Terminal device, communication system, communication method, and program

Abstract

To prevent convenience for a user from being impaired.SOLUTION: A first connection unit performs processing for connecting to an access point through first radio communication. A first determination unit, when processing of actuating an electronic apparatus from a terminal device is not successful, determines whether there is an electronic apparatus connected through the first radio communication via the access point. A searching unit searches for an electronic apparatus when it is determined that there is no electronic apparatus connected through the first radio communication. A second connection unit, when an electronic apparatus having the history of connection to the terminal device through the radio communication is searched for as a result of the search, performs processing for connecting to the electronic apparatus through second radio communication different from the first radio communication. A re-setup unit transmits setting information of the first radio communication to the electronic apparatus through the second radio communication and performs setup related to the electronic apparatus again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile terminal that connects to a printing device via an access point to perform printing. In Patent Document 1, the mobile terminal switches its connection destination to an access point indicated by connection information acquired from outside, and determines whether it is necessary to restore the connection destination access point to its original state. Then, based on the result of the determination, the mobile terminal switches between restoring the connection destination access point to its original state or maintaining the connection to the access point indicated by the connection information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-19146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system in which a terminal device connects to a printing device via an access point to perform printing, if the wireless communication connection between the access point and the printing device is not established for some reason, the wireless communication connection must be reconfigured. In such a case, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a lot of work to reconfigure the connection, which may impair convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The terminal device according to the present disclosure is a terminal device that can connect to an electronic device via an access point via a first wireless communication, and includes: a first connection unit that performs processing to establish a connection with the access point via the first wireless communication; a first determination unit that determines whether or not an electronic device connected via the first wireless communication via the access point exists when processing to operate the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful; a search unit that searches for the electronic device when it is determined that an electronic device connected via the first wireless communication does not exist; a second connection unit that performs processing to establish a connection with the electronic device via a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication when the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected as a result of the search; and a re-setup unit that transmits setting information for the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication and performs re-setup for the electronic device.

[0006] A communication system according to the present disclosure includes at least one electronic device and a terminal device that can connect to the electronic device via an access point by a first wireless communication, the terminal device including a first connection unit that performs processing to establish a connection with the access point by the first wireless communication, a first determination unit that determines whether or not the electronic device connected via the first wireless communication via the access point exists when processing to operate the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful, a search unit that searches for the electronic device when it is determined that the electronic device connected via the first wireless communication does not exist, a second connection unit that performs processing to establish a connection with the electronic device by a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication when the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected as a result of the search, and a re-setup unit that transmits setting information of the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication and performs re-setup for the electronic device.

[0007] The communication method disclosed herein is a communication method executed by a terminal device that can connect to an electronic device via an access point using a first wireless communication, which performs processing to connect to the access point using the first wireless communication, and if processing to operate the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful, determines whether or not there is an electronic device connected via the first wireless communication via the access point, searches for the electronic device if it is determined that there is no electronic device connected via the first wireless communication, and if the search results in the detection of an electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device using wireless communication, performs processing to connect to the electronic device using a second wireless communication that is different from the first wireless communication, and transmits setting information for the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication to perform re-setup of the electronic device.

[0008] The program according to the present disclosure is a program executed on a terminal device that can connect to an electronic device via an access point using a first wireless communication, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: performing processing to connect to the access point using the first wireless communication; determining, if the processing to operate the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful, whether or not there is an electronic device connected via the first wireless communication via the access point; searching for the electronic device if it is determined that there is no electronic device connected via the first wireless communication; if, as a result of the search, an electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected, performing processing to connect to the electronic device using a second wireless communication that is different from the first wireless communication; and transmitting setting information for the first wireless communication to the electronic device using the second wireless communication to perform re-setup of the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system having a plurality of electronic devices. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method executed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (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.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment. The communication system 1 includes an access point 2, a terminal device 100, and an electronic device 200. The terminal device 100 can be communicatively connected to the electronic device 200 via the access point 2 through a first wireless communication. That is, the terminal device 100 can be communicatively connected to the electronic device 200 via the access point 2 through the first wireless communication. In other words, the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 can be communicatively connected to the access point 2 through the first wireless communication. Furthermore, the terminal device 100 can be communicatively connected to the electronic device 200 directly through a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication, without going through the access point 2. The first wireless communication and the second wireless communication will be described later.

[0012] The access point 2 (AP) is, for example, a wireless router. The access point 2 is, for example, a wireless LAN access point. The access point 2 provides a wireless communication network (NW) through a first wireless communication. In other words, the first wireless communication is wireless communication realized by the access point 2. The first wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication through a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The access point 2 also performs routing for communication between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200. In other words, the access point 2 performs processing for relaying communication between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200. Therefore, the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 can be communicatively connected to each other via the access point 2. In other words, the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 can be communicatively connected to each other via a wireless communication network through the first wireless communication provided by the access point 2. The access point 2 may also perform processing for connecting the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 to the Internet.

[0013] Furthermore, the access point 2 has setting information used to set up the first wireless communication through the wireless communication network that it provides. The setting information is associated with the access point 2. The setting information includes, for example, identification information of the wireless communication network or the access point 2, and a password for each device to connect to the wireless communication network. If the first wireless communication is communication via Wi-Fi, the setting information includes, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and a password (encryption key). The SSID may be identification information of the access point 2, or identification information of the wireless network provided by the access point 2. When performing the first wireless communication using the access point 2, the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 set up the communication using the setting information for the first wireless communication.

[0014] The terminal device 100 functions as a computer having a processor and memory. The terminal device 100 operates on an OS, which is basic software. The terminal device 100 is a device used by a user, such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a smart device.

[0015] The electronic device 200 functions as a computer having a processor and a memory. The electronic device 200 is a peripheral device of the terminal device 100. The electronic device 200 performs operations based on processing by the terminal device 100 or user operations. That is, the operations of the electronic device 200 may be performed by processing in the terminal device 100. Specifically, the operations of the electronic device 200 may be performed by a device driver installed in the terminal device 100. The electronic device 200 is, for example, a printer or an image forming device. The electronic device 200 may also be, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a projector, a scanner, a microphone, etc. Note that a multifunction peripheral with a printing function is also an example of an image forming device. Note that, in the first embodiment, a case where the electronic device 200 is an image forming device will be described as appropriate, but the electronic device 200 is not limited to an image forming device.

