Program and communication method

Abstract

To facilitate the setup of an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A computer of a portable terminal device executes acquisition processing of acquiring the set value of first communication from a terminal device for executing the first communication. The computer of the portable terminal device executes transmission processing of executing control for transmitting the set value of the first communication acquired from the terminal device to an electronic apparatus by using second communication different from the first communication. The computer of the portable terminal device executes setting processing so that the execution of the first communication by the electronic apparatus is made possible by the setting of the set value of the first communication transmitted to the electronic apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system having an access point and a communication device such as a digital camera. The access point in Patent Document 1 generates setting information for connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), converts the generated setting information into a two-dimensional code, and displays the two-dimensional code on a display unit. The communication device captures and decodes the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit, and uses the obtained setting information to easily configure the wireless LAN. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-261938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not allow setup for connecting electronic devices such as printers without an imaging function to a wireless LAN. Therefore, it is desirable to make it easier to set up communication for electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first program according to the present disclosure is a program that runs on a computer that is operated by an operating system, and causes the computer to execute an acquisition process that acquires the setting values ​​of the first communication for performing the first communication from a terminal device that performs the first communication, without acquiring the setting values ​​of the first communication from the operating system; a transmission process that controls the transmission of the setting values ​​of the first communication acquired from the terminal device to an electronic device using a second communication that is different from the first communication; and a setting process that enables the electronic device to perform the first communication with the setting values ​​of the first communication sent to the electronic device.

[0006] In addition, the second program of the present disclosure is a program that runs on a computer that performs a first communication, and causes the computer to execute an output process that outputs the setting values ​​of the first communication to a terminal device when the electronic device is not communicating using the first communication, and a setting process that causes the terminal device to send the setting values ​​of the first communication to the electronic device using a second communication that is different from the first communication, thereby enabling the electronic device to perform the first communication by setting the setting values ​​of the first communication.

[0007] Furthermore, the communication method disclosed herein is a communication method performed by a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and an electronic device, wherein at least the second terminal device performs a first communication, the second terminal device outputs setting values ​​for the first communication to the first terminal device while the electronic device is not performing the first communication, the first terminal device transmits the setting values ​​for the first communication acquired from the second terminal device to the electronic device using a second communication different from the first communication, and the electronic device performs the first communication using the setting values ​​for the first communication transmitted from the first terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information terminal device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations have been omitted as necessary.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment. The communication system 1 includes a wireless router 2, an information terminal device 10, a mobile terminal device 100, and an electronic device 200. When the mobile terminal device 100 is a first terminal device, the information terminal device 10 becomes a second terminal device. When the information terminal device 10 is a first terminal device, the mobile terminal device 100 becomes a second terminal device.

[0011] The information terminal device 10, the mobile terminal device 100, and the electronic device 200 can be communicatively connected to the wireless router 2 via a first communication. The mobile terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 are communicatively connected to each other via a second communication. The first communication is, for example, wireless communication via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The second communication is short-range wireless communication different from the first communication. The second communication is, for example, wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark), and more specifically, wireless communication via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or the like. Below, an example will be described in which the first communication is communication via Wi-Fi, but the first communication may be other wireless communication. Below, a case will be described in which the second communication is communication via Bluetooth such as BLE, but the second communication may be other wireless communication.

[0012] The wireless router 2 provides a wireless communication network for the first communication, such as a wireless LAN. In other words, the first communication is realized by the wireless router 2. The wireless router 2 also performs routing for the communication between the information terminal device 10, the mobile terminal device 100, and the electronic device 200. In other words, the wireless router 2 performs processing for relaying the communication between the information terminal device 10, the mobile terminal device 100, and the electronic device 200. Therefore, the information terminal device 10, the mobile terminal device 100, and the electronic device 200 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via the wireless communication network provided by the wireless router 2. The wireless router 2 also performs processing for connecting the information terminal device 10, the mobile terminal device 100, and the electronic device 200 to the Internet.

[0013] The wireless router 2 also has setting values ​​used for setting up the first communication via the wireless communication network it provides. The setting values ​​are setting information associated with the wireless router 2. The setting values ​​include, for example, identification information for the wireless communication network or the wireless router 2, and a password for each device to connect to the wireless communication network. If the first communication is a Wi-Fi communication, the setting values ​​include, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and a password (encryption key). The SSID may be identification information for the wireless router 2 or identification information for the wireless network provided by the wireless router 2. When performing the first communication using the wireless router 2, the information terminal device 10, the mobile terminal device 100, and the electronic device 200 perform communication settings using the setting values ​​for the first communication.

[0014] The information terminal device 10 functions as a computer having a processor and memory. The information terminal device 10 operates on an OS (Operating System), which is basic software. The information terminal device 10 is, for example, a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer). In the following description, the case where the information terminal device 10 is a PC will be described as appropriate.

