Printer and computer program for printer

Abstract

To provide a technique that can achieve both improvement in security and improvement in user convenience in a situation where a printer receives a print instruction from a terminal device.SOLUTION: A printer comprises a print execution unit, an instruction reception unit which receives a print instruction from a specific terminal device, and a print control unit which causes the print execution unit to perform printing in accordance with the print instruction. The print control unit requests a user to input authentication information when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and a different terminal device from the specific terminal device is present around the printer, causes the print execution unit to perform printing when authentication of the authentication information input by the user succeeds, and causes the print execution unit to perform printing without requesting the user to input authentication information when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the different terminal device is not present around the printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a printer that receives a print instruction from a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system including an image input / output device and a client terminal. If the image input / output device is within a predetermined distance from the client terminal that sent the print job, the image input / output device immediately executes the print job. On the other hand, if the image input / output device is not within the predetermined distance from the client terminal, the image input / output device does not immediately execute the print job, but waits until a password is entered before executing the print job. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-146361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification provides a technique that can improve both security and user convenience in a situation where a printer receives a print instruction from a terminal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a printer including a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard, a print execution unit, an instruction receiving unit for receiving a print instruction from a specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong, and a print control unit for causing the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction, wherein the print control unit may request a user to input authentication information when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and a terminal device different from the specific terminal device is present around the printer, and cause the print execution unit to execute the printing if the authentication information input by the user is successful, and may cause the print execution unit to execute the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the different terminal device is not present around the printer.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when a printer receives a print instruction from a specific terminal device and a different terminal device is present around the printer, the printer requests the user to enter authentication information. Then, if the authentication information entered by the user is successfully authenticated, the printer executes printing in accordance with the print instruction. If the different terminal device is present, there is a risk that the print results will be obtained by a third party if authentication is not performed. In contrast, according to the above configuration, authentication is performed, which prevents the print results from being obtained by a third party, thereby improving security. Meanwhile, when a printer receives a print instruction from a specific terminal device and a different terminal device is not present around the printer, the printer executes printing without requesting the user to enter authentication information. If a different terminal device is not present around the printer, there is a low possibility that the print results will be obtained by a third party. According to the above configuration, in such a situation, the user does not need to enter authentication information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0007] This specification also discloses another printer, the printer including: a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; an instruction receiving unit for receiving a print instruction from a specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; and a print control unit for causing the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction, wherein the print control unit may request a user to input authentication information when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, and cause the print execution unit to execute the printing when authentication of the authentication information entered by the user is successful; and may cause the print execution unit to execute the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the printer receives a print instruction from a specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, the printer requests the user to enter authentication information. Then, if the authentication of the authentication information entered by the user is successful, the printer executes printing in accordance with the print instruction. When the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is likely to be relatively large. If authentication is not performed in such a situation, there is a risk that the print results will be obtained by a third party. In contrast, according to the above configuration, authentication is performed, which prevents the print results from being obtained by a third party, thereby improving security. On the other hand, when the printer receives a print instruction from a specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, the printer executes printing without requesting the user to enter authentication information. When the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is likely to be relatively small. In such a situation, there is a low possibility that the print results will be obtained by a third party. According to the above configuration, in such a situation, the user does not need to input authentication information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0009] A computer program for implementing the above-described printer, a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, and a method executed by the printer are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by a printer. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram for case A. [Figure 4] This is a continuation of the sequence diagram of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of case B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Communication system configuration; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10 and a plurality of terminals 100A and 100B. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the printer 10 receives a print instruction from the terminal 100A.

[0012] (Printer 10 configuration) The printer 10 is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function, such as a peripheral device for the terminals 100A and 100B. In a modified example, the printer 10 may be a multi-function device capable of executing a scanning function, a facsimile function, etc. in addition to a printing function. A serial number SN1 is assigned to the printer 10 for identifying the printer 10. The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a Wi-Fi interface 16, a print execution unit 18, and a control unit 30. Each of the units 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0013] The operation unit 12 is an I / F that allows the user to input various information to the printer 10, and includes, for example, a touch screen and buttons. The user can input various information to the printer 10 via the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 18 includes, for example, an inkjet or laser printing mechanism.

[0014] The Wi-Fi I / F 16 is a wireless I / F for performing Wi-Fi communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. The Wi-Fi standard is a wireless communication standard for performing wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the 802.11 standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and its equivalent standards, such as 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, and 11ac. In particular, the Wi-Fi I / F 16 supports the Wi-Fi Aware method established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Details of Wi-Fi Aware are described in the specification "Wi-Fi Aware Specification Version 4.0" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Hereinafter, a Wi-Fi connection established in accordance with the Wi-Fi Aware method will be referred to as a "Wi-Fi Aware connection."

