First electronic device, second electronic device, and device connection method

Abstract

To simplify connection operation for performing Bluetooth communication with an electronic device to be connected.SOLUTION: A first electronic device 1 according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit 14, a second wireless communication unit 15 and a communication controller 10a to control the first wireless communication unit 14 and the second wireless communication unit 15. The first wireless communication unit 14 performs first wireless communication with a terminal device 3 by a first communication method. The second wireless communication unit 15 performs Bluetooth communication with a second electronic device 2 by a second communication method that is a communication method conforming to a Bluetooth standard. The communication controller 10a searches for an electronic device that is a candidate for the second electronic device 2 via the second wireless communication unit 15, acquires, from the terminal device 3 via the first wireless communication unit 14, instruction information instructing connection with the second electronic device 2 to perform Bluetooth communication with the second wireless communication unit 15 from among searched candidates, and transmits a connection request by the second communication method to the second electronic device 2 indicated by the instruction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a device connection method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which devices perform Bluetooth (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter) pairing with each other.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of simplifying the connection operation when performing Bluetooth connection only with the electronic device to be connected.

[0005] Therefore, development of a technology that can simplify the connection operation for performing Bluetooth communication with the electronic device to be connected is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit that performs first wireless communication with a terminal device by a first communication method, a second wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a second electronic device by a second communication method that is a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard, and a communication control unit that controls the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit. The communication control unit searches for an electronic device that is a candidate for the second electronic device via the second wireless communication unit, and acquires, from the terminal device via the first wireless communication unit, instruction information for instructing connection to the second electronic device that is a target for performing Bluetooth communication with the second wireless communication unit among the searched candidates, and transmits a connection request by the second communication method to the second electronic device indicated by the instruction information.

[0007] A second electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a first electronic device by a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard, and a communication control unit that controls the wireless communication unit. The communication control unit receives a transmission request for transmitting device information from the first electronic device that is a target for performing Bluetooth communication via the wireless communication unit, transmits the device information to the first electronic device via the wireless communication unit as a response to the transmission request, receives a connection request by the communication method from the first electronic device, attempts to connect to the first electronic device with the wireless communication unit so as to perform Bluetooth communication with the first electronic device as a response to the connection request, and when the connection to the first electronic device fails, receives again the connection request by the communication method transmitted from the first electronic device based on the device information.

[0008] The device connection method according to one aspect of the present invention is such that a first electronic device including a first wireless communication unit that performs first wireless communication with a terminal device by a first communication method and a second wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a second electronic device by a second communication method that is a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard searches for an electronic device that is a candidate for the second electronic device via the second wireless communication unit, and obtains, from the terminal device via the first wireless communication unit, instruction information for instructing connection to the second electronic device that is a target for performing Bluetooth communication with the second wireless communication unit among the searched candidates, and transmits a connection request by the second communication method to the second electronic device indicated by the instruction information.

[0009] The device connection method according to another aspect of the present invention is such that a second electronic device including a wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a first electronic device by a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard receives a transmission request for transmitting device information from the first electronic device that is a target for performing Bluetooth communication via the wireless communication unit, transmits the device information to the first electronic device via the wireless communication unit as a response to the transmission request, receives a connection request by the communication method from the first electronic device, attempts to connect to the first electronic device with the wireless communication unit so as to perform Bluetooth communication with the first electronic device as a response to the connection request, and when the connection to the first electronic device fails, receives again the connection request by the communication method transmitted from the first electronic device based on the device information.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each figure is merely an example for explaining the embodiments of the present invention. Also, not all of the components described in the embodiments of the present invention are essential components of the present invention.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Example of System Configuration] Using FIG. 1, a communication system including a first electronic device according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of such a communication system.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 according to this embodiment can include a first electronic device 1, a second electronic device 2, and a terminal device 3. Hereinafter, a schematic configuration example will be described in the order of the terminal device 3, the second electronic device 2, and the first electronic device 1.

[0014] [Schematic Configuration Example of Terminal Device 3] The terminal device 3 is used to establish a connection for performing Bluetooth communication between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2. The terminal device 3 can be a device equipped with a communication function such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The terminal device 3 is not limited to a portable type and may be an installed type device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the terminal device 3 can include a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, and a wireless communication unit 34.

