Information terminal, peripheral devices capable of communicating with the information terminal, programs executed on the information terminal, and method for transmitting connection information using the information terminal.

Abstract

To provide information terminals and other devices that reduce the burden of setting up connection information. [Solution] An information terminal capable of wireless communication with peripheral devices using a first communication method, wherein the information terminal can acquire an index corresponding to the distance between itself and the peripheral device using the first communication method, and the information terminal transmits connection information necessary for the peripheral device to connect to a network using a second communication method to the peripheral device based on the index reaching a predetermined value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information terminal having a wireless communication function.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various devices having a wireless communication function have become widespread. Some of such devices set connection information for connecting to a wireless network via an external terminal (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When setting connection information via an external terminal as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to input connection information for each target device, and the setting work takes time.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information terminal or the like that reduces the burden of setting connection information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information terminal of the present invention that solves the above object is an information terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with a peripheral device by a first communication method, wherein the information terminal can acquire an index according to a distance to the peripheral device using the first communication method, and the information terminal transmits connection information necessary for the peripheral device to connect to a network by a second communication method to the peripheral device based on the index reaching a predetermined value. It is characterized by the above.

[0007] According to this information terminal, connection information can be set on peripheral devices simply by bringing the mobile device close to them.

[0008] Here, the above information terminal is, When the indicator reaches the predetermined value, the connection information may be transmitted to the peripheral device without requiring any action from the user.

[0009] This information terminal allows for efficient configuration of connection information for peripheral devices.

[0010] Furthermore, the above information terminal is If there are multiple peripheral devices to which the connection information is to be transmitted, the connection information may be transmitted to each of the multiple peripheral devices one by one, with a waiting period provided between the transmission of one connection piece of information and the transmission of the next.

[0011] This information terminal allows for reliable configuration of connection information for peripheral devices.

[0012] Furthermore, the above information terminal is The connection information may be transmitted to the peripheral device when both of the following conditions are met: the indicator reaches the predetermined value and the peripheral device receives transmission request information indicating that it is a target for transmission, in accordance with the first communication method.

[0013] This information terminal allows for reliable configuration of connection information for peripheral devices.

[0014] Furthermore, the above information terminal is The predetermined value may be changed according to the number of peripheral devices that are in a state where wireless communication is possible using the first communication method.

[0015] This information terminal allows for reliable configuration of connection information for peripheral devices.

[0016] Also, the information terminal may receive the model information of the peripheral device according to the first communication method, and transmit information for setting the communication standard of the second communication method based on the model information.

[0017] According to this information terminal, setting work suitable for the peripheral device can be performed.

[0018] Also, the information terminal may receive the communication setting information of the peripheral device according to the first communication method, and determine whether the peripheral device is a transmission target of the connection information based on the communication setting information.

[0019] According to this information terminal, the setting work of the connection information for the peripheral device can be made efficient.

[0020] Also, a peripheral device capable of communicating with the information terminal, the peripheral device may print the network connection status based on receiving the connection information from the information terminal.

[0021] In this configuration, it is possible to confirm that the connection information has been transmitted from the information terminal, and it is also possible to confirm whether the connection information is correct from the printed content.

[0022] The program of the present invention for solving the above object is a program executed on an information terminal capable of wireless communication with a peripheral device by a first communication method, the information terminal can acquire an index according to the distance from the peripheral device using the first communication method, [[ID=3�]]the program causes the information terminal to execute a process of transmitting connection information necessary for connecting a network by a second communication method to the peripheral device based on the index reaching a predetermined value. It is characterized by the above.

[0023] According to this program, connection information can be set for peripheral devices simply by bringing the mobile device close to them.

