Display apparatus, display system, and control method for display apparatus

A display apparatus includes a display section, a wireless communication section configured to perform wireless connection to an external apparatus using first connection information that can be acquired from an external radio tag, and a storing section configured to store second connection information different from the first connection information. The wireless communication section is capable of performing the wireless connection to the external apparatus or another external apparatus using the second connection information. The second connection information is changeable.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-043270, filed Mar. 5, 2015, is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display apparatus, a display system, and a control method for the display apparatus.

2. Related Art

There is known a technique for connecting an information processing apparatus such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal to a display apparatus such as a projector through a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Further, there is known a technique for using near field communication (NFC) for establishment of wireless LAN connection. For example, JP-T-2012-502554 (Patent Literature 1) discloses a technique in which a portable communication apparatus detects transmission of the NFC to thereby detect the presence of the wireless LAN and facilitates connection to the wireless LAN.

In the technique described in Patent Literature 1, there is a problem in that, when connection information of a display apparatus is changed, it is difficult to share the connection information.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a technique for, even when connection information of a display apparatus is changed, making it easy to share the connection information with other information processing apparatuses.

A display apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a display section; a wireless communication section configured to perform wireless connection to an external apparatus using first connection information that can be acquired from an external radio tag; and a storing section configured to store second connection information different from the first connection information. The wireless communication section is capable of performing the wireless connection to the external apparatus or another external apparatus using the second connection information. The second connection information is changeable.

With the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to enable the wireless connection by the first connection information that can be acquired from the external radio tag and change the second connection information used for the wireless connection.

The display apparatus according to the aspect of the invention may further include: a receiving section configured to receive an instruction for the change of the second connection information; and a changing section configured to change the second connection information on the basis of the instruction received by the receiving section. When the changing section changes the second connection information, the first connection information may not be changed.

With the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to keep a state in which the external apparatus that acquires the first connection information from the external radio tag is capable of performing the wireless connection to the display apparatus.

In the display apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, when receiving an access from the external apparatus using the first connect information, the wireless communication section may function as an access point of a wireless LAN to perform the wireless connection to the external apparatus.

With the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide the access point connectable to the external apparatus using the first connection information.

In the display apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the wireless communication section may perform wireless LAN connection to the external apparatus as an access point using the first connection information and perform the wireless LAN connection to an external wireless LAN access point using the second connection information.

With the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to connect the display apparatus to the external wireless LAN access point and it is possible to provide the access point connectable to the external apparatus using the first connection information.

In the display apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the display section may be display an image based on image data received by the wireless communication section.

With the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to display an image on the basis of image data transmitted by the external apparatus.

The display apparatus according to the aspect of the invention may further include a radio tag configured to retain the first connection information.

With the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, the first connection information that can be acquired from the external radio tag is retained in the radio tag included in the display apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to more easily perform the wireless connection using the first connection information.

A display system according to another aspect of the invention includes: a display apparatus; and an information processing apparatus. The display device includes: a display section; a first wireless communication section configured to perform wireless connection to the information processing apparatus using first connection information; and a storing section configured to store second connection information different from the first connection information. The display section displays an image based on image data received from the information processing apparatus by the first wireless communication section. The first wireless communication section is capable of performing the wireless connection to the information processing apparatus using the second connection information. The second connection information is changeable. The information processing apparatus includes: a wireless reader/writer configured to read the first connection information from a radio tag; a second wireless communication section configured to perform wireless connection to the display apparatus using the first connection information read by the wireless reader/writer; and a transmitting section configured to transmit image data to the display apparatus with the second wireless communication section.

With the display system according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to change the second connection information used for the wireless connection in a configuration in which the information processing apparatus can perform the wireless connection to the display apparatus and transmit image data.

A control method for a display apparatus according to still another aspect of the invention includes: performing, with a display apparatus including a display section, wireless connection to an external apparatus using first connection information that can be acquired from an external radio tag; performing the wireless connection to the external apparatus or another external apparatus using second connection information different from the first connection information; and changeably retaining the second connection information.

