JP2017127012A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such the problem that a user sometimes instructs switching at timing when switching of communication modes is not to be done, in a communication apparatus which has a plurality of communication modes and in which switching of the communication modes can be executed by the instruction of a user.SOLUTION: There are provided a communication apparatus performing communication with a communication terminal and a control method thereof which include: first wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the communication terminal in a first wireless communication mode; and second wireless communication means performing wireless communication with the communication terminal in a second wireless communication mode using any of the communication apparatus and the communication terminal as an access point. When switching of the communication modes by a user is received, the communication apparatus determines whether or not switching of the communication modes is possible, requests an additional instruction to the user when determining that switching of the communication modes is not possible, and controls switching of the communication modes by mode switching means performing switching of the communication modes in accordance with the additional instruction with respect to the request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program.

  In recent years, apparatuses equipped with a wireless LAN function are increasing in printing apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals and printers. A printing apparatus equipped with a wireless LAN generally has a function of wirelessly connecting to an access point as a client. On the other hand, a PC or a mobile terminal communicates with a printing apparatus via an access point and transmits desired data to the printing apparatus for printing, or receives apparatus information from the printing apparatus and uses it for apparatus management. .

  On the other hand, in recent years, Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as Wi-Fi Direct) has been established by Wi-Fi Alliance. In this Wi-Fi direct, a protocol for determining whether each wireless terminal operates as an access point or a client is defined. By executing this protocol, it is possible to automatically determine which of the wireless terminals becomes the access point and which becomes the client. By using this Wi-Fi Direct, it is not necessary to prepare an access point separately, and various application services (image sharing, printing, etc.) can be executed by directly communicating between wireless terminals.

  In a printing apparatus that can execute the above-described protocol, a user determines whether to perform direct wireless communication using Wi-Fi Direct or indirectly through a third-party access point from an operation panel or the like. Is configured to be able to instruct.

  However, there is a problem if operation switching to direct wireless communication using Wi-Fi Direct is instructed while print data is being received from a communication terminal such as a PC in an indirect wireless communication method, for example. May occur. That is, in such a case, if the switching process is immediately executed, the user operating the communication terminal is forced to cancel the printed matter instructed for printing without being printed to the end. . Then, the idea for avoiding such a problem is proposed (for example, patent document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that includes an infrastructure mode in which wireless communication with a terminal device is performed via an access point, and an ad hoc mode in which the terminal devices directly perform wireless communication with each other without using an access point. Is described. When the user is instructed to switch from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode, it is determined whether or not print data is currently being received in the infrastructure mode. Display and notify the user.

JP 2012-113349 A

  However, there is a case where it is better not to switch the mode described above except during the reception of print data. Among them, unlike when receiving print data, there are cases where it is not immediately possible for the user to determine that “the timing is better when switching is not performed”. For example, when the printing apparatus is operating with Wi-Fi Direct, a plurality of portable terminals can be connected to the printing apparatus at the same time. Therefore, even when a user of a certain mobile terminal ends connection with a printing apparatus using Wi-Fi Direct, a user of another mobile terminal may still be connected to the printing apparatus. If the user who has terminated the connection at that time switches the printing apparatus to the indirect wireless communication mode that is not Wi-Fi Direct, the user of another mobile terminal is disconnected during the communication. In order to avoid such a situation, the user checks the communication state of the printing device before switching the mode of the printing device, and there is another user who is connected using Wi-Fi Direct. You need to make sure that you don't. It is troublesome for the user to make such a check every time.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

  A feature of the present invention is to provide a technique for allowing a user to confirm switching of a communication mode when the user instructs switching of the communication mode at a timing when switching of the communication mode is not appropriate.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention has the following arrangement. That is,
A communication device for communicating with a communication terminal,
First wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first wireless communication mode;
Second wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the communication terminal in a second wireless communication mode in which either the communication device or the communication terminal is an access point;
Accepting means for accepting switching of the communication mode by the user;
Mode switching means for switching the communication mode;
A determination unit that determines whether or not switching of the communication mode received by the reception unit is executable;
Requesting means for requesting an additional instruction to the user when the determining means determines that switching of the communication mode is not executable;
Control means for controlling switching of the communication mode by the mode switching means in response to an addition instruction for the request of the request means.

  According to the present invention, even when the user instructs switching of the communication mode at a timing when it is not preferable to switch the communication mode, the user is reconfirmed whether or not to continue the switching operation. Is possible.

FIG. 2A illustrates a Wi-Fi direct processing sequence, and FIG. 2B illustrates a configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of an operation panel of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining communication mode switching processing in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a state confirmation subroutine shown in S502 and S509 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the communication mode switching subroutine of S511 of FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for an additional instruction displayed on the display unit of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a “wired / wireless LAN selection” menu screen; FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen. The flowchart explaining the state confirmation subroutine which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a communication mode switching subroutine according to the fourth embodiment. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the application unit 310 when a communication mode switching execution notification is received from the mode switching unit in S1001 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view of an operation panel of a printing apparatus 100 according to a fifth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining LED lighting control processing in the printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the lighting pattern of LED which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. .

  FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining a processing sequence of Wi-Fi direct.

  Here, it is assumed that both the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 110 support Wi-Fi Direct.

  First, in step S <b> 101, the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 110 detect whether there are other communication terminals in the vicinity that are trying to establish a wireless connection using Wi-Fi direct, and detect each other. When a partner is detected, it is determined in S102 which is an access point (GroupOwner) and which is a client (Client). Here, it is assumed that, as a result of the role determination, the printing apparatus 100 becomes an access point and the portable terminal 110 becomes a client.

  In step S103, parameters for wireless connection are provided from the printing apparatus 100 serving as an access point to the mobile terminal 110 of the client using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). In step S104, wireless connection is performed between the printing apparatus 100 and the portable terminal 110 using the parameters. When the wireless connection is established in this way, addressing for performing IP communication between the printing apparatus 100 and the portable terminal 110 is performed in S105. At that time, the printing apparatus 100 as an access point plays a role as a DHCP server, and gives a predetermined IP address to the mobile terminal 110 as a client.

  The above is the basic sequence of Wi-Fi direct. By executing this sequence, direct wireless communication between the application service installed in the printing apparatus 100 and the application service installed in the mobile terminal 110 becomes possible.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment.

  Here, the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 110 communicate with each other via Wi-Fi direct, and the printing apparatus 100 and the server 120 communicate with each other via a network by wire or via the access point 130 in an infrastructure mode by wireless. Note that FIG. 1B does not show a wired connection form.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A control unit 201 including a CPU 202 controls the operation of the entire printing apparatus 100. The CPU 202 develops a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 in the RAM 203 and executes various programs such as communication control by executing the program. The RAM 203 is used as a main memory, work area, or the like for the CPU 201. The HDD 214 stores data, various programs, or various information tables. The printer I / F 206 serves as an interface for outputting an image signal to the printer 207 (printer engine). The scanner I / F 208 serves as an interface for inputting an image signal obtained by reading a document with the scanner 209 (scanner engine). During the copying operation, the CPU 202 processes the image signal input from the scanner I / F 208 and outputs it as a recording image signal to the printer I / F 206 for printing. The operation panel I / F 210 connects the operation panel 211 and the control unit 201. The operation panel 211 includes a display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like. The configuration of the operation panel 211 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The wireless LAN I / F 212 wirelessly transmits information to an external terminal such as the mobile terminal 110 or receives various types of information from these external devices. The wired LAN I / F 213 transmits information to an external terminal (not shown) via a wired LAN (Ethernet), or receives various types of information from these external devices. Each block in the control unit 201 is connected to each other by a system bus 205.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. Each functional unit illustrated in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 202 included in the printing apparatus 100 executing a control program loaded in the RAM 203 from the ROM 204 or the HDD 214.

  The operation control unit 300 controls the operation panel 211. An operation menu is displayed on the operation panel 211 to wait for an instruction input from the user, an instruction content received on the operation panel 211 is notified to other functional units, and an instruction result is displayed on the operation panel 211. The storage unit 301 stores designated data in the RAM 203 or the HDD 214 or reads out data stored in the RAM 203 or the HDD 214 according to instructions from other function units.

  The mode switching unit 302 performs a communication mode switching process of the printing apparatus 100. The communication mode includes a mode in which communication is performed using a wired LAN (wired mode) and a mode in which communication is performed using a wireless LAN (wireless communication mode). The wireless communication mode further includes a first wireless communication mode and a second wireless communication mode. The first wireless communication mode is a mode for performing wireless communication via the access point 130 when the printing apparatus 100 performs wireless communication with the server 120 or the mobile terminal 110. For example, the second wireless communication mode is a mode in which the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 110 perform direct wireless communication using the Wi-Fi direct function. In the second wireless communication mode, when the printing apparatus 100 communicates with the mobile terminal 110, either the printing apparatus 100 or the mobile terminal 110 is wirelessly connected as an access point and the other is a client, and performs direct communication.

  The communication control unit 303 performs communication control when the printing apparatus 100 communicates with an external apparatus such as the mobile terminal 110. Specifically, the transmission data from the application unit 310 is sent to the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication unit 309 and sent over the network. Also, the received data received via the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication unit 309 is passed to the application unit 310.

  The wireless communication mode control unit 304 controls the wireless communication mode. The wireless communication mode control unit 304 further includes a first wireless communication mode control unit 305 and a second wireless communication mode control unit 306. The first wireless communication mode control unit 305 performs communication control when the printing apparatus 100 operates in the first wireless communication mode. The second wireless communication mode control unit 306 performs communication control when the printing apparatus 100 operates in the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi direct). The wireless communication unit 307 controls the wireless LAN I / F 212, and transmits and receives data when the application unit 310 communicates with an external device such as the portable terminal 110 when the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the wireless communication mode. Do.

