JP7388491B2 - communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a communication device that can perform wireless communication according to a plurality of communication methods.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing wireless communication between a first terminal and an external device according to Wi-Fi. The first terminal transmits information (i.e., MAC address, SSID, channel number, security key, etc.) regarding the AP (abbreviation of Access Point) to which the first terminal itself is connected using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). (omitted) to an external device. In this case, the external device activates the Wi-Fi module and uses the information to connect to the AP. This allows the first terminal and the external device to perform wireless communication based on Wi-Fi.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-53007

In the technology of Patent Document 1, even if the user does not want the external device to be connected to the AP, when information about the AP is transmitted from the first terminal to the external device via BLE, the external device is connected to the AP.

In this specification, after wireless communication according to the second communication method is performed between a first communication device and a second communication device, wireless communication according to the first communication method is performed in an appropriate situation. A technique by which a wireless connection may be established is disclosed.

A first communication device disclosed in this specification includes a Wi-Fi interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method, and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) method according to version 4.0 or later. a Bluetooth interface for performing wireless communication; an Advertise signal transmitter that transmits an Advertise signal including identification information for identifying the first communication device via the Bluetooth interface; a first request receiving unit that receives a Bluetooth connection request from a second communication device to the first communication device identified by the identification information included in the Advertise signal; a first establishment unit that establishes a Bluetooth connection with the second communication device via the Bluetooth interface in accordance with a Bluetooth connection request; and a first establishment unit that connects the second communication device to a Wi-Fi network to which the first communication device belongs. first connection information for transmitting first connection information for enabling connection via the Wi-Fi interface to the second communication device using the Bluetooth connection via the Bluetooth interface; a transmitter, when the first connection information is transmitted to the second communication device and the first communication device can use the Wi-Fi network, from the second communication device; a second request receiving unit that receives a first Wi-Fi connection request via the Wi-Fi interface; and upon receiving the first Wi-Fi connection request from the second communication device, - a second establishing unit that establishes a first Wi-Fi connection with the second communication device via a Fi interface;
Another first communication device disclosed in this specification includes a first interface for performing wireless communication according to a first communication method, and a second communication device different from the first communication method. a second interface for performing wireless communication according to the wireless communication method, and in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance, a first network-related information transmitter that transmits first network-related information related to a first wireless network to the second communication device, the first wireless network being connected to the first network-related information; The first interface is transmitted from the first network-related information transmitter, which is a network for performing wireless communication via the interface, and the second communication device that has received the first network-related information. a first connection request receiving unit that receives a first wireless connection request, and in response to receiving the first wireless connection request from the second communication device, the first network related information; to establish a first wireless connection with the second communication device via the first interface, to which the first communication device and the second communication device both belong. a first establishment unit that forms a first wireless network; a device identification information receiving unit that receives second device identification information for identifying the second communication device from the second communication device; a storage control unit that stores the second device identification information in the memory of the first communication device; and a storage control unit that stores the second device identification information in the memory of the first communication device; a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information including third device identification information for identifying the third communication device via an interface; an identification information determination unit that determines whether or not the third device identification information matches the second device identification information in a memory; via a second interface, transmitting second network related information related to a second wireless network to the second communication device matching the third communication device; a second network-related information transmitter that does not transmit the second network-related information to the third communication device when it is determined that the second device identification information does not match the second device identification information; The wireless network is a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface, and the second network related information is the second network related information different from the first network related information. a second connection request receiving section that receives a second wireless connection request via the first interface from the second communication device that has received the second network related information; In response to receiving the second wireless connection request from a second communication device, the second wireless connection via the first interface is established using the second network related information. a second establishing unit that establishes with a communication device to form the second wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong.

According to the above configuration, the first communication device can operate in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance, that is, when the user uses wireless communication according to the first communication method. The first network related information is transmitted to the second communication device via the second interface in a state where it is likely that a connection is desired to be established. Thereby, the first communication device can establish a first wireless connection according to the first communication method with the second communication device to form a first wireless network. Then, the first communication device receives the second device identification information from the second communication device and stores it in the memory. Thereafter, when the first communication device receives specific information from the third communication device via the second interface, the third device identification information in the specific information is the second device identification information in the memory. Determine whether it matches or not. The fact that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information means that the third communication device can communicate with Means to match the equipment. Therefore, if the third device identification information matches the second device identification information, there is a high possibility that the user desires to reestablish a wireless connection according to the first communication method. On the other hand, if the third device identification information does not match the second device identification information, it is unlikely that the user desires to establish a wireless connection according to the first communication method. Therefore, if the first communication device determines that the third device identification information does not match the second device identification information, the first communication device does not transmit the second network related information to the third communication device, and As a result, a wireless connection according to the first communication method is not established with the third communication device. If the first communication device determines that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information, the first communication device transmits the second network related information to the third communication device via the second interface. to a second communication device that matches. Thereby, the first communication device can establish a second wireless connection according to the first communication method with the second communication device, thereby forming a second wireless network. In this way, the first communication device can establish a wireless connection according to the first communication method in an appropriate situation after performing wireless communication according to the second communication method.

A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the first communication device described above are also new and useful.

A second communication device disclosed in this specification includes a Wi-Fi interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method, and a wireless communication device according to version 4.0 or later of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method. a Bluetooth interface for performing communication; an Advertise signal receiving unit that receives an Advertise signal including identification information for identifying the first communication device from a first communication device via the Bluetooth interface; a first request transmitter that transmits a Bluetooth connection request to the first communication device identified by the identification information included in the Advertise signal to the first communication device via an interface; a first establishing unit that establishes a Bluetooth connection with the first communication device that has received the Bluetooth connection request; a connection information receiving unit that receives connection information for enabling connection to a Wi-Fi network to which the device belongs via the Wi-Fi interface, using the Bluetooth connection via the Bluetooth interface; is received from the first communication device, and the first communication device can use the Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi connection request is sent to the first communication device via the Wi-Fi interface. a second request transmitter that transmits the Wi-Fi connection request to the first communication device; A second establishing unit that establishes with the device.
A computer program for another second communication device is also disclosed herein. The second communication device includes a first interface for performing wireless communication according to a first communication method, and a first interface for performing wireless communication according to a second communication method different from the first communication method. and a processor. The computer program causes the processor to perform each of the following processes, that is, to perform the following processing from the first communication device to the second communication device in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance. a first network related information receiving process of receiving first network related information related to a first wireless network via the second interface, the first wireless network being connected to the first network related information; In response to receiving the first network-related information from the first communication device, which is a network for performing wireless communication via an interface, the first network-related information is received from the first communication device. a first connection request transmission process of transmitting a first wireless connection request to the first communication device via a first interface; and transmitting the first wireless connection request to the first communication device. in response to establishing a first wireless connection with the first communication device via the first interface using the first network related information to connect the first communication device and the first communication device. a first establishment process for forming the first wireless network to which both communication devices belong, and first device identification for identifying the first communication device from the first communication device. a device identification information reception process for receiving information; a storage control process for storing the first device identification information in the memory of the second communication device; and after the first device identification information is stored in the memory. , a first predetermined signal reception that receives a first predetermined signal including third device identification information for identifying the third communication device from the third communication device via the second interface; identification information determination processing for determining whether or not the third device identification information in the first predetermined signal matches the first device identification information in the memory; If it is determined that the identification information matches the first device identification information, the third device sends a first predetermined request for requesting network related information related to a wireless network via the second interface. and if it is determined that the third device identification information does not match the first device identification information, the first predetermined request is transmitted to the first communication device that matches the communication device of from the first communication device to the second interface in response to transmitting the first predetermined request to the first communication device. a second network-related information receiving process for receiving second network-related information related to a second wireless network via the first interface; The second network related information is a network for executing communication, and the second network related information is different from the first network related information and is transmitted from the first communication device to the second network related information. a second connection request transmission process of transmitting a second wireless connection request to the first communication device via the first interface in response to receiving the second network related information; in response to transmitting a wireless connection request to the first communication device, using the second network related information to establish a second wireless connection via the first interface to the first communication device. a second establishment process of establishing with the device and forming the second wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong.

The above computer program can realize the following second communication device. That is, the second communication device is in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance, that is, the user has established a wireless connection according to the first communication method. The first network related information is received from the first communication device via the second interface in a state where the first communication device is likely to desire to do so. Thereby, the second communication device can establish a first wireless connection according to the first communication method with the first communication device, and form a first wireless network. The second communication device then receives the first device identification information from the first communication device and stores it in its memory. Thereafter, when the second communication device receives the first predetermined signal from the third communication device via the second interface, the third device identification information in the first predetermined signal is stored in the memory. It is determined whether the information matches the first device identification information. The fact that the third device identification information matches the first device identification information means that the third communication device is connected to the first wireless connection established in the past according to the first communication method. Means to match the equipment. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the user desires that the wireless connection according to the first communication method be re-established. On the other hand, if the third device identification information does not match the first device identification information, it is unlikely that the user desires to establish a wireless connection according to the first communication method.
Therefore, if the second communication device determines that the third device identification information does not match the first device identification information, the second communication device does not transmit the first predetermined request to the third communication device, and as a result , does not establish a wireless connection according to the first communication method with the third communication device. If the second communication device determines that the third device identification information matches the first device identification information, the second communication device sends the first predetermined request to the third communication device via the second interface. and transmitting it to the matching first communication device. Thereby, the second communication device receives the second network related information from the first communication device via the second interface, and connects the second wireless connection according to the first communication method to the first communication device. A second wireless network can be established with a communication device. In this way, the second communication device can establish a wireless connection according to the first communication method in an appropriate situation after performing wireless communication according to the second communication method.

Also novel and useful are computer-readable recording media storing the above-described computer programs. Furthermore, the second communication device itself is new and useful. Furthermore, the control method for realizing the second communication device described above is also new and useful. Further, a communication system including the first communication device and the second communication device described above is also new and useful.

The configuration of the communication system is shown. A flowchart of processing of the printer according to the first embodiment is shown. A flowchart of processing of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment is shown. A sequence diagram of case A of the first embodiment is shown. A sequence diagram of cases B1 and B2 of the first embodiment is shown. A flowchart of processing of a printer according to a second embodiment is shown. The flowchart of the process of the mobile terminal of 2nd Example is shown. A sequence diagram of case C of the second embodiment is shown. A sequence diagram of cases D1 and D2 of the second embodiment is shown. A flowchart of processing of a printer according to a third embodiment is shown. A flowchart of processing of the mobile terminal in the third and fourth embodiments is shown. A sequence diagram of case E of the third and fourth embodiments is shown. A sequence diagram of cases F1 and F2 of the third embodiment is shown. A flowchart of processing of a printer according to a fourth embodiment is shown. A sequence diagram of cases G1 and G2 of the fourth embodiment is shown.

(First example)
(Configuration of communication system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer PR and a plurality of mobile terminals PT1 and PT2. The printer PR and each of the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 can perform wireless communication with each other.

(Structure of printer PR)
The printer PR is a peripheral device that can execute a printing function, that is, a peripheral device such as the mobile terminal PT1. The printer PR includes an operation section 12, a display section 14, a print execution section 16, a Wi-Fi interface 20, a BT (abbreviation for Bluetooth (registered trademark)) interface 22, and a control section 30. Each part 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (numerals omitted). Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I/F". Note that FIG. 1 also discloses an NFC (abbreviation for Near Field Communication) I/F 24, but the NFC I/F 24 is an I/F used in the third and fourth embodiments described later, and is It may or may not be provided in the printer PR of the second embodiment.

