JP2016171490A - Information processing device, communication system, and method for controlling information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device that functions as an access point and that allows itself to be reliably distinguished from another access point when the other access point is situated in the vicinity.SOLUTION: A printing device 11 comprises: a radio communication unit 26 that functions as an access point and communicates with an external device by radio communication; and a control unit 20 that obtains an external device SSID which is an SSID of an access point situated in the vicinity, generates a printing device SSID which is an SSID with a value different from the obtained external device SSID, and sets the generated printing device SSID as the network identifier of the radio communication unit 26 that functions as an access point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, a communication system, and a control method for the information processing device.

  Patent Document 1 describes a technique related to communication using an access point.

JP 2014-0175548 A

Here, a network identifier for identifying a wireless network constructed by the access point is set in the access point, and the external device accesses the access point based on the network identifier. In this case, when a plurality of access points are located in a range in which one external device can perform wireless communication, due to duplication of network identifiers, the one external device cannot distinguish and recognize each access point. Could occur.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an information processing apparatus that functions as an access point can be reliably distinguished from other access points when there are other access points in the vicinity. The purpose is to.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention functions as an access point, wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device, processing for generating a setting identifier that is a network identifier based on identification information, peripheral A process of acquiring an external identifier that is a network identifier of an access point located at a location, and when the acquired external identifier and the generated setting identifier are not the same, the generated setting identifier functions as an access point And a control unit that executes processing to be set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit.
According to the configuration of the present invention, an information processing apparatus that functions as an access point can be reliably distinguished from other access points when there are other access points in the vicinity.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, and the control unit controls the printing unit to print information indicating the generated setting identifier on the recording medium.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the user can recognize the generated setting identifier by referring to the information printed on the recording medium.

In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit acquires the external identifier after generating the setting identifier, and the generated setting identifier value is not the same as the acquired external identifier value. Sets the generated setting identifier as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point, and if the generated setting identifier value is the same as the acquired external identifier value, the generated setting identifier is generated. The value of the setting identifier is changed according to a predetermined rule so as to be different from the acquired value of the external identifier, and the changed setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the value of the setting identifier to be generated can be reliably made different from the value of the network identifier of the access point located around the information processing apparatus.

Further, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit acquires the external identifier, generates the setting identifier having a value different from the value of the external identifier acquired after acquisition based on its own identification information, The generated setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the value of the setting identifier to be generated can be reliably made different from the value of the network identifier of the access point located around the information processing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the communication system of the present invention functions as an access point and wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device, and processing for generating a setting identifier that is a network identifier based on the identification information A process of acquiring an external identifier that is a network identifier of an access point located in the vicinity, and the generated setting identifier functions as an access point when the acquired external identifier and the generated setting identifier are not the same An information processing apparatus having a control unit that executes processing to set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit, a terminal wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, and the information processing apparatus that functions as an access point based on the setting identifier Wireless communication between the wireless communication unit and the terminal wireless communication unit, and the information Characterized in that it and a terminal having a terminal control unit that performs predetermined settings for physical device.
According to the configuration of the present invention, an information processing apparatus that functions as an access point can be reliably distinguished from other access points when there are other access points in the vicinity.

In the communication system of the present invention, the predetermined setting includes a setting related to connection to a predetermined wireless network.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the terminal can set the information processing apparatus related to connection to a predetermined wireless network so that the information processing apparatus can be connected to the wireless network.

In the communication system of the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, and the control unit of the information processing apparatus controls the printing unit to generate the generated setting identifier. The information shown is printed on the recording medium.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the user can recognize the generated setting identifier by referring to the information printed on the recording medium.

In the communication system of the present invention, the control unit of the information processing apparatus generates the setting identifier having a predetermined value, acquires the external identifier after generating the setting identifier, and acquires the value of the generated setting identifier. If the value of the external identifier is not the same, the generated setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point, and the generated setting identifier value and the acquired external identifier are set. If the value of the setting identifier is the same, the generated setting identifier value is changed according to a predetermined rule so as to be different from the acquired external identifier value, and the changed setting identifier functions as an access point. Set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the value of the setting identifier to be generated can be reliably made different from the value of the network identifier of the access point located around the information processing apparatus.