[0015] As will be described in detail later, each of the devices 10, 100A, and 100B can participate in a Wi-Fi Aware Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) cluster. The discovery windows, which are the periods during which signals are transmitted and received, are synchronized among the devices participating in the same NAN cluster.

[0016] Each device participating in a NAN cluster is assigned one of three roles: Master, Anchor Master, or Non-Master. A Master can share timer information, search for services, and invite other devices to the NAN cluster. An Anchoring Master can set timer information for synchronization in addition to the functions that a Master can perform. A Non-Master can share timer information and search for services, but cannot invite other devices to the cluster.

[0017] Each device participating in a NAN cluster can search for other devices in the NAN cluster (more specifically, for services provided by those other devices). The signal for searching for a service is called Subscribe. A device that receives Subscribe sends a response signal called Publish. In this embodiment, terminals 100A and 100B send Subscribe to search for other devices that can provide a print service for printing an image. Since printer 10 can provide a print service, it sends Publish to terminals 100A and 100B, indicating that it can provide the print service. This allows each of terminals 100A and 100B to find printer 10.

[0018] The Wi-Fi I / F16 also supports the Wi-Fi Direct standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi Direct is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. In the following, Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as "WFD." Details of WFD are described in the standard "Wi-Fi Direct Specification Version 1.9" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In the following, a Wi-Fi connection established according to the WFD standard will be referred to as a "WFD connection."

[0019] 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, RAM and cache memory. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, a flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), or a ROM, or a combination thereof. A program 36 is stored in the auxiliary storage device. The CPU 32 performs various processes in accordance with the program 36 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0020] (Configuration of terminals 100A and 100B) Each of the terminals 100A and 100B is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, or a tablet PC. In a modified example, each of the terminals 100A and 100B may be a desktop PC, a laptop PC, or the like. The terminal 100A includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a Wi-Fi I / F 116, and a control unit 130. The units 112 to 130 are connected to a bus line. Since the configurations of the terminals 100A and 100B are similar, the configuration of the terminal 100A will be described below.

[0021] The operation unit 112 is an I / F that allows the user to input various information to the terminal 100A, and includes, for example, a touch screen and buttons. The user can input various information to the terminal 100A via the operation unit 112. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information.

[0022] The Wi-Fi I / F 116 is similar to the Wi-Fi I / F 16 of the printer 10, and supports the Wi-Fi Aware method and the Wi-Fi Direct method.

[0023] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. An OS program 136 and an application program 138 are stored in the auxiliary storage device. The CPU 132 performs various processes in accordance with the programs 136 and 138 loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. Hereinafter, the OS program will be referred to as "OS." Furthermore, the application program will be referred to as "app."

[0024] The OS 136 controls the basic operations of the terminal 100A. The application 138 can establish a Wi-Fi connection between the terminal 100A and the printer 10 by causing the OS 136 to execute processing in accordance with the Wi-Fi Aware method. The application 138 can also send a print instruction to the printer 10 using the Wi-Fi connection (i.e., using a Wi-Fi network to which both the terminal 100A and the printer belong). The application 138 is, for example, downloaded from a server on the Internet and installed on the terminal 100A.

[0025] (Printer processing; Figure 2) Next, referring to FIG. 2, a process implemented by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executing the program 36 will be described. The process of FIG. 2 is initiated when a Wi-Fi connection with a terminal (e.g., terminal 100A) is established as a trigger. In this embodiment, a "Wi-Fi connection" refers to a Wi-Fi Aware connection or a WFD connection. In a modified example, a Wi-Fi connection may include, for example, a wireless connection with an access point or a wireless connection according to the SoftAP method. In the description of FIG. 2, a terminal with which a Wi-Fi connection with the printer 10 is established will be referred to as a "target terminal."

[0026] In S10, the CPU 32 determines whether the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a Wi-Fi Aware connection or a WFD connection. If the CPU 32 determines that the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a Wi-Fi Aware connection (YES in S10), the process proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a WFD connection (NO in S10), the CPU 32 proceeds to S16.

[0027] In S12, the CPU 32 transmits a Ranging Request to the target terminal and receives a Ranging Response from the target terminal. The Ranging Request and Ranging Response are communications executed to identify the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal.

