Electronic device, information processing apparatus, method, and program

Abstract

To improve pairing processing between an information processor and an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: The electronic device 1 includes the pairing unit (first pairing unit) 22 that performs pairing between the electronic device 1 and the information processing device and completes the pairing when a pairing request requesting pairing of wireless communication according to a predetermined wireless communication standard is received from the information processing device, and the confirmation unit (first confirmation unit) 27 that confirms whether or not a first predetermined operation is performed on the electronic device 1 after the pairing is completed, or whether or not information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing is completed satisfies a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for making a wireless connection. [Background technology]

[0002] A method for pairing a trusted device with a second device has been proposed in the past, which includes receiving a request to pair the second device with a first device, mutually authenticating the first and second devices and obtaining device identification information related to the first device from the first device, transitioning the first device to a trusted mode in which the first device is not involved in pairing procedures with devices other than the second device, obtaining device identification information from the trusted device, comparing the device identification information from the trusted device with the device identification information obtained in the authentication step, determining that the first device is a trusted device if the device identification information related to the first device matches the device identification information obtained from the trusted device, sending a pairing acceptance to the trusted device, and pairing the trusted device with the second device in response to receiving a second pairing acceptance from a user input into the trusted device (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2008-512891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, pairing processing is performed when wireless communication conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is performed. However, there is room for improvement in the conventional pairing processing.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the pairing process between an information processing device and an electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An example of the present disclosure is an electronic device including: a pairing means that, when receiving a pairing request from an information processing device requesting pairing for wireless communication according to a predetermined wireless communication standard, pairs the electronic device with the information processing device and completes the pairing; and a confirmation means that confirms whether a first predetermined operation has been performed on the electronic device after the pairing has been completed, or whether information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0007] Another example of the present disclosure is an electronic device that receives a pairing request, establishes pairing based on the pairing request, and decides to terminate the pairing connection if it is not possible to confirm whether a first predetermined operation has been performed on the device or whether information input by a second predetermined operation satisfies a predetermined condition within a predetermined time after the pairing is established.

[0008] Another example of the present disclosure is an information processing device including: a pairing means for transmitting a pairing request to an electronic device; and a confirmation means for confirming whether a first predetermined operation has been performed on the electronic device after wireless communication pairing with the electronic device according to a predetermined wireless communication standard has been completed based on the pairing request, or whether information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0009] The present disclosure can be understood as an electronic device, an information processing device, a system, a method executed by a computer, or a program executed by a computer. The present disclosure can also be understood as such a program recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer or other device, machine, etc. Here, a recording medium readable by a computer, etc. refers to a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read by a computer, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the pairing process between an information processing device and an electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the functional configuration of an electronic device (scanner) according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a confirmation operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display of information related to a confirmation operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the functional configuration of an information processing device (user terminal) according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list display of connectable scanners according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a confirmation operation instruction screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (2) of a confirmation operation instruction screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of a pairing process flow and a communication sequence according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of a confirmation process according to an embodiment, and a communication sequence (cases of confirmation operations 1 to 5 (cases where the scanner 1 detects that a confirmation operation has been performed)) (1). [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of the confirmation process according to the embodiment and a communication sequence (cases of confirmation operations 1 to 5 (cases where the scanner 1 detects that a confirmation operation has been performed)) (2). [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of a confirmation process according to the embodiment and a communication sequence (cases of confirmation operations 4 and 5 (cases where the user terminal 3 detects that a confirmation operation has been performed)) (1). [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of the confirmation process according to the embodiment and a communication sequence (cases of confirmation operations 4 and 5 (cases where the user terminal 3 detects that a confirmation operation has been performed)) (2). [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of a confirmation process according to an embodiment and a communication sequence (for confirmation operations 6 and 7) (1). [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of the confirmation process according to the embodiment and a communication sequence (for confirmation operations 6 and 7) (2). [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of a confirmation process according to an embodiment and a communication sequence (in the case of confirmation operation 8) (1). [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of a confirmation process according to the embodiment and a communication sequence (in the case of confirmation operation 8) (2). [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of the flow of a confirmation process according to the embodiment and a communication sequence (in the case of confirmation operation 8) (3). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic device, an information processing device, a system, a method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and the electronic device, the information processing device, the system, a method, and a program according to the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations described below. In implementing the present disclosure, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted, and various improvements and modifications may be made.

[0013] In the present embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which the electronic device, information processing device, system, method, and program according to the present disclosure are implemented in a system for performing wireless communication according to Bluetooth. However, the electronic device, information processing device, system, method, and program according to the present disclosure can be widely used in technologies for performing wireless communication according to any wireless communication standard, and the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples shown in the embodiment.

[0014] Conventionally, pairing is performed between an information processing device (such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer)) and an electronic device (such as a peripheral device, such as a scanner) when wireless communication conforming to a wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth is performed. However, facilitating user operations in the authentication process (authentication procedure) for such pairing increases the risk of communication with an unintended device (such as security risks related to wireless communication, such as spoofing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and promiscuous connections, and the risk of erroneous selection (mistake) of an electronic device). Conversely, avoiding the risk of communication with an unintended device increases the complexity of user operations for pairing, which increases the user's workload. In other words, it is difficult to simultaneously reduce user effort, ensure security, and prevent communication when an electronic device is erroneously selected.

[0015] For pairing using Bluetooth and other technologies, multiple pairing methods (authentication methods, association models) are available. For example, four authentication methods are available: Just Works, Passkey Entry, Numeric Comparison, and Out-of-Band (OOB). Just Works is an authentication method that does not require user operation, such as entering a passkey (PIN (Personal Identification Number) code). Just Works typically automatically authenticates the connection partner without user operation. However, some scanners (models) require an operation to determine whether or not pairing should be performed (for example, entering Yes / No in response to the question "Do you want to pair?"). Therefore, Just Works can be considered an authentication method that does not require any operation other than the input operation to allow pairing. Furthermore, Just Works is an authentication method that does not require any operation (user operation) to confirm that the connection partner is correct, and is sometimes referred to as an authentication method without authentication under the Bluetooth standard (a pairing method without authentication). Passkey Entry is an authentication method that displays a six-digit PIN code (numbers) on one device, prompting the user to confirm the PIN code and then enter it on the other device. Numeric Comparison is an authentication method that displays a six-digit PIN code (numbers) on both devices, prompting the user to confirm whether the two PIN codes are the same and enter the confirmation result. Out-of-Band is an authentication method that passes authentication information using a method other than Bluetooth, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or USB (Universal Serial Bus). Therefore, Out-of-Band is an authentication method that requires a different communication method or medium.

[0016] In this case, it is preferable to use Just Works because it facilitates user operation (user convenience) and because scanners do not necessarily have screens with sufficient display capabilities. However, with Just Works, pairing is completed without, for example, verifying that the scanner selected by the user on their smartphone is the one the user actually wants to pair with. In other words, there is no verification that the connection destination is correct. As a result, there is a risk that a user may not realize that they have selected the wrong scanner or that their scanner has been spoofed. While it is possible for a user to verify in advance that they have selected the correct scanner by carefully checking the serial number, etc., printed on the scanner, in reality, checking the back and bottom of each scanner would be time-consuming and impractical for the user.

[0017] For this reason, in the system described in this embodiment, pairing between the information processing device and the electronic device is performed using an authentication method (e.g., Just Works) that does not involve an operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, and it is confirmed whether a first predetermined operation instructed to be performed by the user has been performed on the electronic device after pairing is complete, or whether information entered through a second predetermined operation performed after pairing is complete satisfies a predetermined condition. In other words, after pairing is completed using an authentication method that does not involve an operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, it is confirmed that the connection destination is correct. Thus, by performing pairing using an authentication method that does not involve an operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, the user's effort involved in wireless connection (pairing) is reduced, and by confirming that the connection destination is correct after pairing is complete, the risk of communication with an unintended device can be avoided (such as ensuring security and preventing communication when the electronic device is erroneously selected). However, in this embodiment, it is desirable that the authentication method used for pairing (authentication processing) performed between the information processing device and the electronic device is an authentication method that does not involve any operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, but other authentication methods (such as Passkey Entry, Numeric Comparison, Out-of-Band, etc., which are authentication methods that involve operations to confirm that the connection destination is correct) may also be used.

[0018] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. The system according to this embodiment is a system including one or more electronic devices 1 and an information processing device 3. In this embodiment, a system including three electronic devices 1 (electronic device 1a, electronic device 1b, and electronic device 1c) is illustrated. However, the number of electronic devices 1 included in the system may be any number. When a user operates the information processing device 3, wireless communication (wireless connection) in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard is performed between the information processing device 3 and at least one electronic device 1. Note that each electronic device 1 can be connected (paired) with multiple information processing devices 3 (not shown).

