JP2011028615A - Noncontact communication device, information processing apparatus, communication method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing technology capable of presenting various types of information such as power consumption information without consuming as much power as possible.
A communication unit 104 communicates in either a communication mode functioning as a reader / writer or a communication mode functioning as a passive tag, and detects a state of a USB host 71. The antenna unit 100 receives radio waves and carriers from other NFD devices, and transmits radio waves and carriers to other NFD devices. The control unit 102 appropriately switches the communication mode of the NFD device ND1 to the passive tag mode or the reader / writer mode according to the state of the USB host 71 detected by the communication unit 104, and determines the public information to be presented. The public information is transmitted to another NFC device via the communication unit 104. The memory 103 stores public information.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact communication device, an information processing apparatus, a communication method, and a program.

  Conventionally, for example, there is an information processing apparatus to which an NFC (Near Field Communication) device which is a non-contact communication device is connected. The NFC device can communicate with the IC card and other NFC devices without contact, and the information processing apparatus can communicate with the IC card and other NFC devices via the NFC device. The NFC device also functions as a reader / writer (R / W). The reader / writer consumes power not only during communication with an NFC device or IC card but also while waiting for communication. For this reason, when the reader / writer is driven by a battery, for example, the battery may be consumed only for waiting for communication, and communication may not be performed. For this reason, in order to suppress power consumption as much as possible, there is a technique for adjusting the amount of power supplied to the reader / writer by supplying power to the reader / writer or stopping the supply in accordance with an operation from the user. It has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, a technology has been developed that recognizes a signal called a false activation signal and adjusts the amount of power supplied to the reader / writer by, for example, stopping the supply of power to the reader / writer for a predetermined time ( For example, see Patent Document 2).

  By the way, among information processing apparatuses to which an NFC device is connected, there is a printer having a power saving mode for suppressing power consumption. Some of these printers present power consumption information regarding power consumption. If this power consumption information can be presented to other NFC devices via the NFC device, the power consumption information can be presented easily. However, if the power for driving the NFC device is consumed only to present the power consumption information, the power saving may not be realized. For this reason, it has been desired to present power consumption information without consuming as much power as possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is capable of presenting various types of information such as power consumption information without consuming as much power as possible, a non-contact communication device, an information processing apparatus, a communication method, and The purpose is to provide a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a non-contact communication device, and is connected via a connection means when it functions as a reader / writer and a storage means for storing information. When receiving power supply from an information processing device, communicating with the information processing device via the connection means or communicating with another non-contact communication device in communication range according to a non-contact communication standard, and functioning as a passive tag, A communication unit that receives power from another non-contact communication device in a communication range and communicates with the other non-contact communication device according to a non-contact communication standard; a determination unit that determines an operating state of the information processing apparatus; Depending on the determination result of the determination means, the communication mode of the communication means is a first communication mode that functions as a reader / writer or a second communication function that functions as a passive tag. Control means for switching to one of the modes, and transmission means for transmitting the information stored in the storage means to another non-contact communication device in the communication range in accordance with the determination result of the determination means It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention is a communication method executed by a non-contact communication device including a storage unit that stores information, a communication unit, a determination unit, a control unit, and a transmission unit, and the communication unit includes: When functioning as a reader / writer, other non-contact communication devices that receive power supply from the information processing apparatus connected via the connection means and communicate with the information processing apparatus via the connection means or are in communication range When communicating with the non-contact communication standard and functioning as a passive tag, the communication step receives power from another non-contact communication device in the communication range and communicates with the other non-contact communication device according to the non-contact communication standard A determination step in which the determination unit determines an operating state of the information processing apparatus, and the control unit determines whether the communication unit The control step of switching the communication mode to either the first communication mode functioning as a reader / writer or the second communication mode functioning as a passive tag, and the transmission means according to the determination result of the determination step, A transmission step of transmitting the information stored in the storage means to another contactless communication device in communication range.

  Moreover, this invention is a program for making a computer perform said method.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to present various types of information such as power consumption information without consuming as much power as possible.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a multi-function apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the multi-function apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the compound machine 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the NFC device ND1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of public information presentation processing performed by the NFC device ND1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between the operating state of the multi-function apparatus 1, the state of the USB host 71, and the communication mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 1 according to a modification. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an outline of communication performed by the NFC devices ND1 and ND2 and the server SV1 according to the modification.

