Image recording apparatus communicable with mobile terminal for identification of the image recording apparatus

An image recording apparatus includes: a first communication interface configured to perform communication according to a first communication standard; a second communication interface configured to perform communication according to a second communication standard that is different from the first communication standard and that is a wireless communication standard; an image recorder; and a controller. The controller receives image data and first identification information from an image-data output device via the first communication interface. The controller broadcasts the received first identification information via the second communication interface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-036934, which was filed on Feb. 26, 2015, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The following disclosure relates to an image recording apparatus configured to receive image data from an image-data output device and execute a print processing for printing an image based on the received image data.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is known an image recording apparatus configured to receive image data from an image-data output device such as a scanner and execute a print processing for printing an image based on the received image data.

SUMMARY

In such an image recording apparatus, a user usually operates the scanner to select a printer that is to execute the print processing. However, a display of the scanner in most cases can display only a small amount of information such as a name of printer. This limitation makes it difficult for the user to identify the location of the printer that is to execute the print processing, based on information displayed on the display. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure relates to a technique capable of easily identifying a printer that is to execute a print processing.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an image recording apparatus includes: a first communication interface configured to perform communication according to a first communication standard; a second communication interface configured to perform communication according to a second communication standard that is different from the first communication standard and that is a wireless communication standard; an image recorder; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: receiving image data and first identification information from an image-data output device via the first communication interface, the first identification information being identification information that is stored in a mobile terminal; and broadcasting the received first identification information via the second communication interface.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an image recording apparatus includes: a first communication interface configured to perform communication according to a first communication standard; a second communication interface configured to perform communication according to a second communication standard that is different from the first communication standard and that is a wireless communication standard; an image recorder; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: receiving image data and first identification information from an image-data output device via the first communication interface, the first identification information being identification information that is stored in a mobile terminal; and when the controller receives the first identification information from the mobile terminal via the second communication interface, transmitting a response to the reception of the first identification information to the mobile terminal via the second communication interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Configuration of Communication System

FIG. 1illustrates a communication system1including a scanner10as one example of an image-data output device, a printer30as one example of an image recording apparatus, a printer31, and a mobile phone60as one example of a mobile terminal.

The configuration of a scanner10will be explained. The scanner10includes a central processing unit (CPU)12, a storage14, a display16, an input interface18, a network interface20, a proximity wireless communication interface21, and an image reader22. These devices are communicable with each other via an input/output port24.

The display16has a display surface for displaying various kinds of functions of the scanner10. The input interface18includes keys for implementation of the functions of the scanner10. One example of the input interface18is a touch screen provided integrally with the display16. In this case, the input interface18accepts a user operation performed on an icon displayed on the display16. Other examples of the input interface18include hardware keys. In the case where the input interface18includes hardware keys, the scanner10accepts an operation on one of the keys which corresponds to an icon displayed on the display16. The image reader22executes a scan processing for creating image data by reading an image formed on a document. Examples of the image reader22include a CCD image sensor and a contact image sensor.

The network interface20communicates with external devices. The network interface20is connected to a printer30and the printer31located on a network on which the scanner10is located. That is, the network interface20is capable of carrying out communication using a wired LAN as one example of a first communication standard. With this configuration, the scanner10is capable of carrying out data communication with the printer30and the printer31via the network interface20. The proximity wireless communication interface21is capable of performing wireless communication in the form of Near Field Communication (NFC) according to ISO/IEC21481 or ISO/IEC18092. When the scanner10is allowed to perform the NFC wireless communication, the scanner10can perform data communication with the mobile phone60.

The CPU12executes processings according to a scan program26stored in the storage14. The scan program26is a program for execution of the scan processing. Hereinafter, the CPU12that executes programs such as the scan program26may be simply referred to as the name of the program. For example, the wording “the scan program26executes” may mean “the CPU12that executes the scan program26executes”.

The storage14is constituted by a combination of a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk (HDD), a buffer provided for the CPU12, and other similar devices. The storage14has a data storage area28. The data storage area28is an area for storing various kinds of data including: image data created by the image reader22; and data required for execution of the scan program26.

The printer30and the printer31are similar in configuration to each other, and only the printer30will be described by way of example. The printer30includes a CPU32as one example of a controller, a storage34, a display36, an input interface38, a network interface40as one example of a first communication interface, a short distance wireless communication interface42as one example of a second communication interface, an image recorder44, an LED46as one example of a notifier, and a sensor47. These devices are communicable with each other via an input/output port48.

