num="0042">Like the MFP 10, the mobile device 50 comprises a work area 58 within a memory 54. In the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network, the work area 58 stores a wireless setting (including authentication method, encryption method, password, SSID and BSSID of the wireless network) for executing communication via the relevant network. Further, in the case where the mobile device 50 is operating according to the WFD system, the work area 58 stores a state value representing the state of the mobile device 50 (i.e., one state from among G/O state, client state and device state).

(Configuration of PC 8)

The PC 8 comprises a wireless LAN I/F (i.e., an interface for WFD and normal Wi-Fi), but does not comprise an NFC I/F. Consequently, the PC 8 is capable of executing communication with the MFP 10 by using the wireless LAN I/F, but is not capable of executing wireless communication according to the NFC system. The PC 8 comprises a driver program for causing the MFP 10 to execute a process (e.g., print process, scan process, etc.). Moreover, the driver program is usually installed on the PC 8 from a media shipped together with the MFP 10. However, in a modification, the driver program may be installed on the PC 8 from a server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10.

(Configuration of AP 6)

The AP 6 is not a WFD G/O state apparatus, but is a standard access point called a wireless access point or wireless LAN router. The AP 6 can establish a normal Wi-Fi connection with a plurality of apparatuses. Thereby, a normal Wi-Fi network including the AP 6 and the plurality of apparatuses is constructed. The AP 6 receives data from one apparatus from among the plurality of apparatuses belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network, and sends the data to another one apparatus from among the plurality of apparatuses. That is, the AP 6 relays communication between a pair of apparatuses belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network.

Moreover, differences between the WFD G/O state apparatus and the normal AP are as follows. In the case where the WFD G/O state apparatus disconnects from the WFD network to which it currently belongs, and newly belongs to another WFD network, the WFD G/O state apparatus can operate in a state other than the G/O state (i.e., the client state). By contrast, a normal AP (i.e., the AP 6) executes the function of relaying communication between the pair of apparatuses regardless of which normal Wi-Fi network the normal AP belongs to, and the normal AP cannot operate in the client state.

(Communication Process Executed by MFP 10)

A communication process executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When a power source of the MFP 10 is turned ON, the control unit 30 executes a communication process. In S2, a receiving unit 40 monitors whether NFC information has been received by executing wireless communication according to the NFC system. Moreover, the receiving unit 40 receives the NFC information via the NFC I/F 22. Specifically, the receiving unit 40 monitors whether an NFC communication session has been established between the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50. While the power source of the MFP 10 is ON, the receiving unit 40 causes the NFC I/F 22 to transmit radio waves for detecting a device capable of executing wireless communication according to the NFC system.

The user of the mobile device 50 activates the application program. By operating the mobile device 50, the user causes the mobile device 50 to create NFC information that includes a process execution instruction (e.g., print instruction, scan instruction) indicating a process that the MFP 10 is to execute. In the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to a wireless network, the NFC information further includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network to which the mobile device 50 currently belongs. Moreover, the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the wireless network is a case in which a wireless connection, this being the WFD connection or the normal Wi-Fi connection, or both, has been established between the mobile device 50 and another device (e.g., the AP 6, the MFP 10).

The user can bring the mobile device 50 closer to the MFP 10. Thereby, when the distance between the mobile device 50 and the MFP 10 becomes less than the distance (e.g., 10 cm) where the radio waves reach each other, the mobile device 50 receives a radio wave from the MFP 10, and sends a response wave to the MFP 10. Consequently, the control unit 30 receives the response wave from the mobile device 50, and an NFC communication session is established. When the NFC communication session has been established, the mobile device 50 sends the created NFC information to the MFP 10.

Upon receiving the NFC information (YES in S2), in S4 a determining unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to a network. Specifically, in the case where the work area 38 stores information indicating that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network or information indicating that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, or both, the determining unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 currently belongs to a wireless network (YES in S4), and the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, in the case where neither the information indicating that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network or the information indicating that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38, the determining unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 does not currently belong to a wireless network (NO in S4), and the process proceeds to S8.