[0015] The mobile terminal device 100 functions as a computer having a processor and memory. The mobile terminal device 100 operates on an OS, which is basic software. The mobile terminal device 100 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a smart device, or other terminal device. In the following description, the mobile terminal device 100 will be described as a smartphone, as appropriate.

[0016] The electronic device 200 functions as a computer having a processor and memory. The electronic device 200 is, for example, a peripheral device such as a printer, scanner, or projector. In the following description, the case where the electronic device 200 is a printer will be described as appropriate.

[0017] Here, a case where communication setup of the electronic device 200 is performed using the mobile terminal device 100 will be described. Here, "setup" refers to enabling the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication. As described above, in order to perform the first communication, it is necessary to use the setting values ​​for the first communication associated with the wireless router 2. Here, for security reasons, the mobile terminal device 100, such as a smartphone, may be configured such that an application cannot obtain the setting values ​​for the first communication from the OS functions of the mobile terminal device 100. In such cases, conventionally, the user of the mobile terminal device 100 must perform setup by, for example, inputting the setting values ​​stored by the user into the mobile terminal device 100 using a user interface of the mobile terminal device 100. Storing and inputting the setting values ​​can be difficult for humans. Therefore, setting up the electronic device 200 is not easy.

[0018] In contrast, in the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment, as described below, it is possible to facilitate the setup of communication for the electronic device 200. That is, in a state in which at least the information terminal device 10 is performing the first communication and the electronic device 200 is not performing the first communication, the information terminal device 10 outputs the setting values ​​for the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100. The mobile terminal device 100 acquires the setting values ​​for the first communication from the information terminal device 10. The mobile terminal device 100 transmits the setting values ​​for the first communication to the electronic device 200 using the second communication, and performs processing so that the electronic device 200 can perform the first communication with the setting values ​​for the first communication. The electronic device 200 performs the first communication with the setting values ​​for the first communication transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100.

[0019] In the first embodiment, with the above-described configuration, the user of the mobile terminal device 100 can set up communication for the electronic device 200 using the mobile terminal device 100 without having to store and input setting values ​​for the first communication into the mobile terminal device 100. Therefore, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to easily set up communication for the electronic device 200. This will be described in detail below.

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment. The information terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 12, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 16, an interface unit 20, and an imaging unit 30. The processing unit 12, the storage unit 14, the communication unit 16, the interface unit 20, and the imaging unit 30 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0021] The processing unit 12 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 12 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 12 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, etc. The processing unit 12 controls the storage unit 14, the communication unit 16, the interface unit 20, and the imaging unit 30.

[0022] The storage unit 14 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 14 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 14 may have multiple memories. The storage unit 14 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 12. The storage unit 14 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 14 may include a database. The storage unit 14 may store setting values ​​for the first communication, i.e., setting information.

[0023] The communication unit 16 performs processing necessary for the information terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices via a wired or wireless communication network. The communication unit 16 may include a communication interface such as a cable connector for wired communication and an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 16 performs processing for the information terminal device 10 to communicate with the wireless router 2 via the first communication. The communication unit 16 may also perform processing for the information terminal device 10 to communicate with the electronic device 200 or the mobile terminal device 100 via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. The communication unit 16 may also perform processing for the information terminal device 10 to connect to the Internet, for example.

[0024] The interface unit 20 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 20 accepts data input operations by the user of the information terminal device 10 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 20 has a display unit 22, an operation unit 24, a speaker 26, and a microphone 28. The display unit 22 is, for example, a display device that displays images. The operation unit 24 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that inputs or selects information. The speaker 26 is an output device that outputs audio. The microphone 28 is an input device that inputs audio. The interface unit 20 may be configured so that an input device and an output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or touch panel. In this case, the display unit 22 and the operation unit 24 may be physically integrated.

[0025] The imaging unit 30 functions as an imaging device, such as a camera, that captures an image of a subject. The imaging unit 30 also functions as a reading device, such as a scanner, that reads an image. The imaging unit 30 may include an imaging element, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The imaging unit 30 may also include a code reader that reads two-dimensional codes or barcodes. The imaging unit 30 may also include an infrared camera.

[0026] The information terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, an OS 40, an output application 50, and a linking unit 60. The output application 50 includes, as its components, an operation accepting unit 52, a setting value output unit 54, and a setting processing unit 56. The components other than the OS 40 are operated by the OS 40.

[0027] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 12. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 12 executing a program stored in the storage unit 14. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0028] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized by a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized by using this integrated circuit.

[0029] The OS 40 is basic software that controls the operation of the information terminal device 10. The OS 40 may be any operating system, such as Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark). The OS 40 controls the operation of the output application 50 and the linking unit 60.

[0030] The output application 50 performs processing for outputting setting values ​​of the first communication. The output application 50 performs processing for enabling the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication when the electronic device 200 is not performing the first communication. Note that the output application 50 may perform processing for outputting setting values ​​of the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100 in a manner that can be accepted by the mobile terminal device 100, without using communication such as the first communication.

