Programs for applications for terminal devices, methods executed by terminal devices, and terminal devices

Abstract

To provide a technique of increasing the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: The terminal device includes: a display unit; a reception unit for receiving the input of at least one letter from a user; and a first display control unit for displaying, in the display unit, a first screen, in which N1 (N1 is an integer of at least 1) number of letter strings which forward-match at least one letter of a plurality of letter strings stored in a memory are located above N2 (N2 is an integer of at least 1) number of letter strings which do not forward-match at least one letter and partially match the at least one letter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a technology for displaying a character string.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display device. The display device stores a plurality of device names for identifying a plurality of devices to be managed. When the display device receives an input of a character, it displays a device name including a character that matches the character.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technology for improving user convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This specification discloses an application program for a terminal device. The terminal device may include a display unit and a computer. The application program may cause the computer to function as the following units: a reception unit that receives an input of one or more characters from a user; and a first display control unit that causes the display unit to display a first screen in which N1 (where N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 1) character strings that match the one or more characters exactly are positioned higher than N2 (where N2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1) character strings that partially match the one or more characters but do not match exactly among a plurality of character strings stored in a memory.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives input of one or more characters, it displays N1 strings that prefixly match the one or more characters from among the multiple strings stored in memory at the top, and N2 strings that partially match the one or more characters without prefix matching at the bottom. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0007] The computer-readable recording medium for storing the above-mentioned application program, the terminal device itself implemented by the above-mentioned application program, and the method executed by the terminal device are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] This shows a flowchart of the processes performed by the application. [Figure 3] The sequence diagram for Case A is shown. [Figure 4] The sequence diagram for Case B is shown. [Figure 5] This shows a flowchart of the processes performed by the application. [Figure 6] The sequence diagram for Case C is shown. [Figure 7] The sequence diagram for Case D is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises an AP (Access Point) 6, a terminal 10, and a printer 100. The terminal 10 belongs to the LAN (Local Area Network) formed by the AP 6. In this embodiment, a technique is disclosed for making the printer 100 belong to the LAN by establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 100 and the AP 6 using the terminal 10.

[0010] (Configuration of terminal 10) Terminal 10 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet PC, or PDA. In a modified example, terminal 10 may be a stationary terminal device. Terminal 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a communication interface 16, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (symbol omitted). Hereafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0011] The operation unit 12 is an interface for receiving various instructions from the user. The user can input various instructions to the terminal 10 via the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 14 is a so-called touch panel and also functions as the operation unit 12. The communication interface 16 is connected to the LAN.

[0012] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to programs 36 and 38 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The OS (Operating System) program 36 is a program for controlling the basic operation of the terminal 10. The application 38 is a program for causing a printer (e.g., 100) to print, or for establishing a wireless connection between the printer (e.g., 100) and an AP (e.g., 6). Hereafter, the OS program 36 and the application 38 will be referred to as "OS36" and "App 38," respectively. The App 38 is installed on the terminal 10 from a server (not shown) located on the internet by the vendor of the OS36.

[0013] Memory 34 further stores a model name list 40 and usage region information. The model name list 40 stores, for each of several types of printer model names, the model name and sales region information indicating the region in which printers with that model name are sold, in association. The model name list 40 is stored in memory 34 when the application 38 is installed on the terminal 10. The usage region information is information indicating the region in which the terminal 10 is currently being used, and is specified by the user, for example, during the initial setup of the terminal 10.

[0014] (Configuration of printer 100) The printer 100 is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of terminal 10) capable of performing printing functions. In addition to printing functions, the printer 100 may be a multi-function device capable of performing scanning functions, facsimile functions, etc. The printer 100 has the model name "ABCX-1234". The printer 100 comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication interface 116, a print execution unit 118, and a control unit 130. Each unit 112 to 130 is connected to a bus line (symbol omitted).

[0015] The control unit 112 is equipped with multiple keys. By operating the control unit 112, the user can input various instructions to the printer 100. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 114 is a so-called touch panel and also functions as the control unit 112. The communication interface 116 is an interface for establishing a wireless connection with AP6. The print execution unit 118 is equipped with a printing mechanism such as an inkjet or laser printer.

[0016] The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 performs various processes according to a program 136 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.

[0017] (App processing; Figure 2) Next, referring to FIG. 2, the processing realized by the CPU 32 executing the application 38 will be described. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding, instead of describing the CPU 32 as the main body of the processing, the application 38 will be described as the main body of the processing. When the application 38 receives a Wi-Fi setup operation from the user on the home screen (refer to the screen SC0 in FIG. 3) displayed after the application 38 is launched, the processing of FIG. 2 is started. "Wi-Fi setup" means establishing a wireless connection with the AP 6 for the printer 100.

[0018] In S10, the application 38 causes the search screen SC1 to be displayed on the display unit 14. The search screen SC1 includes a message prompting the user to enter the model name, a model name input area R1, and an OK button B1.

