Communication device and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication device and a computer-readable recording medium. When the communication device is in a response state, the communication device may cause a first wireless interface of the communication device to transmit a first signal. The response state may be a state in which a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the communication device and a terminal device. Before a Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and the terminal device, the first signal may be transmitted from the first wireless interface. When the communication device is in a non-response state, the communication device may cause the first wireless interface to transmit a second signal. The non-response state may be a state in which a Wi-Fi connection cannot be established. The second signal may be transmitted from the first wireless interface before the Bluetooth connection is established.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure discloses a technology for performing wireless communication between a communication device and a terminal device according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-280502 describes a system for performing communication between a mobile terminal and a printing device according to the Bluetooth standard and according to the Wi-Fi standard. The mobile terminal uses GATT communication of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) scheme to inquire of the printing device whether the number of Wi-Fi standard wireless connections established by the printing device (i.e., the number of other terminals that have established wireless connections with the printing device) has reached an upper limit. If the number of wireless connections with the printing device has reached the upper limit, the mobile terminal displays a confirmation screen for the user to confirm whether to establish a Wi-Fi standard wireless connection with the printing device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the technology of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-280502, in order for a mobile terminal to notify a printing device if the number of Wi-Fi wireless connections in the printing device has reached its upper limit, it is necessary to establish a BLE wireless connection for performing GATT communication between the mobile terminal and the printing device. This disclosure provides a technology that can immediately notify a terminal device of the status of a communication device.

[0004] The communication device disclosed in the present disclosure may include: a first wireless interface, which is configured to perform wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard; a second wireless interface, which is configured to perform wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a first interface control unit, which is configured to cause the first wireless interface to send a first signal when the state of the communication device is a response state, the response state being a state in which a Wi-Fi connection as a wireless connection via the second wireless interface can be established between the communication device and the terminal device, and the first signal is sent from the first wireless interface before a Bluetooth connection as a wireless connection via the first wireless interface is established between the communication device and the terminal device; and a second interface control unit, which is configured to cause the first wireless interface to send a second signal different from the first signal when the state of the communication device is a non-response state, the non-response state being a state in which a Wi-Fi connection cannot be established between the communication device and the terminal device, and the second signal is sent from the first wireless interface before a Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and the terminal device.

[0005] According to the aforementioned configuration, before establishing a Bluetooth connection with the terminal device, the communication device transmits a first signal indicating that the communication device is in an answering state, or a second signal indicating that the communication device is in a non-answering state, via the first wireless interface. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a signal indicating the communication device's state is transmitted after establishing a Bluetooth connection, the communication device can notify the terminal device of its state more quickly.

[0006] The communication device may further include: a connection information communication unit configured to, when a Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and the terminal device in response to the terminal device receiving the first signal, perform connection information communication with the terminal device via the first wireless interface using the Bluetooth connection, the connection information being used to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the communication device and the terminal device; and an establishing unit configured to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the communication device and the terminal device when performing connection information communication with the terminal device.

[0007] The communication device may be configured to form a mother station network, which is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and wherein the communication device operates as a mother station. The non-response state may include a first non-response state in which the number of slave stations belonging to the mother station network is equal to an upper limit.

[0008] The non-response state may further include a second non-response state in which the number of slave stations belonging to the mother station network is less than an upper limit and a first belonging process for making the external device belong to the mother station network as a slave station is being executed.

[0009] The second interface control unit can be configured to: when the state of the communication device is a first non-response state, enable the first wireless interface to send a second signal including first status information, wherein the first status information indicates that the number of substations belonging to the mother station network is equal to an upper limit; and when the state of the communication device is a second non-response state, enable the first wireless interface to send a second signal including second status information, wherein the second status information indicates that the first belonging processing is being executed.

[0010] The upper limit may be a predetermined integer greater than or equal to 2. The second interface control unit may be configured to: cause the first wireless interface to transmit a second signal including second status information when the state of the communication device is a second non-response state in which the number of substations belonging to the mother station network is less than a specific number less than one by the upper limit and the first home process is being executed; and cause the first wireless interface to transmit the second signal including the first status information when the state of the communication device is a second non-response state in which the number of substations belonging to the mother station network is equal to the specific number and the first home process is being executed.

[0011] The non-answer state may include a third non-answer state in which a second home process is being executed, the second home process being used to make the communication device belong as a slave to an AP network which is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard and in which the access point operates as a master station.

[0012] The first interface control unit may be configured to cause the first wireless interface to transmit a first signal including the IP address of the communication device used in the AP network when the communication device is in a response state and the communication device belongs to a wireless network that is in the Wi-Fi standard as a slave station and in which the access point operates as a master station. The second interface control unit may be configured to cause the first wireless interface to transmit a second signal including the IP address of the communication device used in the AP network when the communication device is in a non-response state and the communication device belongs to the AP network as a slave station.

[0013] The first signal may be an ADV_IND signal according to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scheme of the Bluetooth standard, and the second signal may be an ADV_NONCONN_IND signal according to the BLE scheme.

[0014] The present disclosure discloses a computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for a terminal device. The terminal device may include: a first wireless interface configured to perform wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard; a second wireless interface configured to perform wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a display unit; and a processor, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the terminal device to function as: a first receiving unit that receives a first signal from a first communication device via the first wireless interface when the first communication device is in an answering state, the first communication device being one of a plurality of communication devices present around the terminal device, the answering state being a state in which a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the first communication device and the terminal device as a wireless connection via the second wireless interface, and the first signal being a signal established between the first communication device and the terminal device as a wireless connection via the first wireless interface. The wireless connection is received via the first wireless interface before the Bluetooth connection is established; a second receiving unit, which is configured to receive a second signal different from the first signal from the second communication device via the first wireless interface when the state of the second communication device different from the first communication device among multiple communication devices is a non-response state, the non-response state is a state where a Wi-Fi connection cannot be established between the second communication device and the terminal device, and the second signal is received via the first wireless interface before the Bluetooth connection is established between the second communication device and the terminal device; and a display control unit, which is configured to give priority to the second device information related to the second communication device as the sender of the second signal, and display the first device information related to the first communication device as the sender of the first signal on the display unit.

[0015] According to the aforementioned configuration, the terminal device receives a first signal indicating that the first communication device is in an answering state from the first communication device before establishing a Bluetooth connection with the first communication device, and receives a second signal indicating that the second communication device is in a non-answering state from the second communication device before establishing a Bluetooth connection with the second communication device. For this reason, the terminal device can know the status of each communication device more quickly than a configuration in which a signal indicating the status of each communication device is sent after the Bluetooth connection is established. The terminal device then displays the first device information related to the first communication device that is the sender of the first signal indicating that the first communication device is in an answering state, over the second device information related to the second communication device that is the sender of the second signal indicating that the second communication device is in a non-answering state. As a result, the user can appropriately recognize that the first communication device is capable of establishing a Wi-Fi connection.

[0016] The computer-readable instructions can also cause the terminal device to function as: a connection information communication unit configured to, when a Bluetooth connection is established between the first communication device and the terminal device in response to the displayed first device information being selected by a user, communicate connection information with the first communication device via the first wireless interface using a Bluetooth connection, the connection information being used to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the first communication device and the terminal device; and an establishment unit configured to, when the connection information communication is performed with the first communication device, establish a Wi-Fi connection between the first communication device and the terminal device.

[0017] The second signal may include status information indicating a reason why the state of the second communication device is the non-answer state. The display control unit may be configured to display the second device information and the status information in association with each other on the display unit.

[0018] The second communication device may be configured to form a first mother station network, the first mother station network being a Wi-Fi wireless network in which the second communication device operates as a mother station, and the second signal received from the second communication device may include first status information indicating that the number of slave stations belonging to the first mother station network is equal to an upper limit. The second receiving unit may be further configured to receive a second signal from a third communication device via the first wireless interface when a third communication device, different from the first and second communication devices, among the plurality of communication devices is in a non-response state. The third communication device may be configured to form a second mother station network, the second mother station network being a Wi-Fi wireless network in which the third communication device operates as a mother station, and the second signal received from the third communication device may include second status information indicating that a first homing process is in progress, and the first homing process may be used to cause an external device to belong to the second mother station network as a slave station. The display control unit may be configured to display third device information related to the third communication device, the sender of the second signal including the first status information, on the display unit, prior to second device information related to the second communication device, the sender of the second signal including the first status information.

