JP2017016309A - Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To establish a communication when an image forming apparatus and a terminal are located at a predetermined distance, regardless of characteristics of the terminals.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus determines a distance between the apparatus and an image processing apparatus 100, on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the image processing apparatus 100, and acquires identification information of the image processing apparatus 100, on the basis of a signal received from the image processing apparatus 100. The information processing apparatus includes the following means: measuring a receiving-signal intensity of the signal received from the image processing apparatus 100; storing in advance a connection-start distance which represents a distance between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 at the start of a connection between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100; determining a receiving-signal intensity threshold corresponding to the connection start distance, on the basis of the distance between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 and the receiving-signal intensity; comparing the receiving-signal intensity with the receiving-signal intensity threshold, to determine whether to connect to the image processing apparatus 100; and controlling a connection between the information processing apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100, on the basis of the identification information, when a determination is made to connect to the image processing apparatus 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique suitable for wireless connection between a mobile terminal and a device.

When a portable terminal or the like transmits a request for print processing to the image processing apparatus, the portable terminal needs to recognize connection information such as an IP address of the image processing apparatus in advance.
If the user who owns the portable terminal is the first image processing apparatus to use, the portable terminal may not store the connection information of the image processing apparatus in advance, and the user who owns the portable terminal may An operation such as inputting is required.

  On the other hand, when the mobile terminal connects to the image processing device, the connection information from the image processing device according to a wireless communication method that does not require connection information such as infrared communication or NFC (near field communication). And a request for print processing is transmitted to the image processing apparatus via the network without allowing the user to input the connection information by connecting to the network using the received connection information. Yes.

  In Patent Document 1, a device detects a signal transmitted from a mobile terminal, detects whether the mobile terminal is within a predetermined range based on the detected signal, and the mobile terminal remains outside the predetermined range. In this case, a technology is disclosed in which the image forming is not started and the standby state is set, and when the mobile terminal is detected to be within a predetermined range, the standby state is canceled.

  Furthermore, as a wireless communication method that replaces infrared communication and NFC, for example, by using a low-power wireless communication method such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), a signal is always transmitted from a device equipped with the communication method. A technique is known that transmits information and notifies information to a terminal such as a portable terminal approaching the apparatus.

  When it is detected that the intensity of a signal transmitted from the image processing apparatus by a wireless communication method such as BLE is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the portable terminal is within a predetermined range of the image forming apparatus. Thus, it is possible to acquire connection information with the image processing apparatus from the signal received from the portable terminal and connect to the image forming apparatus based on the connection information.

  However, since the signal transmission intensity varies between mobile terminals, if the same threshold is set for all mobile terminals, the distance from the image processing apparatus when starting connection differs for each mobile terminal. End up. Therefore, even when the user does not intentionally bring the portable terminal close to the image forming apparatus, the two are connected or even when the portable terminal is sufficiently close to the image forming apparatus. There was a problem that the connection could not be started.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide information when the distance between the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus becomes a predetermined distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the information processing apparatus. Communicate with the processing device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an invention according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus connectable to at least one or more devices via a wireless network. An image capturing unit that captures an image; A distance determination unit that determines a distance between the device and the device based on a captured image; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information relating to the device based on a signal received from the device; A signal strength measuring means for measuring a received signal strength relating to a signal received from a device, and a connection for preliminarily storing a connection start distance representing a distance between the device and the device when starting the connection between the device and the device A determination unit for determining a reception signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance based on a start distance storage unit and the distance between the device and the device and the reception signal strength; The received signal strength and the received signal strength threshold are compared to determine whether to connect to the device, and when it is determined to connect to the device, based on the identification information Connection control means for controlling the connection between the device and the device.

  According to the present invention, communication with an information processing apparatus can be performed when the distance between the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus reaches a predetermined distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the information processing apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the operation part of the image processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the radio | wireless communication terminal of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the operation part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data example of the device information public packet management table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the connection information management table of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the radio | wireless communication terminal of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the received signal strength management table of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the signal strength reference table of this embodiment. It is a graph which shows an example (the 1) of a time change of the received signal strength of the device information public packet received by the radio | wireless communication terminal of this embodiment. It is a graph which shows an example (the 2) of a time change of the received signal strength of the device information public packet received by the radio | wireless communication terminal of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the wireless communication terminal of this embodiment determining the connection start distance with an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of displaying a QR code (trademark) by the QR code (trademark) display control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the display control part of the radio | wireless communication terminal of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed by the display control part of a radio | wireless communication terminal when the distance of the radio | wireless communication terminal and image processing apparatus of this embodiment is away with respect to the connection start distance. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which instruct | indicates the rest of the radio | wireless communication terminal displayed by the display control part of the radio | wireless communication terminal of this embodiment. It is FIG. (1) which shows the measuring method of the 1st distance which the distance determination part of this embodiment performs. It is FIG. (2) which shows the measuring method of the 1st distance which the distance determination part of this embodiment performs. It is a figure (the 1) which shows the measuring method of the 2nd distance which the distance determination part of this embodiment performs. It is FIG. (2) which shows the measuring method of the 2nd distance which the distance determination part of this embodiment performs. It is FIG. (The 3) which shows the measuring method of the 2nd distance which the distance determination part of this embodiment performs. (A) (b) is a figure which shows the measuring method of the 3rd distance which the distance determination part of this embodiment performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the wireless communication terminal of the present embodiment connects to an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which prompts the update of the received signal strength threshold value displayed by the display control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which notifies that the new apparatus displayed by the display control part of this embodiment was detected. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the radio | wireless communication terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention determines a received signal strength threshold value. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which a wireless communication terminal displays, when the distance of a wireless communication terminal and an image processing apparatus is 5 cm in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which a wireless communication terminal displays, when the distance of a wireless communication terminal and an image processing apparatus is 20 cm in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
The present invention has the following configuration in order to communicate with a terminal when the distance between the image processing apparatus and the terminal reaches a predetermined distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal.
That is, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that can be connected to at least one device via a wireless network, based on an image capturing unit that captures an image and an image captured by the image capturing unit. A distance determination means for determining a distance between the device and the apparatus; an identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information related to the apparatus based on a signal received from the apparatus; and a received signal intensity related to the signal received from the apparatus. Between the signal strength measuring means to be measured, the connection start distance storage means for preliminarily storing the connection start distance representing the distance between the own device and the device when starting the connection between the own device and the device, and between the own device and the device Determining means for determining a received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance based on the distance of the received signal and the received signal strength, comparing the received signal strength with the received signal strength threshold, and connecting to the device A connection determination means for determining whether, when it is determined that the connected device, characterized by comprising a connection control unit for controlling the connection between the host device and the device based on the identification information.
With the above configuration, communication with the terminal can be performed when the distance between the image processing apparatus and the terminal becomes a predetermined distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal.
Hereinafter, the features of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The image processing system 1 includes image processing apparatuses 100A to 100C, a wireless communication terminal 200, and a wireless access point 300.
The image processing apparatus 100 is applied to an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral and a printer, an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral having a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and the like, a projection device such as a projector, and an electronic blackboard. For example, image processing is executed in response to an external print request or scan request from the wireless communication terminal 200 or the like.
The image processing apparatus 100 includes a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit, and is directly connected to the wireless communication terminal 200 by the first wireless communication unit and wirelessly accessed by the second wireless communication unit. The wireless communication terminal 200 is connected via the point 300.