  A wired communication mode control unit 308 performs communication control in the wired mode. A wired communication unit 309 controls the wired LAN I / F 213, and transmits and receives data when the application unit 310 communicates with an external device when the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the wired mode.

  The application unit 310 includes various services such as a print service 311 and a storage service 312. The print service 311 receives print data received from the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication unit 309 via the communication control unit 303 and outputs the print data to the printer 207 via the printer I / F 206. The storage service 312 receives data received from the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication unit 309 via the communication control unit 303 and stores the data in a memory such as the HDD 214.

  Here, in order to simultaneously operate any two or more of the wired mode, the first wireless communication mode, and the second wireless communication mode, the application unit 310 and the communication control unit 303 are in a plurality of modes. It is necessary to support simultaneous operation. However, in some printing apparatuses, the installed application unit 310 and communication control unit 303 do not support simultaneous operation in a plurality of modes. In such a printing apparatus, the wired mode, the first wireless communication mode, and the second wireless communication mode are exclusive, and only one mode can be operated. In this case, the user can select which communication mode the printing apparatus is to operate through the operation panel 211.

  FIG. 4A is a top view of the operation panel 211 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is assumed to have a scan function by the scanner 209, a copy function by the printer 207 and the scanner 209, and the like. In addition, the wireless LAN I / F 212 and the wired LAN I / F 213 have a function of performing printing (printing) in response to an instruction from an external device such as the terminal device 110.

  Next, the operation panel 211 will be described.

  The operation panel 211 includes a copy function button 401 and a scan function button 402 that are keys for selecting the above-described functions, and the user presses a button of a function that the user desires to use. In addition, a display unit 403 for notifying the user of the setting state and device state of the printing apparatus 100 is provided. An arrow key 404 is used for moving a cursor or the like displayed on the display unit 403. The arrow key 404 includes buttons in four directions, up, down, left, and right. An OK key 405 is arranged in the center of the arrow key, and the OK key 405 has a function of a “decision key” for setting and inquiry. For example, if you want to change the copy settings (paper size), press the copy function button 401 to enter the copy function screen, select the item (paper size) you want to change with the arrow keys 404 and press the OK key 405 to select it. Transition to a possible setting screen. Then, the user can confirm the setting by operating the arrow key 404 on the setting screen to move the cursor to a desired setting position and pressing the OK key 405. The user uses the numeric keypad 406 to input numerical values such as the number of copies.

  As keys for instructing the start of copying or scanning, there are a monochrome start key 407 and a color start key 408. In the present embodiment, the color start key 408 is illustrated assuming a color copy function. On the other hand, in a printing apparatus having only a monochrome reading function or a monochrome printing function, the start key may be the monochrome start key 407 alone. Further, a printing apparatus having a function capable of discriminating between a color original and a monochrome original when the original is read is not limited to the start key shown in the drawing. A stop key 409 is a key for giving an instruction to stop the operation of each function. On the other hand, as a means for stopping the operation, the user operates the status confirmation / cancel key 410 to display a status confirmation screen for processing performed by the printing apparatus 100, and selects the processing to be canceled on the status confirmation screen. Then, the process can be stopped. Also in this case, the aforementioned arrow key 404 and OK key 405 are used for selection / determination.

  Here, in the display unit 403 in FIG. 4A, a menu item for switching between the wired mode and the wireless communication mode as a result of the user operating the arrow key 404 or the OK key 405 to change the menu hierarchy. The state where is displayed is illustrated. In the menu item “Select Wired / Wireless LAN”, two selection menus “Wired LAN” and “Wireless LAN” are displayed. Here, when the user moves the cursor to “wired LAN” and presses the OK key 405, the printing apparatus 100 starts operation in the wired mode.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user presses the OK key 405 while operating the arrow key 404 and moving the cursor to “wireless LAN”. As a result, the printing apparatus 100 starts the operation in the wireless communication mode, and further, the “wireless LAN setting” menu shown in FIG.

  In the “wireless LAN setting” menu shown in FIG. 4B, selection menus “Wi-Fi Direct connection” and “AP connection” are displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the user moves the cursor to “Wi-Fi Direct connection” and presses the OK key 405, the printing apparatus 100 starts the communication operation in the second wireless communication mode. . When the user presses the OK key 405 with the cursor moved to “AP connection”, the printing apparatus 100 starts a communication operation in the first wireless communication mode.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a communication mode switching process in the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, S501 to S512 indicate each processing step. A program for causing the CPU 202 to execute a control procedure corresponding to each step is developed in the RAM 203 of the control unit 201 at the time of execution, and this processing is achieved by the CPU 202 executing the program.