[0019] In the case where the second communication device belongs as a substation to a first AP network that is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi standard and in which the first access point operates as a master station, the second signal received from the second communication device may include the first IP address of the second communication device, and the first IP address is used in the first AP network. The computer-readable instructions may also cause the terminal device to function as: a first judgment unit configured to use the first IP address included in the second signal received from the second communication device to determine whether the terminal device belongs as a substation to the first AP network. In the case where the third communication device belongs as a substation to a second AP network that is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi standard and in which the second access point operates as a master station, the second signal received from the third communication device may include the second IP address of the third communication device, and the second IP address is used in the second AP network. The first judgment unit may also be configured to use the second IP address included in the second signal received from the third communication device to determine whether the terminal device belongs as a substation to the second AP network. The display control unit can be configured to: when it is judged that the terminal device does not belong to the first AP network as a substation and when it is judged that the terminal device does not belong to the second AP network as a substation, display the third device information on the display unit in priority to the second device information; when it is judged that the terminal device does not belong to the first AP network as a substation and when it is judged that the terminal device belongs to the second AP network as a substation, display the third device information on the display unit in priority to the second device information; and when it is judged that the terminal device belongs to the first AP network as a substation and when it is judged that the terminal device does not belong to the second AP network as a substation, display the second device information on the display unit in priority to the third device information.

[0020] The second signal received from the second communication device may include third status information indicating that a second homing process is in progress. The second homing process may be used to cause the second communication device to belong to an AP network that is a Wi-Fi wireless network and in which an access point operates as a master station. The second receiving unit may be further configured to receive the second signal from the third communication device via the first wireless interface when a third communication device, different from the first and second communication devices, among the plurality of communication devices is in a non-response state. The third communication device may be configured to establish a wireless connection in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard and operate as a master station in a master network. The second signal received from the third communication device may include second status information indicating that the first homing process is in progress. The first homing process may be used to cause the external device to belong to the master network as a slave station. The display control unit may be configured to display third device information related to the third communication device, which is the sender of the second signal including the third status information, on the display unit, prior to second device information related to the second communication device, which is the sender of the second signal including the third status information.

[0021] The second communication device may be configured to form a mother station network in a wireless network that complies with the Wi-Fi standard and in which the second communication device operates as a mother station, and the second signal received from the second communication device may include first status information indicating that the number of slave stations belonging to the mother station network is equal to an upper limit. The second receiving unit may also be configured to receive a second signal from the third communication device via the first wireless interface when a third communication device, different from the first and second communication devices, among the plurality of communication devices is in a non-response state. The second signal received from the third communication device may include third status information indicating that a second homing process is being executed, which may be used to cause the third communication device to belong as a slave station to an AP network in a wireless network that complies with the Wi-Fi standard and in which an access point operates as a mother station. The display control unit may be configured to display third device information related to the third communication device, as the sender of the second signal that includes the first status information, on the display unit, prioritizing second device information related to the second communication device, as the sender of the second signal that includes the first status information.

[0022] When a first communication device is operating as a slave station in a third AP network that is a wireless network that complies with the Wi-Fi standard and in which a third access point operates as a master station, the first signal received from the first communication device may include a third IP address of the first communication device, which is used in the third AP network. The computer-readable instructions further cause the terminal device to function as a second determination unit configured to use the third IP address included in the first signal received from the first communication device to determine whether the terminal device is operating as a slave station in the third AP network. The first receiving unit may be configured to receive a first signal from a fourth communication device via the first wireless interface when a fourth communication device, different from the first and second communication devices, among the plurality of communication devices is in a reply state. When the fourth communication device is operating as a slave station in a fourth AP network that is a wireless network that complies with the Wi-Fi standard and in which a fourth access point operates as a master station, the first signal received from the fourth communication device may include a fourth IP address of the fourth communication device, which is used in the fourth AP network. The second determination unit may also be configured to use the fourth IP address included in the first signal received from the fourth communication device to determine whether the terminal device is operating as a slave station in the fourth AP network. The display control unit can be configured to, when it is determined that the terminal device belongs to the third AP network as a substation and when it is determined that the terminal device does not belong to the fourth AP network as a substation, display the first device information related to the first communication device belonging to the third AP network on the display unit, taking precedence over the fourth device information related to the fourth communication device belonging to the fourth AP network.

[0023] The first signal may be an ADV_IND signal according to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scheme of the Bluetooth standard, and the second signal may be an ADV_NONCONN_IND signal according to the BLE scheme.

[0024] A computer program for implementing the aforementioned communication device, a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, and methods implemented by the aforementioned communication device are also novel and useful. A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for the aforementioned terminal device, the aforementioned terminal device itself, and methods implemented by the aforementioned terminal device are also novel and useful. Furthermore, a system including the aforementioned communication device and terminal device is also novel and useful. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Shows the configuration of the communication system.

[0026] Figure 2 A flowchart showing the BT control process of the printer is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 A flowchart showing the display processing of the terminal is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A sequence diagram showing a specific case.

[0029] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A sequence diagram of the continuation of .

[0030] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 Sequence diagram for case A where the continuation and selection of model name "AAA" are performed.

[0031] Figure 7 Sequence diagrams of Case B in which the model name "CCC" is selected and Case C in which the model name "EEE" is selected are shown. Specific embodiments

[0032] (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1 )

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 2 includes a terminal group 10 composed of a plurality of terminals including a terminal 10A, a plurality of access points 50A and 50B, and a printer group 100 composed of a plurality of printers including a printer 100A, etc. In this embodiment, a user causes any printer included in the printer group 100 to execute printing by using the terminal 10A.

[0034] Terminal 10A specifically performs wireless communication with each printer using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scheme of the Bluetooth (BT, registered trademark) standard (hereinafter referred to as "BLE communication") and displays a selection screen for selecting a printer to perform printing. Then, if a printer is selected in the selection screen, terminal 10A transmits print data representing the image to be printed to the selected printer using wireless communication using the Wi-Fi standard (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi communication"). The reason terminal 10A transmits print data to the printer using Wi-Fi communication rather than BLE communication is that the communication speed of Wi-Fi communication is generally faster than that of BLE communication.

[0035] Hereinafter, an access point is referred to as an "AP." Each AP 50A, 50B is a general AP called a wireless LAN access point, a wireless LAN router, a Wi-Fi router, or the like. Each AP 50A, 50B is not a master station (i.e., a SoftAP, a group owner, etc.) of a so-called SoftAP scheme, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD, registered trademark) scheme, or the like.

[0036] (Configuration of Terminal 10A)

[0037] The configuration of the terminal 10A of the terminal group 10 will be described. The other terminals in the terminal group 10 include the same configuration as the terminal 10A. The terminal 10A is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, a tablet computer, etc. The terminal 10A includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a Bluetooth (BT, registered trademark) interface 20, a Wi-Fi interface 22, and a controller 30. The units 12 to 30 are connected to a bus (reference numerals omitted).

[0038] The operating unit 12 includes one or more buttons. The operating unit 12 is configured to receive various instructions from the user. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various types of information. The display unit 14 also serves as a touch screen (i.e., an operating unit) that receives instructions from the user.

[0039] Hereinafter, an interface is referred to as an "I / F". The BT I / F 20 is a wireless I / F for performing BLE communication. The BLE scheme is a wireless communication scheme based on IEEE 802.15.1 and standards conforming to IEEE 802.15.1, and in particular, a scheme implemented in BT standard version 4.0 or higher. The BT I / F 20 is configured to perform communication of various signals defined by the BLE scheme. In this embodiment, the BT I / F 20 is configured to perform communication of an ADV_IND signal, an ADV_NONCONN_IND signal, and a CONNECT_IND signal.