With the control method for the display apparatus according to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to enable the wireless connection by the first connection information that can be acquired from the external radio tag and change the second connection information used for the wireless connection.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information processing system1(a display system) according to an embodiment. The information processing system1includes an image output apparatus10(a display apparatus), an information processing apparatus20, and a radio tag30. The image output apparatus10is an apparatus that outputs an image or a video, for example, a projector. The information processing apparatus20is, for example, a smart phone. In the information processing system1, the information processing apparatus20performs wireless connection to the image output apparatus10using information read from the radio tag30. The image output apparatus10outputs an image received from the information processing apparatus20via the wireless connection. Note that the information processing system1may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses20and a plurality of radio tags30. When a plurality of image output apparatuses10are distinguished from one another, subscripts are added to the reference numeral to describe the image output apparatuses10as, for example, image output apparatuses10A,10B, and the like. The same applies to the radio tag30.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing system1. In the following explanation, an example is explained in which the image output apparatus10is a display apparatus, more specifically, a projector that projects an image (a video).

The image output apparatus10includes a wireless communication unit11(a wireless communication section or a first wireless communication section), a storing unit12(a second-connection-information storing section), a changing unit13(a changing section), a displaying unit14(a display section), a receiving unit18(a receiving section).

The wireless communication unit11performs wireless communication of a first system with an external apparatus (e.g., the information processing apparatus20). The first system is a system conforming to a standard of so-called wireless LAN, for example, IEEE802.11 (including derived and developed standards such as IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11n, and IEEE802.11ac). The wireless communication unit11provides, for example, a function of an access point of the wireless LAN.

The storing unit12stores connection information used when the wireless communication of the first system is performed. In this embodiment, the connection information stored by the storing unit12is first connection information121and second connection information122. The first connection information121and the second connection information122are information necessary for establishing connection when communication of the wireless LAN is started. For example, the first connection information121and the second connection information122respectively include identifiers (Service Set Identifiers, SSIDs) and passphrases (passwords) of access points of the wireless LAN.

The changing unit13changes connection information stored in the storing unit12. The first connection information121of the connection information stored by the storing unit12cannot be changed. In other words, the changing unit13changes the second connection information122stored in the storing unit12. The receiving unit18receives an instruction for the change by the changing unit13and content of the second connection information122after the change. The receiving unit18receives an input of a user.

The displaying unit14displays a still image or a moving image (a video) on the basis of image data received by the wireless communication unit11. In this example, the wireless communication unit11receives, using connection information matching the first connection information121or the second connection information122stored in the storing unit12, a video from an external apparatus connected to the image output apparatus10by radio in the first system. The displaying unit14displays a video on the basis of image data received from the external apparatus via the wireless communication unit11.

The radio tag30is energized by an electromagnetic wave output according to a second system and outputs a radio response signal. The second system is a system conforming to a standard of a so-called noncontact IC card technique or a near field communication (NFC), for example, ISO/IEC18092 (NFCIP-1), ISO/IEC14443, or ISO/IEC15693. In terms of comparison with a radio tag incorporated in the image output apparatus10, the radio tag30can be regarded as an “externally attached” or “external” radio tag.

Note that the “radio tag” includes a tag generally called RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) or IC tag and includes a radio tag of a so-called passive type, which can output information even if the radio tag does not include a power supply, and a radio tag of a so-called active type. In this embodiment, the radio tag30, a radio tag15, and a radio tag108, which are radio tags of the passive type, are illustrated.

The information processing apparatus20includes a wireless reader/writer21, a wireless communication unit24(a second wireless communication section), a transmitting unit26(a transmitting section), a readout unit27, a connecting unit28, and a storing unit29.

The wireless reader/writer21performs wireless communication of the second system with the radio tag30to read out and write information. The wireless communication unit24performs wireless communication of the first system with the image output apparatus10.

The readout unit27reads out, via the wireless reader/writer21, connection information stored in the radio tag30. The readout unit27sets the connection information read out from the radio tag30in the connecting unit28. The connecting unit28performs wireless connection to the image output apparatus10via the wireless communication unit24using the connection information read out by the readout unit27. The transmitting unit26transmits image data to the image output apparatus10connected by the connecting unit28. The transmitting unit26is connected to the storing unit29. The storing unit29stores content data291including a still image or a video. The content data291is transmitted by the transmitting unit26. A data format of the content data291can be set to any format. The content data291may include sound data. The content data291is data for, for example, reproduction of a moving image file, slideshow reproduction of a presentation file, or slideshow reproduction of a plurality of still image files.

In this example, the image output apparatus10includes the radio tag15conforming to the near field communication of the second system. In terms of comparison with the externally attached ratio tag, the radio tag15can be regarded as an “incorporated” radio tag.