  First, in step S <b> 501, the CPU 202 receives a communication mode switching instruction from the operation control unit 300 by a user, for example, on the screen of the operation panel 211 in FIG. This process corresponds to the process of the mode switching unit 302. In step S <b> 502, the CPU 202 executes a state confirmation subroutine for confirming the current communication state of the printing apparatus 100. Details of this status confirmation subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S503, the CPU 202 determines whether the printing apparatus 100 is in a state in which the communication mode can be switched based on the result of the state check subroutine in step S502. If the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched, the CPU 202 advances the process to S511 and executes a communication mode switching subroutine. Details of this communication mode switching subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG. When the switching of the communication mode is completed in S511, the process proceeds to S512. The CPU 202 displays the completion of the switching of the communication mode on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300, and ends this process.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched in S503, the process proceeds to S504, and the CPU 202 displays a screen for requesting the user to input an additional instruction on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300. . In step S <b> 505, the CPU 202 waits for reception of a user addition instruction via the operation control unit 300.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of an addition instruction input screen displayed on the display unit 403 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  This input screen is a screen for notifying the user who has instructed switching of the communication mode that there is a possibility that another user is currently communicating, and confirming whether or not the switching operation is still continued. The user needs to select one of “perform switching immediately” 801, “wait for switching until communication is completed” 802, and “do not perform switching” 803. When the user selects any selection menu on this screen and presses the OK key 405, the information is transmitted to the mode switching unit 302 via the operation control unit 300. As a result, the process proceeds from S505 to S506.

  In step S <b> 506, the CPU 202 determines whether “switch now” 801 is selected. If “switch now” 801 is selected, the CPU 202 advances the process to step S511 and executes a mode switching subroutine. Then, the fact that the mode switching has been completed is displayed on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300 (S512), and this process ends.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines in step S506 that “switch now” 801 is not selected, the process proceeds to step S507, and determines whether “wait for switching until communication is completed” 802 is selected. If “wait for switching until communication is completed” 802 is selected, the process advances to step S509, and the CPU 202 re-executes the status check subroutine to check the current communication status of the printing apparatus 100. The status check subroutine executed here is the same as the content executed in S502. In step S510, the CPU 202 determines whether the printing apparatus 100 is in a mode switchable state. If the communication mode cannot be switched, the CPU 202 returns to step S509, and then waits until the communication mode can be switched. to continue. If it is determined that the communication mode can be switched in this way, the process proceeds to S511, and a mode switching subroutine is executed. Then, as described above, the fact that the switching of the communication mode has been completed in S512 is displayed on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, if “do not switch” 803 is selected by the user in S505, the process proceeds from S507 to S508, and the CPU 202 does not switch the communication mode. Then, the display unit 403 is displayed on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300, and the processing is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the status check subroutine shown in S502 and S509 of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 601, the CPU 202 inquires of the communication control unit 303 whether or not there is a service that is currently established in a communication session with a communication terminal such as the mobile terminal 110 as a service in the application unit 310. If it is determined that there is a service for which a communication session is being established, the process proceeds to S602. The CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched, and ends the subroutine process. In S602, information indicating the determination result is stored in the RAM 203. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the communication mode can be switched by referring to the information stored in the RAM 203 in subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S601 that there is no service that has established a communication session, the process proceeds to S603, and the CPU 202 acquires mode information from the storage unit 301, and determines whether the currently valid mode is the second wireless communication mode. Determine. If it is determined that the currently valid mode is not the second wireless communication mode, that is, the wired mode or the first wireless communication mode, the CPU 202 advances the process to S605. In step S605, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched, and ends this process. In S605, as in S602, information indicating the determination result is stored in the RAM 203 so that the information stored in the RAM 203 can be referred to in subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines in S603 that the currently valid communication mode is the second wireless communication mode, the process proceeds to S604. In step S <b> 604, the CPU 202 inquires of the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 whether there is a communication terminal such as the portable terminal 110 that is directly wirelessly connected to the printing apparatus 100 in the second wireless communication mode. If the CPU 202 determines in S604 that there is a connected communication terminal, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched and advances the process to S602. In step S602, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched, and ends the processing of this subroutine.

  If the CPU 202 determines in S604 that there is no wirelessly connected communication terminal, the process proceeds to S605. The CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched, and ends the processing of this subroutine.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the mode switching subroutine of S511 of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 701, the CPU 202 stops the communication control unit 303. As a result, each service of the application unit 310 cannot communicate with a communication terminal such as the mobile terminal 110. In step S702, the CPU 202 acquires communication mode information from the storage unit 301, and determines which communication mode is to be transferred to which communication mode. Here, in the case of switching from the wired communication mode to the wireless communication mode (or from the wireless communication mode to the wired communication mode), the process proceeds to S703, and the operation of the wired communication mode control unit 308 (or the wireless communication mode control unit 304) is performed. Stop. When the wired communication mode control unit 308 is stopped, the wired communication unit 309 enters a state in which wired communication is not performed. When the wireless communication mode control unit 304 is stopped, the printing apparatus 100 is disconnected from the wireless connection with the access point or the mobile terminal 110, and the wireless communication unit 307 is not in wireless communication. Thus, the process proceeds to S704, and the CPU 202 stops the wired communication unit 309 (or the wireless communication unit 307). Thereby, the power supply to the wired LAN I / F 213 (or the wireless LAN I / F 212) is also stopped.

