Computer program for a function execution device and a terminal device

Abstract

To provide techniques for controlling communication of target information between a function execution device and a terminal device depending on the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device.SOLUTION: A function execution device comprises a first radio interface that can repeatedly transmit an advertising signal. The function execution device changes the field strength for advertising signal transmission from a first field strength to a second field strength that is weaker than the first field strength when receiving a particular signal from a terminal device that received a first advertising signal at the first field strength, receives a first connection request from a terminal device that received a second advertising signal at the second field strength, establishes a first radio connection with the terminal device, and uses the first radio connection to perform communication of target information for utilizing a particular function of the function execution device with the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technology for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) Low Energy) method between a function execution device and a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device that performs pairing according to the BLE method with an information processing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technology for controlling the communication of target information between a function execution device and a terminal device according to the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device.

[0005] The function execution device disclosed by this specification is a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method, and the first wireless interface capable of repeatedly transmitting an advertising signal, after a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, a specific signal receiving unit that receives a specific signal from the terminal device that has received the first advertising signal via the first wireless interface, when the specific signal is received from the terminal device, a first changing unit that changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity, after a second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, a first connection request receiving unit that receives a first connection request from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal via the first wireless interface, when the first connection request is received from the terminal device, a first establishing unit that establishes a first wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface, and when the first wireless connection with the terminal device is established, a target information communication unit that performs communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the terminal device via the first wireless interface using the first wireless connection may be provided.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the function execution device receives a specific signal from the terminal device after transmitting a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity, the function execution device changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity. As a result, if the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device does not decrease, the terminal device cannot receive a second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity from the function execution device. When the function execution device receives a first connection request from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal due to the decrease in the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device, the function execution device establishes a first wireless connection with the terminal device. Then, the function execution device performs communication of target information with the terminal device using the first wireless connection. In this way, the function execution device can control the communication of target information with the terminal device according to the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device.

[0007] Other function execution devices disclosed by this specification include a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method, the first wireless interface capable of repeatedly transmitting an advertising signal, a second connection request receiving unit for receiving a second connection request from a terminal device that has received the first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity via the first wireless interface after the first advertising signal using the first radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, a second establishment unit for establishing a second wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface when the second connection request is received from the terminal device, a first change unit for changing the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity when the second wireless connection with the terminal device is established, a first connection request receiving unit for receiving a first connection request from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity via the first wireless interface after the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, a first establishment unit for establishing a first wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface when the first connection request is received from the terminal device, and a target information communication unit for performing communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the terminal device via the first wireless interface using the first wireless connection when the first wireless connection with the terminal device is established.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the function execution device receives a first connection request from the terminal device and establishes a second wireless connection with the terminal device after transmitting a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity, the function execution device changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity. As a result, if the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device does not decrease, the terminal device cannot receive a second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity from the function execution device. When the function execution device receives a first connection request from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal due to the decrease in the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device, the function execution device establishes a first wireless connection with the terminal device. Then, the function execution device performs communication of target information with the terminal device using the first wireless connection. In this way, the function execution device can control the communication of target information with the terminal device according to the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device.

[0009] A computer program for a terminal device disclosed by this specification causes the computer of the terminal device to function as the following units: a first advertising signal receiving unit that receives a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity from a function execution device via a wireless interface of the terminal device, where the wireless interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method; a specific signal transmitting unit that transmits a specific signal to the function execution device via the wireless interface after the first advertising signal is received from the function execution device; a second advertising signal receiving unit that receives a second advertising signal using a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity from the function execution device via the wireless interface after the specific signal is transmitted to the function execution device; a connection request transmitting unit that transmits a connection request to the function execution device via the wireless interface after the second advertising signal is received from the function execution device, and a wireless connection with the function execution device is established via the wireless interface in response to the connection request being transmitted to the function execution device; and a target information communication unit that, when the wireless connection with the function execution device is established, performs communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the function execution device via the wireless interface using the wireless connection.

[0010] According to the above configuration, after the terminal device receives the first advertising signal using the first radio wave intensity from the function execution device, it transmits a specific signal to the function execution device. As a result, in the function execution device, the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal is changed from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity. Thus, if the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device does not become smaller, the terminal device cannot receive the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity from the function execution device. Due to the decrease in the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device, the terminal device transmits a connection request to the function execution device after receiving the second advertising signal from the function execution device. As a result, a wireless connection with the function execution device is established. Then, the terminal device performs communication of target information with the function execution device using the wireless connection. In this way, the terminal device can control the communication of target information with the function execution device according to the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device.

[0011] Other computer programs for the terminal device disclosed by this specification cause the computer of the terminal device to function as the following respective parts, that is, a first advertising signal receiving unit that receives a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity from a function execution device via the wireless interface of the terminal device, where the wireless interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method; a second connection request transmitting unit that transmits a second connection request to the terminal device via the wireless interface after the first advertising signal is received from the function execution device, and a second wireless connection with the function execution device is established via the wireless interface in response to the second connection request being transmitted to the function execution device; a second advertising signal receiving unit that receives a second advertising signal using a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity from the function execution device via the wireless interface after the second wireless connection with the function execution device is established; a first connection request transmitting unit that transmits a first connection request to the function execution device via the wireless interface after the second advertising signal is received from the function execution device, and a first wireless connection with the function execution device is established via the wireless interface in response to the first connection request being transmitted to the function execution device; and a target information communication unit that, when the first wireless connection with the function execution device is established, uses the first wireless connection to perform communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the function execution device via the wireless interface.

[0012] According to the above configuration, after the terminal device receives the first advertising signal using the first radio wave intensity from the function execution device, it transmits a second connection request to the function execution device. As a result, a second wireless connection with the function execution device is established, and in the function execution device, the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal is changed from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity. Thus, if the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device does not decrease, the terminal device cannot receive the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity from the function execution device. Due to the decrease in the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device, after the terminal device receives the second advertising signal from the function execution device, it transmits a first connection request to the function execution device. As a result, a first wireless connection with the function execution device is established. Then, the terminal device uses the first wireless connection to execute communication of target information with the function execution device. In this way, the terminal device can control the communication of target information with the function execution device according to the distance between the function execution device and the terminal device.