In S6, the determining unit 42 confirms whether the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Specifically, the determining unit 42 first determines whether the SSID and BSSID of the network to which the mobile device 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information. In the case where the SSID and BSSID are not included in the NFC information, the determining unit 42 determines that the mobile device 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 device 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. In the case where the SSID and BSSID of the network to which the mobile device 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information, the determining unit 42 determines whether the SSID and BSSID included in the wireless setting stored in the work area 38 are identical to the SSID and BSSID included in the NFC information.

In the case where the SSIDs and BSSIDs are both identical, it is determined that the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES in S6), and the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, in the case where the SSIDs or the BSSIDs, or both are not identical, it is determined that the mobile device 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6), and the process proceeds to S8. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can appropriately determine whether the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Moreover, in S6 the determining unit 42 determines whether the SSIDs are identical, and whether the BSSIDs are identical. Thereby, the determining unit 42 can determine whether the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 belong to the same wireless network constructed by the same AP. More specifically, one AP may construct a plurality of wireless networks by using a plurality of SSIDs. Consequently, in the case where the BSSIDs are identical and the SSIDs are not identical, the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 could belong to different wireless networks constructed by the same AP. In the present embodiment, it is possible to determine more reliably whether the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 belong to the same wireless network by determining whether both the SSIDs and BSSIDs are identical. Moreover, in a modification, it is determined in S6 whether the SSIDs are identical, but it need not be determined whether the BSSIDs are identical. Thereby, if the SSIDs are identical, it can be determined that the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 belong to the same wireless network even in the case where the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 each belong to a wireless network constructed by a different access point.

In the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 can execute communication via the network to which they currently belong. That is, the mobile device 50 can execute wireless communication with the MFP 10 by using the wireless setting currently stored in the work area 58. In S7 the control unit 30 sends, without changing the wireless setting of the mobile device 50, information indicating setting change is unnecessary via the NFC I/F 22, this information indicating setting change is unnecessary indicating that the communication of data can be executed, and the process proceeds to S20. Moreover, the information indicating setting change is unnecessary includes the IP address of the MFP 10.

In S8 the determining unit 42 determines whether WFD=ON mode has been set. In the case where the mode value stored in the memory 34 is a value representing WFD=ON mode, the determining unit 42 determines YES in S8, and proceeds to S10. On the other hand, in the case where the mode value stored in the memory 34 is a value representing WFD=OFF mode, the determining unit 42 determines NO in S8, and the process proceeds to S9.

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

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

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

In S13 the determining unit 42 determines whether or not the number of apparatuses other than the MFP 10 included in the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state (i.e., apparatuses which have established a connection with the MFP 10) is less than a predetermined maximum client number. The determining unit 42 determines YES in S13 in the case where the number of identification information of apparatuses stored in the administration list is less than the maximum client number, and determines NO in S13 in the case where the number is the same. In the case of YES in S13, the process proceeds to S16, and in the case of NO in S13, the process proceeds to S14.

In S14 the communication executing unit 44 sends communication NG information to the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22, the process returns to S2. This communication NG information indicates that the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 currently cannot execute communication.

In S15 the communication executing unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode. Spontaneous G/O mode is a mode which keeps the MFP 10 operating in the G/O state. Consequently, the MFP 10 is set to the G/O state although a WFD network has not been constructed at the stage of S15. In the case where the MFP 10 is set to the G/O state, the communication executing unit 44 prepares a wireless setting (SSID, BSSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) for the WFD-compatible apparatus and/or the WFD-incompatible apparatus to execute wireless communication, via the WFD network, with the MFP 10 that is operating in the G/O state. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can execute wireless communication with the apparatus that receives the wireless setting from the MFP 10 regardless of whether the apparatus that receives the wireless setting (the mobile device 50 in the present embodiment) is a WFD-compatible apparatus or a WFD-incompatible apparatus.

Moreover, the authentication method and encryption method are predetermined. Further, the communication executing unit 44 creates a password. Moreover, the SSID may be created by the communication executing unit 44 at the time the password is created, or may be predetermined. The BSSID is the MAC address of the MFP 10. Moreover, at this stage, identification information of the apparatus connected with the G/O state apparatus is not described in the administration list managed by the MFP 10.