The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. By operating the operation unit 12, the user can input various instructions to the printer PR. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a so-called touch panel. That is, the display section 14 also functions as an operation section operated by the user. The printing execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism using an inkjet method, a laser method, or the like.

The Wi-Fi I/F 20 is an I/F for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi communication"). The Wi-Fi method is based on, for example, the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and standards equivalent to it (e.g. 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). It is a wireless communication method based on More specifically, the Wi-Fi I/F 20 supports the WFD (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) method developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in the standard document “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1” created by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The BT I/F 22 is an I/F for performing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth method (hereinafter referred to as "BT communication"). The Bluetooth method is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the IEEE802.15.1 standard and standards corresponding thereto. More specifically, the BT I/F 22 supports BLE (abbreviation for Bluetooth Low Energy). BLE is a standard implemented in Bluetooth version 4.0 and later versions. Note that, hereinafter, a Bluetooth system version lower than 4.0 will be referred to as "classic BT." In order to perform BT communication according to BLE between a pair of BTI/Fs, one BTI/F must be compatible with "Bluetooth Smart Ready" defined in the BT method, and the other BTI/F must be compatible with "Bluetooth Smart Ready" defined in the BT method, and may correspond to "Bluetooth Smart Ready" or "Bluetooth Smart" defined by the BT system. A BT I/F that supports "Bluetooth Smart Ready" is an I/F that can perform both operations according to BLE and operations according to classic BT (that is, a so-called dual-mode I/F). BT I/F that supports "Bluetooth Smart" can perform operations according to BLE, but Classic B
This is an I/F that cannot perform operations according to T. In this embodiment, BT communication based on BLE is performed between the printer PR and the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2. Since the later-described BT I/F (for example, code 62) of the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 supports "Bluetooth Smart Ready", the BTI/F22 of the printer PR supports "Bluetooth Smart Ready" and "Bluetooth Smart". It may be compatible with either. However, in the modified example, when the BT I/F22 of the printer PR supports "Bluetooth Smart Ready", the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2
The BT I/F may be compatible with "Bluetooth Smart".

The differences between classic BT and BLE will be described. The number of channels of BLE (ie, 40) is smaller than the number of channels of classic BT (ie, 79). Current consumption during BLE data communication (for example, 15 mA) is smaller than current consumption during classic BT data communication (for example, 35 mA). Therefore, the power consumption of BLE is lower than that of classic BT. Further, in BLE, an Advertise signal is used, but in classic BT, an Advertise signal is not used.

The differences between the Wi-Fi method and the BT method will be described. The communication speed of Wi-Fi communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 600 Mbps) is faster than the communication speed of BT communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 24 Mbps). The frequency of a carrier wave in Wi-Fi communication is a 2.4 GHz band or a 5.0 GHz band. The frequency of carrier waves in BT communication is the 2.4 GHz band. That is, when the 5.0 GHz band is adopted as the frequency of the carrier wave in Wi-Fi communication, the frequency of the carrier wave in Wi-Fi communication is different from the frequency of the carrier wave in BT communication. Further, the maximum distance at which Wi-Fi communication can be performed (for example, approximately 100 m) is greater than the maximum distance at which BT communication can be performed (for example, approximately several tens of meters).

The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, and the like. The memory 34 stores the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR. The BT device name "NP" is a unique name assigned to the BTI/F 22. In other words, it is a name used as information to identify the printer PR in order for the printer PR to execute BT communication. be. Note that although the memory 34 is shown to include an area 40 in FIG. 1, the area 40 will be used in the second and fourth embodiments described later.

(Configuration of mobile terminals PT1 and PT2)
Each of the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music playback device, a portable video playback device, or the like. Although the configuration of the mobile terminal PT1 will be described below, the mobile terminal PT2 also has the same configuration as the mobile terminal PT1.

The mobile terminal PT1 includes an operation section 52, a display section 54, a Wi-Fi I/F 60, a BTI/F 62, and a control section 70. Each part 52 to 70 is connected to a bus line (numerals omitted). Note that the NFC I/F 64 is an I/F used in the third and fourth embodiments described later, and may or may not be provided in the mobile terminal PT1 of the first and second embodiments. Good too.

The operation unit 52 includes a plurality of keys. By operating the operation unit 52, the user can input various instructions to the mobile terminal PT1. The display unit 54 is a display for displaying various information. The display section 54 also functions as a so-called touch panel (that is, it also functions as an operation section). The Wi-Fi I/F 60 is an I/F for performing Wi-Fi communication. The Wi-Fi I/F 60 may or may not support WFD. The BTI/F 62 is an I/F for executing BT communication and supports BLE. The differences between the respective I/Fs 60 and 62 are the same as the differences between the respective I/Fs 20 and 22 of the printer PR.

The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The CPU 72 executes various processes according to the OS program 76 stored in the memory 74. The memory 74 is composed of volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, and the like. The memory 74 stores not only the OS program 76 but also a printer application 78. The printer application 78 is an application for causing the printer PR to execute a printing function. Printer application 78 is launched by the user when the user desires to have the printer PR perform a printing function. For example, the printer application 78 may be installed on the mobile terminal PT1 from a server on the Internet provided by the vendor of the printer PR, or may be installed on the mobile terminal PT1 from a medium shipped together with the printer PR.

The memory 74 further stores the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1. The BT device name "N1" is a unique name assigned to the BTI/F62, and in other words, is used as information for identifying the mobile terminal PT1 in order for the mobile terminal PT1 to perform BT communication. It is a name. Note that the mobile terminal PT2 has a BT device name "N2" that is different from the BT device name "N1". The memory 74 includes a BT device name storage area 80. The BT device name storage area 80 stores the BT device name of a printer (hereinafter referred to as an "established printer") with which a wireless connection via the Wi-Fi I/F 60, that is, a wireless connection according to the Wi-Fi method has been established. This is an area for storing.

(Printer PR process; Figure 2)
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the processing executed by the CPU 32 of the printer PR will be described. The CPU 32 starts the process shown in FIG. 2 when the printer PR is powered on.

In S2, the CPU 32 generates an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier) by randomly generating a character string. Then, the CPU 32 stores the SSID in the memory 34. SSID is an identifier for identifying a wireless network for performing Wi-Fi communication.

In S4, the CPU 32 changes the BTI/F 22 from the OFF state to the ON state. Here, the OFF state of the BTI/F 22 is a state in which power is not supplied to the BTI/F 22, that is, a state in which BT communication cannot be performed. Further, the ON state of the BTI/F 22 is a state in which power is supplied to the BTI/F 22, that is, a state in which BT communication can be executed. The power consumption of the BTI/F 22 in the ON state (that is, the power consumption of BLE) is lower than the power consumption of the Wi-Fi I/F 20 in the ON state.

In S6, the CPU 32 starts a transmission process of repeatedly broadcasting the Advertise signal via the BTI/F 22. The Advertise signal includes the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR in the memory 34. The Advertise signal is a signal for notifying devices around the printer PR of the existence of the printer itself. In particular, the CPU 32 transmits the Advertise signal to the outside without establishing a Bluetooth logical link (that is, a Bluetooth wireless connection). More specifically, in the Bluetooth protocol stack, communication at the L2CAP layer or above is not executed, communication at a layer lower than the L2CAP layer (i.e., Link Manager layer or Link Layer layer) is executed, and the Advertise signal is not communicated. be done. The L2CAP layer is the top layer for establishing a Bluetooth logical link. In other words, communication at the uppermost layer for establishing a logical link is not executed, but communication at a lower layer than the uppermost layer is executed, and the Advertise signal is communicated.

In S10, the CPU 32 monitors reception of a Scan Request signal (hereinafter referred to as "Scan_Req signal") from the mobile terminal via the BT I/F 22. The Scan_Req signal is a signal transmitted from a mobile terminal that has received the Advertise signal. The Scan_Req signal is a unicast signal, and includes the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR as information indicating the transmission destination, and the BT device name of the mobile terminal (for example, the BT device name of the mobile terminal PT1) as information indicating the transmission source. "N1"). The Scan_Req signal is a signal for requesting network information including the SSID and password from the printer PR. In particular, the CPU 32 can receive the Scan_Req signal without establishing a logical link. That is, the communication of the uppermost layer for establishing a logical link is not executed, but the communication of the lower layer than the uppermost layer is executed, and the Scan_Req signal is communicated. When the CPU 32 receives the Scan_Req signal, it determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12.

In S12, the CPU 32 transmits a Scan Response signal (hereinafter referred to as a "Scan_Res signal") to the mobile terminal that is the source of the Scan_Req signal via the BTI/F 22. The Scan_Res signal is a unicast signal that is a response signal to the Scan_Req signal, and includes the BT device name of the mobile terminal (i.e., the BT device name of the transmission source in the Scan_Req signal) as information indicating the transmission destination, and also the transmission source. The information includes the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR. The CPU 32 transmits the Scan_Res signal without establishing a logical link. That is, the communication of the uppermost layer for establishing a logical link is not executed, but the communication of the lower layer than the uppermost layer is executed, and the Scan_Res signal is communicated.

The Scan_Res signal includes the SSID in memory 34 and a predetermined password. As mentioned above, the SSID is stored in memory 34 at S2. However, when S32, which will be described later, is executed after S2 is executed, a new SSID is stored in the memory 34 in place of the old SSID in the memory 34. Therefore, in a situation where S32 is not executed even once after S2 is executed, the SSID in the Scan_Res signal is the SSID generated in S2. Furthermore, in a situation where S32 has been executed after S2 has been executed, the SSID in the Scan_Res signal is the latest SSID generated in S32. Hereinafter, the SSID currently stored in the memory 34 will be referred to as the "current SSID." The predetermined password is a fixed character string that is preset in the printer PR. That is, in this embodiment, when the power of the printer PR is turned on or when S32, which will be described later, is executed, the SSID is changed, but the password is not changed.

In S14, the CPU 32 changes the Wi-Fi I/F 20 from the OFF state to the ON state. Here, the OFF state of the Wi-Fi I/F 20 is a state in which power is not supplied to the Wi-Fi I/F 20, that is, a state in which Wi-Fi communication cannot be performed. Further, the ON state of the Wi-Fi I/F 20 is a state in which power is supplied to the Wi-Fi I/F 20, that is, a state in which Wi-Fi communication can be executed. Since the Wi-Fi I/F 20 can be set to the OFF state until S14 is executed, the power consumption of the printer PR can be reduced.

In S14, the CPU 32 further spontaneously shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the WFD device state to the G/O state without executing WFD G/O (abbreviation for Group Owner) negotiation. The printer PR in the G/O state transmits a beacon signal to notify surrounding devices of its presence via the Wi-Fi I/F 20. On the other hand, a printer PR in a state other than the G/O state (for example, the above device state or client state) does not transmit a beacon signal. For this reason, the power consumption of the printer PR in the G/O state is higher than the power consumption of the printer PR in states other than the G/O state. Since the operating state of the printer PR can be set to the device state until S14 is executed, the power consumption of the printer PR can be reduced.