[0013] The computer program for realizing the above function execution device, the computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, and the method executed by the above function execution device are also novel and useful. The computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program of the above terminal device, the above terminal device itself, and the method executed by the above terminal device are also novel and useful. Also, the system including the above function execution device and the above terminal device is also novel and useful. The matters described in the claims at the time of filing are listed below. (Item 1) A function execution device, A first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method, the first wireless interface capable of repeatedly transmitting an advertising signal, A specific signal receiving unit that receives a specific signal from a terminal device that has received the first advertising signal via the first wireless interface after the first advertising signal using the first radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, A first changing unit that, when the specific signal is received from the terminal device, changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity, A first connection request receiving unit that receives a first connection request from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal via the first wireless interface after the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, A first establishing unit that establishes a first wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface when the first connection request is received from the terminal device, A target information communication unit that, when the first wireless connection with the terminal device is established, performs communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the terminal device via the first wireless interface using the first wireless connection, A function execution device comprising the above. (Item 2) The function execution device further comprises A second connection request receiving unit that receives a second connection request from the terminal device that has received the first advertising signal via the first wireless interface, A second establishing unit that establishes the second wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface when the second connection request is received from the terminal device, A disconnection unit that disconnects the second wireless connection, and The function execution device according to Item 1, wherein the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface after the second wireless connection is disconnected. (Item 3) The specific signal receiving unit is the function execution device according to item 2, which receives the specific signal from the terminal device by using the second wireless connection. (Item 4) The function execution device according to item 3, wherein the specific signal is a Write Request signal including an instruction to change the radio wave intensity. (Item 5) A function execution device, a first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method, and the first wireless interface capable of repeatedly transmitting an advertising signal, a second connection request receiving unit that receives a second connection request from the terminal device that has received the first advertising signal via the first wireless interface after the first advertising signal using the first radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, a second establishment unit that establishes a second wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface when the second connection request is received from the terminal device, a first change unit that changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity when the second wireless connection with the terminal device is established, a first connection request receiving unit that receives a first connection request from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal via the first wireless interface after the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface, a first establishment unit that establishes a first wireless connection with the terminal device via the first wireless interface when the first connection request is received from the terminal device, a target information communication unit that executes communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the terminal device via the first wireless interface by using the first wireless connection when the first wireless connection with the terminal device is established, A function execution device comprising the above. (Item 6) The function execution device further comprises a disconnection unit that disconnects the second wireless connection, The function execution device according to item 5, wherein the second advertising signal using the second radio wave intensity is transmitted from the first wireless interface after the second wireless connection is disconnected. (Item 7) The function execution device further includes a disconnection instruction receiving unit that receives a disconnection instruction from the terminal device via the first wireless interface using the second wireless connection. The disconnection unit disconnects the second wireless connection when the disconnection instruction is received from the terminal device. The function execution device according to any one of items 2 to 4 and 6. (Item 8) The first advertising signal includes first identification information for identifying the function execution device. The function execution device further includes an identification information communication unit that communicates with the terminal device using the second wireless connection via the first wireless interface, and transmits second identification information for identifying the function execution device, which is different from the first identification information. The second advertising signal includes the second identification information. The function execution device according to any one of items 2 to 7. (Item 9) The function execution device further includes an encryption key communication unit that executes encryption key communication with the terminal device using the second wireless connection via the first wireless interface. The target information communication unit executes communication of the target information encrypted by the encryption key with the terminal device using the first wireless connection. The function execution device according to any one of items 2 to 8. (Item 10) The function execution device further includes a second wireless interface different from the first wireless interface. The target information includes information for establishing a third wireless connection between the function execution device and the terminal device via the second wireless interface. The function execution device according to any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) The function execution device further includes a printing execution unit, an image data receiving unit that receives, when the third wireless connection is established, image data representing an image to be printed from the terminal device via the second wireless interface using the third wireless connection, and a printing control unit that causes the printing execution unit to execute printing of the image represented by the image data when the image data is received from the terminal device. The specific function is a function of executing printing of the image. The function execution device according to item 10. (Item 12) The function execution device further The functional execution device according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising a second changing unit that changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the advertising signal from the second radio wave intensity to the first radio wave intensity after the communication of the target information is executed. (Item 13) A computer program for a terminal device, which causes the computer of the terminal device to function as the following units, namely, a first advertising signal receiving unit that receives a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity from a functional execution device via a wireless interface of the terminal device, wherein the wireless interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard; the first advertising signal receiving unit; a specific signal transmitting unit that transmits a specific signal to the functional execution device via the wireless interface after the first advertising signal is received from the functional execution device; a second advertising signal receiving unit that receives a second advertising signal using a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity from the functional execution device via the wireless interface after the specific signal is transmitted to the functional execution device; a connection request transmitting unit that transmits a connection request to the functional execution device via the wireless interface after the second advertising signal is received from the functional execution device, wherein a wireless connection with the functional execution device is established via the wireless interface in response to the connection request being transmitted to the functional execution device; the connection request transmitting unit; a target information communication unit that, when the wireless connection with the functional execution device is established, executes communication of target information for using a specific function of the functional execution device with the functional execution device via the wireless connection using the wireless interface; A computer program that functions as. (Item 14) A computer program for a terminal device, which causes the computer of the terminal device to function as the following units, namely, A first advertising signal receiving unit that receives, from a function execution device, a first advertising signal using a first radio wave intensity via a wireless interface of the terminal device, where the wireless interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) method, the first advertising signal receiving unit; A second connection request transmitting unit that transmits, via the wireless interface, a second connection request to the terminal device after the first advertising signal is received from the function execution device, where a second wireless connection with the function execution device is established via the wireless interface in response to the second connection request being transmitted to the function execution device, the second connection request transmitting unit; A second advertising signal receiving unit that receives, from the function execution device, a second advertising signal using a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity via the wireless interface after the second wireless connection with the function execution device is established; A first connection request transmitting unit that transmits, via the wireless interface, a first connection request to the function execution device after the second advertising signal is received from the function execution device, where a first wireless connection with the function execution device is established via the wireless interface in response to the first connection request being transmitted to the function execution device, the first connection request transmitting unit; A target information communication unit that, when the first wireless connection with the function execution device is established, performs communication of target information for using a specific function of the function execution device with the function execution device via the wireless interface using the first wireless connection; A computer program that functions as such.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] (Configuration of Communication System 2: FIG. 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a mobile terminal 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "terminal 10") and a printer 100. In this embodiment, first, a wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as "BT connection") according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) method is established between the terminal 10 and the printer 100, and information for establishing a wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi connection") according to the Wi-Fi method is transmitted from the printer 100 to the terminal 10. Thereafter, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the terminal 10 and the printer 100. Thus, in this embodiment, it is realized to shift the communication between the terminal 10 and the printer 100 from the communication according to the BT connection to the communication according to the Wi-Fi connection. That is, in this embodiment, a so-called handover (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "HO") from the BT connection to the Wi-Fi connection is realized.

[0016] (Configuration of Terminal 10) The terminal 10 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a PDA, or a tablet PC. The terminal 10 includes a display unit 12, a Wi-Fi interface 14, a BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark) abbreviation) interface 16, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). Hereinafter, the interface will be simply referred to as "I / F".

[0017] The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 12 also functions as a touch panel (i.e., an operation unit) that receives instructions from the user.