As the wireless communication terminal 200, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like can be applied.
The wireless communication terminal 200 directly communicates with the image processing apparatuses 100A to 100C via the first wireless communication transmission paths N1A to N1C, receives communication information such as an IP address for connecting to the second wireless communication, Based on the received communication information, a print request and a scan request are transmitted via the wireless access point 300 and the second wireless communication transmission line N2.

The wireless access point 300 establishes a communication path between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200. The wireless access point 300 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 50 such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and communicates with the wireless communication terminal 200 according to a wireless LAN standard such as IEEE 802.11.
Here, the image processing apparatus 100 may be configured to include a Wi-Fi module that operates in the infrastructure mode or a Wi-Fi direct module that can be directly connected to the wireless communication terminal 200 for communication. In this case, the wireless communication terminal 200 can directly connect to and communicate with the image processing apparatus 100 without going through the wireless access point 300, and thus the wireless access point 300 may not be provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The image processing apparatus 100 includes a controller 102, an operation unit 122, a facsimile control unit (FCU) 126, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 128, an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 interface 130, The engine unit 132 is provided. In the image processing apparatus 100, a portion other than the operation unit 122 may be referred to as a main body unit.

The controller 102 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 104, a north bridge (NB) 106, a system memory (MEM-P) 108, a south bridge (SB) 114, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) 116, a local A memory (MEM-C) 118, an HDD 120, and a network interface card (NIC) 121 are provided.
The system memory 108 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112.

The CPU 104 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100 and constitutes a chip set together with the north bridge 106, the system memory 108, and the south bridge 114. The CPU 104 is connected to other devices via this chip set.
The north bridge 106 is a bridge that connects the CPU 104, the system memory 108, the south bridge 114, and an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 60.
The north bridge 106 includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing of the system memory 108, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) master, and an AGP target.

  The AGP bus 60 is a bus interface for a graphic accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing, and directly accesses the system memory 108 with high throughput to speed up the graphics accelerator card.

The ROM 110 of the system memory 108 is a read-only memory that stores programs and data for the image processing apparatus. A RAM 112 of the system memory 108 is a memory that can be used for developing an image processing apparatus program and data and can be written and read when a drawing process is performed by a printer.
The south bridge 114 is a bridge that connects the north bridge 106 and a peripheral device such as a PCI device. The south bridge 114 is connected to the north bridge 106 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) or the like can be connected to the PCI bus.

The ASIC 116 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP bus 60, the PCI bus 70, the HDD 120, and the local memory 118, respectively.
The ASIC 116 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 116, a memory controller that controls the local memory 118, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access) that rotate image data using hardware logic. Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 132 via the PCI bus 70.
An operation unit 122, a facsimile control unit 126, a USB 128, an IEEE 1394 interface 130, and an engine unit 132 are connected to the ASIC 116 via the PCI bus 70.

  The local memory 118 is used as an image buffer and a code buffer for copying. The HDD 120 stores image data, programs, font data, and forms. The HDD 120 stores a license file for an application executed by the image processing apparatus 100. The NIC 121 is an interface connected to a network such as the LAN 50.

  The operation unit 122 is an interface for a user such as an operator who is directly connected to the ASIC 116 and operates the image processing apparatus 100. By operating the operation unit 122, data input, job execution, and display can be performed.

The facsimile control unit 126 is connected to the PCI bus 70 and controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or a copying apparatus having a modem function through a public line.
The USB 128 and the IEEE 1394 interface 130 are each connected to the PCI bus 70 and can connect peripheral devices.
The engine unit 132 is connected to the PCI bus 70, and a printer engine such as a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit can be applied. Note that the engine unit 132 may include an image processing unit that performs error diffusion, gamma conversion, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the operation unit 122 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
The operation unit 122 can be a general information processing terminal, and includes a CPU 152, a memory (MEM) 154, a nonvolatile memory 160, an I / F 162, a first wireless communication unit 164, and a second wireless communication. 166, USB 168, sensor 170, and touch panel 172.
The CPU 152, the memory 154, the nonvolatile memory 160, and the I / F 162, the first wireless communication unit 164, the second wireless communication unit 166, the USB 168, the sensor 170, and the touch panel 172 are connected via the bus 80.

The CPU 152 controls the operation of the entire operation unit 122. The memory 154 includes a ROM 156 and a RAM 158.
The ROM 156 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores programs such as firmware.
The RAM 158 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 152 processes information.

The non-volatile memory 160 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information such as a NAND type, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.
The I / F 162 connects between the bus 80 and various hardware, a network such as the LAN 50, and the like.

  The first wireless communication unit 164 includes a second wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) 4.0 (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy: BLE) or near field communication (NFC). In comparison, wireless communication is performed using the first wireless communication method, which is slower.

  The second wireless communication unit 166 is connected to the wireless access point 300 via a network such as the LAN 50. The second wireless communication unit 166 performs processing for performing high-speed wireless communication through the wireless access point 300 as compared with the first wireless communication method according to the second wireless communication method standard such as wireless LAN. Do.

  The USB 168 can connect peripheral devices. The sensor 170 is a sensor realized by hardware such as an acceleration sensor. The touch panel 172 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the image processing apparatus 100, and is also used when operating.

  The operation unit 122 and the ASIC 116 can be connected via the I / F 162 or can be connected via the USB 168.

  The first wireless communication unit 164 and the second wireless communication unit 166 may be provided in the main body instead of being provided in the operation unit 122, or may be provided in both the operation unit 122 and the main body. .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the wireless communication terminal 200 according to the present embodiment.
The wireless communication terminal 200 includes a CPU 202, a RAM 204, a ROM 206, an HDD 208, an I / F 210, a sensor 212, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 214, an operation unit 216, a first wireless communication unit 218, 2 wireless communication units 220.
The CPU 202, RAM 204, ROM 206, HDD 208, I / F 210, and sensor 212 are connected by a bus 90.

The CPU 202 controls the entire wireless communication terminal 200.
The ROM 206 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The RAM 204 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 202 processes information.
The HDD 208 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS, various control programs, application programs, and the like.

The I / F 210 connects the bus 90 to various hardware and networks. The sensor 212 is a sensor realized by hardware such as an acceleration sensor.
The LCD 214 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the wireless communication terminal 200.
The operation unit 216 is a user interface for a user such as a keyboard and a mouse to input information to the wireless communication terminal 200. The LCD 214 and the operation unit 216 may be configured by a touch panel, and the keyboard may be realized by software.

  The first wireless communication unit 218 performs wireless communication by a first wireless communication method that is slower than a second wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) 4.0 or short-range wireless communication.

  The second wireless communication unit 220 performs high-speed wireless communication as compared with the first wireless communication method in accordance with a second wireless communication method standard such as a wireless LAN.

  The imaging unit 222 is a camera or the like, and acquires an image by performing imaging.

Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the operation unit 122.
The operation unit 122 includes a first transmission / reception unit 502, a second transmission / reception unit 504, a device information public packet creation unit 506, a connection information request processing unit 508, a connection distance determination unit 509, a connection processing unit 510, a QR code (registered trademark). ) Generation unit 512, QR code (registered trademark) display control unit 514, and job control unit 516.
Each of these units is a function or means realized by any one of the constituent elements shown in FIG. 3 operating according to a command from the CPU 152 according to the operation unit program stored in the nonvolatile memory 160. It is.
The operation unit 122 has a storage unit 518 constructed by the nonvolatile memory 160 shown in FIG.

