Terminal device and application program for terminal device

Abstract

To increase user's convenience when a second communication device instead of a first communication device is used.SOLUTION: An application program makes a computer of a terminal device function as: a first acquisition unit that after a state of terminal device changes to a state of being communicable with a first communication device, obtains first performance information corresponding to first identification information which is received from the first communication device and indicating performance of the first communication device; a second acquisition unit that after the state of the terminal device changes to a state of being communicable with a second communication device instead of the first communication device, obtains second performance information corresponding to second identification information which is received from the second communication device and indicating performance of the second communication device; and an output control unit that when the first performance information and the second performance information are different, causes an output unit to output information indicating that the first performance information and the second performance information are different.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a technique for a terminal device capable of communicating with a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting the printing conditions set in a first printer to a second printer when the first printer is replaced with the second printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-91392 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, for example, even if the capabilities of the second printer are different from those of the first printer, the printing conditions of the first printer are set as is in the second printer. This specification provides a technology that can improve user convenience when the second communication device is used instead of the first communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses an application program for a terminal device. The application program may cause a computer of the terminal device to function as the following units, that is, a first acquisition unit that acquires first capability information corresponding to first identification information received from a first communication device after the terminal device changes to a state capable of communicating with the first communication device, the first capability information indicating the capability of the first communication device, a second acquisition unit that acquires second capability information corresponding to second identification information received from the second communication device after the terminal device changes to a state capable of communicating with a second communication device instead of the first communication device, the second capability information indicating the capability of the second communication device, and an output control unit that causes an output unit to output information indicating that the first capability information and the second capability information are different when the first capability information and the second capability information are different.

[0006] When the first capability information of the first communication device and the second capability information of the second communication device are different, the terminal device outputs information indicating that the capability information is different. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the capability of the second communication device is different from the capability of the first communication device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

[0007] The terminal device itself realized by the above application program, a computer-readable recording medium storing the above application program, a method for controlling the terminal device, and a method executed by the terminal device are also novel and useful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows an outline of a communication system. [Diagram 2] The control configuration of each device is shown. [Diagram 3] 1 shows an example of a device table. [Figure 4] 13 shows an example of a flowchart of a printer setting process when a printer is connected via a USB I / F. [Diagram 5] This is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. [Figure 6] 13 shows an example of a flowchart of a printer setting process when a printer is connected via a network I / F. [Figure 7] An example of a sequence diagram of specific processing is shown. [Figure 8] The sequence diagram continues from FIG. [Figure 9] The sequence diagram continues from FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Example) (Configuration of communication system 2: Figure 1) 1, communication system 2 includes a plurality of printers 101-104 and an administration PC 10. In this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the administration PC 10 and printer 101 are installed at the head office of a certain company, and a plurality of printers 102-104 are installed at branch offices distant from the head office. An administrator working at the head office uses the administration PC 10 to manage each of the printers 101-104. The printers 101-104 have the same model name and the same version.

[0010] The printer 101 can communicate with the management PC 10 by USB (short for Universal Serial Bus). The management PC 10 can communicate with a LAN 2 in a branch office via the Internet 4. The printers 102 to 104 are connected to the LAN 2. In this embodiment, the LAN 2 is assumed to be a wireless LAN, but in a modified example, it may be a wired LAN.

[0011] In this embodiment, the printers 101 to 104 are replaced with printers 201 to 204, respectively. The printers 201 to 204 have model names different from the printers 101 to 104. More specifically, the printers 201 to 204 are model-changed versions of the printers 101 to 104. Therefore, the capabilities of the printers 201 to 204 are higher than the capabilities of the printers 101 to 104.

[0012] When printers 201-204 are installed in place of printers 101-104, management PC 10 displays a screen indicating that the capabilities of printers 201-204 are different from those of printers 101-104. This allows the administrator to easily know that printers 201-204 have capabilities different from those of printers 101-104.

[0013] (Configuration of each device 10, 101 to 104, 201 to 204: Figure 2) The configuration of each of the devices 10, 101 to 104, and 201 to 204 that make up the communication system 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0014] (Configuration of management PC10) The management PC 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a USB interface 20, a network interface 22, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line. In the following, the interface may be referred to as "I / F" and the network may be referred to as "NW."

[0015] The operation unit 12 is an I / F for inputting various information to the management PC 10, and includes a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The USB I / F 20 is an I / F to which a USB cable is connected. The NWI / F 22 is an I / F for connecting to a LAN, and may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0016] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device includes, for example, a RAM and a cache memory. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, a flash memory, an SSD (short for Solid State Drive), or a ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory 34 stores a program 40, a capability table 50, and a device table 60. The program 40 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 realizes various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0017] The capability table 50 is a table for managing the capabilities of each printer. In the capability table 50, the model name of the printer, the print speed, and the display setting are stored in association with each other. The print speed indicates the print speed that the printer can achieve, and includes "high speed", "medium speed", and "low speed". The display setting indicates whether the printer has a power saving function. The power saving function is a function for reducing the power consumption of the backlight by maintaining the illuminance of the printer's backlight at a lower illuminance than normal. Although the details will be described later, when a new printer is installed in place of a certain printer, the management PC 10 stores the device information in the capability table 50 in response to receiving the device information including the print speed and the display setting from the new printer. The device table 60 is a table for managing the settings of each printer. The contents of the device table 60 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0018] (Configuration of Printers 101 to 104) Printer 101 has a model name "MN1" and is assigned a device ID "DV11". Printer 101 is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of management PC 10) capable of executing a printing function. In a modified example, printer 101 may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scanning function, a FAX function, etc. in addition to a printing function. Printer 101 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a print execution unit 118, a USB I / F 120, an NWI / F 122, and a control unit 130. Each unit 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line.