[0028] In S14, the CPU 32 determines the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal and stores the distance. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal using the time when the Ranging Request is sent to the target terminal in S10 and the time when the Ranging Response is received from the target terminal in S10. More specifically, if the time when the Ranging Request is sent to the target terminal is t1, the time when the Ranging Response is received from the target terminal is t2, and the speed of light is c, the CPU 32 determines the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal using the formula ((c(t2-t1)) / 2). Note that the CPU 32 may use, instead of (t2-t1) in the above formula, a value obtained by further subtracting the time required from when the target terminal receives the Ranging Request to when it transmits the Ranging Response from (t2-t1). In this way, the CPU 32 can determine the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal. Furthermore, in S12 after NO in S18, the newly specified distance is stored (i.e., updated) in place of the previously stored distance.

[0029] In S16, the CPU 32 monitors whether a print instruction is received from the target terminal. If the CPU 32 receives a print instruction from the target terminal (YES in S16), the CPU 32 proceeds to S20. On the other hand, if the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a Wi-Fi Aware connection and the CPU 32 does not receive a print instruction from the target terminal (NO (Aware) in S16), the CPU 32 proceeds to S18. Furthermore, if the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a WFD connection and the CPU 32 does not receive a print instruction from the target terminal (NO (WFD) in S16), the CPU 32 returns to monitoring in S16.

[0030] In S18, the CPU 32 monitors whether a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving a print instruction from the target terminal. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S18), the CPU 32 returns to S10, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S18), the CPU 32 returns to the monitoring process of S16.

[0031] In S20, the CPU 32 determines whether a terminal other than the target terminal exists around the printer 10. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines that a terminal other than the target terminal exists around the printer 10 if a terminal other than the target terminal exists in the NAN cluster to which the printer 10 belongs. In a modified example, the CPU 32 may determine that a terminal other than the target terminal exists around the printer 10 if another terminal that has established a Wi-Fi connection with the printer 10 exists. In another modified example, the CPU 32 may determine that a terminal other than the target terminal exists around the printer 10 if it transmits a search signal to the surrounding area and receives a response signal from a terminal other than the target terminal. If the CPU 32 determines that a terminal other than the target terminal exists (YES in S20), the process proceeds to S22, and if it determines that a terminal other than the target terminal does not exist (NO in S20), the process proceeds to S50.

[0032] In S22, the CPU 32 determines whether the printer 10 and the target terminal belong to the same NAN cluster. If the printer 10 and the target terminal belong to the same NAN cluster, it is highly likely that the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal is relatively short. If the printer 10 and the target terminal do not belong to the same NAN cluster, it is highly likely that the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal is relatively long. In other words, the processing of S22 can be said to be processing for determining whether the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal is relatively long or short. The printer 10 stores information (e.g., serial numbers) of devices that belong to the same NAN cluster. If the CPU 32 determines that the printer 10 and the target terminal belong to the same NAN cluster (YES in S22), the processing proceeds to S24. If the CPU 32 determines that the printer 10 and the target terminal do not belong to the same NAN cluster (NO in S22), the processing proceeds to S30. For example, if the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a Wi-Fi Aware connection, the printer 10 and the target terminal belong to the same NAN cluster, and a determination of YES is made in S22. Also, for example, if the Wi-Fi connection with the target terminal is a WFD connection, the printer 10 and the target terminal may not belong to the same NAN cluster, in which case the result of S22 may be NO.

[0033] In S24, the CPU 32 determines whether the distance identified in S12 is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 5 m). If the CPU 32 determines that the distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in S24), the process proceeds to S30; if the CPU 32 determines that the distance is less than the threshold value (NO in S24), the process proceeds to S50. As described above, in S22, the CPU 32 determines whether the distance to the target terminal is relatively long or short. The process of S24 is a determination based on the actual distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal, and therefore can also be said to be a process for determining in more detail whether the distance between the printer 10 and the target terminal is relatively long or short.

[0034] In S30, the CPU 32 transmits capability information including a PIN code input request to the target terminal. The capability information includes the PIN code input request as well as printing conditions supported by the printer 10 (e.g., paper size, number of colors (color, grayscale, monochrome), etc.). As a result, the user specifies a PIN code and print settings from among the printing conditions at the target terminal.

[0035] In S32, the CPU 32 receives the PIN code, print settings, and print data from the target terminal, and stores the PIN code received from the target terminal.

[0036] Having received the PIN code from the target terminal, the CPU 32 does not immediately execute printing, and in S34 monitors whether the PIN code has been input by the user. If the PIN has been input by the user (YES in S34), the CPU 32 proceeds to S36.