In S16, the communication executing unit 44 sends the prepared wireless setting to the mobile device 50 using the NFC I/F 22. In the case where process S16 is executed after process S15, the communication executing unit 44 sends, to the mobile device 50, the wireless setting which was prepared at the stage of setting the spontaneous G/O mode (S15). In the case where process S16 is executed after process S13, the communication executing unit 44 uses the NFC I/F 22 to send, to the mobile device 50, the wireless setting which was prepared at the stage of constructing the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state.

Next, in S18 the communication executing unit 44 establishes a WFD connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 by using the wireless LAN I/F 20. Upon receiving, from the MFP 10, the wireless setting of the MFP 10 that is operating in the G/O state, the mobile device 50 stores the received wireless setting in the work area 58. Consequently, the mobile device 50 executes wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi. Next, the communication executing unit 44 executes the wireless communication of an Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Association Request, Association Response, and 4way handshake with the mobile device 50. Various authentication processes such as authentication of SSID, authentication of authentication method and encryption method, authentication of password, etc. are executed during the course of the wireless communication. In a case where all the authentications succeed, a wireless connection is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50.

Moreover, in the process S18, the communication executing unit 44 acquires the MAC address of the mobile device 50 by using the wireless LAN I/F 20. When the wireless connection has been established, the control unit 30 further adds the MAC address of the mobile device 50 to the administration list. Moreover, the MAC address of the mobile device 50 is included in the NFC information. Thereby, the MFP 10 that is in the G/O state becomes able to communicate object data (print data, scan data, etc.) with the mobile device 50 according to the normal Wi-Fi. Moreover, the object data includes network layer data, which is a layer higher than the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Consequently, the MFP 10 that is in the G/O state can execute wireless communication of the network layer with the mobile device 50 that is in the client state.

Next, in S20 the communication executing unit 44 executes a data communication process with the mobile device 50 via the wireless LAN I/F 20. The contents of the data communication process vary depending on the contents of the process execution instruction included in the NFC information. In the case where the process execution instruction is a print instruction, the communication executing unit 44 receives print data from the mobile device 50 in the data communication process. In this case, the control unit 30 causes the print executing unit 16 to execute a print process using the received print data.

On the other hand, in the case where the process execution instruction is a scan instruction, the control unit 30 causes the scan executing unit 18 to scan a document that has been set on the scan executing unit 18, creating scan data. Next, the communication executing unit 44 sends the created scan data to the mobile device 50.

Next, in S21 the communication executing unit 44 monitors, by using the wireless LAN I/F 20, whether a disconnection request for disconnecting the connection with the mobile device 50 has been received from the mobile device 50. In the case where a disconnection request has not been received even though a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in S21), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, in the case where a disconnection request has been received from the mobile device 50 within a predetermined time since the ending of the data communication process of S20 (YES in S21), the communication executing unit 44 disconnects the wireless connection with the mobile device 50. Specifically, the communication executing unit 44 deletes the MAC address of the mobile device 50 within the administration list. Next, in S22 the communication executing unit 44 determines whether the setting of the wireless LAN I/F 20 was changed by the process S9. Specifically, in the case where setting change information is being stored in the memory 34, the communication executing unit 44 determines that the mode value was changed in S9 from the mode value indicating WFD=OFF mode to the mode value indicating WFD=ON mode (YES in S22), and proceeds to S23. On the other hand, in the case where setting change information is not being stored in the memory 34, the communication executing unit 44 determines that the mode value was not changed in S9 from the mode value indicating WFD=OFF mode to the mode value indicating WFD=ON mode (NO in S22), and the process returns to S2.

In S23, the communication executing unit 44 determines whether an external device (e.g., the PC 8) other than the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the WFD network newly constructed in S18. Specifically, in the case where identification information other than the identification information of the mobile device 50 is included in the administration list, the communication executing unit 44 determines that the 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, it is possible to prevent the MFP 10 from being disconnected from the WFD network in the case where the external device currently belongs to the WFD network.

