Electronic device, communication method, and program

Abstract

Provided is an electronic device that can reduce power consumption in a standby state for establishing a Wi-Fi Aware connection with another electronic device. [Solution] A first electronic device (1) according to the present disclosure includes a control unit (10) and a first communication unit (14) that executes Wi-Fi Aware communication when a Wi-Fi Aware connection using the Wi-Fi Aware function is established with a second electronic device (2). When the first electronic device (1) is in a first state related to power consumption, the control unit (10) waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled. When the first electronic device (1) is in a second state predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the control unit (10) waits for connection with the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function enabled, and when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is received, the control unit (10) waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the process of establishing a Wi-Fi (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter) Aware connection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-134322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the device waits with Wi-Fi enabled while service discovery is being performed, consuming power even while waiting.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a technology that reduces the power consumption of electronic devices when they are in a standby state waiting to establish a Wi-Fi Aware connection with other electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a communication unit configured to communicate with another electronic device via Wi-Fi Aware communication; and a control unit configured to: when the electronic device is in a first state related to power consumption, wait for connection with a Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; when the electronic device is in a second state predetermined as a state in which power consumption is to be reduced below the first state, wait for connection with a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (Neighbor Aware Networking) function enabled; when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is received, wait for connection with the other electronic device with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; and when a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established with the other electronic device using the Wi-Fi Aware function, perform the Wi-Fi Aware communication. Note that Bluetooth is a registered trademark, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0007] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic device having a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices via Wi-Fi Aware communication, wherein when the electronic device is in a first state regarding power consumption, the electronic device waits for connection with a Wi-Fi Aware function enabled, and when the electronic device is in a second state predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the electronic device waits for connection with a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (Neighbor Aware Networking) function enabled, and when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is received, the electronic device waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled, and when a Wi-Fi Aware connection using the Wi-Fi Aware function is established with the other electronic device, the communication unit executes the Wi-Fi Aware communication.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer provided in an electronic device having a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices via Wi-Fi Aware communication to execute processing such that, when the electronic device is in a first state regarding power consumption, the computer waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled, and when the electronic device is in a second state that is predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the computer waits for connection with the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (Neighbor Aware Networking) function enabled, and when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is received, the computer waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled, and when a Wi-Fi Aware connection using the Wi-Fi Aware function is established with the other electronic device, the computer causes the communication unit to execute the Wi-Fi Aware communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication process executed in a first electronic device in the communication system of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of a connection waiting process in the communication process of FIG. 2 with Wi-Fi Aware on. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of connection waiting processing in a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN in the communication processing of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely examples for explaining the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the components described in the embodiments of the present invention are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment) [System Configuration] A communication system including an electronic device according to this embodiment and other electronic devices will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of such a communication system.

[0012] 1, a communication system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first electronic device 1 and a second electronic device 2. The first electronic device 1 is an example of an electronic device, and may be, for example, an image forming device or an information processing device. The second electronic device 2 is an example of another electronic device, and may be, for example, an information processing device or an image forming device.

[0013] The image forming device may be a printer, scanner, facsimile machine, or multifunction device with multiple functions including at least an image forming function. Furthermore, when each image forming device is a device that forms an image on a medium, i.e., a printing device, the printing method is not important, and various printing methods such as inkjet printing and laser printing can be applied. The information processing device may be an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0014] The communication system 100 is a system in which an electronic device, exemplified as a first electronic device 1, can receive a Wi-Fi Aware connection request from another electronic device, exemplified as a second electronic device 2, and perform Wi-Fi Aware communication with the other electronic device. For example, if the first electronic device 1 is an image forming device and the second electronic device 2 is an information processing device such as a PC, the communication system 100 is configured as a printing system in which the first electronic device 1 performs printing in response to a print request from the second electronic device 2. Below, configuration examples of the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2 will be described in detail.

[0015] [Configuration of First Electronic Device 1] 1, the first electronic device 1 can include a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a first communication unit 14, and a second communication unit 15. For example, if the first electronic device 1 is an image forming device, the first electronic device 1 can include a unit related to image formation, and can also include a separate unit for realizing the main function of the device.

