JP5515596B2 - COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, HOST DEVICE, DEVICE DEVICE, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a host device, a device device, and a communication method.

  Conventionally, various communication methods for connecting a computer device and its peripheral devices have been used, but from the viewpoint of high-speed and large-capacity transfer, a bus configuration represented by USB (Universal Serial Bus) has recently been used. Things to do are mainstream. In USB, roles are divided into a host that leads a communication protocol and a device that communicates according to the host at the time of connection. In general, a computer device is a host and a peripheral device is a device.

  In recent years, WUSB (Wireless USB) using wireless is defined in the physical layer of USB, and devices supporting this WUSB are increasing. The formulation, management, etc. of the WUSB specification are described in USB Implementers Forum, Inc. The details of WUSB specifications are widely known as Non-Patent Document 1 below.

  In WUSB, since there is no physical contact between devices, it is necessary to perform authentication between devices. This authentication is called an association, and there are several types of association implementation methods.

  One of them is that the USB connection is used between the devices using the USB cable before starting the WUSB communication, and each device is allowed to authenticate the partner of the WUSB communication. Only the partner authenticated in this way can communicate with the WUSB after disconnecting the USB cable. This is called a cable model.

  The other is that when the user confirms that the number displayed on the host display matches the number displayed on the device display and presses the button, authentication is performed and communication via WUSB is possible. It becomes possible. This is called a Numeric Model.

  However, in USB and WUSB, up to 127 device devices can be connected when viewed from the host device side. However, when viewed from the device device side, the number of connectable host devices is limited to one. Therefore, when a host device (such as a PC) and a device device (such as a printer) are connected via WUSB, the device device cannot be connected to another host device (such as a PC) via WUSB. Is bad.

  In relation to this, the following Patent Document 1 discloses data that is connected and authenticated to a plurality of USB hosts, executes processing in response to requests from the plurality of USB hosts, and has a high degree of freedom between USB devices. Data communication systems that provide flows are listed.

  However, in the data communication system and the like described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that it has a subunit for connecting to a plurality of USB hosts, requires switching, requires new hardware, and is not convenient. There is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system, a host device, a device device, and a communication method that enable one device device to communicate with a plurality of host devices. To do.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a communication system according to the present invention is a communication system including a host device and a device device each having a communication interface capable of communicating with each other. When a communication path is provided between the communication interface and the communication interface of the device apparatus, communication is performed to obtain a communication initiative agreement between the host apparatus and the device apparatus, and then communication is initiated. The host device or the device device determines whether the host device or the device device has the right, the determined host device or the device device holds the communication initiative, and the device device communicates with the host device. When the communication initiative is acquired by performing communication that takes the communication initiative agreement, the host device associates with it. The host device transmits the device information to the other device devices connected to each other via a network, and acquires the device information and device information from the other device device. When there is an inquiry as to whether or not the device information is received via a network, and when the device information is included, the association information is transmitted to the other device device to complete the association with the host device. It is possible to communicate with a plurality of host devices .

The host device according to the present invention is a host device having a host communication interface capable of communicating with a device communication interface provided in the device device, and is provided between the device communication interface and the host communication interface of the device device. When the communication path is provided, if the device apparatus can take the communication initiative, the communication initiative is given to the device apparatus, and the device apparatus holds the given communication initiative The association information and device information are acquired from the host device and held, and the host device transmits the device information to other device devices connected to each other via a network. The device information is obtained from another device device via the network. If there is an inquiry about whether or not there is the device information, the association information is transmitted to the other device device, and the association with the host device is completed, thereby It is characterized by enabling communication .

The device device according to the present invention is a device device having a device communication interface capable of communicating with a host communication interface provided in the host device, and is provided between the host communication interface of the host device and the device communication interface. If the communication initiative can be obtained from the host device when the communication path is provided, the communication initiative is obtained and retained, and the association information and device information are obtained and retained from the host device. Whether or not the host device has the device information via the network by transmitting the device information to the other device devices connected to each other via the network. If you have an inquiry and have the device information, It transmits the association information to the serial other device apparatus, wherein it to complete the association with the host device, characterized in that to enable communication with a plurality of host devices.

The communication method according to the present invention is a communication method executed in a communication system including a host device and a device device each having a communication interface capable of communicating with each other, and the communication interface of the host device and the communication device When a communication path is provided between the communication interface of the device device and the host device and the device device perform communication to establish a communication initiative agreement, the subsequent communication initiative is given to the host device. And the determined host device or the device device holds the communication initiative, and the device device makes a communication initiative agreement with the host device. When the communication initiative is acquired by performing communication, the association information and device are obtained from the host device. The host device transmits the device information to other device devices connected to each other via the network, so that the other device device transmits the device information via the network. There is an inquiry as to whether or not the device information is included, and when the device information is included, the association information is transmitted to the other device device, and the association with the host device is completed. It is possible to communicate with a host device .

  A communication system according to the present invention is a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network, When a communication path is provided between one of the at least two communication interfaces and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device, a communication initiative agreement is established between the host device and the device device. The host device has a communication initiative when a communication path is provided between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device. And which of the device devices has The connection information acquired by the device apparatus is held in the first holding means, and when there is a request for connection information from another device apparatus on the network to the device apparatus, the connection information is held in the first holding means. When providing the connection information to the other device device and providing a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device The connection information is used.

  The communication method according to the present invention is a communication method executed in a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network. The device apparatus includes first holding means for acquiring and holding connection information necessary for association between the host apparatus and the device apparatus, and the first holding means includes the host apparatus and the device. The connection information acquired by the device device from the host device in parallel with communication for establishing a communication initiative agreement between the host device and the device device when a communication path is provided between the device device and the device device. And the first holding means holds when there is a request for connection information from another device on the network. Providing the connection information to the other device device, and the other device device based on the acquired connection information, the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other device device. Providing a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces.

  The communication method according to the present invention is a communication method executed in a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network. One of the plurality of device devices includes an information holding device that acquires and holds connection information necessary for association between the host device and an arbitrary device device, and the information holding device includes: In parallel with communication for establishing a communication initiative between the host device and the arbitrary device device when a communication path is provided between the host device and the arbitrary device device, A step of holding the connection information acquired by an arbitrary device, and the information holding device is another device on the network. When there is a request for the connection information, the step of providing the held connection information to the other device device, and the other device device, based on the acquired connection information, the at least the host device Providing a communication path between the other of the two communication interfaces and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device.