[0018] The Wi-Fi I / F 14 is a wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method. The Wi-Fi method is a wireless communication method for performing wireless communication according to, for example, the IEEE (abbreviation for The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto (e.g., 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, etc.). The Wi-Fi I / F 14 particularly supports the WFD (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) method established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in the specification "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The terminal 10 can operate in any of the WFD method's G / O (abbreviation for Group Owner) state, CL (abbreviation for Client) state, and device state. For example, the terminal 10 can operate as a CL in the WFD method and participate as a slave in a wireless network formed by an external device (e.g., printer 100) operating as a G / O in the WFD method.

[0019] The BT I / F 16 is an I / F for performing wireless communication according to the BT method. The BT method is a wireless communication method based on, for example, the IEEE802.15.1 standard and standards conforming thereto. More specifically, the BT I / F 16 supports the BLE method. The BLE method is a standard implemented in versions 4.0 and later of the BT method.

[0020] Describe the differences between the Wi-Fi method and the BT method. The communication speed of the Wi-Fi method (for example, the maximum communication speed is 600 Mbps) is faster than that of the BT method (for example, the maximum communication speed is 24 Mbps). The frequency of the carrier wave in Wi-Fi method communication is in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The frequency of the carrier wave in BT method communication is in the 2.4 GHz band. Also, the maximum distance at which Wi-Fi method communication can be performed (for example, about 100 m) is greater than the maximum distance at which BT method communication can be performed (for example, about several tens of meters).

[0021] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the programs 36, 38 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc., and stores an OS (abbreviation for Operating System) program 36 (hereinafter simply referred to as "OS 36") and a print application 38 (hereinafter simply referred to as "application 38").

[0022] The OS 36 is a program for controlling the basic operations of the terminal 10, and is, for example, iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark). The application 38 is an application for executing HO with the printer 100 and then transmitting image data representing the image to be printed to the printer 100 using Wi-Fi connection. The application 38 may be installed on the terminal 10 from a server on the Internet provided by the vendor of the printer 100, or may be installed on the terminal 10 from a medium shipped together with the printer 100.

[0023] (Configuration of Printer 100) The printer 100 is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function (for example, a peripheral device of the terminal 10). The vendor name, model name, and device name of the printer 100 are "AAA", "BBB", and "CCC", respectively. The printer 100 includes a display unit 112, a Wi-Fi I / F 114, a BT I / F 116, a print execution unit 118, and a control unit 130.

[0024] The display unit 112 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 112 also functions as a touch panel (i.e., an operation unit) that receives instructions from the user. The Wi-Fi I / F 114 is the same as the Wi-Fi I / F 14 of the terminal 10. That is, the Wi-Fi I / F 114 supports the WFD method. The MAC address "WF5678-AAA" is assigned to the Wi-Fi I / F 114. The MAC address includes the vendor name "AAA" of the printer 100. The BT I / F 116 is the same as the BT I / F 16 of the terminal 10. That is, the BT I / F 116 supports the BLE method. The MAC address "BT1234-AAA" is assigned to the BT I / F 116. The MAC address includes the vendor name "AAA" of the printer 100. The printing execution unit 118 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method.

[0025] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes according to the program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc., and stores a protocol stack 138 in addition to the program 136.

[0026] The protocol stack 138 includes a protocol stack compliant with the BLE method and has the hierarchical structure shown in FIG. 1. L2CAP (short for Logical Link Control and Application Protocol) is a stack for establishing a BT connection (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an "L2CAP Link"). SMP (short for Security Manager Protocol) and ATT (short for Attribute Protocol) are upper layers of L2CAP. SMP is a protocol for encrypting information communicated using the BT connection. ATT is a protocol for defining an access method between a server and a client in communication using the BT connection. GATT (short for Generic Attribute Profile) is an upper layer of ATT and is a protocol for defining the functions of a server and a client. GAP (short for Generic Access Profile) is an upper layer of L2CAP, SMP, ATT, and GATT, and is a protocol for defining functions common to each device capable of performing BLE method communication. The Primary Service group is an upper layer of GAP and is an application for defining specific operations related to BLE method communication. Hereinafter, the Primary Service will be simply referred to as "PS".

[0027] (Concept of the PS group: FIG. 2) Referring to FIG. 2, the concept of the PS group included in the protocol stack 138 will be described. The table in FIG. 2 conceptually shows the PS group for ease of understanding and is different from the specific data structure of the PS group. The data structure of the PS group will be described with reference to FIG. 3 after the description of FIG. 2. The PS group is divided into a first type of PS defined by the Bluetooth SIG (i.e., predetermined by the BT method standard) and a second type of PS defined by the vendor of the printer 100.

[0028] (The first type of PS) The first type of PS includes GAP Service 138A (hereinafter simply referred to as "GA138A"). GA138A is a PS for transmitting information regarding BTI / F116. The information includes, for example, the device name "CCC". GA138A is assigned a predetermined UUID "0x1800". GA138A includes a plurality of Characteristics (hereinafter simply referred to as "CH"). CH is information that defines the specific functions of the PS. The plurality of CHs included in GA138A includes the CH "Device Name" that defines the transmission of the device name "CCC". The CH "Device Name" is assigned a predetermined UUID "0x2A00". In Figure 2, the description of other CHs included in GA138A is omitted.

[0029] (The second type of PS) The second type of PS includes WFD Connection 138B (hereinafter simply referred to as "WC138B") and BT Control 138C (hereinafter simply referred to as "BC138C").

[0030] WC138B is a PS for defining the communication of each piece of information for establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to the WFD method, and is assigned a UUID "aaa0" defined by the vendor of the printer 100. The CHs included in WC138B include "Power Control", "Handover Mode MAC Address", "Public Encryption Key", "Connection Information", and "Change Status".

[0031] "Power Control" is a CH (UUID "aaa1") that defines the reception of a Low Power instruction (i.e., writing information to the printer 100) to reduce the radio wave intensity used in BTI / F116. "Handover Mode MAC Address" is a CH (UUID "aaa2") that defines the reception of a MAC address for HO. "Public Encryption Key" is a CH (UUID "aaa3") that defines the reception of an encryption key. "Connection Information" is a CH (UUID "aaa4") that defines the transmission of information (i.e., reading information from the printer 100) to establish a Wi-Fi connection. "Change Status" is a CH (UUID "aaa5") that defines the reception of a WFD start instruction to operate the printer 100 as G / O.

[0032] BC138C is a PS for receiving an instruction to change the state of BTI / F116, and is assigned a UUID "bbb0" defined by the vendor of the printer 100. The CHs included in BC138C include "Paring Control". "Pairing Control" is a CH (UUID "bbb1") that defines the reception of a disconnection instruction to disconnect a BT connection (i.e., an L2CAP Link).