The display36has a display surface for displaying various kinds of functions of the printer30. The input interface38includes keys for implementation of the functions of the printer30. One example of the input interface38is a touch screen provided integrally with the display36. In this case, the input interface38accepts a user operation performed on an icon displayed on the display36. Other examples of the input interface38include hardware keys. In the case where the input interface38includes hardware keys, the printer30accepts an operation on one of the keys which corresponds to an icon displayed on the display36. The image recorder44is a printing mechanism such as an ink-jet head. The CPU32inputs drive signals to the image recorder44. In the case where the image recorder44is an ink-jet head, the ink jet head ejects ink from its nozzles based on the input drive signals.

The LED46is provided on an outer surface of a housing of the printer30. The LED46is energized to blink for visual recognition of a user. The sensor47is provided on a discharge tray for supporting printed sheets. The sensor47detects the presence or absence of sheet on the discharge tray.

The network interface40communicates with external devices. The network interface40is connected to the scanner10located on the network on which the printer30is located. With this configuration, the printer30is capable of carrying out data communication with the scanner10. The short distance wireless communication interface42is capable of performing wireless communication using Bluetooth® (registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG) Low Energy (BLE) according to IEEE 802.15.1 and standards equivalent to it which are one example of a second communication standard. When the printer30is allowed to perform the BLE wireless communication, the printer30can perform data communication with the mobile phone60.

The CPU32executes processings according to a print program50stored in the storage34. The print program50is a program for execution of the print processing. Hereinafter, the CPU32that executes programs such as the print program50may be simply referred to as the name of the program. For example, the wording “the print program50executes” may mean “the CPU32that executes the print program50executes”.

The storage34is constituted by a combination of a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer provided for the CPU32, and other similar devices. The storage34has a data storage area52as one example of a storage. The data storage area52is an area for storing various kinds of data including data required for execution of the print program50.

There will be next explained a configuration of the mobile phone60. The mobile phone60includes a CPU62, a storage64, a display66, an input interface68, a short distance wireless communication interface70, a proximity wireless communication interface71, and a mobile phone communication interface72. These devices are communicable with each other via an input/output port74.

The display66has a display surface for displaying various kinds of functions of the mobile phone60. The input interface68includes keys for implementation of the functions of the mobile phone60. One example of the input interface68is a touch screen provided integrally with the display66. In this case, the input interface68accepts a user operation performed on an icon displayed on the display66. Other examples of the input interface68include hardware keys. In the case where the input interface68includes hardware keys, the mobile phone60accepts an operation on one of the keys which corresponds to an icon displayed on the display66.

The short distance wireless communication interface70is capable of performing wireless communication using Bluetooth according to IEEE 802.15.1 and standards equivalent to it. When the mobile phone60is allowed to perform the Bluetooth wireless communication, the mobile phone60can perform data communication with the printer30.

The proximity wireless communication interface71carries out the NFC wireless communication according to ISO/IEC21481 or ISO/IEC18092. When the mobile phone60is allowed to perform the NFC wireless communication, the mobile phone60can perform data communication with the scanner10.

The mobile phone communication interface72carries out wireless mobile phone communication with a base station78. When the mobile phone60is allowed to perform wireless mobile phone communication, the mobile phone60can perform data communication via the base station78.

The CPU62executes processings according to a control application76stored in the storage64. The control application76is a program for identification of a printer having executed the print processing. Hereinafter, the CPU62that executes programs such as the control application76may be simply referred to as the name of the program. For example, the wording “the control application76executes” may mean “the CPU62that executes the control application76executes”.

The storage64is constituted by a combination of a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer provided for the CPU62, and other similar devices. The storage64has a data storage area77. The data storage area77is an area for storing various kinds of data including data required for execution of the control application76.

Print Processing Using Communication System

In the communication system1, scan data created by scanning of the scanner10is transmitted to any one of the printer30and the printer31. The printer having received the scan data executes the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data. Since the user in some cases does not grasp the location of the printer, the communication system1uses beacons using Bluetooth low energy (BLE), to notify the user about the location of the printer that is to execute the print processing.

BLE communication is low power communication in which a transmitter device transmits a beacon signal called an advertisement packet. The beacon signal has a small amount of data such as signs or symbols required for identification. The beacon signal does not contain instructions such as commands. The beacon signal is transmitted not to a specific device but to a large number of unspecified devices at the same time. That is, the beacon signal is broadcasted.