  The communication method according to the present invention is a communication method executed in a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network. The device device includes first holding means for acquiring and holding connection information necessary for association between the host device and an arbitrary device device, and the host device is connected to the device device. Second holding means for holding information on the arbitrary device apparatus acquired during the communication of the host device, wherein the second holding means includes one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host apparatus and the arbitrary device apparatus. When the communication path is provided between one of the at least two communication interfaces, information on the device apparatus is provided. And the second holding means provides the communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of another device device. A step of providing device device information, and the other device device requests and acquires the connection information held by the first holding means of the arbitrary device device based on the acquired device device information; And the other device device communicates between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device based on the acquired connection information. And a step of providing a path.

  According to the present invention, by determining which of the host device and the device device has the communication initiative, one device device can communicate with a plurality of host devices.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of a communication protocol of a general WUSB host device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of a communication protocol of a general WUSB device device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical configuration of the communication protocol of the PC 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of communication protocols of the printer 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence between a general WUSB host device and a general WUSB device device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence between the PC 2 and the printer 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication processing procedure of the printer 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication processing procedure of the PC 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of ASSOCIATION_REQUEST transmitted by the PC 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION transmitted by the printer 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a general WUSB host device and a general WUSB device device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state of the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a control procedure of a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a control procedure of a communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a control procedure of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of a communication system, a host device, a device device, and a communication method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a PC 2 and a printer 3.

  A PC (Personal Computer) 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, a keyboard 25, a keyboard 25, and a keyboard 25. A USB host unit 27, a WUSB (Wireless USB) host device unit 28, and a USB port (receptacle) 29.

  The CPU 21 is a controller that controls the overall control of the PC 2, communication, input from the keyboard 25, drawing on the display 26, and the like, and is connected to the ROM 22 and the like via a bus. The ROM 22 is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing system programs (BIOS, boot loader, etc.) and data of the PC 2. The RAM 23 is used as a program (software) or data development memory, a drawing memory, or the like. The HDD 24 is a recording medium used for storing programs (OS, application programs, etc.) and data of the PC 2. When the PC 2 is activated, the CPU 21 loads a program in the HDD 24 into the RAM 23 and executes the program loaded in the RAM 23.

  The USB host unit 27 is connected via the USB port 29 and the USB cable 4 when the USB device device (the printer 3 in the first embodiment) is connected to the USB port 29 via the USB cable 4. , A host controller for performing data transfer defined by the USB specification with the USB device device.

  The USB port (receptacle) 29 is a receptacle of the series “B” defined by the USB specification, and various types of USB devices can be connected in addition to one end 4a of the USB cable 4 which is a plug of the series “B”. It is. Note that in a general USB host device (such as a general PC), a series “A” receptacle is used as a USB port (receptacle), but in a PC 2, a series “B” is used as a USB port (receptacle) 29. Use a receptacle.

  The WUSB host / device unit 28 is a controller for performing data transfer defined by the WUSB specification with a WUSB device (the printer 3 in the first embodiment). In general WUSB devices, a WUSB host controller or a WUSB device controller that plays one of the roles (role) of the host side or the device side is used. In the PC 2, it is defined by the WUSB specification. The WUSB host / device unit 28 capable of playing both roles of the host side and the device side is used.

  The printer 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a printer engine 34, an operation panel 35, a USB device unit 36, a WUSB host / device unit 37, and a USB port (receptacle) 38.

  The CPU 31 is a controller that controls the entire printer 3 and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation panel 35, and is connected to the ROM 32 and the like via a bus. The ROM 32 is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing system programs (software) of the printer 3 and data. When starting up the printer 3, the CPU 31 loads a program in the ROM 32 into the RAM 33 and executes the program loaded in the RAM 33. The RAM 33 is used as a program (software) or data expansion memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The printer engine 34 is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a 1-drum color plotter, a 4-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The printer engine 34 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The operation panel 35 is an interface between the printer 3 and a user (user), and includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a key switch, and displays various states and operation methods of the printer 3 on the LCD. The key switch input from the user is accepted.

  When the USB host device 36 (PC 2 in the first embodiment) is connected to the USB port 38 via the USB cable 4, the USB device unit 36 is connected via the USB port 38 and the USB cable 4. It is a device controller for performing data transfer defined by the USB specification with a USB host device.

  The USB port (receptacle) 38 is a receptacle of the series “A” defined by the USB specification, and connects various types of USB devices in addition to the other end 4b of the USB cable 4 which is a plug of the series “A”. Is possible. In general USB device devices (general printers and the like), a series “B” receptacle is used as a USB port (receptacle). In the printer 3, a series “A” is used as a USB port (receptacle) 38. Use the receptacle.

  The WUSB host / device unit 37 is a controller for performing data transfer defined by the WUSB specification with a WUSB device (PC 2 in the first embodiment). In general WUSB devices, a WUSB controller that plays one of the roles (role) of the host side or the device side is used. However, in the printer 3, the host side and the device side defined by the WUSB specification are used. The WUSB host / device unit 37 capable of fulfilling both roles is used.

  Next, the hierarchical structure of the communication protocol of the PC 2 and the printer 3 will be described. For easy understanding, a general WUSB host device (general PC or the like) is described prior to the description of the hierarchical structure of the communication protocol of the PC 2 and the printer 3. An example of a hierarchical configuration of communication protocols of a general WUSB device (such as a general printer) will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of a communication protocol of a general WUSB host apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of a communication protocol of a general WUSB device apparatus.

  The left side of FIG. 2 shows an example of a hierarchical configuration of a wireless communication protocol of a general WUSB host device, and the right side of FIG. 2 shows an example of a hierarchical configuration of a wired communication protocol of a general WUSB host device. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the general WUSB host device shown on the left side in FIG. 2, UWB (Ultra Wide Band) PHY in the lowermost layer is a physical layer of the UWB communication system, and data to be transmitted is transmitted via a wireless carrier. Modulation and demodulation to be carried on. The UWB MAC of the upper layer is a MAC layer of the UWB communication system, and generates a frame for performing UWB communication and controls frame transmission timing. Further, the upper layer WiMedia Convergence Layer is a layer that enables applications such as UPnP and Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the upper application layer to use the lower layer common UWB wireless platform. In the uppermost layer, there is a driver that operates as a WUSB host (WUSB host driver (WUSB / Host Driver)).