Further, in the communication system of the present invention, the control unit of the information processing apparatus acquires the external identifier, generates the setting identifier having a value different from the acquired external identifier value, and generates the setting identifier. A setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point.
According to the configuration of the present invention, the value of the setting identifier to be generated can be reliably made different from the value of the network identifier of the access point located around the information processing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a method for controlling an information processing apparatus including a wireless communication unit that functions as an access point and wirelessly communicates with an external device. A process of generating a setting identifier that is a network identifier based on the above, a process of acquiring an external identifier that is a network identifier of an access point located in the vicinity, and the acquired external identifier and the generated setting identifier are not the same And processing for setting the generated setting identifier as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point.
According to the configuration of the present invention, an information processing apparatus that functions as an access point can be reliably distinguished from other access points when there are other access points in the vicinity.

The figure which shows the POS system which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of a tablet terminal and a printing apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a printing apparatus and a tablet terminal. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a printing apparatus and a tablet terminal.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a POS (Point of Sales) system 1 (communication system) according to the present embodiment.
The POS system 1 is a system applied to a store such as a shopping center, a retail store such as a department store, a convenience store, a restaurant, a restaurant such as a coffee shop, and a tavern.
The POS system 1 has a function of performing an accounting according to a product purchased by a customer, a function of issuing a receipt according to an accounting, and the like at a cashier counter L provided in a store.

  A store to which the POS system 1 is applied is provided with a cashier counter L for a customer to check out. The cashier counter L is provided with a printing device 11 (information processing device) that can issue a receipt according to a transaction. A cashier in charge of accounting at the cashier counter L is given a tablet terminal 10 (terminal). The printing apparatus 11 and the tablet terminal 10 communicate wirelessly via a wireless network LN that includes a representative access point DAP that is an access point.

One or more accounting devices are connected to the printing apparatus 11.
The accounting processing device is a device used at the cashier counter L at the time of accounting. In the present embodiment, the accounting processing device includes at least a barcode reader BR, a credit card reader CR, and an automatic change machine JT.
The barcode reader BR is a reading device that optically reads a product or a barcode attached to the product packaging.
The credit card reader CR is a reading device that magnetically reads a customer's credit card.
The automatic change machine JT includes a money receiving port for receiving insertion of money, a change discharging port for discharging change, and a money storage unit for storing money. The automatic change machine JT discharges the corresponding change from the change discharge port when the money corresponding to the accounting is inserted through the money receiving port.

The tablet terminal 10 is a tablet (plate-shaped) computer.
The tablet terminal 10 provides a predetermined user interface to the cashier in charge at the cashier counter L. The cashier person makes an input corresponding to the transaction on the user interface, and refers to information on the transaction displayed on the user interface. The tablet terminal 10 controls the printing apparatus 11 according to the transaction performed at the checkout counter L, and issues a receipt. The receipt issued by the printing apparatus 11 is delivered to the customer.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of the tablet terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 that constitute the POS system 1.

The printing apparatus 11 is a thermal printer that prints an image by forming dots on roll paper using a thermal head.
As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 11 includes a control unit 20, a printing unit 21, a display unit 22, an input unit 23, a storage unit 24, a device communication unit 25, and a wireless communication unit 26. Prepare.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, other peripheral circuits, and the like, and controls the printing apparatus 11 with hardware and software, for example, a control program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU.

The printing unit 21 includes a printing mechanism, a transport mechanism, and a cutting mechanism.
The printing mechanism includes various mechanisms for printing an image by forming dots on a roll paper, such as a line-type thermal head or a head driving circuit that drives the thermal head.
The transport mechanism includes various mechanisms that transport roll paper, such as a transport roller, a transport motor that rotates the transport roller, and a motor drive circuit that drives the transport motor.
The cutting mechanism includes various mechanisms for cutting roll paper such as a cutter unit, a cutter drive motor that moves a movable blade of the cutter unit, and a motor drive circuit that drives the cutter drive motor.

  The display unit 22 includes a display panel, LEDs, and the like, displays images on the display panel under the control of the control unit 20, and turns on / off the LEDs in a predetermined manner to notify the user of predetermined information. To do.

  The input unit 23 includes an input unit such as an operation switch, detects an operation on the input unit, and outputs the operation to the control unit 20. Based on the input from the input unit 23, the control unit 20 executes processing corresponding to the operation on the input unit.

The storage unit 24 includes a memory and stores various data. Data stored in the storage unit 24 will be described later.
The storage unit 24 stores a printing apparatus access point setting file 241. The printing apparatus access point setting file 241 records setting information related to communication when the wireless communication unit 26 described later functions as an access point.
The storage unit 24 stores a printing apparatus network connection setting file 242. In the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242, setting information related to communication when the wireless communication unit 26 described later connects to the wireless network LN is recorded.