[0033] (Data structure of the PS group: Figure 3) Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the specific data structure of the PS group will be described. The PS group has a table structure in which a Handle, an Attribute Type, an Attribute Value, and an Attribute Permission are associated. The Handle is a serial number starting from "0x0001". In FIG. 3, a part of the data structure after "0x0002" is omitted. For this reason, the Handle after "0x0002" is represented by the symbol "nk (k is an integer of 1 or more)" instead of the actual value. The Attribute Type (hereinafter simply referred to as "AType") is an identifier (i.e., UUID) indicating the type of information of the communication target. The Attribute Value (hereinafter simply referred to as "AValue") indicates the information of the communication target. The Attribute Permisiion (hereinafter simply referred to as "APer") is an item related to SMP, and more specifically, indicates the conditions for permitting the reading of information from the printer 100 or the writing to the printer 100.

[0034] In this embodiment, "Readable without authentication (hereinafter referred to as "RWA")" or "Writeable without authentication (hereinafter referred to as "WWA")" is described in the APer. RWA indicates that authentication is not required when reading information from the printer 100. WWA indicates that authentication is not required when writing information to the printer 100. Although the descriptions of "without encryption" and "without authorization" are omitted, RWA and WWA indicate that neither encryption nor authorization is required when reading or writing information.

[0035] (Type 1 PS) What is included in GA138A is a data group corresponding to the range of Handles from "0x0001" to a predetermined value (the value immediately before "n10"). The data corresponding to Handle "0x0001" is as follows. AType includes the UUID "0x2800" indicating that it is the first data among PSs. AValue includes the UUID "0x1800". APer includes RWA.

[0036] The data corresponding to Handle "0x0002" is as follows. AType includes the UUID "0x2803" indicating CH Declaration. AValue includes the property indicating "Read", Handle "n1", and the UUID "0x2A00". APer includes RWA.

[0037] The data corresponding to Handle "n1" is as follows. Atype includes the UUID "0x2A00" of CH "Device Name". AValue includes the device name "CCC". APer includes RWA.

[0038] Since GA138A has the above data structure, the device name "CCC" in GA138A is read as follows. When the printer 100 (i.e., the server of the BT method) receives a Read By Type Request signal with the UUID "0x2803" specified from a BT method client (e.g., the mobile terminal 10), according to the RWA indicated in the APer corresponding to the UUID "0x2803", it permits reading the AValue corresponding to the UUID "0x2803" (i.e., the property "Read", the Handle "n1", and the UUID "0x2A00"). As a result, the client can receive this information and, based on this information, can know that it is possible to execute reading the information corresponding to the Handle "n1" and the UUID "0x2A00". Then, the client can receive (i.e., read) the device name "CCC" from the printer 100 by sending a Read By Type Request signal with the UUID "0x2A00" to the printer 100.

[0039] (Type 2 PS) WC138B is a data group corresponding to the Handle range "n10" to "n20". The data corresponding to the Handle "n10" is as follows. The AType includes the UUID "0x2800". The AValue includes the UUID "aaa0". The APer includes the RWA.

[0040] The data corresponding to the Handles "n11" to "n15" is as follows. The AType includes the UUID "0x2803". The AValue includes the property "Write" or "Read", a Handle (e.g., "n16"), and a UUID (e.g., "aaa1"). The APer includes the RWA.

[0041] The data corresponding to Handle 「n16」 is as follows. Atype includes the UUID 「aaa1」 of CH 「Power Control」. In AValue, a Low Power instruction is written from the client. Before the information is written, the AValue contains empty information. Therefore, in Figure 3, the information to be written is indicated by a dashed line. APer includes WWA.

[0042] Since the Handle 「n16」 of WC138B has the above data structure, the Low Power instruction is written to the AValue corresponding to Handle 「n16」 as follows. When the printer 100 (i.e., the BT-mode server) receives a Read By Type Request signal with the UUID 「0x2803」 specified from the client (e.g., the mobile terminal 10), it permits the client to read out each AValue corresponding to the UUID 「0x2803」 (i.e., the properties 「Read」 or 「Write」, Handles 「n16」 to 「n20」, and UUIDs 「aaa1」 to 「aaa5」) according to the RWA indicated in the APer corresponding to the UUID 「0x2803」. As a result, the client can start reading out this information and know that it can execute the writing of the information corresponding to Handle 「n16」 and UUID 「aaa1」 based on this information. Then, the client can write the Low Power instruction to the printer 100 by transmitting a Write Request signal specifying Handle 「n16」 and including the Low Power instruction to the printer 100.

[0043] The data corresponding to Handle「n17」~「n20」is as shown respectively. In the AValue corresponding to Handle「n17」,「n18」,「n20」, a MAC address for HO, a cipher key 200, and a WFD start instruction are written respectively. The AValue corresponding to Handle「n19」includes information for establishing a Wi-Fi connection with the printer 100. The information includes the SSID「XXX」of the wireless network in which the printer 100 operates as G / O, the password「YYY」of the wireless network, the MAC address「WF5678-AAA」of the Wi-Fi I / F 114 of the printer 100, and the IP address「192.168.1.1」of the printer 100.

[0044] BC138C is a data group corresponding to the range of Handle「n30」~「n32」. The data corresponding to Handle「n30」~「n32」is as shown respectively. In the AValue corresponding to Handle「n32」, a disconnection instruction is written.

[0045] (Specific processing: Figure 4) Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the specific processing executed by the terminal 10 and the printer 100 will be described. In particular, since the PS group of the printer 100 has the data structure of FIG. 3 above, the CPU 132 of the printer 100 can realize the following processing according to the PS group. Hereinafter, when describing the processing executed by the CPU 32 of the terminal 10 according to the OS 36 or the application 38, the OS 36 or the application 38 will be mainly described. In FIGS. 4 to 7, the communication according to the BT method and the communication according to the Wi-Fi method between the terminal 10 and the printer 100 are indicated by solid lines and broken lines respectively. Also, all the communications in FIGS. 4 to 6 are executed via the BTI / F 16, 116. Therefore, when describing each communication in FIGS. 4 to 6, the description「via the BTI / F 16 (or 116)」will be omitted.

[0046] In T100, the power of the printer 100 is turned on by the user. In this case, the CPU 132 of the printer 100 activates the BTI / F 116. As a result, in T102, the BTI / F 116 repeatedly transmits a first advertising signal using the first radio wave intensity. Here, the first radio wave intensity is an intensity capable of transmitting the advertising signal for 10 m or more. Hereinafter, the advertising signal will be referred to as an "AD signal". The first AD signal includes the MAC address "BT1234-AAA".

[0047] In T110, the user executes an operation to start the application 38, and in T112, the user executes an operation to select an image file representing the image to be printed. The image file selected here may be, for example, a file stored in the memory 34 of the terminal 10 or a file acquired from the outside.

[0048] In T114, the application 38 supplies a reception instruction for instructing the reception of the AD signal to the OS 36. In this case, the OS 36 activates the BTI / F 16 and receives the first AD signal from the printer 100 in T120. In this case, the OS 36 transmits a Scan Request signal to the printer 100 in T122. The signal is a signal for requesting the transmission of the information of the printer 100.