When classified according to PDU type, i.e., Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) command type, the beacon signals can be classified into four types, namely, ADV_IND, ADV_DIRECT_IND, ADV_SCAN_IND, and ADV_NONCONN_IND. In this communication system1, the ADV_IND beacon signals are preferably used among the beacon signals of the four types. A distance between a transmitting beacon signal and a receiving device, i.e., transmission range of the beacon signals is categorized into Immediate, Near, and Far, one of which can be set as needed. Immediate is a transmission range within a few centimeters. Near is a transmission range within a couple of meters. Far is a transmission range greater than ten meters away. In this communication system1, the transmission range of the beacon signal is preferably set to Near.

In this communication system1, the beacon signal contains preset specific ID information. A mobile terminal having received the beacon signal responds to the beacon signal when ID information contained in the received beacon signal and ID information of the mobile terminal are identical to each other. That is, when the transmitter device transmitting the beacon signal receives a response to the reception of the beacon signal, the mobile terminal having received the beacon signal is located within the transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitter device. With these configurations, in the case where the printer that is to execute the print processing is employed as a device transmitting the beacon signal, and the mobile phone60is employed as a device receiving the beacon signal, the user can be notified of the printer that is to execute the print processing. It is noted that the beacon transmitted as a response is preferably a connection request packet for requesting a destination device to perform two-way communication with the device transmitting the beacon.

Specifically, the user having the mobile phone60approaches the scanner10and brings the mobile phone60close to the scanner10to instruct the scanner10to execute the scan processing. In this state, information for establishing the NFC wireless communication is transferred between the mobile phone60and the scanner10. As a result, the NFC wireless communication is established. It is noted that information to be transmitted from the mobile phone60to the scanner10contains a serial number of the mobile phone60as identification information for identifying the mobile phone60.

The user can operate the scanner10to perform settings of the scan processing, such as a resolution, and settings of the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data. The settings of the print processing include a setting (determination) of the printer used for executing the print processing, in addition to settings of a print color and a print document size, for example. In the setting of the printer, the display16of the scanner10displays a printer selection screen for the user to select one of the printer30and the printer31for execution of the print processing. The user selects a desired one of the printer30and the printer31on the printer selection screen. The following description will be provided assuming that the printer30is selected on the printer selection screen. The settings of the print processing also include a setting of whether secure printing as one example of storage printing is to be executed. It is noted that the secure printing is a print processing which is executed when information relating to the secure printing (such as image data and print settings) is transmitted from the scanner10to the printer30, then the transmitted information is temporarily stored in the storage34of the printer30, and then an instruction for printing an image based on the information relating to the secure printing which is stored in the storage34is input to the printer30through a communication path different from a communication path through which the image data (the scan data) relating to the secure printing is transmitted. In the case where the image data relating to the secure printing is transmitted from the scanner10to the printer30through a communication path including the network interface40as in the present embodiment, the print instruction of the secure printing may be transmitted through a communication path different from the communication path including the network interface40, for example, through a communication path including the short distance wireless communication interface42. Another example of the communication path used for transmission of the print instruction of the secure printing is a communication path using two-way BLE communication which will be described below. The print instruction of the secure printing may be directly input to the printer30with the input interface38of the printer30, e.g., the touch screen displayed on the display36.

The scanner10executes the scan processing when a start button is operated after the completion of the setting of the scan processing and the setting of the print processing. The scan data created in the scan processing is transmitted to the printer30via the network interface20. In this transmission, setting information indicating the settings of the print processing and specific information including the serial number acquired from the mobile phone60are transmitted to the printer30with the scan data.

Upon receiving the data from the scanner10, the printer30determines whether the print processing to be executed is the secure printing, based on the setting information contained in the data. When the print processing to be executed is not the secure printing, the printer30executes the print processing for printing an image based on the received scan data. As a result, a sheet on which the image based on the scan data is printed is discharged onto the discharge tray.

The printer30continuously transmits beacon signals via the short distance wireless communication interface42. The beacon signal contains an identifier, distance information, strength information, specific information including the serial number of the mobile phone60, and secure printing information. The identifier is identification information for identifying the beacon signal. One example of the identifier is a Bluetooth device address (BD address). In the BLE communication, a unique BD address for each Bluetooth device is contained in each of a beacon signal that is transferred before a switch to the two-way communication and a packet that is transferred after the switch to the two-way communication. The distance information indicates a transmission range of the beacon signal. The strength information indicates the strength of communication of the beacon signal. The secure printing information indicates whether the print processing to be executed by the printer30is the secure printing.