[0015] The control unit 30 controls the entire terminal device 3. The control unit 30 can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, etc. The control unit 30 can also be configured as a SoC (System on a Chip). The control unit 30 can be configured to store a control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 30 can also be configured to store a control program as a circuit configuration like an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or configured as a dedicated circuit. The above program can include a program for realizing the functions of the terminal device 3 while cooperating with the storage unit 31, the operation unit 32, the display unit 33, and the wireless communication unit 34. The control unit 30 can include a communication control unit that controls communication in the wireless communication unit 34, but for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the explanation will be based on the premise that the control of the wireless communication unit 34 is also performed by the control unit 30.

[0016] The functions of the terminal device 3 include a display function for a user interface (UI) image, which is an operation image used when establishing a Bluetooth communication connection between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2, on a display unit 33. Displaying the UI image on the display unit 33 may involve displaying the UI image provided by the first electronic device 1 on a browser. Additionally, the functions of the terminal device 3 include a function of accepting user operations from an operation unit 32 for the UI image, etc.

[0017] The storage unit 31 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. A part of the memory included in the control unit 30 may be regarded as the storage unit 31. The storage unit 31 can also be regarded as a part of the control unit 30.

[0018] The display unit 33 is a part for displaying information. The display unit 33 can display a UI image, which is an operation image provided by the first electronic device 1, as at least a part of this information. The display unit 33 is constituted by, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 33 can also have a configuration including a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0019] The operation unit 32 is a part for accepting operations and inputs by the user and can also be referred to as an operation reception unit. The operation unit 32 can accept operations on the operation image displayed on the display unit 33. The operation unit 32 can be realized by, for example, any one or more of a physical button, a touch panel or touch sensor mounted on the display unit 33, a pointing device, and a keyboard, etc. In a configuration where the operation unit 32 includes a touch panel or touch sensor, including the display unit 33 and the touch panel, it can also be referred to as the operation panel of the terminal device 3.

[0020] The wireless communication unit 34 performs wireless communication with the first wireless communication unit 14 of the first electronic device 1, which will be described later. The wireless communication unit 34 can be a communication interface for the terminal device 3 to perform wireless communication with an external device in accordance with the communication protocol of the first communication method. In the communication system 100, this external device may include the case where it is the first electronic device 1, but may also include the case where it is other devices.

[0021] [Schematic Configuration Example of the Second Electronic Device 2] The second electronic device 2 can be a device equipped with a communication function, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, a printer, a handy terminal, a coin-operated machine, a credit card payment terminal, etc. The handy terminal can be equipped with a scan function for reading barcodes and the like. Note that the second electronic device 2 is not limited to being portable and may be an installed device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second electronic device 2 can include a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an operation unit 22, and a wireless communication unit 25.

[0022] The control unit 20 can also be referred to as a controller and performs overall control of the second electronic device 2. The control unit 20 can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU and a GPU, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, etc. The control unit 20 can also be configured as a SoC. The control unit 20 can be configured to store a control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 20 can also be configured to store a control program as a circuit configuration like an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or configured as a dedicated circuit. The above program can include a program for realizing the functions of the second electronic device 2 while cooperating with the storage unit 21, the operation unit 22, and the wireless communication unit 25. The control unit 20 can include a communication control unit for controlling communication in the wireless communication unit 25, but for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the explanation will be based on the premise that the control of the wireless communication unit 25 is also performed by the control unit 20.

[0023] The storage unit 21 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. A part of the memory included in the control unit 20 may be regarded as the storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 can also be regarded as a part of the control unit 20.

[0024] The operation unit 22 is a part that receives operations and inputs by the user, and can also be referred to as an operation reception unit. The operation unit 22 can be realized by, for example, physical buttons or the like. Also, the operation unit 22 can be realized by an operation unit other than physical buttons, similar to the operation unit 32 of the terminal device 3.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 25 performs wireless communication with the second wireless communication unit 15 of the first electronic device 1 described later. The wireless communication unit 25 can be a communication interface for the second electronic device 2 to perform wireless communication with an external device in accordance with the communication protocol of the second communication method. In the communication system 100, this external device includes the case where it is the first electronic device 1, but can also include the case where it is other devices.

[0026] Also, although not shown, the second electronic device 2 can also include a display unit for displaying information, similar to the terminal device 3. Also, the second electronic device 2 can configure an operation panel with this display unit and the operation unit 22. However, as will be described later, it can be said that when the second electronic device 2 does not include such a display unit, the effect of executing the connection process between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2 using the terminal device 3 in the communication system 100 is more pronounced.

[0027] [Schematic configuration example of the first electronic device 1] The first electronic device 1 can be a hub device having a function of communicating with a plurality of electronic devices. Note that the hub device can also be simply referred to as a hub. Alternatively, the first electronic device 1 may be a device having a communication function such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC. Note that the first electronic device 1 is not limited to being portable and may be an installed device.