[0049] When the CPU 132 of the printer 100 receives the Scan Request signal from the terminal 10 (T122), it transmits a Scan Response signal including the model name "BBB" and the MAC address "BT1234-AAA" to the terminal 10 in T124.

[0050] When the OS 36 receives the Scan Response signal from the printer 100 (T124), it supplies the model name "BBB" and the MAC address "BT1234-AAA" included in the signal to the application 38 in T126.

[0051] App 38 determines whether printer 100 has a Power change function at T130 by using the information already obtained at T126. Specifically, App 38 first determines whether the obtained MAC address contains the vendor name "AAA" of printer 100. In the case of Fig. 4, App 38 determines that the obtained MAC address contains the vendor name "AAA", and then determines whether the obtained model name is the model name of a printer having a Power change function. This determination is executed based on a model list pre-stored in App 38. The model list contains each model name of printers having a Power change function. In the case of Fig. 4, App 38 determines that the obtained model name is the model name of a printer having a Power change function, and as a result, determines YES at T130 and proceeds to T140.

[0052] When App 38 determines that the obtained MAC address does not contain the vendor name "AAA", or when it determines that the obtained model name is not the model name of a printer having a Power change function, it determines NO at T130 and proceeds to normal processing. Although not shown, the normal processing is processing for executing pairing between terminal 10 and the printer without reducing the radio wave intensity of the AD signal and communicating information for establishing a Wi-Fi connection. Specifically, terminal 10, for example, displays a screen for inputting a PIN code and accepts input of the PIN code displayed on the printer. Then, when the authentication of the PIN code is successful, terminal 10 establishes a BT connection with the printer. Then, terminal 10 uses the BT connection to receive information for establishing a Wi-Fi connection from the printer, and uses the information to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer. After that, terminal 10 uses the Wi-Fi connection to transmit the image file selected at T112 to the printer.

[0053] The processing after T140 is for establishing a BT connection between the terminal 10 and the printer 100 without the user entering the PIN code into the terminal 10. Since there is no need for the user to enter the PIN code, the convenience of the user is improved. At T140, the application 38 displays a connection confirmation screen on the display unit 12. The connection confirmation screen is a screen for asking the user whether to establish a BT connection with the printer 100 having the model name "BBB" acquired at T126, and includes a YES button and a Cancel button.

[0054] At T142, the YES button in the connection confirmation screen is selected by the user. In this case, the application 38 supplies a connection instruction for instructing the establishment of the BT connection to the OS 36 at T143. In this case, the OS 36 transmits a CONNECT_IND signal to the printer 100 at T144.

[0055] When the CPU 132 receives the CONNECT_IND signal from the terminal 10 (at T144), it establishes an L2CAP Link (i.e., BT connection) with the terminal 10 at T146. Then, the CPU 132 instructs the BTI / F 116 to stop transmitting the first AD signal at T148.

[0056] (Continued processing of FIG. 4: FIG. 5) At T200 in FIG. 5, the OS 36 uses the L2CAP Link established at T146 in FIG. 4 to perform communication of structure information with the printer 100. Specifically, the OS 36 receives, from the printer 100, each data (i.e., Handle, AValue, and Aper; see FIG. 3) corresponding to an AType indicating the UUID "0x2800" or "0x2803" among the PS group. Then, at T210, the OS 36 supplies a completion notification indicating that the establishment of the L2CAP Link and the communication of the structure information have been completed to the application 38.

[0057] When the application 38 obtains a completion notification from the OS 36 (T210), at T212, it supplies an information request for requesting the supply of structure information to the OS 36. Then, at T214, the application 38 obtains structure information from the OS 36. Thereby, the application 38 can know the type (i.e., Read or Write), Handle, and UUID of the information to be communicated by referring to the obtained structure information (especially AValue) (refer to AValue in FIG. 3).

[0058] At T220, the application 38 generates a MAC address "9876 - DDD" for HO. The MAC address for HO is generated, for example, by randomly selecting a plurality of characters. Thereby, a unique MAC address for HO is generated.

[0059] At T230, the application 38 supplies a write instruction including Handle "n16" and a Low Power instruction to the OS 36. Thereby, at T232, the OS 36 transmits a Write Request signal including these information to the printer 100.

[0060] When the CPU 132 receives a Write Request signal from the terminal 10 (T232), it stores (i.e., writes) the Low Power instruction as the value of AValue corresponding to Handle "n16". Then, at T234, the CPU 132 supplies the Low Power instruction to the BTI / F116. As a result, in the subsequent process, the BTI / F116 can transmit a second AD signal using a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity (refer to T102 in FIG. 4).

[0061] At T240, the application 38 supplies a write instruction including Handle "n17" and the MAC address "9876 - DDD" for HO generated at T220 to the OS 36. Thereby, at T242, the OS 36 transmits a Write Request signal including these information to the printer 100.

[0062] When the CPU 132 receives a Write Request signal from the terminal 10 (T242), it stores the HO MAC address "9876-DDD" as the value of AValue corresponding to Handle "n17".

[0063] At T250, the application 38 supplies a write instruction including Handle "n18" and a predetermined encryption key 200 to the OS 36. As a result, at T252, the OS 36 transmits a Write Request signal including this information to the printer 100.

[0064] When the CPU 132 receives a Write Request signal from the terminal 10 (T252), it stores the encryption key 200 as the value of AValue corresponding to Handle "n18".

[0065] At T260, the application 38 supplies a write instruction including Handle "n32" and a disconnection instruction to the OS 36. As a result, at T262, the OS 36 transmits a Write Request signal including this information to the printer 100.

[0066] When the CPU 132 receives a Write Request signal from the terminal 10 (T262), it stores the disconnection instruction as the value of AValue corresponding to Handle "n32". Then, at T264, the CPU 132 disconnects the L2CAP Link established at T146 in FIG. 4 by transmitting a disconnection signal to the terminal 10.

[0067] When the application 38 finishes supplying each write instruction to the OS 36 (that is, when T260 ends), at T270, it displays a notification screen on the display unit 12. The notification screen includes a message prompting the user to approach the printer 100 having the model name "BBB" acquired at T126 in FIG. 4. As a result, the user can know that they should approach the printer 100.

[0068] (Subsequent processing of FIG. 5: FIG. 6) When the CPU 132 disconnects the L2CAP Link at T264 in FIG. 5, it supplies the MAC address "9876-DDD" for HO received at T242 in FIG. 5 to the BTI / F116. Thereby, at T302, the BTI / F116 repeatedly transmits a second AD signal including the MAC address "9876-DDD" for HO. At T234 in FIG. 5, a Low Power instruction has already been supplied to the BTI / F116. For this reason, the BTI / F116 transmits a second AD signal using a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity (refer to T102 in FIG. 4). Here, the second radio wave intensity is an intensity capable of transmitting the AD signal less than 10 m, and in this embodiment, it is an intensity capable of transmitting about 1 m.