[0040] Each of the aforementioned signals is transmitted before establishing a wireless connection according to the BT standard (hereinafter referred to as a "BT connection"). A BT connection may also be referred to as a Logical Link Control and Application Protocol (L2CAP) link. The ADV_IND signal is a signal used to notify that a BT connection can be established. The ADV_NONCONN_IND signal is a signal used to notify that a BT connection cannot be established. The CONNECT_IND signal is a signal transmitted after the ADV_IND signal and is a signal used to establish a BT connection.

[0041] The Wi-Fi I / F 22 is a wireless I / F for performing Wi-Fi communication. The Wi-Fi standard is a wireless communication standard based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11 and standards conforming to it (e.g., 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, etc.). The terminal 10A establishes a wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as "AP connection") with an AP (e.g., 50A) via the Wi-Fi I / F 22 and can belong to a wireless network (hereinafter referred to as "APNW") as a slave station in which the AP operates as a master station.

[0042] The Wi-Fi I / F 22 particularly supports the WFD scheme developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD scheme is a wireless communication scheme described in the standard document "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The terminal 10A establishes a wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as "WFD connection") with the printer (for example, 100A) via the Wi-Fi I / F 22, and can be connected to a wireless network (hereinafter referred to as "WFDNW") as a substation (that is, a client of the WFD scheme), in which the printer operates as a parent station (that is, a group owner of the WFD scheme). In the following, the group owner and the client are referred to as "G / O" and "CL", respectively.

[0043] The differences between Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication 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 BLE communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 24 Mbps). The frequency of the carrier wave in Wi-Fi communication is the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The frequency of the carrier wave in BLE communication is the 2.4 GHz band. In addition, the maximum distance over which Wi-Fi communication can be performed (for example, approximately 100 meters) is greater than the maximum distance over which BLE communication can be performed (for example, approximately several tens of meters).

[0044] The controller 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to programs 40, 42 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, etc., and stores an operating system (OS) program 40 (hereinafter referred to as "OS 40") and a printer application 42 (hereinafter referred to as "application 42").

[0045] The OS 40 is a program for controlling the basic operations of the terminal 10A and is, for example, iOS (registered trademark) or Android (registered trademark). The application 42 is an application for communicating with the printer group 100BT, displaying the aforementioned selection screen, and transmitting print data to the selected printer. The application 42 can be installed on the terminal 10A, for example, from a server on the Internet provided by the supplier of the printer group 100, or from a medium shipped with any of the printers.

[0046] (Configuration of Printer 100A)

[0047] The configuration of printer 100A in printer group 100 will be described. The other printers in printer group 100 have the same configuration as printer 100A. Printer 100A is a peripheral device configured to perform a printing function (e.g., a peripheral device of terminal 10A). Printer 100A includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a print execution unit 116, a BT I / F 120, a Wi-Fi I / F 122, and a controller 130.

[0048] The operation unit 112 includes one or more buttons. The operation unit 112 is configured to receive various instructions from the user. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various types of information. The display unit 114 also serves as a touch screen (i.e., an operation unit) for receiving instructions from the user. The print execution unit 116 includes a printing mechanism using an inkjet scheme, a laser scheme, or the like.

[0049] The BT I / F 120 is the same as the BT I / F 20 of the terminal 10A. That is, the BT I / F 120 supports the BLE scheme. The Wi-Fi I / F 122 is the same as the Wi-Fi I / F 22 of the terminal 10A. That is, the Wi-Fi I / F 122 supports the WFD scheme.

[0050] The printer 100A can establish an AP connection with an AP (e.g., 50A) via the Wi-Fi I / F 122 and belong to an APNW as a slave station, in which the AP operates as a master station. In addition, when the power of the printer 100A is turned on, the printer 100A operates as a G / O of the WFD scheme. The printer 100A can establish a WFD connection with a terminal (e.g., 10A) via the Wi-Fi I / F 122 and make the terminal belong to a WFDNW as a slave station (i.e., CL) in which the printer 100A operates as a master station (i.e., G / O). The upper limit of the number of slave stations that can belong to a WFDNW in which the printer 100A operates as a master station is predetermined and is "2" in the present embodiment. In a variant, the upper limit may be "1", or an integer of "3" or greater.

[0051] The controller 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes according to a program 140 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is configured by a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, or the like.

[0052] (BT control processing of the printer 100A: Figure 2 )

[0053] Will refer to Figure 2 The BT control process executed by the CPU 132 of the printer 100A is described. The other printers in the printer group 100 execute the BT control process in the same manner as the printer 100A. The BT control process is started with the power of the printer 100A being turned on as a trigger.

[0054] In S10, the CPU 132 determines whether the number of CLs currently belonging to the WFDNW in which the printer 100A is operating as a G / O is equal to the upper limit (i.e., "2"). When a CL belongs to the WFDNW, the CPU 132 stores the CL's information (e.g., MAC address) in the memory 134. When the CL leaves the WFDNW, the CPU 132 deletes the CL's information from the memory 134. If the number of CL information stored in the memory 134 is "2," the CPU 132 determines that the number of CLs is equal to the upper limit (Yes in S10) and proceeds to S20. If the number of CL information is "0" or "1," the CPU 132 determines that the number of CLs is not equal to the upper limit (No in S10) and proceeds to S30.

[0055] In S20, the CPU 132 determines whether the printer 100A has established an AP connection with any AP (e.g., 50A). That is, the CPU 132 determines whether the printer 100A currently belongs to the APNW as a slave station. When the printer 100A belongs to the APNW, the CPU 132 stores, in the memory 134, belonging information indicating that the printer 100A belongs to the APNW. When the printer 100A leaves the APNW, the CPU 132 stores, in the memory 134, non-belonging information indicating that the printer 100A does not belong to the APNW. In the case where the belonging information is stored in the memory 134, the CPU 132 determines that the AP connection has been established (Yes in S20), and proceeds to S22. In the case where the non-belonging information is stored in the memory 134, the CPU 132 determines that the AP connection has not yet been established (No in S20), and proceeds to S24.

[0056] In S22, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 120 to transmit an ADV_NONCONN_IND signal (hereinafter referred to as an "ANI signal") including the status information "CLMAX" and the IP address "IPA" of the printer 100A to be used in the APNW to which the printer 100A currently belongs. Consequently, the BT I / F 120 repeatedly transmits this ANI signal. In the processes of S24, S42, S44, S62, and S64, described later, the BT I / F 120 also repeatedly transmits signals to the BT I / F 120 in response to this instruction. Although not shown in S22, the ANI signal also includes the model name "AAA" of the printer 100A. This applies to the ANI signal and the ADV_IND signal described below.

[0057] The status information "CLMAX" indicates that the number of CLs currently belonging to the WFD NW in which the printer 100A is operating as a G / O has reached the upper limit. If the printer 100A reaches CLMAX, the printer 100A cannot establish a new WFD connection with the terminal 10A. Therefore, if the CLMAX is reached (YES in S10), the printer 100A notifies the terminal 10A that the WFD connection cannot be established by transmitting an ANI signal.

[0058] The IP address "IPA" is assigned by, for example, the AP when the printer 100A belongs to an APNW and is stored in the memory 134. In S22, the CPU 132 retrieves the IP address "IPA" from the memory 134 and instructs the BT I / F 120 to transmit an ANI signal including the retrieved IP address "IPA." Since the ANI signal includes the IP address "IPA" of the printer 100A, the terminal 10A can recognize that the printer 100A belongs to the APNW and, using the IP address "IPA," determine whether the terminal 10A and the printer 100A belong to the same APNW. When S22 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0059] In S24, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 120 to transmit an ANI signal including the status information "CLMAX." This ANI signal does not include the IP address of the printer 100A. When S24 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0060] In S30, the CPU 132 determines whether the printer 100A is currently executing processing for establishing a WFD data connection with any terminal (hereinafter referred to as "WFD processing"). WFD processing is the process performed between receiving a CONNECT_IND signal from any terminal in response to the transmission of an ADV_IND signal and establishing a WFD connection with the terminal. If WFD processing is currently executing, the CPU 132 determines "yes" in S30 and proceeds to S32. If WFD processing is not currently executing, the CPU 132 determines "no" in S30 and proceeds to S50.