[0028] The first electronic device 1 can include a control unit 10 having a communication control unit 10a, a storage unit 11, an operation unit 12, a first wireless communication unit 14, and a second wireless communication unit 15.

[0029] The control unit 10 can also be referred to as a controller and performs overall control of the first electronic device 1. The control unit 10 can include a communication control unit 10a that controls communication in the first wireless communication unit 14 and the second wireless communication unit 15.

[0030] The control unit 10 can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or GPU, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, etc. The control unit 10, or the communication control unit 10a, can also be configured as a SoC. The control unit 10 can be configured to store a control program in an executable state. However, the control unit 10 can also be configured to store a control program as a circuit configuration like an FPGA, or configured as a dedicated circuit. The above program can include a program for realizing the functions of the first electronic device 1 while cooperating with the storage unit 11, the operation unit 12, the first wireless communication unit 14, and the second wireless communication unit 15.

[0031] The storage unit 11 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. A part of the memory included in the control unit 10 may be regarded as the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 can also be regarded as a part of the control unit 10.

[0032] The operation unit 12 is a part that receives operations and inputs by the user and can also be referred to as an operation reception unit. The operation unit 12 can be realized by, for example, physical buttons. Also, the operation unit 12 can be realized by an operation unit other than physical buttons, similar to the operation unit 32 of the terminal device 3.

[0033] The first wireless communication unit 14 performs first wireless communication with the terminal device 3 by a first communication method. The first wireless communication unit 14 can be a communication interface for the first electronic device 1 to wirelessly communicate with an external device in accordance with the communication protocol of the first communication method. In the communication system 100, this external device includes the case where it is the terminal device 3, but can also include the case where it is other devices.

[0034] The second wireless communication unit 15 performs second wireless communication with the second electronic device 2 by a second communication method. The second wireless communication unit 15 can be a communication interface for the first electronic device 1 to wirelessly communicate with an external device in accordance with the communication protocol of the second communication method. In the communication system 100, this external device includes the case where it is the second electronic device 2, but can also include the case where it is other devices. Here, the second communication method is a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard. The version of the Bluetooth standard does not matter. Thus, the Bluetooth standard may be, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy. Hereinafter, wireless communication by a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard and its connection are referred to as BT communication and BT connection, respectively.

[0035] The first communication method, which is the communication method in the first wireless communication unit 14, can be, for example, a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark. The same shall apply hereinafter.) standard. The Wi-Fi standard refers to, for example, the standards of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 and its derivative standards. Thus, the version of the Wi-Fi standard does not matter. Hereinafter, wireless communication by a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi standard is referred to as Wi-Fi communication.

[0036] Further, the first communication method can be a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi Direct standard, and an example thereof will be described below. Hereinafter, wireless communication by a communication method compliant with the Wi-Fi Direct standard is referred to as Wi-Fi Direct communication. Since the connection therefor can be easily made, it can be said that the setting of the BT communication by using the terminal device 3 can also be easily performed.

[0037] However, the first communication method may be other communication methods, and may not be a communication method different from the second communication method, but may be the same communication method, that is, a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard. The first communication method may be, for example, a communication method compliant with other short-range wireless communication standards such as Zigbee (registered trademark), or a communication method compliant with communication standards such as the fourth-generation mobile communication system and the fifth-generation mobile communication system.

[0038] In addition, in order to improve the convenience of the user, the first communication method may be determined so that the communication speed between the first electronic device 1 and the terminal device 3 is faster than the communication speed between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2. However, there may be no difference in the communication speed between the first communication method and the second communication method, or a communication method in which the second communication method has a faster communication speed than the first communication method may be adopted.

[0039] As described above, hereinafter, an example in which the first wireless communication unit 14 performs Wi-Fi Direct communication with the terminal device 3 and the second wireless communication unit 15 performs BT communication with the second electronic device 2 will be described. However, in the communication system 100, the user operates the terminal device 3 to set the connection for this BT communication by using Wi-Fi Direct communication.

[0040] For such a setting, first, the communication control unit 10a searches for candidate electronic devices of the second electronic device 2 via the second wireless communication unit 15. Then, the communication control unit 10a transmits the result of the search to the terminal device 3 by Wi-Fi Direct communication via the first wireless communication unit 14.