  In the storage unit 518, a device information public packet management DB 520 configured by a device information public packet management table as shown in FIG. 6 is constructed.

The device information disclosure packet management table associates device names, operation modes, connection start distances, and output power levels with each other.
The device name is used for plug and play of the image processing apparatus 100.
The operation mode represents a standard supported by the first wireless communication unit 164. For example, when the first wireless communication unit 164 is compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) 4.0, either the dual mode or the single mode is stored.
The connection start distance represents a distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 when the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 start connection. That is, when the wireless communication terminal 200 determines that the distance to the image processing apparatus 100 is within the connection start distance, the wireless communication terminal 200 transmits a connection request for connection to the image processing apparatus 100 via the second communication unit. .
The output power level indicates the output intensity of the radio wave transmitted by the image processing apparatus 100. By setting the output power level to a fixed value, the distance between the image processing device 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 can be estimated based on the received signal level of the device information disclosure packet in the image processing device 100.

In the storage unit 518 shown in FIG. 5, a connection information management DB 522 configured by the connection information management table shown in FIG. 7 is constructed.
The connection information management table is a network information such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a security method, and a password used when connecting the second wireless communication unit 166 and the wireless communication terminal 200 by the second wireless communication method. The information is associated by connecting connection information such as address information such as an IP address and a port number.
The SSID is identification information of the wireless LAN, and the security method is represented by an encryption method standard such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA2-TKIP, or AES.

The first transmission / reception unit 502 illustrated in FIG. 5 is realized by a command from the first wireless communication unit 164 and the CPU 152 illustrated in FIG. 3. The first transmission / reception unit 502 transmits / receives various data (information) to / from the wireless communication terminal 200 according to the standard of the first wireless communication method.
The second transmission / reception unit 504 is realized by a command from the second wireless communication unit 166 and the CPU 152 shown in FIG. The second transmission / reception unit 504 performs processing for transmitting / receiving various data (information) to / from the wireless communication terminal 200 in accordance with the standard of the second wireless communication method.

The device information public packet creation unit 506 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 152.
The device information public packet creation unit 506 acquires information stored in the device information public packet management table of the device information public packet management DB 520, includes an advertisement packet attached with this information, and the like. A device information disclosure packet for publicizing the existence is created, and this packet is transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 502 to the wireless communication terminal 200.

  The connection information request processing unit 508 is realized by a command from the CPU 152. When the connection information request transmitted by the wireless communication terminal 200 that has received the device information disclosure packet is input from the first transmission / reception unit 502, the connection information request processing unit 508 receives the connection information request from the connection information management DB 522 according to the connection information request. Connection information accompanying the information stored in the connection information management table is created and transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 502.

  The connection distance determination unit 509 is realized by a command from the CPU 152. The connection distance determination unit 509 determines the connection start distance included in the device information disclosure packet management table of the device information disclosure packet management DB, for example, by receiving a distance input from the user. The connection start distance may not be determined by the connection distance determination unit 509, but a predetermined value may be stored.

  Connection processing unit 510 is realized by a command from CPU 152. When a connection request transmitted by the wireless communication terminal 200 that has received the connection information is input from the second transmission / reception unit 504, the connection processing unit 510 performs a connection process with the wireless communication terminal 200 according to the connection request. Do.

  The job control unit 516 is realized by a command from the CPU 152. When a job requested by the wireless communication terminal 200 is input from the second transmission / reception unit 504, the job control unit 516 controls the job such as delivering the job to the main body unit.

  The QR code (registered trademark) generation unit 512 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 152. The QR code (registered trademark) generation unit 512 includes a QR code (registered trademark) including a connection start distance, a device name, and an actual size value of the QR code (registered trademark) stored in the device information disclosed packet management table of the device information disclosed packet management DB. ) Is generated. Here, the actual size value of the QR code (registered trademark) may not be included in the QR code (registered trademark) but may be included in a device information disclosure packet or the like.

  The QR code (registered trademark) display control unit 514 is realized by a command from the CPU 152 and a touch panel. When the QR code (registered trademark) display control unit 514 receives a request for displaying the QR code (registered trademark) from the user via a touch panel or the like, the QR code (registered trademark) generated by the QR code (registered trademark) generation unit 512 is received. Is displayed on the touch panel.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the wireless communication terminal 200.
The wireless communication terminal 200 includes a first transmission / reception unit 252, a second transmission / reception unit 254, a received signal strength measurement unit 256, a connection determination unit 258, a connection information acquisition unit 260, a connection processing unit 262, a job request unit 264, and an image reading A unit 268, an image analysis unit 270, an inclination measurement unit 272, a distance determination unit 274, a received signal threshold value determination unit 276, and a display control unit 278.
Each of these units is a function or means realized by any one of the components shown in FIG. 8 operating according to a command from the CPU 202 according to the wireless communication terminal program stored in the HDD 208.
Further, the wireless communication terminal 200 has a storage unit 280 constructed by the HDD 208 shown in FIG.

In the storage unit 280, a received signal strength management DB 282 configured by the received signal strength management table shown in FIG. 9 is constructed.
The received signal strength management table associates device names, received signal strengths, and the like with each other.
The device name is a device name included in the device information disclosure packet received from the image processing apparatus 100.
When the first transmission / reception unit 252 receives the device information disclosure packet transmitted by the image processing apparatus 100, the reception signal strength measurement unit 256 measures the received signal strength of the received signal of the device information disclosure packet. Received signal strength.
In the received signal strength management table, a queue of received signal strengths of device information disclosure packets is created for each device name.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet transmitted by the image processing apparatus 100 whose device name is represented by “A” is −24 dB, −30 dB, −26 dB, −25 dB over time. It is shown that it has changed.

In the storage unit 280 shown in FIG. 8, a signal strength reference DB 284 configured by the signal strength reference table shown in FIG. 10 is constructed.
The signal strength reference table is associated by associating a device name, a received signal strength threshold, an IP address, and the like.
The device name is a device name included in the device information disclosure packet received from the image processing apparatus 100.
The received signal strength threshold is the received signal strength of a device information disclosure packet that serves as a reference when the wireless communication terminal 200 starts a connection request to the image processing apparatus 100 using the second communication unit.
For example, when the wireless communication terminal 200 receives a device information disclosure packet with an intensity stronger than −30 dB from the image processing apparatus 100A whose device name is A, the wireless communication terminal 200 connects to the image processing apparatus 100A using the second communication unit. I do.

Next, each unit of the wireless communication terminal 200 illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described.
The first transmission / reception unit 252 of the wireless communication terminal 200 is realized by a command from the first wireless communication unit 218 and the CPU 202 shown in FIG.
The first transmission / reception unit 252 transmits / receives various data (information) to / from the image processing apparatus 100 in accordance with the standard of the first wireless communication method. The first transmission / reception unit 252 constitutes identification information acquisition means, and receives a device name and an IP address from the image processing apparatus 100.

  The second transmission / reception unit 254 is realized by a command from the second wireless communication unit 220 and the CPU 202 shown in FIG. The second transmission / reception unit 254 transmits / receives various data (information) to / from the image processing apparatus 100 in accordance with the standard of the second wireless communication method.