[0061] In S32, the CPU 132 determines whether the number of CLs currently belonging to the WFDNW in which the printer 100A is operating as the G / O is equal to "upper limit - 1 (i.e., "1")". In a case where the number of CL information items stored in the memory 134 is "1", the CPU 132 determines that the number of CLs is equal to "upper limit - 1" (Yes in S32), and proceeds to S20. In a case where the number of CL information items is "0", the CPU 132 determines that the number of CLs is not equal to "upper limit - 1" (No in S32), and proceeds to S40.

[0062] S40 is the same as S20. In the case of judging that the AP connection has been established (Yes in S40), the CPU 132 proceeds to S42, and in the case of judging that the AP connection has not been established (No in S40), proceeds to S44.

[0063] In S42, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 20 to transmit an ANI signal including the status information "WFD processing" and the IP address "IPA" of the printer 100A to be used in the APNW to which the printer 100A currently belongs. The status information "WFD processing" indicates that the printer 100A is currently executing the WFD processing. While the printer 100A is currently executing the WFD processing, the printer 100A cannot establish a new WFD connection with the terminal 10A until the WFD processing is completed. Therefore, if the printer 100A is currently executing the WFD processing (YES in S30), the printer 100A notifies the terminal 10A that the WFD connection cannot be established by transmitting the ANI signal. When S42 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0064] In S44, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 120 to transmit an ANI signal including the status information "WFD processing." This ANI signal does not include the IP address of the printer 100A. When S44 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0065] In S50, the CPU 132 determines whether the printer 100A is currently executing processing for establishing an AP connection with any AP (hereinafter referred to as "AP processing"). AP processing is processing performed between the operation unit 112 receiving an instruction for establishing an AP connection and the establishment of the AP connection. If the AP processing is currently being executed, the CPU 132 determines yes in S50 and proceeds to S52. If the AP processing is not currently being executed, the CPU 132 determines no in S50 and proceeds to S60.

[0066] In S52, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 120 to transmit an ANI signal including the status information "AP Processing." The status information "AP Processing" indicates that the printer 100A is currently executing AP processing. While the printer 100A is currently executing AP processing, the printer 100A cannot establish a WFD connection with the terminal 10A until the AP processing is completed. Therefore, if the printer 100A is currently executing AP processing (YES in S50), the printer 100A notifies the terminal 10A that the WFD connection cannot be established by transmitting an ANI signal. When S52 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0067] S60 is the same as S20. In the case of judging that the AP connection has been established (Yes in S60), the CPU 132 proceeds to S62, and in the case of judging that the AP connection has not been established (No in S60), proceeds to S64.

[0068] In S62, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 20 to transmit an ADV_IND signal (hereinafter referred to as an "AI signal") including the IP address "IPA" of the printer 100A to be used in the APNW to which the printer 100A currently belongs. If the printer 100A is not CLMAX or is not performing WFD processing or AP processing (No in S10, No in S30, No in S50), the printer 100A can immediately establish a WFD connection with the terminal 10A. To this end, the printer 100A notifies the terminal 10A that the WFD connection can be established by transmitting the AI ​​signal. When S62 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0069] In S64, the CPU 132 instructs the BT I / F 120 to transmit an AI signal. The AI ​​signal does not include the IP address of the printer 100A. When S64 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0070] (Display processing of terminal 10A: Figure 3 )

[0071] Will refer to Figure 3 The display process executed by the CPU 32 of the terminal 10A will be described. The display process is implemented by the CPU 32 executing the application 42. The display process is started with activation of the application 42 as a trigger.

[0072] In S100, the CPU 32 monitors an ANI signal or an AI signal received from any printer via the BT I / F 20. If an ANI signal or an AI signal is received, the CPU 32 determines YES in S100 and proceeds to S110. Hereinafter, the signal received in S100 is referred to as an "object signal."

[0073] In S110, the CPU 32 determines whether the target signal includes an IP address. If the target signal includes an IP address (Yes in S110), the CPU 32 proceeds to S112, and if the target signal does not include an IP address (No in S110), the CPU 32 proceeds to S130.

[0074] In S112, the CPU 32 instructs the Wi-Fi I / F 22 to transmit a confirmation signal including the IP address included as the destination address in the object signal. If the Wi-Fi I / F 22 has already established an AP connection with any AP, the Wi-Fi I / F 22 transmits the confirmation signal to the AP. If the Wi-Fi I / F 22 has not established an AP connection with any AP, the Wi-Fi I / F 22 does not transmit the confirmation signal. The confirmation signal is, for example, a PING signal.

[0075] In S114, in response to the instruction to the Wi-Fi I / F 22 in S112, the CPU 32 determines whether a response signal has been received via the Wi-Fi I / F 22. If a response signal has been received, the CPU 32 determines "yes" in S114 and proceeds to S120. Receipt of a response signal means that the terminal 10A and the printer that sent the target signal belong to the same APNW. On the other hand, if a response signal has not been received even after a predetermined time has passed since the confirmation signal was sent, the CPU 32 determines "no" in S114 and proceeds to S130.

[0076] In S120, the CPU 32 determines whether the target signal is an AI signal. If the target signal is an AI signal, the CPU 32 determines yes in S120 and proceeds to S122. If the target signal is an ANI signal, the CPU 32 determines no in S120 and proceeds to S124.

[0077] In S122, the CPU 32 stores the model name and the first rank included in the object signal in memory 34, in association with each other. The smaller the rank number, the higher the rank. That is, the first rank is the highest rank, and in this embodiment, the sixth rank is the lowest rank. In other words, the rank indicates the rank of printers that can immediately execute printing. When S122 ends, the process returns to S100.

[0078] In S124, the CPU 32 stores the model name and the second sequence included in the object signal in association with each other in the memory 34. When S124 ends, the process returns to S100.

[0079] Here, the reason why the priority of S122 is higher than that of S124 will be described. The printer that sends the ANI signal is performing WFD processing or AP processing, or has established a WFD connection with two terminals (ie, CLMAX) (see Figure 2 S22, S24, S42, S44 of the preceding steps). The printer may not be able to start printing immediately in response to the request from the terminal 10A. This is because, in the case where WFD processing or AP processing is being executed, printing is started after this processing is completed. In addition, in the case of CLMAX, this is because printing may be in progress in response to a request from another terminal, and it is necessary to wait until the printing is completed. On the other hand, the printer that issues the AI ​​signal is likely to start printing immediately in response to the request from the terminal 10A. For this reason, the priority of the printer that issues the AI ​​signal (i.e., the priority of S122) is higher than the priority of the printer that issues the ANI signal (i.e., the priority of S124).

[0080] S130 is the same as S120. If the target signal is an AI signal, the CPU 32 determines yes in S130 and proceeds to S132, while if the target signal is an ANI signal, the CPU 32 determines no in S130 and proceeds to S134.

[0081] In S132, the CPU 32 stores the model name and the third rank included in the object signal in association with each other in the memory 34. When S132 ends, the process returns to S100.

[0082] In S134, the CPU 32 checks the status information included in the target signal and determines the ranking. If the status information is "WFD processing," the CPU 32 determines the ranking to be fourth; if the status information is "AP processing," the CPU 32 determines the ranking to be fifth; and if the status information is "CLMAX," the CPU 32 determines the ranking to be sixth. The CPU 32 then associates the model name included in the target signal with the determined ranking in the memory 34. When S134 ends, the process returns to S100.