[0016] The control unit 10 may include a state determination unit 10a and a standby processing unit 10b, which will be described later, in order to execute processing for Wi-Fi Aware communication with the second electronic device 2 via the first communication unit 14. The control unit 10 may further include a transmission processing unit 10c, which will be described later.

[0017] The control unit 10 can be configured to include, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU or GPU, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. The control unit 10 can also be configured as an SoC (System on a Chip). As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 10 can be configured to store the control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 10 can also be configured to store the control programs as a circuit configuration such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or can be configured as a dedicated circuit.

[0018] The status determination unit 10a, the standby processing unit 10b, and the transmission processing unit 10c can be implemented as the above-mentioned programs. The above-mentioned programs can include programs that enable the arithmetic processing device to realize the functions of the status determination unit 10a, the standby processing unit 10b, and the transmission processing unit 10c in cooperation with the storage unit 11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, the first communication unit 14, and the second communication unit 15.

[0019] The storage unit 11 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. The storage unit 11 may be part of a storage device within the control unit 10. In other words, the storage unit 11 can also be considered part of the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 can store, for example, setting information required for processing by the control unit 10, information to be transmitted to the second electronic device 2, and the like.

[0020] The display unit 12 is a component for displaying a user interface image (UI image) for operating the first electronic device 1, and is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display unit 12 may also be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0021] The operation unit 13 is a part that accepts operations by the user of the first electronic device 1, and can also be called an operation acceptance unit. The operation unit 13 can be realized by, for example, one or more of physical buttons, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 12, a pointing device, a keyboard, etc. In a configuration in which the operation unit 13 includes a touch panel, the display unit 12 and the touch panel can also be called the operation panel of the first electronic device 1.

[0022] The first communication unit 14 is a part capable of communicating with the second electronic device 2 through NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) communication, and can be configured with a communication interface capable of such NAN communication. As will be described later, the first electronic device 1 transmits and receives information to and from the second electronic device 2 via a data communication path established by this NAN communication.

[0023] The NAN communication is Wi-Fi Aware communication that can be realized by the Wi-Fi Aware function defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. That is, the first communication unit 14 communicates with the second electronic device 2, which is another electronic device, through Wi-Fi Aware communication. Wi-Fi is the name of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) that uses the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard and its derivative standards.

[0024] Furthermore, the first communication unit 14 may be configured to be capable of wireless communication with an external device via a method other than Wi-Fi Aware communication. Examples of such external devices include information processing devices such as PCs and smartphones, and server devices. The information processing device here may be the second electronic device 2. In this case, the first communication unit 14 may be controlled by the control unit 10 to function as a Wi-Fi Aware communication unit. For example, the first communication unit 14 may be configured as a Wi-Fi interface compatible with Wi-Fi Aware, and the first communication unit 14 may be controlled by the control unit 10 to switch communication between normal Wi-Fi communication and Wi-Fi Aware communication functioning as a Wi-Fi Aware communication unit. The first electronic device 1 may also include a communication interface for communicating with an external device via a wired connection.

[0025] The second communication unit 15 is a part that is capable of communicating with the second electronic device 2 by Bluetooth Low Energy communication, and can be configured with a communication interface that is capable of such Bluetooth Low Energy communication.

[0026] The state determination unit 10a of the control unit 10 determines whether the first electronic device 1 is in a first state related to power consumption, or in a second state that is predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state.

[0027] When the first electronic device 1 is in the first state related to power consumption, the standby processing unit 10b of the control unit 10 waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled. Here, waiting for connection refers to waiting for connection for Wi-Fi Aware communication, that is, waiting for a Wi-Fi Aware connection.

[0028] When the first electronic device 1 is in the second state, the standby processing unit 10b waits for connection with the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function enabled. The standby for connection here refers to waiting for a Wi-Fi Aware connection, but in reality, it is waiting for a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function. The standby processing unit 10b receives this activation request from the second electronic device 2 via the second communication unit 15. Hereinafter, for convenience, the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function will be referred to as the trigger NAN function.

