 10 is a CL device to the IC tag I / F 22, and instead supplies information indicating that WFD communication cannot be executed (hereinafter referred to as "unavailable information") to the IC tag Supply it to the IC tag I / F 22. Specifically, in S58, the CPU 32 writes unreadable information to the IC tag memory 36 and supplies the unreadable information in the IC tag memory 36 to the IC tag I / F 22. As a result, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the unreadable information to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection.

[0103] Also, when the answer in S54 is YES, that is, when the NFC connection is established while the state of the printer 10 is the G / O state and the number of CL devices matches the upper limit value, the CPU 32 cannot increase the number of CL devices to be managed any further, so the mobile terminal 50 cannot be made to participate in the WFD network. Also in this case, in S58, the CPU 32 supplies the unreadable information to the IC tag I / F 22.

[0104] Next, in S60, the CPU 32 supplies a mode change instruction to the IC tag I / F 22 and changes the operation mode of the IC tag I / F 22 from the ReadOnly mode to the Writable mode.

[0105] When the mobile terminal 50 (that is, the printing application) receives unreadable information from the printer 10, it determines that it should transmit print data to the printer 10 using NFC communication instead of WFD communication. Then, the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Writer mode among the R / W modes and transmits an NFC standard write command and print data to the printer 10 using the NFC connection.

[0106] Since the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 is operating in the Writable mode (see S60), when it receives a write command from the mobile terminal 50, it executes a write response operation according to the write command. Specifically, the IC tag I / F 22 supplies the print data to the control unit 30. As a result, in S62, the CPU 32 receives the print data from the mobile terminal 50 via the IC tag I / F 22.

[0107] Next, in S64, the CPU 32 executes printing processing (the same processing as S24). Subsequently, in S66, the CPU 32 supplies a mode change instruction to the IC tag I / F 22 to change the operation mode of the IC tag I / F 22 from the Writable mode to the ReadOnly mode. When the CPU 32 finishes S66, it returns to S10.

[0108] (Effect of the Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, when an NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the device state (YES in S50 of FIG. 7), similar to the first embodiment, the printer 10 transmits the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50 (S14), forms a WFD network to which only the printer 10 as a G / O device belongs (S16), and then forms a WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (S20). For this reason, the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network (S22) and appropriately execute the printing process (S24).

[0109] When an NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the G / O state (NO in S52 of FIG. 7), the printer 10 determines whether the number of CL devices matches the upper limit value (S54). When it is determined that the number of CL devices does not match the upper limit value (NO in S54), the printer 10 transmits the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50 (S56) and forms a WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (S20). For this reason, the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network (S22) and appropriately execute the printing process (S24).

[0110] On the other hand, when the printer 10 determines that the number of CL devices matches the upper limit value ( YES in S54), it transmits non - available information to the mobile terminal 50 (S58), receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (S62), and can appropriately execute the printing process (S64).

[0111] Also, when an NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the CL state (YES in S52 of FIG. 7), the printer 10 transmits unavailability information to the mobile terminal 50 (S58), receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (S62), and can appropriately execute the printing process (S64).

[0112] As described above, the printer 10 can appropriately execute the printing process by executing appropriate processing according to the state of the printer 10. In particular, when the printer 10 should receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (YES in S52 or YES in S54), the printer 10 changes the operation mode of the IC tag I / F 22 to the Writable mode (S60), so that the printer 10 can appropriately receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (S62).

[0113] Note that when receiving print data using the NFC connection (S62), it takes a longer time to communicate the print data compared to when receiving print data using the WFD connection (S22). However, for example, in a so-called label printer that can print on a relatively small printing medium such as a label like a laminate film, rather than a normal printer that can print on a relatively large printing medium such as A4-size printing paper, since the data size of the print data is relatively small, even if a configuration for receiving print data using the NFC connection is adopted, it is possible to suppress making the user feel dissatisfied with the long communication time of the print data. That is, the printer 10 may be a normal printer, but is preferably a label printer.

[0114] (Corresponding relationship) The Read-Only mode and the Writable mode are examples of the "First Mode" and the "Second Mode", respectively. The case of YES in S50, the case of NO in S52, and the case of YES in S52 are examples of the "First Case", the "Second Case", and the "Third Case", respectively. The CL state is an example of the "sub-station state". Not only the process of S14 but also the process of S56 is an example of the process executed by the "Interface Control Unit". Also, the process of S54 is an example of the process executed by the "Judgment Unit".

[0115] 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.

[0116] (Modification Example 1) The "First Communication Device" is not limited to the printer 10, and may be a scanner, a copier, a multifunction device, a mobile terminal, a PC, a server, etc. For example, in a modification example where a scanner is an example of the "First Communication Device", the CPU of the scanner may transmit scan data to the mobile terminal via the wireless LAN I / F using the WFD network to which the scanner and the mobile terminal belong. In this modification example, the scan data is an example of the "target data". Also, for example, in an embodiment where a PC is an example of the "First Communication Device", the CPU of the PC may transmit a data file (e.g., a document file, etc.) in the PC to the mobile terminal via the wireless LAN I / F using the WFD network to which the PC and the mobile terminal belong. In this modification example, the data file is an example of the "target data". Also, the "Second Communication Device" is not limited to the mobile terminal 50, and may be a printer, a scanner, a copier, a multifunction device, a PC, a server, etc.

[0117] (Modification Example 2) The "Second Type of Interface" is a wireless LAN for executing WFD communication Not limited to the I / F20, for example, it may be a wireless LAN I / F for performing wireless communication via an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP"). In this modification example, when the CPU32 of the printer 10 belongs to a specific wireless network formed by the AP, it may use the NFC connection to transmit the SSID of the specific wireless network to the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the mobile terminal 50 may transmit a Probe Request message including the SSID to the AP and participate in the specific wireless network. Also in this case, the CPU32 of the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the specific wireless network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (i.e., via the AP). message to the AP and participate in the specific wireless network. Also in this case, the CPU32 of the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the specific wireless network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (i.e., via the AP).