[0083] Here, the reason why the priority of S122 and S124 is higher than that of S132 and S134 will be described. In the case where the terminal 10A and the printer that sends the object signal belong to the same APNW (i.e., yes in S114), the terminal 10A and the printer can perform print data communication by using the APNW (i.e., via the AP) without establishing a WFD connection. For this reason, the printer can immediately receive print data from the terminal 10A, and therefore can immediately perform printing. On the other hand, in the case where the terminal 10A and the printer that sends the object signal do not belong to the same APNW (i.e., no in S110 or no in S114), after establishing the WFD connection, the terminal 10A and the printer perform print data communication by using the WFDNW. Therefore, it takes time to perform the process of establishing the WFD connection. For this reason, the order of printers belonging to the same APNW as the terminal 10A (ie, the order of S122 and S124) is higher than the order of printers not belonging to the same APNW as the terminal 10A (ie, the order of S132 and S134).

[0084] In addition, the reason why the priority of S132 is higher than that of S134 is as follows. In the case where the printer that sends the ANI signal is performing WFD processing or AP processing, the printer cannot establish a WFD connection with the terminal 10A unless the processing is completed. In addition, in the case where the printer that sends the ANI signal is CLMAX, the printer cannot first establish a WFD connection with the terminal 10A, and cannot perform communication of print data with the terminal 10A by using WFDNW. On the other hand, the printer that sends the AI ​​signal is likely to immediately start the WFD processing of establishing a WFD connection with the terminal 10A. For this reason, the priority of the printer that sends the AI ​​signal (i.e., the priority of S132) is higher than the priority of the printer that sends the ANI signal (i.e., the priority of S134).

[0085] The reason for determining each rank of S134 as described above is as follows. The time required for WFD processing is generally shorter than the time required for AP processing. For this reason, the rank corresponding to WFD processing (i.e., the fourth rank) is higher than the rank corresponding to AP processing (i.e., the fifth rank). In addition, as described above, a printer that is CLMAX cannot perform print data communication with terminal 10A. For this reason, the rank corresponding to WFD processing or AP processing (i.e., the fourth rank or the fifth rank) is higher than the rank corresponding to CLMAX (i.e., the sixth rank).

[0086] In S140, the CPU 32 monitors whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the activation of the application 42. In a case where the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 32 determines YES in S140 and proceeds to S150.

[0087] In S150, the CPU 32 displays a selection screen including the model name on the display unit 14 based on the information stored in the memory 34 in S122, etc. Specifically, the CPU 32 generates a selection screen so that the model name associated with the higher rank is located at the top, and displays the generated selection screen on the display unit 14. In addition, the CPU 32 displays the status information in association with each model name. Specifically, the CPU 32 displays the character string "Same NW" in association with the first rank and / or second rank model name. The CPU 32 displays the character string "Waiting" in association with the third rank model name, displays the character string "Execute WFD processing" in association with the fourth rank model name, displays the character string "Execute AP processing" in association with the fifth rank model name, and displays the character string "CLMAX" in association with the sixth rank model name. When S150 ends, Figure 3 The display processing is completed.

[0088] (Specific case: Figure 4 )

[0089] Next, we will refer to Figure 4-7 A specific case performed by the terminal 10A and the plurality of printers 100A to 100F included in the printer group 100 is described. Figures 4 to 7 The processing is mainly done by Figures 2 to 3 The processing is implemented. Figures 4 to 7 In the figure, BT communication and Wi-Fi communication between devices are represented by dotted lines and solid lines respectively.

[0090] The terminal 10A has already established an AP connection with the AP 50A. In addition, the printer 100A has also established an AP connection with the AP 50A. That is, the terminal 10A and the printer 100A belong to the same APNW. In T100, the terminal 10A receives the operation of application activation ( Figure 3 (triggering of processing).

[0091] The printer 100A does not establish a WFD connection with any terminal ( Figure 2 In the example, the printer 100A sends an AI signal including the IP address "IPA" of the printer 100A and the model name "AAA" of the printer 100A (Yes in S60 and S62).

[0092] When the AI ​​signal is received from the printer 100A ( Figure 3 In step S100 (Yes), the terminal 10A judges that the AI ​​signal includes the IP address “IPA” (Yes in S110), and in step T120, transmits a confirmation signal including the IP address “IPA” as a destination address to the AP 50A (S112).

[0093] When receiving the confirmation signal from the terminal 10A via the AP 50A in T120, the printer 100A transmits a response signal (different from the response signal) to the terminal 10A via the AP 50A in T122. Figure 3 processing).

[0094] When receiving the response signal from the printer 100A via the AP 50A in T122 (YES in S114 ), the terminal 10A stores the model name “AAA” and the first rank in association with each other in T130 (YES in S120 , S122 ).

[0095] The printer 100B also establishes an AP connection with the AP 50A. The printer 100B also establishes a WFD connection with each of the two terminals 10B and 10C. That is, the printer 100B is a CLMAX ( Figure 2For this purpose, at T210 , the printer 100B transmits an ANI signal including the status information “CLMAX”, the IP address “IPB” of the printer 100B, and the model name “BBB” of the printer 100B (Yes in S20 and S22 ).

[0096] T220 and T222 are the same as T120 and T122, except that the printer 100B is used instead of the printer 100A. When a response signal is received from the printer 100B via the AP 50A in T222 ( Figure 3 , the terminal 10A stores the model name "BBB" and the second rank in association with each other in T230 (No in S120, S124).

[0097] ( Figure 4 Continuation of: Figure 5 )

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the printer 100C has established an AP connection with the AP 50B which is different from the AP 50A. That is, the printer 100C belongs to an APNW which is different from the APNW to which the terminal 10A belongs. In T310, the printer 100C sends an AI signal including the IP address "IPC" of the printer 100C and the model name "CCC" of the printer 100C ( Figure 2 No in S10, No in S30, No in S50, Yes in S60 and S62).

[0099] When the AI ​​signal is received from the printer 100C in T310 ( Figure 3 The terminal 10A determines that the response signal has not been received (Yes in S100 of FIG. 1 ), and transmits a confirmation signal including the IP address "IPC" as the destination address to the AP 50B at T320 (Yes in S110 and S112). The terminal 10A then determines that no response signal has been received (No in S114), and stores the model name "CCC" and the third digit in association with each other at T330 (Yes in S130 and S132).

[0100] The printer 100D also establishes an AP connection with the AP 50B which is different from the AP 50A. The printer 100D is executing the WFD process ( Figure 2 To this end, at T410 , the printer 100D transmits an ANI signal including the status information “WFD processing”, the IP address “IPD” of the printer 100D, and the model name “DDD” of the printer 100D (No in S32 , Yes in S40 and S42 ).

[0101] When the ANI signal is received from the printer 100D in T410 ( Figure 3 In the event that the response signal is not received (Yes in S100), the terminal 10A transmits a confirmation signal including the IP address "IPD" as the destination address to the AP 50B at T420 (Yes in S110 and S112). The terminal 10A then determines that no response signal has been received (No in S114), and stores the model name "DDD" corresponding to the status information "WFD processing" and the fourth rank in association with each other at T430 (No in S130 and S134).

[0102] The printer 100E is executing AP processing for establishing an AP connection with the AP 50B (No in S10, No in S30, Yes in S50). To this end, in T510, the printer 100E transmits an ANI signal including status information "AP processing" and the model name "EEE" of the printer 100E (S52).

[0103] When the ANI signal is received from the printer 100E in T510 ( Figure 3 The terminal 10A stores the model name "EEE" and the fifth rank in association with each other according to the status information "AP processing" at T530 (No in S110, No in S130, S134).

[0104] ( Figure 5 Continuation of: Figure 6 )

[0105] like Figure 6 As shown, printer 100F has already established a WFD connection with terminal 10E and is executing WFD processing for establishing a WFD connection with terminal 10F (No in S10, Yes in S30). That is, when the CL number belonging to the WFDNW in which printer 100F operates as a G / O is "upper limit - 1", printer 100F executes WFD processing. To this end, at T610, printer 100F sends an ANI signal including status information "CLMAX" and the model name "FFF" of printer 100F (Yes in S32, No in S20 and S24). As just described, when printer 100F is not CLMAX but will soon become CLMAX (i.e., when a WFD connection cannot be established with terminal 10A), printer 100F sends an ANI signal including status information "CLMAX". Therefore, the user of terminal 10A can be prevented from selecting printer 100F that cannot establish a WFD connection.