[0041] The terminal device 3 that has received the search result may display the search result on the display unit 33 as a UI image and accept a selection operation of a connection partner from the operation unit 32. Then, the control unit 30 of the terminal device 3 transmits, via the wireless communication unit 34, instruction information for instructing a connection to the second electronic device 2 that is a target for performing BT communication by the second wireless communication unit 15 among the searched candidates, to the first electronic device 1 by Wi-Fi Direct communication.

[0042] The communication control unit 10a acquires this instruction information by receiving it from the terminal device 3 via the first wireless communication unit 14. Then, the communication control unit 10a transmits a connection request using the second communication method to the second electronic device 2 indicated by this instruction information. This connection request can be referred to as a BT connection request and can include a Bluetooth pairing request.

[0043] [Processing example of the first electronic device 1] With reference to FIG. 2, a processing example of the first electronic device 1 in the communication system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining such a processing example. This processing example is an example of device connection processing for a BT connection between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2.

[0044] The communication control unit 10a searches for an electronic device that is a target for BT communication via the second wireless communication unit 15 (step S1). Next, the communication control unit 10a acquires the above instruction information from the terminal device 3 via the first wireless communication unit 14 (step S2).

[0045] Next, the communication control unit 10a transmits a connection request using the second communication method, that is, a BT connection request, to the second electronic device 2 indicated by this instruction information (step S3). When a response to this BT connection request is received from the second electronic device 2, BT pairing is performed with the second electronic device 2 and a BT connection is established. If there is a response that rejects the BT connection as this response, the BT connection will not be established. However, for example, the second electronic device 2 may be set in advance to transmit a response that permits the connection to the BT connection request.

[0046] Then, the communication control unit 10a judges whether or not the BT connection is successful as a result of the BT connection request (step S4). If the answer is YES in step S4, that is, if the BT connection is successful, the communication control unit 10a starts BT communication with the second electronic device 2 (step S5) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S4, that is, if the BT connection is not possible or is rejected, the communication control unit 10a ends the process.

[0047] [Example of processing in communication system 100] 3 to 5, specific processing examples will be described below, including not only the processing on the first electronic device 1 side but also the processing on the terminal device 3 and the second electronic device 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state transition example of the communication system 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a transition example following FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a transition example of a UI image displayed on a terminal device in the communication system of FIG. 1 in the transition examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0048] Here, an example will be described in which the first electronic device 1 is a concentrator (hereinafter referred to as HubBOX) 1a, and the second electronic device 2 is a handy terminal (hereinafter referred to as HT) 2a. In addition, the terminal device 3 will be referred to as a connection terminal 3a, and the HubBOX 1a will be referred to as HB1a.

[0049] First, an example will be described in which the communication system 100 executes settings to perform BT communication between HB 1a and HT 2a from a state in which HB 1a and a connection terminal 3a are performing Wi-Fi Direct communication, as shown in the communication system 100A of FIG. 3.

[0050] The user launches a tool application for such settings on the connection terminal 3a. Hereinafter, this tool application is simply referred to as a tool. The tool may be pre-installed on the connection terminal 3a. By this installation, the connection terminal 3a may display an icon 33a for opening this tool on its display unit 33, as shown by the UI image 33A in FIG. 5. When the user selects this icon 33a from the operation unit 32, the tool is launched. Note that this tool may be a browser that simply receives and displays a UI image for performing a BT connection from HB1a.

[0051] From the state shown by the communication system 100A, make HT2a in a state where it can be BT paired, as in the state shown by the communication system 100B. The transition to such a state in HT2a may be automatically executed simply when the power is turned on, or may be executed by the user pressing a button from the operation unit 22 provided in HT2a. Also, the transition to such a state in HT2a may be before the tool is launched.

[0052] Upon launching the tool, the connection terminal 3a notifies HB1a that it has been launched. Upon receiving this notification, HB1a searches for devices that can be used as a BT communication partner. Here, from the state shown by the communication system 100B, HB1a and HT2a are in a state where they can be BT paired, as in the state shown by the communication system 100C.

[0053] The result of this search is transmitted to the connection terminal 3a, and a list of available devices is displayed as exemplified by the UI image 33B. The user will select one device from the operation unit 32. For example, as exemplified by the UI image 33C, SF-1 is selected from the devices SF-1 and PT-1 included in the list and is highlighted. Here, assume that SF-1 is HT2a equipped with a scanner function. Also, assume that PT-1 is a printer.

[0054] Then, the connection terminal 3a transmits, via the wireless communication unit 34, instruction information for instructing connection with SF-1 selected by the user to HB1a by Wi-Fi Direct communication.