The received signal strength measurement unit 256 is realized by a command from the CPU 202 and a program for a wireless communication terminal stored in the HDD 208.
The reception signal strength measurement unit 256 measures the reception signal strength of the device information disclosure packet received by the first transmission / reception unit 252 in a predetermined period, and measures the received reception together with the device name attached to the device information disclosure packet. The signal strength is stored in the received signal strength management DB 282 of the storage unit 268. When the device name and the received signal strength are stored in the received signal strength management DB 282 of the storage unit 268, the received signal strength can be stored according to the FIFO for each device name.
A specific description will be given with reference to the received signal strength management table shown in FIG.
For example, when the received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet transmitted by the image processing apparatus whose newly measured device name is “B” is stored, the value −52 dB which is the oldest value of the device name “B”. The received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet is added as the newest value with the device name “B”.

Connection determination unit 258 is realized by a command from CPU 202 and a program for a wireless communication terminal stored in HDD 208.
The connection determination unit 258 includes the received signal strength stored in the received signal strength management table of the received signal strength management DB 282 stored in the storage unit 280 and the received signal reference value stored in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284. Based on the above, it is determined whether to connect to any image processing apparatus 100 whose signal strength is stored in the received signal strength management table.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a temporal change in received signal strength of a device information disclosure packet received by the wireless communication terminal 200.
In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents the received signal strength (RSSI) of the device information disclosure packet. Further, it is assumed that the distance Xcm between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 is shorter than the distance Ycm.
Here, in FIG. 11, the values plotted with ◯ are the signal intensities measured when the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal is Xcm, and the values plotted with x are the values plotted with the image processing apparatus 100. It is the signal intensity measured when the distance of the wireless communication terminal is Ycm.

  As shown in FIG. 11, even when signals are received at the same distance and the signal intensity is measured, the received signal intensity varies. However, referring to FIG. 11, if the average value of a plurality of signal strengths is taken, the received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet received by the wireless communication terminal 200 becomes stronger when the wireless communication terminal 200 is closer to the image processing device 100. I can understand that there is a tendency.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a change over time of the received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet received by the wireless communication terminal 200 different from the terminal that performed the measurement of the received signal strength shown in FIG.
In FIG. 12, the radio communication terminal 200 receives a signal at a distance similar to the distance Xcm and the distance Ycm shown in FIG. 11, and measures the intensity of the received signal.
However, since the terminal that received the signal differs between FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the strength of the received signal differs depending on the characteristics of the antenna of each terminal.
For example, when comparing the terminal that received the signal in FIG. 11 with the terminal that received the signal in FIG. 12, the terminal that measured the received signal strength in FIG. It can be seen that the signal tends to be received with a stronger intensity than the terminal that performed the measurement.

Based on the received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet stored in the received signal strength management table and the received signal strength reference value stored in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284, the connection determination unit 258 It is determined whether there is an image processing apparatus having a received signal strength μ [dB] exceeding a received signal strength threshold Rs [dB].
The connection determination unit 258 determines a minimum value μ [dB] of an appropriate sampling number such as three device information disclosure packets, and determines whether or not the minimum value μ exceeds the threshold value Rs.
Here, the received signal strength μ [dB] is not the minimum value of the received signal strength of an appropriate number of samplings, but is the value when the user instructs the wireless communication terminal 200 to print to the image processing apparatus 100. The received signal strength of one device information disclosure packet received by one transmitting / receiving unit may be used, or the average value of received signal strengths of an appropriate number of samplings may be used.
The connection determination unit 258 determines that the image processing apparatus whose minimum value μ of the received signal strength of the device information disclosure packet exceeds the threshold value Rs is in front of the wireless communication terminal 200, and sets the image processing apparatus as a connection target. Then, the device name of the image processing apparatus is notified to the connection information acquisition unit 260.

Returning to FIG. 8, the description of the wireless communication terminal 200 will be continued.
The connection information acquisition unit 260 is realized by a command from the CPU 202 and a wireless communication terminal program stored in the HDD 208.
Based on the device name input by the connection determination unit 258, the connection information acquisition unit 260 creates a connection information request with the image processing apparatus corresponding to the device name as a destination, and transmits the connection information request from the first transmission / reception unit 252. .
When a job requested by the user is input to the job request unit 264, the connection information acquisition unit 260 receives the image processing apparatus corresponding to the device name based on the device name input by the connection determination unit 258. The connection information request may be created and transmitted from the first transmission / reception unit 252.
When connection information is input from the first transmission / reception unit 252 as a response to the connection information request, the connection information acquisition unit 260 inputs the connection information to the connection processing unit 262.

The connection processing unit 262 is realized by a command from the CPU 202 and a wireless communication terminal program stored in the HDD 208.
The connection processing unit 262 performs switching by handing over from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method based on the connection information input by the connection information acquiring unit 260, and the connection target image processing device and the second wireless communication method. The transmission / reception unit 254 is connected.
A job requested by the user is input to the job request unit 264, and a connection information request addressed to the image processing apparatus corresponding to the device name is sent to the first transmission / reception unit based on the device name input by the connection determination unit 258. When not transmitting from 252, the connection processing unit 262 connects the image processing apparatus to be connected to the second transmission / reception unit 254 when a job requested by the user is input to the job request unit 264. You may comprise so that the process to be started may be started.
By sharing a key relating to encryption between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200, the image processing apparatus 100 encrypts and transmits connection information, and the wireless communication terminal 200 transmits the encrypted connection information. Decrypt.

  The job request unit 264 is realized by a command from the CPU 202 and a wireless communication terminal program stored in the HDD 208. The job request unit 264 transmits a job requested by the user from the second transmission / reception unit 254 to the connected image processing apparatus 100.

  The image reading unit 268 is realized by a command from the CPU 202, an imaging unit 222, and a wireless communication terminal program stored in the HDD 208. The image reading unit 268 reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 122 of the image processing apparatus 100 by taking an image, and acquires an image of the QR code (registered trademark).

  The image analysis unit 270 is realized by a command from the CPU 202 and a wireless communication terminal program stored in the HDD 208. The QR code (registered trademark) image acquired by the image reading unit 268 is analyzed, and the device name and connection start distance of the image processing apparatus 100 that displayed the QR code (registered trademark) are acquired.

  The inclination measuring unit 272 is realized by commands from the sensor 212 and the CPU 202 shown in FIG. The inclination measurement unit 272 detects an inclination such as an angle of the wireless communication terminal 200 based on measurement information such as acceleration measured by the sensor 212.

Distance determination unit 274 is realized by a command from CPU 202 and a program for a wireless communication terminal stored in HDD 208. Based on the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) acquired by the analysis of the image analysis unit 270, the inclination of the wireless terminal 200 measured by the inclination measurement unit 272, and the like, the distance between the wireless terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is determined. calculate.
Further, it is determined whether or not the calculated distance is within a predetermined range compared with the connection start distance acquired by analyzing the QR code (registered trademark) by the image analysis unit 270.

The reception signal threshold value determination unit 276 constitutes a storage control unit, and is realized by a command from the CPU 202 and a program for a wireless communication terminal stored in the HDD 208.
When the distance determination unit 274 determines that the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is within a predetermined range compared to the connection start distance, the reception signal threshold value determination unit 276 is a first transmission / reception unit. Based on the received signal strength measured by the received signal strength measurement unit 256 of the device information disclosure packet 502 received from the image processing device 100, the received signal strength threshold of the image processing device 100 is determined.
The received signal threshold value determination unit 276 associates the determined received signal strength threshold value with the device name and IP address received by the first transmission / reception unit 502 and stores them in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284.