  Exemplary embodiments of a non-contact communication device, an information processing apparatus, a communication method, and a program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the present embodiment, as an information processing apparatus to which a non-contact device can be connected, a multifunction machine having a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a print function will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multi-function apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The multi-function apparatus 1 includes a controller 60, an operation panel 80, an FCU 81, a plotter 12, a scanner 13, and a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to each of them. The controller 60 includes a CPU 61, a system memory (MEM-P) 62, a serial bus (SB) 64, an ASIC 66, a local memory (MEM-C) 67, an HDD 68, a network interface card (NIC) 69, A USB 70, an IEEE 802.11b device 74, a USB host 71, an IEEE 1394 device 72, and a memory card I / F 73 are included. The multi-function apparatus 1 also has a sub CPU (not shown) connected to the operation panel 80, the FCU 81, the plotter 12, and the scanner 13.

  The operation panel 80 is connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60. The FCU 81, the plotter 12, and the scanner 13 are connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60 via the PCI bus.

  The controller 60 controls the entire MFP 1, and a local memory 67 and HDD 68 are connected to the ASIC 66, and the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63 of the CPU chip set. The controller 60 corresponds to the case where the interface of the CPU 61 is not disclosed by connecting the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 via the NB 63. The ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 65. The sub CPU controls the entire MFP 1 when the supply of power to the controller 60 is stopped.

  The NB 63 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 61, system memory 62, SB 64, ASIC 66, NIC 69, USB 70, IEEE 802.11b device 74, USB host 71, IEEE 1394 device 72, and memory card I / F 73. The SB 64, NIC 69, USB 70, IEEE 802.11b device 74, USB host 71, IEEE 1394 device 72, and memory card I / F 73 are connected to the NB 63 via the PCI bus. Note that the SB 64 is a bus for connecting the PCI bus 74 to a ROM, a peripheral device, or the like.

  The CPU 61 reads various software stored in the memory card MC1 connected via the ROM, the HDD 68, and the memory card I / F 73 connected via the SB 64, activates them, and controls the entire MFP 1. Realize various functions.

  The system memory 62 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like of the multifunction machine 1. The local memory 67 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.

  The ASIC 66 is an IC for use in image processing having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 68 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various types of information such as image data and document data, various types of software, font data forms, and the like.

  The NIC 69 is an interface device that connects the MFP 1 to a network. The USB 70, the USB host 71, the IEEE 802.11b device 74, the IEEE 1394 device 72, and the memory card I / F 73 are interfaces conforming to the respective standards. The memory card I / F 73 communicates with a memory card MC1 that can be inserted and removed via a memory card slot (not shown), reads various programs and various information stored in the memory card MC1, and reads / writes data to the memory card MC1. Write information. The USB host 71 is an interface for non-contact communication between the NFC device ND1 that can be inserted and removed via the NFC device slot and the NFC device ND2 that is an external device of the multi-function apparatus 1. That is, the NFC device ND1 is detachably connected to the MFP 1 via the USB host 71. Further, the MFP 1 can communicate with the NFC device ND2 in a non-contact manner via the USB host 71 and the NFC device ND1. These NFC devices ND1 and ND2 function as IC tags (passive tags) that perform IC emulation, which is a process of reading information stored in the ND1 and transmitting it to other NFC devices, or receiving information from other NFC devices. It functions as a reader / writer that reads and writes information to other NFC devices. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a communication mode that functions as a passive tag is referred to as a passive tag mode, and a communication mode that functions as a reader / writer is referred to as a reader / writer mode.

  The operation panel (operation unit) 80 receives an input operation from the operator and performs display for the operator. The FCU (fax control unit) 81 is a unit that controls facsimile communication and has a memory (not shown). This memory is used, for example, for temporarily storing facsimile data received when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is off. The plotter 12 prints an image. The scanner 13 reads an image appearing on a recording medium such as paper.