The wireless reader/writer21included in the information processing apparatus20can read connection information from not only the radio tag30but also the radio tag15. In this case, the readout unit27sets the connection information read by the wireless reader/writer21in the connecting unit28. In this way, the information processing apparatus20reads the connection information from the radio tag15or the radio tag30and performs wireless connection to the image output apparatus10with the radio communicating unit24according to the read connection information.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image output apparatus10. As explained above, the image output apparatus10is the projector. The image output apparatus10includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)100, a ROM (Read Only Memory)101, a RAM (Random Access Memory)102, a storing section103, an IF (InterFace) section104, an image processing circuit105, a projecting unit106, an operation panel107, and the radio tag108.

The CPU100is a control device that controls sections of the image output apparatus10. The ROM101is a nonvolatile storage device having stored therein various programs (hereinafter referred to as “control programs”) and data. The RAM102is a volatile storage device that stores data and functions as a work area used by the CPU100in executing processing.

The storing section103is a nonvolatile storage device that stores data including connection information and includes, for example, a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this example, the storing section103may store data and computer programs for realizing various functions for, for example, projecting a video transmitted from the information processing apparatus20connected by the wireless LAN. The storing section103functions as the storing unit12(FIG. 1) and stores the first connection information121and the second connection information122.

The IF section104is an interface that mediates exchange of signals or data between the image output apparatus10and an external apparatus (e.g., the information processing apparatus20) functioning as a video source. The IF section104includes a terminal for exchanging signals or data with the external apparatus (e.g., a VGA terminal, a USB terminal, a wired LAN interface, an S terminal, an RCA terminal, or an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface: registered trademark)) and a wireless LAN interface.

The wireless LAN interface can cause the image output apparatus10to function as an access point of the wireless LAN. The wireless LAN interface can perform connection to an external access point of the wireless LAN as a client.

The image processing circuit105applies predetermined image processing to a video signal input thereto (hereinafter referred to as “input video signal”). The projecting unit106projects an image on a screen according to the video signal applied with the image processing. The projecting unit106includes a light source, a light modulator, and an optical system and a driving circuit for the light source, the light modulator, and the optical system (none of which are shown in the figure). The light source includes a lamp such as a high-pressure mercury lamp, a halogen lamp, or a metal halide lamp or a solid-state light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a laser diode. The light modulator is a device that modulates, according to the video signal, light radiated from the light source. The light modulator includes, for example, liquid crystal panels of a transmission type. The optical system is an element that projects the light modulated by the light modulator on the screen. The optical system includes, for example, a lens and a prism. In this example, the light source and the light modulator are provided for each color component. Specifically, the light source and the light modulator are individually provided for each of the three primary colors of red, green, and blue. Lights modulated by the liquid crystal panels are combined by the optical system and projected on the screen. Note that the light modulator maybe configured by liquid crystal panels of a reflection type or mirror devices.

The operation panel107is an input device with which the user inputs an instruction to the image output apparatus10. The operation panel107includes, for example, a keypad, buttons, or a touch panel. The radio tag108is a radio tag conforming to the second system. The radio tag108corresponds to the “incorporated” radio tag15inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the “incorporated” radio tag108. The radio tag108includes an antenna1081and an IC chip1082. The antenna1081receives a magnetic field, that is, an electromagnetic wave (a carrier wave) output from a wireless reader/writer. When the antenna1081receives the magnetic field, an electric current is generated in the antenna1081by electromagnetic induction. The IC chip1082is started by the electric current.

The IC chip1082includes a memory1083, a controller1084, and an interface1085. The memory1083is a nonvolatile storage device that stores information. In this example, the memory1083stores connection information for performing wireless connection to the image output apparatus10. The interface1085is a wired interface that mediates exchange of data with the CPU100. In this example, connection information designated by the CPU100is written in the memory1083.

When the electric current flows in the antenna1081, a magnetic field (a demagnetizing field) in a direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic field received by the wireless reader/writer is generated. The controller1084started by the electric current flowing in the antenna1081modulates the demagnetizing field to include the connection information stored in the memory1083. The wireless reader/writer reads the modulated demagnetizing field as a data signal. That is, the antenna1081is a radio response section that outputs a radio response signal.