  In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the general WUSB host device shown on the right side in FIG. 2, the lowermost layer has a physical layer that is a USB cable (USB Cable), and the upper layer is a USB controller chip. There is a control layer (USB Controller). Further, there is a driver (USB / Host Driver) that operates as a USB host in the upper layer, and an application layer that uses USB in the upper layer. Here, in particular, there is an association module for performing an operation of WUSB connection authentication.

  The left side in FIG. 3 shows an example of a hierarchical configuration of a wireless communication protocol of a general WUSB device device, and the right side of FIG. 3 shows an example of a hierarchical configuration of a wired communication protocol of a general WUSB device device. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the general WUSB device apparatus shown on the left side in FIG. 3, UWB PHY, UWB MAC, WiMedia Convergence Layer, UPnP, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are shown on the left side in FIG. This is the same as an example of a wireless communication protocol of a general WUSB host device. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the general WUSB device apparatus shown on the left side in FIG. 3, the driver that operates as the WUSB device (WUSB device driver (WUSB / Device Driver)) is at the top layer.

  In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the general WUSB device device shown on the right side in FIG. 3, the USB Cable and the USB Controller are the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the general WUSB host device shown on the right side in FIG. This is the same as the example. Further, there is a driver (USB / Device Driver) that operates as a USB device in the upper layer, and there is an application layer that uses USB in the upper layer. Here, in particular, there is an association module for performing an operation of WUSB connection authentication.

  Next, a hierarchical configuration of communication protocols of the PC 2 and the printer 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of the communication protocol of the PC 2, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of the communication protocol of the printer 3.

  The left side in FIG. 4 shows an example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the PC 2, and the right side of FIG. 4 shows an example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the PC 2. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the PC 2 shown on the left side in FIG. 4, UWB PHY, UWB MAC, WiMedia Convergence Layer, UPnP, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are the wireless of the general WUSB host device shown in FIG. This is the same as the example of the hierarchical structure of the communication protocol. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the PC 2 shown on the left side in FIG. 4, not only the host driver (WUSB / Host Driver) but also the driver (WUSB / Device Driver) as the WUSB driver. Is present.

  Also, in the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the general WUSB host apparatus shown in FIG. 2 described above, the association (association) communicates with the opposite device as a host, and the result is sent to the WUSB host driver (WUSB / Host). (Driver). On the other hand, in the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the PC 2 shown on the right side in FIG. 4, the association communicates with the opposite device as a host. Depending on the result, the WUSB host driver (WUSB / This is reflected in the Host Driver) or WUSB device driver (WUSB / Device Driver).

  The left side in FIG. 5 shows an example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the printer 3, and the right side of FIG. 5 shows an example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the printer 3. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the printer 3 shown on the left side in FIG. 5, UWB PHY, UWB MAC, WiMedia Convergence Layer, UPnP, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are the same as those of the general WUSB device device shown in FIG. This is the same as the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol. In the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wireless communication protocol of the printer 3 shown on the left side in FIG. 5, not only the device driver (WUSB / Device Driver) but also the host driver (WUSB / Host Driver) as the WUSB driver. Is present.

  Further, in the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the general WUSB device apparatus shown in FIG. 3 described above, the association communicates with the opposite host as a device, and the result is sent to the WUSB device driver (WUSB / Device). (Driver). On the other hand, in the example of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the printer 3 shown on the right side in FIG. 5, the association communicates with the opposite host as a device. Depending on the result, the WUSB host driver (WUSB) / Host Driver) or WUSB device driver (WUSB / Device Driver).

  Next, a communication sequence between the PC 2 and the printer 3 will be described. For easy understanding, a general WUSB host device (general PC or the like) is described prior to the description of the communication sequence between the PC 2 and the printer 3. An example of a communication sequence (cable association sequence) between a computer and a general WUSB device (such as a general printer) will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence (cable association sequence) between a general WUSB host device and a general WUSB device device.

  When a general WUSB host device and a general WUSB device device are wired by a USB cable, the general WUSB device device transmits a CBAF interface descriptor (step S11), and the general WUSB host device sends a GET_ASSOCATION_INFORMATION (request ) Is transmitted (step S12).

  A general WUSB device device transmits ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (information generated on the device side) (step S13), and further transmits an ACK (step S14).

  A general WUSB host device transmits SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE (step S15), and further transmits HOST_INFO (CHID, LangID, HostFamilyName) (step S16). A general WUSB device transmits ACK (step S17).

  The general WUSB host device transmits GET_ASSOCIATION_REQUEST (request) (step S18). A general WUSB device device transmits DEVICE_INFO (CDID (0: no corresponding CHID CC), BandGroupLangID, DeviceFamilyName) (step S19), and further transmits an ACK (step S20).

  A general WUSB host device transmits SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE (request) (step S21), and further transmits CC_DATA (success: CHID, CDID, CK, BandGroup, failure: failure reason) (step S22). A general WUSB device transmits ACK (step S23).

  As described above, in the cable association between a general WUSB host device and a general WUSB device device, the general WUSB host device becomes a USB host and the general WUSB device device becomes a USB device.

  Next, a communication sequence between the PC 2 and the printer 3 and internal processing of the PC 2 and the printer 3 at that time will be described. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence between the PC 2 and the printer 3, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication processing procedure of the printer 3, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the communication processing of the PC 2. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure.

  When the PC 2 and the printer 3 are wired with the USB cable 4, the printer 3 transmits a CBAF interface descriptor (steps S31 and S51), and the PC 2 receives the CBAF interface descriptor (step S91).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of ASSOCIATION_REQUEST used in the first embodiment. The format of ASSOCIATION_REQUEST shown in FIG. 10 has an association data index value, a role exchangeable flag, an association type ID, an association subtype ID, and an association type size.

  The PC 2 sets the roll exchangeable flag in the ASSOCIATION_REQUEST format shown in FIG. 10 to ON (step S92), and transmits GET_ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (steps S32 and S93). The printer 3 receives GET_ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (step S52).

  The printer 3 determines whether or not the roll exchangeable flag in the ASSOCIATION_REQUEST format is ON (step S53).

  If the printer 3 determines that the roll replaceable flag in the ASSOCIATION_REQUEST format is ON (step S53: Yes), the printer 3 determines that the other party connected by the USB cable 4 is the PC 2, and executes steps S65 to S81. To do.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION used in the first embodiment. The format of ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION shown in FIG. 11 has a total data length, the number of association requests, a role exchange determination flag, and an association request string.

  The printer 3 sets the roll exchange determination flag in the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION format shown in FIG. 11 to ON (step S65), and transmits ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (information generated on the device side) (steps S33 and S66).