[0016] When the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the operation of the electronic device 200 may be executed by a printer driver installed in the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 also transmits a print job including print data to the electronic device 200. Upon receiving the print job, the electronic device 200 prints an image indicated in the print data on a print medium such as paper.

[0017] Furthermore, as described above, the electronic device 200 can be connected to the terminal device 100 via the access point 2. At this time, when the electronic device 200 operates in infrastructure mode and is connected to the access point 2, the terminal device 100 wirelessly connects to the access point 2, thereby executing wireless communication between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200. This type of connection is called an infrastructure connection.

[0018] Furthermore, as described above, when the electronic device 200 is not connected to the access point 2, the electronic device 200 can be directly connected to the terminal device 100 by the second wireless communication without going through the access point 2. At this time, the electronic device 200 activates an internal access point, and the terminal device 100 connects to the internal access point, thereby directly communicating with the terminal device 100. This type of connection is called a direct connection. Note that the direct connection may be a temporary connection until the electronic device 200 is connected to the access point 2. Therefore, it can be said that the network provided by the internal access point of the electronic device 200 is a temporary network (temporary NW). The electronic device 200 may be connected to the terminal device 100 by a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. Note that the direct connection between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 may be established by communication conforming to the WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) standard, or may be established using a Wi-Fi ad hoc mode.

[0019] When a direct connection is made, the electronic device 200 may transmit (broadcast) radio waves related to the second wireless communication. The radio waves related to the second wireless communication may be, for example, a Wi-Fi beacon. The Wi-Fi beacon is a beacon signal that complies with the Wi-Fi standard. When the terminal device 100 receives the Wi-Fi beacon, the terminal device 100 is directly connected to the electronic device 200. The radio waves related to the second wireless communication may include identification information of the electronic device 200, such as a Media Access Control (MAC) address. The radio waves related to the second wireless communication may also include information indicating the model name of the electronic device 200. The Wi-Fi beacon may include the SSID of the electronic device 200. In this case, when the terminal device 100 receives the Wi-Fi beacon, the SSID included in the Wi-Fi beacon may be displayed on the terminal device 100. At this time, the SSID and a password for connection may be displayed on an operation panel of the electronic device 200. In this case, the terminal device 100 may be directly connected to the electronic device 200 by the user of the terminal device 100 setting the SSID and password displayed on the operation panel in the terminal device 100 .

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication system 1 having a plurality of electronic devices 200. The communication system 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes five electronic devices 200A to 200E, a terminal device 100, and an access point 2. The access point 2 is, for example, a wireless LAN access point. In the example of FIG. 2, the terminal device 100 is connected to the access point 2 by a first wireless communication. Therefore, the terminal device 100 is present in a network provided by the access point 2.

[0021] The electronic device 200A is connected to the access point 2 by the first wireless communication. Therefore, the electronic device 200A exists in a network provided by the access point 2. Furthermore, the electronic device 200A is connected to the terminal device 100 by the first wireless communication via the access point 2 through the above-mentioned infrastructure connection. Furthermore, the electronic device 200A is an electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100. The state of the setup previously performed by the terminal device 100 is maintained. Therefore, the terminal device 100 can cause the electronic device 200A to perform an operation by transmitting an operation instruction, such as a print job, to the electronic device 200A.

[0022] The electronic device 200B is connected to the access point 2 via the first wireless communication. Therefore, the electronic device 200B exists in the network provided by the access point 2. The electronic device 200B is also an electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100. That is, the electronic device 200B has a connection history with the terminal device 100. Note that the "electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device 100" may be an electronic device that is physically the same as the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device 100, or may be an electronic device of the same model as the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device 100. That is, the "electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100" includes an electronic device that is physically the same as the electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100. The "electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100" also includes an electronic device of the same model as the electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100. The same applies to the other electronic devices 200C to 200E described later.

[0023] It is also assumed that the electronic device 200B has not been configured by the above-mentioned setup for some reason. For example, this state is a state in which the setup configuration previously performed by the terminal device 100 for the electronic device 200B has been changed for some reason. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of electronic devices 200 of the same model, and the electronic device 200B may be the same model as the electronic device 200 previously set up by the terminal device 100 but may be physically different. In this state, the terminal device 100 cannot cause the electronic device 200B to perform an operation.

[0024] The above-described situation of electronic device 200B may occur, for example, in the following cases. That is, when electronic device 200B connects to access point 2 via the first wireless communication, the access point 2 may set an IP address for electronic device 200B. Then, when the terminal device 100 sets up electronic device 200B, the IP address for electronic device 200B is set in device driver 126. In this case, when the access point 2 is replaced and electronic device 200B connects to the new access point 2 via the first wireless communication, an IP address different from the IP address previously set for electronic device 200B is set. Because the IP address of electronic device 200B has changed in this way, even if the terminal device 100 attempts to operate electronic device 200B, it is not possible to send an operation instruction to electronic device 200B. Therefore, electronic device 200B cannot be operated from the terminal device 100.

[0025] The electronic device 200C is connected to the access point 2 by the first wireless communication. Therefore, the electronic device 200C exists in the network provided by the access point 2. Furthermore, the electronic device 200C is a different model of electronic device from the electronic device 200 previously set up by the terminal device 100. In other words, the electronic device 200C is an electronic device that has not previously been set up by the terminal device 100. In other words, the electronic device 200C has no connection history with the terminal device 100. Therefore, in this state, the terminal device 100 cannot cause the electronic device 200C to perform an operation such as a printing operation.

[0026] 2 may be in the following state, for example: The electronic device 200C is connected to the access point 2 via the first wireless communication through a setup process performed by a terminal device other than the terminal device 100. Alternatively, the electronic device 200C is connected to the access point 2 directly, for example, by a user operating the operation panel of the electronic device 200, without relying on any terminal device. In these cases, the setup process for the electronic device 200C has not been performed in the terminal device 100, and therefore the electronic device 200C cannot be operated from the terminal device 100.