[0019] In S12, the application 38 determines whether one or more characters have been input on the search screen SC1. Specifically, when the application 38 receives the selection of the OK button B1 after one or more characters have been input into the model name input area R1, it determines YES in S12 and proceeds to S14. The "characters" in this embodiment mean alphabets and numbers and do not include symbols (e.g., "-"). Therefore, for example, when "ABCX-123" is input, the application 38 deletes the symbol "-" from "ABCX-123" and uses the resulting character string "ABCX123" as the input characters to execute the processing after S14.

[0020] In S14, the application 38 determines whether the input characters consist only of numbers. If the input characters consist only of numbers, the application 38 determines YES in S14 and proceeds to S18. If the input characters include alphabets, the application 38 determines NO in S14 and proceeds to S16.

[0021] In S16, app 38 generates a first searchable model name list using the model name list 40. Specifically, app 38 generates the first searchable model name list by removing the symbol "-" from each model name included in the model name list 40.

[0022] In S18, app 38 generates a second searchable model name list using the model name list 40. Specifically, app 38 generates the second searchable model name list by removing letters and the hyphen "-" from each model name included in the model name list 40. In other words, the second searchable model name list consists of strings consisting only of numbers.

[0023] In S20, app 38 performs a prefix match search on the first search model name list (if NO in S14) or the second search model name list (if YES in S14). Hereafter, the first or second search model name list used in searches from S20 onwards will be referred to as the "target list". Specifically, first, app 38 identifies one string included in the target list. Next, app 38 determines whether the entered character (see S12) prefixes match the identified string. If app 38 determines that the entered character prefixes match the identified string, it stores the original model name of the identified string in the first result table. Next, app 38 identifies another string included in the target list and performs the same process as above. After app 38 has performed the same process for all strings included in the target list, it terminates the process in S20.

[0024] In S22, app 38 sorts each model name included in the first result table obtained in S20. Specifically, first, app 38 identifies the usage region information stored in the terminal 10's memory 34. Next, app 38 identifies each sales region information associated with each model name included in the first result table from the model name list 40. Then, app 38 excludes model names associated with sales region information that do not include usage region information from the first result table. It is unlikely that a user of terminal 10 owns a printer with a model name associated with sales region information that does not include usage region information. In this embodiment, since the model names of printers that are unlikely to be owned by the user are excluded from the first result table, those model names are not displayed on the search results screen SC2 described later. As a result, the user can appropriately select the model name of the printer they own on the search results screen SC2. Next, app 38 sorts each model name included in the first result table alphabetically. In this way, app 38 can generate a sorted first result table.

[0025] In S24, app 38 performs a partial match search on the target list. Specifically, first, app 38 identifies one string included in the target list. Next, app 38 determines whether the entered character (see S12) partially matches the identified string. If app 38 determines that the entered character partially matches the identified string, it stores the original model name of the identified string in the second result table. Note that "partial match search" includes "prefix match search". Therefore, the second result table at this stage also includes each model name included in the first result table generated in S20. Next, app 38 identifies another string included in the target list and performs the same process as above. Once app 38 has performed the same process for all strings included in the target list, it terminates the process in S24.

[0026] In S26, app 38 sorts each model name in the second results table obtained in S24. First, as in S22, app 38 excludes model names associated with sales region information that do not include usage region information from the second results table. App 38 further excludes each model name in the sorted first results table obtained in S22 from the second results table. Thus, app 38 can generate a second results table containing the original model names of each string that partially matches the entered characters without a prefix match.

[0027] Next, app 38 sorts each model name in the second results table so that model names containing the entered characters at the beginning are ranked higher. In this way, app 38 can generate a sorted second results table. In the sorted second results table, model names containing the entered characters at the beginning are ranked higher, and therefore, in the search results screen SC2 described later, model names containing the entered characters at the beginning are also ranked higher. Model names containing the entered characters at the beginning are more likely to be the model name of a printer owned by the user. This is because users do not remember all the characters that make up a model name, but they are more likely to remember the beginning part of the model name. Therefore, the model name of a printer owned by the user may be displayed higher, improving user convenience.

[0028] In S30, the application 38 displays the search results screen SC2 (see Figure 3, etc.) on the display unit 14. Specifically, the application 38 generates the search results screen such that each model name in the sorted first result table obtained in S22 is ranked higher than each model name in the sorted second result table obtained in S26. The application 38 then displays the generated search results screen on the display unit 14. When the process in S30 is completed, the process shown in Figure 2 is completed.

[0029] (Case A; Figure 3) Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain a specific case A realized by the process in Figure 2. Although not shown in the illustration, in the initial state of Figure 3, a Wi-Fi connection is established between terminal 10 and AP6 (i.e., terminal 10 belongs to the LAN).

[0030] When terminal 10 receives an application launch operation from the user at T10 (for example, an operation to select the icon of application 38), it launches application 38 at T12. In this case, application 38 displays the home screen SC0 on the display unit 14 at T14. Home screen SC0 includes a print button B2 for executing printing to a printer (for example, 100), a setup button B3 for starting Wi-Fi setup, etc. Although not shown in the diagram, home screen SC0 may also include other buttons such as a scan button and a copy button.

