Terminal device, display control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a terminal device, a display control method, and a program that prevent convenience for a user from being impaired when receiving packets transmitted from an image processing device, detecting the direction in which the image processing device is located, and displaying, on a display unit, the direction in which the image processing device is located.SOLUTION: In a communication system, a terminal device 100 includes: a distance information acquisition unit 134 that acquires distance information indicating a distance between the terminal device and an electronic apparatus through short-range wireless communication with the electronic apparatus; a direction information acquisition unit 136 that acquires first direction information indicating a direction of the electronic apparatus with respect to the terminal device through the short-range wireless communication with the electronic apparatus; and a display control unit 140 that, when the distance to the electronic apparatus based on the distance information is equal to or greater than a threshold value, causes a display unit 112 to display a first screen including a direction display that displays the direction of the electronic apparatus with respect to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information, and that, when the distance to the electronic apparatus is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, causes the display unit 112 to display a second screen different from the first screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal that performs Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication with an image processing device. The terminal according to Patent Document 1 receives a Bluetooth packet transmitted from the image processing device, detects the direction in which the image processing device is located based on the received packet, and displays the detected direction in which the image processing device is located on a display unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology according to Patent Document 1, the direction of the antenna of the image processing device is detected and displayed on the display unit. Therefore, when a user carrying the terminal approaches the image processing device by more than a predetermined distance, the direction displayed on the display unit may deviate from the direction with respect to the desired position (for example, the central position of the image processing device or the position of the operation panel of the image processing device, etc.). Therefore, in the technology according to Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the convenience for the user may be impaired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The terminal device according to this disclosure includes: a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information indicating the distance between the terminal device and the electronic device by short-range wireless communication with the electronic device; a direction information acquisition unit that acquires first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device by short-range wireless communication with the electronic device; and a display control unit that controls the display of a display unit. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen including a direction indicator that shows the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information when the distance to the electronic device based on the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and causes the display unit to display a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit when the distance to the electronic device is less than or equal to the threshold.

[0006] Furthermore, the display control method according to this disclosure acquires distance information indicating the distance between a terminal device and an electronic device via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device, acquires first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device, and if the distance to the electronic device based on the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, a first screen including a direction indicator that displays the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, and if the distance to the electronic device is not greater than or equal to the threshold, a second screen different from the first screen is displayed on the display unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the program according to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following steps: acquiring distance information indicating the distance between a terminal device and an electronic device via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device; acquiring first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device via short-range wireless communication with the electronic device; if the distance to the electronic device based on the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, causing the computer to display a first screen including a direction indicator that displays the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information; and if the distance to the electronic device is not greater than or equal to the threshold, causing the computer to display a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the communication system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the communication system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the process performed by the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the process performed by the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the electronic device and the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates a table according to Embodiment 1 that associates the model of an electronic device with a predetermined angle range. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the positional relationship between the terminal device and the electronic device in the comparative example. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16]It is a diagram illustrating the first screen or the second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 17] It is a diagram illustrating the first screen or the second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 18] It is a diagram illustrating the first screen or the second screen displayed on the terminal device according to Embodiment 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. Also, in each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0010] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams showing the communication system 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the communication system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The communication system 1 includes a terminal device 100 and an electronic device 200.

[0011] The terminal device 100 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Also, the terminal device 100 may be a computer device such as a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal device 100 has at least a display unit 112. Other components of the terminal device 100 will be described later.

[0012] The electronic device 200 is, for example, a printer. Also, the electronic device 200 may be, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a projector device, a scanner, etc. Note that a multifunction peripheral having a printing function is also an example of a printer. In Embodiment 1, the case where the electronic device 200 is a printer such as a multifunction peripheral will be described.

[0013] The electronic device 200, which is a printer, has at least an operation panel 220, a paper feed tray 232, and a paper discharge tray 234. The operation panel 220 is, for example, a touch panel in which a display device and an input device are integrated. The paper feed tray 232 stores sheets, which are printing media, for example, by sheet size. Sheets on which images are formed are discharged to the paper discharge tray 234. Other components of the electronic device 200 will be described later.

[0014] The terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 communicate with each other by wireless communication using a first wireless communication method and wireless communication using a second wireless communication method. The first wireless communication method is a standard with a higher communication speed and a longer communication distance compared to the second wireless communication method. The first wireless communication method is, in a narrow sense, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and more specifically, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Hereinafter, an example in which the first wireless communication method is Wi-Fi will be described, but the first wireless communication method may be another communication method.

[0015] The second wireless communication method is a standard with a slower communication speed and a shorter communication distance compared to the first wireless communication method. Therefore, the second wireless communication method is a standard for realizing short-range wireless communication. In addition, the second wireless communication method is a standard capable of transmitting a beacon signal. The second wireless communication method is, in a narrow sense, Bluetooth, and more specifically, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Hereinafter, an example in which the second wireless communication method is BLE will be described, but the second wireless communication method may be another communication method. Note that the beacon signal of BLE corresponds to an advertisement packet. Also, the first wireless communication method may be capable of transmitting a beacon signal. If the first wireless communication method is Wi-Fi, the electronic device 200 may transmit a beacon signal that notifies its own SSID (Service Set Identifier) to surrounding devices.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a communication system 1 having multiple electronic devices 200. The communication system 1 illustrated in Figure 2 includes five electronic devices 200A to 200E, a terminal device 100, and an access point 10. The access point 10 is, for example, a wireless LAN access point. In the following description, the electronic devices 200A to 200E may be referred to as printers A to E, respectively.

[0017] Each electronic device 200 transmits (broadcasts) a BLE beacon Bb corresponding to the second wireless communication method. The BLE beacon Bb is a beacon signal compliant with the BLE standard. Upon receiving the BLE beacon Bb, the terminal device 100 can locate the electronic devices 200. Furthermore, upon receiving the BLE beacon Bb, the terminal device 100 can obtain distance information indicating the distance from the terminal device 100 to the electronic devices 200. Additionally, if both the terminal device 100 and the electronic devices 200 are compatible with Bluetooth 5.1 or later standards, upon receiving the BLE beacon Bb, the terminal device 100 can obtain first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic devices 200 relative to the terminal device 100. Further details will be described later.

[0018] Electronic devices 200A to 200B can be connected to terminal device 100 via access point 10. When electronic devices 200 are operating in infrastructure mode and connected to access point 10, wireless communication between terminal device 100 and electronic devices 200 is performed by terminal device 100 wirelessly connecting to access point 10. Such a connection is referred to as an infrastructure connection.

[0019] On the other hand, electronic devices 200C to 200E can be connected directly to terminal device 100 without going through access point 10. In this case, electronic device 200 activates an internal access point, and terminal device 100 connects to the internal access point, thereby enabling direct communication between terminal device 100 and electronic device 200. Such a connection is called a direct connection. The direct connection between terminal device 100 and electronic device 200 may be performed by communication compliant with the WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) standard, or by using Wi-Fi ad-hoc mode.