[0019] The electronic devices 1 (electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c) are devices capable of wireless connection (wireless communication) with the information processing device 3. In this embodiment, a scanner is exemplified as the electronic device 1. Hereinafter, the electronic devices 1 (electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c) are referred to as scanners 1 (scanners 1a, 1b, and 1c). The scanners 1 are devices (peripheral devices) that acquire image data by capturing an image of a document, business card, receipt, photograph, illustration, or other document set by a user. Each scanner 1 is a computer that includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read-only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, a storage device 14 such as an electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD), an input device 15 such as a touch panel, an output device 16 such as a display, a communication unit 17 such as a network interface card (NIC), and an imaging unit 18 that captures an image of a medium such as a document. However, the specific hardware configuration of the scanner 1 can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, the scanner 1 is not limited to a device consisting of a single housing. The scanner 1 may be realized by multiple devices using so-called cloud or distributed computing technology, etc.

[0020] Furthermore, the scanner 1 may be a scanner having only one of the input device 15 and the output device 16, or a scanner having neither the input device 15 nor the output device 16. The scanners 1a, 1b, and 1c may be the same model or different models. While the present embodiment illustrates the scanner 1 as the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1 wirelessly connected to the information processing device 3 is not limited to a scanner and may be other peripheral devices (output devices such as a printer or a display, input devices such as a mouse or a keyboard, auxiliary storage devices, etc.). The electronic device 1 illustrated here is merely an example, and may be any other device capable of wireless connection with the information processing device 3. The electronic devices 1a, 1b, and 1c may be the same type of electronic device (e.g., all electronic devices are scanners) or different types of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device 1a is a scanner and the electronic device 1b is a printer).

[0021] The information processing device 3 is a computer including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage device 34, an input device 35 such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, an output device 36 such as a display, and a communication unit 37 such as a network interface card (NIC). The information processing device 3 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet. However, the specific hardware configuration of the information processing device 3 may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, the information processing device 3 is not limited to a device consisting of a single housing. The information processing device 3 may be realized by multiple devices using so-called cloud or distributed computing technology, etc. In this embodiment, the information processing device 3 is a terminal device used by a user, and hereinafter, the information processing device 3 will be referred to as a "user terminal 3."

[0022] As described above, wireless communication (wireless connection) is performed between the electronic device (scanner) 1 and the information processing device (user terminal) 3 in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard (hereinafter referred to as the “first wireless communication standard”). In this embodiment, the “first wireless communication standard” is exemplified by Bluetooth, a short-range wireless communication standard. In this case, the “first wireless communication standard” may be, for example, Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). In Bluetooth, to perform secure communication, a procedure (process) called “pairing” is performed in which a master device and a slave device register with each other and exchange a key (encryption key) for data encryption. The procedure (process) of storing (saving) the encryption key exchanged through pairing is called “bonding.” Once bonded, when reconnecting with the same device, the stored encryption key can be used to connect the devices without re-pairing. However, the electronic device 1 and the information processing device 3 according to this embodiment may or may not have a bonding function. Furthermore, in this embodiment, Bluetooth is exemplified as the first wireless communication standard, but the first wireless communication standard may be another wireless communication standard such as ZigBee (registered trademark) as long as it is a wireless communication standard that involves pairing.

[0023] 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of electronic device (scanner) 1 according to this embodiment. Electronic device 1 includes a transmitter 21, a first pairing unit 22 (corresponding to the "pairing means" of electronic device 1 of the present application), an operation notification receiver 23, a first display controller 24 (corresponding to the "display controller" of electronic device 1 of the present application), an output unit 25, an identification information notifier 26, and a first confirmation unit 27 (corresponding to the "confirmation means" of electronic device 1 of the present application) as a result of a program stored in storage device 14 being loaded into RAM 13 and executed by CPU 11, thereby controlling each piece of hardware included in electronic device 1. Note that in this embodiment and other embodiments described below, each function included in electronic device 1 is executed by CPU 11, which is a general-purpose processor; however, some or all of these functions may be executed by one or more dedicated processors.

[0024] The transmitter 21 transmits radio waves (advertisement (signal)) for connection. The advertisement is a wireless signal for informing the surrounding area of ​​the existence of the device (scanner 1) (information about the device). This advertisement can include a service UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) ​​that can identify (indicate) the functions (services) that the device has. In this embodiment, Just Works, an authentication method that does not require any operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, is exemplified as a service provided by the scanner 1. That is, in this embodiment, the advertisement transmitted by the scanner 1 includes a service UUID that identifies Just Works. In this embodiment, at least the scanner 1 stores a service UUID that identifies Just Works in advance, and transmits the stored service UUID included in the advertisement. The service UUID is a 128-bit value and is represented by a string of hexadecimal digits and hyphens. The service UUID identifying Just Works in this embodiment is also a 128-bit value, but for convenience, this UUID will be referred to as "UUID A" below. Note that the advertisement may include any other information, such as the address or device name of the device itself (scanner 1), in addition to the service UUID. The transmitter 21 transmits the advertisement periodically (at a predetermined interval, such as every second), but the transmission cycle may be arbitrary.

[0025] The first pairing unit 22 receives a pairing request from the user terminal 3, requesting pairing for wireless communication according to a first wireless communication standard (Bluetooth). When the first pairing unit 22 receives a pairing request specifying UUID A, it performs pairing between its own device (scanner 1) and the user terminal 3 that has requested the pairing request using Just Works, thereby completing (establishing) the pairing. At this time, the first pairing unit 22 transmits a pairing response to the user terminal 3 that has requested the pairing request. This establishes a wireless communication connection (first wireless communication) according to the first wireless communication standard between the scanner 1 and the user terminal 3. The first pairing unit 22 also cancels the pairing as necessary. For example, if the first pairing unit 22 does not confirm the success of a confirmation operation (that the confirmation operation has been performed or that the information entered by the confirmation operation satisfies a predetermined condition) within a predetermined period (for example, within a predetermined time (standby time) from the time when pairing is completed or from the time when the user is instructed to perform a confirmation operation), the first pairing unit 22 cancels the completed pairing. This allows the device to automatically cancel pairing without the user having to manually cancel the pairing if the scanner was not paired with the one the user intended (the user's assumption was incorrect). If the confirmation operation is confirmed to be successful within a predetermined period, the completed pairing is maintained.

[0026] The above-mentioned "predetermined period" and "predetermined time" may be stored in the scanner 1 in advance or may be received from the user terminal 3. The "predetermined period" and "predetermined time" may be fixed, or may be dynamically changeable by at least the scanner 1 or the user terminal 3 depending on at least one of the content of the confirmation operation, the user's characteristics, the settings of the scanner 1, and the settings of the user terminal 3. For example, as an example of dynamically changing the predetermined time (wait time) depending on the user's characteristics, if a user is extremely slow in operating the initial setup wizard of the scanner application, it is presumed that the user is unfamiliar with the device. In such a case, the predetermined time (wait time) may be lengthened (e.g., doubled). This makes it possible to optimally set the predetermined period (predetermined time), which is the time limit for the confirmation operation, depending on the content of the confirmation operation, the user's characteristics, etc. In this way, the first pairing unit 22 performs various processes related to pairing (which may include, in addition to the above processes, an exchange process of encryption information (encryption key)).

[0027] The operation notification receiving unit 23 receives information regarding a confirmation operation (corresponding to a "predetermined operation" in this embodiment) from the user terminal 3. Here, the "confirmation operation" refers to an operation that the user is instructed to perform to confirm whether the connection destination is correct (whether the connection is with the device intended by the user), and is an operation performed by the user regarding the correct electronic device that the user intended to connect to (pair with). In this embodiment, the user is instructed to perform the confirmation operation after pairing is completed. The confirmation operation is an operation performed on the user's own device (scanner 1) or the user terminal 3. Note that the "correct electronic device intended by the user to connect to" refers to an electronic device that the user actually wants to connect to the user terminal 3, such as an electronic device whose location the user knows (for example, an electronic device whose location the user can visually recognize in front of the user). As will be described later, the user selects the scanner 1 to connect to the user terminal 3 on the scanner selection screen 50, but the user may mistakenly select a scanner on the scanner selection screen 50 (selecting a scanner other than the intended scanner). In such a case, the scanner 1 selected by the user on the scanner selection screen 50 does not correspond to the "correct electronic device (scanner) intended by the user to connect" in this embodiment. In this embodiment, by having the user perform a confirmation operation after pairing is complete, it becomes possible to confirm whether the scanner 1 that has completed pairing with the user terminal 3 is the "correct scanner intended by the user to connect." Hereinafter, the "correct scanner intended by the user to connect (to be paired)" will be simply referred to as the "correct scanner." In this embodiment, eight confirmation operations (confirmation operations 1 to 8) are illustrated as examples of confirmation operations (contents of confirmation operations).

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating confirmation operations according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, this embodiment exemplifies confirmation operations 1 to 8 as confirmation operations to be instructed to the user. Confirmation operation 1 is an operation of pressing a button (e.g., a scan button) on the correct scanner. Note that the button to be pressed may be a button displayed on the display unit of the scanner 1 or a button that is a part of the scanner 1. Confirmation operation 2 is an operation of placing (setting up) a medium such as a document on the correct scanner (platen), or an operation of placing a medium such as a document on the correct scanner and then scanning (activating a specific function). Note that the confirmation operation may be an operation of activating the scan function or an operation of activating another specific function of the scanner 1. Confirmation operation 3 is an operation of restarting the correct scanner. For example, in the case of a scanner 1 that is turned off by closing the paper feed cover and turned on by opening the paper feed cover, the user may restart the scanner by opening and closing the paper feed cover. Confirmation operation 4 is an operation for bringing the user terminal 3 close to the correct scanner (bringing the correct scanner and the user terminal 3 within a predetermined distance). Confirmation operation 5 is an operation for performing wireless communication (for example, NFC communication) between the correct scanner and the user terminal 3 in accordance with a wireless communication standard other than the first wireless communication standard. Thus, confirmation operations 1 to 5 are examples of operations (corresponding to the "first predetermined operation" in this application) performed on (for) the correct scanner.