[0031] App 38 accepts a Wi-Fi setup operation from the user at T16 (trigger in Figure 2). Specifically, App 38 accepts the user's selection of the setup button B3 on the home screen SC0. In this case, App 38 displays the search screen SC1 (see S10 in Figure 2) on the display unit 14 at T18 (S10).

[0032] There may be users who do not remember all the characters that make up the printer model name, but only remember the beginning part of the model name. In this case, at T20, app 38 accepts the input of the characters "AB" (i.e., the beginning part of the model name "ABCX-1234" of the printer 100 owned by the user) from such a user in the model name input area R1 in the search screen SC1, and then accepts the selection of the OK button B1 in the search screen SC1 (YES at S12). In this case, since the entered characters "AB" contain alphabets (NO at S14), app 38 generates a first search model name list at T22 using the model name list 40 (S16).

[0033] In T24, application 38 performs a prefix match search on the first search model name list (S20). Specifically, first, application 38 identifies one string "ABCX1234" included in the first search model name list. Since the entered characters "AB" prefix match the string "ABCX1234", application 38 stores the original model name "ABCX-1234" of the string "ABCX1234" in the first result table. Similarly, application 38 stores the model name "ABCY-1234" in the first result table. In this way, a first result table containing the two model names "ABCX-1234" and "ABCY-1234" is generated.

[0034] In T26, application 38 sorts each model name included in the first result table (S22). Specifically, first, application 38 identifies the usage region information "JP" stored in memory 34. Next, application 38 identifies from the model name list 40 the sales region information "JP" associated with the model name "ABCX-1234" included in the first result table, and the sales region information "US" associated with the model name "ABCY-1234" included in the first result table. Then, application 38 removes the model name "ABCY-1234" associated with the sales region information "US" that does not include the usage region information "JP" from the first result table. As a result, a first result table containing only one model name "ABCX-1234" is generated. Since the first result table contains only one model name "ABCX-1234", application 38 does not sort the model names alphabetically. As a result, a sorted first result table containing only one model name "ABCX-1234" is generated.

[0035] Next, in T30, app 38 performs a partial match search on the first search model name list (S24). Specifically, app 38 first identifies one string, "ABCX1234", included in the first search model name list. Since the entered character "AB" partially matches the string "ABCX1234", app 38 stores the original model name "ABCX-1234" of the string "ABCX1234" in the second result table. Similarly, app 38 stores the model names "ABCY-1234", "CABD-1234", and "CDAB-4123" in the second result table. In this way, a second result table containing the four model names "ABCX-1234", "ABCY-1234", "DABC-1234", and "CDAB-4123" is generated.

[0036] App 38 sorts each model name in the second results table at T32 (S26). Specifically, first, App 38 removes the model name "ABCY-1234" associated with the sales region information "US" that does not include the usage region information "JP" from the second results table. App 38 then removes the model name "ABCX-1234" from the second results table that is included in the sorted first results table. Next, App 38 sorts each model name in the second results table so that model names containing the entered characters "AB" at the beginning are ranked higher. Specifically, App 38 sorts them in the order of "DABC-1234" and "CDAB-4123". As a result, a sorted second results table is generated that contains the two model names "DABC-1234" and "CDAB-4123".

[0037] In T40, application 38 displays the search results screen SC2 on the display unit 14 (S30). The search results screen SC2 includes a model name input area R1 in which the entered text "AB" is written. In the search results screen SC2, the model name "ABCX-1234" included in the sorted first result table is ranked higher than the two model names "DABC-1234" and "CDAB-4123" included in the sorted second result table.

[0038] When application 38 receives a selection from the user for the top-level model name "ABCX-1234" in the search results screen SC2 at T42, it displays the method screen SC3 on the display unit 14 at T44. The method screen SC3 is a screen that notifies the user of the method (in this case, pressing a button on the printer) for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 100 with the selected model name and the AP (for example, 6). Application 38 has pre-stored the method for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer with the selected model name and the AP for each model name included in the model name list 40. Then, application 38 displays the method screen SC3, which shows the method corresponding to the selected model name, on the display unit 14.

[0039] After viewing the method screen SC3, the user presses the button for printer 100 with model name "ABCX-1234" at T50. In this case, at T52, a Wi-Fi setup process is executed between terminal 10 and printer 100. The Wi-Fi setup process includes, for example, the transmission of the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password (not shown) of the wireless network formed by AP6 from terminal 10 to printer 100. As a result, at T54, printer 100 can establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 using the SSID and password received from terminal 10. For this reason, terminal 10 can cause printer 100 to print via AP6.