[0019] The operation unit 112 is an I / F for inputting various information to the printer 101, and includes buttons, a touch screen, and the like. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information, and includes a backlight 116 for illuminating the display surface from the inside. The print execution unit 118 includes an inkjet printing mechanism. The printing mechanism is sometimes referred to as a "print engine." In a modified example, the print execution unit 118 may include a printing mechanism other than the inkjet printing mechanism, such as a laser printing mechanism or a thermal printing mechanism. The USBI / F 120 and the NWI / F 122 are similar to the USBI / F 20 and the NWI / F 22, respectively.

[0020] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134 that stores a program 140. The memory 134 is similar to the memory 34. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program loaded from the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134 to the main storage device. The other printers 102 to 104 are assigned device IDs "DV12" to "DV14", respectively, but each of the other printers 102 to 104 has a similar configuration to the printer 101.

[0021] (Configuration of printers 201 to 204) The printer 201 has a model name "MN2" and is assigned device IDs "DV21" to "DV14." As described above, the printers 201 to 204 have different capabilities from the printers 101 to 104. However, basically, the printers 201 to 204 are similar to the printers 101 to 104.

[0022] (Device Table 60; Figure 3) As shown in FIG. 3, the device table 60 stores the printer's device ID, model name, processing flag, connection I / F, and requested settings in association with each other. The processing flag indicates either "ON" indicating that processing related to the printer's settings (e.g., print speed) has been executed (see FIGS. 4 to 6 described later) or "OFF" indicating that the processing has not been executed. The connection I / F indicates the type of I / F of the management PC 10 to which the printer is connected (in this embodiment, either USB I / F 20 or NWI / F 22). The requested settings indicate the setting values ​​included in the setting request sent from the management PC 10 to the printer. The requested settings include settings related to print speed and display settings. The display settings include "none" indicating that the printer does not have a power saving function, "ON" to use the power saving function as a default function, and "OFF" to not use the power saving function as a default function.

[0023] (Printer setting process; Figures 4 to 6) The printer setting process executed by the CPU 32 of the management PC 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. The printer setting process is a process for specifying the default settings (e.g., print speed) of the printer. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show the process executed when the management PC 10 changes to a state in which it can communicate with the printer via the USB I / F 20. Specifically, the CPU 32 starts the process of FIG. 4 when one end of a USB cable is connected to the USB I / F 20 and the printer is connected to the other end of the USB cable. FIG. 6 shows the process executed when the management PC 10 changes to a state in which it can communicate with the printer via the NWI / F 22. The CPU 32 periodically searches the LAN 2 via the Internet 4, and starts the process of FIG. 6 when the printer is found by the search. That is, the CPU 32 starts the process of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6 when the state in which it can communicate with the printer via the USB I / F 20 or the NWI / F 22 is changed. Hereinafter, the printer to be communicated with is referred to as the "target printer."

[0024] (Printer setting process using USBI / F; Figures 4 and 5) At S10, the CPU 32 receives device information from the target printer. The device information is information about the target printer, and includes a model name (hereinafter referred to as the "target model name"), a device ID (hereinafter referred to as the "target device ID"), setting information, and capability information. The setting information includes, for example, the IP address of the target printer, a default print paper size, and a default print resolution. The capability information includes, for example, a print speed that the target printer can achieve (e.g., 150 mm / s, 125 mm / s, 100 mm / s), and a display setting that indicates the presence or absence of a power saving function.

[0025] In S12, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the processing flag associated with the target device ID is "ON" based on the device table 60. If the processing flag indicates "ON" (YES in S12), the CPU 32 ends the printer setting process, and if the processing flag indicates "OFF" (NO in S12), the CPU 32 proceeds to S20.

[0026] In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the target model name has already been stored in the capability table 50. If the CPU 32 determines that the target model name has been stored (YES in S20), the process proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that the target model name has not been stored (NO in S20), the CPU 32 associates the target model name with the capability information and stores them in the capability table 50, and then proceeds to S22.

[0027] In S22, the CPU 32 compares the print speed included in the device information received in S10 with the print speed associated with a model name different from the target model name stored in the capability table 50. Here, if a plurality of different model names are associated with the capability table 50, the print speed associated with the model name most recently stored in the capability table 50 among the plurality of model names is used. If there is no difference between the former print speed and the latter print speed, the CPU 32 judges NO in S22 and proceeds to S50 in FIG. 5. If there is a difference between the former print speed and the latter print speed, the CPU 32 judges YES in S22 and proceeds to S30. Furthermore, if the different model names are not stored in the capability table 50 (i.e., not even one model name is stored in the capability table 50), the CPU 32 judges that there is a difference in the print speed and proceeds to S30.

[0028] In S30, the CPU 32 displays a change try screen SC11 on the display unit 14. As shown in the lower part of Fig. 4, the change try screen SC11 includes a message indicating that the printing speed of the printer has been improved, a YES button, and a NO button.

