JP7626174B2 - Computer program for image processing device and terminal device - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a technology in which connection information is transmitted from a terminal device to an image processing device via wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, and the image processing device uses the connection information to establish a wireless connection with an access point.

Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between a certain device and an access point according to the DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) method. This document discloses transmitting the public key of the certain device to the outside using wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard. In particular, it discloses transmitting the public key to the outside using an extended advertising signal available in version 5 of the Bluetooth standard.

“Device Provisioning Protocol Specification Version 1.1” Wi-Fi Alliance, 2018

This specification provides a technology that improves user convenience when a wireless connection is established between an image processing device and an access point.

The image processing device disclosed in this specification includes a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard, the first wireless interface being capable of transmitting an advertising signal of the Bluetooth standard, the advertising signal including specific information for receiving connection information from a terminal device, the connection information being information for establishing a wireless connection between the image processing device and an access point; a second wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; and a first request signal receiving unit for receiving, when the advertising signal including the specific information is received by the first terminal device, a first request signal using the specific information from the first terminal device, the first request signal being a signal for requesting the execution of communication to receive first connection information from the first terminal device; The communication device may include a first connection information receiving unit that receives the first connection information from the first terminal device when the first request signal is received, a first establishing unit that uses the first connection information to establish a first wireless connection with a first access point via the second wireless interface when the first connection information is received from the first terminal device, and a related process executing unit that executes related processes related to image processing after the first wireless connection with the first access point is established, the related processes including executing communication of target data related to the image processing with the first terminal device via the first access point and the second wireless interface, and a prohibiting unit that prohibits execution of a process for establishing a wireless connection with an access point other than the first access point via the second wireless interface while communication of the target data is being executed with the first terminal device.

According to the above configuration, the image processing device prohibits the execution of a process for establishing a wireless connection with an access point other than the first access point while communication of target data is being performed between the image processing device and the first terminal device via the first access point. Therefore, the image processing device can prevent the first wireless connection with the first access point from being disconnected due to the execution of the process. As a result, it is possible to prevent communication of the target data from being interrupted, and it is possible to improve convenience for a user who wishes to communicate the target data (i.e., a user of the first terminal device).

This specification also discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The terminal device may include a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard, a second wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard, a display unit, and a computer. The computer program causes the computer to include the following units: an advertising signal receiving unit that receives a plurality of advertising signals from a plurality of image processing devices via the first wireless interface, the plurality of advertising signals including a first advertising signal including predetermined information and a second advertising signal not including the predetermined information; a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a selection screen including a plurality of pieces of identification information for identifying the plurality of image processing devices when the plurality of advertising signals are received from the plurality of image processing devices, the selection screen including the identification information for identifying the image processing device that is a source of the first advertising signal being displayed in a first display mode, and the identification information for identifying the image processing device that is a source of the second advertising signal being displayed in a second display mode different from the first display mode; and a display control unit that causes the display unit to select a specific image processing device that is a source of the first advertising signal from among the plurality of pieces of identification information on the selection screen. The request signal transmitting unit may function as a request signal transmitting unit that transmits a request signal to the specific image processing device when specific identification information that identifies the specific image processing device is selected, the request signal being a signal that utilizes the specific information included in the first advertising signal received from the specific image processing device, the request signal being a signal for requesting the execution of communication for transmitting connection information to the specific image processing device, and the connection information being information for establishing a wireless connection between the specific image processing device and an access point; a connection information transmitting unit that transmits the connection information to the specific image processing device when the request signal is transmitted to the specific image processing device; and a target data communication unit that communicates target data related to image processing performed by the specific image processing device with the specific image processing device via the second wireless interface and the access point after the wireless connection is established between the specific image processing device and the access point due to the connection information being transmitted to the specific image processing device.

According to the above configuration, the terminal device can display a selection screen in which identification information identifying the image processing device that is the source of the first advertising signal including the specified information and identification information identifying the image processing device that is the source of the second advertising signal including the specified information are distinguished. That is, on the selection screen, identification information identifying an image processing device that can be the destination of a request signal using the specified information is distinguished from identification information identifying an image processing device that cannot be the destination of the request signal. For this reason, the user can appropriately select the former identification information. Therefore, a wireless connection can be established between a specific image processing device and an access point, and communication of target data can be appropriately performed between the terminal device and the specific image processing device. As a result, the convenience of a user (i.e., a user of the terminal device) who wishes to communicate target data can be improved.

A computer program for realizing the above-mentioned image processing device, a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, and a method executed by the above-mentioned image processing device are also new and useful. A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for the above-mentioned terminal device, the above-mentioned terminal device itself, and a method executed by the above-mentioned terminal device are also new and useful. In addition, a system including the above-mentioned image processing device and the above-mentioned terminal device is also new and useful.

1 shows the configuration of a communication system. 1 shows a sequence diagram of a process for establishing a wireless connection between a printer and an access point. FIG. 13 shows a sequence diagram of processing after a wireless connection is established. FIG. 11 shows a sequence diagram of a process for establishing a wireless connection between a printer and another access point. 13 shows a sequence diagram of a case in which a portable terminal receives advertising signals from multiple printers.

(Configuration of communication system 2: FIG. 1)
1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 10, 50 and a plurality of mobile terminals 100, 150. Each of the printer 50 and the mobile terminal 100 establishes a wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as a "Wi-Fi connection") conforming to the Wi-Fi standard with an access point 200. That is, the printer 50 and the mobile terminal 100 belong to the same wireless network formed by the access point 200. The mobile terminal 150 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with an access point 250. Below, the mobile terminal and the access point will be simply referred to as a "terminal" and an "AP", respectively.