[0029] Confirmation operation 6 is an operation in which the user inputs the result of checking whether or not a predetermined output (output of a specific light or a specific screen display) is being generated from the correct scanner. Confirmation operation 7 is an operation in which the user inputs the result of checking whether or not a predetermined output (output of a specific sound or generation of a specific vibration) is being generated from the correct scanner. The "predetermined output" is an output indicating that the scanner has completed pairing with the user terminal 3, and details of the predetermined output will be described later. Confirmation operation 8 is an operation in which the correct scanner (identification information of the correct scanner) is photographed. Confirmation operations 6 and 7 are examples of operations in which a change is made to the correct scanner and the user confirms the change (e.g., inputs the confirmation result). Confirmation operations 6 to 8 are examples of the "second predetermined operation" of the present application.

[0030] In this embodiment, the confirmation operation that the user is instructed to perform is at least one of the eight confirmation operations described above. However, the confirmation operation may be any operation other than the eight confirmation operations described above, as long as it is an operation that can confirm that the scanner is paired with the correct scanner. It can be said that all of confirmation operations 1 to 8 are operations that cannot be performed unless the user is near the scanner 1.

[0031] The information about the confirmation operation received by the operation notification receiving unit 23 includes, for example, the content of the confirmation operation and the waiting time for the confirmation operation (waiting time). For confirmation operations 6 to 8, the information about the confirmation operation may include the content (instructions) of an output process or an identification information transmission process that the scanner 1 is required to perform in order to prompt the user to perform the confirmation operation. While the present embodiment illustrates a case in which the content of the confirmation operation is notified (transmitted) from the user terminal 3, the content of the confirmation operation may be stored in the scanner 1 in advance. The content of the confirmation operation may be fixed, or may be dynamically changeable by at least the scanner 1 or the user terminal 3 depending on at least one of the user's characteristics, the settings of the scanner 1, the functions of the scanner 1, the settings of the user terminal 3, and the functions of the user terminal 3. For example, for a user who has enabled sound accessibility settings (e.g., subtitle display), a confirmation operation that relies on hearing, such as confirmation operation 7, is unhelpful. Therefore, the confirmation operation may be changed (switched) to another confirmation operation (confirmation operation content) instead of confirmation operation 7. In this way, the confirmation operation to be performed by the user may be changed depending on the characteristics of the user and the settings of the user terminal 3. This makes it possible to optimally set the contents of the confirmation operation to be performed by the user in accordance with the characteristics of the user and the settings. Furthermore, when the contents of the confirmation operation are dynamically changed depending on the functions (display function, input function, etc.) of the scanner 1 and the functions (display function, input function, etc.) of the user terminal 3, it becomes possible to perform the confirmation procedure using the existing hardware of the scanner 1 and the user terminal 3, which has the advantage of eliminating the cost of preparing additional hardware.

[0032] The first display control unit 24 controls the display of its own device (scanner 1) via the output device 16. As an example, the first display control unit 24 may cause the output device 16 to display information about the confirmation operation received by the operation notification receiving unit 23.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of display of information related to the confirmation operation according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a confirmation operation instruction screen 81 displayed on the display unit 80 (output device 16) of the scanner 1. The confirmation operation instruction screen 81 is displayed on the display unit 80 (output device 16) of the scanner 1, for example, when the operation notification receiving unit 23 receives information related to the confirmation operation. As shown in FIG. 4, the confirmation operation instruction screen 81 displays a message such as "Please press the scan button below" as a message instructing the user to perform the confirmation operation. In addition to the message shown in FIG. 4, during the confirmation operation standby period, in order to distinguish the screen from the scan standby screen normally displayed on the display unit 80 of the scanner 1, the color of a button related to the confirmation operation (e.g., the scan button 82) may be changed to a different color or flash. However, the confirmation operation instruction screen displayed on the scanner 1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 and may be a screen composed of any elements.

[0034] By visually checking the contents of the confirmation operation on the confirmation operation instruction screen 81, the user can perform an appropriate confirmation operation (for example, by pressing the scan button 82), and can also confirm whether the scanner paired with the user terminal 3 is the correct scanner. Specifically, since the scanner 1 on which the message instructing the confirmation operation is displayed is the scanner that has completed pairing with the user terminal 3, the user can confirm whether the scanner paired with the user terminal 3 is the correct scanner by checking whether the message is displayed on the display unit of the correct scanner. This makes it possible to prevent the confirmation operation from being performed on a wrongly selected scanner. Note that when information regarding the confirmation operation is notified to the user by the user terminal 3 (user notification unit 45), whether or not the information regarding the confirmation operation is displayed on the scanner 1 may be set arbitrarily.

[0035] The first display control unit 24 may also display information about the confirmation result by the first confirmation unit 27 via the output device 16. The information about the confirmation result displayed via the output device 16 may include information about the implementation status of the confirmation operation, such as a warning that the confirmation operation has not been performed, or the pairing result (success or failure). The confirmation result by the first confirmation unit 27 (e.g., information indicating that the scanner itself is not the correct scanner) may also be displayed. The first display control unit 24 may also display help information about how to perform the confirmation operation. Displaying the pairing result and help information in this way allows for detailed announcements to be made to the user, improving user convenience. The first display control unit 24 may also operate to control display via the output device 36 of the user terminal 3. If the scanner 1 does not include the output device 16, the scanner 1 does not need to include the first display control unit 24.

[0036] The output unit 25 performs a predetermined output. The output unit 25 receives information about the confirmation operation from the operation notification receiving unit 23 and performs a predetermined output related to the confirmation operation. For example, the output process may be performed by receiving, via the operation notification receiving unit 23, the content of an output process that the scanner 1 is required to perform to have the user perform the confirmation operation, as well as instructions for the process. Alternatively, the output unit 25 may perform an output process that is pre-stored in the scanner 1 as a predetermined output related to the confirmation operation, by receiving, via the operation notification receiving unit 23, a signal indicating that the user is to perform the confirmation operation. In this embodiment, the output unit 25 performs a predetermined output after pairing between the output unit 25 and the user terminal 3 is completed. The predetermined output may be, for example, at least one of outputting a specific light, displaying a specific screen, outputting a specific sound, and generating a specific vibration. The output of a specific light may be, for example, flashing a specific lamp (e.g., a lamp indicating that the device is Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a lamp integrated with the Scan button) in a specific color. The specific screen display may include, for example, the display of a confirmation operation instruction screen 81 (see FIG. 4 ) performed by the first display control unit 24. In this case, the output unit 25 may function as the first display control unit 24. The output of a specific sound may be, for example, the generation (output) of a sound by operating a motor or roller within the scanner for a purpose other than transporting a document. By outputting sound using mechanisms typically installed in scanners, such as a motor or roller, sound output (notification to the user) can be achieved without the need for an additional speaker or the like. The output of a specific sound may also be the output of a sound (e.g., a beep) from a speaker or the like. The generation of a specific vibration may be, for example, the generation of a vibration by operating a motor or the like. The predetermined output is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. If confirmation operations 6 and 7 are not adopted as confirmation operations to be performed by the user, the scanner 1 does not need to include the output unit 25.

[0037] The identification information notification unit 26 notifies the user terminal 3 of identification information that can identify the scanner 1 itself (scanner 1). Examples of the identification information include an individual number such as a serial number or a specific blinking cycle of an LED, but any information that can identify the scanner 1 (individual) may be used. The identification information notification unit 26 may notify, for example, identification information that is held (stored) inside the scanner 1. Note that if confirmation operation 8 is not adopted as the confirmation operation to be performed by the user, the scanner 1 does not need to be equipped with the identification information notification unit 26.

[0038] The first confirmation unit 27 confirms whether a confirmation operation (first predetermined operation) has been performed on the user terminal 3 (scanner 1) after pairing between the user terminal 3 and the scanner 1 has been completed, or whether information entered through a confirmation operation (second predetermined operation) performed after pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition. Details of the confirmation process by the first confirmation unit 27 when the confirmation operation the user is instructed to perform is any of the above-mentioned confirmation operations 1 to 8 (see FIG. 3) will be described below.