  The PC 2 receives the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (information generated on the device side) (step S94), and determines whether or not the roll exchange determination flag in the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION format is ON (step S95).

  If the PC 2 determines that the roll replacement determination flag in the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION format is ON (step S95: Yes), the PC 2 determines that the other party connected by the USB cable 4 is the printer 3, and executes steps S106 to S120. To do.

  The printer 3 transmits ACK (steps S34 and S67). PC2 receives ACK (step S106).

  The PC 2 transmits SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE (steps S35 and S107), and the printer 3 receives SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE (step S68).

  Thereafter, the printer 3 operates as if it is a WUSB host device, and the PC 2 operates as if it is a WUSB device device.

  The PC 2 transmits the CBAF interface descriptor as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S36 and S108), and the printer 3 receives the CBAF interface descriptor as if it were a WUSB host device (step S36). S69).

  The printer 3 transmits GET_ASSOCATION_INFORMATION (request) as if it were a WUSB host device (steps S37 and S70), and the PC 2 receives GET_ASSOCATION_INFORMATION (request) as if it were a WUSB device device. (Step S109).

  The PC 2 transmits an ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (information generated on the device side) as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S38 and S110), and the printer 3 is an ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (as if it were a WUSB host device). (Information generated on the device side) is received (step S71).

  The PC 2 transmits ACK as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S39 and S111), and the printer 3 receives ACK as if it were a WUSB host device (step S72).

  The printer 3 transmits SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE as if it were a WUSB host device (steps S40 and S73), and the PC 2 receives SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE as if it were a WUSB device device (step S112).

  The printer 3 transmits HOST_INFO (CHID, LangID, HostFamilyName) as if it were a WUSB host device (steps S41 and S74). The PC 2 receives HOST_INFO (CHID, LangID, HostFamilyName) as if it were a WUSB device device (step S113).

  The PC 2 transmits ACK as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S42 and S114), and the printer 3 receives ACK as if it were a WUSB host device (step S75).

  The printer 3 transmits a GET_ASSOCIATION_REQUEST (request) as if it were a WUSB host device (steps S43 and S76), and the PC 2 receives a GET_ASSOCIATION_REQUEST (request) as if it were a WUSB device device. (Step S115).

  The PC 2 transmits a DEVICE_INFO (CDID (0: no corresponding CHID CC), BandGroupLangID, DeviceFamilyName) as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S44 and S116), and the printer 3 is as if it were a WUSB host. The device receives INFO_INFO as if it were a device (step S77).

  The PC 2 transmits an ACK as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S45 and S117), and the printer 3 receives an ACK as if it were a WUSB host device (step S78).

  The printer 3 transmits SET_ASSOCATION_RESPONSE (request) as if it were a WUSB host device (steps S46 and S79), and the PC 2 receives SET_ASSOCATION_RESPONSE as if it were a WUSB device device (step S118). ).

  The printer 3 transmits CC_DATA (success: CHID, CDID, CK, BandGroup, failure: failure reason) as if it were a WUSB host device (steps S47, S80), and the PC 2 is as if a WUSB device. CC_DATA is received as if it were a device (step S119).

  The PC 2 transmits ACK as if it were a WUSB device device (steps S48 and S120), and the printer 3 receives ACK as if it were a WUSB host device (step S81).

  In this way, when the PC 2 and the printer 3 are connected via the USB cable 4, the control for obtaining the communication initiative agreement between the PC 2 and the printer 3 (which is the role of the WUSB host and which is the role of the WUSB device) Control to determine whether or not. As a result, the association module of PC 2 (see the top layer of the wired communication protocol hierarchy of PC 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 4) sends the authentication result to the WUSB device driver (WUSB / Device Driver (wireless of PC 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 4). This is reflected in the top layer of the communication protocol hierarchy)). Further, the association module of the printer 3 (see the top layer of the wired configuration of the wired communication protocol of the printer 3 shown on the right side of FIG. 5) sends the authentication result to the WUSB host driver (WUSB / Host Driver (the printer 3 shown on the left side of FIG. 5). (Refer to the top layer of the wireless communication protocol hierarchy). Therefore, between the PC 2 and the printer 3, the printer 3 becomes a WUSB host role (a role having communication initiative), and the PC 2 becomes a WUSB device role (a role not having communication initiative).

  If the printer 3 determines that the roll exchangeable flag in the ASSOCIATION_REQUEST format is not ON (step S53: No), the printer 3 determines that the other party connected by the USB cable 4 is a general WUSB host device. Steps S54 to S64 are executed. Thereafter, the printer 3 operates in the same manner as a general WUSB device device.

  The printer 3 does not set the roll exchange determination flag in the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION format shown in FIG. 11 to ON, and transmits the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (information generated on the device side) in the same manner as a general WUSB device device (step S54, ACK is transmitted (step S55, the general communication sequence described earlier (see FIG. 6)) in the same manner as a general WUSB device device, corresponding to step S13 of the general communication sequence described earlier (see FIG. 6). Corresponding to step S14).

  The printer 3 receives SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE as in the case of a general WUSB device device (step S56, corresponding to step S15 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)). HOST_INFO (CHID, LangID, HostFamilyName) is received (step S57, corresponding to step S16 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The printer 3 transmits an ACK in the same manner as a general WUSB device device (step S58, corresponding to step S17 in the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)), and similarly to a general WUSB device device, GET_ASSOCIATION_REQUEST (request) is received (step S59, corresponding to step S18 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The printer 3 transmits DEVICE_INFO (CDID (0: no corresponding CHID CC), BandGroupLangID, DeviceFamilyName) (step S60, the general communication sequence described above (FIG. 6), in the same manner as a general WUSB device device. ACK) is transmitted in the same manner as a general WUSB device device (step S61, corresponding to step S20 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The printer 3 receives SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE (request) in the same manner as a general WUSB device device (step S62, corresponding to step S21 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The printer 3 receives CC_DATA (success: CHID, CDID, CK, BandGroup, failure: failure reason) as in the case of a general WUSB device device (step S63, the general communication sequence described above (FIG. 6). ACK) is transmitted as in the case of a general WUSB device device (step S64, corresponding to step S23 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  As a result, the association module of the printer 3 (see the top layer of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of the printer 3 shown on the right side of FIG. 5) sends the authentication result to the WUSB device driver (WUSB / Device Driver (the printer shown on the left side of FIG. 5). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of wireless communication protocol 3)). Accordingly, the printer 3 serves as a WUSB device role between the printer 3 and a general WUSB host device.