[0037] In S36, the CPU 32 authenticates the input PIN code. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines whether the PIN code stored in S32 matches the PIN code input in S34. If they match, the CPU 32 determines that the PIN code authentication has been successful (YES in S34) and proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if they do not match, the CPU 32 determines that the PIN code authentication has failed (NO in S34) and returns to the processing of S34.

[0038] In S40, the CPU 32 causes the print execution unit 18 to execute printing in accordance with the received print data. When the process of S40 ends, the process of FIG. 2 is executed again.

[0039] In S50, the CPU 32 transmits capability information that does not include a PIN code input request to the target terminal, so that a PIN code is not specified in the target terminal.

[0040] In S52, the CPU 32 receives print settings and print data from the target terminal. In S52, the CPU 32 does not receive a PIN code from the target terminal. In this case, the CPU 32 immediately causes the print execution unit 18 to execute printing in accordance with the print data (S40).

[0041] (Case A; Figures 3 and 4) Next, specific cases realized by the processing of FIG. 2 will be described. First, case A will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In case A, a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A. Note that, in the following, for ease of understanding, the processing executed by the CPU (e.g., 32, 132) of each device (e.g., the printer 10, the terminals 100A, 100B) will be described as the processing subject, rather than each CPU. Furthermore, communication between each device is performed via a Wi-Fi I / F (e.g., 16, 116). Therefore, in the following description, when describing communication, the phrase "via a Wi-Fi I / F" will be omitted.

[0042] At T10, the printer 10 broadcasts a NAN Discovery Beacon frame (hereinafter referred to as "Discovery"). Discovery is a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method and is used to notify the outside world of information about the NAN cluster to which the printer 10 belongs. A device that does not belong to the NAN cluster can join the NAN cluster in response to receiving Discovery. In other words, Discovery can also be said to be a signal for inviting a device that does not belong to the NAN cluster to join the NAN cluster. The printer 10 periodically transmits Discovery. At the stage of T10, each of the terminals 100A and 100B is unable to receive signals conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method because the application 138 is not running. Therefore, each of the terminals 100A and 100B does not receive Discovery from the printer 10 at T10. Here, "a state in which a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method cannot be received" refers to a state in which the Wi-Fi I / F 116 does not receive a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method from the outside. In a modified example, "a state in which a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method cannot be received" may refer to a state in which the Wi-Fi I / F 116 receives a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method from the outside, but the CPU 132 does not execute processing in accordance with the signal (i.e., a state in which the signal is discarded).

[0043] At T12, terminal 100A accepts a connection operation from the user. The connection operation is, for example, an operation that triggers establishment of a Wi-Fi connection with printer 10 via application 138. Application 138 is launched in terminal 100A, and terminal 100A thereafter executes various processes in accordance with application 138. In this case, terminal 100A transitions to a state in which it can receive a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method. Here, "a state in which it can receive a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method" means a state in which Wi-Fi I / F 116 receives a signal conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method from the outside and CPU 132 can execute a process conforming to the signal.

[0044] Printer 10 transmits Discovery at T20. At the stage of T20, terminal 100A is in a state where it can receive signals conforming to the Wi-Fi Aware method, and therefore terminal 100A receives Discovery from printer 10 at T20. In this case, terminal 100A joins the NAN cluster at T22. As a result, printer 10 and terminal 100A belong to the same NAN cluster.

[0045] At T24, the terminal 100A broadcasts a Subscribe to the NAN cluster to search for devices that provide a print service. In this case, the Subscribe is sent from the terminal 100A to the printer 10.

[0046] When the printer 10 receives a Subscribe from the terminal 100A at T24, the printer 10 sends a Publish to the terminal 100A at T26. The Publish includes the serial number SN1 of the printer 10.

[0047] In T26, the terminal 100A receives a Publish from the printer 10. Although not shown, if there is another device in the NAN cluster that can provide a print service, the terminal 100A sends a Subscribe to that other device and receives a Publish from that other device, including the serial number of that other device. In this case, in T30, the terminal 100A displays a selection screen SC1 on the display unit 114. The selection screen SC1 includes a message prompting the user to select a device and each serial number included in each received Publish. By selecting one serial number from the serial numbers included in the selection screen SC1, the user can establish a Wi-Fi Aware connection between the terminal 100A and the device identified by the selected serial number.

[0048] At T32, the user of the terminal 100A selects serial number SN1 on selection screen SC1. In this case, various communications are executed between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A to establish a Wi-Fi Aware connection. This communication includes, for example, communication to determine a key information sharing method for establishing the Wi-Fi Aware connection (for example, reading a code image obtained by encoding the key information). The determined sharing method is then used to share the key information between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A. As a result, at T40, a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A (trigger in FIG. 2, YES in S10).