During transmission of the beacon signal from the printer30, the user moves to the printer30or the printer31. It is assumed that the printer30and the printer31are spaced apart from each other at some distance, and the user does not grasp the locations of the printer30and the printer31, that is, the user does not recognize which printer is the printer30that is to execute the print processing. When the user approaches the printer30and enters the transmission range of the beacon signal, for example, the mobile phone60receives the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface70.

Upon receiving the beacon signal, the mobile phone60extracts the specific information from the beacon signal and determines whether the serial number contained in the specific information matches the serial number of the mobile phone60. When the serial number contained in the specific information matches the serial number of the mobile phone60, the mobile phone60transmits a response to the beacon signal to the printer30via the short distance wireless communication interface70.

Upon receiving the response to the beacon signal, the printer30blinks the LED46. This processing allows the user located near the printer30to recognize the printer30having executed the print processing and get the printed sheet from the printer30without doubt. It is noted that the LED46stops blinking when the printed sheet is taken from the discharge tray of the printer30. Also, the printer30stops transmission of the beacon signal upon receiving the response to the beacon signal.

It is noted that when the user approaches the printer31and does not enter the transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the printer30, the printer30does not blink the LED46because the mobile phone60does not receive the beacon signal from the printer30. Since the printer31does not transmit the beacon signal, the printer31does not receive a response from the mobile phone60even when the mobile phone60enters the transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the printer30, so that an LED of the printer31does not blink. This processing allows the user located near the printer31to recognize that the printer31is not a printer that is to execute the print processing. When the user approaches the printer30, the LED46of the printer30blinks according to the above-described procedure.

When the printer30determines that the print processing to be executed is the secure printing, based on the setting information contained in the data received from the scanner10, the printer30stores the received image data into the data storage area52and transmits the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. When the user enters the transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the printer30during this transmission, the mobile phone60receives the beacon signal. The mobile phone60transmits the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface70. It is noted that the response transmitted from the mobile phone60is in the form of a connection request packet for requesting a switch to the two-way BLE communication.

Upon receiving the response to the beacon signal, the printer30stops transmitting the beacon signal. The printer30then establishes the two-way BLE communication with the mobile phone60in accordance with the request for the two-way communication from the beacon signal transmitted from the mobile phone60. This establishment allows transfer of instructions, such as commands, between the printer30and the mobile phone60. It is noted that the printer30blinks the LED46upon receiving the response to the beacon signal.

The mobile phone60determines whether the print processing to be executed by the printer30is the secure printing, based on the secure printing information contained in the beacon signal received from the printer30. It is assumed in this description that the mobile phone60determines that the print processing to be executed by the printer30is the secure printing. When the print processing to be executed by the printer30is the secure printing, the display66of the mobile phone60displays a print confirmation screen. The print confirmation screen contains an OK button and a comment indicating that the printer30is to execute the secure printing. The OK button is a button for allowing execution of the secure printing. When the OK button is operated, the printer30executes the print processing.

Specifically, the OK button is operated on the display66of the mobile phone60, the mobile phone60uses the two-way BLE communication to transmit a print instruction to the printer30. Upon receiving the print instruction from the mobile phone60, the printer30executes the print processing based on the image data stored in the data storage area52. The printer30discharges the sheet printed in the print processing onto the discharge tray, and stops blinking the LED46when the printed sheet is taken from the discharge tray.

In the communication system1as described above, the printer that is to execute the print processing transmits the beacon signal using the BLE communication to determine whether the user enters the transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the printer30. When the user enters the transmission range of the beacon signal, the LED46blinks. This processing allows the user to easily recognize the printer30having executed the print processing and get the printed sheet from the printer30without doubt.

In the secure printing in the communication system1, the print processing is executed only when the user enters the transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the printer that is to execute the print processing. That is, in the secure printing, only when the user is located near the printer that is to execute the print processing, the print processing is executed. This processing ensures confidentiality of the printed sheet. In the secure printing, the display66of the mobile phone60displays the print confirmation screen, and when the OK button is operated on the print confirmation screen, the print processing is executed. This processing further ensures the confidentiality of the printed sheet.

