Wireless communication apparatus capable of wireless communication with public wireless network and wireless communication apparatus, and image communication apparatus capable of wireless communication with wireless communication apparatus

• US 7,366,468 B2
• Filed: 09/05/2001
• Issued: 04/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Yoshida, Shigeo
• Primary Examiner(s): Tsang; Fan
• Assistant Examiner(s): ELAHEE, MD S
• Application Number:
  US09/945,802
• Publication Number:
  US 20020032005A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,428 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41, 455/60, 455/404, 455/456, 455/556.2, 455/412, 455/414, 455/507, 455/517, 455/519, 455/422, 455/412.1, 455/414.1, 455/456.1, 455/500, 455 411- 413, 725/105, 358/1.15, 358 11- 18, 348/714, 370/389, 400/62, 379/29.1, 379/100.01, 379/100.06
• US Class Current: 455/41.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0041 Point to point H04N2201/0039 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/141 between two video terminals, e.g. videophone telephonic communication systems combined with television receiver for reception of entertainment or information matter H04M11/085
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

The invention provides an image communication apparatus in which an image input unit for entering image and a portable communication unit capable of wireless connection with a public wireless network are constructed in separate manner and are rendered capable of mutual wireless communication.

Claims

1. A printer apparatus comprising:

a reception device adapted to wirelessly receive an inquiry signal which is transmitted by a wireless communication apparatus in order to search surrounding devices; and

a transmission device adapted to transmit a printer status response signal to the inquiry signal received by said reception device wherein the printer status response signal includes information indicating that the printer is a specified printer which is pre-registered in the wireless communication apparatus, and

wherein said transmission device does not transmit the printer status response signal while said printer apparatus is operating in a printing process even if said printer apparatus receives the inquiry signal by said reception device.

2. A control method for a printer apparatus comprising:

a reception step for wirelessly receiving an inquiry signal which is transmitted by a wireless communication apparatus in order to search surrounding devices; and

a transmission step for transmitting a printer status response signal to the inquiry signal received in said reception step, wherein the printer status response signal includes information indicating that the printer is a specified printer which is pre-registered in the wireless communication apparatus, and

wherein said transmission step is not performed to transmit the printer status response signal while the printer apparatus is operating in a printing process even if said printer apparatus receives the inquiry signal by said reception device.