Referring back toFIG. 3, the wireless LAN interface included in the IF section104is an example of the wireless communication unit11. The storing section103is an example of the storing unit12. The CPU100that is executing a projection program is an example of the modulating unit13. The projecting unit106is an example of the displaying unit14. The operation panel107is an example of the receiving unit18.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus20. In this example, the information processing apparatus20is a smart phone. The information processing apparatus20includes a CPU200, a ROM201, a RAM202, a storing section203, a wireless LAN interface204, a display section205, an input section206, and a wireless reader/writer207.

The CPU200is a control device that controls the sections of the information processing apparatus20. The ROM201is a nonvolatile storage device having stored therein various computer programs and data. The RAM202is a volatile storage device that stores data. The RAM202functions as a work area used by the CPU200in executing processing. The storing section203includes a nonvolatile storage device that stores data and computer programs, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this example, the storing section203has stored therein an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”) and an application program (hereinafter referred to as “client application”) for transmitting a video to the image output apparatus10via wireless LAN connection.

The wireless LAN interface204performs wireless LAN communication with other apparatuses (e.g., the image output apparatus10). The display section205includes a device that displays information, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The input section206includes a device that inputs an instruction and information to the information processing apparatus20, for example, a touch screen or a keypad.

The wireless reader/writer207corresponds to the wireless reader/writer21. The wireless LAN interface204is an example of the wireless communication unit24. The CPU200that is executing the client application is an example of the transmitting unit26, the readout unit27, and the connecting unit28. The storing section203functions as the storing unit29and stores the content data291(FIG. 1).

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the “external” radio tag30. The radio tag30includes an antenna301and an IC chip302. The antenna301receives a magnetic field, that is, an electromagnetic wave (a carrier wave) output from a wireless reader/writer. When the antenna301receives the magnetic field, an electric current is generated in the antenna301by electromagnetic induction. The IC chip302is started by the electric current.

The IC chip302includes a memory303and a controller304. The memory303is a nonvolatile storage device that stores information. In this example, the memory303stores connection information for performing wireless connection to the image output apparatus10.

When the electric current flows in the antenna301, a magnetic field (a demagnetizing field) in a direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic field received by the wireless reader/writer is generated. The controller304started by the electric current flowing in the antenna301modulates the demagnetizing field to include the connection information stored in the memory303. The wireless reader/writer reads the modulated demagnetizing field as a data signal.

The operation of the information processing system1is explained. In particular, processing in which the information processing apparatus20establishes wireless LAN connection to the image output apparatus10and changes the second connection information is explained. A situation explained below is assumed as an example. The image output apparatus10(the projector) is set on a ceiling of a conference room. The radio tag30is stuck on a desk in the conference room. Connection information of the image output apparatus10is stored in the radio tag30. A user carries the information processing apparatus20, which the user uses every day, into the conference room and projects a video from the image output apparatus10using the information processing apparatus20as a video source.

2-1. Connection of the Image Output Apparatus10and the Information Processing Apparatus20

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare flowcharts for explaining connection processing of the image output apparatus10and the information processing apparatus20. In the following explanation, software such as a client application is described as an entity of processing. This means that a hardware element such as the CPU200executing the computer program performs the processing in cooperation with the other hardware elements.FIG. 7Ashows the operation of the information processing apparatus20.FIG. 7Bshows the operation of the image output apparatus10.

When the user performs operation for holding the information processing apparatus20over the radio tag30, the information processing apparatus20detects the radio tag30(step S101). Specifically, the distance between the wireless reader/writer207and the antenna301decreases and an electric current is induced in the antenna301. The IC chip302is started by the electric current and outputs, as a data signal, connection information stored therein. In this example, the connection information stored by the IC chip302is connection information corresponding to the first connection information121stored by the storing section103. The connection information includes information used to establish wireless LAN connection to the image output apparatus10, specifically, for example, an IP address of a network, an identification name and a passphrase (a password) of the image output apparatus10, and an SSID and a passphrase (a password) of the image output apparatus10. Therefore, the connection information stored by the IC chip302may be information same as the first connection information121. When the image output apparatus10uses the first connection information121, the connection information121may be information for enabling wireless connection to the image output apparatus10and different from the first connection information121. Note that these kinds of information may be encrypted. The image output apparatus10and the radio tag30may be sold as a set in a state in which these kinds of information are written in the radio tag30. The information may be written in the radio tag30later to be suitable for connection to the image output apparatus10. Further, it is also possible that a character string or a number or composite string information of the character string and the number is printed on the radio tag30, the user is asked to register these kinds of information in the image output apparatus10at the time of first use, and the image output apparatus10generates connection information from these kinds of registered information. The first connection information121cannot be changed by user operation. However, association of the image output apparatus10and the radio tag30by registration and deletion of these kinds of information can be generated.