  Further, when the PC 2 receives the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION (information generated on the device side) (step S94) and determines that the roll replacement determination flag in the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION format is not ON (step S95: No), the USB cable 4 It is determined that the connected counterpart is a general WUSB device device, and steps S96 to S105 are executed. Thereafter, the PC 2 operates in the same manner as a general WUSB host device.

  The PC 2 receives the ACK in the same manner as a general WUSB host device (step S96, corresponding to step S14 in the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)), and the SET_ASSOCATION_RESPONSE as in the general WUSB host device. (Step S97, corresponding to step S15 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The PC 2 transmits HOST_INFO (CHID, LangID, HostFamilyName) in the same manner as a general WUSB host device (step S98, corresponding to step S16 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)). Similarly to the host device, ACK is received (step S99, corresponding to step S17 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The PC 2 transmits GET_ASSOCIATION_REQUEST (request) in the same manner as a general WUSB host device (step S100, corresponding to step S18 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  The PC 2 receives the DEVICE_INFO (CDID (0: no corresponding CHID CC), BandGroupLangID, DeviceFamilyName) (step S101, the general communication sequence described earlier (see FIG. 6), in the same manner as a general WUSB host device. ), Corresponding to step S19 of the general communication sequence (see FIG. 6) described above (step S102, corresponding to step S20).

  The PC 2 transmits SET_ASSOCIATION_RESPONSE (request) in the same manner as a general WUSB host device (step S103, corresponding to step S21 of the general communication sequence described earlier (see FIG. 6)).

  The PC 2 transmits CC_DATA (success: CHID, CDID, CK, BandGroup, failure: failure reason) as in the case of a general WUSB host device (step S104, the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6). ), The ACK is received as in the case of a general WUSB host device (step S105, corresponding to step S23 of the general communication sequence described above (see FIG. 6)).

  As a result, the association module of PC 2 (refer to the top layer of the hierarchical configuration of the wired communication protocol of PC 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 4) sends the authentication result to the WUSB host driver (WUSB / Host Driver (wireless of PC 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 4). This is reflected in the top layer of the communication protocol hierarchy)). Therefore, between the PC 2 and a general WUSB device device, the PC 2 serves as a WUSB host role.

  When a general WUSB host device and a general WUSB device device are connected by a USB cable and cable association is performed, the general WUSB host device operates as a USB host, and the general WUSB device device operates as a USB device. To do. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, a host (PC) 100, which is a general WUSB host device, and a device (printer) 101, a device (multifunction device) 102, and a device (scanner) 103, which are general WUSB device devices, are connected. Even if the host (PC) 104 and the device (printer) 101, which are other general WUSB host devices, are connected with a USB cable, the host (PC) 104 and the device are connected. (Printer) 101 cannot be authenticated by cable association.

  On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, when the PC 2 and the printer 3 are connected by the USB cable 4, the printer 3 serves as a WUSB host role and the PC 2 serves as a WUSB device role. Since the WUSB host can authenticate with a plurality of WUSB devices, as shown in FIG. 13, the host (PC) 2 which is the host device according to the first embodiment and the device according to the first embodiment Even if the device (printer) 3, the device (multifunction device) 5, and the device (scanner) 6 are connected (authenticated), the host (PC) that is the host device according to the first embodiment ) 7 and 8 and the device (printer) 3 are connected by a USB cable, authentication can be performed between the host (PC) 7 and 8 and the device (printer) 3. As a result of this authentication, the device (printer) 3 becomes the role of the WUSB host, and the hosts (PC) 7 and 8 become the role of the WUSB device. Thus, one device (printer) 3 can communicate with a plurality of hosts (PCs) 2, 7, and 8 in parallel, and one device (printer) 3 can communicate with a plurality of hosts (PC) 2, 7, 8 can be used.

  As described above, when the PC 2 is connected to a general WUSB device device via a USB cable, the PC 2 can authenticate with the general WUSB device device as a WUSB host role. . Further, as described above, when the printer 3 is connected to a general WUSB host device via a USB cable, the printer 3 can be authenticated as a general WUSB host device in the role of a WUSB device. It is. According to the first embodiment, the printer 3 can be WUSB connected to a plurality (255 or less) of WUSB device devices.

  In the first embodiment, the roll is determined using the roll exchange enable flag (see FIG. 10) in the ASSOCIATION_REQUEST format and the roll exchange decision flag (see FIG. 11) in the ASSOCIATION_INFORMATION format. However, the user may be prompted to input using the keyboard 25 and the display 26 (see FIG. 1), and the role may be determined by interpreting the contents input by the user.

  The control program executed by the host device according to the first embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in the ROM 22, the HDD 24, and the like. The control program executed by the device device of the first embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in the ROM 32 or the like.

  The control program executed by the host device according to the first embodiment and the control program executed by the device device according to the first embodiment are files in an installable format or executable format and are CD- You may comprise so that it may record and provide on computer-readable recording media, such as ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  Further, the control program executed by the host device according to the first embodiment and the control program executed by the device device according to the first embodiment are stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet. However, the program may be provided by being downloaded via a network. In addition, the control program executed by the host device according to the first embodiment and the control program executed by the device device according to the first embodiment are provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. It may be configured.

  The control program executed by the host apparatus of the first embodiment and the control program executed by the device apparatus of the first embodiment are the above-described units (UWB MAC, WiMedia Convergence Layer, UPnP, Bluetooth). (Registered trademark), WUSB / Host Driver, WUSB / Device Driver, USB Controller, USB / Host Driver, USB / Device Driver, Association), and the actual hardware is a CPU (processor). By reading the control program from the ROM and executing it, the above units are loaded onto the main storage device, and UWB MAC, WiMedia Convergenc Layer, UPnP, Bluetooth (registered trademark), WUSB / Host Driver, WUSB / Device Driver, USB Controller, USB / Host Driver, USB / Device Driver, Association is adapted to be generated on the main memory.

(Second Embodiment)
A feature of the second embodiment is that when the host device and an arbitrary device device are connected by wired USB connection and the association result is held on the device device side, when the other device device and the host device are WUSB connected, By providing the association information that is held, wireless use is possible without association.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a control procedure of a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, a device (printer) 201 and a device (multifunction machine) 202 which are a plurality of device apparatuses are connected to a network environment 204. Another device (printer) 203 is not connected to the network environment 204.