[0031] The operation accepting unit 52 accepts a user operation to request output of the setting values ​​of the first communication. For example, the operation accepting unit 52 accepts an operation to start the output application 50 on the operation unit 24 such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0032] When the operation receiving unit 52 receives an operation, the setting value output unit 54 performs processing for outputting the setting values ​​of the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100. That is, the information terminal device 10 performs output processing for outputting the setting values ​​of the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100. At this time, the setting value output unit 54 performs processing for outputting the setting values ​​of the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100 in a manner that can be received by the mobile terminal device 100, for example, without using communication such as the first communication.

[0033] Specifically, the setting value output unit 54 may perform control so that an image indicating the setting value of the first communication is displayed on the display unit 22. At this time, the setting value output unit 54 may cause the display unit 22 to display an image in which the setting value is converted into a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The setting value output unit 54 may also cause the display unit 22 to display an image in which the setting value is converted into a barcode. The setting value output unit 54 may also cause the display unit 22 to display an image in which a character string of the setting value is displayed. The setting value output unit 54 may also perform control so that a voice reading out the setting value is output from the speaker 26.

[0034] The setting processing unit 56 performs processing to enable the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication by setting the setting values ​​for the first communication. That is, the information terminal device 10 performs a setting process to enable the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication by causing the mobile terminal device 100 to transmit the setting values ​​for the first communication to the electronic device 200 using the second communication. For example, the setting processing unit 56 prompts the user to transmit the setting values ​​from the mobile terminal device 100 to the electronic device 200 using the second communication. Specifically, the setting processing unit 56 may perform control to display a message on the display unit 22, or may convey the message to the user by another method. Furthermore, the setting processing unit 56 may perform processing to embed an instruction in the code when the converted setting values ​​are displayed on the display unit 22, causing the mobile terminal device 100 to transmit the setting values ​​to the electronic device 200 using the second communication.

[0035] The linking unit 60 performs processing for linking with the mobile terminal device 100 regarding information about the electronic device 200, such as the product name of the electronic device 200. For example, consider a case where the information terminal device 10 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication, but the mobile terminal device 100 is not connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication. In this case, the linking unit 60 outputs the information about the electronic device 200 to the mobile terminal device 100 using the interface unit 20. Also, consider a case where the information terminal device 10 is not connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication, but the mobile terminal device 100 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication. In this case, the linking unit 60 acquires the information about the electronic device 200 from the mobile terminal device 100 using the imaging unit 30. This will be described in detail later.

[0036] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The mobile terminal device 100 has, as its main hardware components, a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a first wireless communication unit 106, a second wireless communication unit 108, an interface unit 110, and an imaging unit 120. The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the first wireless communication unit 106, the second wireless communication unit 108, the interface unit 110, and the imaging unit 120 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0037] The processing unit 102 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 102 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 102 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, and the like. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the first wireless communication unit 106, the second wireless communication unit 108, the interface unit 110, and the imaging unit 120.

[0038] The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs and calculation programs executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data and the like. The storage unit 104 may include a database.

[0039] The first wireless communication unit 106 is a wireless communication device that performs first communication. The first wireless communication unit 106 includes, for example, an antenna that performs wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit 108 is a wireless communication device that performs second communication. The second wireless communication unit 108 includes, for example, an antenna that performs wireless communication conforming to the BLE standard. The second wireless communication unit 108 may receive a BLE beacon signal transmitted from the electronic device 200 and perform connection processing with the electronic device 200. In this way, the second wireless communication unit 108 may perform second communication with the electronic device 200.

[0040] The interface unit 110 is, for example, a user interface. The interface unit 110 accepts data input operations by the user of the mobile terminal device 100 and outputs information to the user. The interface unit 110 has a display unit 112, an operation unit 114, a speaker 116, and a microphone 118. The display unit 112 is, for example, a display device that displays images. The operation unit 114 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse that inputs or selects information. The speaker 116 is an output device that outputs audio. The microphone 118 is an input device that inputs audio. The interface unit 110 may be configured such that an input device and an output device are integrated, such as a touch screen or touch panel. In this case, the display unit 112 and the operation unit 114 may be physically integrated.

[0041] The imaging unit 120 functions as an imaging device, such as a camera, that captures an image of a subject. The imaging unit 120 also functions as a reading device, such as a scanner, that reads an image. The imaging unit 120 may include an imaging element, such as a CCD. The imaging unit 120 may also include a code reader that reads a two-dimensional code or a barcode. The imaging unit 120 may also include an infrared camera.

[0042] The mobile terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, an OS 130, a setup application 140, and a linking unit 150. The setup application 140 includes, as its components, a setting value acquiring unit 142, a setting value transmitting unit 144, and a communication setting unit 146. The components other than the OS 130 are operated by the OS 130.