  Next, the software configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the multi-function apparatus 1. The multi-function apparatus 1 includes various applications, various control services, an OS 41, and an engine control board 50. These entities are various software stored in the ROM, the HDD 68, and the memory card MC1. The application includes a printer application 31 that is a printer software having a page description language (PDL, PCL) and a postscript (PS), a copy application 32 that is a copy software, and a fax application 33 that is a facsimile software. , A scanner application 34 that is scanner software and a net file application 35 that is network file software. The control service includes a system control service (hereinafter referred to as SCS) 42, an engine control service (hereinafter referred to as ECS) 44, a memory control service (hereinafter referred to as MCS) 45, an operation panel control service (hereinafter referred to as OCS) 46, and a fax. A control service (hereinafter referred to as FCS) 47 and a network control service (hereinafter referred to as NCS) 48. These entities are various software stored in the ROM, the HDD 68, and the memory card MC1. When the CPU 61 reads out and executes these various software, the following various functions are realized.

  The OS 41 is LPUX (registered trademark) or the like, and executes the software of the application and the control service in parallel as processes. The process of the SCS 42 performs processing such as software management, operation panel 80 control and screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, and interrupt software control. The ECS 44 process controls engines such as the plotter 12 and the scanner 13. The process of the MCS 45 performs memory control such as acquisition and release of image memory, use of the HDD 68, and compression and expansion of image data. The process of the OCS 46 controls the operation panel 80. The FCS 47 process performs facsimile transmission / reception using the PSTN or ISDN network from each software layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed in the backup memory, facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. API is provided. The NCS 48 process provides a service that can be commonly used for software that requires network I / O. Information received from each network from the network side is distributed to each software, and information from each software Mediating when sending to the network side. The engine control board 50 is an interface with engines such as the plotter 12 and the scanner 13.

  In the multi-function apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, a predetermined amount of power is supplied to each unit of the multi-function apparatus 1 so that a normal operation mode for normal operation and power consumption are suppressed. As a mode for this, either a power saving mode for supplying lower power than the normal operation mode can be set. An operating state in which the normal operation mode is set is referred to as a normal operating state, and an operating state in which the power saving mode is set is referred to as a power saving state. A plurality of types of modes can be set in the power saving mode, and the multi-function apparatus 1 adjusts the amount of power supplied to each part of the multi-function apparatus 1 according to each mode. Specifically, as a type of the power saving mode, for example, a panel off mode for stopping the power supply to the operation panel 80, an engine off mode for stopping the power supply to the plotter 12 and the scanner 13, and a sub CPU There is a controller off mode in which the supply of power to the controller 60 is stopped by the transition to. The condition for setting the power saving mode (transition condition) is, for example, that the operation panel 80 of the multi-function apparatus 1 is not operated for a predetermined time or that the plotter 12, the scanner 13 or the FCU 80 does not operate for a predetermined time or more. . Such a transition condition is determined in advance for each type of power saving mode, for example. When the multifunction device 1 detects the establishment of the transition condition according to any type, the multifunction device 1 sets the power saving mode according to the type, shifts to the power saving state, and adjusts the amount of power supplied to each unit.

  Next, a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the compound machine 1. In the figure, the contactless communication function for contactlessly communicating with the NFC device ND2 and the power saving function related to the power saving mode are illustrated, and the above-described copy function, facsimile function, printer function, etc. are not shown. ing. As shown in the figure, the MFP 1 includes an NFC control unit 90 and a power state control unit 91. The NFC control unit 90 controls the NFC device ND1 connected via the USB host 71, and supplies power to the NFC device ND1 via the USB host 71 under the control of the power state control unit 91. Specifically, when the NFC device ND1 is connected to the USB host 71, the NFC control unit 90 first performs initialization so that the NFC device ND1 can be controlled, and can control the NFD device ND1. Then, communication with other NFC devices ND1 such as the NFC device ND2 is controlled via the NFC device ND1. Further, the NFC control unit 90 determines a communication mode of the NFC device ND1 described later, and supplies power to the NFC device ND1 according to the communication mode under the control of the power state control unit 91. Specifically, when the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 is the passive tag mode, the NFC control unit 90 does not supply power to the NFC device ND1, and the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 is the reader / writer mode. In this case, the NFC control unit 90 supplies power to the NFC device ND1. The power state control unit 91 adjusts the amount of power supplied to the NFC device ND1 via the NFC control unit 90 by putting the USB host 71 in the suspended state when the multi-function device 1 is in the power saving state. Specifically, the amount of power when the USB host 71 is in the suspended state is supplied to the NFC device ND1 so as to be lower than the amount of power when the multi-function device 1 is in the normal operation state (referred to as normal power amount). The power state control unit 91 adjusts the amount of power. In addition, when the multi-function apparatus 1 is in a normal operation state, the power state control unit 91 measures the power consumption of the multi-function apparatus 1 and transmits it to the NFC device ND1 via the NFC control unit 90.

