JP7096805B2 - Printing equipment, its control method, and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program .

In recent years, the number of printing devices such as multifunction devices and printers equipped with a wireless LAN function is increasing. A printing device equipped with a wireless LAN generally has a function of wirelessly connecting to an access point as a client. On the other hand, PCs and mobile terminals communicate with a printing device via an access point to send desired data to the printing device for printing, or receive device information from the printing device and use it for device management. ..

On the other hand, in recent years, Wi-Fi Alliance has established Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as Wi-Fi Direct). This Wi-Fi Direct defines a protocol for determining whether each wireless terminal operates as an access point or a client. By executing this protocol, it is possible to automatically determine which of the wireless terminals will be the access point and which will be 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 with each other.

In a printing device capable of executing the above protocol, the user can determine whether to perform direct wireless communication using Wi-Fi direct or indirectly wireless communication via an access point that is a third party from the operation panel or the like. Is configured to be able to instruct.

However, for example, while receiving print data from a communication terminal such as a PC by an indirect wireless communication method, there is a problem when an operation switch to direct wireless communication using Wi-Fi direct is instructed. May occur. That is, in such a case, if the switching process is executed immediately, the user operating the communication terminal will be forced to cut off the printed matter instructed to print without being printed to the end. .. Therefore, an idea for avoiding such a problem has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 is a printing device including 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 one-to-one wireless communication without going through an access point. Is described. Then, when the user instructs 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. If so, the switch is not performed and the display unit indicates that effect. Display and notify the user.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-113349

However, there are cases where it is better not to switch the above-mentioned modes other than during reception of print data. In some cases, unlike the case where print data is being received, it may not be possible for the user to immediately determine that "it is better not to switch now". For example, when the printing device is operated by Wi-Fi direct, a plurality of mobile terminals can be connected to the printing device at the same time. Therefore, even if the user of one mobile terminal ends the connection with the printing device by Wi-Fi direct, the user of another mobile terminal may still be connected to the printing device. If the user who terminates the connection at that time switches the printing device to the indirect wireless communication mode other than Wi-Fi direct, the user of the other mobile terminal will be disconnected during the communication. In order to avoid such a situation, the user checks the communication status 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 you don't. It is troublesome for the user to have to perform such confirmation every time.

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

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for stopping the use of a wired LAN interface when the use of a function using a wireless LAN interface is started .

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
Wired LAN interface and
A wireless LAN interface that can be used for the direct communication function that assigns an IP address to the communication terminal and performs wireless communication by Wi-Fi direct when the role is determined with the communication terminal and the role is on the access point side. When,
Before starting the Wi-Fi direct so that the Wi-Fi direct can be started while the use of the wired LAN interface is stopped when the instruction to start using the direct communication function is received. The process is characterized by having a means for executing a process of stopping the use of the wired LAN interface, which is not used for communication but is in use .

According to the present invention, when the use of the function using the wireless LAN interface is started, the use of the wired LAN interface can be stopped .

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a Wi-Fi direct processing sequence, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The functional block diagram explaining the software structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The top view of the operation panel of the printing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the communication mode switching process in the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. The flowchart explaining the state confirmation subroutine shown in S502 and S509 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the communication mode switching subroutine of S511 of FIG. The figure (A) which shows an example of the input screen of the additional instruction displayed on the display part of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1, the figure (B) which shows an example of the "wired / wireless LAN selection" menu screen, "wireless LAN setting". The figure (C) which shows an example of the menu screen. The flowchart explaining the state confirmation subroutine which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart explaining the process of the communication mode switching subroutine which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the application unit 310 when a notification of communication mode switching execution is received from the mode switching unit in S1001 of FIG. The block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. The block diagram explaining the software structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. Top view of the operation panel of the printing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment. The flowchart explaining the LED lighting control processing in the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. It is a figure explaining the lighting pattern of the LED which concerns on Embodiment 5.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the scope of claims, and not all combinations of features described in the present embodiment are essential for the means for solving the present invention. ..

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a Wi-Fi direct processing sequence.

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

First, the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 110 search in S101 for another communication terminal that is trying to make a wireless connection by Wi-Fi direct, and detect each other. When the other party is detected, S102 determines which is the access point (GroupOwner) and which is the client (Client). Here, it is assumed that the printing device 100 becomes the access point and the mobile terminal 110 becomes the client as a result of the role determination.

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

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

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment.