The information processing apparatus20is triggered by detection of the radio tag30to start execution of a client application associated with reading of the radio tag30(step S102). The client application executes a reading operation for the radio tag30and acquires connection information from the radio tag30(step S103). That is, the client application extracts connection information from a data signal read via the wireless reader/writer207. The client application stores the extracted connection information to the RAM202. Note that, before performing the operation for holding the information processing apparatus20over the radio tag30, the user may start the client application.

The client application attempts wireless LAN connection to a wireless LAN access point specified by an SSID included in the acquired connection information, that is, the image output apparatus10(step S104). For example, the client application broadcasts, with a function of the client application, from the wireless LAN interface204, the SSID included in the connection information acquired in step S103and detects a response from the access point. Alternatively, the client application selects, from a signal of the wireless LAN receivable by the wireless LAN interface204, a signal corresponding to the SSID included in the connection information acquired in step5103and performs a response. With these methods or other methods, the client application of the information processing apparatus20attempts connection to the access point.

On the other hand, when started, the image output apparatus10starts execution of a function of the wireless LAN access point (step S201). That is, the image output apparatus10starts a function of establishing wireless connection in response to a request of connection from the wireless LAN client and providing wireless LAN connection.

The image output apparatus10can execute the function of the access point for both of the first connection information121and the second connection information122stored in the storing section103. That is, the image output apparatus10can execute, independently from each other, wireless LAN connection in which the SSID and the passphrase included in the first connection information121are used and wireless LAN connection in which the SSID and the passphrase included in the second connection information122are used. This function is a function known as a so-called multi-SSID function. The image output apparatus10reads out the first connection information121and the second connection information122from the storing section103and starts a state in which the image output apparatus10stands by for the wireless LAN connection in which these kinds of connection information are used (step S202).

The image output apparatus10stays on standby until the image output apparatus10detects an access in which the SSID and the passphrase of the first connection information121or the SSID and the passphrase of the second connection information122are used (No in step S203). During the standby, the image output apparatus10may broadcast a signal based on the SSID of the first connection information121or broadcast a signal based on the SSID of the second connection information122with the IF section104. Alternatively, the image output apparatus10may attempt, with the IF section104, reception of a signal for designating the SSID included in the first connection information121or the second connection information122.

If the information processing apparatus20attempts wireless connection (step S104) and the image output apparatus10detects this access (Yes in step S203), the image output apparatus10establishes wireless LAN connection (step S204). That is, a control program of the image output apparatus10establishes wireless LAN connection to an external apparatus (in this example, the information processing apparatus20) connected to the image output apparatus10using connecting information matching the connection information stored in the storing section103. The information processing apparatus20also establishes wireless LAN connection (step S105). In steps S105and S204, information necessary for the wireless LAN connection is transmitted and received between the image output apparatus10and the information processing apparatus20. The transmitted and received information is, for example, information for designating a MAC (Media Access Control) address, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a network name, a node name, a passphrase, and a frequency channel.

Thereafter, the information processing apparatus20transmits the content data291stored in the storing section203to the image output apparatus10(step S106). At every predetermined time or every time a predetermined amount of data is transmitted, the information processing apparatus20determines whether to end the transmission (step S107). If determining not to end the transmission (No in step S107), the information processing apparatus20continues the transmission in step S106. If determining to end the transmission (Yes in step S107), the information processing apparatus20disconnects the wireless connection to the image output apparatus10and ends the client application (step S108). Note that the information processing apparatus20may transmit another content data291after the transmission of the content data291without ending the transmission.

On the other hand, the image output apparatus10receives the content data291transmitted by the information processing apparatus20(step5205) and projects (displays) an image based on the received content data291on the screen (step S206). At every predetermined time or every time a predetermined amount of data is received, the image output apparatus10determines whether to end the display (step S207). If determining not to end the display (No in step S207), the image output apparatus10returns to step S205. If determining to end the display (Yes in step S207), the image output apparatus10ends the display of the image, disconnects the wireless connection to the information processing apparatus20(step S208), and ends the operation.