On the other hand, in the case where identification information other than the mobile device 50 is not included in the administration list, the communication executing unit 44 determines that the external device does not currently belong to the WFD network (NO in S23), and proceeds to S24. In S24 the communication executing unit 44 changes the mode value from the mode value indicating WFD=ON mode to the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode, and the process returns to S2. That is, in the communication process, in the case where it is determined in S8 that the mode value is the WFD=OFF mode, the mode value is changed from the WFD=OFF mode to the WFD=ON mode so that wireless communication with the mobile device 50 is executed temporarily via the WFD network by using the wireless LAN I/F 20. When the mode value is changed from the WFD=ON mode to the WFD=OFF mode in S25, the WFD network constructed in S18 ceases to exist. According to this configuration, in the case where the mode value was changed from the mode value indicating WFD=OFF mode to the mode value indicating the WFD=ON mode during the communication process, it is possible to return to the setting from before the mode value was changed.

Advantages of Present Embodiment

Advantages of the present embodiment in first to fourth situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. Moreover, processes corresponding to the communication process of FIG. 2 are shown in each of FIGS. 3 to 6.

(First Situation)

In the first situation shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. In the WFD network, the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state. The PC 8 that is in the client state currently belongs to the WFD network. The mobile device 50 may currently belong or not belong to the wireless network.

Moreover, in the sequence view of the present specification, the wireless communication executed by the MFP 10 by using the NFC I/F 22 (i.e., wireless communication according to the NFC system), and the wireless communication executed by the MFP 10 by using the wireless LAN I/F 20 (i.e., wireless communication according to the WFD system or normal Wi-Fi) is represented by arrows. The arrows representing the wireless communication using the wireless LAN I/F 20 are fatter than the arrows representing the wireless communication using the NFC I/F 22.

In this situation, upon receiving the NFC information from the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22, in S8 the MFP 10 determines that the setting of the wireless LAN I/F 20 has been set to the WFD=ON mode (YES in S8). Moreover, in the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the wireless network, the NFC information includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network and, in the case where the mobile device 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network, the NFC information does not include the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network. Next, the MFP 10 determines that the state of the MFP 10 is the G/O state (NO in S10 and YES in S12).

In this case, in S16, the MFP 10 sends the wireless setting of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22. Upon receiving the wireless setting, the mobile device 50 stores the received wireless setting in the work area 58. Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). Thereby, the mobile device 50 can belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Moreover, by using the NFC I/F 22, the MFP 10 sends a wireless setting including the authentication method and the encryption method of the MFP 10 to the mobile device 50. According to this configuration, the mobile device 50 can execute an authentication process according to the authentication method and encryption method received from the MFP 10, and need not execute any process to verify whether an authentication method and encryption method is to be used. Consequently, the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 can establish a connection comparatively promptly.

Next, the mobile device 50 sends print data to the MFP 10 by using the wireless setting 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). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print executing unit 16 to execute a print process. According to this configuration, in the case where the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state in the WFD network, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute the communication of print data with the mobile device 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs.

(Second Situation)

In the second situation shown in FIG. 4, 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 that is in the G/O state currently belongs to the WFD network, whereas the mobile device 50 does not currently belong. The mobile device 50 is in the same state as in the first situation.

In this case, the MFP 10 does not send the wireless setting stored in the work area 38 to the mobile device 50. According to this configuration, the wireless setting of the PC 8 that is operating in the G/O state in the WFD network does not need to be provided to the mobile device 50. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the mobile device 50 from entering the WFD network. Further, by receiving the communication NG information from the MFP 10, the mobile device 50 can notify the user of the mobile device 50 that the MFP 10 is not executing the communication of object data with the mobile device 50.

(Third Situation)

In a third situation shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 10 is set to the WFD=ON mode, but does not currently belong to a WFD network. That is, the MFP 10 is operating in the device state. Moreover, the state of the MFP 10 is either a state of currently belonging or not currently belonging to a normal Wi-Fi network. The mobile device 50 is in the same state as in the second situation.