  The device communication unit 25 communicates with a device connected to the printing apparatus 11 according to a predetermined communication standard such as USB under the control of the control unit 20.

The wireless communication unit 26 performs wireless communication according to a predetermined wireless communication standard under the control of the control unit 20.
In the present embodiment, the predetermined wireless communication standard includes a wireless communication standard corresponding to IEEE 802.11x. Therefore, in this embodiment, the network identifier used for network identification is an SSID (Service Set Identifier).

The wireless communication unit 26 functions as an access point and wirelessly communicates with an external device.
In the printing apparatus access point setting file 241, as setting information, the SSID of the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point (hereinafter referred to as “printing apparatus SSID”) and a password used for wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “printing”). "Device password") is recorded.
The printing apparatus SSID corresponds to a “setting identifier”.

The wireless communication unit 26 accesses the representative access point DAP and performs wireless communication with the tablet terminal 10 connected to the wireless network LN via the wireless network LN.
In the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242, as setting information, the SSID of the representative access point DAP (hereinafter referred to as “representative access point SSID”) and a password used for wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “representative access point password”). Is recorded).

  The wireless communication unit 26 can simultaneously and concurrently execute processing that functions as an access point and wirelessly communicates with an external device, and processing that is connected to the wireless network LN and wirelessly communicates with the external device via the network.

The tablet terminal 10 is a tablet computer with a touch panel 31 provided on the front surface.
As shown in FIG. 2, the tablet terminal 10 includes a terminal control unit 30, a touch panel 31, a terminal storage unit 32, and a terminal wireless communication unit 33.

The terminal control unit 30 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the tablet terminal 10 by hardware and software, for example, by executing a control program stored in the ROM by the CPU.
Two applications, a setting application and a POS application, are installed in the tablet terminal 10.
The terminal control unit 30 functions as the setting application execution unit 301 by reading and executing the setting application.
The terminal control unit 30 functions as the POS application execution unit 302 by reading and executing the POS application.
Functions of the setting application execution unit 301 and the POS application execution unit 302 and processing based on the functions will be described later.

  The touch panel 31 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a touch sensor provided to overlap the liquid crystal display panel. The display panel displays an image under the control of the terminal control unit 30. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs it to the terminal control unit 30. The terminal control unit 30 executes processing corresponding to the touch operation.

The terminal storage unit 32 includes a memory and stores various data.
The terminal storage unit 32 stores a terminal access point mode setting file 321. The terminal access point mode setting file 321 records setting information related to communication when the terminal wireless communication unit 33 described later operates in the terminal access point mode described later.
The terminal storage unit 32 stores a terminal network connection mode setting file 322. The terminal network connection mode setting file 322 records setting information related to communication when the terminal wireless communication unit 33 described later operates in the terminal network connection mode described later.

The terminal wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication according to a predetermined wireless communication standard under the control of the terminal control unit 30.
As operation modes when the terminal wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless communication, there are two operation modes: a terminal access point mode and a terminal network connection mode.

In the terminal access point mode, the wireless communication unit 26 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 26 of the printing apparatus 11 that functions as an access point.
In the terminal access point mode setting file 321, a printing apparatus SSID and a printing apparatus password are recorded as setting information.

In the terminal network connection mode, the wireless communication unit 26 accesses the representative access point DAP and performs wireless communication with the printing apparatus 11 connected to the wireless network LN via the wireless network LN.
In the terminal network connection mode setting file 322, a representative access point SSID and a representative access point password are recorded as setting information.

Incidentally, as described above, the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password are recorded as setting information in the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242 stored in the printing apparatus 11.
The representative access point SSID and the representative access point password of the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242 stored in the printing apparatus 11 are set when the printing apparatus 11 is introduced into the POS system 1 and connected to the wireless network LN. It is recorded in the setting file by the tablet terminal 10 by the following method.
Hereinafter, when the printing apparatus 11 is introduced into the POS system 1, the setting for the printing apparatus 11 performed by the tablet terminal 10 is referred to as “initial setting”. The printing apparatus 11 is connected to the wireless network LN by performing the initial setting.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations of the printing apparatus 11 and the tablet terminal 10 at the time of initial setting. (A) shows the operation of the printing apparatus 11 and (B) shows the operation of the tablet terminal 10.