[0049] At T42, the printer 10 uses the established Wi-Fi Aware connection to send a Ranging Request to the terminal 100A (S12 in FIG. 2). At this time, the printer 10 stores the time when the Ranging Request is sent.

[0050] When the terminal 100A receives a Ranging Request from the printer 10 in T42, the terminal 100A transmits a Ranging Response to the printer 10 in T44 using the established Wi-Fi Aware connection.

[0051] At T44, the printer 10 receives a Ranging Response from the terminal 100A (S12). At this time, the printer 10 stores the time when the Ranging Response is received.

[0052] In T46, the printer 10 uses the time at which the Ranging Request is sent and the time at which the Ranging Response is received to determine and store the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A (S14). The processes of T42 to T46 are executed periodically at predetermined time intervals (see S18).

[0053] Thereafter, the same processes as T12 to T46 are executed between the printer 10 and the terminal 100B. As a result, a NAN cluster to which the printer 10 and the terminals 100A and 100B belong is formed, and a Wi-Fi Aware connection is also established between the printer 10 and the terminal 100B.

[0054] (Continuation of Figure 3; Figure 4) 4, terminal 100A accepts a print operation from the user, including an operation to instruct printer 10 to execute printing (for example, an operation to select serial number SN1) and an operation to select an image to be printed. In this case, terminal 100A transmits a print instruction to printer 10 in T52 using the established Wi-Fi Aware connection. The print instruction includes a capability information request that requests transmission of capability information of printer 10.

[0055] In T52, printer 10 receives a print instruction from terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2). In this case, a NAN cluster has been formed to which printer 10 and terminals 100A and 100B belong. Therefore, printer 10 first determines that terminal 100B other than terminal 100A (i.e., the target terminal) is present around printer 10 (YES in S20). Next, printer 10 determines that printer 10 and terminal 100A belong to the same NAN cluster (YES in S22). Then, printer 10 determines whether the distance to terminal 100A (see T46 of FIG. 3) is greater than or equal to a threshold. In this case, printer 10 determines that the distance is greater than or equal to the threshold (YES in S24 of FIG. 2). In this case, printer 10 transmits capability information including a PIN code input request and supported printing conditions to terminal 100A in T54 (S30).

[0056] When terminal 100A receives the capability information at T54, it displays print setting screen SC2 on display unit 114 at T56. Print setting screen SC2 is generated according to the supported printing conditions included in the received capability information. In this case, print setting screen SC2 includes a paper size setting field, a number of colors setting field, and an OK button. In this case, the default setting value for paper size is "A4," and the default setting value for number of colors is "color." The user can change each setting value by operating each setting field in print setting screen SC2. Note that print setting screen SC2 may include, in addition to the various setting fields described above, a print quality setting field, a number of copies setting field, a single-sided / double-sided setting field, etc.

[0057] In T58, the terminal 100A accepts selection of the OK button from the user without changing any of the setting values. In this case, in T60, the terminal 100A displays a PIN code setting screen SC3 on the display unit 114. The PIN code setting screen SC3 includes a message indicating that another user may be using the printer 10, a message prompting the user to set a PIN code, a PIN code input field, and an OK button.

[0058] In T62, terminal 100A accepts input of PIN code "1234" from the user and then accepts selection of the OK button. In this case, in T64, terminal 100A sends a print execution instruction to printer 10. The print execution instruction includes the input PIN code "1234", the specified print settings (i.e., paper size "A4" and number of colors "color"), and print data obtained by converting the image to be printed that was specified in T50. The print data has a data format that can be interpreted by printer 10.

[0059] In T64, the printer 10 receives a print execution instruction from the terminal 100A (S32). In this case, in T70, the printer 10 displays a PIN code entry screen SC4 on the display unit 114. The PIN code entry screen SC4 includes a message prompting the user to enter a PIN code, a PIN code entry field, and an OK button.

[0060] In T72, the printer 10 accepts the input of the PIN code "1234" from the user, and then accepts the selection of the OK button (YES in S34). In this case, in T74, authentication of the PIN code "1234" is successful (YES in S36). In this case, in T76, the printer 10 executes printing according to the print data already received in T64 (S40). In this way, the user can obtain a printed matter on which the image to be printed is printed.

[0061] (Case B; Figure 5) Next, case B will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In case B, a WFD connection is established between printer 10 and terminal 100A. Also in Fig. 5, first, processing similar to T12 to T46 in Fig. 3 is executed between printer 10 and terminal 100B. As a result, a NAN cluster to which printer 10 and terminal 100B belong is formed, and a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between printer 10 and terminal 100B. In case B, terminal 100A does not belong to the NAN cluster.