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

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

The control unit 201 including the CPU 202 controls the operation of the entire printing device 100. The CPU 202 expands a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the RAM 203, and executes the program to perform various controls such as communication control. The RAM 203 is used as the main memory of the CPU 201, a work area, and the like. HDD 214 stores data, various programs, and various information tables. The printer I / F 206 serves as an interface for outputting an image signal to the printer 207 (printer engine). Further, the scanner I / F 208 serves as an interface for inputting an image signal obtained by reading a document with a scanner 209 (scanner engine). During the copy operation, the CPU 202 processes the image signal input from the scanner I / F 208, outputs it as a recorded image signal to the printer I / F 206, and prints it. The operation panel I / F 210 connects the operation panel 211 and the control unit 201. The operation panel 211 is provided with 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 LANI / F212 wirelessly transmits information to an external terminal such as a mobile terminal 110, or receives various information from those external devices. The wired LAN I / F 213 transmits information to an external terminal (not shown) via a wired LAN (Ethernet), or receives various information from those external devices. Each block in the control unit 201 is connected to each other by the 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 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 202 of the printing apparatus 100 executing a control program expanded from the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 to the RAM 203.

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

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

The communication control unit 303 performs communication control when the printing device 100 communicates with an external device such as a mobile terminal 110. Specifically, the transmission data from the application unit 310 is passed to the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication unit 309 to be transmitted on the network. Further, 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 controls communication when the printing device 100 operates in the first wireless communication mode. The second wireless communication mode control unit 306 controls communication when the printing device 100 operates in the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi direct). The wireless communication unit 307 controls the wireless LANI / F212, and when the printing device 100 is operating in the wireless communication mode, the application unit 310 transmits / receives data when communicating with an external device such as a mobile terminal 110. conduct.

The wired communication mode control unit 308 controls communication in the wired mode. The wired communication unit 309 controls the wired LANI / F 213, and when the printing device 100 is operating in the wired mode, the application unit 310 transmits / receives data when communicating with an external device.

The application unit 310 includes various services such as a print service 311 and a storage service 312. The print service 311 receives the 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 the 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 modes 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 have a plurality of modes. It is necessary to support simultaneous operation. However, in some printing devices, the on-board application unit 310 and communication control unit 303 do not support simultaneous operation of a plurality of modes. In such a printing device, the wired mode and the first wireless communication mode and the second wireless communication mode are exclusive, and only one of the modes can operate. In this case, the user can select in which communication mode the printing device is to be operated via 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.

It is assumed that the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a scanning function by the scanner 209, a copying function by the printer 207 and the scanner 209, and the like. In addition, the wireless LANI / F212 and the wired LANI / F213 also have a function of performing printing in response to an instruction from an external device such as a terminal device 110.

Next, the operation panel 211 will be described.

The operation panel 211 has a copy function button 401 and a scan function button 402, which are keys for selecting the above-mentioned function, and the user presses a button of the function to be used. Further, it has a display unit 403 for notifying the user of the setting state and the device state of the printing device 100. The arrow key 404 is used to move the cursor or the like displayed on the display unit 403. The arrow key 404 has buttons in four directions, up, down, left, and right. The OK key 405 is arranged in the center of the arrow keys, 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 setting (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. Transit to a possible setting screen. Then, the user can confirm the setting by operating the arrow key 404 on the setting screen, moving the cursor to the position of the desired setting, and pressing the OK key 405. The user uses the numeric keypad 406 to input numerical values such as the number of copies.

There are a black-and-white start key 407 and a color start key 408 as keys for instructing the start of copying or scanning. In this embodiment, the color start key 408 is illustrated assuming a color copy function. On the other hand, in a printing device having only a monochrome reading function or a monochrome printing function, the start key may be only the monochrome start key 407. Further, even in a printing apparatus having a function of discriminating between a color document and a monochrome document when the document is read, the key is not limited to the start key shown in the figure. The stop key 409 is a key that gives 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 / stop key 410 to display the status confirmation screen of the 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 that case, the above-mentioned arrow keys 404 and OK key 405 are used for selection / determination.