When initializing the printing apparatus 11, the user operates the power button of the printing apparatus 11 to activate the printing apparatus 11 (step SX1).
When the printing apparatus 11 is activated, the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password are not recorded in the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242, and therefore the printing apparatus 11 cannot access the representative access point DAP.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the printing apparatus 11 is activated, the control unit 20 executes SSID generation / setting processing (step SA1).
The SSID generation / setting process is a process of generating a printing apparatus SSID and recording the generated printing apparatus SSID in the printing apparatus access point setting file 241.
In the present embodiment, there are two methods of the SSID generation / setting process, the first method and the second method, and the control unit 20 can execute the SSID generation / setting process by either method. is there.
Hereinafter, each of the SSID generation / setting process according to the first method and the SSID generation / setting process according to the second method will be described in detail.

<First method>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 20 when the SSID generation / setting process is executed by the first method.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 generates a printing apparatus SSID having a predetermined value (step SC1).
The predetermined value is, for example, a combination of a character string representing the model name of the printing apparatus 11 and a serial number. The serial number is identification information assigned to the printing apparatus 11 when the printing apparatus 11 is manufactured. By combining the value of the printing device SSID generated in step SC1 with the character string representing the model name of the printing device 11 and the serial number, the value of the printing device SSID generated in step SC1 is located in the vicinity. The probability that is different from the SSID value of the access point can be improved, the probability that the process of step SC4 described later is not performed, and the processing efficiency can be improved.
Furthermore, the value of the printing apparatus SSID is a value derived from the printing apparatus 11 by combining the value of the printing apparatus SSID generated in step SC1 with a character string representing the model name of the printing apparatus 11 and a serial number. The user can easily recognize that the printing apparatus SSID is the SSID set in the printing apparatus 11 based on the value of the printing apparatus SSID. That is, the user often knows the model name of the printing apparatus 11. In many cases, the serial number can be easily recognized by the user, for example, by sticking a sticker on which the serial number is written to the printing apparatus 11. Therefore, the value of the printing apparatus SSID generated in step SC1 is a combination of a character string representing the model name of the printing apparatus 11 and the serial number, so that the user can perform the printing based on the value of the printing apparatus SSID. It becomes possible to easily recognize that the device SSID is the SSID set in the printing device 11.
Note that the value of the printing apparatus SSID generated in step SC1 is not limited to the exemplified value.
Hereinafter, the printing apparatus SSID generated in step SC1 is referred to as “initial printing apparatus SSID”.

  The combination of the character string representing the model name of the printing apparatus 11 and the serial number corresponds to “identification information”.

After generating the initial printing apparatus SSID, the control unit 20 controls the wireless communication unit 26 to detect an accessible access point (access point located in the vicinity) and acquire the SSID of the detected access point (Step S20). SC2). Access point detection and SSID acquisition are performed by existing techniques.
Hereinafter, the SSID of the access point located in the periphery of the printing apparatus 11 acquired in step SC2 is expressed as “external apparatus SSID”. The external device SSID corresponds to an “external identifier”.
Here, there is a possibility that an access point exists in the vicinity of the printing apparatus 11 in addition to the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point and the representative access point DAP. For example, an access point used in a system other than the POS system 1 or an access point related to a terminal with a dithering function brought into a store by a customer or the like. In step SC <b> 2, the control unit 20 detects an access point located around the printing apparatus 11.

Next, the control unit 20 determines the value of the external device SSID acquired in step SC2 (if there are a plurality of acquired external devices SSID, each value of the plurality of external devices SSID) and the initial printing device SSID generated in step SC1. Are compared with each other to determine whether or not these values are the same (step SC3).
When there are a plurality of external device SSIDs acquired in step SC2, in step SC3, the control unit 20 determines the value of the initial printing device SSID when there is even one external device SSID having the same value as the value of the initial printing device SSID. And the value of the external device SSID are the same.