In S16, the CPU 32 receives a Wi-Fi connection request signal including the current SSID from the mobile terminal via the Wi-Fi I/F 20. The Wi-Fi connection request signal is a signal for requesting the printer PR to establish a wireless connection according to the Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi connection"). Specifically, the Wi-Fi connection request signal It's a signal.

In S18, the CPU 32 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal. Specifically, the CPU 32 communicates various signals (for example, transmission of an Association Response signal, 4-Way Handshake communication, etc.) with the mobile terminal via the Wi-Fi I/F 20. During the process of communicating the various signals described above, the CPU 32 receives network information including the SSID and password from the mobile terminal, and authenticates the network information. If the received SSID matches the current SSID and the received password matches a predetermined password, the CPU 32 determines that the network information has been successfully authenticated and establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal. Establish. As described above, in S12, the Scan_Res signal including the current SSID and the predetermined password is transmitted to the mobile terminal, so that the network information including the current SSID and the predetermined password is received from the mobile terminal. Therefore, in S18, the network information is normally authenticated successfully, and a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal is established.

As described above, in S18, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal. As a result, a Wi-Fi type wireless network (hereinafter referred to as a "Wi-Fi network") is formed in which the printer PR operates in the G/O state and the mobile terminal operates as a so-called legacy. Legacy refers to devices that participate in a Wi-Fi network without performing operations according to WFD. Since the printer PR in the G/O state manages the Wi-Fi network, the printer PR in the G/O state can be said to be a master station (in other words, a master device) of the Wi-Fi network. Further, since the legacy mobile terminal participates in the Wi-Fi network, the legacy mobile terminal can be said to be a slave station (in other words, a slave device) of the Wi-Fi network.

Next, the CPU 32 repeats sequentially executing each monitoring process in S20 and S30. In S20, the CPU 32 uses the Wi-Fi network to determine whether print data representing an image to be printed has been received from the mobile terminal via the Wi-Fi I/F 20. When receiving print data (YES in S20), the CPU 32 supplies the print data to the print execution unit 16 in S22, and causes the print execution unit 16 to execute printing according to the print data. When S22 ends, the process returns to S20.

Further, in S30, the CPU 32 uses the Wi-Fi network to determine whether or not a disconnection signal has been received from the mobile terminal via the Wi-Fi I/F 20. The disconnection signal is a signal for requesting disconnection of the Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, if the disconnection signal is received (YES in S30), the Wi-Fi connection between the printer PR and the mobile terminal is disconnected, and the process advances to S32.

In S32, the CPU 32 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G/O state to the device state. Thereby, the power consumption of the printer PR can be reduced. Further, in S32, the CPU 32 further changes the Wi-Fi I/F 20 from the ON state to the OFF state. Thereby, the power consumption of the printer PR can be reduced. In addition, in a modified example, instead of being changed to the OFF state where power is not supplied, the state may be changed to a standby state where power is supplied. Here, power consumption in the standby state is lower than power consumption in the ON state. In S32, the CPU 32 further generates a new SSID and stores the new SSID in the memory 34 in place of the old SSID in the memory 34. That is, the CPU 32 changes the SSID. In this way, the SSID is changed every time the printer PR stops the G/O state, so the security of the Wi-Fi network can be improved. When S32 ends, the process returns to S10.

(Processing of mobile terminal PT1; Figure 3)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the processing executed by the CPU 72 of the mobile terminal PT1 will be described. Note that the mobile terminal PT2 can also execute similar processing. When the operation for activating the printer application 78 is executed on the mobile terminal PT1, the CPU 72 starts the process shown in FIG. 3 according to the printer application 78. Note that the operation on the mobile terminal PT1 may be performed on the operation unit 52 or the display unit 54 (ie, touch panel). This point also applies below.

In S50, the CPU 72 monitors reception of the Advertise signal via the BTI/F 62. As described above, the printer PR broadcasts an Advertise signal including the BT device name "NP" (see S6 in FIG. 2). Therefore, if the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is shorter than the maximum distance at which BT communication can be performed, the CPU 72 receives the Advertise signal from the printer PR via the BT I/F 62. In this case, the CPU 72 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S52.

In S52, the CPU 72 determines whether the BT device name in the received Advertise signal (that is, the received BT device name) is stored in the BT device name storage area 80. As described above, the BT device name storage area 80 stores the BT device names of established printers. Therefore, the determination in S52 means determining whether or not the printer PR that is the sender of the Advertise signal is an established printer. If the CPU 72 determines that the received BT device name is stored in the BT device name storage area 80 (YES in S52), the process proceeds to S60. On the other hand, if the CPU 72 determines that the received BT device name is not stored in the BT device name storage area 80 (NO in S52), the process proceeds to S54.

In S54, the CPU 72 determines whether the distance between the printer PR, which is the source of the Advertise signal, and the mobile terminal PT1 is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is a distance (for example, 1 m) that is smaller than the maximum distance (for example, several tens of meters) at which BT communication can be performed. Specifically, the printer application 78 describes the radio field strength of the Advertise signal at the time it is transmitted from the printer PR (hereinafter referred to as "transmission strength"). Then, the CPU 72 acquires the radio field strength of the Advertise signal at the time it is received by the BTI/F 62 (hereinafter referred to as "reception strength") from the BTI/F 62, and calculates the attenuation rate of the reception strength with respect to the transmission strength. calculate. The printer application 78 further describes the relationship between attenuation rate and distance. The CPU 72 uses the calculated attenuation rate and the above relationship to specify the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1, and determines whether the specified distance is less than the threshold value. If the CPU 72 determines that the specified distance is less than the threshold (YES in S54), the process proceeds to S60, and if it determines that the specified distance is greater than or equal to the threshold (NO in S54), the process proceeds to S50. Return to

In S60, the CPU 72 unicast transmits the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR via the BTI/F 62. Thereby, the Scan_Req signal can be received by the printer PR (see YES in S10 of FIG. 2). Then, in S62, the CPU 72 receives the Scan_Res signal from the printer PR via the BT I/F 62 (see S12 in FIG. 2).

In S64, the CPU 72 transmits a Wi-Fi connection request signal including the SSID (ie, the current SSID of the printer PR) in the Scan_Res signal received in S62 to the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60. Thereby, the Wi-Fi connection request signal can be received by the printer PR (see S16 in FIG. 2).

In S66, the CPU 72 establishes a wireless connection (ie, a Wi-Fi connection) with the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60. Specifically, the CPU 72 communicates various signals (for example, reception of an Association Response signal, 4-Way Handshake communication, etc.) with the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60. CPU7
2 transmits network information including the SSID and password in the Scan_Res signal received in S62 to the printer PR in the process of communicating the various signals described above. If the network information is successfully authenticated by the printer PR, a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR is established. As a result, a Wi-Fi network is formed in which the printer PR operates in the G/O state and the mobile terminal PT1 operates as a legacy device (see S18 in FIG. 2).

In S70, the CPU 72 determines whether the user has performed a print instruction operation on the mobile terminal PT1. The print instruction operation includes an operation of selecting one image file from among one or more image files stored in the memory 74, and an operation of selecting a button indicating execution of printing. The image file selected here is print data representing the image to be printed by the printer PR. If the print instruction operation is to be executed, the CPU 72 determines YES in S70 and proceeds to S72. On the other hand, if the print instruction operation is not executed within a predetermined period of time after the end of S66, or if the user performs an operation of selecting a button indicating cancellation on the mobile terminal PT1, the CPU 72 It is determined NO in S70, skips S72 and S74, and proceeds to S80.

In S72, the CPU 72 uses the Wi-Fi network to transmit the print data to the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60. This allows the printer PR to print the image represented by the print data (see S22 in FIG. 2).

In S74, the CPU 72 stores the BT device name “NP” of the printer PR in the Scan_Res signal received in S62 in the BT device name storage area 80. As a result, the BT device name “NP” of the established printer is stored in the BT device name storage area 80. Note that if S74 is executed after determining YES in S52, the BT device name “NP” has already been stored in the BT device name storage area 80. In this case, the CPU 72 skips S74 and proceeds to S80.

In S80, when the transmission of print data to the printer PR is completed, the CPU 72 uses the Wi-Fi network to transmit a disconnection signal to the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60. As a result, the Wi-Fi connection between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is disconnected (see YES in S30 of FIG. 2). When S80 ends, the process returns to S50.

(Specific case)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, specific cases realized by each process in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described. In FIGS. 4 and 5, thick line arrows and thin line arrows between printer PR and mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 indicate Wi-Fi communication and BT communication, respectively. This point also applies to the second and subsequent embodiments to be described later.

(Case A; Figure 4)
In the initial state of case A, the printer PR is powered off. Furthermore, the mobile terminal PT1 has not established a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR in the past. That is, the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR is not stored in the BT device name storage area 80 of the mobile terminal PT1.

At A0, the power of the printer PR is turned on by the user. In this case, the printer PR generates the SSID "X1" at T2 (S2 in FIG. 2), and changes the BTI/F 22 to the ON state at T4 (S4). Then, at T6, the printer PR repeats sending the Advertise signal (S6).

At A1, the user performs an operation on the mobile terminal PT1 to start the printer application 78. At this point, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value (ie, 1 m). In this case, when the mobile terminal PT1 receives the Advertise signal from the printer PR (YES in S50 of FIG. 3), it determines in T10 that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has not been stored (NO in S52). , Furthermore, it is determined that the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value (NO in S54). In this case, the mobile terminal PT1 does not transmit the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR (if NO in S54, the process does not proceed to S60). As a result, printer PR and mobile terminal P
Wi-Fi connection is not established with T1.

When the user desires to have the printer PR perform printing, the user brings the mobile terminal PT1 close to the printer PR in A2. As a result, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 becomes less than the threshold value. In this case, when the mobile terminal PT1 receives the Advertise signal from the printer PR (YES in S50 of FIG. 3), it determines in T12 that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has not been stored (NO in S52). , Furthermore, it is determined that the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is less than the threshold value (YES in S54). In this case, at T20, the mobile terminal PT1 transmits a Scan_Req signal to the printer PR (S60). The Scan_Req signal includes the BT device name "NP" as information indicating the destination, and the BT device name "N1" as information indicating the source.

When receiving the Scan_Req signal from the mobile terminal PT1, the printer PR transmits the Scan_Res signal to the mobile terminal PT1 at T22 (YES at S10 in FIG. 2, S12). The Scan_Res signal includes the BT device name "N1" as information indicating the destination, and the BT device name "NP" as information indicating the source. Further, the Scan_Res signal includes the SSID "X1" and the password "PS". Then, at T24, the printer PR changes the Wi-Fi I/F 20 to the ON state and shifts to the G/O state (S14).

When receiving the Scan_Res signal from the printer PR (S62 in FIG. 3), the mobile terminal PT1 transmits a Wi-Fi connection request signal including the SSID "X1" in the Scan_Res signal to the printer PR at T30 (S64). . When a Wi-Fi connection request signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal PT1 to the printer PR, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 at T32 (S18 in FIG. 2, S66 in FIG. 3). ). Note that in the process of T32, the printer PR receives the network information including the SSID "X1" and the password "PS" from the mobile terminal PT1, and authenticates the network information, and in this case, the authentication is successful. A Wi-Fi connection is established with the mobile terminal PT1. As a result, a Wi-Fi network is formed in which the printer PR operates as a master station and the mobile terminal PT1 operates as a slave station.