[0027] The electronic device 200D is not connected to the access point 2. Therefore, the electronic device 200D does not exist in the network provided by the access point 2. The electronic device 200D transmits radio waves related to the second wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi beacon. Therefore, when the terminal device 100 receives the radio waves related to the second wireless communication, the terminal device 100 can establish a direct connection with the electronic device 200D. In other words, when the terminal device 100 receives the radio waves related to the second wireless communication, the terminal device 100 can connect to the virtual network provided by the internal access point of the electronic device 200D.

[0028] Furthermore, the electronic device 200D is an electronic device that was previously set up by the terminal device 100. In other words, the electronic device 200D has a connection history with the terminal device 100. However, the electronic device 200D is not currently connected to the terminal device 100 so as to be able to communicate with the terminal device 100. Therefore, in this state, the terminal device 100 cannot cause the electronic device 200D to perform an operation such as a printing operation. The state of the electronic device 200D in FIG. 2 may be, for example, as follows:

[0029] In a first case, it is assumed that the terminal device 100 was previously connected to the electronic device 200D by the first wireless communication via another access point. Then, it is assumed that the other access point is replaced with the current access point 2. Furthermore, it is assumed that the setup for connecting to the replaced access point 2 by the first wireless communication has not been performed for the electronic device 200D. In this state, the connection between the electronic device 200D and the replaced access point 2 by the first wireless communication has not been established. Therefore, the terminal device 100 is currently unable to connect to the electronic device 200D via the replaced access point 2.

[0030] In the second case, it is assumed that the terminal device 100 has previously been connected to the electronic device 200D via the access point 2 by the first wireless communication. Then, it is assumed that the settings of the access point 2 have been changed for some reason. Furthermore, it is assumed that after the settings of the access point 2 have been changed, the setup for the electronic device 200D to connect to the access point 2 by the first wireless communication has not been performed. In this state, the electronic device 200D and the access point 2 are not connected by the first wireless communication. Therefore, the terminal device 100 is currently unable to connect to the electronic device 200D via the access point 2.

[0031] The electronic device 200E is not connected to the access point 2. Therefore, the electronic device 200E does not exist in the network provided by the access point 2. The electronic device 200E transmits radio waves related to the second wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi beacon. Therefore, when the terminal device 100 receives the radio waves related to the second wireless communication, the terminal device 100 can establish a direct connection with the electronic device 200E. The electronic device 200E is a different model from the electronic device 200 previously set up by the terminal device 100. In other words, the electronic device 200E is an electronic device that has not previously been set up by the terminal device 100. In other words, the electronic device 200E has no connection history with the terminal device 100. For example, the electronic device 200E may be an electronic device that has just been unpacked and turned on. In this state, the terminal device 100 cannot cause the electronic device 200E to perform an operation such as a printing operation.

[0032] In the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment, as will be described below, the terminal device 100 performs different processes for the electronic devices 200A to 200E in different states to cause them to perform operations such as printing. In other words, in the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the electronic devices 200 are in different states, the terminal device 100 performs processes according to the states of the electronic devices 200. Therefore, even if the states of the electronic devices 200 are different, the terminal device 100 can cause the electronic devices 200 to perform operations. This improves user convenience. This will be described in detail below.

[0033] 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. The 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, a display unit 112, and an operation unit 114. The processing unit 102, the storage unit 104, the first wireless communication unit 106, the second wireless communication unit 108, the display unit 112, and the operation unit 114 may be connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

[0034] The processing unit 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). 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 display unit 112, and the operation unit 114.

[0035] The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 104 has a function for storing control programs, calculation programs, etc. executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has a function for temporarily storing processing data, etc. The storage unit 104 may include a database.

[0036] The first wireless communication unit 106 is a wireless communication device that performs first wireless communication. The first wireless communication unit 106 performs wireless communication with the access point 2 and wireless communication with other devices such as the electronic device 200 via the access point 2. The first wireless communication unit 106 performs wireless communication that complies with the Wi-Fi standard, for example.

[0037] The second wireless communication unit 108 is a wireless communication device that executes the second wireless communication. The second wireless communication unit 108 executes wireless communication with the electronic device 200 without going through the access point 2. In other words, the second wireless communication unit 108 performs processing for directly connecting to the electronic device 200 without going through the access point 2. The second wireless communication unit 108 executes wireless communication that complies with the Wi-Fi standard, for example. Note that the second wireless communication unit 108 may be physically integrated with the first wireless communication unit 106.

[0038] The display unit 112 and the operation unit 114 are a user interface. The display unit 112 is configured with a display or the like that displays various information to the user. The operation unit 114 is configured with a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, or the like that accepts input operations from the user. The display unit 112 and the operation unit 114 may be integrated into one device such as a touch panel. The terminal device 100 may also include an output device such as a speaker as a user interface. The terminal device 100 may also include an input device such as a microphone as a user interface.

[0039] The terminal device 100 also has, as components, an OS 118 (Operating System) which is basic software, and an operating application 120. The OS 118 controls the operation of the operating application 120. The operating application 120 is application software that operates using the functions of the OS 118.

[0040] The operation application 120 has, as its components, a setup tool 122, a setting information storage unit 124, a device driver 126, a setup unit 130, a device information storage unit 132, a first connection unit 134, and an operation execution processing unit 136. The operation application 120 also has, as its components, a first determination unit 140, a search unit 142, a second determination unit 144, a second connection unit 150, a re-setup unit 156, a display processing unit 162, a selection unit 164, and a notification unit 166.

[0041] 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 of the components of the operation application 120 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The operation application 120 performs processing for operating the electronic device 200. For example, the operation application 120 performs processing for enabling the electronic device 200 to communicate with the terminal device 100 via the first wireless communication. Furthermore, for example, when the terminal device 100 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the access point 2 via the first wireless communication, the operation application 120 performs processing for causing the electronic device 200 to perform an operation such as a printing operation.

[0044] The setup tool 122 has, for example, an installer function. A setup tool 122 is provided for each model of the electronic device 200. The setup tool 122 performs setup processing to enable the electronic device 200 to be used from the terminal device 100. In other words, the setup tool 122 performs settings to enable the electronic device 200 to be used from the terminal device 100. The setup tool 122 performs processing to install a device driver 126.