[0043] Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the processing unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each component may be realized by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0044] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0045] The OS 130 is basic software that controls the operation of the mobile terminal device 100. The OS 130 may be any operating system, such as Android (registered trademark), iOS, or Windows. The OS 130 controls the operation of the setup application 140 and the link unit 150.

[0046] The setup application 140 uses the setting values ​​for the first communication to perform processing for setting up communication of the electronic device 200. The setup application 140 performs processing to enable the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication when the electronic device 200 is not performing the first communication.

[0047] The setting value acquisition unit 142 performs processing to acquire the setting values ​​for the first communication output by the information terminal device 10. That is, the mobile terminal device 100 performs an acquisition processing to acquire the setting values ​​for the first communication from the information terminal device 10 with which the first communication is performed. Specifically, the setting value acquisition unit 142 may cause the imaging unit 120 to capture a two-dimensional code or barcode of the setting value displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 10, decode the obtained two-dimensional code or barcode, and acquire the setting value. Alternatively, the setting value acquisition unit 142 may cause the imaging unit 120 to capture an image of a character string of the setting value displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 10, and convert the obtained image of the setting value into text data using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to acquire the setting value. Alternatively, the setting value acquisition unit 142 may acquire the setting value by collecting the voice of the setting value output from the speaker 26 of the information terminal device 10 using the microphone 118, converting it into voice data, and converting the voice data into text data using voice recognition technology.

[0048] The setting value transmission unit 144 performs processing for transmitting the acquired setting values ​​of the first communication to the electronic device 200 by using the second communication. That is, the mobile terminal device 100 performs transmission processing for controlling transmission of the setting values ​​of the first communication acquired from the information terminal device 10 to the electronic device 200 by using the second communication different from the first communication. Specifically, the setting value transmission unit 144 controls the second wireless communication unit 108 to transmit the setting values ​​of the first communication to the electronic device 200 by communication conforming to Bluetooth such as BLE.

[0049] The communication setting unit 146 instructs the electronic device 200 to set up the first communication using the setting values ​​transmitted to the electronic device 200. That is, the mobile terminal device 100 performs a setting process to enable the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication using the setting values ​​for the first communication transmitted to the electronic device 200. Specifically, the communication setting unit 146 transmits, via the second communication, to the electronic device 200 a connection command for controlling the electronic device 200 to set up the first communication using the setting values ​​transmitted to the electronic device 200. The connection command may include a command to instruct the electronic device 200 to connect to the wireless network of the SSID indicated by the setting values ​​using the password indicated by the setting values.

[0050] When the setting of the first communication is completed in the electronic device 200, the setup application 140 may receive a notification indicating that the setting of the first communication is completed. Then, the setup application 140 may cause the display unit 112 to display the notification.

[0051] The linking unit 150 performs processing for linking with the information terminal device 10 regarding information about the electronic device 200, such as the product name of the electronic device 200. For example, consider a case where the mobile terminal device 100 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication, and the information terminal device 10 is not connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication. In this case, the linking unit 150 outputs the information about the electronic device 200 to the information terminal device 10 using the interface unit 110. Also, consider a case where the mobile terminal device 100 is not connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication, and the information terminal device 10 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication. In this case, the linking unit 150 acquires the information about the electronic device 200 from the information terminal device 10 using the imaging unit 120.

[0052] A specific example of the cooperation between the link unit 60 of the information terminal device 10 and the link unit 150 of the mobile terminal device 100 will be described. For example, consider a case where the information terminal device 10 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication, and the mobile terminal device 100 is not connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication. In this case, the link unit 60 of the information terminal device 10 may display the product name of the electronic device 200 or a code indicating the product name on the display unit 22 so that the imaging unit 120 of the mobile terminal device 100 can capture the image. The link unit 150 of the mobile terminal device 100 may then control the imaging unit 120 of the mobile terminal device 100 to capture the image of the product name of the electronic device 200 or the code indicating the product name displayed on the display unit 22, thereby acquiring the product name of the electronic device 200. Note that when an image of the product name of the electronic device 200 is captured, the link unit 150 may acquire the product name of the electronic device 200 by optical character recognition (OCR). Furthermore, when an image of a code representing the product name of the electronic device 200 is captured, the linking unit 150 may obtain the product name of the electronic device 200 by decoding the code.

[0053] Alternatively, similar to the case where the information terminal device 10 outputs the setting values ​​of the first communication by voice, the linking unit 60 of the information terminal device 10 may output the product name of the electronic device 200 by voice from the speaker 26. Then, the linking unit 150 of the mobile terminal device 100 may acquire the product name of the electronic device 200 by converting the voice data collected by the microphone 118 of the mobile terminal device 100 using voice recognition technology.

[0054] The user may then use the obtained product name of the electronic device 200 to operate the interface unit 110 of the mobile terminal device 100 to set up communication between the mobile terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200. For example, when setting up to perform the first communication between the mobile terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200, the user may search for the obtained product name of the electronic device 200 using the mobile terminal device 100. This allows the user to easily set up to perform the first communication between the mobile terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200.