[0040] (Effects of Case A) According to the above configuration, when the application 38 accepts text input (YES in S12 in Figure 2, T20 in Figure 3, and T120 in Figure 4), it displays, from among the multiple model names in the model name list 40 stored in memory 34, the model name that matches the entered text at the beginning (in Case A, one model name "ABCX-1234"; in Case B, two model names "ABCX-1234" and "DABC-1234") at the top, and the model names that partially match the entered text without a prefix match (in Case A, two model names "DABC-1234" and "CDAB-4123"; in Case B, one model name "CDAB-4123") at the bottom. Therefore, the user can appropriately select the model name "ABCX-1234" of the printer 100 that they own. This improves user convenience.

[0041] (Case B; Figure 4) Next, we will explain Case B with reference to Figure 4. Case B differs from Case A in that the characters entered by the user consist only of numbers. The initial state of Case B is the same as the initial state of Case A. The processing of T110 to T118 is the same as the processing of T10 to T18 in Figure 3.

[0042] There may be users who do not remember all the characters that make up the printer model name, but only remember the numerical part of the model name. In this case, at T120, application 38 accepts the input of the characters "123" (i.e., part of the numerical portion of the model name "ABCX-1234" of the printer 100 owned by the user) from such a user in the model name input area R1 in the search screen SC1, and then accepts the selection of the OK button B1 in the search screen SC1 (YES at S12 in Figure 2). In this case, since the entered characters "123" consist only of numbers (YES at S14), application 38 generates a second search model name list at T122 using the model name list 40 (S18).

[0043] The processing of T124 is the same as the processing of T24 in Figure 3, except that the input characters are "123" and a second search model name list is used. As a result, T124 generates a first result table containing three model names "ABCX-1234", "ABCY-1234", and "CABD-1234". The processing of T126 is the same as the processing of T26 in Figure 3. As a result, a sorted first result table containing two model names "ABCX-1234" and "DABC-1234" is generated.

[0044] The process for T130 is the same as the process for T30 in Figure 3, except that the input characters are "123" and a second search model name list is used. As a result, a second results table is generated containing four model names: "ABCX-1234", "ABCY-1234", "DABC-1234", and "CDAB-4123". The process for T132 is the same as the process for T32 in Figure 3. As a result, a sorted second results table is generated containing one model name: "CDAB-4123".

[0045] In step T140, application 38 displays the search results screen SC2 on the display unit 14 in the search screen SC1 (S30). The search results screen SC2 includes a model name input area R1 in which the entered text "123" is written. In the search results screen SC2, the two model names "ABCX-1234" and "DABC-1234" included in the sorted first result table are ranked higher than the one model name "CDAB-4123" included in the sorted second result table. The processing in steps T142 to T154 is the same as the processing in steps T42 to T54 in Figure 3.

[0046] (Effect of Case B) In Case B, as in Case A, user convenience can be improved. In particular, in Case B, even if only numbers are entered in the model name input area R1 on the search screen SC1, app 38 can appropriately perform prefix matching and partial matching searches using the second search model name list.

[0047] (Correspondence) Terminal 10, printer 100, and application 38 are examples of "terminal device," "image processing device," and "application program," respectively. The model names included in the sorted first result table (see S22 in Figure 2), the model names included in the sorted second result table (see S26), and the model names included in the unsorted second result table (see S24) are examples of "N1 strings (and N4 strings)," "N2 strings (and N5 strings)," and "N3 strings," respectively. The second search model name list is an example of "multiple search strings." The strings that prefix-match the entered characters included in the second search model name list and the strings that partially match but do not prefix-match included in the second search model name list are examples of "N4 search strings" and "N5 search strings," respectively. The search results screen SC2 displayed at T40 in Figure 3 and the search results screen SC2 displayed at T140 in Figure 4 are examples of "first screen" and "second screen," respectively. The usage area and sales area information indicated by the usage area information are examples of "terminal usage area" and "regional information," respectively.

[0048] The processes in S12 and S30 in Figure 2 are examples of processes executed by the "reception unit" and the "first (and second) display control unit," respectively. The processes in S20, S24, S26, and S18 are examples of processes executed by the "first identification unit," the "second identification unit," the "third identification unit," and the "fourth identification unit," respectively.

[0049] (Second example) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a search for devices present around terminal 10 is performed.

[0050] (Application processing; Figure 5) Referring to Figure 5, the process implemented by CPU 32 executing application 38 will be explained. In Figure 5, the same steps as in Figure 2 are given the same step numbers. Below, the explanation of the process similar to that in Figure 2 will be omitted, and the differences from the process in Figure 2 will be explained.

[0051] In S130, application 38 broadcasts a Probe Request via communication interface 16. Hereafter, the Request will be referred to as "Req". The Probe Req is a signal used to search for a device acting as a base station (e.g., a Wi-Fi Direct® Group Owner) in the vicinity of terminal 10.