  First, when the host (PC) 200 is connected to the device (multifunction machine) 202 via a wired USB connection, as described with reference to FIG. 7 above, control for obtaining a communication initiative agreement between the PC 2 and the printer 3 ( Control for determining which one will be the role of the WUSB host and which will be the role of the WUSB device). As a result, the association module of PC 2 (see the top layer of the wired communication protocol hierarchy of PC 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 4) sends the authentication result to the WUSB device driver {WUSB / Device Driver (wireless of PC 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 4). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the communication protocol)}. Also, the association module of the printer 3 (see the top layer of the wired configuration protocol of the printer 3 shown on the right side of FIG. 5) sends the authentication result to the WUSB host driver {WUSB / Host Driver (the printer 3 shown on the left side of FIG. 5). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the wireless communication protocol)}. Therefore, between the PC 2 and the printer 3, the printer 3 becomes a WUSB host role (a role having communication initiative), and the PC 2 becomes a WUSB device role (a role not having communication initiative). In this way, the host / device role exchange association shown in FIG. 14 is implemented (1).

  Subsequently, when the role exchange association is performed, association information and device information are transferred from the host (PC) 200 to the device (multifunction machine) 202, and the HDD mounted on the device (multifunction machine) 202 or the like. Is held in the storage device 202a as the first holding means (2). Thereafter, the host (PC) 200 and the device (multifunction machine) 202 are connected to each other by exchanging the role of the host device on the WUSB, and communication is performed.

  In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the host (PC) 200 is moved to the vicinity of the device (printer) 201 on the same network environment 204 as that of the device (multifunction machine) 202 (3), and this is transferred to the host ( Wireless access is performed to the device (printer) 201 as the PC 200-1 (4). Here, the host (PC) 200-1 transmits the device information provided in (1) to the device (printer) 201.

  On the other hand, the device (printer) 201 side has the device information of the host (PC) 200 for the device (multifunction device) 202 connected on the same network environment 204 based on the received device information. Whether or not it is inquired via the network, and if it is present, association information is requested (5). The device (printer) 201 acquires the association information of the host (PC) 200 held in the storage device 202a of the device (multifunction machine) 202 (6), and considers that the association has been completed, so that the WUSB (7). As a result, the host (PC) 200-1 can establish a WUSB connection without association with the device (printer) 201.

  In another example shown in FIG. 14, the host (PC) 200 is moved to the vicinity of the device (printer) 203, and this is used as the host (PC) 200-2 for WUSB access to the device (printer) 203. Suppose. In this case, since the device (printer) 203 not subject to the present invention is not connected to the network environment 204, the association information of the host (PC) 200 held in the storage device 202a of the device (multifunction machine) 202 is stored. Since it cannot be obtained and the association with the host (PC) 200-2 is not considered to be completed, the connection becomes impossible and the WUSB connection fails.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, normally, when performing WUSB connection between a host device and a device device, it is necessary to make an association connection in advance, but there are a plurality of similar device devices on the network. In some cases, even if each device device is not associated one by one, the association information made by one device device is held and only exchanged between the host device and another device device. WUSB connection is possible without association.

  Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when a WUSB connection is made without association between a host device and another device device, if the device device side is a role having communication initiative, this device device Thus, it becomes possible to perform WUSB connection without association to a plurality of host devices.

(Third embodiment)
A feature of the third embodiment is that a server device as an information holding device capable of holding connection information necessary for association is connected to the network of the second embodiment, and the host device and any device device The connection result is stored in the server device, and the association information held by the server device is provided when the other device device and the host device are connected by WUSB. It is in the point that wireless use becomes possible with less.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a control procedure of a communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, a device (printer) 301, a device (multifunction peripheral) 302, and a device (printer) 303, which are a plurality of device apparatuses, are connected to a network environment 305.

  First, when the host (PC) 300 is connected to the device (multifunction machine) 302 via a wired USB connection, the control (in which communication initiative is agreed between the PC 2 and the printer 3) as described above with reference to FIG. 7 ( Control for determining which one will be the role of the WUSB host and which will be the role of the WUSB device). As a result, the association module of PC 2 (see the top layer of the wired communication protocol hierarchy of PC 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 4) sends the authentication result to the WUSB device driver {WUSB / Device Driver (wireless of PC 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 4). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the communication protocol)}. Also, the association module of the printer 3 (see the top layer of the wired configuration protocol of the printer 3 shown on the right side of FIG. 5) sends the authentication result to the WUSB host driver {WUSB / Host Driver (the printer 3 shown on the left side of FIG. 5). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the wireless communication protocol)}. Therefore, between the PC 2 and the printer 3, the printer 3 becomes a WUSB host role (a role having communication initiative), and the PC 2 becomes a WUSB device role (a role not having communication initiative). In this way, the host / device role exchange association shown in FIG. 15 is performed (1).

  Subsequently, as a result of the role exchange association being performed, association information and device information are transferred from the host (PC) 300 to the device (multifunction device) 302, which manages association information of a plurality of devices. The information is transferred to and stored in a storage device 304a composed of an HDD or the like mounted on the server device 304 as an information holding device 305 (2). Note that the server device 304 here is a dedicated device for managing association information, but is not necessarily limited to this, and any device having a function capable of holding and providing connection information can be used. It may be in the form of a (multifunction machine) 302, a device (printer) 301, or the like. Thereafter, the host (PC) 300 and the device (multifunction machine) 302 are connected to each other by exchanging the role of the host device on the WUSB, and communication is performed.

  In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the host (PC) 300 is moved to the vicinity of the device (printer) 301 on the same network environment 204 as that of the device (multifunction machine) 302 (3), and the host (PC) 300 The wireless access to the device (printer) 301 is performed as the PC 300-1 (4). Here, the host (PC) 300-1 transmits the device information provided in (1) to the device (printer) 301.

  On the other hand, the device (printer) 301 side has the device information of the host (PC) 300 to the server device 304 that collectively manages the association information on the same network environment 305 based on the received device information. And if so, request association information (5). The device (printer) 301 obtains the association information of the host (PC) 300 held in the storage device 304a of the server device 304 (6), and assumes that the association is completed, thereby connecting with the WUSB. Is possible (7). As a result, the host (PC) 300-1 can establish a WUSB connection without association with the device (printer) 301.