[0106] When an ANI signal is received from the printer 100 in T610 ( Figure 3The terminal 10A stores the model name "FFF" and the sixth rank corresponding to the status information "CLMAX" in association with each other in T630 (No in S110, No in S130, S134).

[0107] When receiving and processing the AI ​​and ANI signals from all printers 100A to 100F, terminal 10A displays a selection screen (S150) including each model name "AAA" to "FFF" and its corresponding status information according to the determined ranking. Thus, the user can know the ranking of each printer and the status information of each printer.

[0108] (Case A: Figure 6 )

[0109] In case A, the terminal 10A accepts the user's selection of the model name "AAA" in the selection screen in T700. In this case, the terminal 10A sends the print data having the IP address "IPA" to the printer 100A via the AP 50A in T710 (see Figure 4 T110) as the destination address (different from Figure 3 processing).

[0110] When receiving the print data from the terminal 10A via the AP 50A in T710, the printer 100A executes printing of the image represented by the print data in T720 (different from the printing operation). Figure 2 processing).

[0111] (Case B: Figure 7 )

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, in case B, the terminal 10A accepts the user's selection of the model name "CCC" in the selection screen at T800. In this case, the terminal 10A receives the AI ​​signal from the printer 100C again at T810, and sends the CONNECT_IND signal (different from the CONNECT_IND signal) to the printer 100C via the BT I / F 20 at T812. Figure 3 As a result, a BT connection is established between the terminal 10A and the printer 100C.

[0113] When establishing a BT connection with the terminal 10A, the printer 100C sends connection information (different from the connection information) to the terminal 10A using the BT connection at T820. Figure 2The connection information is information required to establish a connection with the printer 100C as the G / O and includes, for example, an SSID and a password. As described above, since the connection information communication is performed between the terminal 10A and the printer 100C by using the BT connection, a WFD connection can be properly established between the terminal 10A and the printer 100C. Although not shown, when the CONNECT_IND signal is received from the terminal 10A, the printer 100C performs WFD processing and thus transmits an ANI signal instead of an AI signal ( Figure 2 Yes in S30, No in S32, Yes in S40 and S42).

[0114] When receiving the connection information from the printer 100C in T820, the terminal 10A performs various types of communication such as detection, authentication, association, 4-way handshake, etc. (different from the connection information) with the printer 100C via the Wi-Fi I / F 22 in T822. Figure 3 In this process, connection information is sent from the terminal 10A to the printer 100C, and authentication of the connection information is performed by the printer 100C. When the authentication succeeds, a WFD connection is established between the terminal 10A and the printer 100C.

[0115] When the WFD connection is established with the printer 100C in T822, the terminal 10A sends print data (different from the Figure 3 Here, the IP address of the printer 100C, which is the destination of the print data, is transmitted from the printer 100C to the terminal 10A (not shown) after the WFD connection is established.

[0116] When receiving the print data from the terminal 10A at T830, the printer 100C executes printing of the image represented by the print data at T840 (different from the Figure 2 processing).

[0117] (Case C)

[0118] In case C, the terminal 10A accepts the user's selection of the model name "EEE" in the selection screen in T900. In this case, the terminal 10A waits until it receives an AI signal (different from the AI ​​signal) from the printer 100E. Figure 3 processing).

[0119] The printer 100E sends an ANI signal in T910 and performs AP processing with the AP 50B ( Figure 2When establishing the AP connection with the AP 50B at T912, the printer 100E transmits an AI signal including the IP address "IPE" and model name "EEE" of the printer 100E at T920 (No at S50, Yes at S60 and S62).

[0120] T922 to T950 are the same as T812 to T840 of Case B except that the printer 100E is used instead of the printer 100C.

[0121] (Effects of this embodiment)

[0122] According to the present embodiment, each printer such as the printer 100A can transmit an AI signal or an ANI signal to the terminal 10A before establishing a BT connection with the terminal 10A. Figure 4 For this reason, each printer such as the printer 100A can notify the terminal 10A of the status of the printer more quickly than in a configuration in which a signal indicating the printer status is transmitted after the BT connection is established.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, before establishing a BT connection with each printer such as the printer 100A, the terminal 10A may receive an AI signal or an ANI signal ( Figure 4 For this reason, the terminal 10A can understand the status of each printer such as the printer 100A more quickly than in a configuration in which a signal indicating the status of each printer such as the printer 100A is received after the BT connection is established. Then, the terminal 10A displays the model name (e.g., "CCC") of the printer that issued the AI ​​signal in preference to the model name (e.g., "DDD") of the printer that issued the ANI signal. Figure 6 T640). Therefore, users can appropriately identify which printer can establish a WFD connection.

[0124] (Corresponding relationship)

[0125] Any printer in the printer group 100 (e.g., 100A) is an example of a "communication device." The terminal 10A is an example of a "terminal device." The BT I / F 120 and the Wi-Fi I / F 122 are examples of a "first wireless interface" and a "second wireless interface" of the "communication device," respectively. The BT I / F 20 and the Wi-Fi I / F 22 are examples of a "first wireless interface" and a "second wireless interface" of the "terminal device," respectively. Figure 2 The state where the judgment is No in S10, S30 and S50 is an example of the "response state". Figure 2Each of the states determined as YES in S10, YES in S30, and YES in S50 is an example of a "non-response state." The AI ​​signal and the ANI signal are examples of a "first signal" and a "second signal," respectively. WFDNW and APNW are examples of a "parent station network" and an "AP network," respectively.

[0126] The status of the printer 100B (i.e., Figure 2 The status information "CLMAX" and the status information "CLMAX" are examples of the "first non-response status" and the "first status information", respectively. Figure 2 The status information “WFD processing” and the status information “second non-response status” are examples of the “second non-response status” and the “second status information”, respectively. Figure 2 The WFD process and the AP process are examples of the first attribution process and the second attribution process, respectively.

[0127] Each printer 100A, 100C and each model name "AAA" and "CCC" are examples of a "first communication device" and "first device information," respectively. Each printer 100B, 100D, 100E, 100F and each model name "BBB," "DDD," through "FFF," are examples of a "second communication device" and "second device information," respectively. In one example, the printer 100B, model name "BBB," IP address "IPB," the printer 100D, model name "DDD," IP address "IPD," AP 50A, and AP 50B are examples of a "second communication device," "second device information," "first IP address," a "third communication device," "third device information," "second IP address," a "first access point," and a "second access point," respectively. In another example, the printer 100E, model name "EEE," the printer 100D, model name "DDD," and AP 50B are examples of a "second communication device," "second device information," a "third communication device," "third device information," and an "access point," respectively. In yet another example, the printer 100F, the model name “FFF,” the printer 100E, the model name “EEE,” and the AP 50B are examples of the “second communication device,” the “second device information,” the “third communication device,” the “third device information,” and the “access point,” respectively. In yet another example, the printer 100A, the model name “AAA,” the IP address “IPA,” the printer 100C, the model name “CCC,” the IP address “IPC,” the AP 50A, and the AP 50B are examples of the “first communication device,” the “first device information,” the “third IP address,” the “fourth communication device,” the “fourth device information,” the “fourth IP address,” the “third access point,” and the “fourth access point,” respectively.

[0128] The corresponding relationship between the various units of "Communication Equipment" is as follows. Figure 2 The processes of S62 and S64 are examples of processes executed by the “first interface control unit.” The processes of S22, S24, S42, and S442 are examples of processes executed by the “second interface control unit.” Figure 7 The processes of T820 and T930 are examples of processes executed by the "connection information communication unit." The processes of T822 and T932 are examples of processes executed by the "establishment unit."