[0118] (Modification Example 3) The "second type of interface" is not limited to the wireless LAN I / F20, and for example, it may be a BTI / F for performing wireless communication of Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this modification example, the passkey (i.e., PIN) used in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) wireless network is an example of the "network identification information". When the communication speed of NFC communication can be increased, the communication speed of wireless communication via the BTI / F may be slower than the communication speed of wireless communication via the NFCI / F22. Generally speaking, the communication speed of wireless communication via the second type of interface may be faster or slower than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type of interface.

[0119] (Modification Example 4) In FIG. 2, the CPU32 of the printer 10 may execute the process of S16 and then execute the process of S14. Generally speaking, the CPU32 may, as in each of the above embodiments, generate the SSID in the process of S12 and then shift the state of the printer 10 from the device state to the G / O state in the process of S14, or, as in this modification example, shift the state of the printer 10 from the device state to the G / O state in the process of S14 and then generate the SSID in the process of S12.

[0120] (Modification Example 5) In S16 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 forms a wireless network by shifting the state of the printer 10 from the device state of the WFD standard to the G / O state. Instead of this, the CPU 32 may form a wireless network in which the printer 10 operates as an AP by starting a so-called SoftAP. In this modification example, in S12, the CPU 32 generates wireless setting information (SSID, BSSID, etc.) used in the wireless network, and in S14, supplies the wireless setting information to the IC tag I / F 22. Also in this modification example, S18 to S24 are executed in the same manner. In S26, the CPU 32 stops the SoftAP. In this modification example, the state in which the SoftAP is started is an example of the "parent station state".

[0121] (Modification Example 6) In the above-described embodiment, each process of FIGS. 2, 4, or 7 is realized by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executing a program (i.e., software) in the main memory 34. Instead of this, at least one of the processes of FIGS. 2, 4, or 7 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0122] 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 exemplified in this specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects simultaneously, and has technical utility by achieving one of those objects itself.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0123] 2: Communication system, 10: Printer, 12: Operation panel, 14: Display mechanism, 16: Printing mechanism, 20: Wireless LAN I / F, 22: IC tag I / F, 30: Control unit, 34: Main memory, 36: Memory for IC tag, 50: Mobile terminal, 110: PC

Claims

1. A first communication device, comprising: a first type of interface that functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag; a second type of interface; a control unit, wherein the control unit includes a first determination unit that determines whether the state of the first communication device is a slave station state in which it functions as a slave station of a wireless network or a master station state in which it functions as a master station of the wireless network; when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the master station state, a first interface control unit that causes the first type of interface established between the first communication device and the second communication device to execute a first transmission operation using the wireless connection via the first type of interface, wherein the first transmission operation includes an operation in which the first type of interface transmits specific information to the second communication device, and the specific information is information used when allowing the second communication device to participate in a first wireless network via the second type of interface formed by the first communication device operating as a master station; a first data communication unit that, after the specific information is transmitted to the second communication device, executes wireless communication of target data of a communication target with the second communication device that has already participated in the first wireless network via the second type of interface using the first wireless network; and when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, even if the wireless connection via the first type of interface is established, the second communication device does not participate in the wireless network in which the first communication device operates as a slave station, and wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device via the second type of interface is not executed. The control unit further includes a second data communication unit that, when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, executes wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device using the wireless connection via the first type of interface. The first communication device.

2. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, the first type of interface does not execute the first transmission operation.

3. The control unit further When it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, a second interface control unit that causes the first type of interface to execute a second transmission operation using the wireless connection via the first type of interface, wherein the second transmission operation includes an operation of transmitting, to the second communication device, unavailability information indicating that the first type of interface is unable to execute communication via the second type of interface. The first communication device according to claim 2, comprising the second interface control unit.

4. The control unit further comprises a second determination unit that determines whether the state of the first communication device is an unassigned state of not belonging to a wireless network, The first interface control unit causes the first type of interface to execute the first transmission operation when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the unassigned state. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit further comprises a state transition unit that, when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the unassigned state, transitions the state of the first communication device to a master station state that functions as the master station of the first wireless network. The first communication device according to claim 4.

6. The master station is a Group Owner conforming to the Wi-Fi Direct standard. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first data communication unit receives the target data from the second communication device via the second type of interface using the first wireless network, The first communication device further comprises a printing mechanism that executes printing of an image represented by the received target data. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer program for a first communication device, wherein the first communication device comprises a first type of interface that functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag and a second type of interface, and the computer program causes a computer installed in the first communication device to perform the following respective processes, that is, A first determination process for determining whether the state of the first communication device is a slave station state that functions as a slave station of a wireless network or a master station state that functions as a master station of the wireless network; A first interface control process for causing the first type of interface established between the first communication device and the second communication device to execute a first transmission operation using a wireless connection when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the master station state. The first transmission operation includes an operation in which the first type of interface transmits specific information to the second communication device. The specific information is information used when the second communication device is made to participate in a first wireless network via a second type of interface formed by the first communication device operating as a master station. The first interface control process; A first data communication process for executing wireless communication of target data of a communication target with the second communication device that has already participated in the first wireless network via the second type of interface using the first wireless network after the specific information is transmitted to the second communication device; to execute; When it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, even if the wireless connection via the first type of interface is established, the second communication device does not participate in the wireless network in which the first communication device operates as a slave station, and wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device via the second type of interface is not executed; The computer program further causes the computer to A computer program that, when it is determined that the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, executes a second data communication process for executing wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device using the wireless connection via the first type of interface.

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