JP4636730B2 - Wireless printing system and portable information terminal - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless printing system and a portable information terminal used in the wireless printing system, and more particularly to a wireless printing system and wireless printing for automatically selecting a communication path when printing out from a printer connected to a wired network according to an instruction from the portable information terminal. The present invention relates to a portable information terminal used in the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of mobile computing environments, portable information terminals have begun to spread rapidly. Some of these portable information terminals have a mobile phone function, and are mainly used for user schedule management, electronic mail, information retrieval using the Internet, and the like. As a method of printing information stored in these personal digital assistants using a printer, connect the personal digital assistant to a personal computer using a serial cable or infrared wireless, and store the data once in the personal computer. There is a method of printing.
[0003]
On the other hand, with the spread of mobile computing, wireless technology for connecting office devices wirelessly is also rapidly progressing. Currently, wireless standards mainly used include infrared communication (IrDA) and IEEE802.11b standard for the purpose of wireless LAN of the conventional LAN (IEEE802.3).
Recently, in addition to these, products conforming to the Bluetooth standard aiming at wireless transmission within a range of 10 to 20 m have begun to spread.
In the near future, it is expected that wireless interfaces compliant with a plurality of wireless standards having different purposes of use will be mounted on a single portable information terminal.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Such a portable information terminal having a plurality of wireless standard interfaces is convenient for adapting to various wireless infrastructure environments, but a new problem arises due to the provision of a plurality of wireless interfaces. As an example, when it is desired to transmit and print data wirelessly from a portable information terminal, for example, it is expected that an effective algorithm for determining which wireless interface is used is required.
[0005]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention appropriately determines which wireless interface is used when printing with a printer in response to a command from the portable information terminal when a single portable information terminal has a plurality of wireless interfaces. The purpose is to select.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the invention of claim 1 includes a portable information terminal having a plurality of wireless transmission / reception units, a wireless transmission / reception unit, and connected to a wired network. A wireless printing system including a printer and the wired network having a wireless LAN access point , wherein the portable information terminal includes a wireless LAN transceiver unit capable of communicating with a wireless LAN access point, and the printer. A direct connection wireless transceiver capable of direct communication; a communication path selection control unit for selecting an optimum communication path for the user; and a display unit, wherein the printer can directly communicate with the portable information terminal A wireless transmission / reception unit; and a network interface card for connecting to the wired network; When transmitting / receiving data between the printers, the portable information terminal determines whether communication is currently possible and communication quality of the wireless transmission path for all of the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer. And a communication path with high communication quality is selected .
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the wireless printing system according to the first aspect of the invention, the portable information terminal is configured to determine whether communication is currently possible with respect to the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer. The communication quality of the wireless transmission path is investigated, and when the communication quality is the same, the communication path set in advance by the user is selected.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 3 uses a plurality of wireless transmission / reception units as a transmission / reception unit used for data communication with a printer connected to a wired network, and a communication path optimum for the user from among the plurality of wireless transmission / reception units. A communication path selection unit that automatically selects a transmission / reception unit, and the plurality of wireless transmission / reception units can directly communicate with a wireless LAN transmission / reception unit capable of communicating with a wireless LAN access point and a printer connected to a wired network. A direct connection wireless transmission / reception unit, and a transmission / reception unit that is used for data communication with the printer, using the optimal communication path for the user from among the wireless LAN transmission / reception unit and the direct connection wireless transmission / reception unit A communication path selection unit that selects a wireless LAN, and when transmitting and receiving data between the portable information terminal and the printer, the wireless LAN For all derived communication path and the printer directly connected communication path, each communication quality of the current communication is possible and whether the radio transmission path examined, characterized in that the communication quality to select a high communication path.
[0009]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable information terminal according to the third aspect , for the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer, whether or not communication is currently possible and the communication quality of the wireless transmission path are determined. If the communication quality is the same, the communication path set in advance by the user is selected.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples shown in FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the wireless printing system of the present invention. In the system configuration of FIG. 1, when a user instructs a printer using a portable information terminal and tries to print the instructed information, the portable information terminal transmits print data to the printer. The algorithm for selecting which wireless interface to use is the subject of the present invention.
[0015]
The wireless printing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a portable information terminal 10, a printer 20, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) 30, and an access point 40 for wirelessly connecting to the wired LAN.
Here, the portable information terminal 10 includes a wireless interface that can be connected to a wireless LAN and a wireless interface that can be directly connected to the printer 20. The wireless interface that can be connected to the wireless LAN is, for example, a wireless interface that conforms to the IEEE 802.11b standard, and can be connected to the wired LAN 30 via the access point 40. Examples of the wireless interface that can be directly connected to the printer include a wireless interface that conforms to the Bluetooth standard or an infrared communication interface that conforms to the IrDA standard.