In this embodiment, first, wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is performed between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 100, and connection information for establishing a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 is sent from the terminal 100 to the printer 10. After that, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 200.

(Configuration of Printers 10 and 50)
Each of the printers 10 and 50 is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of the terminal 100) capable of executing a printing function. The model name of the printer 10 is "M1", and the model name of the printer 50 is "M2" which is different from "M1". The printer 10 includes a display unit 12, a print execution unit 14, a BT (short for BlueTooth) interface 16, a Wi-Fi interface 18, and a control unit 30. In the following, the interface will be referred to as "I/F".

The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 12 also functions as a touch panel (i.e., an operation unit) that accepts instructions from a user. The print execution unit 14 is equipped with a printing mechanism such as an inkjet type or a laser type.

The BT I/F 16 is an I/F for performing wireless communication according to the BT standard. The BT standard is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard and standards equivalent thereto. The BT I/F 16 is an I/F defined in version 5 and later of the BT standard. In version 5 and later of the BT standard, an extended advertising signal (so-called Advertising Extensions) is adopted. The BT I/F 16 can transmit both an extended advertising signal available in version 5.0 and later of the BT standard, and a non-extended normal advertising signal available in versions earlier than BT standard 5. The size of data that can be included in the extended advertising signal is larger than the size of data that can be included in the normal advertising signal. For this reason, the BT I/F 16 can transmit data of a relatively large size (for example, the public key 300 described below) using the extended advertising signal. In the following, advertising signals will be referred to as "AD signals."

The Wi-Fi I/F 14 is a wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard. The Wi-Fi standard is a wireless communication method for performing wireless communication according to, for example, the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and equivalent standards (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, etc.). The Wi-Fi I/F 14 particularly supports the DPP (abbreviation of Device Provisioning Protocol) method established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The DPP method is a wireless communication method described in the specification "Device Provisioning Protocol Specification Version 1.1" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to a program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc.

The hardware configuration of printer 50 (not shown) is the same as that of printer 10. That is, printer 50 has a BT I/F defined in version 5 or later of the BT standard, and a Wi-Fi I/F that supports the DPP method.

(Configuration of terminals 100 and 150)
Each of the terminals 100 and 150 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a tablet PC, etc. The terminal 100 includes a display unit 112, a BT I/F 116, a Wi-Fi I/F 118, and a control unit 130.

The display unit 112 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 112 also functions as a touch panel (i.e., an operation unit) that accepts instructions from the user. The BT I/F 116 is the same as the BT I/F 16 of the printer 10. That is, the BT I/F 116 is an I/F defined in version 5 or later of the BT standard, and is capable of interpreting both extended AD signals and normal AD signals. The Wi-Fi I/F 118 is the same as the Wi-Fi I/F 18 of the printer 10. That is, the Wi-Fi I/F 118 supports the DPP method.

The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with programs 136, 138 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc., and stores an OS (short for Operating System) program 136 (hereinafter simply referred to as "OS 136") and a print application 138 (hereinafter simply referred to as "app 138").

The OS 136 is a program for controlling the basic operations of the terminal 100, and is, for example, iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), etc. The app 138 is a program for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and the AP 200, and for causing the printer 10 to execute printing. The app 138 may be installed on the terminal 100, for example, from a server on the Internet provided by the vendor of the printer 10, or may be installed on the terminal 100 from media shipped together with the printer 10.

The hardware configuration (not shown) of the mobile terminal 150 is the same as that of the mobile terminal 100. That is, the mobile terminal 150 has a BT I/F defined in version 5 or later of the BT standard, and a Wi-Fi I/F that supports the DPP method.

(Processing Executed by Each Device 10, 50, 100, 150: FIGS. 2 to 5)
Next, specific processing executed by each device 10 etc. will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In the following, when describing processing executed by the CPU 132 of the terminal 100 in accordance with the OS 136 or the application 138, the OS 136 or the application 138 will be mainly described. In Figures 2 to 5, communication between each device 10 etc. in accordance with the BT standard and communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard are indicated by solid lines and dashed lines, respectively.

(Process for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and the AP 200: FIG. 2)
First, referring to FIG. 2, a process for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and the AP 200 using the terminal 100 will be described. At T100, the power of the printer 10 is turned on by the user. In this state, the printer 10 has not established a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200. In this case, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 instructs the BT I/F 16 to transmit an extended AD signal. As a result, the BT I/F 16 repeatedly transmits the extended AD signal at T102. The extended AD signal includes the model name M1 of the printer 10 and a public key 300 of the printer 10. The public key 300 is information used to transmit an Authentication Request, which is a DPP-based signal.

At T110, the user executes an operation to launch the app 138 of the terminal 100, and at T112, the user executes a Wi-Fi connection operation to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and the AP 200. In this case, at T120, the app 138 supplies a reception instruction to the OS 136 to instruct reception of an AD signal.

When the OS 136 receives a reception instruction from the application 138 (T120), it starts the BT I/F 116, and at T122 receives the extended AD signal from the printer 10 via the BT I/F 116. Then, at T124, the OS 136 supplies the model name M1 and the public key 300 contained in the extended AD signal to the application 138.

When the app 138 acquires the model name M1 and the public key 300 from the OS 136 (T124), at T130 it displays a connection confirmation screen on the display unit 112. The connection confirmation screen includes a message inquiring of the user as to which printer and AP a Wi-Fi connection is to be established between, and the acquired model name M1.