At A3, a print instruction operation is executed on the mobile terminal PT1 (YES at S70 in FIG. 3). In this case, the mobile terminal PT1 transmits print data to the printer PR at T40 using the Wi-Fi connection (S72), and stores the BT device name "NP" in the Scan_Res signal at T22 at T42. (S74).

When the printer PR receives print data from the mobile terminal PT1, at T44, the printer PR executes a print process according to the print data (S22 in FIG. 2). Note that a configuration is conceivable in which the printer PR receives print data from the mobile terminal PT1 using BT communication. However, the data size of the print data may be large, and furthermore, the communication speed of BT communication is slower than the communication speed of Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which print data is communicated using BT communication, it may take a long time to communicate the print data. In contrast, in this embodiment, the print data is communicated using Wi-Fi communication, so the print data can be communicated quickly.

After transmitting the print data to the printer PR, the mobile terminal PT1 transmits a disconnection signal for disconnecting the Wi-Fi connection to the printer PR at T50 (S80 in FIG. 3). As a result, the Wi-Fi connection between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is disconnected.

After the printer PR receives the disconnection signal from the mobile terminal PT1 (YES in S30 in FIG. 2)
Next, at T52, the state is changed from the G/O state to the device state, the Wi-Fi I/F 20 is changed to the OFF state, and an SSID "X2" different from the SSID "X1" is generated (S32). Since T52 is executed, the power consumption of the printer PR can be reduced.

(Case B1; Figure 5)
Case B1 in FIG. 5 is a continuation of case A in FIG. 4, in which the Wi-Fi I/F 20 is in the OFF state (see T52 in FIG. 4) and the BTI/F 22 is in the ON state (see T4). Furthermore, the BT device name storage area 80 of the mobile terminal PT1 stores the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR, which is an established printer (see T42).

At A11, the user performs an operation on the mobile terminal PT1 to start the printer application 78. At this point, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. When the mobile terminal PT1 receives the Advertise signal at T106 from the printer PR (YES at S50 in FIG. 3), it determines at T110 that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has been stored (YES at S52). . Then, at T120, the mobile terminal PT1 transmits the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR even though the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S60).

A13 and T122 to T152 are similar to A3 and T22 to T52 in FIG. However, this differs from case A in that SSID "X2" is used. Furthermore, since the mobile terminal PT1 has already stored the BT device name "NP", the process corresponding to T42 in FIG. 4 is not executed. Furthermore, at T152, SSID "X3", which is different from SSIDs "X1" and "X2", is generated.

(Case B2)
Case B2 is also a continuation of case A. The BT device name "NP" is not stored in the BT device name storage area (not shown) of the mobile terminal PT2.

At A15, the user performs an operation on the mobile terminal PT2 to start a printer application (not shown). At this point, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. When the mobile terminal PT2 receives the Advertise signal at T206 from the printer PR (YES at S50 in FIG. 3), the mobile terminal PT2 determines at T210 that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has not been stored (NO at S52). ), and further determines that the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2 is equal to or greater than the threshold (NO in S54). In this case, the mobile terminal PT2 does not transmit the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR (if NO in S54, the process does not proceed to S60). As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2.

(Effects of this example)
The mobile terminal PT1 is in a state where the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is less than a threshold value, that is, the user wants a Wi-Fi connection to be established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1. When receiving the Advertise signal from the printer PR in a state where the possibility is high (T6 in FIG. 4), the Scan_Req signal is transmitted to the printer PR (T20), and the Scan_Res signal is received (T22). Thereby, the mobile terminal PT1 can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR using the network information in the Scan_Res signal, and can send print data to the printer PR (T30, T32, T40). Then, the mobile terminal PT1 stores the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR, which is an established printer (T42).

After storing the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR, the mobile terminal PT1 can receive an Advertise signal from an unconnected printer (not shown) that has not established a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1. The mobile terminal PT1 is in a state where the distance between the unconnected printer and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to a threshold value, that is, the user desires to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the unconnected printer and the mobile terminal PT1. In a state where there is a low possibility that the printer will be connected, even if an Advertise signal is received from the unconnected printer, the Scan_Req signal is not sent to the unconnected printer (NO in S52 and NO in S54 in FIG. 4). As a result, the mobile terminal PT1 does not establish a Wi-Fi connection with the unconnected printer.

On the other hand, when receiving the Advertise signal from the printer PR which is an established printer (T106 in FIG. 5), the mobile terminal PT1 determines that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has already been stored (T110). . In this case, since the printer PR is an established printer, there is a high possibility that the user desires to re-establish the Wi-Fi connection between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1. Therefore, the mobile terminal PT1 transmits the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR (T120) and receives the Scan_Res signal (T122) even though the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. As a result, the mobile terminal PT1 can re-establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR by using the network information in the Scan_Res signal, and can send print data to the printer PR (T130, T132, T140). . In this way, after performing BT communication, the mobile terminal PT1 can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR, which is an established printer, in an appropriate situation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal PT1 receives the Advertise signal (for example, T106 in FIG. 5), transmits the Scan_Req signal (T120), and sends the Scan_Res signal (T122) without establishing a BT-based logical link. Execute the reception. Since there is no need to establish a BT-based logical link, the processing load on the mobile terminal PT1 can be reduced.

(correspondence)
Mobile terminal PT1 is an example of a "second communication device." The printer PR is an example of a "first communication device" and a "third communication device." The BT device name "NP" of the printer PR is an example of the "first device identification information" and the "third device identification information." The Wi-Fi method and the BT method are examples of the "first communication method" and the "second communication method", respectively. The Wi-Fi I/F 60 and BTI/F 62 of the mobile terminal PT1 are examples of the "first interface" and "second interface", respectively. The threshold value in S54 of FIG. 3 is an example of a "predetermined distance." The Advertise signal at T106 in FIG. 5 and the Advertise signal at T6 in FIG. 4 are examples of the "first predetermined signal" and the "second predetermined signal", respectively. The Scan_Req signal at T20 in FIG. 4 and the Scan_Req signal at T120 in FIG. 5 are examples of the "first predetermined request" and the "second predetermined request", respectively. SSID "X1" and password "PS" in the Scan_Res signal at T22 in FIG. 4 are an example of "first network related information." The Wi-Fi connection request signal at T30 and the Wi-Fi connection at T32 are examples of a "first wireless connection request" and a "first wireless connection," respectively. SSID "X2" and password "PS" in the Scan_Res signal at T122 in FIG. 5 are an example of "second network related information." The Wi-Fi connection request signal at T130 and the Wi-Fi connection at T132 are examples of a "second wireless connection request" and a "second wireless connection," respectively.

(Second example)
The explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal PT1 does not include the BT device name storage area 80. The printer PR includes a BT device name storage area 40, which can store the BT device name of a mobile terminal (hereinafter referred to as an "established terminal") that has established a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR.

(Printer PR process; Figure 6)
The CPU 32 of the printer PR executes the process shown in FIG. 6 instead of the process shown in FIG. S2 to S6 are similar to those in FIG. In S100, the CPU 32 monitors reception of a BT connection request from the mobile terminal via the BT I/F 22. The BT connection request is a signal transmitted from a mobile terminal that has received the Advertise signal, and is a signal for requesting establishment of a BT type logical link (ie, BT connection). The BT connection request is a unicast signal, and includes the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR as information indicating the destination, and the BT device name of the mobile terminal as information indicating the source. When the CPU 32 receives the BT connection request, it determines YES in S100 and proceeds to S102.

In S102, the CPU 32 transmits the BT setting information to the mobile terminal via the BT I/F 22, performs pairing with the mobile terminal using the BT setting information, and establishes a BT connection with the mobile terminal. The BT setting information is information stored in advance in the memory 34, and includes various information (authentication method, encryption method, passkey, etc.) for establishing a BT connection.

S104 is similar to S14 in FIG. In S110, the CPU 32 monitors the reception of distance information via the BT I/F 22 using the BT connection. The distance information is a signal repeatedly transmitted from a mobile terminal that has established a BT connection, and indicates the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal. The distance information indicates either "Far", which means that the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal is greater than or equal to a threshold value, or "Near", which means that the distance is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is a distance (for example, 3 m) that is smaller than the maximum distance (for example, several tens of meters) at which BT communication can be performed. Distance information is communicated using a BT connection. Therefore, distance information is communicated by performing communication at the top layer (ie, L2CAP) for forming a logical link and communication at an even higher layer (eg, Attribute Protocol, Generic Attribute Profile, etc.). The distance information is a unicast signal, and includes the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR as information indicating the destination, and the BT device name of the mobile terminal as information indicating the source. When the CPU 32 receives the distance information, it determines YES in S110 and proceeds to S112.

In S<b>112 , the CPU 32 determines whether the BT device name of the transmission source (that is, the BT device name of the mobile terminal) in the received distance information is stored in the BT device name storage area 40 . As described above, the BT device name storage area 40 stores the BT device names of established terminals. Therefore, the determination in S112 means determining whether the mobile terminal that is the source of the distance information is an established terminal. If the CPU 32 determines that the BT device name of the transmission source is stored in the BT device name storage area 40 (YES in S112), the process proceeds to S116. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that the BT device name of the transmission source is not stored in the BT device name storage area 40 (NO in S112), the process proceeds to S114.

In S114, the CPU 32 determines whether the distance information indicates "Near". If the CPU 32 determines that the distance information indicates "Near" (YES in S114), the process proceeds to S116, and if it determines that the distance information indicates "Far" (NO in S114), the process returns to S110. .

In S116, the CPU 32 uses the BT connection to transmit network information including the current SSID and a predetermined password to the mobile terminal via the BT I/F 22. The network information is transmitted by unicast communication, and includes the BT device name of the mobile terminal as information indicating the destination, and the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR as information indicating the source. The subsequent steps S16 to S32 are similar to those in FIG. In S120 after S22, the CPU 32 stores the BT device name of the mobile terminal in the distance information received in S110 in the BT device name storage area 40. As a result, the BT device name of the established terminal is stored in the BT device name storage area 40. Note that if the BT device name in the distance information is already stored in the BT device name storage area 40, S120 is skipped.

(Processing of mobile terminal PT1; Figure 7)
The CPU 72 of the mobile terminal PT1 executes the process shown in FIG. 7 instead of the process shown in FIG. S50 is similar to FIG. 3. In S150, the CPU 72 transmits a BT connection request to the printer PR via the BT I/F 62 (see YES in S100 in FIG. 6). In S152, the CPU 72 receives BT setting information from the printer PR via the BT I/F 62, executes pairing with the printer PR using the BT setting information, and establishes a BT connection with the printer PR ( (See S102 in FIG. 6).

In S154, the CPU 72 starts a transmission process for transmitting the distance information to the printer PR via the BT I/F 62 using the BT connection (see YES in S110 in FIG. 6). The method of specifying the distance between printer PR and mobile terminal PT1 is the same as in the first embodiment.

In S160, the CPU 72 monitors the reception of network information including the current SSID and a predetermined password from the printer PR via the BT I/F 62 using the BT connection. When the CPU 72 receives the network information, it determines YES in S160 and proceeds to S64. S64 to S80 are similar to those in FIG. However, in this embodiment, S74 in FIG. 3 is not executed.