[0024] The connection information transmission method of the present invention, which solves the above objective, A method for transmitting connection information using an information terminal capable of wireless communication with peripheral devices using a first communication method, The information terminal is capable of acquiring an index corresponding to the distance to the peripheral device using the first communication method, The system includes a connection information transmission step in which, based on the aforementioned indicator reaching a predetermined value, the peripheral device transmits connection information necessary for network connection using a second communication method to the peripheral device. It is characterized by the following:

[0025] This method of transmitting connection information allows you to set connection information for a peripheral device simply by bringing the mobile device close to it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, connection information can be set on a peripheral device simply by bringing the mobile device close to the peripheral device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of printer 2 being connected to access point 4 via wireless LAN. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example where printer 2 is not connected to access point 4. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of mobile device 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of printer 2. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing flow of the connection information transmission program executed on mobile terminal 1. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the process flow for wireless connection when printer 2 is powered on. [Figure 7] This is an example of a timing chart for setting wireless LAN connection information for printer 2. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the status of the mobile terminal 1 when the program starts up, as shown in the timing chart. [Figure 9] Figure 7 shows the situation when mobile terminal 1 approaches printer 2 (first unit) in the timing chart. [Figure 10] Figure 7 shows the situation after mobile terminal 1 has sent connection information to printer 2 (first unit) in the timing chart. [Figure 11] Figure 7 shows the situation when mobile terminal 1 approaches printer 2 (second unit) in the timing chart. [Figure 12] This diagram shows an example of the display content of the display unit 15 of the mobile terminal 1. [Figure 13] This diagram shows an example of the display content of the display unit 15 of the mobile terminal 1. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of how to display information to enable the transmission of connection information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] [Overview] Figure 1 shows an example of printer 2 being connected to access point 4 via wireless LAN, while Figure 2 shows an example of printer 2 not being connected to access point 4.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a printer 2, a network 3, and an access point 4 for wireless LAN connection to network 3. In this example in Figure 1, printer 2 is set to STA mode and is wirelessly connected to access point 4. As a result, printer 2 has joined network 3 via access point 4, and the output of printer 2 can be controlled from devices connected to network 3. In addition, information from printer 2 (for example, status information) can be obtained by devices connected to network 3.

[0031] Figure 2 also shows a mobile device 1 capable of wireless communication, in addition to the same printer 2, network 3, and access point 4 as in Figure 1. In this example in Figure 2, one of the printers 2 is connected to the mobile device 1 via BLE (described later). Note that in this example, the printer 2 does not have wireless LAN connection information configured for the access point 4, and is therefore not connected to the wireless LAN.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, in order to connect printer 2 to the desired wireless LAN access point (access point 4 in Figure 1), it is necessary to configure the wireless LAN connection information for access point 4. However, since the wireless LAN connection information is not configured in the factory default settings, it is not possible to connect to access point 4 as is. The mobile terminal 1 of this embodiment is configured to connect to the device to which wireless LAN connection information is to be transmitted (printer 2 in Figure 2) via BLE, as shown in Figure 2, and to transmit wireless LAN connection information to this connected device. The specific configuration of this mobile terminal 1 and printer 2 will be described below.

[0033] [Mobile device 1 hardware configuration] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of mobile terminal 1.

[0034] The mobile terminal 1 includes a CPU 10, RAM 11, ROM 12, EEPROM 13, operation unit 14, display unit 15, communication unit 16, and short-range wireless communication unit 17.

[0035] The CPU 10 controls the mobile terminal 1 by executing programs stored in the ROM 12 and EEPROM 13. The RAM 11 is used as a workspace for the CPU 10 to perform various processes. The EEPROM 13 is a non-volatile memory device that can retain information even when the power to the mobile terminal 1 is turned off.

[0036] The control unit 14 includes the power switch and touch panel of the mobile terminal 1.

[0037] The display unit 15 includes a display (e.g., an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display) that displays various types of information.

[0038] The communication unit 16 controls wireless LAN communication with external devices using a communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.

[0039] The short-range wireless communication unit 17 controls communication with external devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), one of the communication methods of the Bluetooth® standard.

[0040] [Printer 2 Hardware Configuration] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of printer 2.

[0041] Printer 2 includes a CPU 20, RAM 21, ROM 22, EEPROM 23, operation unit 24, printing unit 25, communication unit 26, and short-range wireless communication unit 27.

[0042] The CPU 20 controls the printer 2 by executing programs stored in the ROM 22 and EEPROM 23. The RAM 21 is used as a workspace for the CPU 20 to perform various processes. The EEPROM 23 is a non-volatile memory device that can retain information even when the printer 2 is powered off. This EEPROM 23 is used to store various information, such as connection information to the access point.

[0043] The control unit 24 includes a power switch for the printer 2 and an initialization switch for restoring it to its factory default settings.