Here, on the display unit 403 of 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 keys 404 and the OK key 405 to change the menu hierarchy. Is illustrated. In the menu item of "wired / wireless LAN selection", two selection menus of "wired LAN" and "wireless LAN" are displayed. Here, when the user moves the cursor to the "wired LAN" and presses the OK key 405, the printing device 100 starts operating in the wired mode.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user operates the arrow key 404 to move the cursor to the "wireless LAN" and presses the OK key 405. As a result, the printing device 100 starts operating in the wireless communication mode, and the display unit 403 further displays the "wireless LAN setting" menu shown in FIG. 4B.

In the "wireless LAN setting" menu shown in FIG. 4B, selection menus of "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 device 100 starts the communication operation in the second wireless communication mode. .. When the user presses the OK key 405 while the cursor is moved to "AP connection", the printing device 100 starts the communication operation in the first wireless communication mode.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating 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. Further, a program for causing the CPU 202 to execute the control procedure corresponding to each step is expanded in the RAM 203 of the control unit 201 at the time of execution, and this process is achieved by the CPU 202 executing the program.

First, in S501, the CPU 202 receives from the operation control unit 300, for example, a communication mode switching instruction given by the user on the screen of the operation panel 211 of FIG. 4A. This process corresponds to the process of the mode switching unit 302. Next, the process proceeds to S502, and the CPU 202 executes a status confirmation subroutine for confirming the current communication status of the printing device 100. The details of this state confirmation subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to S503, and the CPU 202 determines whether or not the printing device 100 can execute the switching of the communication mode based on the result of the state confirmation subroutine of S502. Here, when the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched, the process proceeds to S511 and the subroutine for switching the communication mode is executed. The details of this communication mode switching subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. Then, when the switching of the communication mode is completed in S511, the process proceeds to S512, and the CPU 202 displays to the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300 that the switching of the communication mode is completed, and ends this process.

On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines in S503 that the communication mode cannot be switched, the process proceeds to S504, and the CPU 202 displays a screen asking the user to input an additional instruction on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300. .. Then, in S505, the CPU 202 waits for receiving the additional instruction of the user via the operation control unit 300.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for additional instructions 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 to switch the communication mode of the possibility that another user currently communicating may exist, and confirming whether to continue the switching operation. The user needs to select one of "switch now" 801 "wait for switching until communication is completed" 802, and "do not switch" 803. When the user selects one of the selection menus 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 S506, the CPU 202 determines whether "Switch Now" 801 is selected. When "Switch now" 801 is selected, the CPU 202 proceeds to S511 and executes a mode switching subroutine. Then, the fact that the mode switching is completed is displayed on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300 (S512), and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, in S506, when the CPU 202 determines that "Switch now" 801 is not selected, it proceeds to S507 and determines whether "Wait for switching until communication is completed" 802 is selected. When "waiting for switching until communication is completed" 802 is selected, the process proceeds to S509, and the CPU 202 re-executes the status confirmation subroutine to confirm the current communication status of the printing device 100. The state confirmation subroutine executed here is the same as the content executed in S502. Then, the process proceeds to S510, and the CPU 202 determines whether or not the printing device 100 is in a mode switchable state, returns to S509 if the communication mode cannot be switched, and then waits until the communication mode can be switched. continue. When it is determined that the communication mode can be switched in this way, the process proceeds to S511 and the mode switching subroutine is executed. Then, as described above, the fact that the communication mode switching is completed in S512 is displayed on the display unit 403 via the operation control unit 300, and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the user selects "do not switch" 803 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 via the operation control unit 300 to the effect that the switching of the communication mode has been stopped, and this process is terminated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the state confirmation subroutine shown in S502 and S509 of FIG.

First, in S601, the CPU 202 inquires of the communication control unit 303 whether or not there is a service in the application unit 310 that is currently establishing a communication session with a communication terminal such as a mobile terminal 110 to determine. If it is determined that there is a service for which a communication session is being established, the process proceeds to S602, and the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched and ends the process of this subroutine. In S602, information indicating this determination result is stored in the RAM 203. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is possible to determine whether or not the communication mode can be switched by referring to the information stored in the RAM 203.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S601 that the service for which the communication session is being established does not exist, the process proceeds to S603, the CPU 202 acquires the mode information from the storage unit 301, and whether the currently valid mode is the second wireless communication mode. To judge. 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 proceeds to S605. In S605, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched, and ends this process. In S605 as well, as in S602, the 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 the 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 S604, the CPU 202 inquires the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 whether or not there is a communication terminal such as a mobile terminal 110 that is directly wirelessly connected to the printing device 100 in the second wireless communication mode. When the CPU 202 determines in S604 that a connected communication terminal exists, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched and proceeds to S602. In S602, the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode cannot be switched, and ends the processing of this subroutine.