[0045] The setting information storage unit 124 stores setting information. The setting information is information about settings related to the electronic device 200 of the terminal device 100. The setting information can be used when setting up the electronic device 200. Therefore, the setting information can also be called setup information. The setting information includes information obtained by a setup process using the setup tool 122. The setting information includes information about settings for the first wireless communication via the access point 2. The setting information also includes information about settings related to the specifications or operation of the electronic device 200. The setting information includes information for performing the first wireless communication with the access point 2, such as an SSID and an SSID password.

[0046] The device driver 126 is installed in the terminal device 100 by the setup tool 122 running. The device driver 126 is software for controlling the electronic device 200 to operate the electronic device 200. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the device driver 126 is a printer driver. In this case, the device driver 126 acquires print data from application software (not shown) and generates a print job including the print data. The application software is software capable of performing processes involving printing. The application software may be, for example, document editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or photo display software.

[0047] The setup unit 130 may be realized by the setup tool 122. The setup unit 130 performs wireless settings for wireless communication with the electronic device 200 via the access point 2 using the first wireless communication. For example, the setup unit 130 may transmit setting information for the first wireless communication to the electronic device 200 using a communication method different from the first wireless communication. The setup unit 130 also performs operational settings for operating the electronic device 200. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the setup unit 130 performs print settings. The operational settings include, for example, setting an IP address for the terminal device 100 to operate the electronic device 200 to a port such as a print port.

[0048] The device information storage unit 132 stores device information, which is information about the electronic device 200 that has been set up by the setup unit 130. The device information may be acquired from the electronic device 200 when the setup is performed. The device information storage unit 132 may store identification information of the electronic device 200, such as an IP address and a MAC address. The device information storage unit 132 may also store the product name and model name of the electronic device 200 as the device information.

[0049] The first connection unit 134 performs processing for establishing a connection with the access point 2 via the first wireless communication. Specifically, the first connection unit 134 controls the first wireless communication unit 106 to perform processing for establishing a connection with the access point 2 via the first wireless communication. The first connection unit 134 also performs processing for connecting the terminal device 100 to the electronic device 200 via the access point 2. In other words, the first connection unit 134 performs processing for performing wireless communication with the electronic device 200 via the access point 2 via the first wireless communication.

[0050] The operation execution processing unit 136 may be realized by the device driver 126. The operation execution processing unit 136 performs processing for operating the electronic device 200. That is, the operation execution processing unit 136 transmits an operation instruction to the electronic device 200 for causing the electronic device 200 to perform an operation. At this time, the operation execution processing unit 136 transmits the operation instruction to an IP address set in a port related to the electronic device 200 as the destination. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the operation execution processing unit 136 acquires print data from the above-mentioned application software and generates a print job including the print data. Here, the print job is a command for causing the electronic device 200 to print an image indicated by the print data. The operation execution processing unit 136 transmits the print job to an IP address set in the port as the destination.

[0051] When the process of operating the electronic device 200 from the terminal device 100 is unsuccessful, the first determination unit 140 determines whether the electronic device 200 exists connected via the access point 2 through the first wireless communication. When the operation execution processing unit 136 performs a process to operate the electronic device 200 but the electronic device 200 does not operate, the first determination unit 140 determines whether the electronic device 200 exists in the network provided by the access point 2. Specifically, the first determination unit 140 makes an inquiry to the electronic device 200 connected to the access point 2 through the access point 2. For example, the first determination unit 140 broadcasts the information to the network provided by the access point 2 through the first wireless communication, and makes an inquiry to the electronic device 200 existing in the network. Then, when a response to the inquiry is received from the electronic device 200, the first determination unit 140 determines that the electronic device 200 exists connected via the access point 2 through the first wireless communication. Note that the response transmitted from the electronic device 200 includes device information of the electronic device 200, such as a MAC address. On the other hand, if a response to the inquiry is not received from the electronic device 200 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the inquiry was sent, the first determination unit 140 determines that there is no electronic device 200 connected via the first wireless communication via the access point 2.

[0052] When it is determined that there is no electronic device 200 connected via the first wireless communication, the searching unit 142 searches for an electronic device 200 that is not connected via the first wireless communication. That is, when there is no electronic device 200 in the network provided by the access point 2, the searching unit 142 searches for the electronic device 200. Specifically, the searching unit 142 searches for the electronic device 200 that is emitting radio waves related to the second wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi beacon. The searching unit 142 searches for the electronic device 200 that is emitting radio waves related to the second wireless communication by wireless scanning. When the radio waves related to the second wireless communication emitted from the electronic device 200 are received, the searching unit 142 detects the electronic device 200. In other words, the searching unit 142 detects the electronic device 200 by receiving the radio waves related to the second wireless communication emitted from the electronic device 200. On the other hand, when the radio waves related to the second wireless communication emitted from the electronic device 200 are not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the search, the searching unit 142 may end the search for the electronic device 200.

[0053] The second determination unit 144 uses the MAC address of the electronic device 200 to determine whether the electronic device 200 has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. The second determination unit 144 determines whether the electronic device 200, which the first determination unit 140 determines to be connected via the first wireless communication via the access point 2, has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. In other words, the second determination unit 144 determines whether the electronic device 200 present in the network of the access point 2 has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. In this case, the second determination unit 144 determines whether the MAC address included in the response from the electronic device 200 matches the MAC address stored in the device information storage unit 132. If these MAC addresses match, the second determination unit 144 determines that the electronic device 200 present in the network of the access point 2 has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. On the other hand, if these MAC addresses do not match, the second determining unit 144 determines that the electronic device 200 present in the network of the access point 2 has no history of connection with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication.

[0054] Furthermore, the second determination unit 144 determines whether or not the electronic device 200 detected by the search unit 142 has a history of connection with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication. In this case, the second determination unit 144 determines whether or not a MAC address included in the radio waves related to the second wireless communication matches a MAC address stored in the device information storage unit 132. If these MAC addresses match, the second determination unit 144 determines that the detected electronic device 200 has a history of connection with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication. On the other hand, if these MAC addresses do not match, the second determination unit 144 determines that the detected electronic device 200 has no history of connection with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication.