[0044] The printing unit 25 prints on the loaded paper according to instructions from the CPU 20.

[0045] The communication unit 26 controls wireless LAN communication with external devices using a communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.

[0046] The short-range wireless communication unit 27 controls communication with external devices using BLE.

[0047] [Flowchart for sending connection information by mobile device 1] The EEPROM 13 of the mobile terminal 1 stores a connection information transmission program that sends wireless LAN connection information (SSID and password) necessary for wireless LAN connection to peripheral devices such as the printer 2. The processing of this connection information transmission program will be explained below with reference to diagrams. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the connection information transmission program.

[0048] First, in the initial step S101, the wireless LAN connection information (SSID and password) to be transmitted to peripheral devices is entered into the mobile device 1. For example, in Figure 2, the information for connecting to access point 4 is entered.

[0049] When entering this wireless LAN connection information, the wireless LAN connection history of the mobile device 1 may be used. For example, the SSID and password for the wireless LAN to which the mobile device 1 is currently connected or the most recently connected access point may be automatically entered into the input field. Alternatively, the connection history of access points may be displayed, and selecting one from the list may automatically enter the SSID and password into the input field. Such a configuration can reduce the burden of input work for the user. Of course, the user may also enter a different SSID instead of using the automatically entered SSID.

[0050] Alternatively, when entering wireless LAN connection information, the SSID and password entered during the previous execution of this connection information transmission program can be saved to the mobile device 1, and this saved SSID and password can be automatically entered into the input fields when the connection information transmission program is executed again. This configuration also reduces the burden of input work for the user.

[0051] In step S102, wireless communication using BLE is initiated.

[0052] In step S103, data (advertisement packets) broadcast from peripheral devices according to BLE are received, and candidates for peripheral devices to which wireless LAN connection information will be transmitted are searched based on the information contained in these advertisement packets. In this embodiment, peripheral devices that are found to have no wireless LAN connection information set based on the information contained in the advertisement packets are selected as candidates. In addition, when selecting peripheral devices as candidates, the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) at the time of receiving the advertisement packet is also obtained for each peripheral device.

[0053] In step S104, it is determined whether any of the peripheral device candidates found in step S103 have an RSSI value that exceeds a certain threshold. If there are candidates that meet this condition, the process proceeds to step S105; otherwise, the process returns to step S103.

[0054] In step S105, among the candidate peripheral devices found in step S103, the peripheral device with the highest RSSI value is set as the target for transmitting wireless LAN connection information.

[0055] In step S106, a BLE connection is established with the peripheral device configured in step S105.

[0056] In step S107, the wireless LAN connection information entered in step S101 is sent to the peripheral device that was connected via BLE in step S106.

[0057] In step S108, the connection with the peripheral device that was established via BLE in step S106 is disconnected.

[0058] In step S109, the program accepts an operation to decide whether to continue the process of setting wireless LAN connection information for peripheral devices. If the program accepts a continuation operation, it returns to step S103. If the program accepts a termination operation, it terminates this connection information transmission program.

[0059] [Flowchart for wireless connection of printer 2] The operation of printer 2 when powered on will be explained below using diagrams. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of wireless connection when printer 2 is powered on. In printer 2, the programs for each of the above processes are stored in ROM 22, and when printer 2 is powered on, the CPU 20 reads and executes these programs.

[0060] First, in the initial step S201, if wireless LAN connection information is present in the EEPROM23, the process proceeds to step S210; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0061] Step S202 initiates wireless communication using BLE.

[0062] In step S203, an advertised packet is broadcast using BLE.

[0063] In step S204, it is determined whether or not there is a request for a BLE connection from mobile terminal 1. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S205; otherwise, the process returns to step S203.

[0064] In step S205, a BLE connection is established with the requested mobile terminal 1. In this embodiment, a configuration (Just Works) is adopted in which the mobile terminal 1 is authenticated without user intervention.

[0065] In step S206, it is determined whether or not wireless LAN connection information has been received from the BLE-connected mobile terminal 1. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S207; otherwise, step S206 is repeated.

[0066] In step S207, the wireless LAN connection information received in step S206 is stored in the EEPROM23, and the process proceeds to step S208.

[0067] In step S208, the process of connecting to the access point corresponding to the wireless LAN connection information stored in EEPROM23 is executed (STA mode).