[0069] At T304, the application 38 supplies a reception instruction to the OS 36. This instruction is the same as the instruction at T114 in FIG. 4. Then, at T310, the terminal 10 approaches the printer 310 until the distance between the terminal 10 and the printer 100 is within the transmission range of the second AD signal. In this case, at T320, the OS 36 receives the second AD signal from the printer 100. T322 to T326 are the same as T122 to T126 in FIG. 4 except that "9876-DDD" is used instead of "BT1234-AAA" as the MAC address.

[0070] Next, at T330, the application 38 uses the information acquired at T326 to determine whether the printer that is the source of the second AD signal is the printer that is the destination of the Low Power instruction of T232 in FIG. 5. Specifically, the application 38 determines whether the MAC address acquired at T326 matches the MAC address for HO generated at T220 in FIG. 5. In the case of FIG. 6, the application 38 determines that the acquired MAC address "9876-DDD" matches the MAC address for HO (YES at T330) and proceeds to T343. On the other hand, when the application 38 determines that the acquired MAC address does not match the MAC address for HO, it monitors further reception of the AD signal until a predetermined time elapses. When the predetermined time elapses without the application 38 determining that the acquired MAC address matches the MAC address for HO, it determines NO at T330 and ends the process. Thus, in this embodiment, a mode is adopted in which the MAC address included in the first AD signal and the MAC address included in the second AD signal are different, and when the MAC address included in the second AD signal does not match the MAC address for HO, the application 38 does not execute the processes after T343. Therefore, even if the terminal 10 receives an AD signal from a printer different from the printer 100 that is the destination of the Low Power instruction, for example, it does not execute the processes after T343. For this reason, the processes after T343 can be executed between the terminal 10 and the appropriate printer 100.

[0071] T343 to T346 are the same as T143 to T146 in FIG. 4. When the CPU 132 establishes an L2CAP Link at T346, at T348, it instructs the BTI / F116 to stop transmitting the second AD signal. T400 to T414 are the same as T200 to T214 in FIG. 5.

[0072] App 38 supplies a read instruction including Handle "n19" to OS 36 in T420. As a result, OS 36 transmits a Read by Type Request signal including the UUID "aaa4" corresponding to Handle "n19" (AValue reference corresponding to Handle "n14" in Figure 3) to printer 100 in T422.

[0073] When CPU 132 receives a Read by Type Request signal from terminal 10 (T422), first, it acquires the value of the AValue corresponding to the UUID "aaa4" among the PS group. That is, CPU 132 acquires the SSID "XXX", password "YYY", MAC address "WF5678-AAA", and IP address "192.168.1.1" (AValue reference corresponding to Handle "n19" in Figure 3). Next, in T424, CPU 132 generates encrypted data by encrypting each acquired piece of information using the encryption key 200 received at T252 in Figure 5. Then, in T426, CPU 132 transmits the generated encrypted data to terminal 10. In this way, since printer 100 transmits encrypted data to terminal 10, it is possible to prevent information such as the SSID "XXX" and password "YYY" from being acquired by a terminal different from terminal 10.

[0074] When OS 36 receives encrypted data from printer 100 (T426), it supplies the encrypted data to App 38 in T428.

[0075] (Subsequent processing in Figure 6: Figure 7) App 38 supplies a write instruction including Handle "n20" and a WFD start instruction to OS 36 in T430 of Figure 7. As a result, OS 36 transmits a Write Request signal including this information to printer 100 in T432.

[0076] When the CPU 132 receives a Write Request signal from the terminal 10 (T432), it stores a WFD start instruction as the value of AValue corresponding to Handle "n20" in the PS group. Then, at T434, the CPU 132 changes the state of the printer 100 from a state other than the G / O state of the WFD method (for example, a so-called device state) to the G / O state.

[0077] At T500, the application 38 decrypts the encrypted data acquired at T428 in FIG. 6 using the encryption key 200. As a result, the application 38 can acquire the SSID "XXX", the password "YYY", the MAC address "WF5678-AAA", and the IP address "192.168.1.1". Then, at T502, the application 38 supplies a Wi-Fi instruction including the SSID "XXX", the password "YYY", and the MAC address "WF5678-AAA" to the OS 36.

[0078] When the OS 36 acquires a Wi-Fi instruction from the application 38 (T502), it activates the Wi-Fi I / F 14 and, at T504, transmits a Probe Request signal via the Wi-Fi I / F 14 by broadcast.

[0079] When the CPU 132 receives a Probe Request signal from the terminal 10 via the Wi-Fi I / F 114 (T504), at T506, it transmits a Probe Response signal including the SSID "XXX" and the MAC address "WF5678-AAA" to the terminal 10 via the Wi-Fi I / F 114.

[0080] When the OS 36 receives a Probe Response signal from the printer 100 via the Wi-Fi I / F 14 (T506), it determines that the SSID "XXX" included in the signal matches the SSID already acquired at T500, and that the MAC address "WF5678-AAA" included in the signal matches the MAC address already acquired at T500. That is, the OS 36 determines that the printer 100, which is the source of the Probe Response signal, is the device for which a Wi-Fi connection should be established.

[0081] At T510, the OS 36 executes connection establishment communication with the printer 100 via the Wi-Fi I / F 14. The connection establishment communication includes various communications such as Authentication, Association, and 4-Way Handshake. In the process of the connection establishment communication, data obtained using the SSID "XXX" and the password "YYY" already acquired at T500 is sent to the printer 100, and authentication is executed at the printer 100. Since the authentication is successful in this case, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the terminal 10 and the printer 100 at T512. When the Wi-Fi connection with the printer 100 is established (T512), the OS 36 supplies a completion notification indicating that the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection is complete to the application 38 at T514.

[0082] When the Wi-Fi connection with the terminal 10 is established (T512), at T520, the CPU 132 disconnects the L2CAP Link that has been established at T346 in FIG. 6 by transmitting a disconnection signal to the terminal 10 via the BTI / F116. Then, the CPU 132 supplies a High Power instruction to the BTI / F116. As a result, at T524, the BTI / F116 repeatedly transmits the first AD signal using the first radio wave intensity. The first AD signal transmitted here is the same as the first AD signal transmitted at T102 in FIG. 4, and includes the MAC address "BT1234-AAA" pre-assigned to the BTI / F116 instead of the HO use MAC address "9876-DDD". In this way, when the communication of information such as the SSID "XXX" and the password "YYY" is completed, the printer 100 can return the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the AD signal to its original state. Also, although not shown in the figure, the CPU 132 erases the information stored in response to each Write Request signal received at T232, T242, T252, T262 in FIG. 5 and T432 in FIG. 7.