[0055] The second connection unit 150 controls the second wireless communication unit 108 to perform processing for connecting with the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication. That is, the second connection unit 150 performs processing for connecting with the electronic device 200 directly, without going through the access point 2, by using radio waves related to the second wireless communication emitted from the electronic device 200. In other words, the second connection unit 150 performs processing for connecting with the electronic device 200 that does not exist in the network provided by the access point 2. Here, when the search unit 142 finds an electronic device 200 that has a connection history with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication as a result of the search, the second connection unit 150 performs processing for connecting with the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication. The second connection unit 150 may perform processing for connecting the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 via a direct connection. In other words, the second connection unit 150 may perform processing for connecting the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 via a virtual network provided by the internal access point of the electronic device 200. For example, the second connection unit 150 may cause the display unit 112 to display a setting screen for setting the SSID and password displayed on the operation panel of the electronic device 200 in the terminal device 100, together with a message prompting the user to set the SSID and password. Through the processing by the second connection unit 150, the terminal device 100 is directly connected to the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication.

[0056] The resetting unit 156 may be realized by the setup tool 122. The resetting unit 156 performs setup again for the electronic device 200 determined by the second determination unit 144 to have a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. The resetting unit 156 may perform substantially the same processing as the setup unit 130. The resetting unit 156 transmits, via the second wireless communication, setting information for the first wireless communication to at least the electronic device 200 connected to the terminal device 100 via the second wireless communication, and performs setup again for the electronic device 200. As a result, the electronic device 200 can be connected to the access point 2 via the first wireless communication. Furthermore, the resetting unit 156 may perform operation settings, as necessary, to operate the electronic device 200 connected to the access point 2 via the first wireless communication from the terminal device 100. Details of the processing by the resetting unit 156 will be described later.

[0057] The display processing unit 162 performs processing to display a list of electronic devices 200 that have been determined by the second determination unit 144 to have no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. The display processing unit 162 controls the display unit 112 to display the list of electronic devices 200 on the display unit 112. The display processing unit 162 may also display a list of device information of the electronic devices 200, such as product names, on the display unit 112 as a list of the electronic devices 200. The device information is acquired from the electronic devices 200.

[0058] The selection unit 164 selects the electronic device 200 to be operated from the list of electronic devices 200 displayed on the display unit 112 by the processing of the display processing unit 162. Specifically, the selection unit 164 accepts an operation by the user to select the electronic device 200 using the operation unit 114. As a result, the selection unit 164 selects the electronic device 200 selected by the user as the electronic device 200 to be operated. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the selection unit 164 selects the electronic device 200 to be used for printing. The selection unit 164 may output a message to prompt the user to select the electronic device 200 to be operated.

[0059] The display processing unit 162 may perform processing to display a list of the electronic devices 200 using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). In this case, the selection unit 164 may receive an operation to select an electronic device 200 by the user clicking, with a mouse, on one of the electronic devices 200 displayed in the list by the GUI.

[0060] The notification unit 166 performs processing for notifying the user to perform setup for the selected electronic device. Specifically, the notification unit 166 notifies the user that setup using a new setup tool is required to operate the selected electronic device 200. The notification unit 166 may provide the user with information for accessing a website that provides the setup tool for the selected electronic device 200. The notification unit 166 may display a link for accessing the website on the display unit 112 using a GUI. The user can access the website by clicking the link with a mouse. Therefore, the terminal device 100 can install the setup tool for the selected electronic device 200 from the website through a user operation. Furthermore, if there is no electronic device 200 that can be operated from the terminal device 100 in the vicinity of the terminal device 100, the notification unit 166 may display this information on the display unit 112.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The first wireless communication unit 206 is a wireless communication device that performs first wireless communication. The first wireless communication unit 206 performs wireless communication with the access point 2 and wireless communication with other devices such as the terminal device 100 via the access point 2. The first wireless communication unit 206 includes, for example, an antenna that performs wireless communication compliant with the Wi-Fi standard.

[0065] The second wireless communication unit 208 is a wireless communication device that performs the second wireless communication. The second wireless communication unit 208 performs wireless communication with other devices, such as the terminal device 100, without going through the access point 2. In other words, the second wireless communication unit 208 performs processing for directly connecting to the terminal device 100 without going through the access point 2. The second wireless communication unit 208 performs wireless communication compliant with, for example, the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit 208 activates an internal access point when the electronic device 200 is not connected to any access point through the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication unit 208 transmits (broadcasts) radio waves related to the second wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi beacon. At this time, the second wireless communication unit 208 transmits radio waves including device information of the electronic device 200, such as a MAC address and a product name. The second wireless communication unit 208 may also transmit a Wi-Fi beacon including an SSID. Then, the second wireless communication unit 208 accepts a connection request from the terminal device 100. As a result, the electronic device 200 is connected to the terminal device 100 without going through the access point 2.

[0066] The operating unit 210 has the operating functions of the electronic device 200. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device such as 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The electronic device 200 according to the first embodiment includes, as its components, a response transmitting unit 220, a setting information 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 be realized by recording a necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed.

[0069] 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.

[0070] When the first wireless communication unit 206 receives an inquiry broadcast from the terminal device 100 via the first wireless communication, the response transmitting unit 220 performs processing for transmitting a response to the terminal device 100. The response transmitting unit 220 controls the first wireless communication unit 206 to transmit a response including device information of the electronic device 200, such as an IP address, a MAC address, and a product name, to the terminal device 100 via the access point 2.

[0071] The setting information receiving unit 222 receives setting information for the first wireless communication from the terminal device 100. Specifically, when the electronic device 200 is connected to the terminal device 100 via a virtual network provided by the electronic device 200, the setting information receiving unit 222 receives setting information from the terminal device 100 via the second wireless communication unit 208 by the second wireless communication.

[0072] The setting unit 224 performs setting processing for the first wireless communication using the received setting information. The setting unit 224 performs connection processing with the access point 2 corresponding to the SSID included in the setting information received from the terminal device 100, using the password included in the setting information. As a result, the electronic device 200 is connected to the access point 2 via the first wireless communication, and is able to perform the first wireless communication provided by the access point 2. Therefore, the electronic device 200 can communicate with the terminal device 100 via the access point 2 using the first wireless communication. Note that the setting unit 224 may transmit a notification indicating that the setting of the first wireless communication has been completed to the terminal device 100 via the first wireless communication.