[0052] In S132, app 38 monitors for the reception of model names from devices surrounding terminal 10. When a Probe Request is received by a device acting as a master station surrounding terminal 10, that device sends a Probe Response to terminal 10 as a response to the Probe Request, which includes the SSID of the wireless network formed by that device acting as a master station, and which includes the model name of the device. Hereafter, Response will be referred to as "Res". If an SSIDProbe Res is received, app 38 determines YES in S132 and proceeds to S134. On the other hand, if a Probe Res is not received, app 38 determines NO in S132 and proceeds to S136.

[0053] In S134, app 38 extracts the model name from the SSID included in the received Probe Res and stores the model name in memory 34. Specifically, if the SSID included in the received Probe Res matches any of the strings stored in the model name list 40, app 38 extracts the SSID as the model name and stores the model name in memory 34.

[0054] In S136, app 38 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since sending the Probe Request in S130. If a certain amount of time has elapsed since sending the Probe Request, app 38 determines YES in S136 and proceeds to S140. On the other hand, if a certain amount of time has not elapsed since sending the Probe Request, app 38 returns to monitoring in S132.

[0055] In S140, application 38 displays the search results screen SC2 (see Figures 6 and 7) on the display unit 14. In particular, application 38 displays the model names received in S134 with priority over the model names included in the first and second result tables. The specific manner in which this "prioritization" is performed will be described later. When the processing in S140 is completed, the processing shown in Figure 5 is completed.

[0056] (Specific case; Figure 6) Next, with reference to Figure 6, a specific case realized by the process in Figure 5 will be explained. Although not shown in the illustration, in the initial state of Figure 6, a Wi-Fi connection is established between terminal 10 and AP6 (i.e., terminal 10 belongs to the LAN, see Figure 1). The processes of T210 to T218 are the same as the processes of T10 to T18 in Figure 3. Also, although not shown in the illustration, when the printer 100 is powered on while a Wi-Fi connection is not established, it transitions to a state where it operates as a master station. The SSID of the wireless network formed by the printer 100 operating as a master station includes the model name of the printer 100, "ABCX-1234".

[0057] It is conceivable that a user who owns a printer 100 with the model name "ABCX-1234" might mistakenly enter characters that are not included in the model name. In this case, at T220, application 38 accepts the user's input of characters "DA" that are not included in the printer 100's model name "ABCX-1234" into the model name input area R1 on the search screen SC1, and then accepts the selection of the OK button B1 on the search screen SC1 (YES at S12 in Figure 5). In this case, since the entered characters "DA" contain alphabetic characters (YES at S14), application 38 generates a first searchable model name list at T222 using the model name list 40 (S16). The first searchable model name list is as previously described.

[0058] The processing of T224 is the same as the processing of T24 in Figure 3, except that the input characters are "DA". As a result, in T224, one model name, "DABC-1234", is stored in the first result table. In the model name list 40, the sales region information "JP, US" is associated with the model name "DABC-1234", so the model name "DABC-1234" is not excluded from the first result table. Since the first result table contains only one model name, app 38 does not perform an alphabetical sort. As a result, a sorted first result table containing only one model name, "DABC-1234", is generated.

[0059] The processing of T230 is the same as the processing of T30 in Figure 3, except that the input character is "DA". As a result, three model names, "CDA-2345", "DABC-1234", and "CDAB-4123", are stored in the second result table. The processing of T232 is the same as the processing of T32 in Figure 3. As a result, a sorted second result table containing two model names, "CDA-2345" and "CDAB-4123", is generated.

[0060] App 38 broadcasts a Probe Request on T240 (S130).

[0061] When printer 100 receives a Probe Request from terminal 10 at T240, it sends a Probe Res containing the SSID "ABCX-1234" to terminal 10 at T242.

[0062] When application 38 receives a Probe Res containing the SSID "ABCX-1234" from printer 100 at T242 (YES in S132), at T244, it extracts the model name "ABCX-1234" from the SSID included in the Probe Res and stores the model name "ABCX-1234" in memory 34 (S134).

[0063] Subsequently, a certain amount of time elapses after T240 sends a Probe Request without receiving a Probe Res from another device (YES in S136). In this case, app 38 displays the search results screen SC2 on the display unit 14 in T250 (S140). The search results screen SC2 includes a model name input area R1 in which the entered characters "DA" are written. In the search results screen SC2, the single model name "DABC-1234" included in the first result table is ranked higher than the two model names "CDA-2345" and "CDAB-4123" included in the sorted second result table. Furthermore, in the search results screen SC2, the model name "ABCX-1234" stored in T244 (i.e., the model name of printer 100 found by searching for surrounding devices) is ranked higher than the three model names mentioned above. The processing in T252 to T264 is the same as the processing in T42 to T54 in Figure 3.