[0083] When the application 38 obtains the completion notification from the OS 36 (T514), at T530, it supplies a transmission instruction for instructing the transmission of the image file to the OS 36. The transmission instruction includes the IP address "192.168.1.1" obtained at T500 in FIG. 7 and the file name of the image file selected at T112 in FIG. 4. As a result, at T532, the OS 36 uses the Wi-Fi connection established at T512 to transmit the image file to the printer 100 with the IP address "192.168.1.1" as the destination.

[0084] When the CPU 132 receives the image file from the terminal 10 (T532), at T534, it instructs the print execution unit 118 to print the image represented by the image file. As a result, the print execution unit 118 executes the printing of the image. Then, at T536, the CPU 132 changes the state of the printer 100 from the G / O state to a state other than the G / O state. As a result, the Wi-Fi connection established at T512 is disconnected.

[0085] (Effect of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, after the printer 100 transmits the first AD signal using the first radio wave intensity (T102 in FIG. 4), when receiving the CONNECT_IND signal from the terminal 10 (T144), the printer 100 establishes an L2CAP Link with the terminal 10 (T146). When the printer 100 receives a Write Request signal including a Low Power instruction from the terminal 10 using the L2CAP Link (T232 in FIG. 5), the printer 100 changes the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the AD signal from the first radio wave intensity to a second radio wave intensity lower than the first radio wave intensity (T234). Thereby, if the distance between the printer 100 and the terminal 10 does not become smaller, the terminal 10 cannot receive the second AD signal using the second radio wave intensity from the printer 100. Next, when the printer 100 receives a Write Request signal including a disconnection instruction from the terminal 10 (T262), the printer 100 disconnects the above L2CAP Link and transmits the second AD signal using the second radio wave intensity (T302 in FIG. 6). When the printer 100 receives the CONNECT_IND signal from the terminal 10 that has received the second AD signal due to the distance between the printer 100 and the terminal 10 becoming smaller (less than or equal to 1 m in this embodiment) (T344), the printer 100 establishes an L2CAP Link with the terminal 10 (T346). The printer 100 uses the L2CAP Link to communicate information such as the SSID "XXX" and the password "YYY" with the terminal 10 (T422). Then, the printer 100 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the terminal 10 using the above information (T512 in FIG. 7), receives an image file from the terminal 10 using the Wi-Fi connection (T532), and executes printing of the image represented by the image file (T534).

[0086] Here, assume a comparative example in which communication of information such as the SSID "XXX" is performed using the L2CAP Link established at T146 in FIG. 4. According to the comparative example, when the distance between the printer 100 and the terminal 10 is relatively large (10 m or more in this embodiment), the above information is communicated without performing PIN code authentication (i.e., without performing pairing). In this case, for example, when the printer 100 is installed in an office of a certain company, a terminal 10 located at a location different from the office (for example, an office of another company adjacent to the office) can receive information such as the SSID "XXX" from the printer 100. Then, the terminal 10 can use the information to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the printer 100 and cause the printer 100 to execute image printing. Thus, in the comparative example, a third party who is not a legitimate user of the printer 100 can use the printer 100. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, in the L2CAP Link established at T146 in FIG. 4, communication of information such as the SSID "XXX" is not performed. Then, the communication of the above information is performed using the L2CAP Link (see T346 in FIG. 6) established due to a decrease in the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the AD signal and a decrease in the distance between the printer 100 and the terminal 10. In other words, since the above information communication is not performed unless the user brings the terminal 10 closer to the printer 100, it is possible to suppress a third party from using the printer 100. Thus, according to this embodiment, the printer 100 and the terminal 10 can appropriately control the communication of the above information according to the distance between the printer 100 and the terminal 10.

[0087] (Corresponding relationship) The printer 100, the terminal 10, the BTI / F116, the Wi-Fi I / F114, and the BTI / F16 are, respectively, examples of a "function execution device", a "terminal device", a "first wireless interface", a "second wireless interface", and a "wireless interface". The Low Power instruction communicated at T232 in FIG. 5 is an example of a "specific signal". The CONNECT_IND signal of T344 in FIG. 6 and the CONNECT_IND signal of T144 in FIG. 4 are, respectively, examples of a "first connection request (or connection request)" and a "second connection request". The L2CAP Link of T346 in FIG. 6, the L2CAP Link of T146 in FIG. 4, and the Wi-Fi connection of T512 in FIG. 7 are, respectively, examples of a "first wireless connection (or wireless connection)", a "second wireless connection", and a "third wireless connection". Information such as the SSID "XXX" and the password "YYY" communicated at T426 in FIG. 6 is an example of "target information". The MAC address "BT1234-AAA" and the MAC address "9876-DDD" are, respectively, examples of a "first identification information" and a "second identification information".

[0088] The processes of T144 and T146 in FIG. 4 are, respectively, examples of processes executed by a "second connection request receiving unit" and a "second establishment unit". The processes of T232, T242, T252, and T264 in FIG. 5 are, respectively, examples of processes executed by a "specific signal receiving unit", an "identification information communication unit", an "encryption key communication unit", and a "disconnection unit". The processes of T302, T344, T346, and T426 in FIG. 6 are, respectively, examples of processes executed by a "first modification unit", a "first connection request receiving unit", a "first establishment unit", and a "target information communication unit". The processes of T522, T532, and T534 in FIG. 7 are, respectively, examples of processes executed by a "second modification unit", an "image data receiving unit", and a "print control unit".

[0089] The processing of T114 and T120 in FIG. 4 is an example of the processing executed by the "first advertising signal receiving unit". The processing of T143 and T144 is an example of the processing executed by the "second connection request transmitting unit". The processing of T230 and T232 in FIG. 5 is an example of the processing executed by the "specific signal transmitting unit". The processing of T304 and T320 in FIG. 6 is an example of the processing executed by the "second advertising signal receiving unit". The processing of T343 and T344 is an example of the processing executed by the "connection request transmitting unit (or first connection request transmitting unit)". The processing of T420, T422, and T426 is an example of the processing executed by the "target information communication unit".

[0090] As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. The modified examples of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0091] (Modification Example 1) The printer 100 may not receive the Low Power instruction of T232 in FIG. 5. In this case, the printer 100 may reduce the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the AD signal on the condition that, for example, it receives the Scan Request signal of T122 in FIG. 4. In this modification example, the Scan Request signal is an example of the "specific signal". In particular, in this modification example, the L2CAP Link of T146 may not be established. That is, the "second connection request receiving unit", "second establishment unit", and "disconnection unit" of the "function execution device" can be omitted. Also, the "second connection request transmitting unit" of the "terminal device" can be omitted. Also, in another modification example, the printer 100 may reduce the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the AD signal on the condition that, for example, it receives the CONNECT_IND signal of T144 in FIG. 4. In this modification example, the CONNECT_IND signal is an example of the "specific signal".