In T132, the model name M1 on the connection confirmation screen is selected by the user. In this case, in T140, the application 138 supplies a DPP instruction to the OS 136 to instruct execution of wireless communication according to the DPP method. The DPP instruction includes the public key 300 already acquired in T124, i.e., the public key 300 received from the printer 10 having the model name M1.

When the OS 136 acquires a DPP instruction from the application 138 (T140), at T142 it executes DPP authentication (hereinafter referred to as "Auth") with the printer 10. Specifically, the OS 136 first generates a shared key using the public key 300 and the private key of the terminal 100, and generates encrypted data using the shared key. The OS 136 then transmits an Auth Request including the encrypted data and the public key of the terminal 100 to the printer 10 via the Wi-Fi I/F 118. The request is a signal that requests the printer 10 to execute authentication.

When the CPU 32 receives the request from the terminal 100 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18, it performs authentication of the encrypted data included in the request. If the authentication is successful, the CPU 32 sends an Auth Response indicating success to the terminal 100 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18. In the following, the request and response are referred to as "Req" and "Res", respectively.

When the CPU 32 sends Auth Res to the terminal 100 (T142), at T144 it executes DPP-based Configuration (hereinafter referred to as "Config") with the terminal 100. Specifically, the CPU 32 sends a Config Req to the terminal 100 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18. The Req is a signal requesting the printer 10 to send a printer Config Object. The Object is connection information required for the printer 10 to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200, and includes a printer Signed-Connector and the like. Below, the Config Object and the Signed-Connector are referred to as "CO" and "SC", respectively.

When the OS 136 receives a Config Req from the printer 10 via the Wi-Fi I/F 118, it generates a printer CO that includes a printer SC. Next, the OS 136 sends a Config Res that includes the printer CO to the printer 10 via the Wi-Fi I/F 118.

When the CPU 32 receives Config Res from the terminal 100 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18 (T144), it stores the printer CO in the memory 34 at T146.

Next, in T148, the CPU 32 executes DPP-based Network Access with the AP 200. Specifically, the CPU 32 first acquires the printer SC contained in the printer CO stored in T146. The CPU 32 then transmits a DPP Peer Discovery Req including the printer SC to the AP 200 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18. This Req is a signal requesting the AP 200 to execute authentication. Below, DPP Peer Discovery will be referred to simply as "Discovery."

When the AP 200 receives a Discovery Req from the printer 10, it performs authentication using the printer SC included in the Req. If authentication is successful, the AP 200 generates a connection key and sends a Discovery Res including the AP SC to the printer 10.

When the CPU 32 receives a Discovery Res from the AP 200 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18, it performs authentication using the AP SC contained in the Res. If authentication is successful, the CPU 32 generates a connection key. The connection key generated here is the same as the connection key generated by the AP 200. This allows the connection key to be shared between the printer 10 and the AP 200.

The CPU 32 uses the connection key to perform 4-way handshake communication with the AP 200 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18. As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 200.

When the CPU 32 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 (T148), it instructs the BT I/F 16 to transmit an extended AD signal. As a result, the BT I/F 16 repeatedly transmits the extended AD signal at T150. This extended AD signal is the same as the extended AD signal transmitted at T102.

(Continuation of Figure 2: Figure 3)
Next, referring to Fig. 3, the process following Fig. 2 will be described. In the process of Fig. 2, when a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 200 (T148), the printers 10, 50 and the terminal 100 belong to the same wireless network formed by the AP 200.

At T210, a file selection operation is performed by the user to select an image file representing an image to be printed. The image file selected here may be a file stored in memory 134 of terminal 100, or a file acquired via the Internet. In this case, at T220, application 138 supplies a search instruction to OS 136 to instruct the OS 136 to search for printers 10 and 50.

When the OS 136 receives a search instruction from the application 138 (T220), at T222, the OS 136 broadcasts a search signal to the AP 200 using the Wi-Fi connection (i.e., via the Wi-Fi I/F 118). As a result, the search signal is received by each of the printers 10 and 50.

When the CPU 32 of the printer 10 receives a search signal from the terminal 100 using the Wi-Fi connection (i.e., via the Wi-Fi I/F 18) (T222), at T224A, the CPU 32 uses the Wi-Fi connection to send a response signal including the model name M1 of the printer 10 and the IP address IP1 of the printer 10 to the terminal 100. Similarly, at T224B, the printer 50 uses the Wi-Fi connection to send a response signal including the model name M2 of the printer 50 and the IP address IP2 of the printer 50 to the terminal 100.

When the OS 136 receives each response signal from each printer 10, 50 using the Wi-Fi connection (T224A, T224B), at T226, it supplies the application 138 with each piece of information contained in each response signal (i.e., the set of model name M1 and IP address IP1, and the set of model name M2 and IP address IP2).

When the application 138 acquires each piece of information from the OS 136 (T226), in T230, it displays a printer selection screen on the display unit 12. The printer selection screen includes a message that prompts the user to select a printer to perform printing, and each model name M1, M2 included in the pieces of information acquired in T226.

In T232, the model name M1 of the printer 10 is selected by the user on the printer selection screen. In this case, in T240, the application 138 supplies a print instruction to the OS 136 to instruct the transmission of an image file. The print instruction includes the IP address IP1 corresponding to the model name M1 selected in T232 from among the pieces of information acquired in T226. The print instruction further includes the file name of the image file selected in T210.