[0029] When standby processing unit 10b receives a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function via second communication unit 15 while waiting for connection with the trigger NAN function enabled, standby processing unit 10b waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled. "Waiting for connection" here refers to waiting for a Wi-Fi Aware connection.

[0030] Then, when a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established with the second electronic device 2 using the Wi-Fi Aware function, the first communication unit 14 executes Wi-Fi Aware communication.

[0031] In this way, the first electronic device 1 switches the standby state for Wi-Fi Aware connection depending on the state of the first electronic device 1 as follows. That is, when the first electronic device 1 is in the first state, in which it is not desired to reduce power consumption, it waits for Wi-Fi Aware connection. On the other hand, when the first electronic device 1 is in the second state, in which it is desired to reduce power consumption, it waits for connection with the trigger NAN function enabled. By waiting with the trigger NAN function enabled, the first electronic device 1 can reduce power consumption while waiting for Wi-Fi Aware connection compared to when it is waiting for Wi-Fi Aware connection in the first state.

[0032] As described above, in the first electronic device 1, by using the standby mode with the trigger NAN function enabled, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0033] As described above, the control unit 10 may also include a transmission processing unit 10c. The transmission processing unit 10c transmits state information indicating the state of the first electronic device 1 to the second electronic device 2 via the second communication unit 15. The state information indicates the current connection standby state of the first electronic device 1. Specifically, the state information indicates whether the first electronic device 1 is waiting for a Wi-Fi Aware connection or is waiting with the trigger NAN function enabled. If the state information indicates waiting for a Wi-Fi Aware connection, it means that the first electronic device 1 is waiting in Wi-Fi Aware. If the state information indicates waiting with the trigger NAN function enabled, it means that the first electronic device 1 is waiting in Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN. Alternatively, the state information may indicate whether the first electronic device 1 is in a first state or a second state, as long as the second electronic device 2 can interpret the information to indicate which state of standby it is.

[0034] The timing of transmitting the status information is, of course, a timing when communication with the second electronic device 2 is possible via the second communication unit 15. For example, the transmission processing unit 10c may periodically transmit this status information from the first electronic device 1 to the second electronic device 2 via the second communication unit 15.

[0035] More specifically, the transmission processing unit 10c may include information indicating the current connection standby state of the first electronic device 1 in a Bluetooth Low Energy beacon and transmit the information from the second communication unit 15 to the second electronic device 2. Upon receiving this state information, the second electronic device 2 can determine the state of the first electronic device 1 based on the state information. In other words, by receiving this state information, the second electronic device 2 can determine which device should execute the connection request, thereby enabling efficient connection.

[0036] [Configuration of second electronic device 2] As shown in FIG. 1, the second electronic device 2 can include a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a first communication unit 24, and a second communication unit 25.

[0037] The control unit 20 has a function of executing a process of performing Wi-Fi Aware communication with the first electronic device 1 via the first communication unit 24. In addition, in a configuration in which the control unit 10 has the transmission processing unit 10c, the control unit 20 may also have a reception processing unit 20c that receives, via the second communication unit 25, the status information that has been transmitted by the transmission processing unit 10c.

[0038] The control unit 20 may have functions equivalent to the state determination unit 10a, standby processing unit 10b, and transmission processing unit 10c in order to execute processing for performing Wi-Fi Aware communication with the first electronic device 1 via the first communication unit 24 in response to a connection request from the first electronic device 1. However, since the explanation here is of a case where the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2 are simply interchanged, for convenience, only an example in which the standby first electronic device 1 establishes Wi-Fi Aware communication in response to a connection request from the second electronic device 2 will be explained.

[0039] Like the control unit 10, the control unit 20 can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, and the like. The control unit 20 can also be configured as an SoC. As can be seen from these examples, the control unit 20 can be configured to store the control programs in an executable state. However, the control unit 20 can also be configured to store the control programs as a circuit configuration such as an FPGA, or can be configured as a dedicated circuit.

[0040] The function of executing the process of performing Wi-Fi Aware communication with the first electronic device 1 via the first communication unit 24 and the reception processing unit 20c can be implemented as the above-mentioned program. The above-mentioned program can include a program that causes the arithmetic processing device to realize the above-mentioned function and the function of the reception processing unit 20c in cooperation with the storage unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, the first communication unit 24, and the second communication unit 25.