Display control unit 278 is realized by a command from CPU 202, an LCD, and a program for a wireless communication terminal stored in HDD 208.
When the distance determination unit 274 determines that the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is not within a predetermined range compared to the connection start distance, the distance determination unit 274 depends on the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100. A message for guiding the user to bring the wireless terminal 200 closer to the image processing apparatus 100 on the LCD of the wireless communication terminal 200, or to guide the user to move the wireless communication terminal 200 away from the image processing apparatus 100. Message is displayed.

Next, a flow of processing when the wireless communication terminal 200 determines a connection start distance with each of the image processing apparatuses 100A to 100C will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the wireless communication terminal 200 determines a connection start distance with the image processing apparatus 100.

First, the operation unit 122 of the image processing apparatus 100 causes the QR code (registered trademark) display control unit 514 to display a QR code (registered trademark) as shown in FIG. The image reading unit 268 of the wireless communication terminal 200 acquires the image by capturing the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the operation unit 122 of the image processing apparatus 100 (step S1301).
Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the display control unit 278 of the wireless communication terminal 200 displays a message “Please read QR code (registered trademark)”, and the image reading unit 268 displays the displayed QR code. (Registered trademark) is imaged by the imaging unit 222 (FIG. 4) such as a camera.

  Next, the distance determination unit 274 performs wireless communication based on the QR code (registered trademark) image acquired in step S1301 and information included in the QR code (registered trademark) acquired by the analysis by the image analysis unit 270. The distance between the terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is measured (step S1302). Details of the distance measurement method by the distance determination unit 274 will be described later.

Here, the distance measured in step S1302 is compared with the connection start distance included in the QR code (registered trademark) acquired in step S1301, and whether or not the measured distance is within a predetermined range in comparison with the connection start distance. Is determined (step S1303).
For example, if the connection start distance is 7 cm, an error of ± 1 cm is set as an allowable range, and it is determined whether the distance measured in step S1302 is within a range of 6 cm to 8 cm.
Here, when it is not within the predetermined range (step S1303, NO), the display control unit 278 of the wireless communication terminal 200 sets the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 to the user as the connection start distance. A message for prompting the user to move is displayed (step S1304). For example, when the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is far from the connection start distance, a message “6 cm away from the optimum distance” is displayed as shown in FIG.

When the measured distance is within the predetermined range in comparison with the connection start distance included in the QR code (registered trademark) acquired in step S1301 (step S1303, YES), the first transmission / reception unit of the wireless communication terminal 200 252 receives the device information disclosure packet from the image processing apparatus 100 (step S1305), and the received signal strength measurement unit 256 measures the signal strength of the received device information disclosure packet (step S1306).
It is preferable that there are a plurality of device public packets to be measured here. This is because, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, even if the intensity of the received signal is measured at the same distance, variation occurs. Therefore, in order to prevent the user from moving the wireless communication terminal 200 until a certain number of packets are received, as shown in FIG. 17, the message “Adjusting detection sensitivity” and “Remaining 5 seconds” are displayed. May be.
Whether or not the image processing apparatus 100 displaying the QR code (registered trademark) and the image processing apparatus 100 transmitting the device information disclosure packet are the same apparatus is determined by the device name included in the QR code (registered trademark). The determination can be made based on whether or not the device name included in the device information disclosure packet matches.

  Further, the reception signal threshold value determination unit 276 of the wireless communication terminal 200 starts connection with the image processing apparatus that displayed the QR code (registered trademark) in step S1301 based on the signal strength measured in step S1306. A received signal strength threshold which is the received signal strength of is determined (step S1307).

  Finally, the connection information acquisition unit 260 of the wireless communication terminal 200 receives the connection information from the image processing apparatus 100 via the first transmission / reception unit 252, and the reception signal threshold value determination unit 276 receives the reception signal strength determined in step S1307. The threshold value and the IP address (identification information) included in the connection information are associated with the IP address of the image processing apparatus 100 and stored in the received signal strength table of the received signal strength DB 282 (step S1308).

<Measurement method 1>
Next, the distance measurement method performed by the distance determination unit 274 in step S1302 shown in FIG. 13 will be described in detail.
18 and 19 are explanatory diagrams showing a first distance measurement method performed by the distance determination unit 274 in step S1303 shown in FIG.

Α shown in FIG. 18 indicates an angle of view of the imaging unit 222 of the wireless communication terminal 200. The angle of view α of the imaging unit 222 is stored in the wireless communication terminal 200 in advance.
Further, D shown in FIG. 18 indicates the actual size value of the QR code (registered trademark). The actual size value of the QR code (registered trademark) is included in the QR code (registered trademark), and the wireless communication terminal 200 causes the image analysis unit 270 to analyze the QR code (registered trademark) image acquired by the image reading unit 268. The actual size value of QR code (registered trademark) is acquired.
The D may be stored in advance in the storage unit 280 of the wireless communication terminal 200 in addition to being acquired from the QR code (registered trademark), or may be notified by the administrator of the image processing apparatus 100 using e-mail or the like. Alternatively, it may be managed by a server or the like and acquired by the wireless communication terminal 200 from the server.

L1 shown in FIG. 18 indicates the pixel value of the display area of the LCD of the wireless communication terminal 200. The pixel value of the display area is stored in the wireless communication terminal 200 in advance.
18 indicates a pixel value of one side of the QR code (registered trademark) in the image acquired by the image reading unit 268 of the wireless communication terminal 200. One side of the QR code (registered trademark) can be acquired by the image analysis unit 270 analyzing the image of the QR code (registered trademark).
Here, like the screen of the wireless communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 18, when the QR code (registered trademark) is imaged, the display control unit 278 of the wireless communication terminal 200 displays the vertical and horizontal center lines of the imaging range. However, it is necessary to guide the QR code (registered trademark) to be imaged at the center of the imaging range.

  The distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 can be obtained using the values of α, D, L1, and L2. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a specific method for calculating the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100.

19 indicates the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100. This a can be obtained from the right triangle formula according to the following equation.
a = b / tan θ

Here, b is an actual size value that is half of the vertical length of the imaging range by the imaging unit 222, that is, half of the actual size value of L1, and θ represents a half of the angle of view of the imaging unit 222. Therefore, the above b can be obtained by the following expression using the values of D, L1, and L2 shown in FIG.
b = (D × L1) / (2 × L2)

Further, θ can be obtained by the following equation using the value of α shown in FIG.
θ = α / 2

  Therefore, a, which is the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100, can be obtained using b and θ.

<Measurement method 2>
Next, details of the second distance measurement method performed by the distance determination unit 274 in step S1302 shown in FIG. 13 will be described.
20 to 22 are diagrams illustrating a second distance measurement method performed by the distance determination unit 274 in step S1303 illustrated in FIG.