[0020] Electronic devices 200C to 200E transmit (broadcast) a Wi-Fi beacon Bw containing the SSID. The Wi-Fi beacon Bw is a beacon signal compliant with the Wi-Fi standard. When terminal device 100 receives the Wi-Fi beacon Bw, the SSID contained in the Wi-Fi beacon Bw is displayed. At this time, the operation panel 220 of electronic devices 200C to 200E displays the SSID and the password for connection. When the user of terminal device 100 sets the SSID and password displayed on the operation panel 220 on their terminal device 100, terminal device 100 is directly connected to electronic devices 200C to 200E.

[0021] Figure 3 shows the configuration of a terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. The terminal device 100 has as its main hardware components a processing unit 102, a storage unit 104, a first wireless communication unit 106, a second wireless communication unit 108, a display unit 112, and an operation unit 114. The processing unit 102, storage unit 104, first wireless communication unit 106, second wireless communication unit 108, display unit 112, and operation unit 114 may be interconnected via a data bus or the like.

[0022] The processing unit 102 is a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 102 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 102 has the function of an arithmetic unit that performs control processing and calculation processing. The processing unit 102 controls the storage unit 104, the first wireless communication unit 106, the second wireless communication unit 108, the display unit 112, and the operation unit 114.

[0023] The storage unit 104 is, for example, a storage device such as a memory or hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 104 has the function of storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by the processing unit 102. The storage unit 104 also has the function of temporarily storing processing data. The storage unit 104 may include a database.

[0024] The first wireless communication unit 106 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication compliant with a first wireless communication method. For example, the first wireless communication unit 106 performs wireless communication compliant with the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit 108 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication compliant with a second wireless communication method. For example, the second wireless communication unit 108 performs wireless communication compliant with the BLE standard.

[0025] The display unit 112 and the operation unit 114 constitute the user interface. The display unit 112 consists of a display or the like that shows various information to the user. The operation unit 114 consists of buttons or the like that that accept input operations from the user. The display unit 112 and the operation unit 114 may be integrated using a touch panel or the like.

[0026] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 has a software configuration consisting of the basic software OS 120 (Operating System) and a printing application 130. The printing application 130 is application software that operates using the functions of OS 120. The printing application 130 has the following components: a search processing unit 132, a distance information acquisition unit 134, a direction information acquisition unit 136, a display control unit 140, a connection processing unit 150, and a printing control unit 160.

[0027] Each of the above-mentioned components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the processing unit 102. More specifically, each component of the printing application 130 can be realized by the processing unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, the necessary programs may be recorded on any non-volatile recording medium and installed as needed to realize each component.

[0028] Furthermore, each component is not limited to being implemented by software through a program; it may also be implemented by a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Additionally, each component may be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program composed of the above-mentioned components may be implemented using this integrated circuit.

[0029] The search processing unit 132 performs processing to search for the electronic device 200 using the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method. Details will be described later. The distance information acquisition unit 134 acquires distance information indicating the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 by short-range wireless communication with the electronic device 200. Details will be described later. The direction information acquisition unit 136 acquires first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100 by short-range wireless communication with the electronic device. Details will be described later.

[0030] The display control unit 140 controls the display of the display unit 112. Specifically, the display control unit 140 controls the display unit 112 to display information about the electronic device 200 discovered by the search processing by the search processing unit 132. Furthermore, if the distance to the electronic device 200 based on distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the display control unit 140 displays a first screen on the display unit 112 that includes a direction indicator showing the direction of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100 based on the acquired first direction information. On the other hand, if the distance to the electronic device 200 is not greater than or equal to the threshold, the display control unit 140 displays a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit 112.

[0031] Here, the first screen may display the direction indicator in a more prominent manner than the second screen. The second screen may not include the direction indicator. The second screen may also include a message indicating that the distance to the electronic device 200 is below a threshold.

[0032] Furthermore, the display control unit 140 may acquire second direction information indicating the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200. In this case, the display control unit 140 may display the second screen on the display unit 112 if the distance to the electronic device 200 is not greater than a threshold, and the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200 based on the second direction information is within a predetermined angular range.

[0033] The connection processing unit 150 performs processing to enable communication between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200. Details will be described later. The print control unit 160 controls the connected electronic device 200 (printer) to perform printing. Details will be described later. When the print control unit 160 receives a print command from the user, it controls the connected electronic device 200 to send print data. Here, the print command includes print data. "Print data" refers to data indicating the image to be printed on the paper.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the electronic device 200 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 shows the case where the electronic device 200 is a printer. The electronic device 200 has a processing unit 202, a storage unit 204, a first wireless communication unit 206, a second wireless communication unit 208, a printing unit 210, and a user interface 212 (UI). The processing unit 202, storage unit 204, first wireless communication unit 206, second wireless communication unit 208, printing unit 210, and user interface 212 may be interconnected via a data bus or the like.

[0035] The processing unit 202 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The processing unit 202 may have multiple processors. The processing unit 202 has the function of an arithmetic unit that performs control processing and calculation processing. The processing unit 202 controls the storage unit 204, the first wireless communication unit 206, the second wireless communication unit 208, the printing unit 210, and the user interface 212.

[0036] The storage unit 204 is, for example, a storage device such as memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 204 is, for example, ROM or RAM. The storage unit 204 has the function of storing control programs and arithmetic programs executed by the processing unit 202. The storage unit 204 also has the function of temporarily storing processing data. The storage unit 204 may include a database.

[0037] The first wireless communication unit 206 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication compliant with a first wireless communication method. For example, the first wireless communication unit 206 performs wireless communication compliant with the Wi-Fi standard. The second wireless communication unit 208 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication compliant with a second wireless communication method. For example, the second wireless communication unit 208 performs wireless communication compliant with the BLE standard. In addition, the first wireless communication unit 206 of the electronic devices 200C to 200E may activate an internal access point according to a given connection setting. In this case, the first wireless communication unit 206 accepts a connection request from the terminal device 100. The connection setting is, for example, the setting of the SSID and passphrase, or the setting of the communication frequency band. The setting of the communication frequency band corresponds to the channel setting.

[0038] The printing unit 210 has a printing function for forming an image on paper, i.e., a printing medium. The printing unit 210 includes a printing engine. The printing engine is a mechanical configuration that performs printing of an image onto the printing medium. The printing engine may have, for example, a mechanism that performs printing using toner in an electrophotographic manner. Alternatively, the printing engine may have, for example, a mechanism that performs printing in an inkjet manner. The printing engine may also have a transport mechanism for transporting the printing medium.

[0039] The user interface 212 includes input devices such as buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and output devices such as a display or speakers. The user interface 212 may also have the input and output devices integrated into a single unit. The user interface 212 accepts data input operations from the user and outputs information to the user. The user interface 212 includes the operation panel 220 described above.

[0040] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the processes performed by the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Note that a portion of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 and the flowchart shown in Figure 6 correspond to the display control methods performed by the terminal device 100. The search processing unit 132 performs a search process using the first wireless communication method (step S102). That is, the search processing unit 132 searches for an electronic device 200 that can be connected using the first wireless communication method.