[0062] In response to the terminal 100A receiving an operation from the user to establish a WFD connection with the printer 10, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A in T110 (trigger in FIG. 2, NO in S10). Thereafter, in T112, the terminal 100A receives a print operation from the user, including an operation to select an image to be printed. In this case, the terminal 100A broadcasts a search signal in T114. The search signal is a signal for searching for devices capable of executing the print function.

[0063] When the printer 10 receives the search signal from the terminal 100A in T114, the printer 10 transmits a response signal including the serial number SN1 of the printer 10 to the terminal 100A in T116.

[0064] In T116, the terminal 100A receives a response signal from the printer 10. Although not shown, if there is another device capable of executing a printing function around the terminal 100A, the terminal 100A transmits a search signal to the other device and receives a response signal including the serial number of the other device from the other device. In this case, in T120, the terminal 100A displays a selection screen SC11 on the display unit 114. The selection screen SC11 includes a message prompting the user to select a device to execute printing and the serial numbers included in each of the received response signals.

[0065] In T122, the user of the terminal 100A selects the serial number SN1 on the selection screen SC11. In this case, in T130, the terminal 100A uses the established WFD connection to send a print instruction to the printer 10. The print instruction includes a capability information request that requests the transmission of capability information of the printer 10.

[0066] In T130, printer 10 receives a print instruction from terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2). In this case, a NAN cluster has been formed to which printer 10 and terminal 100B belong, so printer 10 first determines that terminal 100B other than terminal 100A (i.e., the target terminal) is present around printer 10 (YES in S20). Next, printer 10 determines that printer 10 and terminal 100A do not belong to the same NAN cluster (NO in S22). In this case, printer 100 transmits capability information including a PIN code input request and supported printing conditions to terminal 100A in T132 (S30). The processes of T134 to T156 are the same as the processes of T56 to T76 of FIG. 4, respectively.

[0067] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the above configuration, when printer 10 receives a print instruction from terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2, T52 in FIG. 4, T130 in FIG. 5), and a different terminal 100B is present around printer 10 (YES in S20 of FIG. 2), printer 10 requests the user to enter a PIN code. Then, if printer 10 successfully authenticates the PIN code entered by the user, it executes printing in accordance with the print instruction (S30 to S40 of FIG. 2). If authentication is not performed when the different terminal 100B is present, there is a risk that the print results may be obtained by a third party who is the user of terminal 100B. In contrast, according to the above configuration, authentication is performed, so it is possible to prevent the print results from being obtained by a third party, thereby improving security. On the other hand, when the printer 10 receives a print instruction from the terminal 100A (YES in S16) and there are no other terminals around the printer 10 (NO in S20), the printer 10 executes printing without requesting the user to enter a PIN code (S50, S52, S40). When there is no other terminal 100B around the printer 10, it is unlikely that a third party will obtain the print results. With the above configuration, the user does not need to enter a PIN code in such a situation, improving user convenience.

[0068] Furthermore, when the printer 10 receives a print instruction from the terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2, T52 in FIG. 4, T150 in FIG. 5) and the printer 10 and the terminal 100A do not belong to the same cluster (NO in S22 of FIG. 2), the printer 10 requests the user to enter a PIN code. Then, if the printer 10 successfully authenticates the PIN code entered by the user, the printer 10 executes printing in accordance with the print instruction (S30 to S40 of FIG. 2). If the printer 10 and the terminal 100A do not belong to the same cluster, it is highly likely that the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is relatively long. If authentication is not performed in such a situation, there is a risk that the print results may be obtained by a third party. In contrast, with the above configuration, authentication is performed, which prevents the print results from being obtained by a third party, thereby improving security. On the other hand, when the printer 10 receives a print instruction from the terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2) and the printer 10 and the terminal 100A belong to the same cluster (YES in S22), the printer 10 executes printing without requesting the user to enter a PIN code (S50, S52, S40). When the printer 10 and the terminal 100A belong to the same cluster, it is highly likely that the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is relatively short. In such a situation, it is unlikely that a third party will obtain the print results. With the above configuration, the user does not need to enter a PIN code in such a situation, improving user convenience.