  In the second embodiment described above, since it is impossible to know which device has association information of the host (PC) 200 without inquiring all devices, it takes time in proportion to the scale of the system. Network traffic may also increase. However, in the third embodiment, since it is only necessary to determine the server device 304 to be managed on the network environment 305 and make an inquiry there, the association information can be quickly acquired regardless of the scale of the communication system. Can do.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, another device apparatus that wants to connect to the host apparatus inquires of the server apparatus 304 on the network whether or not it has the device information of the host apparatus. Requesting the association information and acquiring this information makes it possible to connect via WUSB as the association has been completed. Therefore, the WUSB connection can be made easily and quickly without association between the host device and other device devices. Network traffic at that time can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, when a WUSB connection is made without association between a host device and another device device, if the device device side is a role having communication initiative, this device device Thus, it becomes possible to perform WUSB connection without association to a plurality of host devices.

(Fourth embodiment)
The feature of the fourth embodiment is that when a host device and an arbitrary device device are associated by wired USB connection, the device device information (host information) is held in the storage device of the host device, and other devices Since the host information is provided to another device device when the device and the host device are connected by WUSB, the other device device can easily know the partner device that requests the association information.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example and a control procedure of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, a device (printer) 401, a device (multifunction peripheral) 402, and a device (printer) 403, which are a plurality of device apparatuses, are connected to a network environment 404.

  First, when the host (PC) 400 is connected to the device (multifunction machine) 402 by wired USB, the control (in which the communication initiative is agreed between the PC 2 and the printer 3 as described in FIG. 7 above) ( Control for determining which one will be the role of the WUSB host and which will be the role of the WUSB device). As a result, the association module of PC 2 (see the top layer of the wired communication protocol hierarchy of PC 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 4) sends the authentication result to the WUSB device driver {WUSB / Device Driver (wireless of PC 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 4). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the communication protocol)}. Also, the association module of the printer 3 (see the top layer of the wired configuration protocol of the printer 3 shown on the right side of FIG. 5) sends the authentication result to the WUSB host driver {WUSB / Host Driver (the printer 3 shown on the left side of FIG. 5). (Refer to the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the wireless communication protocol)}. Therefore, between the PC 2 and the printer 3, the printer 3 becomes a WUSB host role (a role having communication initiative), and the PC 2 becomes a WUSB device role (a role not having communication initiative). In this way, the host / device role exchange association shown in FIG. 15 is performed (1).

  Subsequently, when the role exchange association is performed, association information and device information are passed from the host (PC) 400 to the device (multifunction machine) 402, and the host information is transferred from the device (multifunction machine) 402 to the host (PC). 400. The association information and device information from the host (PC) 400 are stored in the storage device 402a as the first holding means such as an HDD mounted in the device (multifunction device) 402 (2). (PC) 400 is stored in the storage device 400a as the second holding means such as an HDD (3).

  In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the host (PC) 400 is moved to the vicinity of the device (printer) 401 on the same network environment 404 as the device (multifunction machine) 402 (4), and this is assumed to be the host (PC). ) 400-1 as a wireless access to the device (printer) 401 (5). At this time, the host (PC) 400-1 stores the device information provided in (1) to the device (printer) 401 and the storage device 400-1a as the second holding unit of the host (PC) 400-1. Also send the host information that was correct.

  On the other hand, when the device (printer) 401 side acquires the host information and the device information from the host (PC) 400-1, the same device information is obtained for the device (multifunction device) 402 corresponding to the host information. In the case of having, the association information is requested (6). The device (printer) 401 obtains the association information of the host (PC) 400 held in the storage device 402a of the device (multifunction machine) 402 (7), and assumes that the association has been completed, thereby making the WUSB (8). As a result, the host (PC) 400-1 can establish a WUSB connection without association with the device (printer) 401.

  In the second embodiment described above, since it is impossible to know which device has association information of the host (PC) 200 without inquiring all devices, it takes time in proportion to the scale of the system. Network traffic may also increase. However, in the fourth embodiment, the device (multifunction device) 402 to which the host (PC) 400 is associated can be known from the acquired host information, and it is only necessary to make an inquiry there. Therefore, the association can be quickly performed regardless of the scale of the system. Information can be acquired and network traffic can be reduced. Further, in the fourth embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare a special server device 304 having a different function from that of the third embodiment, so that the cost of the communication system can be reduced. .

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the storage device (second holding unit) of the host device holds the information (host information) of the device device associated with the host device, and is connected by WUSB. Since host information is also transmitted when wirelessly accessing other device devices that are desired, it is easy to identify the other device device that requests association information, so it is possible to quickly associate information with little network traffic regardless of the size of the communication system. And WUSB connection becomes possible.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the host device of the present invention is applied to a PC has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to other various devices. In this embodiment, an example in which the device device of the present invention is applied to a printer has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a copying machine, a printer, a scanner device, a facsimile device, and the like.

  As described above, the communication system, the host device, the device device, and the communication method according to the present invention are useful for a technique in which one device device communicates with a plurality of host devices.

1 Communication system 2, 7, 8, 100, 104 PC
3, 101 Printer 4 USB cable 5, 102 Multifunction device 6, 103 Scanner 21, 31 CPU
22, 32 ROM
23, 33 RAM
24 HDD
25 Keyboard 26 Display 27 USB host unit 28 WUSB host / device unit 29, 38 USB port 34 Printer engine 35 Operation panel 36 USB device unit 37 WUSB host / device unit 200, 200-1, 200-2, 300, 300-1 , 400, 400-1 Host (PC)
201, 203, 301, 303, 401, 403 Device (printer)
202, 302, 402 devices (multifunction devices)
202a, 304a, 400a, 400-1a, 402a Storage device 204, 305, 404 Network environment 304 Server device

JP 2008-117289 A

“Wireless USB Specification Revision 1.0”, [online], USB Implementers Forum, Inc. [Search February 9, 2009], Internet <URL: http: // www. usb. org / developers / wusb / wus b — 2007 — 0214. zip>

Claims (16)