When the value of the initial printing device SSID and the value of the external device SSID are the same (step SC3: YES), the control unit 20 executes the following processing.
That is, the control unit 20 generates the changed printing apparatus SSID in which the value of the initial printing apparatus SSID is changed according to a predetermined rule (step SC4).
For example, in step SC4, the control unit 20 generates the changed printing apparatus SSID by adding additional information to the value of the initial printing apparatus SSID according to the following rule.
That is, when the process of step SC4 is performed for the first time, the value “_1” is added as additional information to the value of the initial printing apparatus SSID. As a result, for example, when the value of the initial printing apparatus SSID before the process of step SC4 is “XX1-001”, the value of the initial printing apparatus SSID after the process of step SC4 is “ XX1-001_1 ".
Further, when the process of step SC4 is performed for the second time, the control unit 20 adds the value “_2” as additional information to the initial printing apparatus SSID to generate the changed printing apparatus SSID, and performs the third time. In this case, the value “_3” as additional information is added to the initial printing apparatus SSID to generate the changed printing apparatus SSID, and the value of the additional information is set according to the number of times the process in step SC4 is performed. The changed printing apparatus SSID is generated by changing and adding the changed additional information to the initial printing apparatus SSID.

  After generating the changed printing apparatus SSID in step SC4, the control unit 20 returns the processing procedure to step SC3, the value of the changed printing apparatus SSID generated in step SC4, and the value of the external apparatus SSID acquired in step SC2. And determine whether these values are the same.

When it is determined in step SC3 that the value of the initial printing device SSID generated in step SC1 or the value of the changed printing device SSID generated in step SC4 is not the same as the value of the external device SSID acquired in step SC2. The control unit 20 executes the following processing.
That is, the control unit 20 records the initial printing device SSID generated in step SC1 or the changed printing device SSID generated in step SC4 as the setting information of the printing device SSID in the printing device access point setting file 241 ( Step SC5).
The process of step SC5 corresponds to a process of setting the network identifier of the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point.

  Although details are omitted, the printing apparatus password is automatically or manually generated and recorded in the printing apparatus access point setting file 241 at a predetermined timing.

By performing the processing of step SC1 to step SC5, the following effects are obtained.
As the printing device SSID of the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point, a printing device SSID having a value different from the SSID of an access point located in the vicinity can be set. As a result, as will be apparent later, when the tablet terminal 10 accesses the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point, the user uses the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point based on the set printing apparatus SSID. Can be recognized separately from other access points.

  After recording the printing apparatus SSID as setting information in the printing apparatus access point setting file 241, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the SSID printing function is valid (step SC6). The user can switch the validity / invalidity of the SSID printing function by a predetermined means.

When the SSID printing function is valid (step SC6: YES), the control unit 20 controls the printing unit 21 to print information indicating the printing device SSID recorded in the printing device access point setting file 241 on the roll paper. (Step SC7). Thereafter, the control unit 20 ends the process. A printing device password may be printed together with the printing device SSID.
The user refers to the information printed on the roll paper in the process of step SC7, thereby ensuring the SSID (printing device SSID) of the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point and the password to be used (printing device password). Can be recognized.

When the SSID printing function is invalid (step SC6: NO), the control unit 20 ends the process without printing predetermined information on the roll paper.
Even when the SSID printing function is invalid, the user can cause the printing apparatus 11 to print information indicating the printing apparatus SSID at an arbitrary timing by a predetermined means. For example, when the user wants to prevent a third party from knowing the printing device SSID of the printing device 11, the third party does not exist around the printing device 11 after disabling the SSID printing function. In a situation, information indicating the printing apparatus SSID is printed on the printing apparatus 11 by a predetermined means.

  The SSID generation / setting process according to the first method has been described above. According to the first method, the SSID value of the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point can be reliably made different from the SSID value of an access point located in the vicinity, and the set SSID (printing device) The user can recognize the value of (SSID).

<Second method>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 20 when the SSID generation / setting process is executed by the second method.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit 20 controls the wireless communication unit 26 to detect a communicable access point (access point located in the vicinity) and acquire the SSID (external device SSID) of the detected access point. (Step SD1).

Next, the control unit 20 generates a printing apparatus SSID having a value different from the value of the external apparatus SSID acquired in step SD1 (step SD2).
For example, as in the procedure described in the first method, the control unit 20 sets the combination of the model name and the serial number as an initial value, and when there is an external device SSID that matches the initial value, the initial value follows a predetermined rule. A printing device SSID having a value different from the value of the external device SSID acquired in step SD1 is generated by adding additional information whose value changes.

  Next, the control unit 20 records the printing apparatus SSID generated in step SD2 as setting information in the printing apparatus access point setting file 241 (step SD3).

Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the SSID printing function is valid (step SD4).
When the SSID printing function is valid (step SD4: YES), the control unit 20 controls the printing unit 21 to print information indicating the printing device SSID recorded in the printing device access point setting file 241 on the roll paper. (Step SD5). Thereafter, the control unit 20 ends the process. A printing device password may be printed together with the printing device SSID.
When the SSID printing function is invalid (step SC6: NO), the control unit 20 ends the process without printing predetermined information on the roll paper.

  The SSID generation / setting process according to the second method has been described above. According to the second method, as in the first method, the SSID value of the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point can be reliably different from the SSID value of the access point located in the vicinity. The user can recognize the set SSID (printing device SSID) value.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, after executing the SSID generation / setting process in step SA1, the control unit 20 uses the wireless communication unit 26 to set the printing device SSID recorded in the printing device access point setting file 241 as the SSID. Function as an access point (step SA2).

  On the other hand, after the wireless communication unit 26 functions as an access point, the user instructs activation of the setting application of the tablet terminal 10 (step SX2).

  As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the terminal control unit 30 activates the setting application in accordance with a user instruction (step SB1).

  Next, the setting application execution unit 301 of the terminal control unit 30 controls the terminal wireless communication unit 33 to detect an access point capable of communication (step SB2).

Next, the setting application execution unit 301 displays a list of SSIDs of the access points detected in step SB2 on the touch panel 31 (step SB3).
The SSID displayed as a list in step SB3 includes at least the SSID (printing device SSID) of the wireless communication unit 26 of the printing device 11 and the SSID (representative access point SSID) of the representative access point DAP.
In step SB3, the setting application execution unit 301 displays each SSID in a selectable manner. When one SSID is selected, a user interface for inputting a password used for communication with the access point related to the one SSID is displayed. indicate.

The user selects the SSID (printing device SSID) of the wireless communication unit 26 of the printing apparatus 11 from the displayed SSID, and inputs the printing apparatus password (step SX3).
Here, when the SSID printing function is valid, information indicating the printing apparatus SSID is printed on the roll paper, so that the user can recognize the printing apparatus SSID based on the information printed on the roll paper. Even when the SSID printing function is disabled, the user can print information indicating the printing apparatus SSID on the roll paper at an arbitrary timing. Therefore, the printing apparatus SSID is based on the information printed on the roll paper. Can be recognized.
Further, as described above, the value of the printing apparatus SSID is different from the value of the SSID of the access point located around the printing apparatus 11. Therefore, in the SSID displayed as a list in step SB3, the value of the printing apparatus SSID is different from the values of other SSIDs. The value of the printing apparatus SSID is composed of a combination of a character string representing the model name of the printing apparatus 11 and a serial number. Accordingly, the user can surely select the printing apparatus SSID among the displayed SSIDs.

  Next, the terminal control unit 30 records the SSID (printing device SSID) selected by the user and the password (printing device password) input by the user in the terminal access point mode setting file 321 (step SB4).

  Next, the terminal control unit 30 shifts the operation mode of the terminal wireless communication unit 33 to the terminal access point mode (step SB5).

  Next, the terminal control unit 30 communicates with the control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 according to a predetermined communication standard, and establishes a communication link between the terminal wireless communication unit 33 and the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point. Then, the tablet terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 are in a state in which wireless communication is possible (step SA3, step SB6).

Next, the terminal control unit 30 generates setting file update instruction data, and transmits the generated setting file update instruction data to the printing apparatus 11 (step SB7).
The setting file update instruction data is control data for instructing recording of the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password to the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242 stored in the storage unit 24 of the printing apparatus 11.
The representative access point SSID and the representative access point password are recorded in advance in the terminal network connection mode setting file 322 by a predetermined means.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the setting file update instruction data (step SA4).
Next, the control unit 20 records the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password in the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242 based on the received setting file update instruction data (step SA5).
Next, the control unit 20 accesses the representative access point DAP and connects to the wireless network LN based on the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password recorded in the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242 (step SA6). ).
Next, the control unit 20 transmits notification data notifying that the recording of the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password to the printing apparatus network connection setting file 242 is completed to the tablet terminal 10 (step SA7). ).