[0064] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, user convenience can be improved. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, in the search results screen SC2, even if the model name is not included in the first result table or the second result table, the model name of the printer found in the search will be ranked higher than these model names. Since the printer 100 found in the search is a printer located in the vicinity of terminal 10, it is highly likely that the user will want to establish a Wi-Fi connection between that printer and the AP. Therefore, even if a user who owns printer 100 mistakenly enters characters not included in the model name of printer 100 "ABCX-1234", the model name "ABCX-1234" will be included in the search results screen SC2. In particular, since the model name of printer 100 "ABCX-1234" is ranked higher in the search results screen SC2, the user can appropriately select the model name "ABCX-1234" of the printer 100 that they own. This improves user convenience. The processes S130 and S132 in Figure 5 are examples of processes executed by the "search unit".

[0065] (Third embodiment) (Specific case; Figure 7) Next, with reference to Figure 7, a specific case of the third embodiment realized by the process in Figure 5 will be described. The initial state in Figure 7 is the same as the initial state in Figure 6. The processes T310 to T344 in Figure 7 are the same as the processes T210 to T244 in Figure 6.

[0066] App 38 displays the search results screen SC2 on the display unit 14 in T350 (S140). The search results screen SC2 includes a model name input area R1 in which the entered text "DA" is written. Although not visible in Figure 7, in the search results screen SC2, the single model name "DABC-1234" included in the first result table is ranked higher than the two model names "CDA-2345" and "CDAB-4123" included in the sorted second result table. Furthermore, App 38 displays the notification screen SC4 on the display unit 14 overlaid on the search results screen SC2. The notification screen SC4 includes a message asking the user whether they want to set up the Wi-Fi for printer 100 with the model name "ABCX-1234" stored in T344, as well as a YES button B4 and a NO button B5.

[0067] When application 38 receives a selection of the YES button B4 in the notification screen SC4 at T352, it displays the method screen SC3 on the display unit 14 at T354. The processing at T354 to T364 is the same as the processing at T44 to T54 in Figure 3. Although not shown in the figure, if the NO button B5 in the notification screen SC4 is selected, application 38 stops displaying the notification screen SC4.

[0068] (Effects of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, user convenience can be improved. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the third embodiment, even if the model name is not included in the first and second result tables, a notification screen SC4 containing the model name of the printer found in the search is displayed overlaid on the search results screen SC2. Since the printer found in the search is a printer located in the vicinity of terminal 10, it is highly likely that the user will want to establish a Wi-Fi connection between that printer and the AP. Therefore, even if a user who owns printer 100 mistakenly enters characters not included in the model name of printer 100 "ABCX-1234", the notification screen SC4 will be displayed. Since the notification screen SC4 containing the model name of printer 100 "ABCX-1234" is displayed, the user can properly establish a Wi-Fi connection to the printer 100 that they own. This improves user convenience. The notification screen SC4 displayed in T350 in Figure 7 is an example of the "third screen".

[0069] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0070] (Modification 1) Memory 34 does not have to store the model name list 40. For example, the model name list 40 may be stored in the memory of a server (not shown) different from the terminal 10. In this case, if the application 38 determines YES in S12 of Figure 2, it may refer to the model name list 40 in the memory of the server to generate a target list (i.e., a first or second search model name list). In this modification, the server's memory is an example of "memory".

[0071] (Modification 2) Memory 34 may store, for example, a list of identification information for identifying software that can be installed on terminal 10, instead of the model name list 40. The application 38 may then identify from this list an identification information that matches the entered characters either by prefix or partial. In this modification, the identification information included in the above list is an example of "multiple strings". Generally speaking, "multiple strings" do not have to be "model names of image processing devices".

[0072] (Modification 3) The method by which app 38 identifies "N2 strings" is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment. For example, app 38 may identify "N2 strings" as shown in (3-1) and (3-2) below.

[0073] (3-1) App 38 may perform a partial match search and then identify N1 strings that match the prefix and N2 strings that partially match but do not match the prefix from the N3 strings found in the partial match search. Specifically, first, App 38 omits the processes of S20 and S22 in Figure 2 and executes the process of S24 to identify model names (an example of the N3 strings) that partially match (i.e., "including prefix matches") the entered characters. Next, App 38 may identify N1 strings for each model name that partially matches the entered characters by determining whether or not the model name matches the entered characters. Furthermore, App 38 may identify N2 strings by excluding the N1 strings from the N3 strings.

[0074] (3-2) Instead of performing the process in S24, application 38 may perform a process to search for strings that partially match the entered characters without a prefix match. Specifically, application 38 first identifies "N1 strings" that partially match the entered characters by performing the processes in S20 and S22. Then, in S24, application 38 may identify strings that partially match the entered characters without a prefix match from the target list and store the original model names of these strings in the second result table.

[0075] (Variation 4) App 38 may sort each model name that partially matches the entered characters without a prefix match in alphabetical order.

[0076] (Modification 5) The application 38 can omit the processing in S14 to S18 of Figure 2. In this case, the application 38 may identify model names that match the input characters, both prefixly and partially, for each model name (i.e., string) included in the model name list 40 (S20 to S26). In this modification, the "fourth identification unit" and the "second display control unit" can be omitted. In another modification, the first and second search model name lists may be stored in memory 34 in advance. In this case, the application 38 may identify the first search model name list stored in memory 34 instead of processing in S16. Similarly, the application 38 may identify the second search model name list stored in memory 34 instead of processing in S18.