When the OS 136 receives a print instruction from the application 138 (T240), at T242, the OS 136 uses the Wi-Fi connection to send the print instruction, which includes the IP address IP1 as the destination and the print data corresponding to the selected image file, to the printer 10.

When the CPU 32 starts receiving a print instruction from the terminal 100 using the Wi-Fi connection (T242), at T250 it instructs the BT I/F 16 to send a normal AD signal. As a result, at T250, the BT I/F 16 changes from a state in which it sends an extended AD signal (T150 in FIG. 2) to a state in which it sends a normal AD signal. The normal AD signal includes the model name M1 of the printer 10 and status information 310 indicating that printing is in progress. The normal AD signal does not include the public key 300.

When the CPU 32 starts receiving a print instruction from the terminal 100 (T242), it further supplies the print data included in the print instruction to the print execution unit 14 at T260, causing the print execution unit 14 to print the image represented by the print data. Here, it takes a certain amount of time to receive all of the print data. Therefore, printing starts when a portion of the print data is received (T260), and then when the remaining data of the print data is received and supplied to the print execution unit 14, printing is completed (T262).

As described above, when the printer 10 starts receiving print data (T242), it transmits a normal AD signal that does not include the public key 300 instead of the extended AD signal that includes the public key 300 (T250). Therefore, when the printer 10 is receiving print data, an event does not occur in which a terminal other than the terminal 100 receives an extended AD signal. In other words, an event does not occur in which the different terminal transmits an Auth Req that includes the public key 300 to the printer 10. If such an event occurs, the printer 10 may disconnect the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 and execute a process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with an AP other than the AP 200, even though the printer 10 is receiving print data. In this embodiment, the printer 10 transmits a normal AD signal instead of an extended AD signal while receiving print data, thereby prohibiting the printer 10 from executing a process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with an AP other than the AP 200. This makes it possible to prevent the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 from being disconnected while print data is being received. As a result, it is possible to prevent interruptions to print data communication, improving convenience for users who wish to communicate print data (i.e., execute printing).

The printer 10 also transmits a normal AD signal including status information 310 (T250). Therefore, when a terminal other than the terminal 100 receives a normal AD signal from the printer 10 while the printer 10 is receiving print data, the terminal can obtain the status information 310 included in the normal AD signal. For this reason, the different terminal can display a screen indicating that the printer 10 is printing, for example, according to the status information 310. By looking at the screen, the user of the different terminal can know that a Wi-Fi connection cannot be established between the printer 10 and the AP because the printer 10 is printing.

When the CPU 32 has completed receiving all of the print data and printing is complete (T262), it instructs the BT I/F 16 to send an extended AD signal at T270. As a result, the BT I/F 16 changes from a state in which it sends a normal AD signal (T250) to a state in which it sends an extended AD signal at T270. This extended AD signal is the same as the extended AD signal sent at T102 in FIG. 2. In this way, when the printer 10 has completed receiving all of the print data, it again sends the extended AD signal, and can therefore execute processing to establish a Wi-Fi connection with an AP other than AP 200.

(Continuation of Figure 3: Figure 4)
Next, referring to Fig. 4, the process following Fig. 3 will be described. In this state, the printer 10 repeatedly transmits an extended AD signal at T302 (see T270 in Fig. 3). Here, a process for changing the state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 200 to a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 250 using the terminal 150 that has established a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 250 will be described.

T310 to T342 are the same as T110 to T142 in FIG. 2, except that terminal 150 is used instead of terminal 100. When the CPU 32 of printer 10 receives an Auth Req from terminal 150 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18 and sends an Auth Res to terminal 150 (T342), at T343 it sends a disconnection request to AP 200 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18. The disconnection request is a signal for requesting AP 200 to disconnect the Wi-Fi connection. This disconnects the Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and AP 200.

Next, the CPU 32 executes Config with the terminal 150 via the Wi-Fi I/F 18. This Config is the same as T144 in FIG. 2, except that the terminal 150 is used and a printer CO required to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 250 is sent to the printer 10.

T346 and T348 are the same as T146 and T148 in FIG. 2, except that the printer CO of T344 and AP250 are used. As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and AP250. T350 is the same as T150 in FIG. 2. In this way, when a Wi-Fi connection with AP200 is established and an extended AD signal is received by a terminal 150 other than terminal 100 (T322), the printer 10 can properly establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP250 other than AP200.

(A case where the terminal 100 receives AD signals from multiple printers 10 and 50: FIG. 5)
Next, a case different from that in Fig. 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the case in Fig. 2, the terminal 100 receives an extended AD signal from only one printer 10 (T122) and displays a connection selection screen including only the model name M1 of the printer 10 (T130). In contrast, in the case in Fig. 5, the terminal 100 receives an AD signal from each of the multiple printers 10, 50. The initial state in Fig. 5 is the same as the initial state in Fig. 2 (i.e., a state in which the printer 10 has not established a Wi-Fi connection).

The printer 50 is currently printing. To this end, the printer 50 repeatedly transmits a normal AD signal at T400 (see T250 in FIG. 3). The normal AD signal includes the model name M2 of the printer 50 and status information 330 indicating that printing is currently being performed.

T401 to T420 are the same as T100 to T120 in FIG. 2. When the OS 136 acquires a reception instruction from the application 138 (T420), it receives the extended AD signal from the printer 10 at T422, and receives the normal AD signal from the printer 50 at T423. Then, the OS 136 supplies the application 138 with each piece of information contained in the received extended AD signal and normal AD signal (i.e., the set of model name M1 and public key 300, and the set of model name M2 and status information 330) at T424.