[0039] (For confirmation steps 1 to 5) The first confirmation unit 27 checks whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the own device (scanner 1). In the case of confirmation operation 1, the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether a button on the own device has been pressed. In the case of confirmation operation 2, the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether a medium such as a document has been placed on the own device (or whether the scan button has been pressed after the medium has been placed). In the case of confirmation operation 3, the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether the own device has been restarted. In the case of confirmation operation 4, the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether the distance between the own device and the user terminal 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 cm) (whether an operation (motion) to bring the user terminal 3 closer has been performed on the own device (with respect to the own device), in other words, whether the user terminal 3 has approached the own device). The first confirmation unit 27 can measure the distance between the user terminal 3 and its own device by using, for example, radio waves that can be used for distance measurement and are transmitted from a signal transmission unit (not shown) of the user terminal 3, and the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether the measured distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. In the case of confirmation operation 5, the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether the user terminal 3 has performed NFC communication with its own device (whether NFC communication has been performed between the user terminal 3 and its own device). For example, the first confirmation unit 27 checks whether an operation (motion) of bringing the user terminal 3 into contact with its own device, which is an operation for performing NFC communication, has been performed on its own device (with respect to its own device).

[0040] In the case of confirmation operations 1 to 5, the user terminal 3 can detect whether the confirmation operation has been performed on its own device (scanner 1) by detecting whether the confirmation operation has been performed on the own device. In this case, the first confirmation unit 27 notifies (transmits) the confirmation result (information on whether the confirmation operation has been performed) to the user terminal 3. However, in the case of confirmation operations 4 and 5, the user terminal 3 can also detect whether the confirmation operation has been performed on the own device. For example, the user terminal 3 can measure the distance between itself and the scanner 1 that has completed pairing with itself (user terminal 3) by using a signal transmitted from the scanner 1. In this case, the user terminal 3 can detect that the distance between itself and the scanner 1 that has completed pairing with itself is within a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the user terminal 3 can detect whether NFC communication has been performed between itself and the scanner 1 that has completed pairing with itself (whether the two have come into contact). In such a case, the first confirmation unit 27 may confirm whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed on the user terminal 3 by receiving the result of detection in the user terminal 3 from the user terminal 3 (second confirmation unit 49). In this way, in confirmation operations 1 to 5, whether or not the correct scanner has been paired is confirmed depending on whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed on the user terminal 3 (scanner 1 with which pairing has been completed).

[0041] (For confirmation steps 6 and 7) The first confirmation unit 27 confirms whether or not the information input by the confirmation operation (an input operation for inputting a user confirmation result as to whether or not a predetermined output is being generated from the correct scanner) satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the first confirmation unit 27 confirms whether or not the user confirmation result input by the input operation is a result of confirming that a predetermined output is being generated from the correct scanner. In this embodiment, a predetermined output (such as output of a specific light or sound) is generated from the scanner 1 that has completed pairing with the user terminal 3. Therefore, if the user can confirm that a predetermined output is being generated from the correct scanner, it becomes possible to confirm that pairing with the correct scanner has been completed.

[0042] In the case of confirmation operations 6 and 7, the user terminal 3 may accept a user input operation, thereby allowing the user terminal 3 (the second confirmation unit 49 described later) to confirm whether the user confirmation result input by the user's input operation is the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner. In this case, the first confirmation unit 27 receives the result of the confirmation made by the user terminal 3 from the user terminal 3 (the second confirmation unit 49). This allows the first confirmation unit 27 to confirm whether the user confirmation result is the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner 1. Note that the first confirmation unit 27 may receive the user confirmation result itself from the user terminal 3 (the second confirmation unit 49) to confirm whether the user confirmation result is the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner 1. Alternatively, it is also possible to have the user input (select) the user confirmation result on the scanner 1 with which pairing has been completed. In this case, the first confirmation unit 27 may accept the input of the user confirmation result on its own device (scanner 1) to confirm whether the user confirmation result is the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner. In this case, the first confirmation unit 27 notifies (transmits) the confirmation result to the user terminal 3.

[0043] (Confirmation step 8) The first confirmation unit 27 confirms whether or not the information input by the confirmation operation (a photographing operation to photograph the correct scanner) satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the first confirmation unit 27 confirms whether or not the information input by the photographing operation (such as a serial number included in the photographed image or a specific blinking cycle of an LED included in the photographed video) is the same as (matches) the identification information (such as an individual number or a specific blinking cycle of an LED) that can identify the device itself (scanner 1).

[0044] In the case of confirmation operation 8, the scanner 1 (identification information notification unit 26) notifies the user terminal 3 of identification information that can identify the scanner 1, allowing the user terminal 3 (identification information receiving unit 47) to receive the identification information from the scanner 1. Furthermore, when the user uses the user terminal 3 to photograph the correct scanner (the scanner that the user believes to have selected), the user terminal 3 (identification information acquisition unit 48) can acquire the identification information of the scanner 1. The user terminal 3 (second confirmation unit 49) then compares the identification information received from the scanner 1 with the identification information input by the user through the photographing operation to confirm whether the information input by the photographing operation is identical to the identification information that can identify the scanner 1. In this case, the first confirmation unit 27 receives the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49 or the information input by the photographing operation from the user terminal 3 (second confirmation unit 49), thereby being able to confirm whether the information input by the user through the photographing operation is identical to the identification information that can identify the user's own device. In this way, in confirmation operations 6 to 8, it is confirmed whether the information input by the confirmation operation indicates that the scanner is paired with the correct scanner. That is, based on the information entered by the confirmation operation, it is confirmed whether or not the correct scanner has been paired.

[0045] As described above, the confirmation process performed by the first confirmation unit 27 enables the scanner 1 to confirm whether the scanner 1, which has completed pairing with the user terminal 3, is the correct scanner intended by the user who uses the user terminal 3, i.e., whether the connection destination (pairing destination) is correct.

[0046] Note that the first confirmation unit 27 may omit the confirmation process if a determination unit (not shown) determines that a predetermined omission condition is satisfied before the first confirmation unit 27 performs the confirmation process. In other words, if it is determined that the predetermined omission condition is satisfied, no instruction to perform a confirmation operation is given to the user. For example, the predetermined omission condition is exemplified by a condition regarding the positional relationship between the device itself and the user terminal 3 or a condition regarding the type of the user terminal 3. For example, the first confirmation unit 27 may omit the confirmation process if it is detected before performing the confirmation process that the distance between the device itself and the user terminal 3 is within a predetermined distance (very close). Furthermore, for example, the first confirmation unit 27 may omit the confirmation process if it is detected before performing the confirmation process that the user terminal 3 is a mobile terminal. This eliminates the need for a user to perform a confirmation operation after pairing is complete, thereby further simplifying the pairing procedure.

[0047] 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the functional configuration of an information processing device (user terminal) 3 according to this embodiment. A program recorded in a storage device 34 is loaded into a RAM 33 and executed by a CPU 31, which controls each piece of hardware included in the information processing device 3. This causes the information processing device 3 to include a signal receiving unit 41, a second display control unit 42 (corresponding to the "display control means" of the information processing device 3 in this application), a selection receiving unit 43, a second pairing unit 44 (corresponding to the "pairing means" of the information processing device 3 in this application), a user notification unit 45, an operation notification unit 46, an identification information receiving unit 47, an identification information acquisition unit 48, and a second confirmation unit 49 (corresponding to the "confirmation means" of the information processing device 3 in this application). In this embodiment and other embodiments described later, each function included in the information processing device 3 is executed by the CPU 31, which is a general-purpose processor; however, some or all of these functions may be executed by one or more dedicated processors.

[0048] The signal receiving unit 41 receives an advertisement (signal) transmitted by the scanner 1 (transmission unit 21). This enables the user terminal 3 to obtain information about surrounding electronic devices and to know what electronic devices are present in the vicinity. In this embodiment, an advertisement including a service UUID (UUID A) that identifies Just Works is received from the scanner 1. The signal receiving unit 41 discovers surrounding electronic devices by scanning (receiving) the advertisement, and this scanning by the signal receiving unit 41 may be a passive scan or an active scan.

[0049] The second display control unit 42 displays information about connectable scanners (for example, a list of connectable scanners) via the output device 36. The second display control unit 42 displays information about the scanner 1 (for example, scanner 1a, scanner 1b, and scanner 1c shown in FIG. 1) that is the source of the advertisement received by the signal receiving unit 41.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of connectable scanners according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a scanner selection screen 50 displayed on the display unit (output device 36) of the user terminal 3. The scanner selection screen 50 is displayed on the display unit (output device 36) of the user terminal 3, for example, when the user launches a scanner application (such as an initial setup wizard) on the user terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the scanner selection screen 50 displays information about connectable scanners 1 (three scanners (scanner 1a, scanner 1b, and scanner 1c) as scanners 1 that are the senders of advertisements received by the signal receiving unit 41). Specifically, the scanner selection screen 50 displays a display 51 of information about scanner 1a, a display 52 of information about scanner 1b, and a display 53 of information about scanner 1c. The displays 51, 52, and 53 may include any information, such as the product name, identification number, or external view (photograph) of the corresponding scanner 1. However, the scanner selection screen is not limited to the example of FIG. 6 and may be a screen composed of any elements.

[0051] Furthermore, if the pairing is canceled after an unsuccessful confirmation operation, the second display control unit 42 may display, via the output device 36, a message instructing the user to retry pairing. For example, the second display control unit 42 may display a message instructing the user to select a different scanner, to perform the confirmation operation again (which may be the same as or different from the confirmation operation instructed previously), or to select the same scanner again and perform the confirmation operation (which may be the same as or different from the confirmation operation instructed previously). These messages may be displayed, for example, in the initial setup wizard of the scanner application. This allows the user to immediately notice the mistake even if the user has selected the wrong scanner. This allows the user to smoothly reselect the scanner and retry pairing.