A communication system including a host device and a device device each having a communication interface capable of communicating with each other,
By performing communication to establish a communication initiative agreement between the host device and the device device when a communication path is provided between the communication interface of the host device and the communication interface of the device device, It is determined which of the host device and the device device has the subsequent communication initiative, the determined host device or the device device retains the communication initiative, and the device device is the host device. When the communication initiative is acquired by performing communication with the communication initiative agreement with the host device, the association information and the device information are acquired and held from the host device, and are connected to each other via the network. When the host device transmits the device information to another device device, the other device device If there is an inquiry as to whether or not the device information is included via the network, and if the device information is included, the association information is transmitted to the other device device to complete the association with the host device. A communication system characterized by enabling communication with a plurality of host devices . The host device and the device device each include at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other,
Communication is initiated between the host device and the device device when a communication path is provided between one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device. The communication initiative when the communication path is provided between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device is performed by performing communication that takes a right agreement. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein which of the host device and the device device is determined is determined. One of the at least two communication interfaces is USB (Universal Serial Bus),
The other of the at least two communication interfaces is WUSB (Wireless USB),
Communication between the host device and the device device is initiated when one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device are connected by a USB cable. The communication initiative when the communication path is provided between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device is performed by performing communication that takes a right agreement. 3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein which of the host device and the device device is determined is determined.   4. The communication for determining which communication role is agreed between the host device and the device device, which determines which role is the host role and which is the device role. The communication system according to any one of the above.   A signal indicating that the host apparatus assumes a role of a device is transmitted to the device apparatus, and a signal indicating that the device apparatus assumes a role of a host is transmitted to the host apparatus accordingly. Item 5. The communication system according to Item 4. A host device having a host communication interface capable of communicating with a device communication interface provided in the device device,
When the communication path is provided between the device communication interface of the device apparatus and the host communication interface, if the device apparatus can take communication initiative, the device apparatus has communication initiative. The device device holds the passed communication initiative, acquires and holds association information and device information from the host device, and other device devices connected to each other via a network. Then, when the host device transmits the device information, there is an inquiry from the other device device as to whether or not it has the device information via the network. Sends association information to the device and associates with the host device. By completing the down, the host device, characterized in that to enable communication with a plurality of host devices. A device apparatus having a device communication interface capable of communicating with a host communication interface provided in the host apparatus,
When a communication path is provided between the host communication interface and the device communication interface of the host device, if the communication initiative can be obtained from the host device, the communication initiative is obtained and retained. The association information and the device information are acquired from the host device and held, and the host device transmits the device information to other device devices connected to each other via a network, whereby the other information is obtained. If there is an inquiry from the device device as to whether or not it has the device information via the network, if it has the device information, association information is transmitted to the other device device to associate with the host device Communicating with multiple host devices by completing Devices and wherein. The host device further comprises an input means by which a user can input information for determining which of the host device and the device device has communication initiative.
When a communication path is provided between the communication interface of the host device and the communication interface of the device device, based on the information input to the input means by a user, a subsequent communication initiative is The communication system according to claim 1, wherein which one of the host device and the device device has is determined. A communication method executed in a communication system including a host device and a device device each having a communication interface capable of communicating with each other,
By performing communication to establish a communication initiative agreement between the host device and the device device when a communication path is provided between the communication interface of the host device and the communication interface of the device device, It is determined which of the host device and the device device has the subsequent communication initiative, the determined host device or the device device retains the communication initiative, and the device device is the host device. When the communication initiative is acquired by performing communication with the communication initiative agreement with the host device, the association information and the device information are acquired and held from the host device, and are connected to each other via the network. When the host device transmits the device information to another device device, the other device device If there is an inquiry as to whether or not the device information is included via the network, and if the device information is included, the association information is transmitted to the other device device to complete the association with the host device. A communication method characterized by enabling communication with a plurality of host devices . A communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network,
Communication between the host device and the device device when a communication path is provided between one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device. Communication initiative when a communication path is provided between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device by performing communication that takes initiative agreement Which of the host device and the device device has, the connection information acquired by the device device is held in the first holding means,
When there is a request for connection information from another device device on the network to the device device, the connection information held in the first holding unit is provided to the other device device,
A communication system using the connection information when providing a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device. . An information holding device capable of holding the connection information of a plurality of device devices connected to each other on the network is connected to the network,
The connection acquired when a communication path is provided between one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of any of the plurality of device devices. Sending and holding information to the information holding device;
When there is a request for the connection information from another device apparatus on the network to the information holding apparatus, the connection information held in the information holding apparatus is provided to the other device apparatus,
Claims, characterized in that in providing a communication path between the other of said at least two communication interfaces of the other and the other device units of the at least two communication interface of the host device, using said connection information The communication system according to 10 . The host device obtains information on the device device acquired when a communication path is provided between one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device. Holding the second holding means;
The device held by the second holding means when providing a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device Providing device information to the other device device;
The other device apparatus requests connection information to the device apparatus based on the acquired information of the device apparatus, acquires the connection information held in the first holding unit, and acquires the connection information. 11. The communication system according to claim 10 , wherein the communication system is used when a communication path is provided between the other of the at least two communication interfaces and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device apparatus. One of the at least two communication interfaces is USB (Universal Serial Bus),
The other of the at least two communication interfaces is WUSB (Wireless USB),
Communication between the host device and the device device is initiated when one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the device device are connected by a USB cable. The communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 12 , wherein the connection information is exchanged as association information for wireless connection in parallel with communication for obtaining a right agreement. A communication method executed in a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network,
The device device includes first holding means for acquiring and holding connection information necessary for association between the host device and the device device,
In parallel with the communication in which the first holding unit establishes a communication initiative agreement between the host device and the device device when a communication path is provided between the host device and the device device, Holding the connection information acquired by the device device from a host device;
The first holding unit, when there is a request for connection information from another device on the network, providing the held connection information to the other device;
Based on the acquired connection information, the other device device provides a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device. Process,
A communication method comprising: A communication method executed in a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network,
One of the plurality of device devices includes an information holding device that acquires and holds connection information necessary for association between the host device and an arbitrary device device,
In parallel with the communication in which the information holding device makes a communication initiative agreement between the host device and the arbitrary device device when a communication path is provided between the host device and the arbitrary device device. Holding the connection information acquired by the arbitrary device from the host device;
The information holding device, when there is a request for the connection information from another device device on the network, providing the held connection information to the other device device;
Based on the acquired connection information, the other device device provides a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device. Process,
A communication method comprising: A communication method executed in a communication system including a host device having at least two communication interfaces capable of communicating with each other and a plurality of device devices connected to each other via a network,
The device apparatus includes first holding means for acquiring and holding connection information necessary for association between the host apparatus and an arbitrary device apparatus,
The host device includes second holding means for holding information on the arbitrary device device acquired during communication with the device device,
When the second holding unit provides a communication path between one of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and one of the at least two communication interfaces of the arbitrary device device, information on the device device is obtained. Holding, and
The second holding unit provides information on the device device when providing a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of another device device. And a process of
Requesting and acquiring the connection information held by the first holding means of the arbitrary device apparatus based on the acquired information of the device apparatus;
Based on the acquired connection information, the other device device provides a communication path between the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the host device and the other of the at least two communication interfaces of the other device device. Process,
A communication method comprising:

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