  Next, the CPU 202 advances the processing to S705 and activates the wireless communication unit 307 (or the wired communication unit 309). Thereby, power supply to the wireless LAN I / F 212 (or the wired LAN I / F 213) is started. In step S706, the CPU 202 activates the wireless communication mode control unit 304 (or the wired communication mode control unit 308). When the wireless communication mode control unit 304 is activated, the wireless communication unit 307 is ready for wireless communication. Thus, according to the switching instruction by the user, the first wireless communication mode control unit 305 is selected when the first wireless communication mode is selected, and the first wireless communication mode is selected when the second wireless communication mode is selected. The second wireless communication mode control unit 306 is activated. Then, the wireless connection with the communication terminal is performed in the activated wireless communication mode. On the other hand, when the wired communication mode control unit 308 is activated, the wired communication unit 309 is in a state capable of wired communication. Then, the CPU 202 advances the processing to S707 and activates the communication control unit 303. Thereby, each service of the application unit 310 is in a state in which communication with a communication terminal such as the portable terminal 110 is possible in the new communication mode after switching. Finally, in step S708, the CPU 202 updates the communication mode information stored in the storage unit 301 to the latest information, and ends the processing of this subroutine.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines in S702 to switch from the first wireless communication mode to the second wireless communication mode (or the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless communication mode), the process proceeds to S709. . In step S709, the CPU 202 stops the first wireless communication mode control unit 305 (or the second wireless communication mode control unit 306). Here, when the first wireless communication mode control unit 305 is stopped, the wireless connection between the printing apparatus 100 and the access point different from the portable terminal 110 that is connected as the client is disconnected. become. On the other hand, when the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 is stopped, the wireless connection with the mobile terminal 110 using the second wireless communication mode is disconnected. Then, the CPU 202 advances the processing to S710, activates the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 (or the first wireless communication mode control unit 305), and establishes wireless connection with the communication terminal in one of the selected wireless communication modes. I do. Thereafter, the CPU 202 advances the processing to S707 and activates the communication control unit 303. Thereby, each service of the application unit 310 is in a state in which communication with a communication terminal such as the portable terminal 110 is possible in the new communication mode after switching. In step S708, the mode information stored in the storage unit 301 is updated to the latest information, and the processing of this subroutine ends.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the user instructs to switch the communication mode at a timing when the communication mode of the printing apparatus 100 should not be switched, the user is notified of this and the switching operation is continued. It is possible to reconfirm with the user whether or not to do so. This eliminates the need for the user who issues the switching instruction to check beforehand whether the printing apparatus 100 is in a switchable state, and simplifies the operation. Furthermore, there is an effect that it is possible for other users to avoid a situation in which their work is suddenly and forcibly interrupted.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, Embodiment 2 according to the present invention will be described. In the mode switching unit 302 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the state confirmation subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is executed when a communication mode switching instruction from the user is received from the operation control unit 300.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, before receiving a communication mode switching instruction from the user from the operation control unit 300, this state confirmation subroutine is executed. If it is determined as a result of this state check that the communication mode cannot be switched, the operation control unit 300 is controlled so that the user cannot give a communication mode switching instruction. This will be described in detail below. Note that the configuration and system of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a “wired / wireless LAN selection” menu screen displayed on the display unit 403 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the “wired / wireless LAN selection” menu according to the second embodiment, selection menus “wired LAN” and “wireless LAN” are displayed as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, when the mode switching unit 302 executes the state confirmation subroutine shown in FIG. 6 when the “wired / wireless LAN selection” menu is changed, it is assumed that the communication mode cannot be switched at present. . Further, as a result of the mode switching unit 302 acquiring the communication mode information from the storage unit 301, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 100 is currently operating in the wired mode. As a result, the mode switching unit 302 notifies the operation control unit 300 of the status confirmation result, and the operation control unit 300 grays out and displays the “wireless LAN” menu on the display unit 403. In this way, control is performed so that the user cannot instruct a switching operation from the wired mode to the wireless mode when the communication mode cannot be switched.

  Similarly, if the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the wireless communication mode, the “wireless LAN” menu is displayed in a selectable state, and the “wired LAN” menu is displayed grayed out. It will be.

  Further, FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a “wireless LAN setting” menu screen displayed on the display unit 403 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the “wireless LAN setting” menu according to the second embodiment, selection menus “Wi-Fi Direct connection” and “AP connection” are displayed as in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the mode switching unit 302 executes the state confirmation subroutine shown in FIG. 6 when transitioning to the “wireless LAN setting” menu, and as a result, the communication mode cannot be switched at present. Further, as a result of the mode switching unit 302 acquiring the communication mode information from the storage unit 301, it is assumed that the current wireless communication mode is valid.