[0052] The selection receiving unit 43 receives a selection of a scanner to be wirelessly connected to the user terminal 3 in accordance with the first wireless communication standard (Bluetooth). The selection receiving unit 43 receives the user's selection of the scanner to be wirelessly connected. In this embodiment, the selection receiving unit 43 receives the user's scanner selection input on a scanner selection screen 50 shown in FIG. 6. For example, if the user selects display 51 and then presses a button to proceed (the "Next" button 55 in FIG. 6), the selection receiving unit 43 receives the selection of the scanner 1a as the scanner to be connected to the user terminal 3. Note that if the user presses a button to cancel the scan selection on the scanner selection screen 50 (the "Cancel" button 56 in FIG. 6), the scanner selection screen may be closed.

[0053] The second pairing unit 44 transmits a pairing request to the selected scanner 1, requesting pairing for wireless communication conforming to the first wireless communication standard (Bluetooth). The second pairing unit 44 transmits the pairing request to the scanner whose selection has been accepted by the selection accepting unit 43 (scanner 1a in the above example). When transmitting the pairing request, the second pairing unit 44 specifies (stores) a service UUID (UUID A) that identifies Just Works and is included in the advertisement transmitted from the selected scanner. Note that, similar to the scanner 1, the user terminal 3 may also store in advance a service UUID and information indicating the type of service identified by the service UUID in association with each other. For example, UUID A may be stored in association with the service "Just Works." The second pairing unit 44 also receives a pairing response from the scanner 1. The second pairing unit 44 also cancels the pairing as necessary. In this way, the second pairing unit 44 performs various processes related to pairing (which may include the above processes as well as a process of exchanging encryption information (encryption keys)). When the "Next" button 55 in Fig. 6 is pressed, the selection of the scanner to be connected to the user terminal 3 is accepted, and the second pairing unit 44 transmits a pairing request to the selected scanner 1, thereby completing pairing with the scanner 1.

[0054] The user notification unit 45 notifies the user of various information. As an example, the user notification unit 45 notifies (instructs) the user of information related to the confirmation operation (such as the content of the confirmation operation and the time limit for the confirmation operation). For example, the user notification unit 45 notifies (instructs) the user of the content of the confirmation operation by displaying, via the output device 36, a message instructing the user to perform the confirmation operation within a certain time period (for example, 30 seconds).

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a confirmation operation instruction screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a confirmation operation instruction screen 60 displayed on the display unit (output device 36) of the user terminal 3. The confirmation operation instruction screen 60 is displayed on the user terminal 3, for example, when the “Next” button 55 is pressed on the scanner selection screen 50 (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 7, the confirmation operation instruction screen 60 displays a message such as “Press the scan button” as a message instructing the user to perform a confirmation operation. The user can perform an appropriate confirmation operation by visually checking the content of the confirmation operation on the confirmation operation instruction screen 60. The confirmation operation instruction screen 60 may also include a button for returning to the scanner selection screen 50 (see FIG. 6) and reselecting a scanner (a “Back” button 61 in FIG. 7) and a button for canceling connection to the scanner (a “Cancel” button 62 in FIG. 7).

[0056] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (2) of a confirmation operation instruction screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a confirmation operation instruction screen 70 displayed on the display unit (output device 36) of the user terminal 3. The confirmation operation instruction screen 70 is displayed on the user terminal 3, for example, when the “Next” button 55 is pressed on the scanner selection screen 50 (see FIG. 6 ). As shown in FIG. 8 , the confirmation operation instruction screen 70 displays a message instructing the user to perform a confirmation operation, such as, “Please confirm that the scan button of the correct scanner is flashing orange. If you can confirm this, press “Yes.” If the button of another scanner is flashing, press “No.” By visually checking the content of the confirmation operation on the confirmation operation instruction screen 70, the user can perform an appropriate confirmation operation. The confirmation operation instruction screen 70 also displays a button (“Yes” button 71 in FIG. 8 ) for inputting the result of confirmation that the correct scanner is performing the specified output (the scan button is flashing orange) (to accept the user's confirmation result) and a button (“No” button 72 in FIG. 8 ) for inputting the result of confirmation that the correct scanner is not performing the specified output. However, the confirmation operation instruction screen displayed on the user terminal 3 is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, and may be a screen configured from any elements.

[0057] Furthermore, the user notification unit 45 notifies the user that pairing between the user terminal 3 and the scanner 1 (the correct scanner) has been completed (successful) or that pairing between the user terminal 3 and the scanner 1 (the correct scanner) has failed. Any method may be used to notify the user. For example, information such as the confirmation operation content and the pairing result (success or failure) may be notified by displaying it via the output device 36, or the user may be notified by outputting this information as audio. The user notification unit 45 may also display help information regarding how to perform the confirmation operation. In this way, displaying the pairing result and help information allows for polite announcements to the user, improving user convenience.

[0058] The operation notification unit 46 notifies (sends) information related to the confirmation operation to the scanner 1. The information related to the confirmation operation notified by the operation notification unit 46 includes, for example, the content of the confirmation operation and the time to wait for the confirmation operation (waiting time). In addition, in the case of confirmation operations 6 to 8, the information related to the confirmation operation may instruct (send) the content of the output process or identification information transmission process that the scanner 1 is required to perform in order to have the user perform the confirmation operation.

[0059] The identification information receiving unit 47 receives the identification information from the scanner 1. The identification information receiving unit 47 receives the identification information capable of identifying the scanner 1, which is transmitted from the identification information notifying unit 26. Note that if the confirmation operation 8 is not adopted as the confirmation operation to be performed by the user, the user terminal 3 does not need to include the identification information receiving unit 47.

[0060] The identification information acquisition unit 48 acquires identification information of the scanner 1 to be imaged by performing an image capture process (photographing process) via the input device 35 (such as a camera). In this embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 48 performs the image capture process in response to a user's image capture operation (an operation for capturing an image of the correct scanner 1) using the user terminal 3. For example, the user performs an image capture operation to capture an image of the correct scanner 1 on which an individual number sticker is affixed, and the identification information acquisition unit 48 acquires a captured image in which the individual number of the correct scanner 1 is captured. In this embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 48 performs an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process on the captured image obtained by the image capture process to acquire identification information (for example, text information such as the serial number (individual number) of the scanner 1) included in the captured image. Note that if the confirmation operation 8 is not adopted as the confirmation operation to be performed by the user, the user terminal 3 does not need to include the identification information acquisition unit 48.

[0061] The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether a confirmation operation (first predetermined operation) has been performed on the scanner 1 after pairing between the device itself (user terminal 3) and the scanner 1 has been completed, or whether information entered through a confirmation operation (second predetermined operation) performed after pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition. Details of the confirmation process by the second confirmation unit 49 when the confirmation operation the user is instructed to perform is any of the above-mentioned confirmation operations 1 to 8 (see FIG. 3) will be described below.

[0062] (For confirmation steps 1 to 5) The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether a confirmation operation has been performed on (the scanner 1 whose pairing has been completed) (the scanner whose selection has been accepted by the selection accepting unit 43). Specific details of the confirmation process are roughly the same as those described for the first confirmation unit 27. In the case of confirmation operations 1 to 5, the scanner 1 can confirm whether a confirmation operation has been performed on itself by detecting whether a confirmation operation has been performed on itself. In this case, the second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the scanner 1 whose pairing has been completed by receiving from the scanner 1 the confirmation result of the scanner 1 (information on whether a confirmation operation has been performed). However, as described above, in the case of confirmation operations 4 and 5, the user terminal 3 (second confirmation unit 49) can also confirm whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the scanner 1 whose pairing has been completed by detecting on its own device (user terminal 3) whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the scanner 1 whose pairing has been completed. In this case, the second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) the confirmation result (information on whether a confirmation operation has been performed) to the scanner 1.

[0063] (For confirmation steps 6 and 7) The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether the information input by the confirmation operation (an input operation for inputting a user confirmation result as to whether the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner) satisfies a predetermined condition. The specific details of the confirmation process are generally similar to those described for the first confirmation unit 27. In the case of confirmation operations 6 and 7, the user terminal 3 (second confirmation unit 49) accepts the user's input operation and confirms whether the user confirmation result input by the user's input operation is the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner. In this case, the second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) the confirmation result or the user confirmation result to the scanner 1. However, as described above, as an alternative method, it is also possible to have the user input (select) the user confirmation result on the scanner 1 with which pairing has been completed. In this case, the second confirmation unit 49 may confirm whether the user confirmation result is the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner by receiving the user confirmation result or the user confirmation result from the scanner 1 (first confirmation unit 27).

[0064] (Confirmation step 8) The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether the information entered by the confirmation operation (the photographing operation of photographing the correct scanner) satisfies predetermined conditions. The specific details of the confirmation process are roughly the same as those described for the first confirmation unit 27. In the case of confirmation operation 8, the user terminal 3 (second confirmation unit 49) verifies whether the information entered by the photographing operation is the same as the identification information that can identify the scanner 1 by comparing the identification information received from the scanner 1 with the identification information entered by the user's photographing operation. In this case, the second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) the confirmation result or the information entered by the photographing operation to the scanner 1 (first confirmation unit 27).