Further, when the CPU 202 determines in S604 that the communication terminal being wirelessly connected does not exist, the process proceeds to S605, and the CPU 202 determines that the communication mode can be switched and ends the process of this subroutine.

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

First, in S701, 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. Next, the process proceeds to S702, and the CPU 202 acquires the communication mode information from the storage unit 301, and determines which communication mode is the transition request 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 is in a state of not performing wired communication. When the wireless communication mode control unit 304 is stopped, the printing device 100 is in a state in which the wireless connection with the access point or the mobile terminal 110 is disconnected, and the wireless communication unit 307 is in a state in which wireless communication is not performed. In this way, the process proceeds to S704, and the CPU 202 stops the wired communication unit 309 (or the wireless communication unit 307). As a result, the power supply to the wired LANI / F213 (or wireless LANI / F212) is also stopped.

Next, the CPU 202 proceeds to S705 and activates the wireless communication unit 307 (or the wired communication unit 309). As a result, the power supply to the wireless LANI / F212 (or the wired LANI / F213) is started. Then, the process proceeds to S706, and 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 in a state where wireless communication is possible. As a result, according to the content of 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 second wireless communication mode is selected when the second wireless communication mode is selected. The second wireless communication mode control unit 306 is activated. Then, a wireless connection is made with the communication terminal 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 where wired communication is possible. Then, the CPU 202 advances the processing to S707 and activates the communication control unit 303. As a result, each service of the application unit 310 is in a state of being able to communicate with a communication terminal such as a mobile terminal 110 in a new communication mode after switching. Finally, in 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 from the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless communication mode), the process proceeds to S709. .. In S709, the CPU 202 stops the first wireless communication mode control unit 305 (or the second wireless communication mode control unit 306). If the first wireless communication mode control unit 305 is stopped here, the wireless connection between the printing device 100 and the access point different from the mobile terminal 110 to which the printing device 100 is connected as a 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 proceeds to S710, activates the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 (or the first wireless communication mode control unit 305), and wirelessly connects to the communication terminal in the wireless communication mode of whichever is selected. I do. After that, the CPU 202 proceeds to S707 and activates the communication control unit 303. As a result, each service of the application unit 310 is in a state of being able to communicate with a communication terminal such as a mobile terminal 110 in a new communication mode after switching. Then, the mode information stored in the storage unit 301 is updated to the latest information in S708, and the processing of this subroutine is terminated.

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

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

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

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing 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, the selection menus "wired LAN" and "wireless LAN" are displayed as in the above-described first embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the communication mode cannot be switched at present as a result of the mode switching unit 302 executing the state confirmation subroutine shown in FIG. 6 when transitioning to the "wired / wireless LAN selection" menu. .. Further, it is assumed that the printing device 100 is currently operating in the wired mode as a result of the mode switching unit 302 acquiring the communication mode information from the storage unit 301. 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 of the display unit 403. In this way, it is controlled so that the user cannot instruct the operation of switching from the wired mode to the wireless mode in the state where the communication mode cannot be switched.

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

Further, FIG. 8C is a diagram showing 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, the selection menus "Wi-Fi Direct connection" and "AP connection" are displayed as in the above-described first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the communication mode cannot be switched at present as a result of the mode switching unit 302 executing the state confirmation subroutine shown in FIG. 6 when transitioning to the "wireless LAN setting" menu. 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 first wireless communication mode is currently valid.

In this case, 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 "Wi-Fi Direct connection" of the display unit 403. As a result, since the communication mode cannot be switched, it is controlled so that the user cannot instruct the user to switch from the first wireless communication mode to the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi direct).

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

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the communication mode switching is not possible, the user's instruction to switch the communication mode is restricted in the first place. As a result, it is possible for other users who are using the printing apparatus 100 to avoid a situation in which their work is suddenly forcibly interrupted.

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

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a state confirmation subroutine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This process corresponds to the flow of the state confirmation subroutine shown in S509 of FIG.

In S901, the CPU 202 inquires 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 a mobile terminal 110. If present, the CPU 202 issues an instruction to the communication control unit 303 to prohibit the generation of a new session until the next communication mode switching process is completed, and proceeds with the process to S907. In 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 for which a communication session is being established, 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 if. Here, if it is determined that the 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 terminated.