As shown in FIG. 3B, the setting application execution unit 301 of the terminal control unit 30 of the tablet terminal 10 receives the notification data (step SB8).
Next, the setting application execution unit 301 executes the following process in response to receiving the notification data.
That is, the setting application execution unit 301 shifts the operation mode of the terminal wireless communication unit 33 to the terminal network connection mode (step SB9).
In response to the transition to the terminal network connection mode, the terminal wireless communication unit 33 accesses the representative access point DAP based on the representative access point SSID and the representative access point password recorded in the terminal network connection mode setting file 322. Then, the wireless network LN is connected (step SB10).

  Next, the setting application execution unit 301 executes the following processing. That is, the setting application execution unit 301 transmits a test print command for requesting test printing via the wireless network LN (step SB11).

As shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the test print command (step SA8).
Next, the control unit 20 prints predetermined information on the roll paper based on the received test print command (step SA9). The user can confirm that the connection of the printing apparatus 11 to the wireless network LN has been normally completed by confirming that predetermined information has been printed on the roll paper by the printing apparatus 11.

  Next, the operation of each device of the POS system 1 when issuing a receipt according to the transaction performed at the checkout counter L will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of the tablet terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 when a receipt is issued according to the transaction performed at the checkout counter L. FIG. 6A shows the operation of the tablet terminal 10, and FIG. 6B shows the operation of the printing apparatus 11.
In FIG. 6, the initial setting of the printing apparatus 11 by the tablet terminal 10 described above has been completed, and the tablet terminal 10 and the printing apparatus 11 are in a state in which communication is possible via the wireless network LN.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the POS application execution unit 302 of the terminal control unit 30 of the tablet terminal 10 instructs the issuance of the receipt on which the receipt information is printed according to the transaction performed at the checkout counter L. Print control data is generated (step SE1). Receipt information includes logos, information indicating the date and time of receipt issuance, information about products purchased by customers (product name, unit price, purchase quantity, etc.), information indicating subtotals, information regarding tax, information indicating total amount, Includes information indicating fishing changes.
Next, the POS application execution unit 302 transmits the generated print control data to the printing apparatus 11 via the wireless network LN (step SE2).

As shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 20 of the printing apparatus 11 receives the print control data (step SF1).
Next, the control unit 20 controls the printing unit 21 based on the print control data and issues a receipt (step SF2). The receipt issued in step SF2 is delivered to the customer by the cashier in charge.

As described above, the printing apparatus 11 (information processing apparatus) according to the present embodiment functions as an access point and wirelessly communicates with an external apparatus by a wireless communication unit 26 and SSIDs (network identifiers) of access points located in the vicinity. ) And an SSID having a value different from the acquired external device SSID based on a combination (identification information) of a character string representing the model name of the printing device 11 and a serial number. And a control unit 20 that generates a certain printing apparatus SSID (setting identifier) and sets the generated printing apparatus SSID as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point.
According to this configuration, the value of the SSID of the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as an access point can be reliably different from the value of the SSID of the access point that is located in the vicinity of the printing apparatus 11, and the wireless that functions as the access point. The communication unit 26 can be distinguished from other access points.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the value of the printing apparatus SSID is a value (a value including the combination) based on a combination of a character string representing the model name of the printing apparatus 11 and a serial number. For this reason, the user can easily recognize that the printing apparatus SSID is the SSID set in the printing apparatus 11 based on the value of the printing apparatus SSID.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the printing unit 21 to print information indicating the generated printing apparatus SSID on a roll paper (recording medium).
According to this configuration, the user can surely recognize the SSID value set in the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point by referring to the information printed on the roll paper.

In the present embodiment, in the first method, the control unit 20 generates an initial printing apparatus SSID (setting identifier) having a predetermined value, the generated initial printing apparatus SSID value, and the acquired external apparatus SSID value. Are not the same, the generated initial printing apparatus SSID is set as the SSID of the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point. On the other hand, when the generated initial printing device SSID value and the acquired external device SSID value are the same, the control unit 20 differs the generated initial printing device SSID value from the acquired external device SSID value. As described above, the changed printing apparatus SSID is generated according to a predetermined rule, and the changed printing apparatus SSID is set as the SSID of the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point.
According to this configuration, it is possible to generate and set an SSID having a value that is surely different from the SSID of an access point located around the printing apparatus 11.

In the present embodiment, in the second method, the control unit 20 acquires the external device SSID, generates a printing device SSID having a value different from the acquired external device SSID, and accesses the generated printing device SSID. It is set as the SSID of the wireless communication unit 26 that functions as a point.
According to this configuration, it is possible to generate and set an SSID having a value that is surely different from the SSID of an access point located around the printing apparatus 11.