[0129] The corresponding relationship between each unit of "Terminal Equipment" is as follows. Figure 3 In S100, the processing of receiving the AI ​​signal and the processing of receiving the ANI signal are examples of processing executed by the "first receiving unit" and the "second receiving unit", respectively. The processing of S150 is an example of processing executed by the "display control unit". Figure 7The processes at T820 and T822 are examples of processes executed by the "connection information communication unit" and the "establishment unit", respectively. Figure 3 The processes of S112 and S114 are examples of processes performed by the “first judgment unit” and the “second judgment unit”.

[0130] (Variant 1)

[0131] exist Figure 3 In S150, instead of displaying the model name corresponding to the higher rank in the upper part of the screen, the terminal 10A may display the model name as follows. That is, the terminal 10A may display a message prompting to select a printer to perform printing and display the model name corresponding to the lower rank (e.g., the fourth to the sixth rank) in a first color (e.g., black) and the model name corresponding to the higher rank (e.g., the first to the third rank) in a second color different from the first color (e.g., red). In this case, since the second color is conspicuous, the model name corresponding to the higher rank is displayed first. In another variation, the terminal 10A may only display the model name corresponding to the higher rank (e.g., the first to the third rank) without displaying the model name corresponding to the lower rank (e.g., the fourth to the sixth rank). In this case as well, the model name corresponding to the higher rank is displayed first. Generally speaking, the method of "priority display" is not limited to the method of the embodiment.

[0132] (Variant 2)

[0133] For example, in Figure 7 In Case B, terminal 10A can operate as a G / O and printer 100C can operate as a CL. In this case, at T820, connection information is sent from terminal 10A to printer 100C. Generally speaking, "connection information" can be sent from the "communication device (or first communication device)" to the "terminal device" as in the above embodiment, or from the "terminal device" to the "communication device (or first communication device)" as in this variation.

[0134] (Variant 3)

[0135] Figure 6 T700 to T720, Figure 7 T800 to T840 and T900 to T950 may not be executed. In this modification, the "connection information communication unit" and the "establishment unit" may be omitted.

[0136] (Variant 4)

[0137] Figure 2 S10 to S24 and Figure 3The processing related to CLMAX in S134 may not be executed. Generally speaking, the "non-response state" may not include the "first non-response state" and may not use the "first status information".

[0138] (Variant 5)

[0139] Figure 2 S30 to S44 and with Figure 3 The WFD processing related processing in S134 may not be executed. Generally speaking, the "non-response state" may not include the "second non-response state" and may not use the "second status information".

[0140] (Variant 6)

[0141] The ANI signal may not include status information. In this case, Figure 3 The same sequence is determined in S134 regardless of the printer status. Generally speaking, the "second signal" may not include "status information".

[0142] (Variant 7)

[0143] Figure 2 S32 may not be executed. That is, if the answer is yes in S30, printer 100A, etc., may transmit an ANI signal including the status information "WFD processing" regardless of the number of CLs of the printer. Generally speaking, when the communication device is in the second non-response state where the number of slaves is equal to (upper limit - 1) and the first home processing is in progress, the "second interface control unit" may cause the first wireless interface to transmit a second signal including the second status information.

[0144] (Variant 8)

[0145] Figure 2 S50 to S52 and with Figure 3 The AP processing related processing in S134 cannot be executed. Generally speaking, the "non-response state" may not include the "third non-response state" and the "third status information" may not be used.

[0146] (Variant 9)

[0147] Figure 2 The processing of S20, S40 and S60 may not be executed. That is, even if the printer 100A or the like belongs to the AP network, the printer 100A or the like may send an AI signal or an ANI signal that does not include an IP address. Generally speaking, the "first signal" and the "second signal" may not include the IP address of the communication device when the communication device belongs to the AP network as a slave station. In addition, in this variant, Figure 3S110 to S124 may not be performed. That is, terminal 10A may determine the first priority when the received signal is an AI signal, and may determine each priority starting from the second priority based on the status information when the received signal is an ANI signal. In this variation, the "first determination unit" and the "second determination unit" may be omitted.

[0148] (Variant 10)

[0149] The "first signal" may not be an AI signal, but may be another type of signal in accordance with the BT standard. The "second signal" may not be an ANI signal, but may be another type of signal in accordance with the BT standard. Generally speaking, the "first signal" and the "second signal" only need to be different signals.

[0150] (Variant 11)

[0151] The "communication device" may not be a printer, but may be, for example, a scanner, a fax device, a multifunction device, a personal computer, or a scanner.

[0152] (Variant 12)

[0153] In the aforementioned embodiment, Figures 4 to 7 The processes are implemented by the CPU 32 of the terminal 10A executing the application 42 and the CPU 132 of the printer 100A executing the program 140. However, any of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: a first wireless interface configured to perform wireless communications according to the Bluetooth standard; a second wireless interface configured to perform wireless communications according to the Wi-Fi standard; a first interface control unit, the first interface control unit being configured to: cause the first wireless interface to send a first signal when the communication device is in a response state, the response state being a state in which a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the communication device and a terminal device, and the first signal being sent from the first wireless interface before a Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and the terminal device, the Wi-Fi connection being a wireless connection via the second wireless interface, and the Bluetooth connection being a wireless connection via the first wireless interface; as well as a second interface control unit, the second interface control unit being configured to: cause the first wireless interface to send a second signal different from the first signal when the state of the communication device is a non-response state, the non-response state being a state in which the Wi-Fi connection cannot be established between the communication device and the terminal device, and the second signal being sent from the first wireless interface before the Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and the terminal device, wherein The first signal is a signal for notifying that a connection with the second wireless interface can be established, and the second signal is a signal for notifying that a connection with the second wireless interface cannot be established.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a connection information communication unit configured to, when the Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and the terminal device in response to the terminal device receiving the first signal, communicate connection information with the terminal device via the first wireless interface using the Bluetooth connection, the connection information being used to establish the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device and the terminal device; as well as An establishing unit configured to establish the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device and the terminal device when the connection information communication unit performs the communication of the connection information with the terminal device.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication device is configured to: form a mother station network, the mother station network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the mother station network, the communication device operates as a mother station, and The non-response state includes a first non-response state in which the number of slave stations belonging to the master station network is equal to an upper limit. The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein: The non-response state also includes a second non-response state, in which the number of substations belonging to the mother station network is less than the upper limit and the first attribution processing is in execution, and the first attribution processing is used to make the external device belong to the mother station network as the substation. The communication device according to claim 4 , wherein: The second interface control unit is configured to: When the state of the communication device is the first non-response state, the first wireless interface is caused to transmit the second signal including first status information, wherein the first status information indicates that the number of the slave stations belonging to the master station network is equal to the upper limit, and When the state of the communication device is the second non-response state, the first wireless interface is caused to transmit the second signal including second status information indicating that the first home process is being executed. The communication device according to claim 5 , wherein: The upper limit is a predetermined integer greater than or equal to 2, Wherein, the second interface control unit is configured as follows: causing the first wireless interface to transmit the second signal including the second status information when the state of the communication device is the second non-response state in which the number of the slave stations belonging to the master station network is less than a specific number less than one of the upper limit and the first home processing is in execution; and When the state of the communication device is the second non-response state in which the number of the slave stations belonging to the master station network is equal to the specific number and the first home process is being executed, the first wireless interface is caused to transmit the second signal including the first status information.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The non-response state includes a third non-response state, in which a second affiliation process is being executed, and the second affiliation process is used to make the communication device belong to the AP network as a substation, and the AP network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the AP network, the access point operates as a mother station. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein: The first interface control unit is configured to: when the state of the communication device is the answer state and the communication device belongs to an AP network as a slave station, cause the first wireless interface to send the first signal including the IP address of the communication device, the IP address being used in the AP network, the AP network being a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in which an access point operates as a master station, and The second interface control unit is configured to: when the state of the communication device is the non-response state and the communication device belongs to the AP network as the substation, enable the first wireless interface to send the second signal including the IP address of the communication device, and the IP address is used in the AP network.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The first signal is an ADV_IND signal according to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scheme of the Bluetooth standard, and The second signal is an ADV_NONCONN_IND signal according to the BLE scheme.