Scan Program, Print Program, and Control Application

The above-described print processing is executed by execution of the scan program26by the CPU12of the scanner10, execution of the print program50by the CPU32of the printer30, and execution of the control application76by the CPU62of the mobile phone60. There will be next explained (i) a flow of processings executed when the scan program26is executed by the CPU12of the scanner10with reference toFIG. 2, (ii) a flow of processings executed when the print program50is executed by the CPU32of the printer30with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, and (iii) a flow of processings executed when the control application76is executed by the CPU62of the mobile phone60with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6.

When the scan program26is executed by the CPU12in the scanner10, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the CPU12at S100determines whether the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is established. When the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is not established (S100: NO), the CPU12repeats the processing at S100. When the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is established (S100: YES), the CPU12at S102acquires the serial number of the mobile phone60over the established NFC wireless communication.

The CPU12at S104determines whether the print processing designating the secure printing is set by a user operation on the input interface18of the scanner10. When the print processing designating the secure printing is set (S104: YES), the CPU12at S106stores information indicating that the secure printing is designated, and this flow goes to S108. When the print processing designating the secure printing is not set (S104: NO), this flow goes to S108by skipping S106.

The CPU12at S108displays the printer selection screen on the display16of the scanner10. The CPU12at S110determines whether the printer that is to execute the print processing is selected on the printer selection screen. When the printer is not selected on the printer selection screen (S110: NO), the CPU12repeats the processing at S110. When the printer is selected on the printer selection screen (S110: YES), the CPU12at S112executes the scan processing.

The CPU12at S114determines whether the scan processing is completed. When the scan processing is not completed (S114: NO), this flow returns to S112. When the scan processing is completed (S114: YES), the CPU12at S116transmits data to the printer selected at S110via the network interface20. This data contains: the specific information containing the serial number acquired at S102; the setting information about the print processing; and the scan data created at S112. When the information indicating that the secure printing is designated is stored at S106, the setting information contains the information indicating that the secure printing is designated. Upon completion of the processing at S116, this flow ends.

When the print program50is executed by the CPU32in the printer30, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the CPU32at S120determines whether the data is received from the scanner10. When the data is not received from the scanner10(S120: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S120. When the data is received from the scanner10(S120: YES), the CPU32at S122determines whether the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data is the secure printing.

When the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data is the secure printing (S122: YES), the CPU32at S124starts transmitting the beacon signal, i.e., the advertisement packet, via the short distance wireless communication interface42. The CPU32at S126determines whether the CPU32receives the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. When the response to the beacon signal is not received (S126: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S126. When the response to the beacon signal is received (S126: YES), the CPU32blinks the LED46at S128. As described above, the received response is a connection request packet for requesting the two-way communication. The CPU32at S129stops transmitting the beacon signal and at S130establishes the two-way BLE communication with the mobile phone60in accordance with the request of the connection request packet received at S126, and this flow goes to S132.

The CPU32at S132determines whether the CPU32receives the print instruction from the mobile phone60over the two-way BLE communication. When the print instruction is not received from the mobile phone60(S132: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S132. When the print instruction is received from the mobile phone60(S132: YES), the CPU32executes the print processing at S134.

The CPU32at S136determines whether the print processing is completed. When the print processing is not completed (S136: NO), this flow returns to S134. When the print processing is completed (S136: YES), the CPU32at S138determines whether the printed sheet is taken from the discharge tray. It is noted that the CPU32uses a detection value of the sensor47to determine the presence or absence of the printed sheet on the discharge tray. When the printed sheet is not taken from the discharge tray (S138: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S138. When the printed sheet is taken from the discharge tray (S138: YES), the CPU32turns off the LED46at S140, and this flow ends.

When the CPU32determines at S122that the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data is not the secure printing (S122: NO), the CPU32executes the print processing at S142. The CPU32at S144determines whether the print processing is completed. When the print processing is not completed (S144: NO), this flow returns to S142. When the print processing is completed (S144: YES), the CPU32at S146starts transmitting the beacon signal.

The CPU32at S148determines whether the CPU32receives the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. When the CPU32does not receive the response to the beacon signal (S148: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S148. When the response to the beacon signal is received (S148: YES), the CPU32at S150stops transmitting the beacon signal. The CPU32blinks the LED46at S152. The CPU32at S154determines whether the printed sheet is taken from the discharge tray. When the printed sheet is not taken from the discharge tray (S154: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S154. When the printed sheet is taken from the discharge tray (S154: YES), the CPU32turns off the LED46at S140, and this flow ends.