[0041] Specifically, the discovery processing unit 132 searches for electronic devices 200 that can connect to the infrastructure as follows. In the example in Figure 2, the discovery processing unit 132 searches for electronic devices 200A to 200B as follows. That is, the discovery processing unit 132 sends a discovery request packet onto the network of the access point 10 to which the terminal device 100 is connected. At this time, the electronic devices 200A to 200B connected to this access point 10 send a response packet in response to the discovery request packet. The discovery processing unit 132 can discover the electronic devices 200 connected to the access point 10 based on the received response packets.

[0042] Furthermore, the search processing unit 132 searches for electronic devices 200 that can be directly connected as follows. In the example shown in Figure 2, the search processing unit 132 searches for electronic devices 200C to 200E as follows. That is, the first wireless communication unit 106 of the terminal device 100 receives the Wi-Fi beacon Bw transmitted by the electronic devices 200. The search processing unit 132 can search for electronic devices 200 that can be directly connected using the received Wi-Fi beacon Bw.

[0043] The discovery processing unit 132 obtains the discovery result indicating the electronic device 200 discovered by the discovery. At this time, the discovery processing unit 132 may obtain the identification information and address information of the electronic device 200 contained in the response packet or Wi-Fi beacon Bw. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the electronic device 200, but is not limited to this. The identification information of the electronic device 200 that makes a direct connection may be the SSID. The address information is an address unique to the electronic device 200. The address information is, for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address, but is not limited to this.

[0044] The search processing unit 132 performs a search process using the second wireless communication method (step S104). Specifically, the second wireless communication unit 108 of the terminal device 100 receives a BLE beacon Bb transmitted by the electronic device 200. The search processing unit 132 can search for the electronic device 200 using the received BLE beacon Bb. The search processing unit 132 obtains a search result indicating the electronic device 200 found through the search. At this time, the search processing unit 132 may also obtain the identification information and address information of the electronic device 200 contained in the BLE beacon Bb.

[0045] The search processing unit 132 performs a mapping process for the search results (step S106). Specifically, the search processing unit 132 maps the search results from the first wireless communication method in S102 and the search results from the second wireless communication method in S104 based on the address information of the electronic device 200 discovered by the search. At this time, the display control unit 140 may cause the mapped search results to be displayed on the display unit 112. In other words, the display control unit 140 may control the display unit 112 to display information about the electronic device 200 discovered by the search. Furthermore, the display control unit 140 may control the display unit 112 to display a device list, which is a list of information about the electronic device 200 discovered by the search.

[0046] More specifically, the search processing unit 132 compares the address information included in the search results from the first wireless communication method with the address information included in the search results from the second wireless communication method. Based on the comparison, the search processing unit 132 associates the search results with matching address information with the search results of the same electronic device 200. The search results from the first wireless communication method indicate electronic devices 200 that can be connected via the first wireless communication method, such as Wi-Fi. On the other hand, the BLE beacon Bb used in the search processing using the second wireless communication method may include additional information that is not obtained by the response packets and Wi-Fi beacon Bw used in the search processing using the first wireless communication method. Therefore, by associating the search results, additional information about electronic devices 200 that can be connected via the first wireless communication method, such as Wi-Fi, can be indicated.

[0047] Additional information may include status information indicating the state of the electronic device 200. Status information may indicate, for example, whether the electronic device 200 is in an operating state, an idle state, or an error state. An operating state means that the electronic device 200 is executing jobs such as printing using its own functions. An idle state means that the electronic device 200 is not executing jobs and is waiting for job submissions. An error state means that some kind of error has occurred in the electronic device 200 and the electronic device 200 is unable to execute jobs. For example, if the electronic device 200 is a printer, an error state could mean that the printer is out of ink / toner, out of printing media such as paper, has a jam in the printing media, or has a component failure. An operating state means that a new job cannot be executed immediately. An idle state means that a new job can be executed immediately. An error state means that user action is required to execute a job.

[0048] The distance information acquisition unit 134 acquires distance information of the discovered electronic device 200 via short-range wireless communication such as BLE or Bluetooth (step S110). Specifically, the distance information acquisition unit 134 acquires radio wave strength information indicating the radio wave strength of the received BLE beacon Bb. The radio wave strength information may correspond to the received radio wave strength or the received signal strength. The distance information acquisition unit 134 estimates the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 using the radio wave strength information.

[0049] In other words, the stronger the signal strength of the BLE beacon Bb, the closer the distance is between the electronic device 200 that transmitted the BLE beacon Bb and the terminal device 100. Conversely, the weaker the signal strength of the BLE beacon Bb, the farther the distance is between the electronic device 200 that transmitted the BLE beacon Bb and the terminal device 100. For example, in the case of iBeacon (registered trademark), one of the BLE standards, the range in which the beacon signal is transmitted can be set to one of three types: "Immediate," "Near," and "Far." Here, for example, "Immediate" corresponds to a distance of a few centimeters, "Near" to a distance of a few meters, and "Far" to a distance of about 10 meters. In this way, the distance information acquisition unit 134 acquires distance information indicating the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200.

[0050] Alternatively, the distance information acquisition unit 134 may calculate the distance between the electronic device 200 that transmitted the BLE beacon Bb and the terminal device 100 based on the radio wave strength of the BLE beacon Bb. Generally, it is known that radio wave strength decreases inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Therefore, if the radio wave strength at a reference distance is known, the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 can be calculated based on the radio wave strength of the BLE beacon Bb actually received. In this case, the BLE beacon Bb is configured to include reference radio wave strength information. The distance information acquisition unit 134 then calculates the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 based on the reference radio wave strength information and the radio wave strength information. As a result, the distance information acquisition unit 134 acquires distance information indicating the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200.

[0051] The direction information acquisition unit 136 acquires direction information for each detected electronic device 200 via short-range wireless communication such as BLE or Bluetooth (step S112). Specifically, the direction information acquisition unit 136 acquires first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100 using the direction detection function defined in the Bluetooth 5.1 standard and later. More specifically, the direction information acquisition unit 136 calculates the angle of arrival (AoA) of the radio waves received by the terminal device 100 for the BLE beacon Bb transmitted from the electronic device 200. The angle of arrival AoA can be calculated using the AoA method described in Patent Document 1. That is, the terminal device 100 has multiple antennas. The terminal device 100 receives radio waves, i.e., BLE beacon Bb, with multiple antennas. The direction information acquisition unit 136 of the terminal device 100 calculates the angle of arrival AoA, which is the angle with respect to the direction in which the multiple antennas are aligned, based on the distance between the multiple antennas and the phase difference of the radio waves received by the multiple antennas.

[0052] Note that the processes S110 and S112 may be executed at any time thereafter as appropriate. For example, the electronic device 200 may transmit a BLE beacon Bb at predetermined intervals. In this case, the terminal device 100 may perform the processes S110 and S112 each time it receives a BLE beacon Bb. Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may perform the processes S110 and S112 before the processes S120, S140, and S170 described later.