  Next, the configuration of the NFC device ND1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the NFC device ND1. The NFC device ND1 includes an antenna unit 100, an NFC controller unit 101, and a communication unit 104. The NFC controller unit 101 includes a control unit 102 and a memory 103. When the communication unit 104 functions as a reader / writer under the control of the control unit 102, the communication unit 104 receives power from the multi-function device 1 through the USB host 71 and communicates with the multi-function device 1 through the USB host 71. Or communicate with another NFD device (for example, NFD device ND2) in a communicable range according to a wireless communication standard for non-contact ICs by a carrier transmitted and received via the antenna unit 100. When the communication unit 104 functions as a passive tag, the communication unit 104 receives a carrier from another NFC device (for example, the FC device ND2) via an antenna, receives power from the other NFC device by electromagnetic induction, and modulates the carrier. Communication is performed with the other NFC device. Further, the communication unit 104 detects the state of the USB host 71 (signal line state) by detecting the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71. This detection result is used by the control unit 101.

  The antenna unit 100 receives radio waves and carriers from other NFD devices, and transmits radio waves and carriers to other NFD devices. The control unit 102 controls the entire NFC device ND1 by executing various programs stored in the memory 103. In particular, in the present embodiment, the control unit 102 appropriately switches the communication mode of the NFD device ND1 to the passive tag mode or the reader / writer mode according to the state of the USB host 71 detected by the communication unit 104, and presents it. The public information is determined, and the determined public information is transmitted to another NFC device via the communication unit 104. In addition, the control unit 102 controls the communication unit 104 to communicate in the determined communication mode, and transmits a notification message indicating the determined communication mode to the multi-function apparatus 1 via the communication unit 104. The memory 103 stores information related to power consumption and various programs as public information to be presented. Information on power consumption includes, for example, power consumption (0 W) when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is turned off, a guide value of power consumption in the normal operation state, and power in the power saving state. This is a guideline for consumption.

  The NFC device ND2 is an NFC device similar to the conventional one, and includes a communication unit, a control unit, and an antenna unit. When the NFC device ND2 functions as a reader / writer, the NFC device ND2 transmits a carrier to another NFC device (for example, the FC device ND1) via an antenna, supplies power to the other NFC device by electromagnetic induction, and modulates the carrier. Communication is performed between the communication unit and other NFC devices. Such an NFD device ND2 is built in a mobile device such as a mobile phone, for example.