[0073] 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a communication method executed by the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the communication method shown in Fig. 5 and 6 is mainly executed by the terminal device 100. Also, Fig. 5 and 6 show processing performed by the terminal device 100 for each state of the electronic devices 200A to 200E illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0074] The terminal device 100 performs first wireless communication with the access point 2 (step S102). Specifically, the first connection unit 134 of the terminal device 100 performs processing for connecting to the access point 2 through the first wireless communication, using the setting information for the first wireless communication. As a result, the terminal device 100 performs the first wireless communication with the access point 2.

[0075] The terminal device 100 instructs the electronic device 200 to perform an operation via the access point 2 (step S104). Specifically, the operation execution processing unit 136 of the terminal device 100 transmits the operation instruction to the electronic device 200 and performs processing to operate the electronic device 200. At this time, the operation execution processing unit 136 transmits the operation instruction to the IP address set in the port related to the electronic device 200 as the destination. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the operation execution processing unit 136 transmits a print job corresponding to the operation instruction to the electronic device 200 and starts the print processing.

[0076] The terminal device 100 determines whether the process of operating the electronic device 200 has been successful (step S106). Specifically, the operation execution processing unit 136 of the terminal device 100 determines whether the process of operating the electronic device 200 has been successful. The operation execution processing unit 136 may determine that the process of operating the electronic device 200 has been successful if a notification indicating that the operation instruction has been received by the electronic device 200 is received from the electronic device 200. On the other hand, the operation execution processing unit 136 may determine that the process of operating the electronic device 200 has not been successful if a notification indicating that the operation instruction has been received by the electronic device 200 is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation instruction was transmitted. For example, if the electronic device 200 is not connected to the access point 2, the operation instruction cannot be transmitted to the electronic device 200, and therefore the process of operating the electronic device 200 is not successful. Furthermore, for example, if the IP address set as a port for the electronic device 200 in the terminal device 100 is incorrect, the operation instruction cannot be transmitted to the electronic device 200, and therefore the process of operating the electronic device 200 is not successful.

[0077] If the process of operating the electronic device 200 is successful (YES in S106), this electronic device 200 corresponds to the electronic device 200A illustrated in Fig. 2. In this case, the electronic device 200 executes an operation corresponding to the operation instruction (step S108). Then, the process flow of the communication method corresponding to the electronic device 200A illustrated in Fig. 2 ends (end A).

[0078] On the other hand, if the process of operating the electronic device 200 is not successful (NO in S106), the terminal device 100 determines whether or not the electronic device 200 exists in the network provided by the access point 2 (step S110). Specifically, as described above, the first determination unit 140 of the terminal device 100 makes an inquiry to the electronic device 200 by broadcasting through the first wireless communication via the access point 2. The first determination unit 140 determines whether or not the electronic device 200 exists in the network provided by the access point 2 depending on whether or not a response to the inquiry is received from the electronic device 200.

[0079] If no response to the inquiry is received, as described above, the first determination unit 140 determines that the electronic device 200 does not exist in the network provided by the access point 2 (NO in step S112). In this case, the processing flow of the communication method proceeds to S140, which will be described later.

[0080] On the other hand, when a response to the inquiry is received, as described above, the first determination unit 140 determines that at least one electronic device 200 exists in the network provided by the access point 2 (YES in S112). In this case, the terminal device 100 uses the MAC address to determine whether or not the electronic device 200 existing in the network provided by the access point 2 is an electronic device with a connection history (step S114). Specifically, the second determination unit 144 of the terminal device 100 determines whether or not the MAC address included in the response received from the electronic device 200 matches the MAC address stored in the device information storage unit 132, as described above.

[0081] If the electronic device 200 present on the network of the access point 2 has a connection history with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication (YES in S114), the electronic device 200 corresponds to the electronic device 200B illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, the terminal device 100 performs a reset process (step S116). Here, the electronic device 200 is connected to the access point 2 via the first wireless communication. Therefore, there is no need to perform a setup related to the first wireless communication for the electronic device 200. Therefore, the reset unit 156 of the terminal device 100 performs an operation setting for operating the electronic device 200 in the terminal device 100. Specifically, the reset unit 156 may perform the reset process using the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 124. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the reset unit 156 performs a process to set print settings that allow the terminal device 100 to instruct the electronic device 200 to perform a print operation. For example, if the IP address of the electronic device 200 has been changed, the reset unit 156 may reset the IP address. When the IP address included in the response received from the electronic device 200 is different from the IP address set in the port related to the electronic device 200, the resetting unit 156 may change the IP address set in the port to the IP address included in the response. When the IP address included in the response received from the electronic device 200 is different from the IP address stored in the setting information storage unit 124, the resetting unit 156 may change the IP address set in the port to the IP address included in the response.

[0082] The terminal device 100 instructs the electronic device 200 to perform an operation via the access point 2 (step S118). Specifically, similar to the process of S104, the operation execution processing unit 136 of the terminal device 100 transmits an operation instruction to the electronic device 200 and performs a process to operate the electronic device 200. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the operation execution processing unit 136 transmits a print job corresponding to the operation instruction to the electronic device 200 and starts print processing. As a result, the electronic device 200 executes an operation corresponding to the operation instruction (step S120). Then, the process flow of the communication method corresponding to the electronic device 200B illustrated in FIG. 2 ends (end B).

[0083] On the other hand, if the electronic device 200 present in the network of the access point 2 has no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100 (NO in S114), this electronic device 200 corresponds to the electronic device 200C illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, the terminal device 100 displays a list of one or more electronic devices 200 present in the network provided by the access point 2 (step S132). Specifically, the display processing unit 162 of the terminal device 100 causes the display unit 112 to display a list of one or more electronic devices 200, as described above. More specifically, the display processing unit 162 causes the display unit 112 to display a list of device information included in responses received from one or more electronic devices 200, as a list of electronic devices 200.