When the control application76is executed by the CPU62in the mobile phone60, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the CPU62at S160determines whether the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is established. When the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is not established (S160: NO), the CPU62repeats the processing at S160. When the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is established (S160: YES), the CPU62at S162transmits the serial number of the mobile phone60over the established NFC wireless communication, and this flow goes to S164. The CPU62at S164switches the mobile phone60to a state in which the CPU62can receive the beacon signal. That is, the short distance wireless communication interface70is energized.

The CPU62at S166determines whether the CPU62receives the beacon signal. When the beacon signal is not received (S166: NO), the CPU62repeats the processing at S166. When the beacon signal is received (S166: YES), the CPU62at S168determines whether the serial number contained in the beacon signal matches the serial number of the mobile phone60. When the serial number contained in the beacon signal does not match the serial number of the mobile phone60(S168: NO), this flow returns to S166.

When the serial number contained in the beacon signal matches the serial number of the mobile phone60(S168: YES), the CPU62at S170transmits the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface70. It is noted that the beacon transmitted as the response is a connection request packet. The CPU62at S172determines whether the print processing to be executed by the printer is the secure printing. It is noted that this determination is performed based on the secure printing information contained in the beacon signal received from the printer as described above.

When the print processing to be executed by the printer is the secure printing (S172: YES), the CPU62at S174determines whether the two-way BLE communication with the printer is established in accordance with the request transmitted at S170as the connection request packet. When the two-way BLE communication is established (S174: YES) this flow goes to S176. When the two-way communication is not established (S174: NO), the CPU62repeats this processing until the two-way communication is established. It is noted that the CPU62can determine that the two-way communication is established with the printer to which the response is transmitted at S170, by determining that a packet received after the establishment of the two-way communication contains the identification information contained in the beacon signal that is determined to be received at S166.

The CPU62at S176displays the print confirmation screen on the display66of the mobile phone60. The CPU62at S178determines whether the OK button is operated on the print confirmation screen. When the OK button is not operated on the print confirmation screen (S178: NO), the CPU62repeats the processing at S178. When the OK button is operated on the print confirmation screen (S178: YES), the CPU62at S180transmits the print instruction to the printer over the two-way BLE communication, and this flow ends. When the CPU62at S172determines that the print processing to be executed by the printer is not the secure printing (S172: NO), this flow ends without execution of the processings at S174-S180.

It is noted that also when the print processing to be executed by the printer is the secure printing, the response transmitted at S170is the connection request packet. In BLE, however, a device having received the connection request packet does not necessarily follow the connection request. In the present embodiment, the printer30terminates the above-described procedure without establishing the two-way communication by ignoring the request of the connection request packet received at S148inFIG. 3. Accordingly, when the CPU62at S172determines that the print processing to be executed by the printer is not the secure printing, the CPU62can terminate the above-described procedure.

Second Embodiment

There will be next explained operations of the communication system1in a second embodiment. It is noted that the communication system1in the second embodiment is similar in configuration to the communication system1in the first embodiment, and an explanation of which is dispensed with.

While the printer that is to execute the print processing transmits the beacon signal in the communication system1in the first embodiment, the mobile phone60transmits the beacon signal in the communication system1in the second embodiment. Specifically, when the scan processing is executed by the scanner10, as in the first embodiment, the scanner10transmits the scan data, the setting information indicating the settings of the print processing, and the specific information including the serial number acquired from the mobile phone60, to the printer that is to execute the print processing. The printer having received these data is switched to a state in which the printer can receive the beacon signal. That is, the short distance wireless communication interface42of the printer having received these data is energized, and the printer is switched to a state in which the printer can receive data via the short distance wireless communication interface42.

The mobile phone60continuously transmits the beacon signal. Beacon information transmitted from the mobile phone60contains an identifier, distance information, strength information, and specific information. The specific information contains the serial number of the mobile phone60. Thus, when the user having the mobile phone60approaches a printer having received information such as scan data, e.g., the printer30, and the printer30gets in a transmission range of the beacon signal transmitted from the mobile phone60, the printer30receives the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42.

The printer30extracts the specific information from the received beacon signal and determines whether the serial number contained in the specific information matches the serial number of the specific information contained in the data received from the scanner10. When the serial number contained in the specific information of the beacon information matches the serial number of the specific information contained in the data received from the scanner10, the CPU32blinks the LED46. This processing in the second embodiment allows the user to easily recognize the printer30having executed the print processing and get the printed sheet from the printer30without doubt as in the first embodiment. It is noted that, upon receiving the beacon signal, the printer30transmits a response to the beacon signal to the mobile phone60via the short distance wireless communication interface42. Upon receiving the response to the beacon signal, the mobile phone60stops transmitting the beacon signal. It is noted that this response contains the secure printing information.