[0065] As described above, the confirmation process by the second confirmation unit 49 enables the user terminal 3 to confirm whether the scanner 1 that has completed pairing with the user terminal 3 is the correct scanner intended by the user who uses the user terminal 3, that is, whether the connection destination (pairing destination) is correct. Note that, similar to the explanation for the first confirmation unit 27, if it is determined that a predetermined omission condition is satisfied before the confirmation process by the second confirmation unit 49 is performed, the second confirmation unit 49 may omit the confirmation process.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart and a communication sequence outlining the pairing process flow according to this embodiment. It is assumed in this embodiment that the scanner 1 always maintains a state in which Bluetooth pairing is possible, or that it can be set to a pairing-ready state with a very simple operation (for example, by simply pressing and holding the Bluetooth icon). The process shown in this flowchart is initiated when a user launches a scanner application (such as an initial setup wizard) on the user terminal 3. In FIGS. 9 to 18, the scanner 1 selected by the user in the scanner application, i.e., the scanner 1 to be paired with the user terminal 3, is referred to as "scanner A." Scanner A may be, for example, scanner 1a in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the "user" in FIGS. 9 to 18 refers to the user of the "user terminal."

[0067] In steps S101 and S102, an advertisement (signal) is transmitted from each scanner 1 (including scanner A), and the user terminal 3 searches for connectable scanners 1. In step S101, the transmitting unit 21 transmits an advertisement. That is, the scanner 1 becomes connectable. However, the transmitting unit 21 may transmit an advertisement before the user launches the scanner application. The scanner 1 may also transmit advertisements periodically. In step S102, the signal receiving unit 41 receives advertisements from each scanner 1, thereby searching for (detecting) connectable scanners. In this embodiment, an advertisement including a service UUID (UUID A) that identifies Just Works is received from at least scanner A. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0068] In step S103, a list of connectable scanners 1 is displayed on the user terminal 3. The second display control unit 42 displays information about the scanner that sent the advertisement received in step S102 (see FIG. 6). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0069] In step S104, the user selects a device to connect to. The user selects the scanner 1 to be connected wirelessly from the list of scanners 1 displayed in step S103. This causes selection receiving unit 43 to receive the selection of the scanner (scanner A) to be connected wirelessly. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0070] In step S105, a pairing request is transmitted from the user terminal 3. The second pairing unit 44 transmits the pairing request to the scanner selected in step S104 (scanner A) after designating UUID A. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0071] In step S106, scanner A permits pairing. The first pairing unit 22 receives the pairing request transmitted in step S105, and performs pairing between its own device (scanner A) and the user terminal 3 by Just Works based on the pairing request, thereby completing the pairing. At this time, the first pairing unit 22 transmits a pairing response to the user terminal 3. This completes pairing internally (according to the Bluetooth standard). Scanner A and the user terminal 3 each store the encrypted information generated and exchanged during the pairing. At this point, the user terminal 3 does not notify the user that pairing has been completed. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0072] In step S107, a confirmation operation is instructed to the user from the user terminal 3. The user notification unit 45 notifies the user of the content of the confirmation operation (operation instruction) by displaying information related to the confirmation operation (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0073] In step S108, information regarding the confirmation operation is notified from the user terminal 3 to the scanner A. The operation notification unit 46 notifies (transmits) the information regarding the confirmation operation to the scanner A. In step S108, the first display control unit 24 may display the confirmation operation content on the display unit of the scanner A (see FIG. 4). For example, in the case of confirmation operations 1 to 5, the display unit of the scanner A may display a message instructing the user to press the scan button, a message instructing the user to place paper, a message instructing the user to open and close the paper feed cover, a message indicating that distance measurement is in progress and a message instructing the user to move closer to the scanner A, a message instructing the user to touch the user terminal 3 to the scanner A, etc. Furthermore, in the case of confirmation operations 6 to 7, for example, the display unit of the scanner A may display a message instructing the user to confirm whether a predetermined output (e.g., a specific light output) is being output from the correct scanner, a message instructing the user to confirm whether the scanner A is the correct scanner, etc. Furthermore, in the case of confirmation operation 8, for example, the display unit of the scanner A may display a message instructing the user to capture the identification information of the correct scanner, etc. In step S107 and step S108, the order of steps S107 and S108 is arbitrary. Thereafter, depending on the content of the confirmation operation, the process proceeds to step S201, S301, S401 or S501.

[0074] 10 and 11 are a flowchart and a communication sequence showing an outline of the flow of the confirmation process according to this embodiment (for confirmation operations 1 to 5 (when the scanner 1 detects that a confirmation operation has been performed)). The process shown in this flowchart is started when the process of step S108 in FIG. 9 is executed, for example.

[0075] In step S201, scanner A waits for a confirmation operation to be performed. First confirmation unit 27 waits for the user to perform a confirmation operation (operation on the correct scanner) on its own device (scanner A) in step S202. The user performs the confirmation operation in response to being instructed to perform the confirmation operation in step S107 (step S202). For example, the user approaches the correct scanner and performs an operation such as pressing the scan button on the correct scanner, placing a document, or opening and closing the paper feed cover. Also, for example, the user approaches the correct scanner while holding user terminal 3 in their hand. In this case, in step S201, scanner A, which has completed pairing with user terminal 3, starts measuring the distance between scanner A and user terminal 3 using radio waves transmitted from user terminal 3. Also, for example, the user approaches and then performs an operation to bring user terminal 3 into contact with the correct scanner. However, even if a confirmation operation is instructed, there may be cases where the confirmation operation (the operation in step S202) is not performed for some reason, and therefore the processing in step S202 is indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 10. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S203.

[0076] In step S203, it is determined (confirmed) whether a confirmation operation has been performed on scanner A. Note that the content of the confirmation operation that scanner A is waiting for may be stored in scanner A in advance, or may be notified to scanner A from user terminal 3 in step S108. The first confirmation unit 27 confirms whether a confirmation operation has been performed on scanner A by detecting whether a confirmation operation has been performed on scanner A. If it is confirmed that a confirmation operation has been performed (Yes in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204. In this case, it can be determined that scanner A is the correct scanner and therefore a confirmation operation has been performed on scanner A. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that a confirmation operation has been performed (No in step S203), the process proceeds to step S206.

[0077] In step S204, the success of the confirmation operation is notified from scanner A. The first confirmation unit 27 notifies (transmits) information indicating that the confirmation operation was successful (that the confirmation operation was performed on scanner A, that is, that pairing with the expected scanner) to the user terminal 3 as the confirmation result by the first confirmation unit 27. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0078] In step S205, the user terminal 3 notifies the user that pairing has been completed. The user notification unit 45 notifies the user that pairing between the user terminal 3 and the correct scanner intended by the user has been completed (successful). After pairing is completed and Bluetooth communication is established, settings (such as initial settings) may be performed using Bluetooth communication to establish a wireless communication connection (second wireless communication) between scanner A and the user terminal 3 that complies with a second wireless communication standard (e.g., Wi-Fi) other than the first wireless communication standard. For example, the user may operate the user terminal 3 to send information such as an access point password or SSID to scanner A, thereby establishing the second wireless communication connection. After the second wireless communication is established, the user may operate the user terminal 3 to operate scanner A using the second wireless communication (e.g., scan processing). Then, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0079] In step S206, it is determined whether the standby time has elapsed in scanner A. The first confirmation unit 27 determines whether a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since the time when pairing was completed, etc. The standby time may be stored in scanner A in advance, or may be notified to scanner A from the user terminal 3 in step S108. If the standby time has not elapsed (No in step S206), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the standby time has elapsed (Yes in step S206), the process proceeds to step S207.

[0080] In step S207, scanner A notifies the user that the confirmation operation has failed. The first confirmation unit 27 notifies (transmits) to the user terminal 3, as the confirmation result of the first confirmation unit 27, information indicating that the confirmation operation has failed (that the confirmation operation has not been performed on scanner A, i.e., that the scanner has not been paired with the expected scanner). Assume that the scanner the user expects to pair with (the correct scanner) is scanner B (e.g., scanner 1b) other than scanner A. In this case, the user performs the confirmation operation on scanner B. Alternatively, the user approaches scanner B, but realizes that they have selected the wrong scanner because information regarding the confirmation operation, such as a confirmation instruction, is not displayed on scanner B (because it is displayed on scanner A, which has completed pairing), and so does not perform the confirmation operation on either scanner A or scanner B. In other words, in such a case, the confirmation operation is not performed on scanner A, and scanner A notifies the user that the confirmation operation has failed. Then, the process proceeds to steps S208 and S209.

[0081] In steps S208 and S209, pairing is canceled in scanner A and the user terminal 3. In step S208, the first pairing unit 22 performs processing to cancel pairing with the user terminal 3. In addition, in step S209, the second pairing unit 44 performs processing to cancel pairing with scanner A. For example, pairing information (encryption information stored by bonding, etc.) is deleted in scanner A and the user terminal 3. Note that the processing to cancel pairing may be performed in only one of the devices (scanner A or user terminal 3). Note that steps S208 and S209 can be performed in any order. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S210.