[0053] Similarly, the processes S102 to S106 may be executed at any time thereafter as appropriate. For example, the electronic device 200 may transmit a Wi-Fi beacon Bw at predetermined intervals. In this case, the terminal device 100 may perform the process in S102 each time it receives a Wi-Fi beacon Bw. Also, if the terminal device 100 transmits a search request packet at predetermined intervals, the terminal device 100 may perform the process in S102 each time it receives a response packet. Also, the terminal device 100 may perform the process in S104 each time it receives a BLE beacon Bb. And, as described above, the terminal device 100 may perform the process in S106 each time S102 and S104 are executed.

[0054] The display control unit 140 controls the orientation display of the discovered electronic device 200 (step S120). Specifically, if the position of the electronic device 200 satisfies predetermined conditions, the display control unit 140 causes the display unit 112 to display a first screen including an orientation display showing the orientation of the electronic device 200. Here, the orientation display corresponds to the first orientation information acquired in the process of S112. On the other hand, if the position of the electronic device 200 does not satisfy predetermined conditions, the display control unit 140 causes the display unit 112 to display a second screen different from the first screen. The first and second screens will be described later. The details of the process in S120 will also be described later with reference to Figure 6.

[0055] The connection processing unit 150 determines whether an electronic device 200 to execute a job such as printing has been selected (step S130). For example, the connection processing unit 150 determines whether an electronic device 200 has been selected when the user selects one electronic device 200 from the device list of electronic devices 200 displayed on the display unit 112 under the control of the display control unit 140. For example, if the user taps one electronic device from the device list of electronic devices 200 displayed on the display unit 112, which is a touch panel, the tapped electronic device 200 is selected. If no electronic device 200 is selected (NO in S130), the connection processing unit 150 repeats the process in S130.

[0056] On the other hand, if electronic device 200 is selected (YES in S130), the connection processing unit 150 determines whether the connection method of the selected electronic device 200 is an infrastructure connection or a direct connection (step S132). This determination may be made depending on whether the selected electronic device 200 was discovered in the process of S102 by a response packet to a discovery request packet or by a Wi-Fi beacon Bw. In this case, if the selected electronic device 200 was discovered by a response packet, the connection processing unit 150 determines that the connection method of the selected electronic device 200 is an infrastructure connection. On the other hand, if the selected electronic device 200 was discovered by a Wi-Fi beacon Bw, the connection processing unit 150 determines that the connection method of the selected electronic device 200 is a direct connection.

[0057] Furthermore, the BLE beacon Bb may include information indicating the connection method of the electronic device 200 that transmitted the BLE beacon Bb. In this case, if the selected electronic device 200 is discovered by the BLE beacon Bb in the processing of S104, the connection processing unit 150 may determine the connection method using the information indicating the connection method included in the BLE beacon Bb. Alternatively, the connection processing unit 150 may determine that the connection method of the selected electronic device 200 is a direct connection if the information regarding the selected electronic device 200 includes a unique SSID. On the other hand, the connection processing unit 150 may determine that the connection method of the selected electronic device 200 is an infrastructure connection if the information regarding the selected electronic device 200 includes an SSID related to the access point 10.

[0058] Furthermore, if an electronic device 200 is selected, the display control unit 140 may display the selected electronic device 200 in the device list in a way that distinguishes it from the unselected electronic device 200. For example, the display control unit 140 may display the selected electronic device 200 in the device list in a way that makes it more prominent than the unselected electronic device 200.

[0059] If the selected connection method for the electronic device 200 is an infrastructure connection ("infrastructure connection" in S132), the connection processing unit 150 performs processing to connect the terminal device 100 to the electronic device 200 via an infrastructure connection (step S134). In this case, as described above, the connection processing unit 150 performs processing to connect the terminal device 100 to the electronic device 200 via the access point 10. At this time, the connection processing unit 150 may control the first wireless communication unit 106 to ensure that the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 are connected using the first wireless communication method.

[0060] On the other hand, if the connection method of the selected electronic device 200 is a direct connection ("direct connection" in S132), the display control unit 140 controls the direction display of the selected electronic device 200 (step S140). The process of S140 may be substantially the same as the process of S120 described above. However, the messages displayed on the first and second screens in the process of S140 may differ from those in the process of S120. That is, the first and second screens displayed in the process of S140 may include a message prompting the user to enter the password displayed on the operation panel 220 of the electronic device 200 into the terminal device 100. More details will be described later.

[0061] The connection processing unit 150 determines whether the password required for direct connection has been entered into the terminal device 100 (step S150). Specifically, the connection processing unit 150 determines whether the password has been entered by the user operating the operation unit 114, etc. If the password has not been entered (NO in S150), the connection processing unit 150 repeats the process in S150.

[0062] On the other hand, if a password is entered (YES in S150), the connection processing unit 150 performs processing to directly connect the terminal device 100 to the electronic device 200 (step S152). In this case, as described above, the connection processing unit 150 performs processing to directly connect the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 without going through the access point 10. At this time, the connection processing unit 150 may control the first wireless communication unit 106 to connect the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 using the first wireless communication method.

[0063] The print control unit 160 determines whether or not there is a print command (step S160). Specifically, the print control unit 160 determines whether or not a print command has been received by the user operating the operation unit 114, etc. If there is no print command (NO in S160), the print control unit 160 repeats the process of S160. On the other hand, if there is a print command (YES in S160), the print control unit 160 controls the electronic device 200 connected to the terminal device 100 to transmit the print data included in the print command (step S162). The print control unit 160 may also control the first wireless communication unit 106 to transmit the print data to the electronic device 200 using the first wireless communication method. As a result, the electronic device 200, which is a printer, prints by forming an image corresponding to the print data on the printing medium. As described above, the printing medium on which the image corresponding to the print data has been formed is discharged into the output tray 234.

[0064] The display control unit 140 controls the direction display of the selected electronic device 200 (step S170). The process in S170 may be substantially the same as the process in S120 described above. However, the messages displayed on the first and second screens in the process of S170 may differ from those in the process of S120. That is, the first and second screens displayed in the process of S170 may include a message indicating that print data has been sent to the selected electronic device 200. More details will be described later.

[0065] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the processing steps S120, S140, and S170 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The display control unit 140 acquires second direction information indicating the direction of the terminal device 100 to each of the detected electronic devices 200 (step S12). Specifically, the display control unit 140 acquires the second direction information by one of the following two methods using the direction detection function defined in the Bluetooth 5.1 standard and later.