[0055] HB1a receives this instruction information from the connection terminal 3a via the first wireless communication unit 14. Then, HB1a transmits a BT connection request to SF-1 indicated by this instruction information as in the state shown in the communication system 100D of FIG. 4. In this state, the connection terminal 3a may display that it is connected to SF-1 as exemplified by the UI image 33D of FIG. 5.

[0056] When HT2a responds with connection permission to this BT connection request, BT communication becomes possible between HB1a and HT2a as in the state shown in the communication system 100E of FIG. 4. When such a state is reached, the connection terminal 3a may display that the connection to SF-1 is complete as exemplified by the UI image 33E of FIG. 5. Note that the UI image 33E may be erased after a certain period of time or by a user operation.

[0057] [Effects of the present embodiment] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the connection operation for performing BT communication with the electronic device to be connected can be simplified, and the convenience of the BT connection operation can be improved.

[0058] As a comparative example, an example is given in which the first electronic device and the second electronic device establish a BT connection using the operation buttons on the main body. In such a comparative example, since a BT connection is established only with an electronic device near the first electronic device, a BT connection between the first electronic device and an electronic device other than the intended second electronic device may be established. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the BT connection can be performed while confirming the information of the connection partner using the terminal device 3, the intended second electronic device 2 can be surely BT-connected to the first electronic device 1.

[0059] In particular, in this embodiment, even when neither the first electronic device 1 nor the second electronic device 2 is equipped with an operation panel, the user can easily perform a BT connection operation between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2 desired by the user using the terminal device 3. However, even when one or both of the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2 are equipped with an operation panel, it is beneficial because the settings can be made with the terminal device 3 without the user having to go next to both electronic devices.

[0060] [Another Processing Example 1 of Communication System 100] Another processing example of the communication system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another transition example of the state of the communication system 100. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a transition example of a UI image displayed on the connection terminal 3a, which is an example of the terminal device 3, in the transition example of FIG. 6.

[0061] The processing example described here is an example of collectively performing BT connection of a plurality of second electronic devices 2 to the first electronic device 1. Also in this processing example, an example is given in which the first electronic device 1 is HB1a, the second electronic device 2 is HT2a, and the terminal device 3 is the connection terminal 3a. However, here, an example in which a printer 2b also exists as the second electronic device 2 is given, and the differences from the processing example described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 will be described.

[0062] Upon activation of the tool, the connection terminal 3a notifies HB1a that it has been activated. Upon receiving this notification, HB1a searches for devices that can be used as BT communication partners. Here, although not shown, in the communication system 100, HT2a and the printer 2b described later in FIG. 6 are in a state where they can be BT paired with HB1a.

[0063] The results of this search are sent to the connection terminal 3a, and a list of available devices is displayed as exemplified by the UI image 33aB in FIG. 7. This list includes devices SF-1 and PT-1. In the UI image 33aB, it is advisable to include a selection area that allows the devices in the list to be selected all at once. This enables the user to select all the devices at once from the operation unit 32. For example, as exemplified by the UI image 33aC, all the devices included in the list will be selected.

[0064] Then, the connection terminal 3a transmits instruction information for instructing connection to SF-1 and PT-1 selected by the user to HB1a via Wi-Fi Direct communication through the wireless communication unit 34.

[0065] HB1a receives this instruction information from the connection terminal 3a via the first wireless communication unit 14. Then, like the state shown in the communication system 100aD in FIG. 6, HB1a transmits a BT connection request to SF-1 and PT-1 indicated by this instruction information, that is, HT2a and the printer 2b. This transmission is preferably executed by the communication control unit 10a. In this state, the connection terminal 3a may display that it is connected to SF-1 and PT-1 as exemplified by the UI image 33aD in FIG. 5.

[0066] When HT2a responds with connection permission to this BT connection request from both devices, BT communication becomes possible between HB1a and HT2a and between HB1a and the printer 2b, like the state shown in the communication system 100aE in FIG. 6. At this stage, the connection terminal 3a may display that the connection to SF-1 and PT-1 is completed, as exemplified by the UI image 33aE in FIG. 7. Note that the UI image 33aE may be erased after a certain period or by a user operation.

[0067] As in this processing example, when the communication control unit 10a obtains information instructing the connection between the terminal device 3 and a plurality of electronic devices that will become the second electronic device 2 as instruction information, it may transmit a BT connection request to the plurality of electronic devices indicated by the instruction information. In this processing example, by transmitting such a batch of BT connection requests, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

[0068] [Another Processing Example 2 of Communication System 100] Using FIGS. 8 to 11, another processing example (processing example 2) in the communication system 100 will be described. First, using FIG. 8, the processing in the first electronic device 1 in processing example 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing example of the first electronic device 1 in processing example 2.