[0029] In S32, the CPU 32 judges whether or not a try instruction has been received from the administrator on the change try screen SC11. Specifically, the CPU 32 judges whether or not selection of the YES button has been received from the administrator. If the CPU 32 receives selection of the NO button, it judges NO in S32 and proceeds to S50. If the CPU 32 receives selection of the YES button, it judges YES in S32 and proceeds to S34.

[0030] In S34, the CPU 32 sends a trial print request to the target printer. The trial print request is information for instructing the target model to execute printing at one print speed included in the device information of the target model. In this embodiment, the device information of the target model includes three print speeds (for example, 150 mm / s, 125 mm / s, and 100 mm / s). Therefore, the CPU 32 first sends a trial print request including information indicating the fastest print speed of the three print speeds to the target printer. As a result, the target printer executes printing at the high print speed. Next, the CPU 32 sends a trial print request including information indicating the second fastest print speed of the three print speeds to the target printer. As a result, the target printer executes printing at the medium print speed. Finally, the CPU 32 sends a trial print request including information indicating the slowest print speed of the three print speeds to the target printer. As a result, the target printer executes printing at the low print speed. As a result, the administrator can confirm all print speeds realized by the target model. In particular, a target printer with which the management PC 20 can communicate via the USB I / F 20 is usually located near the management PC 20. Therefore, the administrator can easily check the status of printing on a target printer located near him / her.

[0031] In S36, the CPU 32 displays a confirmation screen SC12 on the display unit 14. The confirmation screen SC12 is a screen for allowing the administrator to select the print speed of the target printer. The confirmation screen SC12 includes three buttons indicating three print speeds included in the device information.

[0032] In S40, the CPU 32 accepts the selection of one of the three buttons included in the confirmation screen SC12, which allows the CPU 32 to accept the selection of the print speed.

[0033] Next, in S50 of FIG. 5, the CPU 32 compares the display settings included in the device information received in S10 with the display settings associated with the different model names stored in the capability table 50. If there is no difference between the former display settings and the latter display settings, the CPU 32 judges NO in S50 and proceeds to S76. If there is a difference between the former display settings and the latter display settings, the CPU 32 judges YES in S50 and proceeds to S60. For example, if the former display setting indicates "absent" and the latter display setting indicates "with power saving function", the CPU 32 judges that there is a difference (YES in S50). Also, similar to S22 described above, if the different model names are not stored in the capability table 50, the CPU 32 judges that there is a difference in the display settings and proceeds to S60.

[0034] In S60, the CPU 32 displays a change try screen SC21 on the display unit 14. As shown in the lower part of Fig. 5, the change try screen SC21 includes a message indicating that the display unit of the target printer has a new function, a YES button, and a NO button.

[0035] In S62, the CPU 32 judges whether or not the selection of the YES button has been accepted on the change try screen SC21. Specifically, the CPU 32 judges whether or not the selection of the YES button has been accepted from the administrator. If the selection of the NO button has been accepted, the CPU 32 judges NO in S62 and proceeds to S76. If the selection of the YES button has been accepted, the CPU 32 judges YES in S62 and proceeds to S64.

[0036] In S64, the CPU 32 sends a trial display request to the target printer. The trial display request is information for instructing to change the backlight illuminance to the illuminance of the power saving function. This causes the target printer to change the backlight illuminance. The administrator can check the illuminance of the power saving function. In particular, target printers with which the management PC 20 can communicate via the USB I / F 20 are usually located near the management PC 20. Therefore, the administrator can check the power saving function of a target printer located near the administrator.

[0037] In S66, the CPU 32 displays a confirmation screen SC22 on the display unit 14. The confirmation screen SC22 is a screen for allowing the administrator to select whether to set the power saving function as the default function of the target printer. The confirmation screen SC22 includes a message for the administrator to confirm that the power saving function should be set as the default, a YES button, and a NO button.

[0038] In S70, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a change instruction for changing the display settings has been accepted. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines whether or not selection of the YES button in the confirmation screen SC22 has been accepted. If the CPU 32 accepts selection of the YES button, it determines YES in S70 and proceeds to S72. If the CPU 32 accepts selection of the NO button, it determines NO in S70 and proceeds to S76.

[0039] In S76, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a print speed was selected in S40 of Fig. 4. If a print speed was selected, the CPU 32 determines YES in S76 and proceeds to S72, and if a print speed was not selected, the CPU 32 determines NO in S76 and proceeds to S80.

[0040] If S70 is YES or S76 is YES, before S72 is executed, the CPU 32 associates the target device ID, the target model name, the processing flag OFF, and the connection I / F (i.e., USB) and stores them in the device table 60. Also, if S76 is NO, similar information is stored. Then, in S72, the CPU 32 sends a setting request to the target printer. The setting request is an instruction to change the default setting of the target printer. If a print speed was selected in S40 of FIG. 4, the setting request includes information indicating the selected print speed. If a change instruction was accepted in S70, the setting request includes information indicating the power saving function "ON". If the setting request includes information indicating the print speed, the target printer stores the print speed as the default print speed. If the setting request includes information indicating the power saving function "ON", the target printer stores the power saving function "ON" as the default function.