[0066] As a first method, the display control unit 140 detects the transmission angle of radio waves, i.e., the radiation angle (AoD: Angle of Departure), of the BLE beacon Bb transmitted from the electronic device 200. The radiation angle AoD can be calculated using the AoD method described in Patent Document 1. That is, the electronic device 200 has multiple antennas. The electronic device 200 radiates radio waves, i.e., BLE beacon Bb, from multiple antennas. The display control unit 140 of the terminal device 100 calculates the radiation angle AoD, which is the angle with respect to the direction in which the multiple antennas are aligned, based on the distance between the multiple antennas and the phase difference of the radio waves transmitted from the multiple antennas. It is assumed that information indicating the distance between the multiple antennas in the electronic device 200, and information indicating the timing of transmitting radio waves from the multiple antennas, is provided to the terminal device 100 in advance. This information may be included in the BLE beacon Bb. As a result, the display control unit 140 obtains second directional information. In other words, the display control unit 140 acquires second directional information that is detected by the terminal device 100 and corresponds to the angle (radiation angle AoD) from which the electronic device 200 emits radio waves.

[0067] As a second method, the electronic device 200 detects the reception angle of the radio waves, i.e., the angle of arrival AoA, for radio waves such as BLE beacons transmitted from the terminal device 100. In other words, in the second method, the terminal device 100 is assumed to emit radio waves such as BLE beacons. The angle of arrival AoA can be calculated using the method described in Patent Document 1. That is, the electronic device 200 has multiple antennas. The electronic device 200 receives radio waves with the multiple antennas. The electronic device 200 calculates the angle of arrival AoA, which is the angle relative to the direction in which the multiple antennas are aligned, based on the distance between the multiple antennas and the phase difference of the radio waves received by the multiple antennas. The electronic device 200 then transmits second directional information indicating the angle of arrival AoA to the terminal device 100. As a result, the display control unit 140 acquires the second directional information. That is, the display control unit 140 acquires second directional information detected by the electronic device 200 and corresponding to the angle at which the electronic device 200 emits radio waves.

[0068] The display control unit 140 determines whether the position of the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined angular range (step S14). Specifically, the display control unit 140 determines whether the electronic device-side angle β, indicated by the second direction information, is within a predetermined angular range. The electronic device-side angle β corresponds to the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200. In other words, the display control unit 140 determines whether the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200, based on the second direction information, is within a predetermined angular range. The predetermined angular range will be described later with reference to Figure 7. The predetermined angular range may include a position corresponding to the front of the electronic device 200. The position corresponding to the front of the electronic device 200 may be, for example, a position from which the operation panel 220 of the electronic device 200 can be operated.

[0069] If the position of the terminal device 100 is not within a predetermined angular range, that is, if the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200 is not within a predetermined angular range (NO in S14), the display control unit 140 controls the display unit 112 to display the first screen (step S18). Here, the first screen is a screen that includes an indication of the direction of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100, as described above. On the other hand, if the position of the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined angular range (YES in S14), the display control unit 140 determines whether the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S16). That is, if the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200 is within a predetermined angular range, the display control unit 140 determines whether the distance indicated in the distance information obtained in the processing of S110 is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0070] If the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is greater than or equal to a threshold (YES in S16), the display control unit 140 controls the display unit 112 to display the first screen (S18). On the other hand, if the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is not greater than or equal to a threshold (NO in S16), the display control unit 140 controls the display unit 112 to display the second screen (step S20). Here, the second screen may be a screen that does not include an indication of the direction of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100, as described above. The second screen may also include an indication of the direction, but the indication may be less prominent than that of the first screen. The second screen may also include a message corresponding to the distance to the electronic device 200 being less than a threshold. If the second screen includes an indication of the direction, the message may be displayed superimposed on the indication on the second screen.

[0071] Here, the determinations in S14 and S16 correspond to determining whether the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined range on the front side of the electronic device 200. That is, if the determination in S14 is YES and the determination in S16 is NO, it is determined that the terminal device 100 is within the predetermined range on the front side of the electronic device 200. In other words, if the position of the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined angular range and the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is less than a threshold, it is determined that the terminal device 100 is within the predetermined range on the front side of the electronic device 200. Therefore, if it is determined that the terminal device 100 is within the predetermined range on the front side of the electronic device 200, the second screen may be displayed on the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100. On the other hand, if it is determined that the terminal device 100 is not within the predetermined range on the front side of the electronic device 200, the first screen may be displayed on the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100.

[0072] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the electronic device 200 and the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 shows the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200. The diagram of the electronic device 200 shown in Figure 7 is a schematic view of the electronic device 200 from above. The electronic device 200 has an operation panel 220, as shown in Figure 1. In the example of Figure 7, the wireless circuit board 240 is provided to the left of the operation panel 220 when viewed from the front surface 200a of the electronic device 200. The position of the wireless circuit board 240 in the electronic device 200 may differ depending on the model of the electronic device 200.

[0073] The wireless board 240 is equipped with antennas for transmitting and receiving radio waves such as BLE beacons and Wi-Fi beacons. Therefore, the first directional information obtained in the processing of S112 may indicate the direction of the wireless board 240 of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100. The second directional information obtained in the processing of S12 may indicate the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the wireless board 240 of the electronic device 200. As shown in Figure 7, let's assume that the wireless board 240 and the terminal device 100 are connected by a line L1. Here, for the sake of explanation, let's assume that the multiple antennas of the terminal device 100 are arranged parallel to the surface 100a. In this case, the angle α of line L1 with respect to the surface 100a on the front side of the terminal device 100 corresponds to the direction of the wireless board 240 of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100. Note that the multiple antennas of the terminal device 100 do not need to be arranged parallel to the surface 100a.

[0074] For the sake of explanation, let's assume that the multiple antennas of the electronic device 200 are arranged parallel to the front surface 200a of the electronic device 200. In this case, the angle β of line L1 relative to the side of the operation panel 220, as viewed from the wireless board 240 on the front surface 200a of the electronic device 200, corresponds to the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200. In other words, with the position of the wireless board 240 as the center, the angle of the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the side of the operation panel 220 on the surface 200a of the electronic device 200 corresponds to the electronic device side angle β. Also, with the position of the wireless board 240 as the center, a predetermined range Rθ of the angle of the surface 200a of the electronic device 200 relative to the side of the operation panel 220 corresponds to the predetermined angle range described above. Therefore, if the electronic device side angle β falls within the predetermined angle range Rθ, the judgment in S14 is YES. In the example in Figure 7, the electronic device side angle β does not fall within the predetermined angle range Rθ, so the judgment in S14 is NO. Therefore, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays the first screen Im1, which includes the direction indicator InD. Note that the multiple antennas of the electronic device 200 do not need to be arranged parallel to the plane 200a.

[0075] The predetermined angular range Rθ can be appropriately determined, for example, depending on the position of the wireless board 240 (antenna) in the electronic device 200, and the relative positional relationship between the wireless board 240 and the operation panel 220 in the electronic device 200. Therefore, the predetermined angular range Rθ can be appropriately determined depending on the model of the electronic device 200. The model information can be included in any signal transmitted from the electronic device 200. For example, the model information may be included in the BLE beacon Bb. Alternatively, the model information may be included in the response packet transmitted from the infrastructure-connected electronic device 200. Therefore, the predetermined angular range Rθ can be determined based on the model information of the electronic device 200 acquired by short-range wireless communication such as BLE. In other words, in the determination in S14, the display control unit 140 may determine the predetermined angular range Rθ based on the model information of the electronic device 200 acquired by short-range wireless communication such as BLE.