[0041] The storage unit 21 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory, similar to the storage unit 11. The storage unit 21 can store, for example, setting information required for processing by the control unit 20, information to be transmitted to the first electronic device 1, and the like.

[0042] The configurations of the display unit 22, operation unit 23, first communication unit 24, and second communication unit 25 are basically the same as the configurations of the display unit 12, operation unit 13, first communication unit 14, and second communication unit 15 in the first electronic device 1, respectively, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

[0043] For example, the display unit 22 is a unit for displaying a UI image for operating the second electronic device 2. The operation unit 23 is a unit for receiving operations by a user of the second electronic device 2. However, due to differences in structure between the second electronic device 2 and the first electronic device 1, the display unit 22 and the operation unit 23 differ from the display unit 12 and the operation unit 13, respectively, at least in terms of shape. The first communication unit 24 is configured to be able to communicate with the first communication unit 14 of the first electronic device 1 via Wi-Fi Aware communication. The second communication unit 25 is configured to be able to communicate with the second communication unit 15 of the first electronic device 1 via Bluetooth Low Energy communication.

[0044] For example, the control unit 20 requests the first electronic device 1 to establish a Wi-Fi Aware connection via the first communication unit 24. Alternatively, the control unit 20 requests the first electronic device 1 to establish a Wi-Fi Aware connection via the second communication unit 25 using Bluetooth Low Energy communication.

[0045] Alternatively, in preparation for the case where the first electronic device 1 is in the first state, the control unit 20 first requests a Wi-Fi Aware connection from the first electronic device 1 via the first communication unit 24. Then, if there is no response for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 20 requests a Wi-Fi Aware connection from the first electronic device 1 via the second communication unit 25 by Bluetooth Low Energy communication in preparation for the case where the first electronic device 1 is in the second state.

[0046] Alternatively, in preparation for the case where the first electronic device 1 is in the second state, the control unit 20 first requests a Wi-Fi Aware connection from the first electronic device 1 by Bluetooth Low Energy communication via the second communication unit 25. Then, if there is no response for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 20 requests a Wi-Fi Aware connection from the first electronic device 1 via the first communication unit 24 in preparation for the case where the first electronic device 1 is in the first state.

[0047] As described above, when the second electronic device 2 attempts to connect to the first electronic device 1, the first electronic device 1 waits with the trigger NAN function enabled, thereby reducing power consumption in the first electronic device 1.

[0048] Alternatively, in a configuration in which the control unit 20 includes the reception processing unit 20c, the reception processing unit 20c may receive the status information transmitted from the first electronic device 1 via the second communication unit 25. The reception processing unit 20c then determines the status of the first electronic device 1 based on the received status information. Furthermore, if the status information indicates a standby state for a Wi-Fi Aware connection, the reception processing unit 20c requests a Wi-Fi Aware connection from the first electronic device 1 via the first communication unit 24. On the other hand, if the status information indicates a standby state with the trigger NAN function enabled, the reception processing unit 20c requests a Wi-Fi Aware connection from the first electronic device 1 via the second communication unit 25 using Bluetooth Low Energy communication.

[0049] With this configuration, the second electronic device 2 can efficiently send a connection request to the first electronic device 1.

[0050] [Example of communication processing] An example of communication processing executed in the communication system 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of such communication processing.

[0051] In the example described here, it is assumed that the first electronic device 1 is configured to be capable of being driven by a commercial power source and a built-in battery. Here, being driven by a commercial power source refers to being driven by a so-called AC (Alternating Current) power source.

[0052] In this example, the second state is a state in which the first electronic device 1 is operating in a power-saving mode when powered by a commercial power source, and the first state is a state in which the first electronic device 1 is operating in a non-power-saving mode that consumes more power than the power-saving mode when powered by a commercial power source. The non-power-saving mode may be, for example, a normal power mode, and may also be called a normal mode.

[0053] First, the first electronic device 1 is turned on by a user operation from the operation unit 13 (step S11). Next, the state determination unit 10a determines whether or not the first electronic device 1 is battery-powered (step S12).