  In this case, the mode switching unit 302 notifies the operation control unit 300 of the state confirmation result, and the operation control unit 300 grays out and displays “Wi-Fi Direct connection” on the display unit 403. Accordingly, since the communication mode cannot be switched, control is performed so that the user cannot instruct switching from the first wireless communication mode to the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct).

  Similarly, if the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the second wireless communication mode, “Wi-Fi Direct connection” is displayed in a selectable state, and “AP connection” is displayed in gray out. The Rukoto.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the communication mode cannot be switched, the instruction for switching the communication mode by the user is restricted in the first place. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user's own work is suddenly and forcibly interrupted for other users who are using the printing apparatus 100.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, Embodiment 3 according to the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, when it is determined in the state confirmation subroutine shown in FIG. 6 that the communication mode cannot be switched, a new communication session or the Direct wireless connection in the second wireless communication mode may be prohibited. Note that the configuration and system of the printing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a status check subroutine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This processing corresponds to the flow of the status confirmation subroutine shown in S509 of FIG.

  In step S <b> 901, the CPU 202 inquires of the communication control unit 303 whether there is a service in the application unit 310 that is currently establishing a communication session with a communication terminal such as the mobile terminal 110. If it exists, the CPU 202 instructs the communication control unit 303 to prohibit the generation of a new session until the next communication mode switching process is completed, and the process proceeds to S907. In step S907, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched, and ends the processing of this subroutine.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines in S901 that there is no service that is establishing a communication session, the process proceeds to S902, communication mode information is acquired from the storage unit 301, and the currently valid communication mode is the second wireless communication mode. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the wireless communication mode is not the second wireless communication mode, that is, the wired communication mode or the first wireless communication mode, the process proceeds to S903, and the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched. Then, the processing of this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines in S902 that the currently valid communication mode is the second wireless communication mode, the process proceeds to S905. In step S <b> 905, the CPU 202 inquires of the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 whether there is a communication terminal such as the portable terminal 110 that is directly wirelessly connected to the printing apparatus 100 in the second wireless communication mode. If the CPU 202 determines in S905 that there is a connected communication terminal, the process proceeds to S906, and the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 is then informed with the new communication terminal and the second wireless communication mode. An instruction to prohibit wireless connection using is issued. In step S907, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched, and ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S905 that there is no connected communication terminal, the process proceeds to S903, where it is determined that the communication mode can be switched, and the process of this subroutine is terminated.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when it is determined that the communication mode cannot be switched, a new communication session or a second wireless communication is performed during the period until the communication mode is switched thereafter. Prohibit wireless connection in communication mode. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which new communication or connection occurs while waiting for the start of switching of the communication mode and the communication mode cannot be switched indefinitely.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  As a general use case, the second wireless communication mode is a communication mode used for temporary connection when the user wants to use the printing apparatus 100 from the mobile terminal 110. On the other hand, the wired communication mode and the first wireless communication mode are modes used for steady connection, for example, when a printing apparatus is installed as one infrastructure under a backbone network in a company. When the wired communication mode or the first wireless communication mode is constantly connected to the backbone network in the company, the application unit 310 of the printing apparatus 100 may have a service that manages the device. . Such a service detects that various statuses of the printing apparatus 100 have changed, notifies the server on the network of the information, or receives a periodic inquiry from the server, and receives the current printing apparatus 100. Or reply with status.

  In such a case, when the switch from the wired communication mode or the first wireless communication mode to the second wireless communication mode is executed temporarily, the server managing and monitoring the state of the printer 100 Communication will be impossible even temporarily. As a result, there is a possibility that accurate device management by the server cannot be performed. Furthermore, there is a possibility that some servers may determine that something abnormal has occurred in the printing apparatus 100.

  Therefore, the fourth embodiment according to the present invention aims to provide means for notifying the server of a temporary switching of the communication mode. Note that the configuration and system of the printing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a communication mode switching subroutine according to the fourth embodiment. This process corresponds to the process of the communication mode switching subroutine shown in S511 of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 1001, the CPU 202 notifies the application unit 310 of execution of mode switching. Receiving this notification, each service of the application unit 310 transmits a notification packet to the server as necessary. The processing of the application unit 310 at this time will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S1002, and the CPU 202 stops the communication control unit 303. As a result, each service of the application unit 310 cannot communicate with a communication terminal such as the mobile terminal 110. Since the subsequent processing steps of S1003 to S1011 are exactly the same as the processing steps of S702 to S710 in FIG. 7, the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the application unit 310 when a communication mode switching execution notification is received from the mode switching unit 302 in S1001 of FIG.

  Steps S <b> 1101 to S <b> 1103 indicate processing steps and correspond to the flow of the communication mode switching notification packet transmission process performed by the application unit 310 of the printing apparatus 100. A program for causing the CPU 202 to execute a control procedure corresponding to each step is developed in the RAM 203 of the control unit 201 at the time of execution, and this processing is achieved by the CPU 202 executing the program.