In this situation, upon receiving the NFC information from the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22, in S8 the MFP 10 determines that the setting of the wireless LAN I/F 20 has been set to the WFD=ON mode (YES in S8). Next, in S10 and S12, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 is in neither the G/O state nor the client state (NO in both S10 and S12). In this case, in S15 the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G/O mode without executing the G/O negotiation.

Next, in S16, the MFP 10 sends the wireless setting of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 (i.e., the wireless setting prepared at the stage of setting spontaneous G/O mode in S15) and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22. Upon receiving the wireless setting, the mobile device 50 stores the received wireless setting in the work area 58. Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). Thereby, the mobile device 50 can belong to the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state.

Next, the mobile device 50 sends the print data to the MFP 10 by using the wireless setting 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). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print executing unit 16 to execute the print process. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can newly construct a WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state in the WFD network if the MFP 10 is in the device state. Thereby, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute the communication of print data with the mobile device 50 via the newly constructed WFD network. Further, since the MFP 10 is necessarily operating in the G/O state in the newly constructed WFD network, the MFP 10 can determine an authentication method, etc. to be used in the WFD network.

(Fourth Situation)

In the fourth situation shown in FIG. 6, the MFP 10 is set to the WFD=OFF mode. Moreover, the state of the MFP 10 is either the state of currently belonging or not currently belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network. The mobile device 50 is in the same state as in the second situation.

In this situation, upon receiving the NFC information from the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22, the MFP 10 determines in S8 that the MFP 10 is set to the WFD=OFF mode (NO in S8). In this case, in S9 the MFP 10 changes the mode 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.

Below, the processes until the print process are the same as in the fourth situation. In this configuration, also, the same advantages as in the fourth situation can be achieved. When the print process ends, the MFP 10 determines that an external device does not currently belong to the newly constructed WFD network (NO in S23), and changes the mode from the WFD=ON mode to the WFD=OFF mode. According to this configuration, in the case where the external device does not belong to the WFD network after the communication of print data, the mode can appropriately be changed from the WFD=ON mode to the WFD=OFF mode.

In the present embodiment, the MFP 10 can, by using the wireless LAN I/F 20, appropriately execute the wireless communication of object data with the mobile device 50 at a comparatively fast communication speed by executing processes in accordance with whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the same network as the mobile device 50, i.e., in accordance with whether the MFP 10 is capable of communicating with the mobile device 50.

(Corresponding Relationships)

The MFP 10 is an example of the “communication device”, the NFC I/F 22 is an example of the “first type of interface”, and the wireless LAN I/F 20 is an example of the “second type of interface”. Moreover, from the above description, since the NFC I/F 22 (i.e., the “first type of interface”) executes communication using the wireless LAN I/F 20 (i.e., the “second type of interface”), the NFC I/F 22 can be called an interface used for communication executed between the MFP 10 (i.e., the “communication device”) and the mobile device 50.

The NFC information is an example of the “specific information”, and the SSID and BSSID included in the NFC information is the “wireless network identifier included in the specific information”. The state of the mobile device 50 currently belonging to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs is the “communication-enabled state”. The processes S15 to S18 are an example of the “specific process”. Wireless communication via the WFD network by using the wireless LAN I/F 20 is an example of the “specific wireless communication”. The G/O state is an example of the “parent station state”, and the client state is an example of the “child station state”. In the case where YES is determined in S4, the WFD network to which the MFP 10 belongs is an example of the “first wireless network”, and the WFD network constructed by the processes S15 to S18 is an example of the “second wireless network”. The communication NG information is an example of the “information indicating that the communication of object data is not executed”. The WFD=ON mode is an example of the “first mode”, and the WFD=OFF mode is an example of the “second mode”.

Second Embodiment

Points differing from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a communication process of FIG. 7 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. 2. S2 to S24 of FIG. 7 are the same as the processes S2 to S24 of FIG. 2. In the case of YES in S10, i.e., in the case where the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the client state in the WFD network, in S42 the determining unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 is capable of disconnecting from the WFD network to which it currently belongs. Specifically, in the case of either the situation where data communication is currently being executed via the WFD network or the situation where data communication is to be executed via the WFD network, the determining unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 is not capable of disconnecting from the WFD network to which it currently belongs (NO in S42). On the other hand, in the case of neither the situation where data communication is being executed via the WFD network nor the situation where data communication is to be executed, the determining unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 is capable of disconnecting from the WFD network to which it currently belongs (YES in S42).