[0068] In step S209, the result of the connection to the access point in step S208 is printed, and the wireless connection process for powering on printer 2 is terminated.

[0069] On the other hand, if wireless LAN connection information is present in the EEPROM23 when the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S210 to execute the connection process to the access point corresponding to the wireless LAN connection information stored in the EEPROM23 (STA mode), and the wireless connection process when the printer 2 is powered on is terminated.

[0070] In this embodiment, the printer 2 stores wireless LAN connection information in EEPROM, but the storage medium for wireless LAN connection information is not limited to this example; for example, it may be FlashROM.

[0071] [Example of setting wireless LAN connection information for printer 2] Based on the above explanation, the following diagram illustrates an example of setting wireless LAN connection information for printer 2.

[0072] Figure 7 is an example of a timing chart for setting wireless LAN connection information for printer 2. Figure 7 shows the operations and communication interactions of mobile terminal 1, printer 2 (first and second units), and access point 4. Figures 8 to 11 show the status at each timing in the timing chart of Figure 7. Figure 12 shows an example of the display content of the display unit 15 of mobile terminal 1.

[0073] First, the mobile terminal 1 starts the connection information transmission program (hereinafter referred to as timing (A)). Figure 8 shows that at timing (A), the mobile terminal 1 is located at a distance from each printer 2 (a distance at which the RSSI does not exceed a certain threshold value). Then, according to this connection information transmission program, the wireless LAN connection information (SSID and password) is entered (step S101 in Figure 5). Figure 12(A) shows an example of the input screen at this time. Subsequently, BLE wireless communication is started, and candidates for transmitting wireless LAN connection information are searched for (steps S102 to S104 in Figure 5).

[0074] Meanwhile, printers 2 (first and second) are powered on, and since no connection information is set in the EEPROM 23, the process of sending advertised packets via BLE is repeated (steps S203 and S204 in Figure 6). Upon receiving these advertised packets, the mobile terminal 1 makes both printers 2 candidates for sending wireless LAN connection information. Note that although printer 2 is already connected to the wireless LAN in Figures 8 to 11, this printer 2 is excluded from the candidates for sending information. Figure 12(B) shows an example of a screen prompting the user to move closer to the candidate printer 2.

[0075] In the above state, mobile terminal 1 approaches the first printer 2, and the RSSI value corresponding to the advertised packet of the first printer 2 exceeds a certain threshold value (hereinafter referred to as timing (B)). Figure 9 shows that a BLE connection has been established between mobile terminal 1 and the first printer 2 as of this timing (B). Once this BLE connection is established, wireless LAN connection information is sent from mobile terminal 1 to the first printer 2 (steps S104 to S107 in Figure 5, and steps S204 and S205 in Figure 6). Figure 12(C) shows an example of a screen while wireless LAN connection information is being sent to the connected printer 2.

[0076] Upon receiving the wireless LAN connection information, the first printer 2 stores and sets this information in its EEPROM 23, and uses this information to establish a wireless LAN connection to access point 4 (steps S207 and S208 in Figure 6). The result of this wireless LAN connection is then printed (step S209 in Figure 6). Figure 12(D) shows an example of a screen displaying a message prompting the user to confirm the print contents after the transmission of the wireless LAN connection information is complete.

[0077] Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 1 that sent the wireless LAN connection information disconnects the BLE connection with the first printer 2, and then accepts an operation to continue or end the wireless LAN connection information transmission process. Figure 12(D) shows an example of a screen displaying the continue and end buttons for the wireless LAN connection information transmission process. Here, in the example of Figure 7, we assume that the continue operation (operation of the continue button in Figure 12(D)) was performed. This operation causes the search for candidates for wireless LAN connection information transmission targets to be performed again (steps S109, S103-S104 in Figure 5). Figure 10 shows the mobile terminal 1 moving away from the first printer 2 to the second printer 2. Note that although Figure 10 shows a printer 2 that is already connected to the wireless LAN between the first printer 2 and the second printer 2, this printer 2 is excluded from the candidates for transmission targets.