[0069] Furthermore, when the printer 10 receives a print instruction from the terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2, T52 in FIG. 4, T150 in FIG. 5) and the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (YES in S24 of FIG. 2), the printer 10 requests the user to enter a PIN code. Then, if the printer 10 successfully authenticates the PIN code entered by the user, it executes printing in accordance with the print instruction (S30 to S40 of FIG. 2). If authentication is not performed when the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is relatively great, there is a risk that the print results may be obtained by a third party. In contrast, with the above configuration, authentication is performed, which prevents the print results from being obtained by a third party, thereby improving security. On the other hand, when the printer 10 receives a print instruction from the terminal 100A (YES in S16 of FIG. 2) and the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is less than the threshold (NO in S24), the printer 10 executes printing without requesting the user to enter a PIN code (S50, S52, S40). In a situation where the distance between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is relatively short, the possibility that a third party will obtain the print results is low. With the above configuration, the user does not need to enter a PIN code in such a situation, improving user convenience.

[0070] (Correspondence) The printer 10, the terminal 100A, and the terminal 100B are examples of a "printer," a "specific terminal device," and a "different terminal device," respectively. In Case A, the Wi-Fi network formed by the Wi-Fi Aware connection established between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is an example of a "Wi-Fi network." In Case B, the Wi-Fi network formed by the WFD connection established between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A is an example of a "Wi-Fi network." A PIN code is an example of "authentication information." The Ranging Request of S10 and the Ranging Response of S10 in FIG. 2 are examples of a "predetermined signal" and a "response signal," respectively. Discovery of T10 and T20 in FIG. 3 are examples of a "notification signal." Subscribe of T24 and Publish of T26 in FIG. 3 are examples of a "search signal" and a "search response signal," respectively.

[0071] The process of S16 in Fig. 2, the process of T52 in Fig. 4, and the process of T130 in Fig. 5 are examples of processes executed by an "instruction receiving unit." The processes of S20 to S40 in Fig. 2, T54 and T70 to T76 in Fig. 4, and T132 and T150 to T156 in Fig. 5 are examples of processes executed by a "print control unit." The processes of T10 and T20 in Fig. 3 are examples of processes executed by a "notification sending unit." The processes of T24 and T26 in Fig. 3 are examples of processes executed by a "receiving unit" and a "response sending unit," respectively.

[0072] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above examples are listed below.

[0073] (Variation 1) The printer 10 and the terminal 100A may each be equipped with an NFC (short for Near Field Communication) I / F. Instead of performing the process of T72, the user brings the terminal 100A closer to the printer 10. In this case, NFC communication is executed between the printer 10 and the terminal 100A, and the PIN code "1234" is sent from the terminal 100A to the printer 10.

[0074] (Variation 2) The CPU 32 may not execute at least one of the processes of S20 to S24 in FIG. 2. For example, the CPU 32 may omit the processes of S22 and S24 in FIG. 2. That is, the CPU 32 may proceed to S30 when determining YES in S20, and may proceed to S50 when determining NO in S20. Also, for example, the CPU 32 may omit the processes of S20 and S24. In this case, the CPU 32 may proceed to S22 when determining YES in S16, and may proceed to S50 when determining YES in S22. Also, for example, the CPU 32 may omit the process of S22 in FIG. 2. In this case, the CPU 32 may execute the process of S24 when determining YES in S20. Also, for example, the CPU 32 may omit the process of S24. That is, the CPU 32 may proceed to S50 when determining YES in S22. In particular, in an example in which the process of S24 is omitted, the processes of S10, S12, and S16 can also be omitted.

[0075] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, printer 10 sends Discovery at T10 in Fig. 3. In a variation, terminal 100A may send Discovery. Then, printer 10 that receives Discovery may belong to a NAN cluster, and printer 10 and terminal 100A may belong to the same NAN cluster.

[0076] (Variant 4) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 2 to 5 is realized by software (e.g., program 36, OS 136, application 138), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0077] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful.