The printer 20 is a printer that includes a wireless interface that can be directly connected to the portable information terminal 10 and an interface for connecting to a wired LAN (for example, a LAN card that conforms to the IEEE 802.3 standard).
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication path control unit in the portable information terminal, which is the most characteristic part of the present invention.
The communication route control unit of the portable information terminal 10 includes a first wireless transmission / reception unit 11, a second wireless transmission / reception unit 12, a communication route selection control unit 13, a communication route selection method storage unit 14, and a user interface (display / input unit). 15, a first wireless antenna 16, a second wireless antenna 17, and the like.
Here, the first wireless transmission / reception unit 11 is a wireless interface that can be connected to a wireless LAN, for example, a wireless interface that conforms to the IEEE802.11b standard. The second wireless transmission / reception device 12 is a wireless interface that can be directly connected to the printer 20. For example, the second wireless transmission / reception device 12 is a wireless interface that conforms to the Bluetooth standard or a wireless interface that conforms to the IrDA standard.
The communication path selection control unit 13 is realized by a CPU built in the portable information terminal 10.
The communication path selection method storage unit 14 stores and holds the contents set by the user.
The user interface 15 is realized by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display.
The first and second radio antennas 16 and 17 are radio antennas for the first and second radio transmission / reception units 11 and 12, respectively, and may be combined into one radio antenna if possible.
[0017]
Next, a flow of processing when printing is performed using the printer 20 according to an instruction from the portable information terminal 10 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing processing when the present invention is used.
When the user executes a print command from the portable information terminal 10 (step 1), the portable information terminal 10 confirms the communication route selection method setting contents set in advance by the user (step 2).
There are three communication path selection methods, which are referred to as mode 1, mode 2, and mode 3, respectively. Each mode will be described later. Therefore, the user needs to set one of the modes in advance, and the communication path selection method (mode 1, mode 2, or mode 3) set by the user is the communication path selection in the portable information terminal. It is stored in the method storage unit 14.
[0018]
After confirming a preset communication path selection method, the portable information terminal 10 performs processing according to the set contents and determines which wireless interface is used (steps 2 and 3).
Next, data is transmitted to the printer using a wireless interface based on the selected mode, and printing is started (steps 4 to 7).
This is the end of the printing process.
[0019]
Next, each mode processing content will be described.
(Explanation of claim 3)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in mode 1.
Mode 1, if the user previously to determine what should be a radio interface in advance, the portable information terminal is to select a radio interface designated by a user, the wireless interface is impossible communication if other The wireless interface is used.
[0020]
When using mode 1, the user needs to determine which radio interface to use. This may be set by the user when the mode 1 is set. Hereinafter, a case where the user sets to use a wireless LAN wireless interface will be described as an example.
In the mode 1 process, the portable information terminal first checks whether or not communication is possible for the wireless interface set by the user (step 11). In this case, the wireless LAN interface of the first wireless transmission / reception unit 11 corresponds to the wireless interface.
If wireless communication using the wireless LAN interface is possible, the wireless LAN interface is selected (steps 12 and 13).
[0021]
Conversely, if the wireless LAN interface cannot communicate due to radio interference or the like, it is investigated whether communication is possible using the other wireless interface (assuming it is a Bluetooth interface) (steps 12, 14, 15). ).
If the Bluetooth interface is incapable of communication, the portable information terminal 10 determines that communication is not possible, notifies the user that communication is impossible via the user interface 15 (steps 15 and 16), and interrupts the printing process. .
If the Bluetooth interface is communicable, it is selected as a wireless interface using it (steps 15, 17, and 18).
Next, the portable information terminal notifies the user of the selected wireless interface via the user interface 15 (step 18), and returns to the main routine of the printing process shown in FIG.
[0022]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in mode 2. In mode 2, the portable information terminal first checks whether or not communication is possible with respect to all the wireless interfaces, and as a result, the communicable wireless interface is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the portable information terminal. The radio interface to be used is selected.
[0023]
When the mode 2 is used, the portable information terminal 10 first checks whether communication is possible for the wireless LAN interface and the Bluetooth interface (step 21).
Next, using the result, the currently usable wireless interface is displayed on the user interface (for example, a liquid crystal screen) (step 22).
The user sees it and selects either the wireless LAN interface or the Bluetooth interface (steps 23 and 24).
The portable information terminal 10 selects a wireless interface used for communication according to the input result from the user (step 25), and returns to the main routine of the printing process shown in FIG.
In step 25, if all the wireless interfaces cannot communicate, the portable information terminal notifies the user to that effect and interrupts the printing process.
[0024]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in mode 3. Mode 3 is to investigate whether or not communication is possible for both the wireless LAN interface and the Bluetooth interface, and to select the one having better communication quality.