[0078] Subsequently, mobile terminal 1 approaches the second printer 2, and the RSSI value corresponding to the advertisement packet of the second printer 2 exceeds a certain threshold value (hereinafter referred to as timing (C)). Figure 11 shows that at this timing (C), a BLE connection has been established between mobile terminal 1 and the second printer 2. With this BLE connection established, wireless LAN connection information is set in the same way as with the first printer.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the connection information transmission program continues only after the user continues operation. However, the connection information transmission program may also continue without requiring user operation after transmitting connection information to the peripheral device. In this configuration, connection information can be transmitted to the next peripheral device while the previous peripheral device is setting its connection information, allowing for smooth transmission of connection information to multiple peripheral devices. In this case, the connection information transmission program can be terminated as needed by providing a separate termination button.

[0080] Furthermore, while Figure 12(B) above illustrates an example of a screen prompting the user to move closer to printer 2, a candidate for transmission, the display of how close the user should be could be made clearer. For example, Figure 13(A) shows an example where the signal strength indicators for both printer 2 and information terminal 1 are displayed as a circular gradient, and a meter M indicating how close the user should be is displayed on the right side of the screen. In this meter M, the current signal strength (corresponding to the RSSI value) is displayed in a cross-hatched area, and the signal strength corresponding to the distance at which connection information will be transmitted (corresponding to a certain reference value) is displayed in a larger circle P. Figure 13(B) shows the state where information terminal 1 has moved close enough to printer 2 to reach the distance at which connection information will be transmitted (the cross-hatched area extends beyond circle P). Figure 13(B) also shows that the image of printer 2 changes as the user approaches.

[0081] Furthermore, if incorrect connection information is sent to printer 2 during the above process, it may connect to an unintended access point or fail to connect to any access point at all. This situation can be confirmed from the print content, and it can be determined that the solution is to reset printer 2 to its initial state, for example.

[0082] As described above, this embodiment employs a configuration in which pre-configured wireless LAN connection information is transmitted simply by bringing the mobile terminal 1 close to the printer 2. With this configuration, even if there are multiple printers 2, the wireless LAN connection information can be easily configured simply by bringing the mobile terminal 1 close to the printer 2. Then, by checking the connection result based on the wireless LAN connection information printed from the printer 2, it is possible to confirm that the wireless LAN connection information has been sent from the mobile terminal 1 to the printer 2, and it is also possible to confirm whether the wireless LAN connection was successful or unsuccessful from the printed content.

[0083] [Regarding technical concepts and variations] The following describes the technical concepts and other possible configurations, referring to the embodiments using the mobile terminal 1 and printer 2 described above. Configurations corresponding to those in the embodiments are indicated in parentheses.

[0084] The mobile device 1 described above is An information terminal (e.g., mobile terminal 1) capable of wireless communication with a peripheral device (e.g., printer 2) using a first communication method (e.g., BLE), The information terminal can acquire an index (e.g., RSSI value) corresponding to the distance to peripheral devices using a first communication method. Based on the indicator reaching a predetermined value (a value corresponding to a predetermined strength of RSSI), the peripheral device transmits connection information (e.g., SSID and password) necessary for network connection using a second communication method (e.g., STA mode) to the peripheral device.

[0085] In the above configuration, peripheral devices can continuously transmit connection information necessary for network connection using the second communication method simply by bringing the information terminal close to the peripheral device, making it easy to configure the connection information.

[0086] In the example above, RSSI is used as an indicator corresponding to the distance between the information terminal and the peripheral device, and the transmission of connection information is triggered when this value reaches a predetermined value. However, this indicator can be any one that can determine when the information terminal has approached the peripheral device (the distance between the information terminal and the peripheral device). In other words, this indicator is not limited to one that uses radio wave strength like RSSI, but may also be one that measures the time it takes for the peripheral device to respond to a request from the information terminal. Alternatively, a mechanism that measures the distance itself (for example, phase-based ranging) may be used. The predetermined value can be set appropriately according to the work situation, for example, by setting a value that corresponds to when the distance between the information terminal and the peripheral device is about 1m.

[0087] In the above embodiment, BLE was used as an example of the first communication method, and STA mode (IEEE 802.11 series standard) was used as an example of the second communication method. However, these communication methods are just examples, and other standards such as WiFi Direct (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wireless USB may also be used. In order to achieve the above effects, the communication method is not limited to standards or modes, and any configuration in which the connection information necessary for network connection using the second communication method is transmitted to the peripheral device using the first communication method when the distance indicator in the first communication method reaches a predetermined value is acceptable.