  First, in step S <b> 1101, the CPU 202 waits to receive a communication mode switching execution notification from the mode switching unit 302. When the communication mode switching execution notification is received, the process advances to step S1102, and the CPU 202 determines whether there is a service that requires a temporary disconnection notification to an external device such as a server. If such a service does not exist, this flowchart is terminated without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a service that needs to be notified, the process advances to step S1103, and the CPU 202 transmits a notification packet to the server indicating that the communication mode is temporarily disconnected for each of these services, This process ends. This notification packet is, for example, a registration information deletion request packet for the printing apparatus 100, which is transmitted from a DNS (Domain Name System) client service to a DNS server. Alternatively, it is a notification packet for temporary mode switching by SLP (Service Location Protocol). Alternatively, the packet using the multicast address is a packet that declares withdrawal from the participating multicast group. In addition, various notification packets by various services may exist.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, each service of the application unit 310 can notify the server before switching the communication mode. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which accurate server management on the printing apparatus 100 cannot be performed on the server side, or it is erroneously determined that an abnormality has occurred in the printing apparatus 100.

[Embodiment 5]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  The printing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment has a configuration in which the scanner I / F 208, the scanner 209, and the wired LAN I / F 213 are excluded from the configuration of FIG. Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the printing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

  Compared with the software configuration in FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment, the configuration is that the wired communication mode control unit 308, the wired communication unit 309, and the storage service 312 are excluded from the configuration in FIG. Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a top view of the operation panel 211 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

  An execution key 1401 for switching between the first wireless communication mode and the second wireless communication mode is displayed on the display unit 403 of the operation panel 211. In addition, an LED 1402 for presenting the current wireless communication state to the user is provided. The other keys, buttons, etc. are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a lighting control process of an LED (light emitting unit) in the printing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment. S1501 to S1507 indicate each processing step, and the flow of LED control processing performed by the operation control unit 300 of the printing apparatus 100 when the user presses the execution key 1401 of the operation panel 211 to instruct communication mode switching. Correspond. A program for causing the CPU 202 to execute a control procedure corresponding to each step is developed in the RAM 203 of the control unit 201 at the time of execution, and this processing is achieved by the CPU 202 executing the program.

  First, in step S <b> 1501, the CPU 202 waits for a user to request a communication mode switching instruction via the operation panel 211. When this switching instruction is received, the process proceeds to S1502, and the CPU 202 blinks the LED 1402. Next, the CPU 202 advances the processing to S1503, notifies the mode switching unit 302 of the occurrence of a communication mode switching instruction, and waits for the mode switching unit 302 to return a completion of switching in S1504. When the switch completion response is received in S1504, the CPU 202 advances the process to S1505, refers to the storage unit 301, and determines whether the currently valid communication mode after the switch is the second wireless communication mode. If it is determined that the second wireless communication mode is valid, the process advances to step S1506, and the CPU 202 drives the LED 1402 to light with the lighting pattern for the second wireless communication mode.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1505 that the first wireless communication mode is valid, the process advances to step S1507, and the CPU 202 drives the LED 1402 to light with the lighting pattern for the first wireless communication mode. After performing the above processing, this processing is terminated.

  FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of a lighting pattern for the first wireless communication mode in S1507 of FIG. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of a lighting pattern for the second wireless communication mode in S1506 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, when the wireless connection is established in the first wireless communication mode, the operation control unit 300 always keeps the LED 1402 on. As a result, the user can grasp that the printing apparatus 100 is currently in a state where communication can be established by establishing a connection with a surrounding access point in the first wireless communication mode.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16B, when wirelessly connected in the second wireless communication mode, the operation control unit 300 controls the LED 1402 to periodically turn on for a long time and turn off for a short time. repeat. As a result, the user sometimes sees the LED 1402 blinking, and can recognize that the printing apparatus 100 is operating in a wireless communication mode different from the first wireless communication mode shown in FIG.

  At this time, the operation control unit 300 makes an inquiry to the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 to check the number of communication terminals that are currently wirelessly connected directly to the printing apparatus 100 in the second wireless communication mode. . Then, the number of communication terminals that are in direct wireless connection may be indicated to the user by the number of times of turning off for a short time.

  FIG. 16B shows a case where there are currently two communication terminals that are directly connected to the printing apparatus 100 in the second wireless communication mode. Therefore, the operation control unit 300 turns off the LED 1402 for a period of 5000 ms and then turns off the LED for 100 ms twice. Accordingly, the user can grasp how many communication terminals the printing apparatus 100 is currently connected to by counting the number of times the LED 1402 periodically blinks. Note that the lighting time and the light-off time are not limited to the above-described times, and can take various values.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the current operation is performed in any of the plurality of wireless communication modes in the light emitting state of the LED (light emitting unit) included in the printing apparatus 100 without modifying the hardware. The user can discriminate whether or not Furthermore, when operating in the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi direct mode), the user can immediately determine how many communication terminals are connected to the printing apparatus 100.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, Wi-Fi direct is described as an example of the second wireless communication mode, but the present invention is not limited to Wi-Fi direct. If a certain device and another device can directly perform wireless communication, the other wireless communication can be applied as the second wireless communication mode.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Printing apparatus, 110 ... Terminal device, 130 ... Access point, 202 ... CPU, 207 ... Printer, 209 ... Scanner, 211 ... Operation panel, 302 ... Mode switching part, 304 ... Wireless communication mode control part, 310 ... Application part

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus .

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for allowing a user to confirm whether or not to shift to the direct wireless communication mode when an instruction to shift to the direct wireless communication mode is received in the state of operating in the wired mode. .

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A printing apparatus operable in a direct wireless communication mode for directly performing wireless communication with an external device without using an access point, and a wired mode for performing communication on a wired LAN,
Accepting means for accepting an instruction to shift to the direct wireless communication mode from a user;
Display means for displaying a predetermined screen in response to the acceptance means accepting the transition instruction when the printing apparatus is operating in the wired mode;
On the predetermined screen, a first instruction for instructing the printing apparatus to shift to the direct wireless communication mode, and a second instruction for instructing the printing apparatus not to shift to the direct wireless communication mode. At least user-enterable,
When the first instruction is input on the predetermined screen, the printing apparatus shifts from the wired mode to the direct wireless communication mode, and the second instruction is input on the predetermined screen. In addition, the printing apparatus does not shift to the direct wireless communication mode .

According to the present invention, upon receiving the instruction to shift to the direct radio communication mode in a state where operating in the wired mode, it is possible to Rukoto to confirm whether to migrate to the direct radio communication mode to the user.

Claims (15)

A communication device for communicating with a communication terminal,
First wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first wireless communication mode;
Second wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the communication terminal in a second wireless communication mode in which either the communication device or the communication terminal is an access point;
Accepting means for accepting switching of the communication mode by the user;
Mode switching means for switching the communication mode;
A determination unit that determines whether or not switching of the communication mode received by the reception unit is executable;
Requesting means for requesting an additional instruction to the user when the determining means determines that switching of the communication mode is not executable;
Control means for controlling switching of the communication mode by the mode switching means in response to an additional instruction for the request of the request means;
A communication apparatus comprising: When the determination means has no connected session,
If the current communication mode is not the second wireless communication mode, it is determined that the communication mode can be switched,
When switching from the second wireless communication mode to another communication mode is instructed, it is determined that the communication mode can be switched when there is no communication terminal that is wirelessly connected in the second wireless communication mode. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the addition instruction is an instruction to switch immediately, the control unit stops communication by the second wireless communication unit and switches to the communication mode received by the receiving unit. 2. The communication device according to 2.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the addition instruction is a standby instruction, the control unit waits for completion of communication by the second wireless communication unit and switches to the communication mode received by the reception unit. 2. The communication device according to 2.   If the determination unit determines that the communication mode cannot be switched, a prohibition for prohibiting a wireless connection in a new communication session or the second wireless communication mode for a period until the communication mode is switched thereafter. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means. A communication device for communicating with a communication terminal,
First wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with the communication terminal in a first wireless communication mode;
Second wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the communication terminal in a second wireless communication mode in which either the communication device or the communication terminal is an access point;
Determining means for determining whether or not the communication mode can be switched;
Accepting means for accepting switching of the communication mode by the user;
Limiting means for restricting acceptance of switching of communication modes by the accepting means when the judging means determines that it is not executable;
Mode switching means for switching the communication mode in response to switching of the communication mode received by the receiving means;
A communication apparatus comprising: When the determination means has no connected session,
If the current communication mode is not the second wireless communication mode, it is determined that the communication mode can be switched,
When switching from the second wireless communication mode to another communication mode is instructed, it is determined that the communication mode can be switched when there is no communication terminal that is wirelessly connected in the second wireless communication mode. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:   The communication device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the restricting unit displays a communication mode determined by the determining unit as being inexecutable as grayed out.   9. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying a server of switching of the communication mode by the mode switching means.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a presenting unit that presents the switching of the communication mode to the user by the mode switching unit.   The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the presenting unit presents a communication mode in a light emitting state of a light emitting unit.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first wireless communication mode is a communication mode in which wireless communication is performed with the communication terminal via an access point.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second wireless communication mode is a communication mode using a Wi-Fi direct function. A control method for controlling a communication device that communicates with a communication terminal,
A first wireless communication step in which a first wireless communication means wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal in a first wireless communication mode;
A second wireless communication step, wherein the second wireless communication means performs wireless communication with the communication terminal in a second wireless communication mode in which either the communication device or the communication terminal is an access point;
An accepting step for accepting switching of a communication mode by a user;
A mode switching step in which the mode switching means switches the communication mode;
A determination step for determining whether or not switching of the communication mode received in the reception step is executable by the determination unit;
A requesting step for requesting an additional instruction to the user when the requesting unit determines that the switching of the communication mode is not executable;
A control step for controlling switching of the communication mode by the mode switching step in response to an additional instruction for the request of the request step;
A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as a communication apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13.