[0055] Also, for example, consider a case where the information terminal device 10 is not connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication, but the mobile terminal device 100 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the first communication. In this case, the link unit 150 of the mobile terminal device 100 may display the product name of the electronic device 200 or a code indicating the product name on the display unit 112 so that the imaging unit 30 of the information terminal device 10 can capture the image. The link unit 60 of the information terminal device 10 may then control the imaging unit 30 of the information terminal device 10 to capture the product name of the electronic device 200 or the code indicating the product name displayed on the display unit 112, thereby acquiring the product name of the electronic device 200. Note that when the image of the product name of the electronic device 200 is captured, the link unit 60 may acquire the product name of the electronic device 200 by optical character recognition (OCR). Note that when the code of the product name of the electronic device 200 is captured, the link unit 60 may acquire the product name of the electronic device 200 by decoding the code.

[0056] Alternatively, similar to the case where the mobile terminal device 100 outputs the setting values ​​of the first communication by voice, the linkage unit 150 of the mobile terminal device 100 may output the product name of the electronic device 200 by voice from the speaker 116. Then, the linkage unit 60 of the information terminal device 10 may convert the voice data collected by the microphone 28 of the information terminal device 10 using voice recognition technology to acquire the product name of the electronic device 200.

[0057] The user may then use the obtained product name of the electronic device 200 to operate the interface unit 20 of the information terminal device 10, thereby configuring settings for communication between the information terminal device 10 and the electronic device 200. For example, when configuring settings for performing the first communication between the information terminal device 10 and the electronic device 200, the user may search for the obtained product name of the electronic device 200 using the information terminal device 10. This allows the user to easily configure settings for performing the first communication between the information terminal device 10 and the electronic device 200.

[0058] 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the electronic device 200 according to the first embodiment. The electronic device 200 includes a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a first wireless communication unit 206, a second wireless communication unit 208, an operation unit 210, and an interface unit 212. The processing unit 202, the storage unit 204, the first wireless communication unit 206, the second wireless communication unit 208, the operation unit 210, and the interface unit 212 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0059] The processing unit 202 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 202 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 202 functions as a calculation device that performs control processing, calculation processing, and the like. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, the first wireless communication unit 206, the second wireless communication unit 208, the operation unit 210, and the interface unit 212.

[0060] The storage unit 204 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 204 is a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 204 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 204 may include a database.

[0061] The first wireless communication unit 206 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication in accordance with a first wireless communication method. The first wireless communication unit 206 includes, for example, an antenna that performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit 208 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication in accordance with a second wireless communication method. The second wireless communication unit 208 includes, for example, an antenna that performs wireless communication in accordance with the BLE standard. The second wireless communication unit 208 may transmit radio waves of a BLE beacon signal. Thereby, the second wireless communication unit 208 may perform second communication with the mobile terminal device 100.

[0062] The operating unit 210 has the operating functions of the electronic device 200. If the electronic device 200 is a printer, the operating unit 210 has a printing function for forming an image on paper, i.e., a print medium. In this case, the operating unit 210 includes a print engine. The print engine is a mechanical configuration that prints an image on a print medium. The print engine may have, for example, a mechanism for printing using toner using an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the print engine may have, for example, a mechanism for printing using an inkjet method. The print engine may also have a transport mechanism for transporting the print medium.

[0063] The interface unit 212 has an input device such as a button, keyboard, touch panel, or mouse, and an output device such as a display or speaker. The interface unit 212 may be an operation panel in which the input device and output device are integrated. The interface unit 212 accepts data input operations by the user and outputs information to the user.

[0064] The electronic device 200 according to the first embodiment also includes, as its components, a set value receiving unit 222 and a setting unit 224. Each of the above-described components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 202. More specifically, each of the components can be realized by the processing unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 204. Each of the components may also be realized by recording a necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0065] Furthermore, each component may not necessarily be realized by software programs, but may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Each component may also be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA or a microcomputer. In this case, a program consisting of each of the above components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0066] The setting value receiving unit 222 receives the setting values ​​for the first communication from the mobile terminal device 100. Specifically, the setting value receiving unit 222 receives the setting values ​​for the first communication through the second communication by the second wireless communication unit 208.