[0088] Note that the mobile terminal 1 is just one example of an information terminal, and may be an information terminal such as a desktop PC, notebook PC, or tablet, and is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. Also, the printer 2 is just one example of a peripheral device, and is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment as long as it connects to a network using the second communication method.

[0089] In the above embodiment of the information terminal (mobile terminal 1), a configuration is adopted in which connection information (wireless LAN connection information) is transmitted to the peripheral device with the largest value (closest) among those whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value (RSSI value exceeds a certain standard value). However, a configuration may also be adopted in which connection information (wireless LAN connection information) is transmitted uniformly to peripheral devices whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value (peripheral devices within a certain range from the information terminal). In this configuration, connection information can be transmitted uniformly to multiple peripheral devices near the information terminal, which may improve convenience.

[0090] In the information terminal (mobile terminal 1) of the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which connection information (wireless LAN connection information) is transmitted to the peripheral device (printer 2) without requiring any user operation when the distance indicator reaches a predetermined value (when the RSSI value exceeds a certain reference value). With this configuration, the user can transmit connection information to the peripheral device simply by moving the information terminal (mobile terminal 1), making network setup work efficient and easy. In addition, this configuration may be configured to include a waiting time between when the distance indicator reaches a predetermined value and when the connection information is transmitted. By including this waiting time, setup work can be performed reliably one device at a time. Regarding the configuration of this waiting time, the waiting time may be considered to have elapsed and connection information may be transmitted when the state in which the distance indicator has reached a predetermined value continues for a certain period of time, or the waiting time may be considered to have elapsed and connection information may be transmitted when the cumulative time in which the distance indicator has reached a predetermined value has elapsed for a certain period of time.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment of the information terminal (mobile terminal 1), a configuration is adopted in which connection information (wireless LAN connection information) is transmitted to the peripheral device (printer 2) without requiring user operation when the distance indicator reaches a predetermined value (when the RSSI value exceeds a certain reference value). However, a configuration that requires user operation when transmitting connection information is also possible. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which some kind of notification is given when the distance indicator reaches a predetermined value, and the connection information is transmitted to the peripheral device when the user performs a transmission permission operation on the information terminal in response to this notification. As for the notification at this time, for example, the notification may be given by outputting a sound, or if the information terminal has a vibration function, the notification may be given by vibrating. Also, the transmission permission operation may be the operation of a hardware button rather than a button displayed on the screen, or a gesture operation such as shaking the smartphone. With the above-mentioned notification and transmission permission operation, the user does not need to check the screen, so the setting work can be easily performed.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment of the information terminal (mobile terminal 1), a configuration is adopted in which connection information is not set from the information contained in the information from the peripheral device (advertisement packet from printer 2) using the first communication method and connection information is transmitted. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which a transmission request information indicating that the peripheral device is a target for transmission is sent from the peripheral device to the information terminal, and connection information is transmitted when this transmission request information is received. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which connection information is transmitted to the peripheral device when the distance indicator reaches a predetermined value (when the RSSI value exceeds a certain standard value) and the peripheral device has received a transmission request information indicating that the peripheral device is a target for transmission according to the first communication method. Conditions for the peripheral device to send a transmission request information include when the corresponding button on the peripheral device is pressed, when connection information is not set, when it has been set as a target for connection in advance by a setting command, when a certain amount of time has passed since the peripheral device was started up without connecting to the network, when the cover of the peripheral device is open, etc.

[0093] Furthermore, while the information terminal (mobile terminal 1) in the above embodiment employs a configuration in which a predetermined value does not change, it is also possible to configure it so that this predetermined value changes depending on the situation. For example, it is possible to configure it so that the predetermined value changes as the number of peripheral devices being searched increases. For example, to address the problem that it becomes difficult to know which peripheral device is being configured as the number of peripheral devices increases, it is possible to configure it so that the predetermined value changes according to the value of the distance indicator when the distance between the information terminal and the peripheral device becomes close. In this configuration, it is necessary to bring the information terminal closer to the peripheral device, so the configuration work can be performed more reliably. Alternatively, for example, if the distance indicator of a searched peripheral device does not reach a predetermined value for a certain period of time, it is possible to configure it so that the predetermined value changes according to the value of the distance indicator when the distance between the information terminal and the peripheral device becomes far. In this configuration, even if the distance is determined to be far depending on the model and environment, it becomes possible to perform the configuration work because the range in which peripheral devices can be targeted for transmission is expanded.