[0084] The terminal device 100 selects the electronic device 200 to be operated (step S134). Specifically, the selection unit 164 of the terminal device 100 selects the electronic device 200 to be operated from the list of electronic devices 200 displayed in the processing of S132. As described above, the selection unit 164 may select the electronic device 200 by accepting an operation to select the electronic device 200 performed by the user from the list of electronic devices 200 displayed by the GUI.

[0085] The terminal device 100 issues a notification prompting the user to perform setup for the selected electronic device 200 (step S136). Specifically, as described above, the notification unit 166 of the terminal device 100 performs processing to notify the user that setup using a new setup tool is required to operate the selected electronic device 200. The notification unit 166 provides the user with information for accessing a website that provides the setup tool for the selected electronic device 200. Then, the processing flow of the communication method corresponding to the electronic device 200C illustrated in FIG. 2 ends (end C).

[0086] On the other hand, in the process of S112, if the electronic device 200 does not exist in the network provided by the access point 2 (NO in S112), the terminal device 100 searches for an electronic device 200 that is not connected by the first wireless communication (step S140). Specifically, the search unit 142 of the terminal device 100 searches for an electronic device 200 that is emitting radio waves related to the second wireless communication by wireless scanning, as described above. If the search unit 142 cannot detect the electronic device 200 (NO in step S142), there is no electronic device 200 that can be operated from the terminal device 100. Therefore, the terminal device 100 displays a message that the process of operating the electronic device 200 has failed (step S144). Specifically, the notification unit 166 of the terminal device 100 displays a message indicating that the process of operating the electronic device 200 has failed on the display unit 112. Then, the process flow of the communication method ends (END F).

[0087] On the other hand, if the searching unit 142 can detect the electronic device 200 (YES in S142), the terminal device 100 uses the MAC address to determine whether the searched electronic device 200 is an electronic device with a connection history (step S150). Specifically, as described above, the second determining unit 144 of the terminal device 100 determines whether the MAC address included in the radio waves related to the second wireless communication matches the MAC address stored in the device information storage unit 132.

[0088] If the detected electronic device 200 has a connection history with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication (YES in S150), this electronic device 200 corresponds to the electronic device 200D illustrated in Fig. 2. In this case, the terminal device 100 connects to the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication (step S152). Specifically, the second connection unit 150 of the terminal device 100 performs processing for connecting with the detected electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication, as described above.

[0089] The terminal device 100 performs a reset process (step S154). Specifically, the reset unit 156 of the terminal device 100 transmits setting information for the first wireless communication to the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication, and resets the setup for the electronic device 200. Specifically, the reset unit 156 transmits, via the second wireless communication, setting information including information about the setting of the first wireless communication stored in the setting information storage unit 124 to the electronic device 200 determined to have a connection history with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication. That is, the reset unit 156 transmits, via the virtual network via the second wireless communication, setting information for connecting to the access point 2 to the electronic device 200 determined to have a connection history with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication. As a result, the electronic device 200 is connected to the access point 2. Therefore, the terminal device 100 is connected to the electronic device 200 via the access point 2 so as to be able to communicate with the electronic device 200 via the first wireless communication.

[0090] Furthermore, the resetting unit 156 performs operation settings for operating the electronic device 200 from the terminal device 100 via the access point 2 as necessary. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the resetting unit 156 performs print settings. For example, the resetting unit 156 may set the IP address of the electronic device 200 to a port related to the electronic device 200.

[0091] The terminal device 100 instructs the electronic device 200 to perform an operation via the access point 2 (step S156). Specifically, similar to the process of S118, the operation execution processing unit 136 of the terminal device 100 transmits an operation instruction to the electronic device 200 and performs a process to operate the electronic device 200. If the electronic device 200 is an image forming device, the operation execution processing unit 136 transmits a print job corresponding to the operation instruction to the electronic device 200 and starts print processing. As a result, the electronic device 200 executes the operation corresponding to the operation instruction (step S158). Then, the process flow of the communication method corresponding to the electronic device 200D illustrated in FIG. 2 ends (end D).

[0092] On the other hand, if the detected electronic device 200 has no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100 (NO in S150), this electronic device 200 corresponds to the electronic device 200E illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, the terminal device 100 displays a list of the one or more detected electronic devices 200 (step S162). Specifically, the display processing unit 162 of the terminal device 100 causes the display unit 112 to display a list of the one or more electronic devices 200. More specifically, the display processing unit 162 causes the display unit 112 to display a list of device information included in radio waves related to the second wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi beacons, received from the one or more electronic devices 200, as a list of the electronic devices 200.

[0093] The terminal device 100 selects the electronic device 200 to be operated (step S164). Specifically, the selection unit 164 of the terminal device 100 selects the electronic device 200 to be operated from the list of electronic devices 200 displayed in the processing of S162. As described above, the selection unit 164 may select the electronic device 200 by accepting an operation to select the electronic device 200 performed by the user from the list of electronic devices 200 displayed by the GUI.

[0094] The terminal device 100 issues a notification prompting the user to perform setup for the selected electronic device 200 (step S166). Specifically, as described above, the notification unit 166 of the terminal device 100 performs processing to notify the user that setup using a new setup tool is required to operate the selected electronic device 200. The notification unit 166 provides the user with information for accessing a website that provides the setup tool for the selected electronic device 200. Then, the processing flow of the communication method corresponding to the electronic device 200E illustrated in FIG. 2 ends (end E).

[0095] As described above, in the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the first connection unit 134 performs a process for establishing a connection with the access point 2 via the first wireless communication. Furthermore, if the process for operating the electronic device 200 from the terminal device 100 is unsuccessful, the first determination unit 140 determines whether or not the electronic device 200 connected via the first wireless communication via the access point 2 exists. Furthermore, if it is determined that the electronic device 200 connected via the first wireless communication does not exist, the search unit 142 performs a search for the electronic device 200. Furthermore, if the search finds an electronic device 200 that has a connection history with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication, the second connection unit 150 performs a process for establishing a connection with the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication, which is different from the first wireless communication. Furthermore, the re-setup unit 156 transmits setting information for the first wireless communication to the electronic device 200 via the second wireless communication, and performs a re-setup for the electronic device 200. In particular, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment performs the above-described operations to operate the electronic device 200D illustrated in FIG. 2 . With this configuration, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment allows the user to easily perform reconfiguration to operate the electronic device 200 that has a history of connection with the terminal device 100 via wireless communication but is not connected to the access point 2. This improves user convenience.