[0077] (Modification 6) Memory 34 does not need to store usage region information. Also, the model name list 40 does not need to store sales region information associated with each model name. In another modification, memory 34 may store usage language information (e.g., Japanese, English, etc.) indicating the language currently used by the terminal 10 instead of usage region information. Also, the model name list 40 may store supported language information instead of sales region information. The application 38 may exclude model names associated with supported language information that does not include usage language information from the first (and second) result tables. In this modification, usage language information is an example of "regional information indicating the terminal usage region," and supported language information is an example of "regional information indicating the region where the image processing device is sold." In another modification, in the model name list 40, supported language information may be identified from the sales region information associated with each model name.

[0078] (Modification 7) The method by which the application 38 searches for printers present around the terminal 10 is not limited to the form of the above embodiment (i.e., sending Probe Req and receiving Probe Res), but may be performed, for example, via Bluetooth® communication.

[0079] (Modification 8) In S12 of Figure 2, if the application 38 accepts input of a string containing both numbers and letters, such as "1234ABCX", it may transform the already entered string "1234ABCX" into "ABCX1234" and treat it as the already entered string, then execute the processing from S14 onwards. This is because model names never start with numbers. In other words, if numbers are entered before letters, the application 38 may swap the order of numbers and letters before executing the processing from S14 onwards. In another modification, for example, if the application accepts input of a string containing both numbers and letters, such as "1234ABCX", it may treat the string where numbers are written first, "1234ABCX", and the string where letters are written first, "ABCX1234", as already entered strings and execute the processing from S14 onwards for each. In other words, when application 38 accepts input containing both numbers and letters, it may perform the processing from S14 onwards for strings in which numbers come first and strings in which letters come first, respectively.

[0080] (Modification 9) In the above embodiment, each process in Figures 2 to 7 was implemented by software (e.g., application 38, program 136), but at least one of the above processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0081] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. The following items are elements described in the claims at the time of filing the patent application. (Item 1) A program for an application for a terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned application program controls the computer as follows: A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that have a prefix match to one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that do not have a prefix match to one or more characters but have a partial match. An application program that functions as such. (Item 2) Each of the aforementioned strings is the model name of one of several types of image processing devices, as described in Item 1, for the application program. (Item 3) The aforementioned application program further uses the computer, A first identification unit identifies the N1 strings by determining whether each of the plurality of strings stored in the memory has a prefix match with one or more characters, A second identification unit identifies N3 strings (where N3 is an integer of 1 or more) by determining whether each of the plurality of strings stored in the memory partially matches one or more of the characters, A third identification unit identifies the N2 strings by excluding the N1 strings that have already been identified from the N3 strings that have already been identified, To make it function as, The application program according to item 1, wherein the first display control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen in which the N1 specified strings are positioned higher than the N2 specified strings. (Item 4) The application program described in item 1, wherein the first display control unit places the strings containing one or more of the aforementioned characters at the beginning of the N2 strings higher in the first screen. (Item 5) The aforementioned application program further uses the computer, A fourth identification unit that, when each of the one or more characters is a digit, excludes non-digit characters from each of the multiple strings stored in the memory to identify multiple search strings corresponding to the multiple strings, A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second screen containing the N4 strings and the N5 strings such that, among the specified plurality of search strings, the N4 strings corresponding to the N4 search strings (where N4 is an integer of 1 or more) that have a prefix match to one or more characters are displayed higher than the N5 strings corresponding to the N5 search strings (where N5 is an integer of 1 or more) that do not have a prefix match but have a partial match to one or more characters. To make it function as, The application program described in item 1, wherein the application program causes the computer to function as the first display control unit when the one or more characters include characters other than numbers. (Item 6) The memory further stores, for each of the plurality of strings, the string and regional information indicating the region in which the image processing device whose model name is sold are associated with it. Each of the N1 strings is a string that matches one or more characters of the plurality of strings and is associated with the regional information indicating the terminal usage area in which the terminal device is currently being used. Each of the N2 strings is a string that partially matches one or more characters of the plurality of strings without a prefix match, and is associated with the regional information indicating the terminal usage area. The application program described in item 2. (Item 7) The aforementioned application program further uses the computer, It functions as a search unit that searches for image processing devices present around the terminal device. The first display control unit causes the display unit to display the first screen in which the string representing the model name of the image processing device found by the search is positioned higher than the N1 strings and the N2 strings, according to the application program described in item 2. (Item 8) The aforementioned application program further uses the computer, It functions as a search unit that searches for image processing devices present around the terminal device. The application program according to item 2, wherein the first display control unit causes the display unit to further display a third screen containing the model name of the image processing device found by the search, separate from the first screen. (Item 9) A method performed by a terminal device, The terminal device includes a display unit, The aforementioned method, A reception process that accepts one or more characters from the user, A first display control step of causing the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that have a prefix match to one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that do not have a prefix match to one or more characters but have a partial match; A method that includes [a certain feature]. (Item 10) A terminal device, Display unit and A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that have a prefix match to one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that do not have a prefix match to one or more characters but have a partial match. A terminal device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 2: Communication system, 6: AP, 10: Terminal, 12, 112: Operation unit, 14, 114: Display unit, 16, 116: Communication I / F, 30, 130: Control unit, 32, 132: CPU, 34, 134: Memory, 36: OS program, 38: Application, 40: Model name list, 118: Print execution unit, 136: Program