[0094] Furthermore, in the information terminal (mobile terminal 1) of the above embodiment, information from peripheral devices (advertisement packets from printer 2) is used via the first communication method. However, by using model information from peripheral devices via the first communication method, the configuration work for the second communication method can be made more efficient. For example, to accommodate changes in the communication standards of peripheral devices or model upgrades, a process to set the communication standard of the second communication method may be executed according to the model information from the peripheral device. By adopting this configuration, configuration work suitable for peripheral devices can be performed without the user being aware of it. Note that the configuration is not limited to using advertisement packets; a configuration may also be used in which model information is received while connected via the first communication method (BLE connection in the above example), and connection information corresponding to each peripheral device is transmitted according to this model information.

[0095] Furthermore, in the information terminal (mobile terminal 1) of the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which connection information is not set from the information contained in the information from peripheral devices (advertisement packets from printer 2) using the first communication method and connection information is transmitted. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the communication setting information of the peripheral device is used to determine whether or not to transmit the information. By using the communication setting information, if a peripheral device whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value is capable of transmitting connection information, the system will connect to the peripheral device (BLE connection in the above example) and transmit the connection information, as in the above embodiment. On the other hand, if a peripheral device whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value is not capable of transmitting connection information, the system will not transmit the connection information. For example, the advertised packets in the above embodiment may be configured to include various communication setting information such as "Wireless LAN connection information not set," "Wireless LAN connection information set," and "Wireless LAN connection information cannot be set (for example, a model that cannot simultaneously connect to wired LAN and wireless LAN is already connected via wired LAN)." If a peripheral device is determined to be unable to send connection information based on this communication setting information, it may be configured not to send connection information. In addition, information to enable the sending of connection information (for example, an address to a web page describing a reset method or solution) may be displayed. For example, when approaching printer 2 with already set wireless LAN connection information (for example, printer 2 in the middle of Figure 10), a screen like that shown in Figure 14(A) may be displayed to prompt access to information to enable the sending of connection information (in this case, a reset method). Also, for example, when approaching printer 2 connected to a wired LAN, a screen like that shown in Figure 14(B) may be displayed to show information to enable the use of the wireless LAN. In the configuration described above, connection information may be transmitted when the terminal approaches a peripheral device, as shown in Figure 12(D), or information enabling the transmission of connection information may be displayed, as shown in Figures 14(A) and 14(B). The information enabling the transmission of connection information may be configured to display information transmitted from the peripheral device after the information terminal has connected to the peripheral device using the first communication method, or it may be configured to display information held by the information terminal without the information terminal connecting to the peripheral device using the first communication method.

[0096] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 14(A) above, the state in which wireless LAN connection information is already configured was described as a state in which connection information cannot be transmitted. However, even if wireless LAN connection information is already configured, it may be treated as a state in which connection information can be transmitted. For example, a printer 2 that already has wireless LAN connection information configured may be designated as a candidate for transmitting connection information, and when new wireless LAN connection information is sent to this printer 2, the previously configured wireless LAN connection information may be overwritten with the new wireless LAN connection information.