(Case C: Figure 8)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, specific cases realized by the processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described. The initial state of case C in FIG. 8 is similar to the initial state of case A in FIG. The contents of case C will be explained, focusing on the differences from case A in FIG. 4. A0, A1, T2 to T6 are the same as in FIG.

When receiving the Advertise signal from the printer PR, the mobile terminal PT1 transmits a BT connection request to the printer PR at T13, regardless of the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 (S150 in FIG. 7).

When receiving the BT connection request from the mobile terminal PT1, the printer PR establishes a BT connection with the mobile terminal PT1 at T14 (YES at S100 in FIG. 6, S102). T15 is similar to T24 in FIG.

At T16, the mobile terminal PT1 uses the BT connection to transmit distance information to the printer PR (S154 in FIG. 7). At this point, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. Therefore, the distance information indicates "Far".

When the printer PR receives the distance information of T16 from the mobile terminal PT1, it determines in T16A that the BT device name "N1" in the distance information has not been stored (NO in S112 of FIG. 6), and further It is determined that the information indicates "Far" (NO in S114). In this case, the printer PR does not transmit the network information to the mobile terminal PT1 (if NO in S114, the process does not proceed to S116). As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1.

When the user desires to have the printer PR perform printing, the user brings the mobile terminal PT1 close to the printer PR in A2. As a result, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 becomes less than the threshold value. In this case, at T18, the mobile terminal PT1 uses the BT connection to transmit distance information indicating "Near" to the printer PR (S154 in FIG. 7).

When the printer PR receives the distance information of T18 from the mobile terminal PT1, it determines in T18A that the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1 in the distance information has not been stored (NO in S112 of FIG. 6). , Furthermore, it is determined that the distance information indicates "Near" (YES in S114). In this case, at T19, the printer PR transmits network information including the SSID "X1" and the password "PS" to the mobile terminal PT1 (S116). T30 to T52 except T45 are the same as in FIG. 4. However, T42 in FIG. 4 is not executed. Further, at T45, the printer PR stores the BT device name "N1" in the distance information at T18 (S120).

(Case D1; Figure 9)
Case D1 in FIG. 9 is a continuation of case C in FIG. 8, in which the Wi-Fi I/F 20 is in the OFF state (see T52 in FIG. 8) and the BTI/F 22 is in the ON state (see T4). Furthermore, the BT device name storage area 40 of the printer PR stores the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1, which is an established terminal (see T45).

A11 and T106 to T116 are the same as A1 and T6 to T16 in FIG. When the printer PR receives the distance information of T116 from the mobile terminal PT1 (that is, the distance information indicating "Far"), it determines in T116A that the BT device name "N1" in the distance information has been stored ( (YES in S112 of FIG. 6). In this case, at T119, the printer PR sends network information including the SSID "X2" and the password "PS" to the mobile terminal PT1 even though the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. (S116). A13 and T130 to T152 are the same as in FIG.

(Case D2)
Case D2 is also a continuation of case C. The BT device name storage area 40 of the printer PR does not store the BT device name "N2" of the mobile terminal PT2. T106 to T115 are the same as case D1 except that the mobile terminal PT2 is used instead of the mobile terminal PT1.

When the printer PR receives the distance information of T216 from the mobile terminal PT2, it determines in T216A that the BT device name "N2" in the distance information is not stored in the BT device name storage area 40 (NO in S112). ), and further determines that the distance information indicates "Far" (NO in S114). In this case, the printer PR does not transmit the network information to the mobile terminal PT2 (if NO in S114, the process does not proceed to S116). As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2.

(Effects of this example)
The printer PR is in a state where the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is less than a threshold value, that is, the user wants to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1. In a state where the network information is high, the network information is transmitted to the mobile terminal PT1 (T19 in FIG. 8). Thereby, the printer PR can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 and receive print data from the mobile terminal PT1 (T30, T32, T40). Then, the printer PR stores the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1, which is an established terminal (T45).

After storing the BT device name "N1", the printer PR receives distance information from the mobile terminal PT2, which is an unconnected terminal that has not established a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR (T216 in case D2 in FIG. 9). ). The printer PR is in a state where the distance between the printer PR and the unconnected terminal (i.e., the mobile terminal PT2) is greater than or equal to the threshold value, that is, the user
In a state where there is a low possibility that an i-connection is desired to be established, network information is not sent to the unconnected terminal even if distance information is received from the unconnected terminal (NO in S112 in FIG. 6, NO in S114) ). As a result, the printer PR does not establish a Wi-Fi connection with the unconnected mobile terminal PT2.

On the other hand, when printer PR receives distance information from mobile terminal PT1 (T116 in case D1 in FIG. 9), printer PR determines that the BT device name "N1" in the distance information has already been stored (T116A). In this case, since the mobile terminal PT1 is an established terminal, there is a high possibility that the user desires to re-establish the Wi-Fi connection between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1. Therefore, the printer PR transmits the network information to the printer PR even though the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value (T119). Thereby, the printer PR can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 and receive print data from the mobile terminal PT1 (T130, T132, T140). In this way, after executing BT communication, the printer PR can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1, which is an established terminal, in an appropriate situation.

(correspondence)
The printer PR is an example of a "first communication device." The mobile terminal PT1 is an example of a "second communication device" and a "third communication device." The BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1 is an example of the "second device identification information" and the "third device identification information". The Wi-Fi I/F 20 and BTI/F 22 of the printer PR are examples of the "first interface" and "second interface", respectively. The threshold value (for example, 3 m) at the boundary between "Near" and "Far" included in the distance information in S154 of FIG. 7 is an example of the "predetermined distance." The Advertise signal is an example of a "predetermined signal." The distance information at T16 (or T18) in FIG. 8 is an example of "first distance information", and the distance information at T116 in FIG. 9 is an example of "specific information" and "second distance information". . The network information at T19 in FIG. 8 and the network information at T119 in FIG. 9 are examples of "first network related information" and "second network related information", respectively.

(Third example)
The explanation will focus on the points that are different from the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer PR includes an NFC I/F 24 for performing wireless communication according to the NFC method (hereinafter referred to as "NFC communication"). The NFC I/F 24 includes a memory 26. Furthermore, the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 each include an NFC I/F64. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal PT1 is provided with the BT device name storage area 80, and the printer PR is not provided with the BT device name storage area 40.

The NFC method is a wireless communication method for so-called short-range wireless communication, and is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the international standard of ISO/IEC21481 or 18092. The communication speed of NFC communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 424 Kbps) is slower than the communication speed of BT communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 24 Mbps). The carrier wave frequency in NFC communication (for example, 13.56 MHz band) is the same as the carrier wave frequency in Wi-Fi communication (for example, 2.4 GHz band or 5.0 GHz band) and the carrier wave frequency in BT communication (for example, 2.4 GHz band). is different. Further, the maximum distance at which NFC communication can be performed (for example, approximately 10 cm) is smaller than the maximum distance at which BT communication can be performed (for example, approximately several tens of meters).

(Printer PR processing; Figure 10)
The CPU 32 of the printer PR executes the process shown in FIG. 10 instead of the process shown in FIG. S2 is similar to FIG. 2. In S200, the CPU 32 changes the BTI/F 22 from the OFF state to the ON state, and further changes the NFCI/F 24 from the OFF state to the ON state (that is, power is supplied to the NFCI/F 24). In S202, the CPU 32 supplies the SSID generated in S2 and a predetermined password to the NFC I/F 24. As a result, the current SSID and predetermined password are stored in the memory 26 of the NFC I/F 24. S6 is similar to FIG. 2. The CPU 32 repeats sequentially executing each monitoring process in S210 and S212.

In S210, the CPU 32 monitors that a communication link (hereinafter referred to as "NFC link") via the NFC I/F 24 is established. When acquiring information indicating that an NFC link has been established from the NFC I/F 24, the CPU 32 determines YES in S210 and proceeds to S14. S14 to S18 are similar to those in FIG. In S220, the CPU 32 uses the Wi-Fi connection to transmit the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR to the mobile terminal via the Wi-Fi I/F 20.

In S212, the CPU 32 monitors reception of the Scan_Req signal from the mobile terminal via the BT I/F 22. When the CPU 32 receives the Scan_Req signal, it determines YES in S212 and proceeds to S12. S12 to S18 are similar to those in FIG.

S20 to S32 are similar to those in FIG. 2. In S240, the CPU 32 supplies the SSID generated in S32 and a predetermined password to the NFC I/F 24. As a result, the predetermined password in the memory 26 of the NFC I/F 24 is not changed, but the current SSID in the memory 26 is changed.

(Processing of mobile terminal PT1; Figure 11)
The CPU 72 of the mobile terminal PT1 executes the process shown in FIG. 11 instead of the process shown in FIG. The CPU 72 repeats sequentially executing each monitoring process in S50 and S250. S50 and S52 to S80 after YES in S50 are the same as in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the process of S54 in FIG. 3 is not executed, and if YES in S50, the process of S74 in FIG. 3 is not executed.

In S250, the CPU 72 monitors that a communication link (ie, NFC link) via the NFC I/F 64 is established. When acquiring information indicating that an NFC link has been established from the NFC I/F 64, the CPU 72 determines YES in S250 and proceeds to S64. S64 and S66 are similar to those in FIG. 3. In S260, the CPU 72 uses the Wi-Fi connection to receive the BT device name "NP" from the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60 (see S220 in FIG. 10). S70 to S80 after S260 are similar to those in FIG. 3. However, in S74, the CPU 72 stores the BT device name “NP” received in S260 through Wi-Fi communication in the BT device name storage area 80.

(Case E: Figure 12)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, specific cases realized by the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described. Note that in FIGS. 12 and 13, thick line arrows, thin line arrows, and broken line arrows between printer PR and mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 indicate Wi-Fi communication, BT communication, and NFC communication, respectively. This point also applies to the fourth embodiment described later. The initial state of case E in FIG. 12 is similar to the initial state of case A in FIG. The contents of case E will be explained, focusing on the differences from case A in FIG. 4.

When the power is turned on by the user (A0), the printer PR generates SSID "X1" in T302 (S2 in FIG. 10), and turns on each of the BTI/F 22 and NFCI/F 24 in T304. (S200), and at T305, the SS
The ID "X1" and password "PS" are supplied to the NFC I/F 24. A1 and T306 are similar to A1 and T6 in FIG.

When receiving the Advertise signal from the printer PR, the mobile terminal PT1 determines in T310 that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has not been stored (NO in S52 of FIG. 11). In this case, the mobile terminal PT1 does not transmit the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR (if NO in S54, the process does not proceed to S60). As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1.

When the user desires to have the printer PR perform printing, the user brings the mobile terminal PT1 close to the printer PR in A2. As a result, the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 becomes less than the maximum distance (for example, 10 cm) that allows NFC communication to be performed. In this case, an NFC link is established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1.