[0078] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) 1. A printer comprising: a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; a print control unit that causes the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction; Equipped with The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and a terminal device other than the specific terminal device is present around the printer, the printer requests a user to input authentication information, and when authentication of the authentication information input by the user is successful, the printer causes the print execution unit to execute the printing; When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the different terminal device is not present around the printer, the print execution unit executes the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information. Printer. (Item 2) The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the user is requested to input the authentication information; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is less than the predetermined distance, the user is not requested to input the authentication information; Item 1. The printer described in item 1. (Item 3) The printer described in item 2, wherein the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is determined by using the time when a predetermined signal is sent to the specific terminal device and the time when a response signal is received from the specific terminal device. (Item 4) The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, requesting the user to input the authentication information; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, the user is not requested to input the authentication information; 4. The printer according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) 1. A printer comprising: a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; a print control unit that causes the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction; Equipped with The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, a user is requested to input authentication information, and when authentication of the authentication information input by the user is successful, the print execution unit executes the printing; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, causing the print execution unit to execute the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information; Printer. (Item 6) The printer further comprises: a notification sending unit that sends a notification signal to an external device to notify the external device of information about the cluster to which the printer belongs; 6. The printer according to item 4 or 5, wherein the specific terminal device that received the notification signal belongs to the cluster, and thereby the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster. (Item 7) The printer further comprises: a receiving unit that receives a search signal from the specific terminal device before the printer and the specific terminal device join the Wi-Fi network; a response transmitting unit that transmits a search response signal to the specific terminal device when the search signal is received from the specific terminal device; 7. The printer according to any one of items 1 to 6, comprising: (Item 8) The printer receiving the search signal from the specific terminal device according to the Wi-Fi Aware method of the Wi-Fi standard; Transmitting the search response signal to the specific terminal device in accordance with the Wi-Fi Aware method; The Wi-Fi network is a network formed by establishing a wireless connection in accordance with the Wi-Fi Aware method. Item 7. The printer according to item 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 2: Communication system, 10: Printer, 12, 112: Operation unit, 14, 114: Display unit, 16, 116: Wi-Fi I / F, 18: Print execution unit, 30, 130: Control unit, 32, 132: CPU, 34, 134: Memory, 36: Program, 100A, 100B: Terminal, 136: OS program, 138: Application program

Claims

1. 1. A printer comprising: a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; a print control unit that causes the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction; Equipped with The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and a terminal device other than the specific terminal device is present around the printer, the printer requests a user to input authentication information, and when authentication of the authentication information input by the user is successful, the printer causes the print execution unit to execute the printing; When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the different terminal device is not present around the printer, the print execution unit executes the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information. Printer.

2. The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the user is requested to input the authentication information; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is less than the predetermined distance, the user is not requested to input the authentication information; The printer of claim 1 .

3. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the printer and the specific terminal device is determined by using the time when a predetermined signal is transmitted to the specific terminal device and the time when a response signal is received from the specific terminal device.

4. The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, requesting the user to input the authentication information; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device, the different terminal device is present around the printer, and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, the user is not requested to input the authentication information; The printer of claim 1 .

5. 1. A printer comprising: a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; a print control unit that causes the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction; Equipped with The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, a user is requested to input authentication information, and when authentication of the authentication information input by the user is successful, the print execution unit executes the printing; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, causing the print execution unit to execute the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information; Printer.

6. The printer further comprises: a notification sending unit that sends a notification signal to an external device to notify the external device of information about the cluster to which the printer belongs; 6. The printer according to claim 4, wherein the specific terminal device that has received the notification signal belongs to the cluster, and thereby the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster.

7. The printer further comprises: a receiving unit that receives a search signal from the specific terminal device before the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the Wi-Fi network; a response transmitting unit that transmits a search response signal to the specific terminal device when the search signal is received from the specific terminal device; The printer according to claim 1 or 5, comprising:

8. The printer receiving the search signal from the specific terminal device in accordance with the Wi-Fi Aware method of the Wi-Fi standard; Transmitting the search response signal to the specific terminal device according to the Wi-Fi Aware method; The Wi-Fi network is a network formed by establishing a wireless connection in accordance with the Wi-Fi Aware method. The printer of claim 7.

9. There is a computer program for the printer, The printer a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; A computer, Equipped with The computer program controls the computer to operate as follows: an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; a print control unit that causes the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction; It functions as The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and a terminal device other than the specific terminal device is present around the printer, the printer requests a user to input authentication information, and when authentication of the authentication information input by the user is successful, the printer causes the print execution unit to execute the printing; When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the different terminal device is not present around the printer, the print execution unit executes the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information. Computer program.

10. 1. A computer program for a printer, comprising: The printer a Wi-Fi interface for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi standard; a print execution unit; A computer, Equipped with The computer program controls the computer to operate as follows: an instruction receiving unit that receives a print instruction from the specific terminal device via the Wi-Fi interface using a Wi-Fi network to which both the printer and the specific terminal device belong; a print control unit that causes the print execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the print instruction; It functions as The print control unit When the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device do not belong to the same cluster, a user is requested to input authentication information, and when authentication of the authentication information input by the user is successful, the print execution unit executes the printing; when the print instruction is received from the specific terminal device and the printer and the specific terminal device belong to the same cluster, causing the print execution unit to execute the printing without requesting the user to input the authentication information; Computer program.

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