[0076] Figure 8 is an example of a table illustrating the correspondence between the model of the electronic device 200 and a predetermined angle range according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 8, for model A, the predetermined angle range Rθ is θa1 to θa2. For model B, the predetermined angle range Rθ is θb1 to θb2. For model C, the predetermined angle range Rθ is θc1 to θc2. For model D (electronic device 200D), the predetermined angle range Rθ is θd1 to θd2. For model E, the predetermined angle range Rθ is θe1 to θe2.

[0077] The terminal device 100 may store a table in advance, as illustrated in Figure 8. The display control unit 140 may then determine a predetermined angle range Rθ based on the acquired model information and the table illustrated in Figure 8.

[0078] In Figure 6, the processing flow may return to S12 after the processing in S18 and S20. Also, in Figure 6, the processing in S16 is executed after the processing in S14, but this order is not limited to this. The order of processing in S14 and S16 may be reversed. In this case, first, the display control unit 140 may determine whether the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is greater than or equal to a threshold, and if the distance is greater than or equal to the threshold, it may control the display unit 112 to display the first screen. If the distance is not greater than or equal to the threshold, the display control unit 140 may determine whether the position of the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined angular range. If the position of the terminal device 100 is not within the predetermined angular range, the display control unit 140 may control the display unit 112 to display the first screen. On the other hand, if the position of the terminal device 100 is within the predetermined angular range, the display control unit 140 may control the display unit 112 to display the second screen.

[0079] Furthermore, in the flowchart shown in Figure 6, processes S12 and S14 are optional. In other words, the process of determining whether the position of the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined angular range is not a mandatory process. In this case, the display control unit 140 may determine whether the distance between the terminal device 100 and the electronic device 200 is greater than or equal to a threshold, and if the distance is greater than or equal to the threshold, it may control the display unit 112 to display the first screen. On the other hand, if the distance is not greater than or equal to the threshold, the display control unit 140 may control the display unit 112 to display the second screen.

[0080] Figure 9 shows the positional relationship between the terminal device 900 and the electronic device 200 according to the comparative example. The comparative example in Figure 9 corresponds to the technology described in Patent Document 1. As indicated by arrow A, when the terminal device 900 is sufficiently far from the electronic device 200, the direction indicator InD displayed on the display unit 912 of the terminal device 900 can be said to indicate the approximate direction of the electronic device 200. Furthermore, when the terminal device 900 is sufficiently far from the electronic device 200, there is no problem as long as the direction indicator InD indicating the approximate direction of the electronic device 200 is displayed on the display unit 112 of the terminal device 900.

[0081] On the other hand, suppose that the user holding the terminal device 900 moves toward the electronic device 200, as indicated by arrow ArA, and the terminal device 900 approaches the electronic device 200 by a predetermined distance or more, as indicated by arrow B. In this case, the direction indicator InD displayed on the display unit 912 indicates the direction of the wireless board 240. Here, it is desirable for the user that the direction indicator InD indicates the direction of a location on the electronic device 200 that the user is interested in, such as the operation panel 220 or the central position of the electronic device 200. However, if the position of the wireless board 240 is far from the operation panel 220 on the electronic device 200, or if the position of the wireless board 240 is far from the central position of the electronic device 200, the direction of the direction indicator InD may deviate from the desired direction. Therefore, in the comparative example, convenience for the user may be impaired.

[0082] In contrast, in this embodiment, the display control unit 140 is configured to display a first screen on the display unit 112 that includes a direction indicator InD showing the direction of the electronic device 200 relative to the terminal device 100, when the distance to the electronic device 200 is greater than or equal to a threshold. Furthermore, the display control unit 140 is configured to display a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit 112 when the distance to the electronic device 200 is not greater than or equal to a threshold. With this configuration, the second screen is displayed when there is a risk that the direction of the direction indicator InD displayed on the first screen will deviate from the desired direction described above. This makes it possible to suppress the display of a direction indicator that deviates from the direction of the desired position of the electronic device 200 (for example, the central position of the electronic device 200 or the position of the operation panel 220). Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control unit 140 may be configured to acquire second direction information indicating the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200. The display control unit 140 may also be configured to display the second screen on the display unit 112 when the distance to the electronic device 200 is not greater than a threshold, and the direction of the terminal device 100 relative to the electronic device 200 based on the second direction information is within a predetermined angular range. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the display of a direction indication that is deviated from the direction relative to the desired position of the electronic device 200 when the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined range in front of the electronic device 200. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control unit 140 may be configured to acquire second directional information detected by the electronic device 200. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the display control unit 140 may be configured to acquire second directional information that is detected by the terminal device 100 and corresponds to the angle at which the electronic device 200 emits radio waves. With this configuration, the second directional information can be acquired even if the terminal device 100 does not transmit radio waves.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined angular range may be configured to be determined based on the model information of the electronic device 200 acquired by short-range wireless communication. With this configuration, even if the model of the electronic device 200 is different, the second directional information can be acquired more reliably.

[0086] Figures 10 to 18 illustrate the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 10 to 14 illustrate the first or second screen displayed in the process of S120 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the device list displayed on the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 10 and 11 show the device list Lt when printers A to E (electronic devices 200A to 200E) are found. Figures 10 and 11 show an example of indicating the direction for each printer in the device list Lt.

[0087] The device list Lt illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 displays each printer (electronic device 200) in order of proximity to the terminal device 100. In the example in Figure 10, the distances from the terminal device 100 to each printer are closest in the order of printer D, printer C, printer B, printer A, and printer E. Similarly, in the example in Figure 11, the distances from the terminal device 100 to each printer are closest in the order of printer B, printer D, printer C, printer A, and printer E. Note that the order in which printers are displayed in the device list Lt does not have to be in order of proximity to the terminal device 100. This is also true for the device list Lt in other figures.

[0088] Figure 10 shows an example where the device list Lt is displayed on the first screen only. In the example in Figure 10, terminal device 100 is located at a predetermined distance or more from all the discovered printers A to E. Also, terminal device 100 is not within a predetermined range in front of all the discovered printers A to E.

[0089] The device list Lt illustrated in Figure 10 includes a direction indicator InD that shows the direction of each printer relative to the terminal device 100. In the example in Figure 10, each printer is displayed in the device list Lt by a first screen Im1 which includes a direction indicator InD. For each printer, the direction indicator InD shows the direction indicated by the first direction information using the direction of an arrow.

[0090] In the device list Lt illustrated in Figure 10, printer D is displayed by a first screen Im1d which includes a direction indicator InDd that shows the direction of printer D relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDd indicates that printer D is to the right relative to terminal device 100. Also in the device list Lt, printer C is displayed by a first screen Im1c which includes a direction indicator InDc that shows the direction of printer C relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDc indicates that printer C is diagonally to the left and forward relative to terminal device 100.