[0082] In step S210, the user terminal 3 notifies the user that pairing has failed. The user notification unit 45 notifies the user that pairing of the user terminal 3 with the correct scanner intended by the user has failed. After that, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0083] 12 and 13 are a flowchart and a communication sequence showing an overview of the flow of the confirmation process according to this embodiment (for confirmation operations 4 and 5 (when the user terminal 3 detects that a confirmation operation has been performed)). The process shown in this flowchart is started when the process of step S108 in FIG. 9 is executed, for example.

[0084] In step S301, the user terminal 3 waits for a confirmation operation to be performed. The second confirmation unit 49 waits for the user to perform a confirmation operation (operation on the correct scanner) in step S302 on scanner A, with which pairing has been completed. The user performs the confirmation operation in response to an instruction to perform the confirmation operation in step S107 (step S302). For example, the user performs an operation to approach the correct scanner while holding the user terminal 3 in their hand. In this case, in step S301, the user terminal 3 starts measuring the distance between scanner A and the user terminal 3 using radio waves transmitted from scanner A. However, since the confirmation operation (operation of step S302) may not be performed for some reason even if an instruction to perform the confirmation operation is received, the process of step S302 is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 12. The process then proceeds to step S303.

[0085] In step S303, it is determined (confirmed) whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether a confirmation operation has been performed by detecting whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the scanner A. If it is confirmed that a confirmation operation has been performed (Yes in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that a confirmation operation has been performed (No in step S303), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0086] In step S304, the user terminal 3 notifies the scanner A that the confirmation operation has been successful. The second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) to the scanner A, as the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49, information indicating that the confirmation operation has been successful (that the confirmation operation has been performed on the scanner A, i.e., that the scanner has been paired with the expected scanner). Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0087] In step S305, the user terminal 3 notifies the user that pairing has been completed. The processing in step S305 is generally similar to the processing in step S205 in Fig. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that steps S304 and S305 are not in any particular order. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0088] In step S306, it is determined whether the standby time has elapsed in the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 determines whether a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since the time when pairing was completed, etc. If the standby time has not elapsed (No in step S306), the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if the standby time has elapsed (Yes in step S306), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0089] In step S307, the user terminal 3 notifies the scanner A of the failure of the confirmation operation. The second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) to the scanner A information indicating that the confirmation operation has failed (that the confirmation operation has not been performed on the scanner A, i.e., that the scanner has not been paired with the expected scanner) as the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S308 and step S309.

[0090] In steps S308 and S309, pairing is released in scanner A and user terminal 3. Steps S308 and S309 can be performed in any order. The processing in steps S308 and S309 is generally similar to the processing in steps S209 and S208, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S310.

[0091] In step S310, the user terminal 3 notifies the user of the pairing failure. The processing in step S310 is generally similar to the processing in step S210, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0092] 14 and 15 are a flowchart and a communication sequence (for confirmation operations 6 and 7) showing an outline of the flow of the confirmation process according to this embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is started when the process of step S108 in FIG. 9 is executed, for example.

[0093] In step S401, a predetermined output is performed in scanner A. Output unit 25 performs the predetermined output (such as a specific screen display or specific sound output). The content of the predetermined output may be stored in scanner A in advance, or may be notified to scanner A from user terminal 3 in step S108.

[0094] In step S402, the user terminal 3 waits for a confirmation operation to be performed. The second confirmation unit 49 waits for the user to perform a confirmation operation in step S403 (input operation of a confirmation result as to whether the specified output is being performed from the correct scanner). The user performs the confirmation operation when instructed to do so in step S107 (step S403). However, even if a confirmation operation is instructed, the confirmation operation (operation of step S403) may not be performed for some reason, so the processing of step S403 is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 14. Note that steps S401 and S402 are performed in no particular order. The processing then proceeds to step S404.

[0095] In step S404, it is determined (confirmed) whether a confirmation operation has been performed in the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether a confirmation operation has been performed by detecting whether a confirmation operation (an input operation of a confirmation result as to whether a predetermined output is being performed from the correct scanner) has been performed. If it is confirmed that a confirmation operation has been performed (Yes in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that a confirmation operation has been performed (No in step S404), the process proceeds to step S406.

[0096] In step S405, it is determined (confirmed) whether the confirmation result input in the user terminal 3 is "YES". The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether the confirmation result input by the input operation is "YES" (the result of confirming that the specified output is being performed from the correct scanner). If the confirmation result is "YES" (Yes in step S405), the process proceeds to step S407. On the other hand, if the confirmation result is not "YES" (No in step S405), the process proceeds to step S409.

[0097] In step S406, it is determined whether the standby time has elapsed in the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 determines whether a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since the time when pairing was completed, etc. If the standby time has not elapsed (No in step S406), the process returns to step S402. On the other hand, if the standby time has elapsed (Yes in step S406), the process proceeds to step S409.

[0098] In step S407, the user terminal 3 notifies the scanner A that the confirmation operation was successful. The second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) to the scanner A, as the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49, information indicating that the confirmation operation was successful (the result of confirming that the specified output is being generated from the correct scanner has been input, that is, pairing with the expected scanner has occurred). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0099] In step S408, the user terminal 3 notifies the user that pairing has been completed. The processing in step S408 is generally similar to the processing in step S205 in Fig. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that steps S407 and S408 are not in any particular order. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0100] In step S409, the user terminal 3 notifies the scanner A of the failure of the confirmation operation. The second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) to the scanner A, as the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49, information indicating that the confirmation operation has failed (the result of confirming that the specified output is not being generated from the correct scanner has been input, that is, the scanner is not paired with the expected scanner). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410 and step S411.

[0101] In steps S410 and S411, pairing is released in scanner A and user terminal 3. Steps S410 and S411 are performed in no particular order. The processing in steps S410 and S411 is generally similar to the processing in steps S209 and S208, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S412.

[0102] In step S412, a failure in pairing is notified from the user terminal 3. The processing in step S412 is generally similar to the processing in step S210, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0103] 16 to 18 are a flowchart and a communication sequence (for confirmation operation 8) showing an outline of the flow of the confirmation process according to this embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is started when the process of step S108 in FIG. 9 is executed, for example.

[0104] In step S501, identification information is notified in scanner A. Identification information notifying unit 26 notifies user terminal 3 of the identification information of scanner A. As a result, user terminal 3 (identification information receiving unit 47) receives the identification information of scanner A. Note that in step S108, user terminal 3 may instruct scanner A to notify the identification information.

[0105] In step S502, the user terminal 3 waits for a confirmation operation to be performed. The second confirmation unit 49 waits for the user to perform a confirmation operation in step S503 (an operation to capture an image of the correct scanner (the correct scanner's identification information)). The user is instructed to perform the confirmation operation in step S107, and performs the confirmation operation (step S503). When this confirmation operation is performed, the user terminal 3 (identification information acquisition unit 48) performs an image capture process (step S504). However, even if a confirmation operation is instructed, the confirmation operation (the operation of step S503) may not be performed for some reason, and therefore, in FIG. 16, the processes of steps S503 and S504 are indicated by dotted lines. Note that steps S501 and S502 are performed in no particular order. The process then proceeds to step S505.

[0106] In step S505, it is determined (confirmed) whether a confirmation operation has been performed in the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 confirms whether a confirmation operation has been performed by detecting whether a confirmation operation (an operation of capturing an image of the correct scanner (correct scanner identification information)) has been performed. If it is confirmed that the confirmation operation has been performed (Yes in step S505), the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the confirmation operation has been performed (No in step S505), the process proceeds to step S510.

[0107] In step S506, a matching process is performed in the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 matches the identification information received in step S501 with the identification information acquired by the process of step S504. If the matching results in a match between the identification information, it can be determined that the user selected the device that he or she intended (the correct scanner). On the other hand, if the identification information does not match, it can be determined that the user did not select the device that he or she intended (an incorrect selection). Then, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0108] In step S507, the user terminal 3 determines (confirms) whether the identification information matches. The second confirmation unit 49 confirms, as a result of the collation process in step S506, whether the identification information received in step S501 matches the identification information acquired by the process of step S504. If they match (Yes in step S507), the process proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if they do not match (No in step S507), the process proceeds to step S511.

[0109] In step S508, the user terminal 3 notifies the scanner A that the confirmation operation was successful. The second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) to the scanner A, as the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49, information indicating that the confirmation operation was successful (that is, that the identification information acquired by photographing the correct scanner matches the identification information received from the scanner A with which pairing has been completed, i.e., that pairing has been achieved with the expected scanner). Then, the process proceeds to step S509.

[0110] In step S509, the user terminal 3 notifies the user that pairing has been completed. The processing in step S509 is generally similar to the processing in step S205 in Fig. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that steps S508 and S509 are not in any particular order. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0111] In step S510, it is determined whether the standby time has elapsed in the user terminal 3. The second confirmation unit 49 determines whether a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since the time when pairing was completed, etc. If the standby time has not elapsed (No in step S510), the process returns to step S502. On the other hand, if the standby time has elapsed (Yes in step S510), the process proceeds to step S511.