In the communication system1in the second embodiment, only when the user is located near the printer that is to execute the print processing in the secure printing, the CPU32executes the print processing. Specifically, after the mobile phone60receives the response to the beacon signal and stops transmitting the beacon signal, the mobile phone60establishes the two-way BLE communication with the printer30instead of the BLE communication for transmitting the beacon signal. That is, when the mobile phone60determines that the printer30is located within the transmission range of the beacon signal, the mobile phone60establishes the two-way BLE communication. The establishment of the two-way BLE communication allows instructions such as commands to be transferred between the printer30and the mobile phone60.

Upon receiving the response to the beacon signal transmitted from the mobile phone60, the mobile phone60determines whether the secure printing is set as the print processing that is to be executed by the printer30, based on the secure printing information contained in the response. When the secure printing is set as the print processing that is to be executed by the printer30, the mobile phone60establishes the BLE wireless communication with the printer30. The display66of the mobile phone60then displays the print confirmation screen. When the OK button is operated on the print confirmation screen, the mobile phone60transmits the print instruction to the printer30. As a result, the printer30executes the print processing. In the communication system1in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print processing is executed only when the user is located near the printer that is to execute the print processing. This processing ensures the confidentiality of the printed sheet.

There will be next explained (i) a flow of processings executed when the print program50is executed by the CPU32of the printer30in the second embodiment with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, and (ii) a flow of processings executed when the control application76is executed by the CPU62of the mobile phone60in the second embodiment with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10. Some processings to be executed by the CPU32of the printer30and the CPU62of the mobile phone60in the flows in the second embodiment are similar to those to be executed by the CPU32of the printer30and the CPU62of the mobile phone60in the flows in the first embodiment, and the similar processings will be explained briefly. The scan program26to be executed by the CPU12of the scanner10in the second embodiment is identical to the scan program26to be executed by the CPU12of the scanner10in the first embodiment, and an explanation and illustrations of which are dispensed with.

When the print program50is executed by the CPU32in the printer30, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the CPU32at5200determines whether the CPU32receives data from the scanner10. When no data is received from the scanner10(S200: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S200. When the data is received from the scanner10(S200: YES), the CPU32at S202switches the printer30to a state in which the CPU32can receive the beacon signal. The CPU32at S204determines whether the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data is the secure printing.

When the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data is the secure printing (S204: YES), the CPU32at S206determines whether the CPU32receives the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. When the beacon signal is not received (S206: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S206. When the beacon signal is received (S206: YES), the CPU32at S206A determines whether the serial number contained in the beacon signal matches the serial number contained in the data received from the scanner10. When the serial number contained in the beacon signal matches the serial number contained in the data received from the scanner10(S206A: YES), the CPU32at S207transmits the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. When the serial number contained in the beacon signal does not match the serial number contained in the data received from the scanner10(S206A: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S206A. It is noted that the response to the beacon signal contains information for identifying whether the print processing is the secure printing. This response is a connection request packet. After the response to the beacon signal is transmitted at S207, the CPU32at S207A stops transmitting the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42.

The CPU32at S208determines whether the two-way BLE communication between the printer30and the mobile phone60is established. When the two-way BLE communication is established (S208: YES) this flow goes to S210. When the two-way communication is not established (S208: NO), the CPU32repeats this processing until the two-way communication is established. It is noted that the CPU32can determine that the two-way communication is established with the mobile phone60, to which the response is transmitted at S207, by determining that a packet received after the establishment of the two-way communication contains the identification information contained in the beacon signal that is determined to be received at S206. When the two-way BLE communication is established, the CPU32executes processings at S210and subsequent steps, but the processings at S212and subsequent steps are similar to those at the processings at S132and subsequent steps inFIG. 4, and an explanation of which is dispensed with.

When the CPU32at S204determines that the print processing for printing an image based on the scan data is not the secure printing (S204: NO), the CPU32executes the print processing at S222. The CPU32at S224determines whether the print processing is completed. When the print processing is not completed (S224: NO), this flow returns to S222. When the print processing is completed (S224: YES), the CPU32at S226determines whether the CPU32receives the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. When the beacon signal is not received (S226: NO), the CPU32repeats the processing at S226.