[0091] Furthermore, in the device list Lt, printer B is displayed by a first screen Im1b which includes a direction indicator InDb that shows the direction of printer B relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDb indicates that printer B is positioned diagonally to the right and forward relative to terminal device 100. Furthermore, in the device list Lt, printer A is displayed by a first screen Im1a which includes a direction indicator InDa that shows the direction of printer A relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDa indicates that printer A is positioned forward relative to terminal device 100. Furthermore, in the device list Lt, printer E is displayed by a first screen Im1e which includes a direction indicator InDe that shows the direction of printer E relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDe indicates that printer E is positioned diagonally to the left and rear relative to terminal device 100.

[0092] Figure 11 shows an example of displaying the device list Lt on the first and second screens. In the example in Figure 11, terminal device 100 is located within a predetermined distance from printer B among the discovered printers A to E, and is at a predetermined distance or more from the other printers. Also, terminal device 100 is within a predetermined range in front of printer B among all the discovered printers A to E, but is not within a predetermined range in front of the other printers.

[0093] In the device list Lt illustrated in Figure 11, printer D is displayed by a first screen Im1d which includes a direction indicator InDd that shows the direction of printer D relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDd indicates that printer D is positioned diagonally to the right and rear relative to terminal device 100. Also in the device list Lt, printer C is displayed by a first screen Im1c which includes a direction indicator InDc that shows the direction of printer C relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDc indicates that printer C is positioned diagonally to the left and rear relative to terminal device 100.

[0094] Furthermore, in the device list Lt, printer A is displayed by a first screen Im1a which includes a direction indicator InDa that shows the direction of printer A relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDa indicates that printer A is located in the front direction relative to terminal device 100. Furthermore, in the device list Lt, printer E is displayed by a first screen Im1e which includes a direction indicator InDe that shows the direction of printer E relative to terminal device 100. Direction indicator InDe indicates that printer E is located in the left-rear direction relative to terminal device 100.

[0095] In contrast, in the device list Lt illustrated in Figure 11, printer B is displayed on the second screen Im2b. Here, the second screen Im2b does not include a directional indicator showing the orientation of printer B relative to the terminal device 100. Furthermore, the second screen Im2b displays printer B in a more emphasized form than the displays of other devices.

[0096] Figure 12 shows an example of selecting a printer using the device list Lt displayed on the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 12 shows the device list when printers A to E (electronic devices 200A to 200E) are found. The device list illustrated in Figure 12 displays each printer (electronic device 200) in order of proximity to the terminal device 100. On the other hand, unlike the device lists illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the device list illustrated in Figure 12 does not show direction. In the example in Figure 12, the distance from the terminal device 100 to each printer is closest in the order of printer D, printer C, printer B, printer A, and printer E.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 12, the user selects printer B using the device list displayed on terminal device 100. Here, terminal device 100 is located at a predetermined distance or more from the selected printer B. Also, terminal device 100 is not within a predetermined range in front of the selected printer B.

[0098] In this case, when the user selects printer B, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays a first screen Im1 related to printer B, as illustrated in Figure 12. The first screen Im1 illustrated in Figure 12 includes a direction indicator InD that shows the direction of printer B relative to the terminal device 100. Alternatively, as shown in the example in Figure 12, the first screen Im1 may also show the distance between the terminal device 100 and printer B, which is "3.1m". Alternatively, as shown in the example in Figure 12, the first screen Im1 may also show a message such as "Distance and direction of the selected printer".

[0099] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the second screen Im2 displayed on the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 13 and 14 show the case where a user selects a printer using a device list or the like. Here, the terminal device 100 is located within a predetermined distance from the selected printer. Also, the terminal device 100 is within a predetermined range in front of the selected printer. In this case, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays the second screen Im2 related to the selected printer.

[0100] In the example in Figure 13, the second screen Im2 does not include the direction indicator InD. Also, in the example in Figure 13, the second screen Im2 includes a message Me1 such as "You are in front of the selected printer." This message Me1 indicates that the distance between the terminal device 100 and the printer (electronic device 200) is below a threshold. By including message Me1 in the second screen Im2, the user can easily know that they are near the terminal device 100, i.e., the printer they have selected.

[0101] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 14, the second screen Im2 includes a message Me1 such as "You are in front of the selected printer." In the second screen Im2, message Me1 is superimposed on the direction indicator InD. Therefore, the direction indicator InD displayed in the second screen Im2 of Figure 14 is displayed in a less conspicuous manner than the direction indicator InD displayed in the first screen Im1 of Figure 12. In other words, the direction indicator InD displayed in the first screen Im1 of Figure 12 is displayed in a more conspicuous manner than the direction indicator InD displayed in the second screen Im2 of Figure 14. Therefore, the first screen Im1 is a screen that displays the direction indicator InD in a more conspicuous manner than the second screen Im2. Even with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the display of a direction indicator that is deviated from the direction relative to the desired position of the printer (electronic device 200). Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

[0102] Note that the second screen Im2 illustrated in Figure 13 does not include the direction indicator InD. Therefore, it can be said that the first screen Im1 in Figure 12 displays the direction indicator InD in a more prominent display format than the second screen Im2 in Figure 13. In other words, the direction indicator InD is less prominent in the second screen Im2 in Figure 13 than in the first screen Im1 in Figure 12. Furthermore, by the fact that the second screen Im2 is a screen that does not include the direction indicator, it is possible to further suppress the display of a direction indicator that is deviated from the direction relative to the desired position of the printer (electronic device 200).

[0103] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the first or second screen displayed during the process of S140 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device 100 when the terminal device 100 makes a direct connection with the printer (electronic device 200).

[0104] Figure 15 illustrates a first screen Im1 displayed on the terminal device 100 when it makes a direct connection to an electronic device 200 which is a printer, according to Embodiment 1. In the example in Figure 15, the terminal device 100 is located at a predetermined distance or more from the selected printer. Also, the terminal device 100 is not within a predetermined range in front of the selected printer.

[0105] In this case, as illustrated in Figure 15, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays a first screen Im1 related to the selected printer. The first screen Im1 illustrated in Figure 15 includes a direction indicator InD that shows the direction of the selected printer relative to the terminal device 100. Also, as shown in the example in Figure 15, the first screen Im1 may show the distance between the terminal device 100 and the printer, "3.1m". Also, as shown in the example in Figure 15, the first screen Im1 may show a message such as "Distance and direction of the selected printer". Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 15, the first screen Im1 may show a message MeA such as "Please enter the password displayed on the printer's operation panel into the terminal device". This message MeA is a message prompting the terminal device 100 to enter the password displayed on the operation panel 220 of the printer (electronic device 200).

[0106] Figure 16 illustrates a second screen Im2 displayed on the terminal device 100 when the terminal device 100 according to Embodiment 1 makes a direct connection with the electronic device 200. In the example of Figure 16, the terminal device 100 is located within a predetermined distance from the selected printer. Also, the terminal device 100 is located within a predetermined range in front of the selected printer.