[0054] If the result in step S12 is NO, the state determination unit 10a determines whether the first electronic device 1 is operating in the power saving mode (step S13). Whether the first electronic device 1 operates in the power saving mode or the non-power saving mode may be set by a user operation from the operation unit 13 or an external device, or the first electronic device 1 may automatically switch from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode if it has not been operating for a predetermined time. Furthermore, the first electronic device 1 may also be configured so that the predetermined time can be set by a user operation from the operation unit 13 or an external device.

[0055] In this way, when the first electronic device 1 is turned on, it checks the power supply source and power mode, and switches its operation as follows depending on the checked state.

[0056] If the result of step S13 is NO, the standby processing unit 10b executes connection standby processing with Wi-Fi Aware turned on (step S14). On the other hand, if the result of step S12 is YES or if the result of step S13 is YES, the standby processing unit 10b executes connection standby processing with Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (step S18). Note that the processing order of step S12 and step S13 may be reversed.

[0057] After the process of step S14, the standby processing unit 10b determines whether or not a Wi-Fi Aware connection can be established (step S15). This determination can be made based on whether or not a Wi-Fi Aware connection request has been received from the second electronic device 2. An example of the determination made in step S15 after the process of step S14 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. As will be described later, the process of step S18 includes a determination similar to that of step S15.

[0058] If the result of step S15 is NO, the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if the result of step S15 is YES, the standby processing unit 10b establishes a Wi-Fi Aware connection (step S16). Establishing a Wi-Fi Aware connection means establishing a NAN data link between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2, that is, establishing a communication path and a service link using the NAN. After step S16, the control unit 10 starts Wi-Fi Aware communication via the first communication unit 14 (step S17). Thereafter, this communication can continue until the service link and the communication path are disconnected. If they are disconnected, the process may return to step S12, for example.

[0059] Next, a specific example of the processing of steps S14 and S18 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of connection standby processing with Wi-Fi Aware on in the communication processing of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of connection standby processing with Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN in the communication processing of Fig. 2.

[0060] 3, in step S14, the standby processing unit 10b first determines whether the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN is disabled, i.e., whether the trigger NAN function is disabled (step S21). If the result in step S21 is NO, the standby processing unit 10b controls the second communication unit 15 to disable the trigger NAN function (step S22). Next, the standby processing unit 10b turns on the Wi-Fi Aware function to enable this function (step S23).

[0061] Then, the standby processing unit 10b transmits a service discovery from the first communication unit 14 using the Wi-Fi Aware function (step S24), and the process ends.

[0062] On the other hand, if the result of step S21 is YES, the standby processing unit 10b determines whether the Wi-Fi Aware function is disabled (step S25). If the result of step S25 is YES, the process proceeds to step S23, where the Wi-Fi Aware function is enabled. If the result of step S25 is NO, the process proceeds to step S24, where service discovery is transmitted by the Wi-Fi Aware function.

[0063] The standby processing unit 10b determines whether a Wi-Fi Aware connection can be established in step S15 by determining whether a response is received within a predetermined period of time in response to the service discovery sent in step S24. This response may refer to a follow-up. As in this example, the state determination unit 10a may determine whether the first electronic device 1 is in the first state or the second state if the Wi-Fi Aware connection is not established with the second electronic device 2, for example, if it is not established within a predetermined period of time.

[0064] 4, in step S18, the standby processing unit 10b first determines whether Wi-Fi Aware is disabled, that is, whether the Wi-Fi Aware function is disabled (step S31). If the result in step S21 is NO, the standby processing unit 10b controls the first communication unit 14 to disable the Wi-Fi Aware function (step S32). Next, the standby processing unit 10b turns on the trigger NAN function to enable this function (step S33).

[0065] Then, the standby processing unit 10b executes a provider scan from the second communication unit 15 using the trigger NAN function (step S34). Next, the standby processing unit 10b determines whether or not there is a response within a predetermined period of time (step S35). This response may refer to a provider scan hit.