[0067] The setting unit 224 sets up the first communication using the received setting values. Specifically, the setting unit 224 performs a setting process for the first communication in accordance with a connection command transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100. The setting unit 224 performs a connection process with the wireless router 2 corresponding to the SSID included in the setting values ​​received from the mobile terminal device 100, using the password included in the setting values. As a result, the electronic device 200 is connected to the wireless router 2 through the first communication, and is able to perform the first communication provided by the wireless router 2. Therefore, the electronic device 200 can communicate with the information terminal device 10 and the mobile terminal device 100 through the first communication. The setting unit 224 may transmit a notification indicating that the setting of the first communication has been completed to the mobile terminal device 100 through the second communication or the first communication.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a communication method executed by the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a process of setting up a first communication of the electronic device 200 using the mobile terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 5 is realized by a computer of the mobile terminal device 100 (first terminal device) executing a program, and is realized by a computer of the information terminal device 10 (second terminal device) executing a program. FIGS. 6 to 15 are diagrams for explaining the communication method executed by the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. An example in which the information terminal device 10 outputs a setting value by a QR code will be described below.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the state of each device in the communication system 1 before the communication method shown in FIG. 5 is executed. The information terminal device 10 is communicably connected to the wireless router 2 via a network using the first communication. The mobile terminal device 100 may also be communicably connected to the wireless router 2 via the network using the first communication. Meanwhile, the electronic device 200 is not communicably connected to the wireless router 2. Furthermore, the electronic device 200 does not recognize the setting values ​​required for the first communication. This state may be, for example, after a user purchases the electronic device 200 or immediately after the electronic device 200 is powered on.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the user U starts the setup application 140 of the mobile terminal device 100 (step S102). This starts a setup process for the first communication of the electronic device 200 using the mobile terminal device 100. Next, the mobile terminal device 100 performs a connection process through the second communication with the electronic device 200 (step S104). Specifically, the setup application 140 of the mobile terminal device 100 controls the second wireless communication unit 108 of the mobile terminal device 100 so as to connect the mobile terminal device 100 to the electronic device 200 so as to be able to communicate with the electronic device 200 through the second communication. Specifically, the second wireless communication unit 108 performs a connection process through the second communication with the electronic device 200 using Bluetooth radio waves transmitted from the second wireless communication unit 208 of the electronic device 200.

[0071] 7 is a diagram illustrating the processing of S104. A setup screen W1 related to the setup processing is displayed on the display unit 112 of the mobile terminal device 100 by the setup application 140. When the mobile terminal device 100 receives Bluetooth radio waves transmitted from the electronic device 200, the setup screen W1 displays the product name of the electronic device 200 that is the source of the Bluetooth radio waves. When the user U selects the displayed product name of the electronic device 200 on the setup screen W1 displayed on the display unit 112, connection processing by the second communication between the mobile terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is completed.

[0072] The mobile terminal device 100 displays a selection screen for a method of acquiring the setting values ​​for the first communication (step S106). Specifically, the setup application 140 displays on the display unit 112 an option to directly input the setting values ​​and an option to automatically read the setting values ​​from a QR code.

[0073] 8 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen W2 for selecting a method for acquiring a setting value for the first communication, which is displayed on the mobile terminal device 100 by the processing of S106. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the selection screen W2 displays a direct input button B21 and a code reading button B22. When the user U selects the option of directly inputting the setting value, the user U touches the direct input button B21. On the other hand, when the user U selects the option of automatically reading the setting value from a QR code, the user U touches the code reading button B22.

[0074] If the user U selects the option to directly input the setting information, the setup application 140 displays an operation screen for inputting setting values ​​on the display unit 112. The user U operates the operation screen to input the setting values ​​(step S108).

[0075] On the other hand, if the user U selects the option to automatically read the setting values ​​from the QR code, the setup application 140 prompts the user U to start the output application 50 of the information terminal device 10 (step S110). For example, the setup application 140 may display a message prompting the user U to start the output application 50 on the display unit 112. At this time, the setup application 140 also starts the imaging unit 120 of the mobile terminal device 100.

[0076] The user U starts the output application 50 of the information terminal device 10 (step S112). FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the processing of S112. As shown in FIG. 9, an icon I1 of the output application 50 is displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 10. The user U clicks on the icon I1 displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 10. This starts the output application 50. When the output application 50 starts, an operation screen W3 of the output application 50 is displayed on the display unit 22, as shown in FIG. 10. The operation screen W3 displays a button B31 for displaying the setting values ​​as a QR code.

[0077] When the user U clicks the button B31 displayed on the operation screen W3 (step S114), the information terminal device 10 outputs the setting values ​​for the first communication (step S116). That is, the information terminal device 10 displays the setting values ​​for the first communication associated with the wireless router 2 as a QR code. Specifically, the operation accepting unit 52 of the output application 50 accepts the operation of the user U clicking the button B31. The setting value output unit 54 of the output application 50 converts the SSID and password, which are setting values ​​used in communication with the wireless router 2, into a QR code. The setting value output unit 54 displays the converted QR code on the display unit 22. In this way, in the process of S116, the information terminal device 10 (second terminal device) performs output processing to output the setting values ​​for the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100 (first terminal device) while the electronic device 200 is not performing the first communication.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen W4 displayed on the information terminal device 10 by the processing of S116. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the setting value output unit 54 displays a QR code C11 on the screen W4, into which the SSID and password, which are the setting values ​​for the first communication, have been converted. The screen W4 also displays a message M1 that prompts the user to transmit the setting values ​​obtained from the QR code C11 to the electronic device 200 via Bluetooth. For example, the message M1 may be a message such as, "Please transmit the SSID and password obtained from the QR code to the electronic device via Bluetooth." In this way, the information terminal device 10 performs a setting process in which the mobile terminal device 100 transmits the setting values ​​for the first communication to the electronic device 200 using the second communication, thereby enabling the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication using the setting values ​​for the first communication.