[0097] In the above explanation, we described a configuration in which the information terminal receives transmission request information, model information, and communication setting information from peripheral devices before connecting with them using the first communication method (a configuration using advertisement packets from printer 2). However, it is also possible to configure the terminal to receive this information (transmission request information, model information, and communication setting information) after connecting using the first communication method based on a distance indicator (BLE connection in the above example), and then transmit connection information according to this information. Specifically, by connecting using the first communication method (BLE connection in the above example) to a peripheral device whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value, and then receiving transmission request information, model information, or communication setting information, it is possible to transmit connection information according to this information, or to use a transmission method appropriate to the model information, or even to display information that enables the transmission of connection information without transmitting the connection information itself. In other words, the transmission of transmission request information, model information, and communication setting information from peripheral devices only needs to be done using the first communication method, and in the above example, it may be configured to transmit after a BLE connection, or it may be configured to transmit using advertisement packets before a BLE connection. Even in this case, the system can be configured to connect to peripheral devices whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value (BLE connection in the example above) and transmit connection information, while not transmitting connection information if the peripheral device whose distance indicator has reached a predetermined value is unable to transmit connection information.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the peripheral device is a printer, and the configuration is such that it prints the network connection status after receiving connection information. In this configuration, it is possible to confirm that connection information has been sent from the information terminal, and to verify whether the connection information is correct from the printed content. Note that the configuration is not limited to printing the network connection status from the peripheral device; the information terminal may also be able to check the network connection status of the peripheral device. For example, after the connection information is sent, the connection status of the peripheral device may be received by advertising packets or the like, and this may be displayed on the information terminal. Alternatively, after the connection information is sent, the connection may be reconnected to the peripheral device, the connection status may be received, and this may be displayed on the information terminal.

[0099] [Configuration related to USB printer settings] Typically, when using a printer, a printer driver is installed on the information terminal to process print requests from applications. This allows applications running on the information terminal to print using the connected printer. In this situation where a printer driver is essential for using a printer, various software, including printer configuration tools, are often installed along with it, leading to the problem of increased data volume. Furthermore, even if the data volume can be reduced by unifying the libraries of these software, it becomes difficult to separate the software groups, resulting in problems such as the need for a printer driver even when only the configuration tool is required.

[0100] This section describes the operation of a configuration tool that does not require a printer driver for USB-connected printers. This configuration tool performs the following actions:

[0101] 1. List (search for) USB printers in the registry. 2. Select the USB printer you want to configure from the search results. 3. Obtain the USB port of the selected USB printer. 4. Send and receive configuration information to the acquired USB port. The configuration tool described above allows you to configure USB-connected printers without requiring a printer driver. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Mobile device 2 Printer 3 Network 4 Access Points

Claims

1. An information terminal capable of wireless communication with peripheral devices using a first communication method, The information terminal is capable of acquiring an index corresponding to the distance to the peripheral device using the first communication method, The information terminal transmits connection information necessary for the peripheral device to connect to the network using a second communication method, based on the indicator reaching a predetermined value. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

2. An information terminal according to claim 1, The information terminal transmits the connection information to the peripheral device without requiring any user operation when the indicator reaches the predetermined value. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

3. An information terminal according to claim 2, The information terminal transmits the connection information to each of the multiple peripheral devices one by one when there are multiple peripheral devices to which the connection information is to be transmitted, and includes a waiting period between the transmission of one connection piece of information and the transmission of the next connection piece of information. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

4. An information terminal according to claim 1, The information terminal transmits the connection information to the peripheral device when both of the following conditions are met: the indicator reaches the predetermined value and the terminal receives transmission request information indicating that the peripheral device is the target of transmission, in accordance with the first communication method. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

5. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The information terminal changes the predetermined value according to the number of peripheral devices that are in a state where wireless communication is possible using the first communication method. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

6. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The information terminal receives model information of the peripheral device in accordance with the first communication method and transmits information for setting the communication standard of the second communication method based on the model information. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

7. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The information terminal receives communication setting information of the peripheral device in accordance with the first communication method and determines whether or not to include the peripheral device as a target for transmitting connection information based on the communication setting information. An information terminal characterized by the following features.

8. A peripheral device capable of communicating with an information terminal as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, The peripheral device prints the network connection status based on receiving the connection information from the information terminal. Peripheral devices characterized by the following features.

9. A program executed on an information terminal capable of wireless communication with peripheral devices using a first communication method, The information terminal is capable of acquiring an index corresponding to the distance to the peripheral device using the first communication method, The program causes the information terminal to perform the following actions based on the indicator reaching a predetermined value: transmitting connection information necessary for network connection using a second communication method to the peripheral device. A program characterized by the following features.

10. A method for transmitting connection information using an information terminal capable of wireless communication with peripheral devices using a first communication method, The information terminal is capable of acquiring an index corresponding to the distance to the peripheral device using the first communication method, The system includes a connection information transmission step in which, based on the aforementioned indicator reaching a predetermined value, the peripheral device transmits connection information necessary for network connection using a second communication method to the peripheral device. A method for transmitting connection information characterized by the following features.

Images