[0069] In the processing example using FIGS. 2 and 3 to 5, the processing was terminated when the BT connection failed. However, in processing example 2, when the BT connection fails, the BT connection request is transmitted again according to the device information. Specifically, the details of processing example 2 will be described.

[0070] In processing example 2, the communication control unit 10a transmits a transmission request for searching for an electronic device that is a candidate for the second electronic device 2 or for requesting the transmission of device information to the searched candidate via the second wireless communication unit 15. Since this transmission request is a request for obtaining device information, it can also be referred to as an acquisition request. Here, the device information can also be referred to as device information. The device information can include, for example, a vendor ID, a product ID, or both a vendor ID and a product ID. However, the device information of the second electronic device 2 received by the first electronic device 1 only needs to be information that can identify whether the device can handle the processing here. Also, the device information of the first electronic device 1 received by the second electronic device only needs to be information that can identify whether the device can handle the processing here.

[0071] Next, the communication control unit 10a acquires, as a response to the transmission request, by receiving device information via the second wireless communication unit 15 (step S12). Thereby, the communication control unit 10a can recognize, based on the received device information, whether the searched device is a device that can support the process of step S17 described later. Next, the communication control unit 10a acquires instruction information from the terminal device 3 via the first wireless communication unit 14 (step S13). When batch device selection is made from the terminal device 3, this instruction information includes information indicating that all the searched devices are to be BT-connected as the second electronic device 2.

[0072] Next, the communication control unit 10a, in the same manner as step S3 in FIG. 2, transmits a BT connection request to the second electronic device 2 indicated by this instruction information (step S14). When a response to this BT connection request is received from the second electronic device 2, BT pairing is performed with the second electronic device 2, and a BT connection is established.

[0073] Then, as a result of the BT connection request, the communication control unit 10a determines whether the BT connection was successful (step S15). If the result in step S15 is YES, that is, if the BT connection was successful, the communication control unit 10a starts BT communication with the second electronic device 2 (step S16) and ends the process.

[0074] On the other hand, if the result in step S15 is NO, that is, if the connection to any of the second electronic devices 2 indicated by the instruction information fails, the communication control unit 10a retransmits a BT connection request to the failed second electronic device 2 based on the device information of the failed second electronic device 2 (step S17). After the process of step S17, the process of step S15 is executed, and the process continues until BT communication becomes possible. However, a predetermined threshold may be set for the number of retransmissions of the BT connection request, and if the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the process may end even if BT communication is not possible.

[0075] Next, regarding Processing Example 2, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a specific processing example will be described, including not only the processing on the first electronic device 1 side but also the processing on the terminal device 3 and the second electronic device 2. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the communication system 100 corresponding to the processing example in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state transition of the communication system 100 based on the processing example in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transition of the UI image displayed on the terminal device 3 in the communication system 100 in the transition example in FIG. 10. Note that hereinafter, as Processing Example 2, the differences from Processing Example 1 will be described, but a configuration in which batch selection as in Processing Example 1 is not possible may also be adopted.

[0076] In the processing example of FIG. 9, an example is given in which the communication system 100 includes HB1a as the first electronic device 1 and a printer 2b as the second electronic device 2. Actually, as in Processing Example 1, HT2a is also included as the second electronic device 2.

[0077] First, in the communication system 100, HT2a and the printer 2b are set to a state where they can be paired with HB1a (step S20). Next, upon startup of the tool, the connection terminal 3a notifies HB1a of the startup via the wireless communication unit 34 (step S21). Upon receiving this notification, HB1a requests device information via the second wireless communication unit 15 (step S22) to search for devices that can be used as BT communication partners.

[0078] In step S22, the control unit 20 of the printer 2b or HT2a receives a transmission request for transmitting device information from HB1a, which is the target for BT communication, via the wireless communication unit 25. Then, the control unit 20 transmits the device information as the response to HB1a via the wireless communication unit 25 (step S23), and also transmits a transmission request for the device information of HB1a to HB1a (step S24). Upon receiving this transmission request, HB1a transmits the device information of HB1a to the printer 2b or HT2a as the response (step S25).

[0079] Although not shown in Fig. 9, the results of the above search are transmitted to the connection terminal 3a, and a list of available devices is displayed as exemplified by the UI image 33aB in Fig. 7. This list includes devices SF-1 and PT-1, and an explanation will be given for the case where any of these devices is selected by the user. In this case, the connection terminal 3a transmits instruction information for instructing connection to SF-1 and PT-1 selected by the user to HB1a by Wi-Fi Direct communication via the wireless communication unit 34.