The memory 26 of the NFC I/F 24 of the printer PR stores the SSID "X1" and the password "PS" (T305). Then, when the NFC link is established, the NFC I/F 24 transmits the SSID "X1" and the password "PS" in the memory 26 to the mobile terminal PT1 at T320 without receiving an instruction from the CPU 32 of the control unit 30. do. T324, T330, and T332 are the same as T24, T30, and T32 in FIG. 4 (YES in S210 in FIG. 10, S14 to S18, YES in S250 in FIG. 11, S64, and S66). Then, at T334, the printer PR uses the Wi-Fi connection to transmit the BT device name "NP" to the mobile terminal PT1 (S220 in FIG. 10).

A3, T340 to T352 are similar to A3, T40 to T52 in FIG. However, at T342, the mobile terminal PT1 stores the BT device name "NP" received from the printer PR through the Wi-Fi communication at T334 (S74 in FIG. 11). At T354, the printer PR supplies the SSID "X2" and the password "PS" to the NFC I/F 24 (S240 in FIG. 10).

(Case F1; Figure 13)
Case F1 in FIG. 13 is a continuation of case E in FIG. 12, in which the Wi-Fi I/F 20 is in the OFF state (see T352 in FIG. 12), and the BTI/F 22 and NFCI/F 24 are in the ON state (see T304). ). Furthermore, the BT device name storage area 80 of the mobile terminal PT1 stores the BT device name "NP" of the printer PR, which is an established printer (see T342).

A11 and A13 are the same as in FIG. 5, and T406 to T452 are the same as T106 to T152 in FIG. 5 (YES in S212 in FIG. 10, S12 to S18, S30 to S32, YES in S50 in FIG. 11, YES in S52, S60 to S80). At T454, the printer PR supplies the SSID "X3" and the password "PS" to the NFC I/F 24 (S240 in FIG. 10).

(Case F2)
Case F2 is also a continuation of case E. The BT device name "NP" of the printer PR is not stored in the BT device name storage area (not shown) of the mobile terminal PT2.

A15 is the same as in FIG. When the mobile terminal PT2 receives the Advertise signal at T506 from the printer PR (YES at S50 in FIG. 11), it determines at T510 that the BT device name "NP" in the Advertise signal has not been stored (NO at S52). ). In this case, the mobile terminal PT2 does not transmit the Scan_Req signal to the printer PR (if NO in S52, the process does not proceed to S60). As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2.

(Effects of this example)
In this embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, the mobile terminal PT1 can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR, which is an established printer, in an appropriate situation after executing BT communication. Furthermore, since the mobile terminal PT1 does not need to establish a BT-based logical link, the processing load on the mobile terminal PT1 can be reduced.

(correspondence)
The BT method and the NFC method are examples of the "first type communication method" and the "second type communication method", respectively. The BTI/F62 and NFCI/F64 of the mobile terminal PT1 are examples of a "first type interface" and a "second type interface", respectively. The maximum distance (for example, 10 cm) at which NFC communication can be performed is an example of the "predetermined distance." SSID "X1" and password "PS" of T320 in FIG. 12 are an example of "first network related information", and SSID "X2" and password "PS" in the Scan_Res signal of T422 in FIG. 13 are " This is an example of "second network related information".

(Fourth example)
The explanation will focus on the differences from the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the printer PR is provided with the BT device name storage area 40, and the mobile terminal PT1 is not provided with the BT device name storage area 80.

(Printer PR processing; Figure 14)
The CPU 32 of the printer PR executes the process shown in FIG. 14 instead of the process shown in FIG. S2, S200, S202, S6, S210, and S212 are the same as in FIG. 10. Further, steps S14 to S18 after YES in S210 are the same as those in FIG. 10. In S221 after S18, the CPU 32 receives the BT device name of the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal via the Wi-Fi I/F 20 using the Wi-Fi connection.

In S213 after YES in S212, the CPU 32 determines whether the BT device name of the transmission source in the Scan_Req signal is stored in the BT device name storage area 40. Steps S12 to S18 after YES in S213 are the same as those in FIG. Further, S20 to S32 and S240 are the same as those in FIG. In S230, the CPU 32 stores the BT device name received in S221 in the BT device name storage area 40.

(Processing of mobile terminal PT1; Figure 11)
The CPU 72 of the mobile terminal PT1 executes the process shown in FIG. 11, but S260 is different from the third embodiment. In S260, the CPU 72 of the mobile terminal PT1 uses the Wi-Fi connection to transmit the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1 to the printer PR via the Wi-Fi I/F 60 (see S221 in FIG. 14). ). Further, in this embodiment, S52 and S74 are not executed.

(Case E: Figure 12)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 15, specific cases realized by the processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 will be described. In case E of FIG. 12, T334 is not executed and T336 is executed instead. At T336, the mobile terminal PT1 uses the Wi-Fi connection to transmit the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1 to the printer PR (S260 in FIG. 11). Also, T342 is not executed, and T345 is executed instead. At T345, the printer PR stores the BT device name "N1" received from the mobile terminal PT1 through the Wi-Fi communication at T336 (S230 in FIG. 14).

(Case G1; Figure 15)
Case G1 in FIG. 15 is a continuation of case E in FIG. The BT device name storage area 40 of the printer PR stores the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1, which is an established terminal (see T345 in FIG. 12). Case G1 will be explained focusing on the points that are different from case F1 in FIG. 13.

A11 and T406 to T420 are the same as in FIG. At T421, the printer PR determines that the BT device name "N1" in the Scan_Req signal has been stored (YES at S213 in FIG. 14). In this case, at T422, the printer PR sends a Scan_Res signal containing the SSID "X2" and the password "PS" to the mobile terminal PT1 even though the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. (S12). A13 and T424 to T454 are the same as in FIG.

(Case G2)
Case G2 is also a continuation of case E. The BT device name storage area 40 of the printer PR does not store the BT device name "N2" of the mobile terminal PT2.

When the mobile terminal PT2 receives the Advertise signal at T506 from the printer PR after the operation at A15 is executed (YES at S50 in FIG. 11), the mobile terminal PT2 determines at T520 that the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2 is The Scan_Req signal is sent to the printer PR even though it is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When receiving the Scan_Req signal from the mobile terminal PT2, the printer PR determines at T521 that the BT device name "N2" in the Scan_Req signal has not been stored (NO at S213 in FIG. 14). In this case, the printer PR does not transmit the SSID "X2" etc. to the mobile terminal PT2 (if NO in S213, the process does not proceed to S12). As a result, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2.

(Effects of this example)
In this embodiment as well, similarly to the second embodiment, the printer PR can establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer PR, which is an established printer, in an appropriate situation after executing BT communication. Furthermore, since the printer PR does not need to establish a BT-based logical link, the processing load on the printer PR can be reduced.

(correspondence)
The BTI/F 22 and NFCI/F 24 of the printer PR are examples of a "first type interface" and a "second type interface", respectively. The maximum distance (for example, 10 cm) at which NFC communication can be performed is an example of the "predetermined distance." The Scan_Req signal at T420 in FIG. 15 is an example of a "predetermined request" and "specific information." Further, the Scan_Res signal of T422 is an example of a "response". SSID "X1" and password "PS" of T320 in FIG. 12 are an example of "first network related information", and SSID "X2" and password "PS" in the Scan_Res signal of T422 in FIG. 15 are " This is an example of "second network related information".

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) Instead of executing S60 and S62 in FIG. 3 or FIG. 11, the mobile terminal PT1 sends a BT connection request to the printer PR, establishes a BT connection with the printer PR, and then establishes a BT connection. The SSID and password may be received from the printer PR using the printer PR. In this modification, the BT connection request is an example of a "first predetermined request" and a "second predetermined request." Generally speaking, the "first (or second) predetermined request" and "first (or second) network related information" are, as in the first and third embodiments above, the "first (or second) predetermined request" and "first (or second) network related information" Communication may be performed without performing top layer communication for establishing a logical link of the communication method, or communication may be performed using a logical link as in this modification.

(Modification 2) When the mobile terminal PT1 repeatedly transmits the Advertise signal, the printer PR does not need to execute S6 in FIG. 6. In this case, when receiving the Advertise signal from the mobile terminal PT1, the printer PR may determine whether the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1 in the Advertise signal has already been stored. If the printer PR determines that the BT device name "N1" has been stored, it may execute the processes from S116 onwards. If the printer PR determines that the BT device name "N1" is not stored, it identifies the distance between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 based on the radio field strength of the received Advertise signal, and stores the identified BT device name "N1". It may also be determined whether the distance is less than a threshold. If the printer PR determines that the identified distance is less than the threshold, it executes the processes from S116 onwards, and when it determines that the identified distance is greater than or equal to the threshold, it executes the processes from S116 onwards. You don't have to. In S116, network information may be transmitted without establishing a BT connection, or may be transmitted after a BT connection is established. In this modification, the Advertise signal is an example of "specific information", and the "predetermined signal transmitter" and "distance information receiver" can be omitted.

(Modification 3) If the mobile terminal PT1 repeatedly transmits the Advertise signal, the printer PR does not need to execute S6 in FIG. 14. In this case, when receiving the Advertise signal from the mobile terminal PT1, the printer PR may determine whether the BT device name "N1" of the mobile terminal PT1 in the Advertise signal has already been stored. If the printer PR determines that the BT device name "N1" has been stored, it executes the processes from S12 onwards, and when it determines that the BT device name "N1" has not been stored, it executes the processes from S12 onwards. It doesn't have to be executed. In S12, network information may be transmitted without establishing a BT connection, or may be transmitted after a BT connection is established. In this modification, the Advertise signal is an example of "specific information" and "predetermined request."

(Modification 4) The mobile terminal PT1 may receive the BT device name "NP" from the printer PR through NFC communication without executing S260 of the third embodiment in FIG. That is, in the "device identification information reception process", the first device identification information may be received via the first interface as in the third embodiment, or the first device identification information may be received via the first interface as in the present modification. The first device identification information may be received via a second type of interface (particularly a second type of interface).

(Variation 5) The printer PR may receive the BT device name "N1" from the mobile terminal PT1 via NFC communication without executing S221 in FIG. 14. That is, the "device identification information receiving section" may receive the second device identification information via the first interface as in the fourth embodiment, or may receive the second device identification information via the first interface as in the fourth embodiment. The second device identification information may be received via a second interface (particularly a second type of interface).

(Variation 6) In each of the above embodiments, the SSID and password are transmitted from the printer PR to the mobile terminal PT1 (for example, S12 in FIG. 2). Alternatively, the printer PR transmits the SSID to the mobile terminal PT1, but does not need to transmit the password to the mobile terminal PT1. In this case, a password input screen is displayed on the mobile terminal PT1, and the password is input into the mobile terminal PT1 by the user. In this modification, only the SSID is an example of "first (or second) network related information."

(Modification 7) The BT I/F 22 of the printer PR may include a CPU and a memory. The memory of the BT I/F 22 may store a program. The CPU of the BTI/F 22 may be able to execute the operations of each of the above embodiments according to the program in the memory of the BTI/F 22 without receiving instructions from the CPU 32 in the control unit 30. Generally speaking, the "first communication device" includes two or more processors (for example, the CPU 32 in the control unit 30 of the printer PR and the CPU in the BTI/F 22) and two or more memories (for example, the control unit BT I/F 22), and each processor may execute processing according to each program stored in each memory.