In the second measurement method, the wireless communication terminal 200 captures two images as shown in FIGS.
Here, when two images as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 are captured, it is necessary for the user to change only the inclination without changing the position of the mobile terminal.
Therefore, the display control unit 278 of the wireless communication terminal 200 first assumes that the position of the QR code (registered trademark) in the imaging area is centered as shown in FIG. Please display the message "Move the center to the position where the center line crosses", and then guide the center of the QR code (registered trademark) so that the position of the upper side is the center as shown in FIG. A message “Please tilt so that the upper side of the QR code (registered trademark) coincides with the center line” is displayed.
When the QR code (registered trademark) is imaged at the position shown in FIG. 20, the angle of the wireless communication terminal 200 measured by the inclination measuring unit 272 of the wireless communication terminal 200 and the QR code at the position shown in FIG. The elevation angle θ shown in FIG. 22 is obtained by measuring the angle of the wireless communication terminal 200 measured by the inclination measuring unit 272 of the wireless communication terminal 200 when (registered trademark) is imaged.
Furthermore, using the actual size value of the QR code (registered trademark) acquired by analyzing the QR code (registered trademark) acquired by the image reading unit 268 by the image analyzing unit 270, b shown in FIG. It is possible to ask.
b = actual value of QR code (registered trademark) / 2

Further, by using the obtained elevation angles θ and b, the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 can be obtained by the following equation, as in the first method.
a = b / tan θ

  In this method, since it is necessary to photograph the QR code (registered trademark) at two points, the user's operation increases. However, α, L1, Information of L2 becomes unnecessary.

<Measurement method 3>
Next, details of the third distance measurement method performed by the distance determination unit 274 in step S1302 shown in FIG. 13 will be described.
FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating a third distance measurement method performed by the distance determination unit 274 in step S1303 illustrated in FIG.

In the third measurement method, when the size of the QR code (registered trademark) acquired by the image reading unit 268 of the wireless communication terminal 200 and analyzed by the image analysis unit 270 is a predetermined size, the wireless communication terminal 200 is used. And the image processing apparatus 100 are estimated to be a predetermined distance.
For example, like the wireless communication terminal 200 in FIG. 23A, the display control unit displays two frames. The display control unit may control to change the size of this frame according to the connection start distance acquired from the QR code (registered trademark), or start connection at the same distance as all the image processing apparatuses 100. When doing so, the size of the frame may be fixed.
In this state, the imaging unit 222 of the wireless communication terminal 200 captures a QR code (registered trademark) as shown in FIG. 23B, and the captured QR code (registered trademark) is a size between the two frames. If it is, it is determined that the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is within a predetermined range.

In the three measurement methods 1 to 3 described above, the QR code (registered trademark) display control unit 514 of the image processing apparatus 100 has been described as displaying a QR code (registered trademark). An image other than (Registered Trademark) may be displayed, for example, a two-dimensional barcode other than QR Code (Registered Trademark) or a one-dimensional barcode may be displayed.
Further, if the wireless communication terminal 200 can recognize the size of the image in advance, it is not limited to a barcode or the like that allows the wireless communication terminal 200 to read information from the image, but may be a logo, a pattern, or the like.

  Next, processing when the wireless communication terminal 200 connects to the image processing apparatus 100 based on the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284 generated by the processing shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the wireless communication terminal 200 connects to the image processing apparatus 100.

  First, the first transmission / reception unit 252 of the wireless communication terminal 200 receives a device information disclosure packet from the image processing apparatus 100 (step S2401). Next, a device name is acquired from the received device information disclosure packet, and it is determined whether or not the acquired device name is stored in the signal strength reference database of the signal strength reference DB 284 (step S2402). If the acquired device name is not included in the signal strength reference database (step S2402, NO), the process returns to step S2401 and the process is repeated.

When the acquired device name is included in the signal strength reference database (YES in step S2402), the signal strength of the device information disclosure packet received in step S2401 is measured (step S2403).
Further, the connection determination unit 258 compares the received signal strength threshold associated with the device name acquired in step S2402 with the signal strength measured in step S2403 in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284, and measures the measured signal. It is determined whether the strength is equal to or greater than a received signal strength threshold (step S2404).

If it is determined that the measured signal strength is not greater than or equal to the received signal strength threshold (NO in step S2404), the connection is not performed and the processing from step S2401 is repeated.
If it is determined that the measured signal strength is greater than or equal to the received signal strength threshold, the connection information acquisition unit 260 receives connection information from the image processing apparatus 100 (step S2405).
Further, based on the received connection information, the connection processing unit 262 performs switching by handing over from the first wireless communication method to the second wireless communication method, and the connection target image processing device and the second transmission / reception unit 254 The process which connects between is performed (step S2406).
Finally, the job request unit 264 transmits a job such as printing to the image processing apparatus via the second transmission / reception unit 254 using the second wireless communication method (step S2407).

  Note that, in determining whether the signal received in step S2404 is equal to or greater than the received signal strength threshold, it may be determined by only one packet, but a plurality of packets including the same device name information are received, The wireless communication terminal 200 is surely closer to the connection start distance set in the image processing device by comparing the average value or minimum value of the received packets with the received signal strength threshold. Connection can be made in some cases.

Further, as a method for acquiring connection information in step S2405, the wireless communication terminal 200 may receive connection information by requesting connection information from the image processing apparatus 100 via the second transmission / reception unit 254. When connection between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is established using the wireless communication method 2, connection information may be transmitted from the image processing apparatus 100 without receiving a request from the wireless communication terminal 200. good.
In addition, the wireless communication terminal 200 stores the connection information included in the device information disclosure packet, including the connection information included in the device information disclosure packet output by the image processing apparatus 100, and is greater than or equal to the received signal strength threshold in step S2404. If it is determined, the stored connection information may be acquired.
In this case, if it is determined in step S2404 that the signal strength is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the stored connection information is preferably deleted.

Next, processing when updating the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284 will be described.
When the connection information is received by the connection information acquisition unit 260 of the wireless communication terminal 200 and the device name and IP address are acquired from the connection information, the connection information is associated with the device name stored in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284. When the IP address is different from the IP address, the display control unit 278 of the wireless communication terminal 200, as shown in FIG. 25, says “The IP address of the device has been updated. Do you want to set the received radio field strength threshold again?” A message, a “Cancel” button, an “OK” button, etc. are displayed on the screen.
When the IP address is changed, there is a high possibility that the environment such as the installation position of the image processing apparatus has changed. Therefore, it is urged to set the received signal strength threshold again.

In addition, when a device name that is not stored in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284 is acquired from the device information disclosure packet, the display control unit 278 of the wireless communication terminal 200 displays “Detect new device” as shown in FIG. “Do you want to adjust the connection distance?” Message, “OK” button, “Cancel” button, “Apply settings of other devices”, etc. are displayed on the screen.
When the user wants to connect to the new image processing apparatus 100, the received signal strength threshold shown in FIG. 13 is set by pressing the “OK” button. When the user does not connect to the new image processing apparatus 100, the received signal strength threshold setting process can be canceled by pressing the “Cancel” button.

  By performing the above-described processing by the wireless communication terminal 200 possessed by each user, each wireless communication terminal 200 starts connection with the image processing apparatus 100 at a predetermined distance regardless of the characteristics of each wireless communication terminal 200. It becomes possible to do.

Further, even if the image processing apparatuses 100 are the same type, such as the same model, the wireless communication terminal 200 may change depending on the signals output from the apparatuses installed around the image processing apparatuses 100 and the positions of surrounding walls. The intensity of signals received from the image processing apparatus 100 may be different.
Even in that case, according to the above configuration, since the received signal strength threshold value of each image processing apparatus 100 is determined, the wireless communication terminal 200 is at a predetermined distance regardless of the environment around the image processing apparatus 100. Connection to the image processing apparatus 100 can be started.