[0107] In this case, as illustrated in Figure 16, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays a second screen Im2 related to the selected printer. Here, in the example of Figure 16, the second screen Im2 does not include the direction indicator InD. Also, in the example of Figure 16, the second screen Im2 includes a message Me2 such as "You are in front of the printer. Please check the control panel." This message Me2 indicates that the distance between the terminal device 100 and the printer (electronic device 200) is below a threshold. By including the message Me2 in the second screen Im2, the user can easily know that the terminal device 100 is near the selected printer. Note that, as in the example of Figure 14, the second screen Im2 may display the message Me2 superimposed on the direction indicator InD. Also, as illustrated in Figure 16, the second screen Im2 may include the message MeA shown in the first screen Im1 illustrated in Figure 15.

[0108] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the first or second screen displayed during the process at S170 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the first or second screen displayed on the terminal device 100 when the terminal device 100 sends print data to the printer (electronic device 200).

[0109] Figure 17 illustrates a first screen Im1 displayed on the terminal device 100 when it sends print data to the electronic device 200, which is a printer, according to Embodiment 1. In the example of Figure 17, the terminal device 100 is located at a predetermined distance or more from the selected printer. Also, the terminal device 100 is not within a predetermined range in front of the selected printer.

[0110] In this case, as illustrated in Figure 17, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays a first screen Im1 related to the selected printer. The first screen Im1 illustrated in Figure 17 includes a direction indicator InD that shows the direction of the selected printer relative to the terminal device 100. Also, as shown in the example in Figure 17, the first screen Im1 may show the distance between the terminal device 100 and the printer, "3.1m". Also, as shown in the example in Figure 17, the first screen Im1 may show a message such as "Distance and direction of the selected printer". Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 17, the first screen Im1 may show a message MeB such as "Print data has been sent to the printer". This message MeB indicates that the terminal device 100 has sent print data to the selected printer (electronic device 200).

[0111] Figure 18 illustrates a second screen, Im2, displayed on the terminal device 100 when it transmits print data to the electronic device 200, which is a printer, according to Embodiment 1. In the example of Figure 18, the terminal device 100 is located within a predetermined distance from the selected printer. Also, the terminal device 100 is located within a predetermined range in front of the selected printer.

[0112] In this case, as illustrated in Figure 18, the display unit 112 of the terminal device 100 displays a second screen Im2 related to the selected printer. Here, in the example of Figure 18, the second screen Im2 does not include the direction indicator InD. Also, in the example of Figure 18, the second screen Im2 includes a message Me3 such as "You are in front of the printer. Please check the output tray." This message Me3 indicates that the distance between the terminal device 100 and the printer (electronic device 200) is below a threshold. By including the message Me3 in the second screen Im2, the user can easily know that the terminal device 100 is near the selected printer. Note that, as in the example of Figure 14, the second screen Im2 may display the message Me3 superimposed on the direction indicator InD. Also, as illustrated in Figure 18, the second screen Im2 may include the message MeB shown in the first screen Im1 illustrated in Figure 17.

[0113] (modified version) It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the communication system 1 shown in Figure 2 has five electronic devices 200, but the number of electronic devices 200 in the communication system 1 is arbitrary.

[0114] Furthermore, the order of each process in the flowchart described above can be changed as appropriate. Also, one or more of the processes in the flowchart described above can be omitted. For example, in the flowchart shown in Figure 5, the order of processes S102 and S104 may be reversed. Alternatively, processes S102 and S104 may be executed in parallel. Also, the order of processes S110 and S112 may be reversed. Alternatively, processes S110 and S112 may be executed in parallel. Also, processes S160 to S170 may be omitted. Also, processes S130 to S152 may be omitted.

[0115] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1...Communication system, 10...Access point, 100...Terminal device, 102...Processing unit, 104...Storage unit, 106...First wireless communication unit, 108...Second wireless communication unit, 112...Display unit, 114...Operation unit, 130...Printing application, 132...Search processing unit, 134...Distance information acquisition unit, 136...Direction information acquisition unit, 140...Display control unit, 150...Connection processing unit, 160...Printing control unit, 200...Electronic equipment, 202...Processing unit, 204...Storage unit, 206...First wireless communication unit, 208...Second wireless communication unit, 210...Printing unit, 212...User interface, 220...Operation panel, 232...Paper feed tray, 234...Paper output tray, 240...Wireless board

Claims

1. A terminal device, A distance information acquisition unit acquires distance information indicating the distance between the terminal device and the electronic device through short-range wireless communication with the electronic device, A direction information acquisition unit acquires first direction information indicating the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device through the short-range wireless communication with the electronic device, A display control unit that controls the display of the display unit, It has, The display control unit, A second direction information is obtained that indicates the direction of the terminal device relative to the electronic device. If the distance to the electronic device based on the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the display unit will display a first screen including a direction indicator that shows the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information. If the distance to the electronic device is not greater than or equal to the threshold, and the direction of the terminal device relative to the electronic device based on the second direction information is within a predetermined angular range determined based on the model information of the electronic device acquired by the short-range wireless communication, then a second screen different from the first screen is displayed on the display unit. Terminal device.

2. The first screen is a screen that displays the direction indicator in a more prominent format than the second screen. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The second screen is a screen that does not include the direction display. The terminal device according to claim 2.

4. The second screen includes a message indicating that the distance to the electronic device is less than the threshold. The terminal device according to claim 1.

5. The display control unit acquires the second direction information detected by the electronic device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

6. The display control unit acquires the second directional information detected by the terminal device and corresponding to the angle at which the electronic device emits radio waves. The terminal device according to claim 1.

7. Distance information indicating the distance between the terminal device and the electronic device is obtained through short-range wireless communication with the electronic device. Through the short-range wireless communication with the electronic device, first directional information indicating the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device is obtained. A second direction information is obtained that indicates the direction of the terminal device relative to the electronic device. If the distance to the electronic device based on the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, a first screen including a direction indicator that shows the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. If the distance to the electronic device is not greater than or equal to the threshold, and the direction of the terminal device relative to the electronic device based on the second direction information is within a predetermined angular range determined based on the model information of the electronic device acquired by the short-range wireless communication, then a second screen different from the first screen is displayed on the display unit. Display control method.

8. The steps include: obtaining distance information indicating the distance between a terminal device and an electronic device through short-range wireless communication with the electronic device; The steps include: obtaining first directional information indicating the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device through short-range wireless communication with the electronic device; A step of acquiring second directional information indicating the direction of the terminal device relative to the electronic device, If the distance to the electronic device based on the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the terminal device's display unit is made to display a first screen, which includes a direction indicator showing the direction of the electronic device relative to the terminal device based on the acquired first direction information. If the distance to the electronic device is not greater than or equal to the threshold, and the direction of the terminal device relative to the electronic device based on the second direction information is within a predetermined angular range determined based on the model information of the electronic device acquired by the short-range wireless communication, the step of displaying a second screen different from the first screen on the display unit; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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