[0066] If the result in step S35 is NO, the process returns to step S12 in Fig. 2. In this example, too, if a Wi-Fi Aware connection is not established with the second electronic device 2, for example, if it is not established within a predetermined period of time, the state determination unit 10a determines whether the first electronic device 1 is in the first state or the second state. On the other hand, if the result in step S35 is YES, the process proceeds to step S23 in Fig. 3.

[0067] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S31, the standby processing unit 10b determines whether the trigger NAN function is disabled (step S36). If the answer is YES in step S36, the process proceeds to step S33, where the trigger NAN function is enabled. As in this example, when the first electronic device 1 is in the second state, the standby processing unit 10b determines whether the trigger NAN function is enabled or disabled, and if it is disabled, the trigger NAN function is enabled. If the answer is NO in step S36, the process proceeds to step S34, where a provider scan is performed using the trigger NAN function.

[0068] In the above-described communication process, the transmission of the state information may be executed, for example, at the time of the determination in steps S21, S25, S31, or S36, or after the process in step S23 or step S33.

[0069] As described above, the communication processing in the first electronic device 1 can be put into standby mode using the trigger NAN function, which operates with less power consumption, in the first electronic device 1. This prevents the first electronic device 1 from being in standby mode with Wi-Fi enabled while executing service discovery, for example, and reduces power consumption during standby mode.

[0070] That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the first electronic device 1 in a standby state for establishing a Wi-Fi Aware connection with another electronic device, the second electronic device 2. Furthermore, particularly when the first electronic device 1 is battery-powered, it is expected that the battery life will be improved.

[0071] The above example is a state in which both the first state and the second state are driven by commercial power, and therefore can be similarly applied to an example in which the first electronic device 1 is configured to be driven only by commercial power, in which case the determination in step S12 in the process of FIG.

[0072] Furthermore, the definitions of the first state and the second state are not limited to the above example. For example, the second state may be a state in which the first electronic device 1 is operating in a power-saving mode, and the first state may be a state in which the first electronic device 1 is operating in a non-power-saving mode that consumes more power than the power-saving mode. In this example, it does not matter whether the first electronic device 1 is configured to be powered by a commercial power source or a built-in battery, or whether it is configured to be powered by only one of these.

[0073] Alternatively, the second state may be a state in which the first electronic device 1 is powered by a battery, and the first state may be a state in which the first electronic device 1 is powered by a commercial power source. In this example, the first electronic device 1 is configured to be capable of being powered by both a commercial power source and a built-in battery.

[0074] Although not specifically described, in the first electronic device 1, Wi-Fi Aware may be activated when the control unit 10 receives a user operation to enable the Wi-Fi Aware function from the operation unit 13 or an external device, or automatically when the power is turned on. To further reduce power consumption, the first electronic device 1 may be activated when the control unit 10 receives a user operation to enable Wi-Fi Aware from the operation unit 13 or an external device, or automatically when the power is turned on. In this case, Wi-Fi Aware will not be activated.

[0075] Note that Wi-Fi Aware refers to, for example, a program that realizes the Wi-Fi Aware function in the first electronic device 1 and an API used to exchange information between the program and the first communication unit 14, which is Wi-Fi Aware hardware. API stands for Application Programming Interface. Also, Trigger NAN refers to, for example, a program that realizes the Trigger NAN function in the first electronic device 1 and an API used to exchange information between the program and the second communication unit 15, which is Wi-Fi Aware hardware.

[0076] (Other variations) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each electronic device may be any device capable of implementing the functions described above.

[0077] As illustrated by the flow of communication processing, the present disclosure also includes a communication method executed by a first electronic device 1 including a first communication unit 14 that communicates with a second electronic device 2 via Wi-Fi Aware communication. In this communication method, when the first electronic device 1 is in a first state related to power consumption, the first electronic device 1 waits for a connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled. Then, when the first electronic device 1 is in a second state, which is a predetermined state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the first electronic device 1 waits for a connection with the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function enabled. Then, when the first electronic device 1 receives a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function, the first electronic device 1 waits for a connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled. Next, when a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2 using the Wi-Fi Aware function, the first electronic device 1 performs Wi-Fi Aware communication using the first communication unit 14. Other application examples of this communication method are the same as those described for the communication system 100, and therefore further description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the present disclosure also includes the form of a program that causes a computer provided in a first electronic device 1 that has a first communication unit 14 that communicates with a second electronic device 2 via Wi-Fi Aware communication to execute the processing of the above-described communication method. The processing of this program and other application examples are the same as those described for the communication system 100, and therefore further description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] Each of the devices provided in the communication system according to the above-described embodiment may have, for example, the following hardware configuration. Here, in the example of Fig. 1, each device refers to the first electronic device 1 and the second electronic device 2. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device.