[0041] In S74, the CPU 32 stores at least one setting value included in the setting request sent in S72 as a requested setting, in association with the target device ID. If a print speed was selected in S40 of Fig. 4, the requested setting includes the selected print speed. If a change instruction was accepted in S70, the requested setting includes the power saving function "ON".

[0042] In S80, the CPU 32 changes the processing flag associated with the target device ID in the device table 60 from "OFF" to "ON."

[0043] 4, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a required setting is stored in association with the target model name in the device table 60. If the required setting is stored (YES in S24), the CPU 32 proceeds to S26, and if the required setting is not stored (NO in S24), the CPU 32 proceeds to S80.

[0044] If the requested settings are stored in association with the target device ID (YES in S24), the setting process has already been executed for the printer having the same model name as the target printer. Therefore, in S26, CPU 32 sends a setting request including the stored requested settings to the target printer. This allows the target printer to store the same setting values ​​as the printer having the same model name as the target printer. Also, if the same model name as the target printer is stored (YES in S20), S22 to S74 are not executed. Therefore, the administrator does not need to execute the same process (for example, the try instruction in S32) for a printer having the same model name.

[0045] (Printer setting process using NWI / F; Figure 6) Next, the printer setting process executed when the management PC 10 becomes capable of communicating with the printer via the NWI / F 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] In S110, the CPU 32 receives device information from the target printer. The device information received here also includes the target model name, the target device ID, setting information, and capability information.

[0047] In S112, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the processing flag associated with the target device ID is "ON" in the device table 60. If the processing flag indicates "ON" (YES in S112), the CPU 32 ends the processing in Fig. 6, and if the processing flag indicates "OFF" (NO in S112), the CPU 32 proceeds to S120.

[0048] In S120, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the target model name and the connection I / F "USB" are stored in association with each other in the device table 60. If the target model name and the connection I / F "USB" are not stored, the CPU 32 determines NO in S120 and ends the processing in Fig. 6. If the target model name and the connection I / F "USB" are stored, the CPU 32 determines YES in S120 and proceeds to S124.

[0049] In S124, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a requested setting is stored in association with the target device ID in the device table 60. If the requested setting is stored (YES in S124), the CPU 32 proceeds to S126, and if the requested setting is not stored (NO in S124), the CPU 32 proceeds to S130.

[0050] In S126, the CPU 32 sends a setting request including the stored requested settings to the target printer, thereby allowing the target printer to store the same setting values ​​as those of a printer having the same model name as the target printer.

[0051] When S126 is completed or if the answer is NO in S124, before S130 is executed, the CPU 32 associates the target device ID, the target model name, a processing flag OFF, and a connection I / F (i.e., NW) and stores them in the device table 60. Then, in S130, the CPU 32 changes the processing flag associated with the target device ID in the device table 60 from "OFF" to "ON."

[0052] As described above, the CPU 32 transmits a trial print request to the target printer that can communicate via the USB I / F 20 (S34 in FIG. 4), but does not transmit a trial print request to the target printer that can communicate via the NWI / F 22 (FIG. 6). Similarly, the CPU 32 transmits a trial display request to the target printer that can communicate via the USB I / F 20 (S64 in FIG. 5), but does not transmit a trial display request to the target printer that can communicate via the NWI / F 22 (FIG. 6). Whether or not to cause the target printer to execute a process is changed depending on the communication method, so that it is possible to prevent the same process from being executed redundantly by a plurality of printers. Furthermore, printers that can communicate via the USB I / F 20 are closer to the management PC 10 than printers that can communicate via the NWI / F 22. For this reason, the administrator can check the print speed and power saving function of a printer that is close to the administrator and can store the desired setting value in the printer. After that, the administrator can store the same setting value in each printer that can communicate via the NWI / F 22.

[0053] (Specific case treatment: Figures 7 to 9) Specific cases realized by the processing of Figures 4 to 6 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. In the initial state of Figure 7, the administration PC 10 is not able to communicate with the printers 101-104, 201-204.

[0054] In the following, in order to facilitate understanding, the processes executed by the CPU (e.g., 32, 132) of each device (e.g., management PC 10, printer 101) will be described as the subject of processing, rather than the CPU being described as the subject. Also, communication between devices is performed via a USBI / F (e.g., 20, 120) or an NWI / F (e.g., 22, 122). Therefore, in the following explanation, when explaining communication, the terms "via USBI / F" and "via NWI / F" will be omitted.

[0055] The printers 101 to 104 receive a connection operation from the administrator at T10. Specifically, the printer 101 is connected to the management PC 10 via a USB cable. Each of the printers 102 to 104 is connected to the management PC 10 via the NWI / F 122. As a result, the management PC 10 changes to a state in which it can communicate with each of the printers 101 to 104 (triggering the processes of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6). In this case, the printer 101 transmits device information to the management PC 10 at T12. In this case, the management PC 10 first receives device information from the printer 101, and then sequentially receives device information from each of the printers 102 to 104. The device information of the printer 101 includes a model name "MN1", a device ID "DV11", and a print speed V1. The print speed V1 indicates the print speed that the printer 101 can achieve, that is, 100 mm / s, 75 mm / s, and 50 mm / s. As described above, since the printer 101 does not have a power saving function, the device information of the printer 101 does not include the power saving function as a display setting.