When the beacon signal is received (S226: YES), the CPU32at S227determines whether the serial number contained in the beacon signal matches the serial number contained in the data received from the scanner10. When the serial number contained in the beacon signal does not match the serial number contained in the data received from the scanner10(S227: NO), this flow returns to S226. When the serial number contained in the beacon signal matches the serial number contained in the data received from the scanner10(S227: YES), the CPU32at S228transmits the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface42. Upon completion of the processing at S228, the CPU32executes processings at S230and subsequent steps, but the processings at S230and subsequent steps are similar to those at the processings at S152and subsequent steps inFIG. 3, and an explanation of which is dispensed with. It is noted that the response transmitted at S228may not be the connection request packet because the two-way communication need not be thereafter established. In BLE, however, a device having received the connection request packet does not necessarily follow the connection request as described above. Thus, the response transmitted at S228may be the connection request packet.

When the control application76is executed by the CPU62in the mobile phone60, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the CPU62at S240determines whether the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is established. When the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is not established (S240: NO), the CPU62repeats the processing at S240. When the NFC wireless communication between the scanner10and the mobile phone60is established (S240: YES), the CPU62at S244starts transmitting the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface70.

The CPU62at S246determines whether the CPU62receives the response to the beacon signal via the short distance wireless communication interface70. When the response to the beacon signal is not received (S246: NO), the CPU62repeats the processing at S246. When the response to the beacon signal is received (S246: YES), the CPU62at S248determines whether the print processing is the secure printing, based on information contained in the response to the beacon signal. When the print processing is not the secure printing (S248: NO), this flow ends.

When the print processing is the secure printing (S248: YES), the CPU62at S250stops transmitting the beacon signal and establishes the two-way BLE communication in accordance with the response (i.e., the connection request packet) that is determined to be received at S246, and this flow goes to S256. Processings at S256and subsequent steps are identical to the processings at S176and subsequent steps inFIG. 6, and an explanation of which is dispensed with.

While the embodiments have been described above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of the illustrated embodiments, but may be embodied with various changes and modifications, which may occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, while the serial number of the mobile phone60is used as the identification information in the above-described embodiments, various kinds of information may be used as the identification information. Specifically, for example, the scanner10creates a one-time ID and transmits the one-time ID to a printer that is to execute the print processing, with information such as scan data. The printer incorporates the one-time ID into the beacon signal as the identification information and transmits the beacon signal to the mobile phone60. The scanner10transmits the created one-time ID not only to the printer but also to the mobile phone60. Upon receiving the one-time ID, the mobile phone60determines whether the one-time ID contained in the beacon signal matches the one-time ID received from the scanner10. When the one-time ID contained in the beacon signal matches the one-time ID received from the scanner10, the mobile phone60transmits the response to the beacon signal to the printer. The same effects as obtained in the above-described embodiments can be obtained by the above-described configuration in which the one-time ID created by the scanner10is used as the identification information.

In the above-described embodiments, the LED46of the printer that is to execute the print processing blinks in order to indicate that the printer provided with the blinking LED46is the printer that is to execute the print processing. The printer may indicate the printer that is to execute the print processing by controlling the display36to blink or controlling a speaker to produce sounds, for example.

In the above-described embodiments, the scanner10executes the scan processing and transmits the scan data created in the scan processing to the printer that is to execute the print processing. However, image data stored in an external device such as a PC may be transmitted to the printer that is to execute the print processing, for example.

In the above-described embodiments, the secure printing is executed when the print instruction is transmitted from the mobile phone60to the printer30. However, the secure printing may be executed when Bluetooth wireless communication is established between the printer30and the mobile phone60. Also, the secure printing is executed when particular authentication information is input to the input interface38of the printer30, for example.

In the above-described embodiments, the short distance wireless communication interface is capable of performing the two-way communication and transmitting the beacon. In the first embodiment, however, the short distance wireless communication interface may use a module capable of only transmitting the beacon signal, and the CPU may control the module to transmit and stop the beacon signal and update information contained in the beacon signal, for example.

While the processings illustrated inFIGS. 2-10are executed by the CPU12, the CPU32, and the CPU62in the above-described embodiments, other devices may execute these processing. For example, these processing may be executed by an ASIC or other logical integrated circuits and may be executed by cooperation of the CPU, the ASIC, and other the logical integrated circuits, for example.