In the operation shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the image output apparatus10may set an upper limit in the number of information processing apparatuses20connecting as video sources by wireless LAN simultaneously. For example, the image output apparatus10may limit the number of information processing apparatuses20connecting as video source by wireless LAN connection to one. When a certain information processing apparatus20functions as a video source to perform wireless LAN connection to the image output apparatus10, if another information processing apparatus20requests wireless LAN connection to perform as video sources, the image output apparatus10may switch the video source to the information processing apparatus20connected anew. Alternatively, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (e.g., when a predetermined instruction is input), the image output apparatus10may switch the video source to the information processing apparatus20connected anew.

The determination in steps S107and S207is not limited to the flow control. For example, when an event for stopping the transmission of the video (e.g., an end of reproduction or an instruction for stopping reproduction by the user) occurs, the operation in steps S108and S208may be executed according to the event.

That is, when the radio tag30is not used, when the information processing apparatus20is connected to the image output apparatus10for the first time, connection information to connect by wireless LAN with the image output apparatus10needs to be input to the information processing apparatus20. As one of methods of inputting the connection information to the information processing apparatus20, there is a method in which the user directly inputs the connection information to the information processing apparatus20. Specifically, the user operates a keyboard (which is a hardware keyboard in some cases and a software keyboard in other cases) to input an SSID and a character string of a passphrase (a password) to the client software. In this method, the user is requested to perform complicated operation. The information processing apparatus20sometimes cannot be connected because of an input mistake. In another example, there is a method in which the image output apparatus10projects an image (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) indicating connection information and the information processing apparatus20reads and decodes the image with a camera to thereby obtain the connection information. However, in this example, the image output apparatus10needs to perform processing for generating and projecting the image indicating the connection information. The information processing apparatus20needs to start software for reading the image, photograph the image with a camera, and decode the image into the connection information. When compared with the method in which the user directly inputs the connection information, likelihood of the input mistake and a labor of the user decrease. However, there is still room for improvement in that the user is requested to perform many kinds of operation.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, simply by holding the information processing apparatus20over the radio tag30, it is possible to capture, into the information processing apparatus20, the connection information to connect by wireless LAN with the image output apparatus10. That is, it is possible to connect the information processing apparatus20to the image output apparatus10by radio with operation simpler than in the past. In this embodiment, it is explained above that the image output apparatus10is set on the ceiling. However, the image output apparatus10may be, for example, a portable type. In that case, in order to establish wireless communication, it is convenient to use the “incorporated” radio tag15in the image output apparatus10because the “external” radio tag30does not have to be carried together with the image output apparatus10.

2-2. Update (Change) of Connection Information

In the assumption explained above, for example, an SSID of the projector set in the conference room is sometimes changed because of a management reason or the like. In such a case, if the SSID and the passphrase used by the image output apparatus10are changed, the SSID and the passphrase do not match the connection information stored in the radio tag30. Therefore, work for updating the connection information of the radio tag30or work for replacing the radio tag30is necessary. In the information processing system1, it is possible to change the connection information such as the SSID used by the image output apparatus10and continuously use the connection information stored in the radio tag30.

FIG. 8is a flowchart for explaining changing processing of the connection information stored by the image output apparatus10. A flow ofFIG. 8is started, for example, when the user instructs a change of an SSID on a setting screen for a function of the image output apparatus10.

A control program of the image output apparatus10receives an instruction for a change of the connection information by, for example, operation of the operation panel107(step S211). The image output apparatus10acquires a content of the change of the connection information input to the operation panel107(step S212). The image output apparatus10updates, on the basis of the acquired content of the change, the second connection information122stored in the storing section203(step S213).

The first connection information121is stored in the storing section203as information that cannot be updated. The first connection information121is, for example, data involving a flag or an attribute indicating that first connection information121cannot be updated. The first connection information121may be stored by hardware configuring the wireless LAN interface of the IF section104and may not be stored in the storing section203. In both the configurations, a change of the first connection information121is not permitted by a function of the control program of the image output apparatus10.

With this configuration, the image output apparatus maintains the first connection information121corresponding to the connection information stored by the radio tag30without changing the first connection information121. Therefore, an apparatus such as the information processing apparatus20that reads the connection information from the radio tag30and performs a wireless LAN access can establish wireless communication with the image output apparatus10. It is possible to maintain this state and change the second connection information122. It is possible to perform a wireless LAN access using another kind of connection information.