For example, a case is assumed where the PC 8 is operating in the G/O state in a WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. In the case where the MFP 10 is currently receiving print data from the PC 8 by using the wireless LAN I/F 20, the determining unit 42 determines a situation where data communication is currently being executed. Further, in the case where the MFP 10 is creating scan data in accordance with a scan instruction from the PC 8 and, once the scan data is created, the MFP 10 is to send the scan data to the PC 8 by using the wireless LAN I/F 20, a situation where data communication is to be executed is determined.

In the case of NO in S42, the process proceeds to S14, and in the case of YES in S42, the process proceeds to S44. In S44, the communication executing unit 44 disconnects the MFP 10 from the WFD network to which the MFP 10 is currently joined. Specifically, the communication executing unit 44 deletes the wireless setting that is being stored in the work area 38, and changes the state value in the work area 38 to a value representing the device state. Next, the communication executing unit 44 executes the process S15.

Advantages of Present Embodiment

The MFP 10 of the second embodiment can achieve the same advantages as the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the first, second, and fourth situations. The advantages of the present embodiment in fifth and sixth situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Moreover, processes corresponding to the communication process of FIG. 7 are shown in each of FIGS. 8 and 9.

(Fifth Situation)

In the fifth situation shown in FIG. 8, the MFP 10 currently belongs to a WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating in the client state in the WFD network. The PC 8 that is in the G/O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile device 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network. The mobile device 50 is in the same state as in the second situation. Further, the MFP 10 is receiving print data from the PC 8.

In this situation, when NFC information is received from the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22, YES is determined in S8 and YES is determined in S10, as in the second situation. Since the MFP 10 is receiving print data from the PC 8, it is determined that the MFP 10 is not capable of disconnecting from the WFD network (NO in S42). In this case, in S14 the MFP 10 sends the communication NG information to the mobile device 50 via the NFC I/F 22.

According to this configuration, in the case where the MFP 10 is executing data communication via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, or in the case where the MFP 10 is to execute data communication via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, the MFP 10 can be prevented from disconnecting from the WFD network to which it currently belongs.

(Sixth Situation)

In the sixth situation shown in FIG. 9, the MFP 10 currently belongs to a WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating in the client state in the WFD network. The PC 8 that is in the G/O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile device 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network. However, the MFP 10 is not in the situation of currently executing the data communication with the PC 8, nor is in the situation where it is to execute the data communication with the PC 8. The mobile device 50 is in the same state as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile device 50 by using the NFC I/F 22, YES is determined in S8 and S10, as in the fifth situation. Since the MFP 10 is not in the situation of executing the data communication via the WFD network nor in the situation where it is to execute the data communication, it is determined that the MFP 10 is capable of disconnecting from the WFD network to which it currently belongs (YES in S42). In this case, in S15 the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G/O mode. The subsequent processes are the same as the processes after the MFP 10 was set to the spontaneous G/O mode in the third situation.

According to this configuration, the MFP 10 disconnects from the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the client state, and can newly construct a WFD network. Thereby, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute the communication of object data with the mobile device 50 via the newly constructed WFD network.

Third Embodiment

Points differing from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a communication process of FIG. 10 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. 2. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the mobile device 50 sends, to the MFP 10, NFC information further including WFD-compatible information, indicating whether the mobile device 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system, and device ID of the mobile device 50 (e.g., MAC address, serial number, etc.).

S2 to S24 of FIG. 10 are the same as the processes S4 to 24 of FIG. 2. In the case where the process S9 is executed, and in the case where NO is determined in S12, i.e., in the case where the MFP 10 is operating in the device state, the determining unit 42 determines in S52, by using the NFC information, whether the mobile device 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system. In the case where WFD-compatible information indicating that the mobile device 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system is included in the NFC information, the determining unit 42 determines that the mobile device 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system (YES in S52), and the process proceeds to S54.