10. A computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for a terminal device, in, The terminal device includes: a first wireless interface configured to perform wireless communications according to the Bluetooth standard; a second wireless interface configured to perform wireless communications according to the Wi-Fi standard; display unit; and processor, The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the terminal device to function as: a first receiving unit, configured to receive a first signal from the first communication device via the first wireless interface when the first communication device is in an answering state, the first communication device being one of a plurality of communication devices present around the terminal device, the answering state being a state in which a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the first communication device and the terminal device, the first signal being received via the first wireless interface before a Bluetooth connection is established between the first communication device and the terminal device, the Wi-Fi connection being a wireless connection via the second wireless interface, and the Bluetooth connection being a wireless connection via the first wireless interface; a second receiving unit, the second receiving unit being configured to: receive, from a second communication device among the plurality of communication devices that is different from the first communication device, via the first wireless interface, a second signal different from the first signal, when the state of the second communication device is a non-response state, the non-response state being a state in which the Wi-Fi connection cannot be established between the second communication device and the terminal device, and the second signal being received via the first wireless interface before the Bluetooth connection is established between the second communication device and the terminal device; and a display control unit configured to display, on the display unit, first device information related to the first communication device as the sender of the first signal, in preference to second device information related to the second communication device as the sender of the second signal, wherein: The first signal is a signal for notifying that a connection with the second wireless interface can be established, and the second signal is a signal for notifying that a connection with the second wireless interface cannot be established.

11. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, wherein The computer-readable instructions further cause the terminal device to function as: a connection information communication unit configured to, when the Bluetooth connection is established between the first communication device and the terminal device in response to a user selecting the displayed first device information, communicate connection information with the first communication device via the first wireless interface using the Bluetooth connection, the connection information being used to establish the Wi-Fi connection between the first communication device and the terminal device; as well as An establishing unit configured to establish the Wi-Fi connection between the first communication device and the terminal device when the connection information communication unit performs the communication of the connection information with the first communication device.

12. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The second signal includes status information indicating a reason why the state of the second communication device is the non-response state, The display control unit is configured to display the second device information and the status information on the display unit in association with each other.

13. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, wherein The second communication device is configured to: form a first mother station network, the first mother station network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the first mother station network, the second communication device operates as a mother station, and The second signal received from the second communication device includes first status information, wherein the first status information indicates that the number of substations belonging to the first mother station network is equal to an upper limit. The second receiving unit is further configured to: when a state of a third communication device among the plurality of communication devices that is different from the first communication device and the second communication device is the non-response state, receive the second signal from the third communication device via the first wireless interface; The third communication device is configured to: form a second mother station network, the second mother station network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the second mother station network, the third communication device operates as a mother station, The second signal received from the third communication device includes second status information, the second status information indicating that the first home process is being executed, and The first homing process is used to make the external device belong to the second mother station network as a substation, In which, the display control unit is configured to: display third device information related to the third communication device as the sender of the second signal including the second status information on the display unit, taking precedence over the second device information related to the second communication device as the sender of the second signal including the first status information.

14. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, wherein In a case where the second communication device belongs to a first AP network as a slave station, the second signal received from the second communication device includes a first IP address of the second communication device, the first IP address being used in the first AP network, the first AP network being a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and the first access point operating as a master station in the first AP network. The computer-readable instructions further cause the terminal device to function as: a first determining unit configured to determine whether the terminal device belongs to the first AP network as a slave station by using the first IP address included in the second signal received from the second communication device; Wherein, in a case where the third communication device belongs to a second AP network as a slave station, the second signal received from the third communication device includes a second IP address of the third communication device, the second IP address is used in the second AP network, the second AP network is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi standard, and in the second AP network, the second access point operates as a master station. The first determining unit is further configured to use the second IP address included in the second signal received from the third communication device to determine whether the terminal device belongs to the second AP network as a slave station. Wherein, the display control unit is configured as follows: In the case where it is determined that the terminal device does not belong to the first AP network as a slave station and the terminal device does not belong to the second AP network as a slave station, the third device information is displayed on the display unit in priority to the second device information. In the case where it is determined that the terminal device does not belong to the first AP network as a slave station and it is determined that the terminal device belongs to the second AP network as a slave station, the third device information is displayed on the display unit in priority to the second device information, and When it is determined that the terminal device belongs to the first AP network as a slave station and when it is determined that the terminal device does not belong to the second AP network as a slave station, the second device information is displayed on the display unit in priority to the third device information.

15. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, wherein The second signal received from the second communication device includes third status information, the third status information indicating that the second home process is being executed, The second homing process is used to make the second communication device belong to an AP network, the AP network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the AP network, an access point operates as a parent station, The second receiving unit is further configured to: when a state of a third communication device among the plurality of communication devices that is different from the first communication device and the second communication device is the non-response state, receive the second signal from the third communication device via the first wireless interface; The third communication device is configured to form a mother station network, the mother station network being a wireless connection of the Wi-Fi standard, and the third communication device operates as a mother station in the mother station network, The second signal received from the third communication device includes second status information, the second status information indicating that the first home process is being executed, and The first homing process is used to make the external device belong to the master station network as a slave station, In which, the display control unit is configured to: display the third device information related to the third communication device as the sender of the second signal including the second status information on the display unit, taking precedence over the second device information related to the second communication device as the sender of the second signal including the third status information.

16. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, wherein The second communication device is configured to: form a mother station network, the mother station network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the mother station network, the second communication device operates as a mother station, and The second signal received from the second communication device includes first status information, wherein the first status information indicates that the number of slave stations belonging to the master station network is equal to an upper limit. The second receiving unit is further configured to: when a state of a third communication device among the plurality of communication devices that is different from the first communication device and the second communication device is the non-response state, receive the second signal from the third communication device via the first wireless interface; The second signal received from the third communication device includes third status information, the third status information indicating that the second home process is being executed, The second homing process is used to make the third communication device belong to an AP network as a slave station, the AP network is a wireless network of the Wi-Fi standard, and in the AP network, an access point operates as a master station, In which, the display control unit is configured to: display third device information related to the third communication device as the sender of the second signal including the third status information on the display unit, taking precedence over second device information related to the second communication device as the sender of the second signal including the first status information.

17. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, wherein In a case where the first communication device belongs to a third AP network as a slave station, the first signal received from the first communication device includes a third IP address of the first communication device, where the third IP address is used in the third AP network, the third AP network is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi standard, and a third access point operates as a master station in the third AP network. The computer-readable instructions further cause the terminal device to function as: a second determining unit configured to determine whether the terminal device belongs to the third AP network as a slave station by using the third IP address included in the first signal received from the first communication device; The first receiving unit is configured to: when a fourth communication device among the plurality of communication devices is in a response state and is different from the first communication device and the second communication device, receive the first signal from the fourth communication device via the first wireless interface; In a case where the fourth communication device belongs to a fourth AP network as a slave station, the first signal received from the fourth communication device includes a fourth IP address of the fourth communication device, where the fourth IP address is used in the fourth AP network, the fourth AP network is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi standard, and a fourth access point operates as a master station in the fourth AP network. The second determining unit is further configured to use the fourth IP address included in the first signal received from the fourth communication device to determine whether the terminal device belongs to the fourth AP network as a slave station. In which, the display control unit is configured to: when it is determined that the terminal device belongs to the third AP network as a substation and when it is determined that the terminal device does not belong to the fourth AP network as a substation, the first device information related to the first communication device belonging to the third AP network is displayed on the display unit, taking precedence over the fourth device information related to the fourth communication device belonging to the fourth AP network.

18. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, wherein The first signal is an ADV_IND signal according to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scheme of the Bluetooth standard, and The second signal is an ADV_NONCONN_IND signal according to the BLE scheme.

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