[0056] When the management PC 10 receives device information from the printer 101 in T12 (S10 in FIG. 4), in T20 the management PC 10 displays a changed try screen SC11 on the display unit 14 (NO in S12, NO in S20, YES in S22, S30). Furthermore, in T22 the management PC 10 accepts a try instruction from the administrator (YES in S32). In this case, in T30 the management PC 10 sends a try printing request to the printer 101 including the fastest printing speed "100 mm / s" of the printing speeds V1 received in S10 (S34).

[0057] When the printer 101 receives the trial print request from the management PC 10 at T30, it executes printing at the print speed "100 mm / s" included in the trial print request. This allows the administrator to confirm the print speed of "100 mm / s."

[0058] Similarly, in T40, the management PC 10 sends a trial printing request including a print speed of "75 mm / s" to the printer 101 (S34). In this case, the printer 101 executes printing at the print speed of "75 mm / s" in T42.

[0059] Furthermore, at T50, the management PC 10 sends a trial print request including a print speed of "50 mm / s" to the printer 101 (S34). In this case, the printer 101 executes printing at the print speed of "50 mm / s" at T52. The administrator can check all three print speeds that can be achieved by the printer 101.

[0060] The management PC 10 displays a confirmation screen SC12 on the display unit 14 in T60 (S36). In this case, the management PC 10 accepts a selection of a print speed of "100 mm / s" from the administrator in T62 (S40). Furthermore, in this case, the display settings of the printer 101 do not include a power saving function (NO in S50). Therefore, the management PC 10 sends a setting request including a print speed of "100 mm / s" to the printer 101 (YES in S76, S72).

[0061] When the printer 101 receives a setting request from the management PC 10 in T70, the printer 101 stores the print speed "100 mm / s" as the default print speed in T72.

[0062] In T80, the management PC 10 associates the requested setting included in the setting request of T72 (i.e., the print speed "100 mm / s") with the device ID "DV11" of the printer 101 and stores it in the device table 60 (S74). Next, in T82, the management PC 10 changes the processing flag associated with the device ID "DV11" of the printer 101 to "ON" (S80).

[0063] Thereafter, in T90, each of the printers 102-104 transmits the device information to the management PC 10. The device information of each of the printers 102-104 includes the model name "MN1", each of the device IDs "DV12" to "DV14", and the print speed V1.

[0064] When the management PC 10 receives device information from each of the printers 102-104 in T90 (S110 in FIG. 6), in T92 it sends a setting request to each of the printers 102-104 including the requested setting (i.e., print speed "100 mm / s") stored in association with the model name "MN1" and the connection I / F "USB" included in the device information (NO in S112, YES in S120, YES in S124, S126).

[0065] When each of the printers 102 to 104 receives a setting request from the management PC 10 in T92, in T94 the printers 102 to 104 store the print speed "100 mm / s" as the default print speed.

[0066] The management PC 10 changes the processing flags associated with the device IDs "DV12" to "DV14" of the printers 102 to 104 in T100 to "ON" (S130).

[0067] After that, although not shown in the figure, the printers 101-104 are used multiple times by various users. Then, when the time arrives to replace the printers 101-104 with the printers 201-204, the printers 101-104 each accept a disconnection operation from the administrator at T102. Specifically, the printer 101 is removed from the USB cable, and the printers 102-104 are disconnected from the LAN 2.

[0068] Next, in T110, each of the printers 201-204 accepts a connection operation from the administrator. The printer 201 is connected to the management PC 10 via a USB cable. Each of the printers 202-204 is connected to the management PC 10 via the NWI / F 122. As a result, the management PC 10 changes to a state in which it can communicate with each of the printers 202-204 instead of each of the printers 101-104 (triggering the processing in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6). In this case, the printer 201 transmits device information to the management PC 10 in T112. In this case, the management PC 10 first receives the device information from the printer 201, and then sequentially receives the device information from each of the printers 202-204. The device information of the printer 201 includes the model name "MN2", the device ID "DV21", the print speed V2, and a power saving function. Print speed V2 indicates print speeds that can be achieved by the printer 201, that is, 150 mm / s, 125 mm / s, and 100 mm / s. Furthermore, since the printer 201 has a power saving function, the device information of the printer 201 includes the power saving function as a display setting.

[0069] When the administration PC 10 receives the device information from the printer 201 in T112 (S10 in FIG. 4), it compares the print speed V1 stored in the capability table 50 with the print speed V2 included in the device information received in T112 (S22). In this case, these print speeds are different (YES in S22). Therefore, the administration PC 10 displays the changed try screen SC11 on the display unit 14 in T120 (S30). Furthermore, the administration PC 10 accepts a try instruction from the administrator in T122 (YES in S32), and sends a try print request including the fastest print speed "150 mm / s" among the print speeds V2 to the printer 201 in T130 (S34).

[0070] When the printer 201 receives the trial print request from the management PC 10 at T130, it executes printing at the print speed "150 mm / s" included in the trial print request.

[0071] Similarly, in T140, the management PC 10 sends a trial printing request including a print speed of "125 mm / s" to the printer 201 (S34). In this case, the printer 201 executes printing at the print speed of "125 mm / s" in T142.

[0072] Furthermore, in T150, the management PC 10 sends a trial print request including a print speed of "100 mm / s" to the printer 201 (S34). In this case, the printer 201 executes printing at the print speed of "100 mm / s" in T152. The administrator can check all three print speeds that can be achieved by the printer 201.