[0080] HB1a receives this instruction information from the connection terminal 3a via the first wireless communication unit 14. Then, as in the state shown by the communication system 100aD in Fig. 10, HB1a transmits a BT connection request to SF-1 and PT-1 indicated by this instruction information, that is, HT2a and the printer 2b. This transmission may be executed by the communication control unit 10a. In this state, the connection terminal 3a may display that it is connected to SF-1 and PT-1 as exemplified by the UI image 33aD in Fig. 11.

[0081] Next, the control units 20 of HT2a and the printer 2b receive a BT connection request from HB1a via the wireless communication unit 25, and the wireless communication unit 25 attempts to establish a BT connection with HB1a so as to perform BT communication with HB1a as a response to the BT connection request. The HB1a side will also attempt to establish a BT connection with HT2a and the printer 2b, and the HB1a side may attempt it actively or passively. When the control units 20 of HT2a and the printer 2b succeed in connecting to HB1a, they will be in a state where BT communication can be performed.

[0082] Since this processing example is for the case of a failed BT connection, the case where a connection permission response cannot be received from both devices for this BT connection request will be described. That is, as in the state shown in step S26 of FIG. 9 and communication system 100aF of FIG. 10, the case where, even if BT pairing and connection are performed, the BT pairing fails and the BT connection cannot be established will be described. In this state, the connection terminal 3a may display a message indicating that the connection has failed, as exemplified by the UI image 33aF in FIG. 11.

[0083] When the control unit 20 of the printer 2b fails to connect to HB1a, it determines whether HB1a is a device of the same vendor as the printer 2b by referring to the device information of the printer 2b from the device information of HB1a. The control unit 20 of HT2a also makes the same determination. Here, an example will be described where the printer 2b is a device of the same vendor as HB1a and HT2a is a device of a different vendor from HB1a. The printer 2b automatically makes BT pairing possible again (step S27) because HB1a is a device of the same vendor. On the other hand, HT2a does not automatically make BT pairing possible again because HB1a is a device of a different vendor.

[0084] In this case, based on the device information of the failed second electronic device 2, the communication control unit 10a resends, via the second wireless communication unit 15, a BT connection request for requesting BT pairing and connection only to the printer 2b (step S28). The state of step S28 refers to the state shown in communication system 100aF of FIG. 10. Here, the communication control unit 10a also resends the BT connection request only to the printer 2b because only the printer 2b is a device of the same vendor as HB1a. In this state, the connection terminal 3a may display a message indicating that it is reconnecting to PT-1, as exemplified by the UI image 33aG in FIG. 11.

[0085] As a result, the control unit 20 of the printer 2b will receive again, via the wireless communication unit 25, the BT connection request transmitted from the HB1a based on the device information of the printer 2b. The control unit 20 of the printer 2b will attempt to connect to the HB1a via the wireless communication unit 25 so as to perform BT communication with the HB1a in response to this BT connection request.

[0086] In particular, the control unit 20 of the printer 2b transmits, via the wireless communication unit 25, a connection permission to the HB1a on the grounds that it is a device of the same vendor (step S29). As a result, the HB1a and the printer 2b succeed in BT pairing and connection, and start BT communication (step S30). On the other hand, the HB1a will not start BT communication with the HT2a. In this state, the connection terminal 3a may display that the connection with the PT-1 has been successful as exemplified by the UI image 33aH in FIG. 11. Note that the UI image 33aH may be erased after a certain period of time or by a user operation.

[0087] As described above, in this processing example, even when the BT connection fails, the BT connection request can be automatically transmitted again, that is, the BT connection can be automatically retried, so that the convenience for the user can be improved. In particular, in the case of using a device that emits 2.4 GHz radio waves such as a microwave oven in the vicinity, the BT communication may fail depending on the situation, but in such a case, the user does not need to perform an operation for reconnection.

[0088] (Other Modification Examples) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist. For example, each device such as the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the terminal device applied to the communication system according to this embodiment is not limited to the exemplified ones.

[0089] In addition, each device such as the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the terminal device included in the communication system according to the above-described embodiment can all be provided with, for example, the following hardware configuration. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device.

[0090] The device 1000 shown in FIG. 12 can include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 can include, for example, a communication interface and an interface with sensors, input / output devices, etc., as required according to the device.