In the present embodiment, the tablet terminal 10 wirelessly communicates with the terminal wireless communication unit 33 that performs wireless communication and the wireless communication unit 26 of the printing apparatus 11 that functions as an access point based on the printing apparatus SSID (setting identifier). A terminal control unit 30 configured to perform predetermined settings for the printing apparatus 11.
Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined setting is a setting necessary for the printing apparatus 11 to connect to the wireless network LN.
According to this configuration, in addition to the effects described above, the following effects can be further obtained. That is, the tablet terminal 10 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication unit 26 functioning as an access point, perform predetermined settings on the printing apparatus 11, and be able to connect the printing apparatus 11 to the wireless network LN.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the apparatus main body of the printing apparatus 11 includes the wireless communication unit 26. However, a configuration in which an external wireless adapter is connected to the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 11 performs wireless communication using the wireless adapter may be used. In this case, the wireless adapter and the configuration that controls the wireless adapter in the printing apparatus 11 function as a “wireless communication unit”.
In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 is a thermal printer. However, the printing method is not limited to the thermal method, and may be another method such as an ink jet method or a dot impact method.
Further, for example, each functional block described with reference to the drawings can be arbitrarily realized by hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS system (communication system), 10 ... Tablet terminal (terminal, external device), 11 ... Printing apparatus (information processing apparatus), 20 ... Control part, 21 ... Printing part, 26 ... Wireless communication part, 30 ... Terminal control Part, 33 ... terminal wireless communication part, LN ... wireless network.

Claims (10)

A wireless communication unit that functions as an access point and wirelessly communicates with an external device;
Processing for generating a setting identifier that is a network identifier based on identification information, processing for acquiring an external identifier that is a network identifier of an access point located in the vicinity, and the acquired external identifier and the generated setting identifier are the same If not, a control unit that executes processing for setting the generated setting identifier as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit that functions as an access point;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A printing unit for printing on a recording medium;
The controller is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the generated setting identifier is printed on the recording medium by controlling the printing unit. The controller is
Obtaining the external identifier after generating the setting identifier;
If the generated setting identifier value and the acquired external identifier value are not the same, the generated setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point,
If the generated setting identifier value is the same as the acquired external identifier value, the generated setting identifier value is changed according to a predetermined rule so as to be different from the acquired external identifier value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the changed setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point. The controller is
The wireless communication that acquires the external identifier, generates the setting identifier having a value different from the acquired external identifier based on its own identification information, and uses the generated setting identifier as an access point The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is set as a network identifier of a part. A wireless communication unit that functions as an access point and wirelessly communicates with an external device; and
Processing for generating a setting identifier that is a network identifier based on identification information, processing for acquiring an external identifier that is a network identifier of an access point located in the vicinity, and the acquired external identifier and the generated setting identifier are the same If not, an information processing apparatus having a control unit that executes processing for setting the generated setting identifier as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit that functions as an access point;
A terminal wireless communication unit for wireless communication; and
A terminal having a terminal control unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication unit and the terminal wireless communication unit of the information processing device functioning as an access point based on the setting identifier, and performs predetermined settings for the information processing device When,
A communication system comprising:   The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined setting includes a setting related to connection to a predetermined wireless network. The information processing apparatus includes:
A printing unit for printing on a recording medium;
The control unit of the information processing apparatus includes:
The communication system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the printing unit is controlled to print information indicating the generated setting identifier on the recording medium. The control unit of the information processing apparatus includes:
Generating the setting identifier of a predetermined value, obtaining the external identifier after generating,
If the generated setting identifier value and the acquired external identifier value are not the same, the generated setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point,
If the generated setting identifier value is the same as the acquired external identifier value, the generated setting identifier value is changed according to a predetermined rule so as to be different from the acquired external identifier value. The communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the changed setting identifier is set as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point. The control unit of the information processing apparatus includes:
Obtaining the external identifier, generating the setting identifier having a value different from the acquired external identifier value, and setting the generated setting identifier as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point The communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 7. A method for controlling an information processing device that functions as an access point and includes a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device,
Processing for generating a setting identifier that is a network identifier based on identification information, processing for acquiring an external identifier that is a network identifier of an access point located in the vicinity, and the acquired external identifier and the generated setting identifier are the same If not, a process of setting the generated setting identifier as a network identifier of the wireless communication unit functioning as an access point is executed.

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