[0079] The mobile terminal device 100 acquires the setting values ​​for the first communication output from the information terminal device 10 (step S118). Specifically, the mobile terminal device 100 reads the setting values ​​displayed on the information terminal device 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the processing of S118. The imaging unit 120 of the mobile terminal device 100 captures an image of the QR code C11 on the screen W4 displayed on the display unit 22 of the information terminal device 10. When the user U operates the operation unit 114 while the captured QR code C11 is displayed on the display unit 112 of the mobile terminal device 100, the setting value acquisition unit 142 reads the QR code C11. The setting value acquisition unit 142 decodes the QR code C11 to acquire the SSID and password, which are the setting values ​​for the first communication. In this way, in the processing of S118, the mobile terminal device 100 (first terminal device) performs an acquisition process to acquire the setting values ​​for the first communication from the information terminal device 10 (second terminal device).

[0080] The mobile terminal device 100 transmits the setting values ​​to the electronic device 200 by the second communication (step S120). Specifically, the setting value transmitting unit 144 transmits the SSID and password, which are setting values ​​for the first communication, to the electronic device 200 by the second communication via Bluetooth. Furthermore, the communication setting unit 146 transmits a connection command to the electronic device 200 by the Bluetooth communication to configure the first communication using the SSID and password. Thus, in the process of S120, the mobile terminal device 100 (first terminal device) performs a transmission process to control transmission of the setting values ​​for the first communication acquired from the information terminal device 10 (second terminal device) to the electronic device 200 by the second communication.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the processing of S120. The setup application 140 displays a message M21 on the display unit 112 of the mobile terminal device 100, prompting the user to connect the electronic device 200 to a network for Wi-Fi communication, which is the first communication. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the message M21 may display an SSID and a password to be transmitted to the electronic device 200. When the user U touches the button B22, the setting value transmission unit 144 controls the second wireless communication unit 108 to perform a process for transmitting the SSID and password to the electronic device 200 via Bluetooth communication. At this time, the communication setting unit 146 controls the second wireless communication unit 108 to perform a process for transmitting a connection command to the electronic device 200 via Bluetooth communication. A message M23 indicating that communication setting is being performed in the electronic device 200 is displayed on the display unit 112 until the setting of the first communication is completed in the electronic device 200. In this way, the mobile terminal device 100 (first terminal device) performs a setting process to enable the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication with the setting values ​​for the first communication transmitted to the electronic device 200.

[0082] The electronic device 200 performs a setting process for the second communication using the setting values ​​transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 (step S122). Specifically, the setting value receiving unit 222 of the electronic device 200 receives the SSID and password, which are setting values ​​for the first communication, from the mobile terminal device 100 through the second communication. Then, the setting unit 224 performs setting for the first communication using the received setting values. Specifically, the setting unit 224 performs setting for communication with the wireless router 2 using the received SSID and password. In this way, the electronic device 200 performs the first communication using the setting values ​​for the first communication transmitted from the mobile terminal device 100 (first terminal device).

[0083] The electronic device 200 completes the setting of the first communication (step S124). FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the processing of S124. The setting unit 224 of the electronic device 200 transmits a notification to the mobile terminal device 100 indicating that the setting of the communication has been completed. When the mobile terminal device 100 receives this notification, the setup application 140 of the mobile terminal device 100 causes the display unit 112 to display a message M31 indicating that the setting of the first communication, i.e., the communication via Wi-Fi, has been completed. In this way, as shown in FIG. 15, the electronic device 200 is connected to the wireless router 2 via the first communication. Therefore, the electronic device 200 is connected to the mobile terminal device 100 and the information terminal device 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other via the first communication.

[0084] As described above, the computer of the information terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment executes the following program. That is, the program causes the computer of the information terminal device 10 to execute an output process of outputting the setting values ​​for the first communication to the mobile terminal device 100 when the electronic device 200 is not performing the first communication. The program also causes the computer of the information terminal device 10 to execute a setting process of causing the mobile terminal device 100 to transmit the setting values ​​for the first communication to the electronic device 200 using the second communication, thereby enabling the electronic device 200 to perform the first communication with the setting values ​​for the first communication. As described above, the computer of the mobile terminal device 100 executes the following program. That is, the program causes the computer of the mobile terminal device 100 to execute an acquisition process of acquiring the setting values ​​for the first communication from the information terminal device 10 performing the first communication. The program also causes the computer of the mobile terminal device 100 to execute a transmission process of controlling the transmission of the setting values ​​for the first communication acquired from the information terminal device 10 to the electronic device 200 using the second communication. Therefore, the user can set up the first communication of the electronic device 200 using the mobile terminal device 100 without inputting setting values ​​into the mobile terminal device 100. Therefore, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can easily set up the first communication of the electronic device 200.