When the application 138 acquires each piece of information from the OS 136 (T424), at T430, it displays a connection confirmation screen on the display unit 112. The connection confirmation screen includes each model name M1, M2 included in each piece of acquired information. Here, the application 138 displays the model name M1, which is a set with the public key 300, in a selectable manner, and displays the model name M2, which is a set with the status information 330, in a non-selectable manner. In this embodiment, the selectable manner is displayed in black. In this embodiment, the non-selectable manner is displayed in a so-called grayed-out manner. However, in a modified example, the model name M2 may be displayed in a selectable manner. In this case, the model name M2 may be displayed in a color different from the model name M1, or in a size smaller than the model name M1. Generally speaking, it is sufficient that the model name M1 and the model name M2 have different display manners.

If the printer 50 is not currently printing, the OS 136 also receives an extended AD signal from the printer 50. In this case, the app 138 displays both the model name M1 and the model name M2 in a selectable manner. If the printer 10 is currently printing, the OS 136 also receives a normal AD signal from the printer 10. In this case, the app 138 displays both the model name M1 and the model name M2 in a non-selectable manner.

The application 138 further displays a connection selection screen including the character string "Printing in progress" indicated by the status information 330, adjacent to the model name M2 on the right side of the model name M2. This allows the user to know that the printer 50 having the model name M2 is currently printing. In a modified example, the character string "Printing in progress" may be positioned to the left of the model name M2 or directly below the model name M2. Also, instead of the character string "Printing in progress", a mark indicating that printing is currently being performed may be used. Generally speaking, it is sufficient that the status information 330 is displayed in association with the model name M2.

By looking at the connection selection screen, the user can easily distinguish between the model name M1 displayed in a selectable manner and the model name M2 displayed in an unselectable manner. This allows the user to know that a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the printer 10 having the model name M1 and the AP. Therefore, the user can appropriately select the model name M1 in T432. The subsequent processing is the same as T140 to T150 in FIG. 2 and T220 to T270 in FIG. 3. As a result, a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the printer 10 and the AP 200 (T148 in FIG. 2, which is cited in FIG. 5), and communication of print data can be appropriately performed between the terminal 100 and the printer 10 (T242 in FIG. 3). As a result, the convenience of the user who wishes to communicate print data (i.e., the user of the terminal 100) can be improved.

(Correspondence)
The printer 10, the terminal 100, and the terminal 150 are examples of an "image processing device", a "first terminal device", and a "second terminal device", respectively. The AP 200 and the AP 250 are examples of a "first access point" and a "second access point", respectively. The BT I/F 16 and the Wi-Fi I/F 18 are examples of a "first wireless interface" and a "second wireless interface" of the "image processing device", respectively. The public key 300 and the printer CO are examples of "predetermined information" and "connection information", respectively. The Auth Req of T142 in FIG. 2, the printer CO of T144, and the Wi-Fi connection of T148 are examples of a "first request signal", a "first connection information", and a "first wireless connection", respectively. The print data of T242 in FIG. 3 is an example of "target data". Receiving a print instruction at T242 in FIG. 3 and executing printing at T260 are examples of "related processing". The process of T250 is an example of “processing for establishing a wireless connection with a different access point.” The Auth Req of T342, the printer CO of T344, and the Wi-Fi connection of T348 in Fig. 4 are examples of a “second request signal,” a “second connection information,” and a “second wireless connection,” respectively.

The correspondences regarding the "image processing device" are as follows. Processes T142, T144, and T148 in FIG. 2 are examples of processes executed by the "first request signal receiving unit," "first connection information receiving unit," and "first establishment unit," respectively. Processes T242, T250, and T270 in FIG. 3 are examples of processes executed by the "related process executing unit," "prohibition unit," and "interface control unit," respectively. Processes T342, T343, T344, and T348 in FIG. 4 are examples of processes executed by the "second request signal receiving unit," "disconnection unit," "second connection information receiving unit," and "second establishment unit," respectively.

The terminal 100 is an example of a "terminal device". The BT I/F 116 and the Wi-Fi I/F 118 are examples of a "first wireless interface" and a "second wireless interface" of a "terminal device", respectively. The printers 10 and 50 are examples of "multiple image processing devices". The extended AD signal T422 and the normal AD signal T423 in FIG. 5 are examples of a "first advertising signal" and a "second advertising signal", respectively. The multiple model names M1 and M2 and the connection selection screen T430 in FIG. 5 are examples of "multiple identification information" and a "selection screen", respectively. The selectable mode and the non-selectable mode are examples of a "first display mode" and a "second display mode", respectively. The model name M1 and the printer 10 are examples of a "specific identification information" and a "specific image processing device", respectively. The Auth Req of T142, the printer CO of T144, and the Wi-Fi connection of T148 cited in Figure 5 are examples of a "request signal," "connection information," and "wireless connection," respectively.

The correspondence relationship regarding the "terminal device" is as follows. The processes of T422 and T423 caused by T420 in FIG. 5 are an example of a process executed by an "advertising signal receiving unit". The process of T430 is an example of a process executed by a "display control unit". The process of T142 caused by T140 in FIG. 2 cited in FIG. 5 is an example of a process executed by a "request signal transmitting unit". The process of T144 caused by T140 in FIG. 2 cited in FIG. 5 is an example of a process executed by a "connection information transmitting unit". The process of T242 caused by T240 in FIG. 3 is an example of a process executed by a "target data communication unit".

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples given above. Modifications of the above examples are listed below.