[0080] 5 may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 may include, for example, a communication interface or an interface with an input / output device, as required depending on the device.

[0081] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), also known as a microprocessor. The processor 1001 may include multiple processors. The memory 1002 is, for example, configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The functions of each device are realized by the processor 1001 reading a program stored in the memory 1002 and executing it while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003. For example, if the device 1000 is the first electronic device 1, the program may include a program for causing the processor 1001 to execute communication processing including the above-mentioned standby. For example, if the device 1000 is the second electronic device 2, the program may include a program for causing the processor 1001 to execute communication processing including the above-mentioned connection request.

[0082] The above-described program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0083] The present invention has been described above in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art can make within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...first electronic device, 2...second electronic device, 10...control unit, 10a...status determination unit, 10b...standby processing unit, 10c...transmission processing unit, 11...memory unit, 12...display unit, 13...operation unit, 14...first communication unit, 15...second communication unit, 20...control unit, 20c...reception processing unit, 21...memory unit, 22...display unit, 23...operation unit, 24...first communication unit, 25...second communication unit, 100...communication system, 1000...device, 1001...processor, 1002...memory, 1003...interface.

Claims

1. An electronic device, a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices via Wi-Fi Aware communication; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit When the electronic device is in a first state regarding power consumption, the electronic device waits for connection with a Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; When the electronic device is in a second state predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the electronic device waits for connection with a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) function enabled, and when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is acquired, the electronic device waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; The communication unit When a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between the device and the other electronic device using the Wi-Fi Aware function, the device performs the Wi-Fi Aware communication. electronic equipment.

2. The second state is a state in which the electronic device is operating in a power saving mode. the first state is a state in which the electronic device is operating in a non-power saving mode in which power consumption is higher than in a power saving mode; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. the second state is a state in which the electronic device is powered by a battery, The first state is a state in which the electronic device is driven by a commercial power source. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

4. the second state is a state in which the electronic device is driven in a power saving mode when the electronic device is driven by a commercial power source, the first state is a state in which the electronic device is driven by a commercial power supply and is driven in a non-power saving mode in which power consumption is higher than in the power saving mode; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit When the electronic device is in the second state, determining whether the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function is enabled or disabled; If disabled, enable the Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN function; The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit If the Wi-Fi Aware connection is not established with the other electronic device, determining whether the electronic device is in the first state or the second state. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The control unit transmitting information indicating a current connection standby state of the electronic device to the other electronic device by including the information in a Bluetooth Low Energy beacon; The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. An electronic device having a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices via Wi-Fi Aware communication, When the electronic device is in a first state regarding power consumption, the electronic device waits for connection with a Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; When the electronic device is in a second state predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the electronic device waits for connection with a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) function enabled, and when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is acquired, the electronic device waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; When a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between the other electronic device and the device using the Wi-Fi Aware function, the communication unit executes the Wi-Fi Aware communication. Communication method.

9. A computer provided in an electronic device equipped with a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices via Wi-Fi Aware communication, When the electronic device is in a first state regarding power consumption, the electronic device waits for connection with a Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; When the electronic device is in a second state predetermined as a state in which power consumption is desired to be reduced more than in the first state, the electronic device waits for connection with a Bluetooth Low Energy Triggers NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking) function enabled, and when a request to activate the Wi-Fi Aware function is acquired, the electronic device waits for connection with the Wi-Fi Aware function enabled; when a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established between the other electronic device and the device using the Wi-Fi Aware function, causing the communication unit to perform the Wi-Fi Aware communication; A program that executes a process.

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