[0085] Furthermore, the output process executed by the computer of the information terminal device 10 as described above causes the display unit 22 to display the setting values ​​for the first communication. The acquisition process executed by the computer of the mobile terminal device 100 as described above acquires the setting values ​​for the first communication displayed on the display unit 22 using the imaging unit 120. With this configuration, the mobile terminal device 100 can acquire the setting values ​​without the user having to input the setting values ​​into the mobile terminal device 100. Therefore, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can facilitate the setup of the first communication of the electronic device 200.

[0086] Furthermore, the output process executed by the computer of the information terminal device 10 causes the setting values ​​for the first communication to be output by voice from the speaker 26. The acquisition process executed by the computer of the mobile terminal device 100 acquires the setting values ​​for the first communication output by voice from the speaker 26 using the microphone 118. With this configuration, the mobile terminal device 100 can acquire the setting values ​​without the user having to input them into the mobile terminal device 100. Therefore, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can facilitate the setup of the first communication of the electronic device 200.

[0087] Furthermore, the first communication is a communication via Wi-Fi, and the second communication is a communication via Bluetooth. With this configuration, the mobile terminal device 100 can set up the communication via Wi-Fi for the electronic device 200 using the communication via Bluetooth. Therefore, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can easily set up the first communication for the electronic device 200.

[0088] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the order of each process in the above-described sequence diagram can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described sequence diagram can be omitted. Each process can be divided into multiple processes and executed at different times, or multiple processes can be executed together. For example, the transmission process and the setting process performed by the mobile terminal device 100 can be executed as separate processes, or as an integrated process.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the first communication is a communication via Wi-Fi and the second communication is a communication via Bluetooth, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first communication may be a communication via a wireless network of another standard. The second communication may be a short-range wireless communication of another standard.

[0090] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause 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, 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 technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also be included in a program product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...communication system, 2...wireless router, 10...information terminal device, 12...processing unit, 14...storage unit, 16...communication unit, 20...interface unit, 22...display unit, 24...operation unit, 26...speaker, 28...microphone, 30...imaging unit, 50...output application, 52...operation reception unit, 54...setting value output unit, 56...setting processing unit, 60...linkage unit, 100...mobile terminal device, 102...processing unit, 104...storage unit, 106...first wireless communication unit, 108...second wireless communication unit, 11 0...interface unit, 112...display unit, 114...operation unit, 116...speaker, 118...microphone, 120...imaging unit, 140...setup application, 142...setting value acquisition unit, 144...setting value transmission unit, 146...communication setting unit, 150...linking unit, 200...electronic device, 202...processing unit, 204...storage unit, 206...first wireless communication unit, 208...second wireless communication unit, 210...operation unit, 212...interface unit, 222...setting value reception unit, 224...setting unit

Claims

1. A program that runs on a computer that runs on an operating system, a first communication setting value for performing the first communication cannot be acquired from the operating system; an acquisition process of acquiring a setting value for the first communication from a terminal device that performs the first communication; a transmission process for performing control to transmit the setting values ​​of the first communication acquired from the terminal device to an electronic device using a second communication different from the first communication; a setting process for setting the setting values ​​of the first communication transmitted to the electronic device so that the electronic device can perform the first communication; A program that causes the computer to execute the above.

2. In the acquisition process, the setting values ​​of the first communication displayed on a display unit of the terminal device are acquired using an imaging unit. The program according to claim 1.

3. In the acquisition process, the setting value of the first communication outputted as voice from a speaker of the terminal device is acquired using a microphone. The program according to claim 1.

4. the first communication is communication via Wi-Fi, the second communication is communication via Bluetooth; The program according to claim 1.

5. A program that runs on a computer that performs first communication, an output process of outputting a setting value of the first communication to a terminal device while the electronic device is not performing communication through the first communication; a setting process for causing the terminal device to transmit setting values ​​for the first communication to the electronic device using a second communication different from the first communication, thereby enabling the electronic device to perform the first communication by setting the setting values ​​for the first communication; A program that causes the computer to execute the above.

6. In the output process, the setting value of the first communication is displayed on a display unit. The program according to claim 5.

7. In the output process, the setting value of the first communication is output as voice from a speaker. The program according to claim 5.

8. the first communication is communication via Wi-Fi, the second communication is communication via Bluetooth; The program according to claim 5.

9. A communication method performed by a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and an electronic device, comprising: At least the second terminal device performs a first communication; the second terminal device outputs a setting value for the first communication to the first terminal device while the electronic device is not performing the first communication; The first terminal device transmitting the setting value of the first communication acquired from the second terminal device to the electronic device using a second communication different from the first communication; the electronic device performs the first communication using the setting values ​​for the first communication transmitted from the first terminal device; Communication method.

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