(Variation 1) The terminal 100 may not support the DPP method, and may establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 according to the method of the normal Wi-Fi standard. In this case, the terminal 100 has already stored the SSID and password (hereinafter referred to as "AP connection information") of the wireless network formed by the AP 200. The printer 10 may also be capable of operating as a Group Owner (hereinafter referred to as "G/O") of the WFD (short for Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) method. In this case, the printer 10 may transmit an extended AD signal including the SSID and password (hereinafter referred to as "WFD connection information") of the wireless network in which the printer 10 operates as the G/O at T102 in FIG. 2. The terminal 100 can obtain the WFD connection information by receiving the extended AD signal. In this case, the terminal 100 sends a probe request including the SSID included in the WFD connection information to the printer 10 via the Wi-Fi I/F 118, and can further use the WFD connection information to establish a WFD wireless connection with the printer 10 via the Wi-Fi I/F 118. The terminal 100 then uses the WFD wireless connection to send AP connection information to the printer 10 via the Wi-Fi I/F 118. For this reason, the printer 10 can use the AP connection information to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200. In this modified example, the WFD connection information, the probe request, and the AP connection information are examples of "predetermined information," "first request signal (or request signal)," and "first connection information (or connection information)," respectively.

(Variation 2) As in Variation 1 above, the terminal 100 may establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 according to the method of the normal Wi-Fi standard and may have already stored the AP connection information. Then, the printer 10 may transmit an extended AD signal including pairing information (e.g., a PIN code) for performing pairing of the BT standard instead of the public key 300 at T102 in FIG. 2. The terminal 100 can obtain the pairing information by receiving the extended AD signal. In this case, the terminal 100 can transmit a pairing request signal including pairing information to the printer 10 via the BT I/F 116 to establish an L2CAP Link with the printer 10. After that, the terminal 100 uses the L2CAP Link to transmit AP connection information to the printer 10 via the BT I/F 116. For this reason, the printer 10 can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 using the AP connection information. In this modified example, pairing information and AP connection information are examples of "predetermined information" and "connection information," respectively.

(Variation 3) In place of sending the normal AD signal at T250 in FIG. 3, the printer 10 may execute any of the following variations 3-1 to 3-4.

(Variation 3-1) The printer 10 may continue to transmit an extended AD signal even if it receives a print instruction at T242. Then, when the printer 10 receives an Auth Req from a terminal 150 different from the terminal 100, the printer 10 may execute Config with the terminal 150 and receive a printer CO from the terminal 150. However, the printer 10 does not execute Network Access with the AP 250 until the printer 10 has completed receiving the print data. This allows the printer 10 to avoid disconnecting the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200. In this variation, the Network Access with the AP 250 is an example of a "process for establishing a wireless connection with a different access point." Also, prohibiting the execution of Network Access is an example of a process executed by a "prohibition unit."

(Variation 3-2) The printer 10 may continue to send an extended AD signal even if it receives a print instruction at T242. Furthermore, when the printer 10 receives an Auth Req from a terminal 150 different from the terminal 100, the printer 10 may not send an Auth Res to the terminal 150. In this case, the printer 10 does not receive a printer CO from the terminal 150 and does not execute Network Access with the AP 250. This allows the printer 10 to avoid disconnecting the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200. In this variation, the process from sending Auth Res to establishing the Wi-Fi connection is an example of a "process for establishing a wireless connection with a different access point." Furthermore, prohibiting the sending of Auth Res is an example of a process executed by a "prohibition unit."

(Variation 3-3) When the printer 10 receives a print instruction at T242, it may send an extended AD signal that does not include the public key 300, instead of an extended AD signal that includes the public key 300. In this case, the printer 10 does not receive an Auth Req from a terminal 150 different from the terminal 100, and does not execute Network Access with the AP 250. As a result, the printer 10 does not need to disconnect the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200. In this variation, the process from receiving an Auth Req to establishing a Wi-Fi connection is an example of a "process for establishing a wireless connection with a different access point." Also, controlling the B/T I/F 16 to send an extended AD signal that does not include the public key 300 is an example of a process executed by a "prohibition unit."

(Variation 3-4) When the printer 10 receives a print instruction at T242, it may cut off power to the BT I/F 16. In this case, the BT I/F 16 is in a state in which it does not transmit either an extended AD signal or a normal AD signal. As a result, the printer 10 does not receive an Auth Req from a terminal 150 different from the terminal 100, and does not execute Network Access with the AP 250. This allows the printer 10 to avoid disconnecting the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200. In this variation, the process from receiving an Auth Req to establishing a Wi-Fi connection is an example of a "process for establishing a wireless connection with a different access point." Cutting off power to the BT I/F 16 is an example of a process executed by a "prohibition unit."

(Variation 4) When establishing a Wi-Fi connection at T148 in FIG. 2, the printer 10 may transmit a normal AD signal at T150 instead of transmitting an extended AD signal. This variation also allows the printer 10 to avoid performing processing to establish a Wi-Fi connection with an AP other than AP 200 while printing is in progress. In this variation, transmitting the normal AD signal at T150 is an example of processing executed by the "prohibition unit."

(Variation 5) The printer 10 may transmit a normal AD signal that does not include status information 330 at T250 in FIG. 3. Generally speaking, the "normal advertising signal" may or may not include status information. Also, in this variation, the app 138 may not display the character string "Printing in progress" in association with the model name M2 at T430 in FIG. Generally speaking, on the "selection screen", the identification information displayed in the second display mode may or may not be displayed in association with the status information.