[0096] Furthermore, when at least one electronic device 200 that has no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100 is detected as a result of the search, the notification unit 166 performs processing for notification to prompt the user to perform settings for the electronic device 200. In particular, in the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the above-described operations are performed to operate the electronic device 200E illustrated in FIG. 2. With this configuration, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment allows the user to easily perform settings for operating the electronic device 200 that has no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100 and is not connected to the access point 2. This improves user convenience.

[0097] Furthermore, when it is determined that at least one electronic device 200 connected via the first wireless communication exists and this electronic device 200 has no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100, the following processing is performed. That is, the display processing unit 162 performs processing to display a list of the electronic devices 200. Furthermore, the selection unit 164 selects the electronic device 200 to be operated from the displayed list. Furthermore, the notification unit 166 performs processing to notify the user to prompt the user to set up the selected electronic device. In particular, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment performs the above-described processing to operate the electronic device 200C illustrated in FIG. 2. With this configuration, the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment allows the user to easily perform settings for operating the electronic device 200 that has no history of connection with the terminal device 100 but is connected to the access point 2. This improves user convenience.

[0098] Furthermore, if it is determined that there is at least one electronic device 200 connected via the first wireless communication and this electronic device 200 has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100, the following processing is performed. That is, the re-setup unit 156 performs a re-setup for this electronic device 200. In particular, in the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the above-described operation is performed to operate the electronic device 200B illustrated in FIG. 2. As a result, when the terminal device 100 is unable to operate the electronic device 200 that has a connection history with the terminal device 100 and is connected to the access point 2, the terminal device 100 can perform settings for operating the electronic device 200 without the user having to take time and effort. This improves user convenience.

[0099] Furthermore, in the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment, the second determination unit 144 uses the MAC address of the electronic device 200 to determine whether or not the detected electronic device 200 has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the electronic device 200 has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device 100.

[0100] (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 flowchart can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, one or more of the processes in the above-described flowchart can be omitted. Each process can be divided into multiple processes and executed at different times, or multiple processes can be executed together.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the first wireless communication is a communication using Wi-Fi provided by the access point 2, and the second wireless communication is a communication using Wi-Fi provided by an internal access point of the electronic device 200. However, the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are not limited to the above-described communication methods. The first wireless communication and the second wireless communication may be communication using a wireless network of another standard.

[0102] 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]

[0103] 1...communication system, 2...access point, 100...terminal device, 102...processing unit, 104...storage unit, 106...first wireless communication unit, 108...second wireless communication unit, 112...display unit, 114...operation unit, 120...operation application, 122...setup tool, 124...setting information storage unit, 126...device driver, 130...setup unit, 132...device information storage unit, 134...first connection unit, 136...operation execution unit Row processing unit, 140...first determination unit, 142...search unit, 144...second determination unit, 150...second connection unit, 156...resetup unit, 162...display processing unit, 164...selection unit, 166...alert 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, 220...response transmission unit, 222...setting information reception unit, 224...setting unit

Claims

1. a terminal device connectable to an electronic device via an access point through a first wireless communication; a first connection unit that performs processing for establishing a connection with the access point via the first wireless communication; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the electronic device is connected via the access point by the first wireless communication when the process of operating the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful; and a search unit that searches for the electronic device when it is determined that the electronic device connected through the first wireless communication does not exist; a second connection unit that performs processing to connect to the electronic device by a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication when the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected as a result of the search; a resetting unit that transmits setting information of the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication and resets the electronic device; A terminal device having the above configuration.

2. a notification unit that, when at least one electronic device that has no history of wireless communication with the terminal device is detected as a result of the search, performs processing to notify the user to make settings for the electronic device; The terminal device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. a display processing unit that performs processing to display a list of electronic devices when it is determined that at least one electronic device connected via the first wireless communication exists and the electronic device has no history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device; and a selection unit for selecting an electronic device to be operated from the displayed list; a notification unit that performs processing for notifying a user to set up the selected electronic device; The terminal device of claim 1 further comprising:

4. When it is determined that at least one electronic device connected via the first wireless communication exists and the electronic device has a connection history via wireless communication with the terminal device, the re-setup unit performs re-setup for the electronic device. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

5. a second determination unit that determines whether the detected electronic device has a history of connection via wireless communication with the terminal device using a MAC address of the electronic device; The terminal device of claim 1 further comprising:

6. the electronic device is an image forming device, The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. at least one electronic device; a terminal device connectable to the electronic device via an access point through a first wireless communication; and The terminal device a first connection unit that performs processing for establishing a connection with the access point via the first wireless communication; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the electronic device is connected via the access point by the first wireless communication when the process of operating the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful; and a search unit that searches for the electronic device when it is determined that the electronic device connected through the first wireless communication does not exist; a second connection unit that performs processing to connect to the electronic device by a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication when the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected as a result of the search; a resetting unit that transmits setting information of the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication and resets the electronic device; having Communication system.

8. A communication method executed by a terminal device connectable to an electronic device via an access point through a first wireless communication, performing a process for establishing a connection with the access point via the first wireless communication; If the process of operating the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful, determine whether or not the electronic device is connected via the access point by the first wireless communication; When it is determined that the electronic device connected through the first wireless communication does not exist, a search for the electronic device is performed; When the electronic device having a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected as a result of the search, a process is performed to connect with the electronic device via a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication, transmitting setting information of the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication, and performing setup again for the electronic device; Communication method.

9. A program executed on a terminal device that can be connected to an electronic device via an access point through a first wireless communication, performing processing for establishing a connection with the access point via the first wireless communication; determining whether or not there is any electronic device connected by the first wireless communication via the access point when the process of operating the electronic device from the terminal device is unsuccessful; a step of searching for the electronic device when it is determined that the electronic device connected through the first wireless communication does not exist; performing a process for connecting with the electronic device by a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication when the electronic device that has a connection history with the terminal device via wireless communication is detected as a result of the search; transmitting setting information of the first wireless communication to the electronic device via the second wireless communication, and performing setup again for the electronic device; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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