On the other hand, in the case where WFD-compatible information indicating that the mobile device 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system is not included in the NFC information, the determining unit 42 determines that the mobile device 50 is not capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system (NO in S52), and the process proceeds to S15.

In S54 the communication executing unit 44 sends WFD connection start information indicating that the WFD connection is being started to the mobile device 50 via the NFC I/F 22. A WPS (abbreviation of: Wi-Fi Protected Setup) wireless connection system is used as a system for executing the WFD system wireless connection. WPS wireless connection systems include a PBC (abbreviation of: Push Button Configuration) system and a PIN (abbreviation of: Personal Identification Number) code system. In the present embodiment, the PBC code system will be described. However, the technique of the present embodiment can also be applied to the PIN code system. The WFD connection start information includes information indicating that the PBC code system is used as the system for executing the WFD system wireless connection. The WFD connection start information further includes a device ID of the MFP 10 (e.g., MAC address, serial number, etc.). Thereby, the mobile device 50 that receives the WFD connection start information can recognize an apparatus (i.e., the MFP 10) identified by the device ID included in the WFD connection start information, and that processes S58, S62 (to be described) are to be executed.

Upon receiving the WFD connection start information, the mobile device 50 determines whether the mobile device 50 is set so as to be capable of executing the wireless communication according to the WFD system. In the case of being set so as to be capable of executing the wireless communication according to the WFD system, the mobile device 50 maintains the wireless LAN I/F setting, and in the case of not being set so as to be capable of executing the wireless communication according to the WFD system, the mobile device 50 changes to a setting allowing it to be capable of executing the wireless communication according to the WFD system.

Next, in S55 the communication executing unit 44 searches for the mobile device 50. Specifically, the communication executing unit 44 sequentially executes a Scan process, a Listen process, and a Search process. The Scan process is a process for searching for a G/O state apparatus present in the surroundings of the MFP 10. Specifically, in the Scan process, the communication executing unit 44 wirelessly sends a Probe Request signal, sequentially, by using 13 channels 1ch to 13ch sequentially. Moreover, this Probe Request signal includes P2P (Peer 2 Peer) information indicating that the MFP 10 is capable of executing the WFD function.

For example, in the case where a G/O state WFD-compatible apparatus (called “specific G/O apparatus” below) is present in the surroundings of the MFP 10, it is predetermined that the specific G/O apparatus uses one channel from among 1ch to 13ch. Consequently, the specific G/O apparatus wirelessly receives a Probe Request signal from the MFP 10. In this case, the specific G/O apparatus wirelessly sends a Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. This Probe Response signal includes P2P information indicating that the specific G/O apparatus is capable of executing the WFD function, and information indicating that the specific G/O apparatus is in the G/O state. Consequently, the communication executing unit 44 can find the specific G/O apparatus. Moreover, the Probe Response signal further includes information indicating a device name of the specific G/O apparatus and a category (e.g., mobile device, PC, etc.) of the specific G/O apparatus, and a MAC address of the specific G/O apparatus. Consequently, the communication executing unit 44 can acquire information related to the specific G/O apparatus.

In the case where the device ID of the specific G/O apparatus included in the Probe Response signal and the device ID of the mobile device 50 included in the NFC information are identical, the communication executing unit 44 can identify that the specific G/O apparatus is the mobile device 50. That is, in the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and the mobile device 50 is operating in the G/O state in the WFD network, the communication executing unit 44 can find the mobile device 50 by means of the Scan process.

Moreover, for example, in the case where a device state WFD-compatible apparatus (called “specific device apparatus” below) is present in the surroundings of the MFP 10, it is predetermined that the specific device apparatus uses one channel from among 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch. Consequently, the specific device apparatus also wirelessly receives a Probe Request signal from the MFP 10. In this case, the specific device apparatus wirelessly sends a Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. However, this Probe Response signal includes information indicating that the specific device apparatus is in the device state, and does not include information indicating that the specific device apparatus is in the G/O state. Further, even if an apparatus that is in the client state wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10, the client state apparatus does not wirelessly send the Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. Consequently, in the Scan process, the communication executing unit 44 can find the mobile device 50 in either the G/O state or the device state.