3. Example of Use

FIG. 9is a diagram showing an example of use of the information processing system1. In this example, the information processing system1is used in a certain conference room. In the conference room, three projectors (image output apparatuses10A,10B, and10C) are set. The three projectors respectively project videos on different screens (screens2A,2B, and2C). Tag sets35are stuck to a plurality of places on a desk in the conference room. Each of the tag sets35includes three radio tags (radio tags30A,30B, and30C). Connection information of the image output apparatuses10A,10B, and10C is respectively stored in the radio tags30A,30B, and30C. The radio tags30A,30B, and30C may respectively have exteriors (e.g., colors, marks, or character strings) indicating correspondence relations with the image output apparatuses. For example, the image output apparatuses10A,10B, and10C may be painted in red, green, and blue (or labels of these colors are stuck to the image output apparatuses10A,10B, and10C). The radio tags30A,30B, and30C may be pained in red, green, and blue according to the colors of the image output apparatuses10A,10B, and10C.

Five participants (users A to E; not shown in the figure) are attending a conference. The users own information processing apparatuses (information processing apparatuses20A to20C; not shown in the figure) incorporating wireless reader/writers. For example, when the user A is about to perform a presentation using the screen2A, the user A holds the information processing apparatus20A of the user A over the radio tag30A of the tag set35near the seat of the user A. Then, wireless LAN connection is established between the information processing apparatus20A and the image output apparatus10A. The user A performs the presentation while reproducing a file of the presentation stored in the information processing apparatus20A.

Subsequently, when the user B is about to perform a presentation using the screen2B, the user B holds the information processing apparatus20B of the user over the radio tag30B of the tag set35near the seat of the user B. Then, wireless LAN connection is established between the information processing apparatus20B and the image output apparatus10B. The user B performs the presentation while reproducing a file of the presentation stored in the information processing apparatus20B.

During the presentation and after the presentation of the user B, it is possible to keep the wireless LAN connection established between the information processing apparatus20A and the image output apparatus10A and the wireless LAN connection established between the information processing apparatus20B and the image output apparatus10B. When the user A desires to refer to the presentation of the user A in a discussion among the participants, the user A operates the information processing apparatus20A to display a desired slide. The same applies to the user B.

Further, in this case, when the user C is about to perform a presentation using the screen2A, the user C holds the information processing apparatus20C of the user C over the radio tag30A of the tag set35near the seat of the user C. Then, wireless LAN connection is established between the information processing apparatus20C and the image output apparatus10A. A video source of the information processing apparatus20A is switched to the information processing apparatus20C. The user C performs a presentation while reproducing a file of the presentation stored in the information processing apparatus20C.

For example, in a system in which a so-called notebook PC (Personal Computer) to a projector by wire, when a video source is about to be switched, connection of a cable needs to be changed from a certain PC to another PC. On the other hand, in the information processing system1, it is possible to switch the video source simply by holding the information processing apparatus20over the radio tag30. However, if the notebook PC includes a wireless reader/writer, the notebook PC can function as an information processing apparatus.

In this way, with the information processing system1, it is possible to more flexibly use the image output apparatus10.

As explained above, the image output apparatus10of the information processing system1applied with the invention includes the projecting unit106functioning as the displaying unit14and the IF section104functioning as the wireless communication unit11for performing wireless connection to an external apparatus using the first connection information121that can be acquired from the external radio tag30. The image output apparatus10includes the storing section103functioning as the storing unit12for storing the connection information for enabling the wireless connection with the IF section104, that is, the second connection information122different from the first connection information121. The image output apparatus10is capable of performing, with the IF section104, wireless connection to the information processing apparatus20using the second connection information122. The second connection information122is changeable. Therefore, it is possible to enable wireless connection by the first connection information121that can be acquired from the radio tag30and change the second connection information122used for the wireless connection.

The image output apparatus10includes the operation panel107functioning as the receiving unit18for receiving an instruction for a change of the second connection information122. The control program of the image output apparatus10functions as the changing unit13for changing the second connection information122on the basis of the instruction received by the receiving unit18. When the control program changes the second connection information122, the first connection information121is not changed. Therefore, it is possible to keep a state in which the information processing apparatus20, which acquires the first connection information121from the radio tag30, is capable of performing wireless connection to the image output apparatus10.

When an access from the image output apparatus10is received by the IF section104using the first connection information121, the control program of the image output apparatus10functions as an access point of the wireless LAN to perform wireless connection to the image putout apparatus10.