Claims

1. A program for an application for a terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned application program controls the computer as follows: A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A first identification unit identifies N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that match the prefix of one or more characters by determining whether each of the multiple strings stored in memory matches the prefix of one or more characters, A second identification unit identifies N3 strings (where N3 is an integer of 1 or more) by determining whether each of the plurality of strings stored in the memory partially matches one or more of the characters. A third identification unit identifies N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that partially match one or more characters without a prefix match by excluding the N1 strings that have already been identified from the N3 strings that have already been identified, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen in which, among the plurality of strings stored in the memory, the specified N1 strings are positioned higher than the specified N2 strings, An application program that functions as such.

2. A program for an application for a terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned application program controls the computer as follows: A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen where, if the one or more characters include characters other than numbers, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that prefixly match the one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that partially match the one or more characters without prefix matching, among a plurality of strings stored in memory. A fourth identification unit that, when each of the one or more characters is a digit, excludes non-digit characters from each of the multiple strings stored in the memory to identify multiple search strings corresponding to the multiple strings, A second display control unit causes the display unit to display a second screen including the N4 strings and the N5 strings such that, among the specified plurality of search strings, the N4 strings corresponding to the N4 search strings (where N4 is an integer of 1 or more) that have a prefix match to one or more characters are displayed higher than the N5 strings corresponding to the N5 search strings (where N5 is an integer of 1 or more) that do not have a prefix match but have a partial match to one or more characters. An application program that functions as such.

3. A program for an application for a terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned application program controls the computer as follows: A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A search unit that searches for image processing devices located around the terminal device, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, each of which is the model name of a plurality of types of image processing devices, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that prefixly match one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that partially match one or more characters without prefix matching, and a string that is the model name of the image processing device found by the search is positioned higher than the N1 strings and the N2 strings. An application program that functions as such.

4. A program for an application for a terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device is Display unit and Computers and, Equipped with, The aforementioned application program controls the computer as follows: A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A search unit that searches for image processing devices located around the terminal device, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, each of which is the model name of a plurality of types of image processing devices, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that prefixly match one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that partially match one or more characters without prefix matching, and a third screen, separate from the first screen, which includes the model names of the image processing devices found by the search. An application program that functions as such.

5. The application program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first display control unit places the strings containing one or more of the aforementioned characters at the beginning of the first screen higher in the list of the N2 strings.

6. The memory further stores, for each of the plurality of strings, the string and regional information indicating the region in which the image processing device whose model name is sold are associated with it. Each of the N1 strings is a string that matches one or more characters from the plurality of strings and is associated with the regional information indicating the terminal usage area in which the terminal device is currently being used. Each of the N2 strings is a string that partially matches one or more characters of the plurality of strings without a prefix match, and is associated with the regional information indicating the terminal usage area. The application program according to claim 3 or 4.

7. The application program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of strings is the model name of each of the plurality of types of image processing devices.

8. The memory further stores, for each of the plurality of strings, the string and regional information indicating the region in which the image processing device whose model name is sold are associated with it. Each of the N1 strings is a string that matches one or more characters from the plurality of strings and is associated with the regional information indicating the terminal usage area in which the terminal device is currently being used. Each of the N2 strings is a string that partially matches one or more characters of the plurality of strings without a prefix match, and is associated with the regional information indicating the terminal usage area. The application program according to claim 7.

9. A method performed by a terminal device, The terminal device includes a display unit, The aforementioned method, A reception process that accepts one or more characters from the user, A search step to search for image processing devices present around the terminal device, A first display control step to cause the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, each of which is the model name of a plurality of types of image processing devices, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that prefixly match one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that partially match one or more characters without prefix matching, and a third screen, separate from the first screen, which includes the model names of the image processing devices found by the search, A method that includes [a certain feature].

10. A terminal device, Display unit and A reception unit that accepts input of one or more characters from the user, A search unit that searches for image processing devices located around the terminal device, A first display control unit causes the display unit to display a first screen in which, among a plurality of strings stored in memory, each of which is the model name of a plurality of types of image processing devices, N1 strings (where N1 is an integer of 1 or more) that prefixly match one or more characters are positioned higher than N2 strings (where N2 is an integer of 1 or more) that partially match one or more characters without prefix matching, and a third screen, separate from the first screen, which includes the model names of the image processing devices found by the search. A terminal device equipped with the following features.

Images