(Modification 8) In the third and fourth embodiments, in S202 and S240 of FIGS. 10 and 14, the CPU 32 of the printer PR supplies the current SSID and password to the NFCI/F 24, and stores this information. As a result, when an NFC link with the mobile terminal is established, the NFC I/F 24 can transmit the current SSID and password to the mobile terminal without receiving an instruction from the control unit 30 (ie, CPU 32). Instead, when an NFC link with the mobile terminal is established, the NFC I/F 24 notifies the control unit 30 (i.e., the CPU 32) that the NFC link has been established, and the control unit 30 sends the current SSID and password. may be acquired and sent to the mobile terminal. Generally speaking, the "first network related information transmitter" may transmit the first network related information to the second communication device via the second type of interface.

(Modification 9) In each embodiment, the printer PR changes the Wi-Fi I/F 20 to the OFF state, for example in S32 of FIG. Alternatively, the Wi-Fi I/F 20 may be kept in the ON state at all times while the printer PR is powered on.

(Modification 10) The printer PR does not need to support WFD, and instead may support so-called SoftAP. In this case, the printer PR starts SoftAP in S14 of FIG. 2, for example, and stops SoftAP in S32.

(Modification 11) "Device identification information" does not need to be a BT device name such as printer PR or mobile terminal PT1, and may be other identification information (for example, MAC address, IP address, etc.).

(Modification 12) The "first interface" does not have to be an I/F for performing Wi-Fi communication, but is for performing wireless communication according to other communication methods that can construct a wireless LAN. It may be an I/F. Furthermore, the "second interface" does not need to be an I/F for performing BT communication, but may be an I/F for performing short-range wireless communication (for example, TransferJet (registered trademark) method). It may also be an I/F for performing wireless communication according to the above.

(Modification 13) The "first communication device" may not be a printer PR, but may be a scanner, for example. In this case, for example, in S20 of FIG. 2, the scanner may transmit scan data generated by scanning the document to the mobile terminal PT1 instead of receiving print data from the mobile terminal PT1. Further, the "first communication device" may be a device other than a printer and a scanner (for example, a copy machine, a facsimile, a telephone, a PC, a server, a mobile terminal, etc.). Further, the "second communication device" does not need to be a mobile terminal, and may be other devices (for example, a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile, a telephone, a desktop PC, a server, etc.).

(Modification 14) In each embodiment, the processes shown in FIGS. 2 to 15 are realized by the CPU 32 of the printer PR and the CPU 72 of the mobile terminal PT1 executing programs (ie, software). Alternatively, at least one of the processes shown in FIGS. 2 to 15 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Further, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as filed. Furthermore, the techniques illustrated in this specification or the drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of the objectives has technical utility in itself.
(Item 1)
A first communication device,
a first interface for performing wireless communication according to a first communication method;
a second interface for performing wireless communication according to a second communication method different from the first communication method;
transmitting first network related information related to the first wireless network via the second interface in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance; a first network-related information transmitter that transmits to the second communication device, the first wireless network being a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface; 1 network-related information transmission unit;
a first connection request receiving unit that receives, via the first interface, a first wireless connection request from the second communication device that has received the first network related information;
In response to receiving the first wireless connection request from the second communication device, the first wireless connection via the first interface is established using the first network related information. a first establishing unit that establishes with a second communication device to form the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong;
a device identification information receiving unit that receives second device identification information for identifying the second communication device from the second communication device;
a storage control unit that stores the second device identification information in a memory of the first communication device;
After the second device identification information is stored in the memory, third device identification information for identifying the third communication device is sent from the third communication device via the second interface. a specific information receiving unit that receives specific information including;
an identification information determination unit that determines whether the third device identification information in the specific information matches the second device identification information in the memory;
If it is determined that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information, the second network related information related to the second wireless network is sent to the second wireless network via the second interface. 3, and when it is determined that the third device identification information does not match the second device identification information, the second network related information is transmitted to the second communication device that matches the third communication device. a second network-related information transmitter that does not transmit to the third communication device, the second wireless network being a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface; The second network related information includes the second network related information transmitter, which is different from the first network related information;
a second connection request receiving unit that receives, via the first interface, a second wireless connection request from the second communication device that has received the second network related information;
In response to receiving the second wireless connection request from the second communication device, the second wireless connection via the first interface is established using the second network related information. a second establishment unit that establishes with the second communication device to form the second wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong;
A first communication device comprising:
(Item 2)
The first communication device further includes:
without performing top layer communication for establishing a logical link of the second communication method, by performing communication in a lower layer that is lower than the top layer, and communicating through the second interface. a predetermined signal transmitter that repeatedly transmits a predetermined signal;
The first communication device according to item 1, wherein the specific information receiving unit receives the specific information from the third communication device that has received the predetermined signal, via the second interface.
(Item 3)
The first communication device further includes:
a distance information receiving unit that receives first distance information related to a distance between the first communication device and the second communication device from the second communication device via the second interface; Equipped with
The first network-related information transmitter includes:
If the first distance information indicates that the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the predetermined distance, transmitting the network related information of No. 1 to the second communication device;
When the first distance information indicates that the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than the predetermined distance, the first network related information is replaced with the second communication device. without sending to communication equipment,
The specific information receiving unit receives second distance information related to the distance between the first communication device and the third communication device from the third communication device via the second interface. The first communication device according to item 1 or item 2, which receives the specific information.
(Item 4)
The distance information receiving unit is configured to receive data from the second communication device using a logical link of the second communication method established between the first communication device and the second communication device. receiving the first distance information via a second interface;
The specific information receiving unit is configured to receive information from the third communication device using a logical link of the second communication method established between the first communication device and the third communication device. The first communication device according to item 3, which receives the specific information, which is the second distance information, via a second interface.
(Item 5)
The device identification information receiving unit receives the second device identification information from the second communication device via the second interface, and the device identification information receiving unit receives the second device identification information from the second communication device via the second interface. 1 communication equipment.
(Item 6)
The second interface is:
a first type interface for performing wireless communication according to a first type communication method of the second communication method;
A second type of communication method of the second type of communication method, the second type for performing wireless communication according to the second type of communication method, which is different from the first type of communication method. an interface, wherein a distance at which wireless communication can be performed via the second type interface is smaller than a distance at which wireless communication can be performed via the first type interface; , comprising;
The first network-related information transmitting unit transmits the information via the second type of interface in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the predetermined distance. transmitting first network related information to the second communication device;
The specific information receiving unit receives information from the third communication device through the first type interface in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the third communication device is greater than the predetermined distance. and receive the specific information,
The second network related information transmitter transmits information to the second network via the first type interface when it is determined that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information. The first communication device according to item 1 or item 2, which transmits related information to the second communication device that matches the third communication device.
(Item 7)
Item 6, wherein the device identification information receiving unit receives the second device identification information from the second communication device via the first interface using the first wireless network. The first communication device described.
(Item 8)
The specific information receiving unit receives the specific information, which is a predetermined request for requesting network related information, from the third communication device via the first type interface,
The second network-related information transmitter is configured to send a response to the predetermined request via the first type of interface when it is determined that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information. The first communication device according to item 6 or 7, wherein the response including the second network related information is sent to the second communication device that matches the third communication device.
(Item 9)
The specific information receiving unit executes communication in a lower layer lower than the uppermost layer without executing communication in the uppermost layer for establishing a logical link of the first type communication method. , receiving the specific information that is the predetermined request from the third communication device via the first type interface;
When it is determined that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information, the second network related information transmitting unit transmits the communication to the lower layer without performing the communication in the top layer. 9. The first communication device according to item 8, wherein the first communication device transmits the response to the second communication device that matches the third communication device via the first type of interface.
(Item 10)
A computer program for a second communication device, the computer program comprising:
The second communication device is
a first interface for performing wireless communication according to a first communication method;
a second interface for performing wireless communication according to a second communication method different from the first communication method;
comprising a processor;
The computer program causes the processor to perform each of the following processes, namely:
When the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance, the first communication device connects to the first wireless network via the second interface. a first network related information receiving process of receiving first network related information, wherein the first wireless network is a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface; a first network related information reception process;
a first transmitting a first wireless connection request to the first communication device via the first interface in response to receiving the first network related information from the first communication device; Connection request sending processing,
In response to transmitting the first wireless connection request to the first communication device, the first wireless connection via the first interface is established using the first network related information. a first establishment process of establishing with one communication device to form the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong;
a device identification information receiving process of receiving first device identification information for identifying the first communication device from the first communication device;
storage control processing for storing the first device identification information in a memory of the second communication device;
After the first device identification information is stored in the memory, third device identification information for identifying the third communication device is sent from the third communication device via the second interface. a first predetermined signal reception process of receiving a first predetermined signal including;
identification information determination processing for determining whether the third device identification information in the first predetermined signal matches the first device identification information in the memory;
a first predetermined method for requesting network related information related to a wireless network via the second interface when it is determined that the third device identification information matches the first device identification information; a request to the first communication device that matches the third communication device, and when it is determined that the third device identification information does not match the first device identification information, the first communication device a first predetermined request transmission process in which the predetermined request is not sent to the third communication device;
in response to transmitting the first predetermined request to the first communication device, from the first communication device, via the second interface, a second network related to the second wireless network; a second network related information receiving process of receiving related information, wherein the second wireless network is a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface, and the second network relationship the information is different from the first network related information, and the second network related information receiving process;
a second communication device that transmits a second wireless connection request to the first communication device via the first interface in response to receiving the second network related information from the first communication device; Connection request sending processing,
In response to transmitting the second wireless connection request to the first communication device, the second wireless connection via the first interface is established using the second network related information. a second establishment process of establishing with one communication device to form the second wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong;
A computer program that runs
(Item 11)
In the first predetermined signal reception process, communication of a lower layer lower than the uppermost layer is performed without performing communication of the uppermost layer for establishing a logical link of the second communication method. The computer program product according to item 10, wherein the computer program product receives the first predetermined signal from the third communication device via the second interface.
(Item 12)
In the first predetermined request transmission process, when it is determined that the third device identification information matches the first device identification information, the top level for establishing a logical link of the second communication method is determined. transmitting the first predetermined request to the third communication device via the second interface by performing communication in a lower layer that is lower than the top layer without executing communication in the layer; transmitting it to the matching first communication device;
In the second network-related information reception process, the lower layer communication is executed without executing the uppermost layer communication, and from the first communication device via the second interface, The computer program according to item 10 or item 11, which receives the second network related information.
(Item 13)
The computer program further causes the processor to perform each of the following processes, namely:
a second predetermined signal reception process of receiving a second predetermined signal including the first device identification information from the first communication device via the second interface;
distance determination processing that uses the radio field intensity of the second predetermined signal to determine whether the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the predetermined distance;
When it is determined that the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the predetermined distance, transmitting network related information related to a wireless network via the second interface. transmitting a second predetermined request to the first communication device, and when it is determined that the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is not less than the predetermined distance; , a second predetermined request transmission process in which the second predetermined request is not sent to the first communication device,
In the first network related information receiving process, in response to transmitting the second predetermined request to the first communication device, the first communication device receives the information from the first communication device via the second interface. The computer program product according to any one of items 10 to 12, receiving first network related information.
(Item 14)
In the device identification information receiving process, the computer according to any one of items 10 to 13 receives the first device identification information from the first communication device via the second interface. program.
(Item 15)
The second interface is:
a first type interface for performing wireless communication according to a first type communication method of the second communication method;
A second type of communication method of the second type of communication method, the second type for performing wireless communication according to the second type of communication method, which is different from the first type of communication method. an interface, wherein a distance at which wireless communication can be performed via the second type interface is smaller than a distance at which wireless communication can be performed via the first type interface; , comprising;
In the first network related information receiving process, when the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the predetermined distance, receiving the first network related information via a seed interface;
In the first predetermined signal reception process, the first type of signal is received from the third communication device in a state where the distance between the first communication device and the third communication device is greater than the predetermined distance. receiving the predetermined signal including the third device identification information via an interface;
In the first predetermined request transmission process, if it is determined that the third device identification information matches the first device identification information, the predetermined request is sent to the first predetermined request via the first type of interface. to the first communication device matching the communication device of No. 3;
In the second network related information receiving process, the second network related information is received from the first communication device via the first type interface, any one of items 10 to 12. The computer program described in .
(Item 16)
In item 15, in the device identification information receiving process, the first device identification information is received from the first communication device via the first interface using the first wireless network. The computer program described.
(Item 17)
A second communication device,
a first interface for performing wireless communication according to a first communication method;
a second interface for performing wireless communication according to a second communication method different from the first communication method;
When the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance, the first communication device connects to the first wireless network via the second interface. a first network-related information receiving unit that receives first network-related information, wherein the first wireless network is a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface; a first network related information receiving section;
a first transmitting a first wireless connection request to the first communication device via the first interface in response to receiving the first network related information from the first communication device; a connection request transmitter;
In response to transmitting the first wireless connection request to the first communication device, the first wireless connection via the first interface is established using the first network related information. a first establishing unit that establishes with one communication device to form the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong;
a device identification information receiving unit that receives, from the first communication device, first device identification information for identifying the first communication device;
a storage control unit that stores the first device identification information in a memory of the second communication device;
After the first device identification information is stored in the memory, third device identification information for identifying the third communication device is sent from the third communication device via the second interface. a first predetermined signal receiving section that receives a first predetermined signal including;
an identification information determination unit that determines whether the third device identification information in the first predetermined signal matches the first device identification information in the memory;
a first predetermined method for requesting network related information related to a wireless network via the second interface when it is determined that the third device identification information matches the first device identification information; a request to the first communication device that matches the third communication device, and when it is determined that the third device identification information does not match the first device identification information, the first communication device a first predetermined request transmitter that does not transmit the predetermined request to the third communication device;
in response to transmitting the first predetermined request to the first communication device, from the first communication device, via the second interface, a second network related to the second wireless network; a second network related information receiving unit that receives related information, the second wireless network being a network for performing wireless communication via the first interface, and the second network related information receiving unit receiving related information; the second network related information receiving section, the information being different from the first network related information;
a second communication device that transmits a second wireless connection request to the first communication device via the first interface in response to receiving the second network related information from the first communication device; a connection request transmitter;
In response to transmitting the second wireless connection request to the first communication device, the second wireless connection via the first interface is established using the second network related information. a second establishing unit that establishes with one communication device to form the second wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong;
A second communication device comprising:

2: Communication system, PR: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Wi-Fi I/F (interface), 22: BTI/F, 24: NFCI/F, 26: Memory, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 40: BT device name storage area, PT1, PT2: Mobile terminal, 52: Operation unit, 54: Display unit, 60: Wi-FiI/ F, 62: BTI/F, 64: NFC I/F, 70: Control unit, 72: CPU, 74: Memory, 76: OS program, 78: Printer application, 80: BT device name storage area

Claims (10)

A first communication device,
a Wi-Fi interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method;
a Bluetooth interface for performing wireless communication according to version 4.0 or later of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method;
an Advertise signal transmitter that transmits an Advertise signal including identification information for identifying the first communication device via the Bluetooth interface;
a first request receiving unit that receives, via the Bluetooth interface, a Bluetooth connection request from a second communication device to the first communication device identified by the identification information included in the Advertise signal;
a first establishing unit that establishes a Bluetooth connection with the second communication device via the Bluetooth interface in accordance with the Bluetooth connection request received from the second communication device;
a specific signal transmitter that transmits a specific signal to inform the surroundings of the first communication device of the presence of the first communication device operating as a master station via the Wi-Fi interface;
a first connection for enabling the second communication device to connect to the Wi-Fi network to which the first communication device belongs as the master station via the Wi-Fi interface after transmitting the specific signal; a first connection information transmitter that transmits information to the second communication device using the Bluetooth connection via the Bluetooth interface;
When the first connection information is transmitted to the second communication device and the first communication device is in a state where it can operate as the master station in the Wi-Fi network, the second communication a second request receiving unit that receives a first Wi-Fi connection request including an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier) for identifying the Wi-Fi network from the device via the Wi-Fi interface; ,
a second establishing unit that, upon receiving the first Wi-Fi connection request from the second communication device, establishes a first Wi-Fi connection with the second communication device via the Wi-Fi interface; and,
a stop unit that stops transmitting the specific signal when the first Wi-Fi connection is disconnected;
a generation unit that generates the SSID, the generation unit that generates a different SSID each time the first Wi-Fi connection is disconnected;
A first communication device comprising: If a specific communication between the first communication device and the second communication device ends after the second establishment unit establishes the first Wi-Fi connection, the first - The first communication device according to claim 1 , comprising a disconnection unit that disconnects the Fi connection. The Advertise signal transmitting unit executes lower layer communication below the uppermost layer without executing the uppermost layer communication for establishing the Bluetooth logical link, and connects the Bluetooth interface. The first communication device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first communication device repeats transmitting the Advertise signal via. The first communication device further includes:
comprising a distance information receiving unit that receives first distance information related to the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device from the second communication device via the Bluetooth interface. ,
The first connection information transmitter includes:
If the first distance information indicates that the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a predetermined distance, the first connection is made via the Bluetooth interface. transmitting information to the second communication device;
When the first distance information indicates that the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than the predetermined distance, the first connection information is transmitted to the second communication device. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first communication device does not transmit to the device. The distance information receiving unit uses the Bluetooth connection, which is the Bluetooth logical link established between the first communication device and the second communication device, to receive information from the second communication device. 5. The first communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the first distance information is received via the Bluetooth interface. The first communication device further includes:
comprising a device identification information receiving unit that receives second device identification information for identifying the second communication device from the second communication device via the Bluetooth interface;
The first connection information transmitting unit transmits the first connection information when information matching the second device identification information received from the second communication device is stored in the first communication device. transmitting information to the second communication device;
If information matching the second device identification information received from the second communication device is not stored in the first communication device, the first connection information is transmitted to the second communication device. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the first communication device is not configured. The first communication device further includes:
A specific interface for performing wireless communication according to a specific communication method different from the Bluetooth method, and a distance at which wireless communication can be performed via the specific interface is a wireless communication method that is different from the Bluetooth method. the specific interface, the distance being smaller than the distance at which communication is possible;
the second connection information for enabling the third communication device to connect to the Wi-Fi network to which the first communication device belongs via the Wi-Fi interface via the specific interface; a second connection information transmitter that transmits to a third communication device;
a third request receiving unit that receives, via the Wi-Fi interface, a second Wi-Fi connection request from the third communication device that has received the second connection information;
a third establishment unit that, upon receiving the second Wi-Fi connection request from the third communication device, establishes a second Wi-Fi connection with the third communication device via the Wi-Fi interface; and,
a third device identification information receiving unit that receives third device identification information for identifying the third communication device from the third communication device;
a second device identification information receiving unit that receives second device identification information for identifying the second communication device from the second communication device via the Bluetooth interface;
Equipped with
The first connection information transmitter transmits the first connection information to the first connection information via the Bluetooth interface when it is determined that the third device identification information matches the second device identification information. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first communication device transmits to the second communication device corresponding to the third communication device. The third device identification information receiving unit receives the third device identification information from the third communication device via the Wi-Fi interface using the second Wi-Fi connection. The first communication device according to claim 7 . A computer program for a first communication device, the computer program comprising:
The first communication device includes:
a Wi-Fi interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method;
a Bluetooth interface for performing wireless communication according to version 4.0 or later of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method;
computer and
Equipped with
The computer runs the computer program into the following parts:
an Advertise signal transmitter that transmits an Advertise signal including identification information for identifying the first communication device via the Bluetooth interface;
a first request receiving unit that receives, via the Bluetooth interface, a Bluetooth connection request from a second communication device to the first communication device identified by the identification information included in the Advertise signal;
a first establishing unit that establishes a Bluetooth connection with the second communication device via the Bluetooth interface in accordance with the Bluetooth connection request received from the second communication device;
a specific signal transmitter that transmits a specific signal to inform the surroundings of the first communication device of the presence of the first communication device operating as a master station via the Wi-Fi interface;
a first connection for enabling the second communication device to connect to the Wi-Fi network to which the first communication device belongs as the master station via the Wi-Fi interface after transmitting the specific signal; a first connection information transmitter that transmits information to the second communication device using the Bluetooth connection via the Bluetooth interface;
When the first connection information is transmitted to the second communication device and the first communication device is in a state where it can operate as the master station in the Wi-Fi network, the second communication a second request receiving unit that receives a first Wi-Fi connection request including an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier) for identifying the Wi-Fi network from the device via the Wi-Fi interface; ,
a second establishing unit that, upon receiving the first Wi-Fi connection request from the second communication device, establishes a first Wi-Fi connection with the second communication device via the Wi-Fi interface; and,
a stop unit that stops transmitting the specific signal when the first Wi-Fi connection is disconnected;
a generation unit that generates the SSID, the generation unit that generates a different SSID each time the first Wi-Fi connection is disconnected;
A computer program that functions as A second communication device,
a Wi-Fi interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method;
a Bluetooth interface for performing wireless communication according to version 4.0 or later of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method;
an Advertise signal receiving unit that receives an Advertise signal including identification information for identifying the first communication device from the first communication device via the Bluetooth interface;
a first request transmitting unit that transmits a Bluetooth connection request to the first communication device identified by the identification information included in the Advertise signal to the first communication device via the Bluetooth interface;
a first establishment unit that establishes a Bluetooth connection via the Bluetooth interface with the first communication device that has received the Bluetooth connection request;
A receiving unit that receives a specific signal from the first communication device via the Wi-Fi interface, the specific signal being transmitted to the first communication device that operates as a master station around the first communication device. a specific signal receiving unit that is a signal for notifying the presence of the communication device;
After receiving the specific signal, the first communication device can connect the second communication device to the Wi-Fi network to which the first communication device belongs as the master station via the Wi-Fi interface. a connection information receiving unit that receives connection information for using the Bluetooth connection via the Bluetooth interface;
If the connection information is received from the first communication device and the first communication device is in a state capable of operating as the master station in the Wi-Fi network, , a second request transmitting unit that transmits a Wi-Fi connection request including an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier) for identifying the Wi-Fi network to the first communication device;
a second establishing unit that establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the first communication device via the Wi-Fi interface when the Wi-Fi connection request is sent to the first communication device ; - upon disconnection of the Wi-Fi connection, the transmission of the specific signal is stopped by the first communication device, and a different SSID is generated by the first communication device each time the Wi-Fi connection is disconnected; 2, an establishment part ;
A second communication device comprising:

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