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 S905, the CPU 202 inquires the second wireless communication mode control unit 306 whether there is a communication terminal such as a mobile terminal 110 that is directly wirelessly connected to the printing device 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 notified of the new communication terminal and the second wireless communication mode. Give an instruction to prohibit wireless connection using. Then, the process proceeds to S907, and 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 the connected communication terminal does not exist, the process proceeds to S903, 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 radio is used during the period from that point until the communication mode switching is executed. 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 communication mode switching, and the communication mode switching cannot be executed indefinitely.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, the 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 device 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 device is installed as one infrastructure under a backbone network in a company. When the printer is constantly connected to the backbone network in the company in the wired communication mode or the first wireless communication mode, the application unit 310 of the printing device 100 may be operating a service responsible for device management. .. Such a service detects that various statuses of the printing device 100 have changed, notifies the server on the network of the information, or receives a periodic inquiry from the server, and the current printing device 100 I am replying to the status of.

In such a case, when the wired communication mode or the first wireless communication mode is temporarily switched to the second wireless communication mode, the server side that manages and monitors the status is connected to the printing device 100. Communication will not be possible even temporarily. As a result, accurate device management by the server may not be possible. Further, depending on the server, there is a possibility that it may be determined that something is wrong with the printing apparatus 100.

Therefore, it is an object of the fourth embodiment of the present invention to provide a means for notifying the server of a temporary change of communication mode. Since the configuration and system of the printing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the 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 S1001, the CPU 202 notifies the application unit 310 of the execution of mode switching. Each service of the application unit 310 that has received this notification will send a notification packet to the server as needed. The processing of the application unit 310 at this time will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

After that, the process 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 contents of the processing steps of S702 to S710 in FIG. 7, the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the application unit 310 when the mode switching unit 302 notifies the mode switching unit 302 of the communication mode switching execution in S1001 of FIG.

S1101 to S1103 indicate each processing step, and correspond to the flow of transmission processing of the communication mode switching notification packet performed by the application unit 310 of the printing apparatus 100. Further, a program for causing the CPU 202 to execute the control procedure corresponding to each step is expanded in the RAM 203 of the control unit 201 at the time of execution, and this process is achieved by the CPU 202 executing the program.

First, in S1101, the CPU 202 waits for receiving the notification of the communication mode switching execution from the mode switching unit 302. Upon receiving the notification of the communication mode switching execution, the process proceeds to S1102, and the CPU 202 determines whether there is a service that requires a temporary withdrawal notification to an external device such as a server. If no such service exists, do nothing and exit this flowchart.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a service that requires notification, the process proceeds to S1103, and the CPU 202 sends a notification packet indicating that the communication mode is temporarily switched for each service to the server to leave the server. This process ends. This notification packet is, for example, a deletion request packet of registration information about the printing device 100 transmitted to the DNS server by the DNS (Domain Name System) client service. Alternatively, it is a notification packet for temporary mode switching by SLP (ServiceLocationProtocol). Alternatively, the service using the multicast address is a packet that declares withdrawal from the participating multicast group. In addition, there may be various notification packets from various services.

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

[Embodiment 5]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing 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 removed from the configuration of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be 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 of FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment, the configuration of FIG. 3 excludes the wired communication mode control unit 308, the wired communication unit 309, and the storage service 312. Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

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

The display unit 403 of the operation panel 211 displays an execution key 1401 for switching between the first wireless communication mode and the second wireless communication mode. Further, the LED 1402 for presenting the current state of wireless communication to the user is provided. Since other keys, buttons, and the like are the same as those in FIG. 4, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating 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 follow 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 give an instruction to switch the communication mode. handle. Further, a program for causing the CPU 202 to execute the control procedure corresponding to each step is expanded in the RAM 203 of the control unit 201 at the time of execution, and this process is achieved by the CPU 202 executing the program.

First, in S1501, the CPU 202 waits for the user to request a communication mode switching instruction via the operation panel 211. Upon receiving this switching instruction, the process proceeds to S1502, and the CPU 202 blinks the LED 1402. Next, the CPU 202 advances the process to S1503, notifies the mode switching unit 302 of the occurrence of the communication mode switching instruction, and waits for the mode switching unit 302 to reply that the switching is completed in S1504. Upon receiving the response of the switching completion in S1504, the CPU 202 proceeds to S1505, refers to the storage unit 301, and determines whether the currently valid communication mode after the switching is the second wireless communication mode. Here, if it is determined that the second wireless communication mode is valid, the process proceeds to S1506, and the CPU 202 drives the LED 1402 to light in the lighting pattern for the second wireless communication mode.