[0073] The management PC 10 displays the confirmation screen SC12 on the display unit 14 in T160 (S36). In this case, the management PC 10 accepts a selection of a print speed of "150 mm / s" from the administrator in T162 (S40). Furthermore, in this case, the management PC 10 displays the changed try screen SC21 on the display unit 14 in T164 (YES in S50, S60). Furthermore, the management PC 10 accepts a try instruction from the administrator in T166 (YES in S62). In this case, the management PC 10 sends a try display request to the printer 201 in T170 (S64).

[0074] When the printer 201 receives a trial display request from the administration PC 10 in T170, in T172, the printer 201 changes the illuminance of the backlight 116 to a predetermined illuminance (for example, 40% of normal illuminance) and causes the backlight 116 to emit light for a predetermined period of time. This allows the administrator to check the illuminance of the display unit 114 of the printer 201 in the power saving function.

[0075] Next, in T180, the management PC 10 displays a confirmation screen SC22 on the display unit 14 (S66). In this case, in T182, the management PC 10 receives a change instruction from the administrator (YES in S70). In this case, in T190, the management PC 10 sends a setting request including a print speed of "150 mm / s" (T162) and a power saving function of "ON" (T182) to the printer 201 (S72).

[0076] When the printer 201 receives a setting request from the management PC 10 in T190, the printer 201 stores the print speed "150 mm / s" included in the setting request as the default print speed in T192. Furthermore, the printer 201 stores the power saving function "ON" as the default function in T194.

[0077] In T200, the management PC 10 associates the requested settings included in the setting request of T190 (i.e., print speed "150 mm / s" and power saving function "ON") with the device ID "DV21" of the printer 201 and stores them in the device table 60 (S74). Next, in T202, the management PC 10 changes the processing flag associated with the device ID "DV21" of the printer 201 to "ON" (S80).

[0078] Thereafter, in T210, each of the printers 202-204 transmits the device information to the management PC 10. The device information of each of the printers 202-204 includes the model name "MN2", the device IDs "DV22"-"DV24" of each of the printers 202-204, the print speed V2, and the power saving function.

[0079] When the management PC 10 receives device information from each printer 202-204 in T210 (S110 in FIG. 6), in T212 it sends a setting request to each printer 202-204 including the requested settings (i.e., print speed "150 mm / s" and power saving function "ON") associated with the model name "MN2" and connection I / F "USB" included in the device information (NO in S112, YES in S120, YES in S124, S126).

[0080] When each of the printers 202 to 204 receives a setting request from the management PC 10 in T212, it stores the print speed "150 mm / s" as the default print speed in T220, and stores the power saving function "ON" as the default function in T222.

[0081] At T130, the management PC 10 changes the processing flags associated with the device IDs "DV22" to "DV24" of the printers 202 to 204 to "ON" (S130).

[0082] (Effects of this embodiment) When the printing speed of printer 101 is different from that of printer 201 (YES in S22), the administration PC 10 displays a change try screen SC11 indicating that the printing speeds of the printers are different on the display unit 14 (S30). This allows the administrator to easily recognize that the printing speed of printer 201 is different from that of printer 101. Furthermore, when the presence or absence of a power saving function in printer 101 is different from that of printer 201 (YES in S50), the administration PC 10 displays a change try screen SC21 indicating that the functions of the display units of the two printers are different on the display unit 14 (S60). This allows the administrator to easily recognize that the functions of the display unit of printer 201 are different from those of printer 101. In this way, the convenience for the administrator can be improved.

[0083] (Correspondence) The management PC 10 is an example of a "terminal device." The program 40 is an example of an "application program." The printers 101-104 and printers 202-204 are examples of a "first communication device" and a "second communication device," respectively. The model names "MN1" and "MN2" are examples of "first specific information" and "second specific information," respectively. The print speed (100 mm / s, 75 mm / s, 50 mm / s) and the display setting "none," the print speed (150 mm / s, 125 mm / s, 100 mm / s) and the power saving function are examples of "first capability information" and "second capability information," respectively. The display unit 14 of the management PC 10 is an example of an "output unit." The change try screens SC11 and S21 and the confirmation screens SC12 and SC22 are examples of "specific screens." The communication method via the USBI / F 20 and the communication method via the NWI / F 22 are examples of a "first communication method" and a "second communication method", respectively.

[0084] S10 in FIG. 4 and S110 in FIG. 6 are examples of processing executed by a "first acquisition unit" and a "second acquisition unit", respectively. S30 in FIG. 4 and S60 in FIG. 5 are examples of processing executed by an "output control unit", respectively. S34 in FIG. 4 and S64 and S72 in FIG. 5 are examples of processing executed by a "first transmission unit" and a "second transmission unit", respectively. S20 in FIG. 4 is an example of processing executed by a "determination unit".

[0085] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0086] (Variation 1) The "first communication device" and the "second communication device" are not limited to a printer, but may be other devices such as a scanner, a multifunction device, or a PC.

[0087] (Variation 2) The CPU 32 of the management PC 10 does not have to receive capability information from the target printer in S10 of Fig. 4 and S110 of Fig. 6. In this case, the CPU 32 may receive the target model name from the target printer in S10 and S110, and use the target model name to obtain capability information of the target printer associated with the target model name, for example, from a database on the Internet.