  Next, a procedure of public information presentation processing performed by the NFC device ND1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the state of the USB host 71, which is a communication path to which the NFC device ND1 and the MFP 1 are connected, is detected via the communication unit 104 (step S1), the control unit 102 of the NFC device ND1 merges from the state. The operating state of the machine 1 is determined (step S2). Then, the control unit 102 determines the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 according to the operation state and the initialization state of the NFC device ND1 (step S3), and sets the communication unit 104 to communicate in the determined communication mode. While controlling, the public information to present is determined (step S4).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between the operating state of the multi-function apparatus 1, the state of the USB host 71, and the communication mode. As shown in the figure, when the supply of power to the USB host 71 is stopped, the control unit 102 determines that the power supply is turned off as the operating state of the multi-function apparatus 1. In this case, the control unit 102 determines the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 as the passive tag mode, and determines the power consumption (0 W) when the power of the multi-function device 1 is turned off as public information. When the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71 is smaller than the normal amount of power, that is, when the USB host 71 is in the suspended state, the control unit 102 turns on the power as the operating state of the multi-function device 1. However, it is determined that it is in a power saving state. In this case, the control unit 102 determines the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 as the passive tag mode, switches to the passive tag mode, and determines the reference value of the power consumption in the power saving state as the public information. When the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71 is equal to or greater than the normal power amount and the NFC device ND1 has not yet been initialized, the control unit 102 is in the startup state before shifting to the normal operation state. It is judged that. In this case, the control unit 102 determines the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 as the passive tag mode, switches to the passive tag mode, and determines the reference value of the power consumption in the normal operation state as the public information. On the other hand, when the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71 is equal to or greater than the normal amount of power and when the initialization of the NFC device ND1 has already been completed, the control unit 102 sets the power supply as the operating state of the multi-function device 1. It is determined to be ON and in a normal operation state. In this case, the control unit 102 determines the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 to the reader / writer mode, switches to the reader / writer mode, and determines the power consumption measured by the multi-function device 1 as public information. The control unit 102 transmits a notification message indicating the determined communication mode to the multi-function device 1 via the communication unit 104.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The control unit 102 presents the public information determined in step S4 by transmitting the public information to the other NFD device ND2 that can communicate with the NFC device ND1 via the antenna unit 100 and the communication unit 104 ( Step S5). Specifically, the control unit 102 determines the power consumption (0 W) when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is turned off, the reference value of the power consumption when the power saving state is set, and the power when the normal operation state is set. When any of the estimated consumption values is determined as public information, IC emulation is performed by reading this from the memory 103 and transmitting it to the other NFD device ND2. In addition, when the control unit 102 determines the power consumption measured by the multifunction device 1 as public information, the control unit 102 communicates with the NFC control unit 90 of the multifunction device 1 to measure the power consumption measured by the power state control unit 91. Is received and stored in the memory 103. Since the NFC device ND1 functions as a reader / writer, writing into the memory 1003 is possible. Then, the control unit 102 transmits the power consumption to the other NFD device ND2 via the antenna unit 100 and the communication unit 104.

  As described above, by detecting the power supply state from the multi-function device 1, the operating state of the multi-function device 1 is determined, and the power source of the multi-function device 1 is off or the multi-function device 1 is in a power saving state. The NFC device ND1 connected to the multi-function device 1 functions as a passive tag that does not require power supply from the multi-function device 1, and public information is presented via the ND device ND1. At this time, the ND device ND1 receives supply of power from another NFC device ND2 that can communicate with the ND device ND1, and transmits public information stored therein to the NFC device ND2. That is, the public information to be presented is stored in advance in the memory 103 of the NFC device ND1, and this public information is presented when the MFP 1 is powered off or the MFP 1 is in a power saving state. It is possible to eliminate the need to send public information from the multi-function device 1. As a result, when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is off or when the multi-function apparatus 1 is in a power saving state, public information can be presented via another NFD device ND2 without consuming as much power as possible. it can.

  Moreover, according to the above structures, public information can be shown, without depending on a user's operation. Further, when the multi-function device 1 is in the power saving state, the power consumption can be further suppressed by setting the USB host 71 to the suspended state.

  In addition, since the NFC device ND1 can determine a difference in the operating state of the multi-function apparatus 1 such as a power-off state or a power saving state, public information to be presented may vary depending on the difference in the operating state. it can. Moreover, information regarding power consumption can be presented as public information.

  Further, when the operation state of the multi-function apparatus 1 is a normal operation state, various services using, for example, an IC card can be realized by causing the NFC device ND1 to function as a reader / writer. The service includes, for example, login to the MFP 1 using an IC card, pull / push printing, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, WUSB pairing, and the like.

[Modification]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Further, various modifications as exemplified below are possible.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described embodiment, various programs executed by the multi-function apparatus 1 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The various programs are recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in a file in an installable or executable format. The computer program product may be provided. The same applies to the NFC device ND1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 is handled as the information processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing apparatus has at least one function among a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a print function. It may be an image processing apparatus having a personal computer (PC), a personal computer (PC), a game machine, a refrigerator, or a home appliance such as a television set.

  In the above-described embodiment, an NFC device is handled as a device capable of short-range wireless communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the communication path between the MFP 1 and the NFC device ND1 is the USB host 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described embodiment, when the MFP 1 is in the power saving state, the USB host 71 is in the suspended state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, by transmitting a control command to the NFC device ND1. The state of the USB host 71 may be controlled. For example, the multi-function device 1 may transmit a control command for requesting the USB host 71 to be in a suspended state to the NFC device ND1, and the NFC device ND1 may place the USB host 71 in a suspended state in accordance with the control command.