Furthermore, by including the connection start distance information in the QR code (registered trademark) displayed by the image processing apparatus 100, it is possible to set the connection start distance according to the environment of the image processing apparatus 100.
For example, in an environment where the image processing apparatuses 100 are arranged side by side, it is possible to prevent connection to an incorrect image processing apparatus by setting the connection start distance short.
On the other hand, in an environment where there are not many devices in the surroundings, the distance is set long enough to determine that the user is approaching the image processing apparatus 100, and the wireless communication terminal 200 is connected to the image processing apparatus 100 to the user. It is also possible to start the connection without performing an operation that brings the object closer.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the second embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, the signal strength at the connection start distance is estimated from the signal strength at the measured distance without prompting the movement of the position of the mobile terminal to the connection start distance by the display of the display control unit 278 of the mobile terminal 200. Thus, the received signal strength threshold is determined.

  In the second embodiment, a process when the wireless communication terminal 200 determines a received signal strength threshold will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the wireless communication terminal 200 in the second embodiment determines a received signal strength threshold.

First, the image reading unit 268 of the wireless communication terminal 200 captures and acquires the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the image processing apparatus 100 (step S2701).
Next, the distance determination unit 274 performs wireless communication based on the QR code (registered trademark) image acquired in step S2701 and information acquired by analyzing the QR code (registered trademark) acquired by the image analysis unit 270. The distance between the communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is measured (step S2702).

  Next, the first transmission / reception unit 252 of the wireless communication terminal 200 receives the device information disclosure packet from the image processing apparatus 100 (step S2703). The received signal strength measurement unit 256 measures the signal strength of the received device information disclosure packet (step S2704).

Next, the position of the wireless communication terminal 200 is changed, and the distance is measured in the same manner as in step S2702 (step S2705).
Further, at the position used for measurement in step S2705, the first transmission / reception unit 252 receives the device information disclosure packet from the image processing apparatus 100 (step S2706) as in steps S2403 and S2404, and the received signal strength measurement unit 256 The signal strength of the received device information disclosure packet is measured (step S2707).

Next, the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 measured at two points of step S2702 and step S2705, the signal intensity measured at two points of step S2704 and step S2707, and the analysis of the image analysis unit 270. Based on the acquired connection start distance of the image processing apparatus 100, the received signal strength threshold of the image processing apparatus 100 displaying the QR code (registered trademark) in step S2401 is determined (step S2708).
Here, the distance of the first point is d1, the distance of the second point is d2, the connection start distance is d, the signal strength of the first point is R1, and the signal strength of the first point is R2.
When the received signal is a BLE radio wave, the received signal strength of BLE increases as the distance decreases, and the distance and the received signal strength are logarithmically proportional. Therefore, the signal strength R at the connection start distance d is obtained by linear interpolation. It is calculated by the formula of
R = R1 + (R2-R1) * (d-d1) / (d2-d1)

For example, in steps S2402 to S2404, as shown in FIG. 28, the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is 5 cm. In steps S2405 to S2407, as shown in FIG. Consider a case where the distance to the apparatus 100 is 20 cm.
If the signal strength measured in step S2404 is −31 [dB] and the signal strength measured in step S2407 is −37 [dB], and the connection start distance at this time is 10 cm, the connection start distance is The signal strength R can be calculated by the following equation.
R = −31 + (− 37 − (− 31)) × (10−5) / (20−5) = − 33

  Therefore, it can be estimated that the signal strength when the distance between the wireless communication terminal 200 and the image processing apparatus 100 is 10 cm is −33 [dB].

  Returning to FIG. 24, the signal strength at the connection start distance estimated in step S2808 is stored in the signal strength reference table of the signal strength reference DB 284 in association with the device name and IP address of the image processing apparatus 100 (step S2709). ).

  In addition, when measuring the signal strength of the device information disclosure packet received in steps S2404 and S2407, the signal strength of one device information disclosure packet may be measured. However, as shown in FIGS. Since the received signal strength of the information disclosure packet varies, it is preferable to measure the signal strength of a plurality of device information disclosure packets and calculate the average value or the minimum value.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine the received signal strength threshold without accurately guiding the wireless terminal 200 to the connection start distance with the image processing apparatus 100.
In the embodiment described above, the wireless communication terminal is an example of an information processing apparatus.

<Configuration, operation and effect of exemplary embodiment of the present invention>
<First aspect>
The wireless communication terminal 200 (information processing apparatus) of this aspect includes an imaging unit 222 that captures an image in the wireless communication terminal 200 that can be connected to at least one image processing apparatus 100 (device) via a wireless network; A distance determination unit 274 that determines the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 100 based on an image captured by the image capturing unit 222, and image processing based on a signal received from the image processing apparatus 100. A first transmission / reception unit 252 (identification information acquisition unit) that acquires identification information related to the device 100; a received signal strength measurement unit 256 that measures received signal strength related to a signal received from the image processing device 100; A signal strength criterion D that stores in advance a connection start distance representing a distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 100 when the connection to the image processing apparatus 100 is started 284, a received signal threshold value determining unit 276 that determines a received signal strength threshold value corresponding to the connection start distance based on the distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 and the received signal intensity; A connection determination unit 258 that compares the received signal strength threshold value to determine whether or not to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, and when it is determined to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, based on the identification information, And a connection processing unit 262 that controls connection with the image processing apparatus 100.
According to this aspect, the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 100 is determined based on the image captured by the image processing apparatus 100, and the image processing apparatus 100 is determined based on the signal received from the image processing apparatus 100. Such identification information is acquired. The received signal strength related to the signal received from the image processing apparatus 100 is measured, and a connection start distance representing the distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 when starting the connection between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 is stored in advance. The received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance is determined based on the distance between the device and the image processing device 100 and the received signal strength, and the received signal strength and the received signal strength threshold are determined. In comparison, it is determined whether or not to connect to the image processing apparatus 100. When it is determined to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, the connection between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 is controlled based on the identification information.
Accordingly, communication with the wireless communication terminal 200 can be performed when the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 is within the connection start distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal 200.

<Second aspect>
The radio communication terminal 200 (information processing apparatus) of this aspect stores a signal strength reference DB 284 that associates a received signal strength threshold value with identification information and stores it as connection signal strength information, and whether the identification information is stored in the signal strength reference DB 284. A connection determination unit 258 for determining whether or not the connection determination unit 258 corresponds to the received signal strength and the identification information included in the connection signal strength information when the identification information is stored in the signal strength reference DB 284. The received signal strength threshold is compared to determine whether or not to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, and when the connection processing unit 262 determines to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, It is characterized by connecting.
According to this aspect, the received signal strength threshold value and identification information are associated with each other and stored as connection signal strength information, it is determined whether the identification information is stored in the signal strength reference DB 284, and the identification information is signal strength. When stored in the reference DB 284, the received signal strength is compared with the received signal strength threshold corresponding to the identification information included in the connection signal strength information to determine whether or not to connect to the image processing apparatus 100. When it is determined that the image processing apparatus 100 is connected, the image processing apparatus 100 is connected.
Thereby, when the identification information is stored in advance, the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 is within the connection start distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal 200. Communication with the wireless communication terminal 200 can be performed.