(Variation 6) The printer 10 may not start sending an extended AD signal instead of a normal AD signal when the completion of printing at T262 in FIG. 3 is triggered. The printer 10 may start sending an extended AD signal instead of a normal AD signal when the printer 10 is triggered, for example, by receiving an end instruction from the terminal 100. In this variation, the "interface control unit" can be omitted. Note that the printer 10 may start sending an extended AD signal instead of a normal AD signal when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of printing, even if the printer 10 does not receive an end instruction from the terminal 100.

(Variation 7) The printer 10 may disconnect the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 200 when the completion of printing at T262 in FIG. 3 is used as a trigger. In this case, the printer 10 will be in a state where it has not established a Wi-Fi connection with any AP, and will transmit an extended AD signal. In this variation, the "second request signal receiver", "disconnection unit", "second connection information receiver", and "second establishment unit" can be omitted.

(Variation 8) A scanner equipped with a scan execution unit may be used instead of the printer 10. In this case, the terminal 100 transmits a scan instruction instead of a print instruction to the scanner via the AP 200 at T240 and T242 in FIG. 3. The scanner then causes the scan execution unit to execute a scan at T260, and then transmits the scan data to the terminal 100 via the AP 200. In this variation, scanning, scan data, and receiving a scan instruction to transmitting scan data are examples of "image processing," "target data," and "related processing," respectively. In this variation, the "print execution unit" can be omitted. The "image processing device" does not have to be the printer 10 or a scanner, and may be, for example, a fax machine, a multi-function device, etc.

2 to 5 are realized by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executing the program 36 (i.e., software) and the CPU 132 of the terminal 100 executing the programs 136 and 138. Alternatively, any of the processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.
The following items are elements of the claims as filed:
(Item 1)
An image processing device,
A first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard,
the first wireless interface is capable of transmitting an advertising signal of the Bluetooth standard;
The advertising signal includes predetermined information for receiving connection information from a terminal device,
the first wireless interface, the connection information being information for establishing a wireless connection between the image processing device and an access point;
a second wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard;
a first request signal receiving unit that receives, when the advertising signal including the predetermined information is received by a first terminal device, a first request signal in which the predetermined information is used from the first terminal device, the first request signal being a signal for requesting execution of communication for receiving first connection information from the first terminal device;
a first connection information receiving unit that receives the first connection information from the first terminal device when the first request signal is received from the first terminal device;
a first establishment unit that, when the first connection information is received from the first terminal device, establishes a first wireless connection with a first access point via the second wireless interface by using the first connection information;
a related process execution unit that executes a related process related to image processing after the first wireless connection with the first access point is established, the related process including executing communication of target data related to the image processing with the first terminal device via the first access point and the second wireless interface;
a prohibition unit that prohibits execution of a process for establishing a wireless connection with an access point other than the first access point, via the second wireless interface, while communication of the target data with the first terminal device is being performed;
An image processing device comprising:
(Item 2)
2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the prohibition unit prohibits the execution of the process for establishing the wireless connection with the different access point by controlling the first wireless interface not to transmit the advertising signal including the specified information.
(Item 3)
The first wireless interface is capable of transmitting both an extended advertising signal available in version 5 or later of the Bluetooth standard and a non-extended normal advertising signal available in versions earlier than version 5 of the Bluetooth standard;
The advertising signal including the predetermined information is the extended advertising signal including the predetermined information,
3. The image processing device according to item 2, wherein the prohibition unit prohibits the first wireless interface from executing the process for establishing the wireless connection with the different access point by controlling the first wireless interface to transmit the normal advertising signal that does not include the specified information instead of the extended advertising signal that includes the specified information.
(Item 4)
4. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein the normal advertising signal includes status information indicating that the related process is being executed.
(Item 5)
The image processing device further comprises:
5. The image processing device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising an interface control unit that controls the first wireless interface so as to transmit the extended advertising signal including the specified information instead of the normal advertising signal not including the specified information when communication of the target data is completed.
(Item 6)
The image processing device further comprises:
a second request signal receiving unit that receives, when the advertising signal including the predetermined information is received by a second terminal device different from the first terminal device in a state in which the first wireless connection with the first access point is established, a second request signal receiving unit that receives a second request signal using the predetermined information from the second terminal device, the second request signal being a signal for requesting execution of communication for receiving second connection information from the second terminal device;
a disconnection unit that disconnects the first wireless connection with the first access point when the second request signal is received from the second terminal device;
a second connection information receiving unit that receives the second connection information from the second terminal device when the second request signal is received from the second terminal device;
a second establishment unit that, when the second connection information is received from the second terminal device, establishes a second wireless connection with a second access point different from the first access point via the second wireless interface by using the second connection information;
6. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, comprising:
(Item 7)
The image processing device further comprises:
A printing execution unit is provided,
the image processing is printing,
the target data is print data representing an image to be printed;
7. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the related processing includes receiving the print data from the first terminal device and causing the print execution unit to print the image represented by the print data.
(Item 8)
A computer program for a terminal device, comprising:
The terminal device
a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard;
a second wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard;
A display unit;
A computer,
The computer program causes the computer to operate in the following manner:
an advertising signal receiving unit that receives a plurality of advertising signals from a plurality of image processing devices via the first wireless interface, the plurality of advertising signals including a first advertising signal including predetermined information and a second advertising signal not including the predetermined information;
a display control unit that, when the advertising signals are received from the image processing devices, causes the display unit to display a selection screen including a plurality of pieces of identification information for identifying the image processing devices, wherein, on the selection screen, the identification information for identifying the image processing device that is a source of the first advertising signal is displayed in a first display mode, and the identification information for identifying the image processing device that is a source of the second advertising signal is displayed in a second display mode different from the first display mode; and
a request signal transmission unit that transmits a request signal to a specific image processing device when specific identification information that identifies a specific image processing device that is a transmission source of the first advertising signal is selected from the multiple pieces of identification information on the selection screen, the request signal being a signal that utilizes the specific information included in the first advertising signal received from the specific image processing device, the request signal being a signal for requesting the execution of communication for transmitting connection information to the specific image processing device, and the connection information being information for establishing a wireless connection between the specific image processing device and an access point;
a connection information transmission unit that transmits the connection information to the specific image processing device when the request signal is transmitted to the specific image processing device;
a target data communication unit that, after the wireless connection is established between the specific image processing device and the access point due to the connection information being transmitted to the specific image processing device, communicates target data related to image processing executed by the specific image processing device with the specific image processing device via the second wireless interface and the access point;
A computer program that functions as a
(Item 9)
the second advertising signal includes status information of an image processing device that is a transmission source of the second advertising signal;
9. The computer program according to item 8, wherein on the selection screen, the identification information displayed in the second display manner is displayed in association with the status information.