The control program of the image output apparatus10can display, with the projecting unit106, an image based on image data received by the wireless communication unit11.

Further, the image output apparatus10may include the radio tag108functioning as the radio tag15that retains the first connection information121. In this case, the first connection information121that can be acquired from the radio tag30is retained in the radio tag108. Consequently, it is possible to more easily perform wireless connection using the first connection information121.

The information processing system1includes the image output apparatus10and the information processing apparatus20. The image output apparatus10and the information processing apparatus20establish wireless LAN connection. The information processing apparatus20transmits the content data291. The image output apparatus10receives the content data291and displays an image based on the content data291. Consequently, the information processing apparatus20can perform wireless connection to the image output apparatus10and transmit the content data291to the image output apparatus10and can change the second connection information122used for the wireless connection by the image output apparatus10.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment explained above. Various modified implementations are possible. Several modifications are explained below. Two or more of the modifications may be used in combination.

The image output apparatus10is not limited to the configuration for executing, with the multi-SSID function, the function of the wireless LAN access point based on the first connection information121and the function of the wireless LAN access point based on the second connection information122.

For example, when another wireless LAN access point is present in a range in which communication of the wireless LAN is possible, the image output apparatus10maybe connected to the wireless LAN access point as a client. That is, the image output apparatus10is connected to an access point as a wireless LAN client by the wireless LAN interface of the IF section104. In this case, the image output apparatus10can establish connection in response to an access of the information processing apparatus20based on the first connection information121. That is, when the image output apparatus10functions as the wireless LAN client to execute communication through the wireless LAN interface of the IF section104, the image output apparatus10functions as the wireless LAN access point based on the first connection information121. When the image output apparatus10functions as the wireless LAN client to execute communication, the image output apparatus10uses the second connection information122in the IF section104. On the other hand, the image output apparatus10uses the first connection information121in the function of the wireless LAN access point. Since SSIDs, passphrases, and the like are different, the function of the client and the function of the access point do not interfere with each other. In this configuration, since the image output apparatus10functions as the wireless LAN client to perform communication, the image output apparatus10can execute communication with other wireless LAN clients connected to the same wireless LAN access point. For example, the image output apparatus10can be connected to a wireless LAN, to which a plurality of PCs are connected, as a wireless LAN client, receive image data from a PC, which is another wireless LAN client, and display the image data. The image output apparatus10may be controlled by a function of an application program executed by a PC to execute switching of a video source, a start and an end of display, sound volume adjustment, and the like. In such a use, the connection information of the image output apparatus10needs to be changed according to setting of a wireless LAN access point to which the image output apparatus10is connected. However, the image output apparatus10can update the second connection information122. Therefore, the image output apparatus10can be easily connected to any wireless LAN access point. While the image output apparatus10is caused to operate as the wireless LAN client, the image output apparatus10can respond to an access of the information processing apparatus20that reads connection information from the radio tag30.

4-2. Other Modifications

Functions of the image output apparatus10are not limited to the functions illustrated inFIG. 2. A part of the functions illustrated inFIG. 2may be omitted. The hardware configuration of the image output apparatus10is not limited to the hardware configuration illustrated inFIG. 3. The image output apparatus10may include any hardware configuration as long as requested functions can be realized. The wireless reader/writer21may be a radio reader not having a writing function.

The display apparatus is not limited to the projector and may be a direct-view display. The image output apparatus10is not limited to the display apparatus explained in the embodiment. The image output apparatus10may be an image forming apparatus such as a printer. In this case, data transmitted from the information processing apparatus20to the image output apparatus10is data of an image to be printed.

Functions of the information processing apparatus20are not limited to the functions illustrated inFIG. 2. A part of the functions illustrated inFIG. 2may be omitted.

Software for realizing the functions of the information processing apparatus20is not limited to the software explained in the embodiment. Information included in the connection information is not limited to the information illustrated in the embodiment.

A hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the information processing apparatus20is not limited to the hardware configuration explained with reference toFIG. 5. The information processing apparatus20may include any hardware configuration as long as requested functions can be realized.

A computer program executed in at least one of the image output apparatus10and the information processing apparatus20may be provided in a state in which the computer program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk (an HDD or an FD (Flexible Disk)), etc.), an optical recording medium (an optical disk (a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk)), etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory (a flash ROM, etc.). The computer program may be downloaded through a network such as the Internet.