[0088] (Variation 3) The "first specific information" and the "second specific information" are not limited to the model name, and may be a device ID. In this case, the CPU 32 of the management PC 10 may receive the target device ID from the target printer, and use the target device ID to obtain capability information of the target printer associated with the target device ID, for example, from a database on the Internet.

[0089] (Variation 4) The CPU 32 may not start the process of Fig. 4 when the management PC 10 changes to a state where it can communicate with the target printer via the USB I / F 20. Similarly, the CPU 32 may not start the process of Fig. 6 when the management PC 10 changes to a state where it can communicate with the target printer via the NWI / F 22. For example, the CPU 32 may start the processes of Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 in response to receiving a predetermined operation from the administrator after the management PC 10 changes to a state where it can communicate with the target printer.

[0090] (Variation 5) The CPU 32 may cause the target printer to print the change try screens SC11, SC21 instead of displaying the change try screens SC11, SC21 on the display unit 14. In this variation, the target printer is an example of an "output unit", and the process of sending print data showing the change try screens SC11, SC21 to the target printer is an example of the process executed by the "output control unit".

[0091] (Variation 6) Instead of the change try screen SC11, the CPU 32 may display on the display unit 14 a change screen that includes only a message indicating that the print speed has been improved. Generally speaking, a specific screen does not need to be capable of accepting execution instructions. In this variation, the change screen is an example of a "specific screen." Also, the "first transmission unit" can be omitted.

[0092] (Variation 7) After receiving device information from the printer 202, for example, at T210 in Fig. 9, the management PC 10 may transmit a trial printing request to the printer 202. Generally speaking, the "first transmission unit" may transmit an execution request to a second communication device capable of communicating according to the second communication method.

[0093] (Variation 8) The first communication method may be a Wi-Fi Direct method, a Near Field Communication method, or the like, instead of a USB method. "Wi-Fi Direct" is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Generally speaking, the "first communication method" may be a communication method for performing communication at a shorter distance than the "second communication method."

[0094] (Modification 9) The CPU 32 may not display the confirmation screens SC12 and SC22. Generally speaking, the specific screen may not be able to accept setting instructions. In this modification, the "second transmission unit" may be omitted.

[0095] (Variation 10) CPU 32 may not execute the process of S20. Generally speaking, the "determination unit" can be omitted. In another variation, when the target model name is already stored in the capability table 50 (YES in S20), CPU 32 may further compare the version associated with the target model name in the capability table 50 with the version of the target printer included in the device information. In this case, CPU 32 may proceed to S22 if the two versions are different, and may end the printer setting process if the two versions match. This allows the administrator to recognize that printers with the same model name have different printer capabilities due to differences in versions.

[0096] (Variation 11) The "capability information" may include at least one of the print speed and the presence or absence of a power saving function. In another variation, the "capability information" may include information indicating capabilities other than the print speed and the presence or absence of a power saving function (e.g., print resolution, the presence or absence of a double-sided printing function, etc.).

[0097] (Modification 12) In the above embodiment, the processes in FIGS. 4 to 9 are executed by software (eg, program 40), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0098] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives itself has technical utility.

[0099] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing of this patent application, even if each claim is dependent on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can be dependent on only those some of the claims. Each claim can also be dependent on other claims that are not dependent on it at the time of filing to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) An application program for a terminal device, The terminal device computer is composed of the following units: a first acquisition unit that acquires first capability information corresponding to first identification information received from a first communication device after the terminal device changes to a state capable of communicating with the first communication device, the first capability information indicating a capability of the first communication device; a second acquisition unit that acquires second capability information corresponding to second identification information received from the second communication device after the terminal device changes to a state in which it can communicate with the second communication device instead of the first communication device, the second capability information indicating a capability of the second communication device; an output control unit that, when the first capability information and the second capability information are different, causes an output unit to output information indicating that the first capability information and the second capability information are different; To function as Application program. (Item 2) The first acquisition unit receives the first identification information and the first capability information from the first communication device; The second acquisition unit receives the second identification information and the second capability information from the second communication device. Item 1. The application program according to item 1. (Item 3) the output unit is a display unit of the terminal device, The output control unit causes the display unit to display a specific screen showing the information. Item 1. The application program according to item 1. (Item 4) the specific screen is capable of receiving an execution instruction for causing the second communication device to execute a function corresponding to a capability different from a capability indicated by the first capability information, among capabilities indicated by the second capability information; The application program further causes the computer to when the execution instruction is accepted on the specific screen, the function is caused to function as a first transmission unit that transmits an execution request to the second communication device to cause the second communication device to execute the function; Item 3. The application program according to item 3. (Item 5) The first transmission unit is transmitting the execution request to a second communication device with which the terminal device can communicate according to a first communication method, among the plurality of second communication devices; among the plurality of second communication devices, the execution request is not transmitted to a second communication device with which the terminal device can communicate according to a second communication method different from the first communication method; Item 4. An application program according to item 4. (Item 6) 6. The application program according to item 5, wherein the first communication method is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) method. (Item 7) the specific screen is further capable of receiving a setting instruction for setting the function as a default function of each of the plurality of second communication devices; The application program further causes the computer to 6. The application program according to item 5, further comprising a second transmitting unit that, when the setting instruction is accepted, transmits a setting request to set the function as a default function to each of the plurality of second communication devices. (Item 8) the specific screen is capable of receiving a setting instruction for setting a function corresponding to a capability different from a capability indicated by the first capability information, among capabilities indicated by the second capability information, as a default function of the second communication device; The application program further causes the computer to a second transmission unit that transmits a setting request for setting the function as a default function to the second communication device when the setting instruction is accepted; 8. The application program according to any one of items 3 to 7, (Item 9) the first identification information includes a model name of the first communication device; the second identification information includes a model name of the second communication device; The application program further causes the computer to a determination unit that determines whether the first capability information and the second capability information are different when the model name of the first communication device and the model name of the second communication device are different, and that does not determine whether the first capability information and the second capability information are different when the model name of the first communication device and the model name of the second communication device match; 9. The application program according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) the first capability information indicates that a power saving function of a display unit in the first communication device is not present; 10. The application program according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the second capability information indicates that a power saving function of a display unit in the second communication device is present. (Item 11) each of the first communication device and the second communication device is a printer; the first capability information includes first speed information indicating a print speed that the first communication device can achieve; the second capability information includes second speed information indicating a print speed that the second communication device can achieve, the second speed information being different from the first speed information; 11. The application program according to any one of items 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 2: communication system, 4: Internet, 10: management PC, 12, 112: operation unit, 14, 114: display unit, 20, 120: USB I / F, 22, 122, 222: NWI / F, 30, 130: control unit, 32, 132: CPU, 34, 134: memory, 40: program, 50: capability table, 60: device table, 101-104, 201-204: printers, 116: backlight, 118: print execution unit, SC11, SC21: change try screen, SC12, SC22: confirmation screen