  Further, the NFC device ND1 detects the state of the USB host 71 by detecting the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71, and determines the operating state of the multi-function apparatus 1. However, when the multi-function apparatus 1 sets the power saving mode or the normal operation mode, the power state control unit 91 transmits a notification message indicating that to the NFC device ND1, and the NFC device ND1 According to the notification message, the operating state of the multi-function apparatus 1 is determined. When the multi-function apparatus 1 is set to the power saving mode, the communication mode is switched to the passive tag mode and the multi-function apparatus 1 is set to the normal operation mode. If it is, the communication mode of itself may be switched to the reader / writer mode.

<Modification 3>
In the above-described embodiment, the public information is information on power consumption. However, the information is not limited to this. For example, the public information is information on communication connection such as an IP address or a wireless USB CC (Connection Context). There may be. CC used in Wireless USB represents a key for specifying a communication partner, and is composed of CHID (Connection Host ID), CDID (Connection Device ID), and CK (Connection Key). If there is such a CC, the communication partner is uniquely determined.

  According to such a configuration, even when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is turned off, information related to communication connection can be acquired as public information, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

  The public information may be a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of a server on the network to which the multi-function device 1 is connected. By storing in advance information related to power consumption and communication connection in the storage location indicated by the URI, it is possible to present such public information without worrying about the amount of memory on the NFC device ND1. Since the information transmitted from the NFC device ND1 is only a URI, the amount of information is small, and the transmission of information can be completed in a short time. Further, since it is assumed that URI information is not frequently updated, storing such information in the memory 103 of the NFC device ND1 eliminates frequent updating of the memory 103.

  Further, the information on the power consumption and communication connection may be transmitted to the server on the network periodically or at an arbitrary timing by the compound machine 1 as device information of the compound machine 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 1 according to the present modification. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of communication performed by the NFC devices ND1 and ND2 and the server SV1 according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification, the multi-function device 1 includes a device information management unit 92 and a network control unit 93 in addition to the NFC control unit 90 and the power state control unit 91. The device information management unit 92 manages device information by generating device information and storing it, deleting it, or controlling access to it. The network control unit 93 controls communication with an external device (the server SV1 in the figure) connected via the network NT1. The network NT1 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), or the Internet. The NFC control unit 90 transmits the device information stored in the device information management unit 92 to the server SV1 periodically or at an arbitrary timing via the network NT1. The memory 103 of the NFC device ND1 stores a URI indicating a storage location where the above-described device information is stored in the server SV1. Then, the NFD device ND1 transmits the URI stored in the memory 103 to the NFC device ND2. It is assumed that the NFC device ND2 can communicate with the information processing apparatus PC1 without contact. The information processing apparatus PC1 acquires the URI transmitted from the NFC device ND1 via the NFC device ND2, accesses the server SV1 using the URI, requests the device information from the server SV1, and Information is acquired from the server SV1.

  According to the configuration as described above, even when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is turned off, the device information of the multi-function apparatus 1 can be acquired, so that the convenience for the user can be improved.

<Modification 4>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the power saving mode is set as the operation state of the multi-function apparatus 1 has been dealt with. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power supply is turned on or the power supply is turned off. It is also possible to determine only the current state and switch the communication mode of the NFC device ND1 accordingly.

<Modification 5>
In the above-described embodiment, the number of the memory 103 of the NFC device ND1 may be one or plural. Then, different public information is stored in each memory, and the memory for reading the public information is switched according to the switching of the communication mode of the NFC device ND1. Thereby, similarly to the above, according to a communication mode, public information can be switched as a result.

  Thus, switching the memory from which the public information is read can operate faster than switching the public information stored in the memory.

<Modification 6>
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71 is equal to or greater than the normal amount of power, depending on whether or not the NFC device ND1 has been initialized, Different public information to be presented. However, if the amount of power supplied from the USB host 71 is equal to or greater than the normal power amount, it is assumed that the normal operation state is established, and the same public information is stored regardless of whether the NFC device ND1 has been initialized. You may make it present.