[0091] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) also referred to as a microprocessor, etc. The processor 1001 may include a plurality of processors. The memory 1002 is configured by, for example, a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The functions in each device are realized by the processor 1001 reading a program stored in the memory 1002 and executing it while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003.

[0092] In addition, when the above-described program is loaded into a computer, it includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0093] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited only to the configurations of the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes various modifications, corrections, and combinations that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention of the claims of the present patent application.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1…First electronic device, 1a…HubBOX (HB), 2…Second electronic device, 2a…Handy terminal (HT), 2b…Printer, 3…Terminal device, 3a…Connecting terminal, 10…Control unit, 10a…Communication control unit, 11…Memory unit, 12…Operation unit, 14…First wireless communication unit, 15…Second wireless communication unit, 20…Control unit, 21…Memory unit, 22…Operation unit, 25…Wireless communication unit, 30…Control unit, 31…Memory unit, 32…Operation unit, 33…Display unit, 33A…UI image, 33B…UI image, 33C…UI image, 33D…UI image, 33E…UI image, 33a…Icon, 33aB…UI image, 33aC…UI image, 33aD…UI image, 33aE…UI image, 33aF…UI image, 33aG…UI image, 33aH…UI image, 34…Wireless communication unit, 100…Communication system, 100A…Communication system, 100B…Communication system, 100C…Communication system, 100D…Communication system, 100E…Communication system, 100aD…Communication system, 100aF…Communication system, 100aG…Communication system, 1000…Device, 1001…Processor, 1002…Memory, 1003…Interface

Claims

1. A first electronic device comprising: a first wireless communication unit that performs first wireless communication with a terminal device by a first communication method; a second wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a second electronic device by a second communication method which is a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard; and a communication control unit that controls the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit. The communication control unit: searches for candidate electronic devices of the second electronic device via the second wireless communication unit; obtains, from the terminal device via the first wireless communication unit, instruction information for instructing connection to the second electronic device which is a target for performing Bluetooth communication among the searched candidates by the second wireless communication unit; and transmits a connection request by the second communication method to the second electronic device indicated by the instruction information.

2. When the communication control unit obtains, from the terminal device, information for instructing connection to a plurality of electronic devices that are to be the second electronic device as the instruction information, the communication control unit transmits a connection request by the second communication method to the plurality of electronic devices indicated by the instruction information. The first electronic device according to Claim 1.

3. The communication control unit: either as a search for candidate electronic devices of the second electronic device or transmits a transmission request for requesting transmission of device information to the searched candidates via the second wireless communication unit; obtains the device information via the second wireless communication unit as a response to the transmission request; and when connection to the second electronic device indicated by the instruction information fails, based on the device information, re-transmits a connection request by the second communication method to the second electronic device. The first electronic device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The first communication method is a communication method different from a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard. The first electronic device according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The first communication method is a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard. The first electronic device according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. A wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a first electronic device by a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard; and a communication control unit that controls the wireless communication unit. The communication control unit: receives, via the wireless communication unit, a transmission request for transmitting device information from the first electronic device which is a target for performing Bluetooth communication; and as a response to the transmission request, transmits the device information to the first electronic device via the wireless communication unit. receive a connection request by the communication method from the first electronic device, as a response to the connection request, attempt to connect to the first electronic device with the wireless communication unit so as to perform Bluetooth communication with the first electronic device, if the connection to the first electronic device fails, receive again the connection request by the communication method transmitted from the first electronic device based on the device information, a second electronic device.

7. A first electronic device including: a first wireless communication unit that performs first wireless communication with a terminal device by a first communication method; and a second wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a second electronic device by a second communication method that is a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard, search for an electronic device that is a candidate for the second electronic device via the second wireless communication unit, acquire, from the terminal device via the first wireless communication unit, instruction information for instructing connection to the second electronic device that is a target for performing Bluetooth communication with the second wireless communication unit among the searched candidates, send a connection request by the second communication method to the second electronic device indicated by the instruction information, A device connection method.

8. A second electronic device including a wireless communication unit that performs Bluetooth communication with a first electronic device by a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth standard, receive, via the wireless communication unit, a transmission request for transmitting device information from the first electronic device that is a target for performing Bluetooth communication, as a response to the transmission request, transmit the device information to the first electronic device via the wireless communication unit, receive, from the first electronic device, a connection request by the communication method, as a response to the connection request, attempt to connect to the first electronic device with the wireless communication unit so as to perform Bluetooth communication with the first electronic device, if the connection to the first electronic device fails, receive again the connection request by the communication method transmitted from the first electronic device based on the device information, A device connection method.

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