<Third aspect>
The wireless communication terminal 200 (information processing apparatus) of this aspect compares the distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 with the connection start distance, and displays a message indicating that the position of the own apparatus is moved. A display control unit 278 is provided.
According to this aspect, the distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 is compared with the connection start distance, and the message indicating that the position of the own apparatus is moved is displayed. It becomes easy to adjust the distance between 100.

<4th aspect>
The signal strength reference DB 284 of this aspect receives the identification information related to the image processing apparatus 100 and the reception when the difference between the distance between the apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 and the connection start distance is within a predetermined range. The signal strength is stored in association with each other.
According to this aspect, when the difference between the distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 and the connection start distance is within a predetermined range, the identification information related to the image processing apparatus 100, the received signal strength, Are stored in association with each other, and when the identification information is received from the image processing apparatus 100, when the received signal intensity is equal to or higher than the reception signal intensity stored in advance corresponding to the identification information, the image processing apparatus 100 Can be connected to.

<5th aspect>
The wireless communication terminal 200 (information processing apparatus) of this aspect includes an inclination measurement unit 272 that measures the inclination of the own apparatus, and the distance determination unit 274 performs image processing on the own apparatus based on the inclination of the own apparatus and the image. The distance between the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 100 is determined.
According to this aspect, by determining the distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 based on the inclination of the own apparatus and the image, the own apparatus and the image can be obtained even when the own apparatus is inclined. The distance to the processing apparatus 100 can be determined.

<Sixth aspect>
The reception signal threshold value determination unit 276 according to this aspect determines each reception signal strength threshold value corresponding to the connection start distance based on a plurality of reception signal strengths.
According to this aspect, by determining each received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance based on a plurality of received signal strengths, any image processing apparatus 100 approaches within the received signal strength threshold. In this case, the own apparatus can be connected to the image processing apparatus 100.

<Seventh aspect>
The information processing system 1 according to this aspect includes the wireless communication terminal 200 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and the image processing apparatus 100 that can be connected to the wireless communication terminal 200 via a wireless network. It is characterized by having.
According to this aspect, communication with the wireless communication terminal 200 is performed when the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 is within the connection start distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal 200. Can do.

<Eighth aspect>
The wireless communication method of this aspect includes an imaging unit 222 that captures an image, and in the information processing method using an information processing apparatus that can be connected to at least one or more image processing apparatuses 100 via wireless communication, A distance determination step (step S1302) for determining a distance between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 based on an image obtained by capturing the processing apparatus 100, and an image processing apparatus 100 based on a signal received from the image processing apparatus 100. The identification information acquisition step for acquiring the identification information according to the above, the signal strength measurement step for measuring the received signal strength related to the signal received from the image processing device 100 (step S1306), and the connection between the device itself and the image processing device 100. Connection start distance storage that stores in advance a connection start distance representing the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 100 when starting. A determination step (step S1307) for determining a received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance based on the step, the distance between the device and the image processing device 100, and the received signal strength; A connection determination step (step S2404) for comparing the received signal strength threshold value to determine whether or not to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, and when it is determined to connect to the image processing apparatus 100, based on the identification information A connection control step (step S2406) for controlling connection between the own apparatus and the image processing apparatus 100 is executed.
According to this aspect, communication with the wireless communication terminal 200 is performed when the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 is within the connection start distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal 200. Can do.

<Ninth aspect>
A program according to this aspect is characterized by causing a processor to execute each step in the information processing method described in the eighth aspect.
According to this aspect, communication with the wireless communication terminal 200 is performed when the distance between the image processing apparatus 100 and the wireless communication terminal 200 is within the connection start distance without depending on the transmission intensity of the wireless communication terminal 200. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image processing apparatus, 122 ... Operation part, 200 ... Wireless communication terminal, 252 ... 1st transmission / reception part, 254 ... 2nd transmission / reception part, 256 ... Received signal strength measurement part, 258 ... Connection judgment part, 260 ... Connection Information acquisition unit, 262 ... connection processing unit, 264 ... job request unit, 268 ... image reading unit, 270 ... image analysis unit, 272 ... inclination measurement unit, 274 ... distance determination unit, 276 ... received signal threshold value determination unit, 278 ... Display control unit, 280, storage unit, 282, reception signal strength DB, 284, signal strength reference DB, 300, wireless access point, 502, first transmission / reception unit, 504, second transmission / reception unit, 506, device information disclosure Packet generation unit, 508... Connection information request processing unit, 510... Connection processing unit, 512... QR code (registered trademark) generation unit, 514. 516 ... job control unit, 518 ... storage unit, 520 ... device information public packet management DB, 522 ... connection information management DB

JP 2010-47004 A

Claims (9)

In an information processing apparatus that can be connected to at least one device via a wireless network,
An imaging means for capturing an image;
A distance determination unit that determines a distance between the device and the device based on an image obtained by imaging the device by the imaging unit;
Based on a signal received from the device, identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information related to the device;
A signal strength measuring means for measuring a received signal strength related to a signal received from the device;
A connection start distance storage means for storing in advance a connection start distance representing a distance between the device and the device when starting connection between the device and the device;
Determining means for determining a received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance based on the distance between the device and the device and the received signal strength;
A connection determining means for comparing the received signal strength with the received signal strength threshold to determine whether to connect to the device;
A connection control means for controlling connection between the device and the device based on the identification information when it is determined that the device is connected;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Storage control means for associating and storing the received signal strength threshold value and the identification information as connection signal strength information;
Determining means for determining whether or not the identification information is stored in the storage control means,
The connection determination unit compares the received signal strength with a connection start signal strength corresponding to the identification information included in the connection signal strength information when the identification information is stored in the storage control unit. , Determine whether to connect to the device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection control unit performs connection with the device when it is determined that the device is connected with the device.   2. The display control means for displaying a message to move the position of the own device by comparing the distance between the own device and the device with the connection start distance. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The storage control means
When the difference between the distance between the device and the device and the connection start distance is within a predetermined range, the identification information related to the device and the received signal strength are stored in association with each other. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Inclination measuring means for measuring the inclination of its own device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance determination unit determines a distance between the apparatus and the device based on an inclination of the apparatus and the image. The determining means includes
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance is determined based on a plurality of received signal strengths. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An information processing system comprising: the information processing apparatus and a device connectable via a wireless network. An image pickup means for picking up an image;
In an information processing method by an information processing apparatus connectable to at least one device via wireless communication,
A distance determination step of determining a distance between the device and the device based on an image obtained by imaging the device by the imaging unit;
Based on a signal received from the device, an identification information acquisition step for acquiring identification information related to the device;
A signal strength measuring step for measuring a received signal strength related to a signal received from the device;
A connection start distance storage step for storing in advance a connection start distance representing a distance between the device and the device when starting the connection between the device and the device;
A determination step of determining a received signal strength threshold corresponding to the connection start distance based on the distance between the device and the device and the received signal strength;
A connection determination step of comparing the received signal strength with the received signal strength threshold to determine whether to connect to the device;
A connection control step for controlling connection between the device and the device based on the identification information when it is determined that the device is connected;
The information processing method characterized by performing.   A program for causing a processor to execute each step in the information processing method according to claim 8.

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