2: Communication system, 10: Printer, 12: Display unit, 14: Print execution unit, 16: BT I/F, 18: Wi-Fi I/F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 50: Printer, 100: Mobile terminal, 112: Display unit, 116: BT I/F, 118: Wi-Fi I/F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: OS program, 138: Print application, 150: Mobile terminal, 200, 250: AP

Claims (8)

An image processing device,
a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard;
a second wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard;
a signal transmission unit configured to transmit an advertising signal including predetermined information via the first wireless interface, the predetermined information including authentication information ; and
a first request signal receiving unit that receives a first request signal in which the predetermined information included in the advertising signal is used from a first terminal device via the second wireless interface ;
a response signal transmitting unit that transmits a first response signal via the second wireless interface when the first request signal is received from the first terminal device;
a first connection information receiving unit that receives a first connection signal including first connection information from the first terminal device via the second wireless interface ;
a first establishment unit that establishes a first wireless connection with a first access point via the second wireless interface by using the first connection information when the first connection signal is received from the first terminal device;
a related process execution unit that executes a related process related to image processing after the first wireless connection with the first access point is established, the related process including executing communication of target data related to the image processing with the first terminal device via the first access point and the second wireless interface;
Equipped with
An image processing device, wherein while communication of the target data is being performed with the first terminal device, a wireless connection with an access point other than the first access point is not established via the second wireless interface. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless connection with the different access point is not established by controlling the first wireless interface not to transmit the advertising signal including the predetermined information. The first wireless interface is capable of transmitting both an extended advertising signal available in version 5 or later of the Bluetooth standard and a non-extended normal advertising signal available in versions earlier than version 5 of the Bluetooth standard;
The advertising signal including the predetermined information is the extended advertising signal including the predetermined information,
The image processing device of claim 2, wherein the wireless connection with the different access point is not established by controlling the first wireless interface to transmit the normal advertising signal that does not include the specified information instead of the extended advertising signal that includes the specified information. The image processing device according to claim 3, wherein the normal advertising signal includes status information indicating that the related process is being executed. The image processing device further comprises:
The image processing device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising an interface control unit that controls the first wireless interface so as to transmit the extended advertising signal including the specified information instead of the normal advertising signal not including the specified information when communication of the target data is completed. The image processing device further comprises:
a second request signal receiving unit that receives, when the advertising signal including the predetermined information is received by a second terminal device different from the first terminal device in a state in which the first wireless connection with the first access point is established, a second request signal receiving unit that receives a second request signal using the predetermined information from the second terminal device via the second wireless interface ;
a disconnection unit that disconnects the first wireless connection with the first access point when the second request signal is received from the second terminal device;
a second connection information receiving unit that receives a second connection signal including second connection information from the second terminal device via the second wireless interface when the second request signal is received from the second terminal device;
a second establishment unit that, when the second connection signal is received from the second terminal device, establishes a second wireless connection with a second access point different from the first access point, via the second wireless interface, by using the second connection information;
The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: The image processing device further comprises:
A printing execution unit is provided,
the image processing is printing,
the target data is print data representing an image to be printed;
7. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the related processing includes receiving the print data from the first terminal device and causing the print execution unit to print the image represented by the print data. A computer program for an image processing device, comprising:
The image processing device includes:
a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard;
a second wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard;
Equipped with
The computer program controls the computer of the image processing device to operate in the following units:
a signal transmission unit configured to transmit an advertising signal including predetermined information via the first wireless interface, the predetermined information including authentication information ; and
a first request signal receiving unit that receives a first request signal in which the predetermined information included in the advertising signal is used from a first terminal device via the second wireless interface ;
a response signal transmitting unit configured to transmit a first response signal via the second wireless interface when the first request signal is received from the first terminal device;
a first connection information receiving unit that receives a first connection signal including first connection information from the first terminal device via the second wireless interface ;
a first establishment unit that establishes a first wireless connection with a first access point via the second wireless interface by using the first connection information when the first connection signal is received from the first terminal device;
a related process execution unit that executes a related process related to image processing after the first wireless connection with the first access point is established, the related process including executing communication of target data related to the image processing with the first terminal device via the first access point and the second wireless interface;
Function as a
while the communication of the target data with the first terminal device is being performed, a wireless connection with an access point other than the first access point is not established via the second wireless interface;
Computer program.

Images