The Listen process is a process for responding to the Probe Request signal. The specific device apparatus can wirelessly send the Probe Request signal during the Search process (to be described). That is, in the case where the current state of the mobile device 50 is the device state, the mobile device 50 periodically sends the Probe Request signal wirelessly. This Probe Request signal includes the device ID of the mobile device 50 (e.g., MAC address, serial number, etc.).

In the case where the device ID of the specific device apparatus included in the Probe Request signal and the device ID of the mobile device 50 included in the NFC information are identical, the communication executing unit 44 can identify that the specific device apparatus is the mobile device 50. That is, in the case where the mobile device 50 is operating in the device state, the communication executing unit 44 can find the mobile device 50 by means of the Listen process. Upon receiving the Probe Request signal from the mobile device 50, the communication executing unit 44 wirelessly sends a Probe Response signal.

In the Search process, the communication executing unit 44 sequentially uses the three channels 1ch, 6ch, 11ch to sequentially send the Probe Request signal wirelessly. Thereby, the communication executing unit 44 wirelessly receives the Probe Response signal from the specific device apparatus. This Probe Response signal includes the P2P information indicating that the specific device apparatus is capable of executing the WFD function, information indicating that the specific device apparatus is in the device state, and the device ID of the specific device apparatus (e.g., MAC address, serial number, etc.). In the case where the current state of the mobile device 50 is the device state, the mobile device 50 wirelessly sends the Probe Response signal in response to the Probe Request signal sent from the MFP 10.

In the case where the device ID of the specific device apparatus included in the Probe Response signal and the device ID of the mobile device 50 included in the NFC information are identical, the communication executing unit 44 can identify that the specific device apparatus is the mobile device 50. That is, in the case where the mobile device 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the device state in the WFD network, the communication executing unit 44 can find the mobile device 50 by means of the Search process.

In S55 the communication executing unit 44 can find the mobile device 50 (YES in S56) both in the case where the mobile device 50 is operating in the G/O state and in the case where the mobile device 50 is operating in the device state. In the case where the mobile device 50 was not found in S56 (NO in S56), the process proceeds to S14.

In the case where the mobile device 50 is found (YES in S56), in S57 the communication executing unit 44 determines whether the found mobile device 50 is in the device state. Specifically, in the case where information indicating that the mobile device 50 is in the device state is received in the process S55, it is determined that the mobile device 50 is in the device state (YES in S57), and the process proceeds to S58. On the other hand, in the case where information indicating that the mobile device 50 is in the device state is not received in the process S55, it is determined that the mobile device 50 is not in the device state (i.e., the mobile device 50 is in the G/O state) (NO in S57), and the process proceeds to S62.

In S58, by using the wireless LAN I/F 20, the communication executing unit 44 executes the G/O negotiation with the mobile device 50, determining that one apparatus of the MFP 10 and the mobile device 50 is to operate in the G/O state and the other apparatus is to operate in the client state.

Specifically, the communication executing unit 44 first wirelessly sends a connection request signal to the mobile device 50. Consequently, the mobile device 50 also wirelessly sends an OK signal to the MFP 10. Next, the communication executing unit 44 wirelessly sends information indicating G/O priority of the MFP 10 to the mobile device 50, and receives information indicating G/O priority of the mobile device 50 from the mobile device 50. Moreover, the G/O priority of the MFP 10 is an index indicating the degree to which the MFP 10 should become the G/O, and is predetermined in the MFP 10. Similarly, the G/O priority of the mobile device 50 is an index indicating the degree to which the mobile device 50 should become the G/O. For example, an apparatus in which the capacity of the CPU and the memory is comparatively high (e.g. the MFP 10) can execute another process rapidly while operating as the G/O. Consequently, the G/O priority is usually set in this type of apparatus so that it has a high possibility of becoming the G/O. On the other hand, e.g., an apparatus in which the capacity of the CPU and the memory is comparatively low (e.g., the mobile device