[0025]
When mode 3 is used, the portable information terminal 10 investigates whether or not communication is possible for the wireless LAN interface and the Bluetooth interface, and also investigates the communication quality of each wireless transmission path (step 31).
As a result of the investigation, if any of the wireless interfaces is not communicable, the user is notified and the printing process is interrupted (steps 32 and 33).
As a result of the investigation, if any wireless interface is communicable and has the same communication quality, a wireless interface set in advance by the user is selected (steps 32, 34, and 35). For this reason, the user needs to set the priority with respect to a wireless interface at the time of mode 3 setting.
[0026]
As a result of the investigation, if any wireless interface is communicable and each has a different communication quality, the portable information terminal selects a wireless interface with good communication quality and notifies the user of the selected wireless interface. Return to the main routine of the printing process shown in FIG.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the present invention has the following effects . By automatically selecting the optimum air interface to the user from among the multiple radio interfaces, as well as eliminates the hassle of print setting time for the user, it is possible to efficiently wireless data transmission.
[0028]
From the air interface connection wireless LAN interface and direct, for selecting a radio interface according to the method which has been preset by the user, as well as eliminates the hassle of print setting time for the user, a just efficient in a position of a user Wireless data transmission is possible.
[0029]
When portable information terminal can not communicate the wireless communication path set by the user, by using the other radio interface automatically, eliminating the troublesome during print setting for the user.
[0030]
Mobile information terminal notifies the user before the print execution status of the radio interface at the time of printing (whether enabled), the user to select the radio interface to use to look at it, the radio wave condition at the time of printing In addition to being able to cope flexibly, it is possible to efficiently advance the printing process.
[0031]
Mobile information terminal by selecting a higher wireless interface communication quality automatically, eliminating the troublesome during print setting for the user.
[0032]
Mobile information terminal if the communication quality of each radio interface are the same, by selecting a pre-radio interface set by the user, it is possible to select the optimum radio interface for the user.
[0033]
Can select the optimum radio interface for the user from among the multiple radio interfaces, as well as it eliminates the hassle of print setting time for the user, to provide a portable information terminal that enables efficient wireless data transmission be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a wireless printing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication path control unit in a portable information terminal.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of printing processing.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in mode 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in mode 2.
6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in mode 3. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable information terminal, 11 ... 1st radio | wireless transmission / reception part, 12 ... 2nd radio | wireless transmission / reception part, 13 ... Communication path selection control part, 14 ... Communication path selection method memory | storage part, 15 ... User interface, 16 ... 1st Antenna, 17 ... second antenna, 20 ... printer, 30 ... wired LAN, 40 ... wireless LAN access point.

Claims (4)

A portable information terminal having a plurality of radio transceiver, a printer connected to a wired network and has a radio transceiver, a radio printing system constituted by said wired network with an access point of a wireless LAN,
The portable information terminal includes a wireless LAN transceiver unit capable of communicating with a wireless LAN access point, a direct connection wireless transceiver unit capable of directly communicating with the printer, and communication for selecting an optimum communication path for the user. A path selection control unit; a display unit; the printer includes a wireless transmission / reception unit capable of directly communicating with the portable information terminal; and a network interface card for connecting to the wired network;
When data is transmitted / received between the portable information terminal and the printer, the portable information terminal determines whether or not communication is currently possible with respect to all of the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer. A wireless printing system characterized by investigating communication quality of a transmission path and selecting a communication path with high communication quality . 2. The wireless printing system according to claim 1, wherein the portable information terminal investigates whether the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer are currently communicable and the communication quality of the wireless transmission path. When the communication quality is the same, the wireless printing system is configured to select a communication path set in advance by the user. Communication that automatically selects a plurality of wireless transmission / reception units and a transmission / reception unit that uses the optimum communication path for the user from among the plurality of wireless transmission / reception units as transmission / reception units used for data communication with a printer connected to a wired network A wireless LAN transceiver unit capable of communicating with a wireless LAN access point; and a direct connection wireless transceiver unit capable of directly communicating with a printer connected to a wired network. A communication path selection unit that selects a transmission / reception unit that uses a communication path optimum for the user from the wireless LAN transmission / reception unit and the direct connection wireless transmission / reception unit as a transmission / reception unit used for data communication with the printer. Part
When transmitting and receiving data between the portable information terminal and the printer, whether or not communication is currently possible and the communication quality of the wireless transmission path for all of the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer. A portable information terminal characterized by investigating and selecting a communication path with high communication quality. 4. The portable information terminal according to claim 3, wherein for the communication path via the wireless LAN and the communication path directly connected to the printer, whether or not communication is currently possible and the communication quality of the wireless transmission path are investigated, and the communication quality is the same. In the case, the portable information terminal is characterized by selecting a communication path set in advance by the user.

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