[0092] (Modification Example 2) The printer 100 may reduce the radio wave intensity used for transmitting the AD signal on the condition that the L2CAP Link of T146 in FIG. 4 is established even without receiving the Low Power instruction of T232 in FIG. 5. In this modification example, the "specific signal receiving unit" of the "function execution device" can be omitted. Also, the "specific signal transmitting unit" of the "terminal device" can be omitted.

[0093] (Modification Example 3) Instead of the printer 100 transitioning to the G / O state, the terminal 10 may transition to the G / O state. In this case, in T426 of FIG. 6, the printer 100 receives the SSID, password, etc. of the wireless network in which the terminal 10 operates as G / O from the terminal 10 instead of transmitting the SSID, etc. to the terminal 10. Generally speaking, the "target information communication unit" of the "function execution device" and the "terminal device" may transmit the target information from the function execution device to the terminal device as in the above-described embodiment, or the target information may be transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device as in this modification example.

[0094] (Modification Example 4) In T426 of FIG. 6, the printer 100 may transmit a login password for logging in to the printer 100 to the terminal 10 instead of the SSID, etc. In this case, the terminal 10 displays the login password, and the user can log in to the printer 100 (i.e., make the printer 100 available) by inputting the login password to the printer 100. In this modification example, the login password is an example of the "target information", and the "second wireless interface", "image data receiving unit", and "print control unit" of the "function execution device" can be omitted. Also, the "target information" may be other information for using a specific function of the function execution device (for example, information indicating the status of the printer 100, information on the print history stored in the printer 100, etc.).

[0095] (Modification Example 5) After the printer 100 supplies a Low Power instruction to the BTI / F116 at T234 in FIG. 5, it may start transmitting the second AD signal while the L2CAP Link is established. Generally speaking, the second advertising signal may be transmitted before the second wireless connection is disconnected.

[0096] (Modification Example 6) The printer 100 may disconnect the L2CAP Link on the condition that it receives, for example, the encryption key of T252, without receiving the disconnection instruction of T262 in FIG. 5. In this modification example, the "disconnection instruction receiving unit" of the "function execution device" can be omitted.

[0097] (Modification Example 7) The printer 100 does not necessarily have to receive the MAC address "9876-DDD" of T242 in FIG. 5 from the terminal 10. Then, at T302 in FIG. 6, the printer 100 may transmit a second AD signal including a MAC address that matches the MAC address "BT1234-AAA" included in the first AD signal. In this case, the terminal 10 proceeds to T343 without executing the process of T330. In this modification example, the "identification information communication unit" of the "function execution device" can be omitted, and the second advertising signal does not include the second identification information.

[0098] (Modification Example 8) Instead of receiving the MAC address "9876-DDD" of T242 in FIG. 5 from the terminal 10, the printer 100 may generate a unique MAC address and transmit the MAC address to the terminal 10. In this case, at T302 in FIG. 6, the printer 100 transmits a second AD signal including the MAC address. The terminal 10 executes the determination of T330 using the MAC address that has been received from the printer 100. Generally speaking, the "identification information communication unit" may have the second identification information transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device as in the above-described embodiment, or the second identification information may be transmitted from the function execution device to the terminal device as in this modification example.

[0099] (Modification Example 9) In T252 of FIG. 5, the printer 100 may not receive the encryption key 200 from the terminal 10. In this case, the printer 100 may transmit information such as the SSID “XXX” and the password “YYY” to the terminal 10 without encrypting this information in T426 of FIG. 6. In this modification, the “encryption key communication unit” of the “function execution device” can be omitted.

[0100] (Modification Example 10) Instead of receiving the encryption key 200 from the terminal 10 in T252 of FIG. 5, the printer 100 may transmit the encryption key 200 to the terminal 10. Generally speaking, the “encryption key communication unit” may have an encryption key transmitted from the terminal device to the function execution device as in the above-described embodiment, or an encryption key may be transmitted from the function execution device to the terminal device as in this modification example.

[0101] (Modification Example 11) The “function execution device” does not have to be the printer 100, and for example, it may be a scanner, a FAX device, a multifunction machine, a PC, a server, or the like.

[0102] (Modification Example 12) In each of the above-described embodiments, each process of FIGS. 4 to 7 is realized by the CPU 132 of the printer 100 executing the program 136 (that is, software), and the CPU 32 of the terminal 10 executing the programs 36 and 38. Alternatively, any process may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 2: Communication system, 10: Mobile terminal, 12: Display unit, 14: Wi-Fi I / F, 16: BT I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: OS program, 38: Print application, 100: Printer, 112: Display unit, 114: Wi-Fi I / F, 116: BT I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 138: Protocol stack

Claims

1. A function execution device, comprising: A first wireless interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard, capable of repeatedly transmitting an advertising signal; A second wireless interface different from the first wireless interface; A first transmission unit for transmitting a first advertising signal from the first wireless interface at a first transmission distance; A second transmission unit for transmitting a second advertising signal from the first wireless interface at a second transmission distance shorter than the first transmission distance after the transmission of the first advertising signal is stopped; An information transmission unit for transmitting target information for establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device via the second wireless interface to the terminal device when a first connection request is received from the terminal device that has received the second advertising signal via the first wireless interface after the second advertising signal is transmitted from the first wireless interface; An establishment unit for establishing the wireless connection with the terminal device via the second wireless interface when a second connection request is received from the terminal device that has received the target information via the second wireless interface; A function execution device comprising the above.

2. The function execution device according to claim 1, wherein when a specific signal is received from the terminal device that has received the first advertising signal via the first wireless interface, the second advertising signal is transmitted.

3. The function execution device according to claim 2, wherein the specific signal is a Write Request signal including an instruction to change the radio wave intensity.

4. The function execution device further comprises: A printing execution unit; An image data receiving unit for receiving, via the second wireless interface, image data representing an image to be printed from the terminal device using the wireless connection when the wireless connection is established; A printing control unit for causing the printing execution unit to execute printing of the image represented by the image data when the image data is received from the terminal device. The function execution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The function execution device further comprises: The functional execution device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third transmission unit that causes the first wireless interface to transmit a third advertising signal at the first transmission distance after the communication of the target information is executed.

6. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: causing a computer of the terminal device to function as each of the following units, namely: a first advertising signal receiving unit that receives a first advertising signal having a first transmission distance from a functional execution device via a first wireless interface of the terminal device, wherein the first wireless interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) system; the first advertising signal receiving unit; a second advertising signal receiving unit that receives a second advertising signal having a second transmission distance shorter than the first transmission distance from the functional execution device via the first wireless interface after the first advertising signal is received from the functional execution device; an information receiving unit that transmits a connection request to the functional execution device via the first wireless interface after the second advertising signal is received from the functional execution device, and receives target information for establishing a wireless connection with the functional execution device via a second wireless interface of the terminal device, which is different from the first wireless interface, from the functional execution device; an establishment unit that establishes the wireless connection with the functional execution device via the second wireless interface by using the target information received from the functional execution device; A computer program that functions as such.

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