[0112] In step S511, the user terminal 3 notifies the scanner A that the confirmation operation has failed. The second confirmation unit 49 notifies (transmits) to the scanner A, as the confirmation result by the second confirmation unit 49, information indicating that the confirmation operation has failed (the identification information acquired by photographing the correct scanner does not match the identification information received from the scanner A with which pairing has been completed, i.e., the scanner has not been paired with the expected scanner). Then, the process proceeds to steps S512 and S513.

[0113] In steps S512 and S513, pairing is released in scanner A and user terminal 3. Steps S512 and S513 are performed in no particular order. The processing in steps S512 and S513 is generally similar to the processing in steps S209 and S208, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S514.

[0114] In step S514, a failure in pairing is notified from the user terminal 3. The processing in step S514 is generally similar to the processing in step S210, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flowchart ends.

[0115] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by checking whether a confirmation operation (first predetermined operation) has been performed on the electronic device (the electronic device that has completed pairing with the information processing device) after pairing is complete, or whether information entered through a confirmation operation (second predetermined operation) performed after pairing is complete satisfies a predetermined condition, it is possible to improve the pairing process between the information processing device and the electronic device. Furthermore, by pairing the electronic device and the information processing device using an authentication method (e.g., Just Works) that does not require an operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, it is possible to simplify the authentication procedure. That is, by checking whether a confirmation operation has been performed on the electronic device (the electronic device that has completed pairing with the information processing device) after pairing is complete using an authentication method that does not require an operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct, or whether information entered through the confirmation operation satisfies a predetermined condition (confirming that the connection destination is correct), it is possible to reduce the user's effort involved in wireless connection (authentication procedure in pairing) and prevent erroneous device selection. That is, it is possible to simplify the authentication procedure (simplify authentication) and prevent erroneous device selection. In addition, authentication methods that do not require any operations to confirm that the connection destination is correct (for example, Just Works) do not impose hardware restrictions (requirements) on the device (equipment) with which pairing is performed, making it possible to perform pairing using existing hardware.

[0116] Furthermore, conventional pairing authentication methods may require hardware requirements, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an NFC-enabled device. In such cases, existing hardware cannot perform the authentication process, necessitating the need for additional hardware, resulting in increased costs. However, according to this embodiment, for confirmation operations 1 to 4, confirmation operation 6 (output of specific light), confirmation operations 7 and 8, etc., the verification process is performed using hardware included in a typical electronic device (scanner). Therefore, no additional hardware, such as an LCD or NFC, is required, and pairing can be performed using existing hardware. This has the advantage of eliminating the cost of preparing additional hardware. For example, a simple verification procedure can be implemented even with a scanner without a screen (LCD). In this way, in this embodiment, pairing is performed using a pairing method that does not require standard authentication (can be performed without a screen, etc.), and then the user performs a specific confirmation operation that can be performed with existing hardware, and by checking whether the confirmation operation was successful or unsuccessful on the information processing device or electronic device, it becomes possible to verify whether the individual (correct scanner) that the user expected (intended) was selected, thereby making it possible to facilitate authentication and prevent erroneous selection of electronic devices.

[0117] Furthermore, in the case of confirmation operations 4 and 5, the confirmation operations can be easily performed by simply approaching the scanner 1 while holding the user terminal 3, without requiring any user operation on the scanner 1 or user terminal 3 side. Furthermore, in the case of confirmation operations 6 and 7, the confirmation operations can be performed by user operation only on the user terminal 3 (no user operation on the scanner 1 is required), making it possible to easily perform the confirmation operations. Furthermore, in the case of confirmation operation 8, the identification information such as the serial number is checked to see if it matches, making it possible to further increase the accuracy of the confirmation procedure (preventing connection to an unintended scanner). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Electronic equipment 3. Information processing equipment

Claims

1. a pairing unit that, when receiving a pairing request from an information processing device requesting pairing for wireless communication conforming to a predetermined wireless communication standard, performs pairing between the device itself and the information processing device and completes the pairing; and a confirmation means for confirming whether a first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself after the pairing has been completed, or whether information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition. electronic equipment.

2. the pairing means cancels the completed pairing when it is not confirmed within a predetermined period that the first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself or that the information input by the second predetermined operation satisfies the predetermined condition. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. the pairing unit performs the pairing between the device itself and the information processing device using an authentication method that does not require an operation to confirm that the connection destination is correct; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first predetermined operation is an operation performed by the user on an electronic device intended as a pairing target, the second predetermined operation is an input operation of inputting a result of checking whether a predetermined output indicating that pairing has been completed is being made from the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target, or an image capturing operation of capturing an image of the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target, The confirmation means confirms whether or not an operation to be performed on an electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target has been performed on the device itself, whether or not the information input by the input operation is a result of confirming that the predetermined output is being performed from the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target, or whether or not the information input by the photographing operation is the same as identification information capable of identifying the device itself. The electronic device according to claim 3 .

5. the first predetermined operation is an operation performed by the user on an electronic device intended as a pairing target, the confirmation means confirms whether or not at least one of the following operations has been performed on the device itself as the first predetermined operation: pressing a button, placing a medium, activating a specific function, restarting the device, bringing the information processing device closer, and performing wireless communication with the information processing device according to a wireless communication standard other than the predetermined wireless communication standard; 3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the confirmation means detects whether the first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself, or receives a result of detection by the information processing device as to whether the first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself, thereby confirming whether the first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself. The electronic device according to claim 5 .

7. further comprising an output means for performing a predetermined output; the second predetermined operation is an input operation for inputting a user confirmation result as to whether or not the predetermined output is being generated from the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target; the confirmation means confirms whether the user confirmation result input by the input operation is a result of confirming that the predetermined output is being generated from the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the confirmation means receives from the information processing device a result of confirming whether or not the user confirmation result is a result of confirming that the predetermined output is being generated from the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target, or the user confirmation result, or receives an input of the user confirmation result, thereby confirming whether or not the user confirmation result is a result of confirming that the predetermined output is being generated from the electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7.

9. The predetermined output is at least one of a specific light output, a specific screen display, a specific sound output, and a specific vibration generation.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7.

10. the second predetermined operation is a photographing operation of photographing an electronic device intended by the user as a pairing target, the confirmation means confirms whether or not the information input by the photographing operation is the same as identification information that can identify the device itself.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the confirmation means confirms whether the information input by the photographing operation is identical to the identification information transmitted from the device itself and received by the information processing device, or whether the information input by the photographing operation is identical to the identification information capable of identifying the device itself, by receiving the information input by the photographing operation from the information processing device; The electronic device according to claim 10.

12. the first predetermined operation and / or the second predetermined operation is a predetermined operation that is instructed to be performed after pairing is completed, the predetermined period can be dynamically changed at least by the device itself or the information processing device according to at least one of the content of the predetermined operation, a user characteristic, a setting content of the device itself, and a setting content of the information processing device; The electronic device according to claim 2 .

13. the first predetermined operation and / or the second predetermined operation is a predetermined operation that is instructed to be performed after pairing is completed, The content of the predetermined operation can be dynamically changed at least by the device itself or the information processing device according to at least any of the user's characteristics, the setting content of the device itself, the function provided by the device itself, the setting content of the information processing device, and the function provided by the information processing device.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The confirmation means omits the confirmation process by the confirmation means when it is determined that a predetermined omission condition is satisfied before the confirmation process by the confirmation means is performed.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. the predetermined omission condition is a condition regarding a positional relationship between the information processing device and the own device or a condition regarding a type of the information processing device; 15. The electronic device according to claim 14.

16. Receive a pairing request, establishing pairing based on the pairing request; determining to terminate the pairing connection when it is not possible to confirm that a first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself or that information input by a second predetermined operation satisfies a predetermined condition within a predetermined time after the pairing is established; electronic equipment.

17. a pairing means for transmitting a pairing request to the electronic device; and a confirmation means for confirming whether or not a first predetermined operation has been performed on the electronic device after pairing for wireless communication according to a predetermined wireless communication standard with the electronic device has been completed based on the pairing request, or whether or not information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition. Information processing device.

18. a display control unit that displays a message indicating that pairing, the first predetermined operation, or the second predetermined operation should be performed when the pairing is canceled after it is confirmed that the first predetermined operation has not been performed on the electronic device or that the information input by the second predetermined operation does not satisfy the predetermined condition, The information processing device according to claim 17.

19. One or more computers a pairing step of performing pairing between the device itself and the information processing device when a pairing request requesting pairing for wireless communication according to a predetermined wireless communication standard is received from the information processing device and completing the pairing; a confirmation step of confirming whether a first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself after the pairing is completed, or whether information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing is completed satisfies a predetermined condition; How to do it.

20. one or more computers, a pairing unit that, when receiving a pairing request from an information processing device requesting pairing for wireless communication conforming to a predetermined wireless communication standard, performs pairing between the device itself and the information processing device and completes the pairing; a confirmation means for confirming whether a first predetermined operation has been performed on the device itself after the pairing has been completed, or whether information input by a second predetermined operation performed after the pairing has been completed satisfies a predetermined condition; A program that functions as a

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