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

FIG. 16A is a diagram showing an example of a lighting pattern for the first wireless communication mode in S1507 of FIG. Further, 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 wirelessly connected in the first wireless communication mode, the operation control unit 300 keeps lighting the LED 1402 at all times. As a result, the user can grasp that the printing device 100 is currently in a state where it can establish a connection with a surrounding access point and communicate with it 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 and periodically turns on for a long time and turns off for a short time. repeat. As a result, the user can recognize that the printing device 100 is operating in a wireless communication mode different from the first wireless communication mode shown in FIG. 16 (A), with the LED 1402 appearing to blink occasionally.

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

FIG. 16B shows a case where there are two communication terminals currently directly wirelessly connected to the printing device 100 in the second wireless communication mode. Therefore, the operation control unit 300 turns on the LED 1402 for a period of 5000 ms and then turns off the LED 1402 twice for 100 ms. As a result, the user can grasp how many communication terminals the printing device 100 is currently connected to by counting the number of periodic blinks of the LED 1402. The lighting time and the extinguishing time are not limited to the above-mentioned time, and various values can be taken.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the current operation is performed in any of a plurality of wireless communication modes in the light emitting state of the LED (light emitting unit) included in the printing device 100 without modifying the hardware. The user can determine whether or not it is done. Further, 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 device 100.

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

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

100 ... printing device, 110 ... terminal device, 130 ... access point, 202 ... CPU, 207 ... printer, 209 ... scanner, 211 ... operation panel, 302 ... mode switching unit, 304 ... wireless communication mode control unit, 310 ... application unit

Claims (13)

Wired LAN interface and
A wireless LAN interface that can be used for the direct communication function that assigns an IP address to the communication terminal and performs wireless communication by Wi-Fi direct when the role is determined with the communication terminal and the role is on the access point side. When,
Before starting the Wi-Fi direct so that the Wi-Fi direct can be started while the use of the wired LAN interface is stopped when the instruction to start using the direct communication function is received. In the process, a means for executing a process of stopping the use of the wired LAN interface, which is not used for communication but is in use ,
A printing apparatus characterized by having. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for executing the stop process is to stop the power supply to the wired LAN interface. 1. 2. The printing apparatus according to 2. Claims 1 to 1, which are different from the direct communication function and further include a further communication function for wirelessly communicating with a communication terminal via an external access point using the wireless LAN interface. The printing apparatus according to any one of 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the instruction is based on an instruction for designating the direct communication function from a plurality of communication functions. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the instruction is based on a user operation for designating the execution of the switching on the screen for confirming whether or not to execute the switching to the direct communication function. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the instruction is based on a user operation for designating a standby for completion of communication on a screen for confirming whether or not to switch the communication function to the direct communication function. The printing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the printing device operates as an access point by starting the direct communication function. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a means for acquiring print data transmitted from the communication terminal via wireless communication by the direct communication function. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a printing unit that prints on a sheet based on the print data. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a means for receiving an instruction regarding printing via wireless communication by the direct communication function. When the role is decided between the wired LAN interface and the communication terminal and the role is on the access point side, an IP address is assigned to the communication terminal and used for the direct communication function to perform wireless communication by Wi-Fi direct. A method of controlling a printing device equipped with a possible wireless LAN interface.
Before starting the Wi-Fi direct so that the Wi-Fi direct can be started while the use of the wired LAN interface is stopped when the instruction to start using the direct communication function is received. A method for controlling a printing device, which comprises executing a process of stopping the use of the wired LAN interface, which is not used for communication but is in use in the process. When the role is decided between the wired LAN interface and the communication terminal and the role is on the access point side, an IP address is assigned to the communication terminal and used for the direct communication function to perform wireless communication by Wi-Fi direct. To a computer of a printing device equipped with a possible wireless LAN interface,
Before starting the Wi-Fi direct so that the Wi-Fi direct can be started while the use of the wired LAN interface is stopped when the instruction to start using the direct communication function is received. In the process, a process of executing a process of stopping the use of the wired LAN interface that is not used for communication but is in use, and a process of executing the process.
A program to execute.

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