Claims

1. An application program for a terminal device, The terminal device computer is composed of the following units: a first acquisition unit that acquires first capability information corresponding to first identification information received from a first communication device after the terminal device changes to a state capable of communicating with the first communication device, the first capability information indicating a capability of the first communication device; a second acquisition unit that acquires second capability information corresponding to second identification information received from the second communication device after the terminal device changes to a state in which it can communicate with the second communication device instead of the first communication device, the second capability information indicating a capability of the second communication device; an output control unit that, when the first capability information and the second capability information are different, causes an output unit to output information indicating that the first capability information and the second capability information are different; To function as Application program.

2. The first acquisition unit receives the first identification information and the first capability information from the first communication device; The second acquisition unit receives the second identification information and the second capability information from the second communication device.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

3. the output unit is a display unit of the terminal device, The output control unit causes the display unit to display a specific screen showing the information.

2. The application program according to claim 1.

4. the specific screen is capable of receiving an execution instruction for causing the second communication device to execute a function corresponding to a capability different from a capability indicated by the first capability information, among capabilities indicated by the second capability information; The application program further causes the computer to when the execution instruction is accepted on the specific screen, the function is caused to function as a first transmission unit that transmits an execution request to the second communication device to cause the second communication device to execute the function; 4. The application program according to claim 3.

5. The first transmission unit is transmitting the execution request to a second communication device with which the terminal device can communicate according to a first communication method, among the plurality of second communication devices; the execution request is not transmitted to a second communication device with which the terminal device can communicate according to a second communication method different from the first communication method, among the plurality of second communication devices; 5. The application program according to claim 4.

6. 6. The application program according to claim 5, wherein the first communication method is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) method.

7. the specific screen is further capable of accepting a setting instruction for setting the function as a default function of each of the plurality of second communication devices; The application program further causes the computer to 6. The application program according to claim 5, further comprising a second transmitting unit configured to transmit a setting request for setting the function as a default function to each of the plurality of second communication devices when the setting instruction is accepted.

8. the specific screen is capable of receiving a setting instruction for setting a function corresponding to a capability different from a capability indicated by the first capability information, among capabilities indicated by the second capability information, as a default function of the second communication device; The application program further causes the computer to a second transmission unit that transmits a setting request for setting the function as a default function to the second communication device when the setting instruction is accepted; 4. The application program according to claim 3, further comprising:

9. the first identification information includes a model name of the one communication device; the second identification information includes a model name of the second communication device; The application program further causes the computer to a determination unit that determines whether the first capability information and the second capability information are different when the model name of the first communication device and the model name of the second communication device are different, and that does not determine whether the first capability information and the second capability information are different when the model name of the first communication device and the model name of the second communication device are the same; 2. The application program according to claim 1.

10. the first capability information indicates that a power saving function of a display unit in the first communication device is not present; The application program according to claim 1 , wherein the second capability information indicates that a power saving function of a display unit of the second communication device is present.

11. each of the first communication device and the second communication device is a printer; the first capability information includes first speed information indicating a print speed that the first communication device can achieve; the second capability information includes second speed information indicating a print speed that the second communication device can achieve, the second speed information being different from the first speed information; 2. The application program according to claim 1.

12. A terminal device, a first acquisition unit that acquires first capability information corresponding to first identification information received from a first communication device after the terminal device changes to a state capable of communicating with the first communication device, the first capability information indicating a capability of the first communication device; a second acquisition unit that acquires second capability information corresponding to second identification information received from the second communication device after the terminal device changes to a state in which it can communicate with the second communication device instead of the first communication device, the second capability information indicating a capability of the second communication device; an output control unit that, when the first capability information and the second capability information are different, causes an output unit to output information indicating that the first capability information and the second capability information are different; A terminal device comprising:

Images