1 Fusion machine 60 Controller 61 CPU
71 USB host 90 NFC control unit 91 Power state control unit 92 Device information management unit 93 Network control unit 100 Antenna unit 101 Controller unit 102 Control unit 103 Memory 104 Communication unit MC1 Memory card ND1, ND2 NFC device NT1 Network PC1 Information processing device SV1 server

JP 2007-304870 A Special table 2008-533604

Claims (13)

Storage means for storing information;
When functioning as a reader / writer, other non-contact communication devices that receive power supply from the information processing apparatus connected via the connection means and communicate with the information processing apparatus via the connection means or are in communication range Means to communicate with the other non-contact communication device in accordance with the non-contact communication standard when receiving a power supply from another non-contact communication device in the communication range when functioning as a passive tag. When,
Determining means for determining an operating state of the information processing apparatus;
Control means for switching the communication mode of the communication means to either the first communication mode functioning as a reader / writer or the second communication mode functioning as a passive tag according to the determination result of the determination means;
A non-contact communication device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the information stored in the storage unit to another non-contact communication device within a communication range in accordance with a determination result of the determination unit. The determination unit includes a detection unit that detects an amount of electric power supplied from the information processing apparatus,
2. The contactless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches the communication mode of the communication unit to the second communication mode when the amount of power detected by the detection unit is smaller than a predetermined amount of power. . The operation state of the information processing apparatus is one of a state where the power is off, a normal operation state where a predetermined amount of power is supplied, and a power saving state where lower power is supplied than the normal operation state. ,
The determination means determines whether the operating state of the information processing apparatus is a state where the power is off, the normal operation state, or the power saving state,
The control unit switches the communication mode of the communication unit to the second communication mode when the determination unit determines that the operation state of the information processing apparatus is a power-off state or the power saving state. The contactless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the contactless communication device is a contactless communication device. The control means switches the communication mode of the communication means to the first communication mode when the determination means determines that the operating state of the information processing apparatus is the normal operation state. A contactless communication device according to claim 1. 5. The non-control device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets the connection unit to a suspended state when the determination unit determines that the operating state of the information processing apparatus is the power saving state. 6. Contact communication device. When the operating state of the information processing apparatus is the power saving state, the connection means is suspended,
The determination means determines whether the connection means is in a suspended state;
5. The control unit according to claim 3, wherein the control unit switches the communication mode of the communication unit to the second communication mode when the determination unit determines that the connection unit is in a suspended state. 6. Contactless communication device. The communication means communicates with the information processing apparatus in the one communication mode to receive information when the determination means determines that the operating state of the information processing apparatus is the normal operation state;
The control means newly stores the information received from the information processing apparatus in the storage means,
The non-contact communication device according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit transmits the information newly stored in the storage unit to the other non-contact communication device. . The storage means stores the information corresponding to the operating state of the information processing apparatus,
The said transmission means transmits the said information corresponding to the operating state of the said information processing apparatus judged by the said judgment means to the said other non-contact communication device. The non-contact communication device according to item. The contactless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage unit stores at least one of information on power consumption and information on communication connection. The said storage means memorize | stores the said information which shows URI which shows the storage place of the said apparatus information in the server which memorize | stores the apparatus information of the said information processing apparatus, The one of Claim 1 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Contactless communication device. An information processing apparatus to which the non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is connected. A communication method executed by a non-contact communication device comprising storage means for storing information, communication means, determination means, control means, and transmission means,
When the communication unit functions as a reader / writer, the communication unit receives power from the information processing apparatus connected through the connection unit, communicates with the information processing apparatus through the connection unit, or is in a communication range When communicating with other non-contact communication devices in accordance with the non-contact communication standard and functioning as a passive tag, power is supplied from the other non-contact communication device in the communication range, and the other non-contact communication device and the non-contact communication standard A communication step for communicating according to:
A determination step in which the determination means determines an operating state of the information processing apparatus;
Control step in which the control means switches the communication mode of the communication means to either the first communication mode functioning as a reader / writer or the second communication mode functioning as a passive tag according to the determination result of the determination step. When,
And a transmission step in which the transmission means transmits the information stored in the storage means to another non-contact communication device within a communication range in accordance with a determination result of the determination step. Method.   A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 12.

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