U.S. patent application number 14/196321 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for communication apparatus, control method thereof, printing apparatus, and storage medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Go Inoue, Hiroki Kawasaki.
Application Number | 20140268222 14/196321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51505234 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140268222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inoue; Go ; et al. |
September 18, 2014 |
COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, PRINTING
APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
A communication apparatus (a printing apparatus 100) according
to an aspect of the present invention controls communication with
an external apparatus in one of a first wireless communication mode
(or a wired communication mode) and a second wireless communication
mode. In the case where the communication mode is set to the second
wireless communication mode, the printing apparatus 100 switches
the communication mode to the first wireless communication mode (or
the wired communication mode) when an operation state of the
printing apparatus 100 shifts to another state such as a power
saving state.
Inventors: |
Inoue; Go; (Fujisawa-shi,
JP) ; Kawasaki; Hiroki; (Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
51505234 |
Appl. No.: |
14/196321 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1221 20130101;
G06F 3/1236 20130101; G06F 3/1229 20130101; H04N 2201/0094
20130101; Y02D 10/1592 20180101; G06F 3/1238 20130101; H04W 40/00
20130101; Y02D 10/00 20180101; G06F 3/1292 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 15, 2013 |
JP |
2013-054142 |
Claims
1. A communication apparatus that communicates with an external
apparatus, the communication apparatus comprising: a communication
control unit configured to control communication with the external
apparatus in one of a first communication mode in which the
communication apparatus communicates with the external apparatus
without connecting to the external apparatus directly and a second
communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus by wirelessly connecting
to the external apparatus directly; and a switching unit configured
to switch a communication mode from the second communication mode
to the first communication mode, in a case where the communication
mode is set to the second communication mode when an operation
state of the communication apparatus shifts from a first state to a
second state that is different from the first state.
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
first state is a normal power state in which power is supplied to a
plurality of devices provided in the communication apparatus, and
the second state is a power saving state in which power is supplied
only to some of the plurality of devices so that less power is
consumed than in the normal power state.
3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
first state is a state in which the communication apparatus is
activated, and the second state is a state in which the
communication apparatus is shut down.
4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
first state is a state in which a user is logged into the
communication apparatus and the user can operate the communication
apparatus, and the second state is a state in which a logout
process has been completed for the user who was logged into the
communication apparatus and the user cannot operate the
communication apparatus.
5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
first state is a state in which the communication apparatus is
executing a job, and the second state is a state in which the
execution of the job is complete.
6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second communication mode is a communication mode in which one of
the external apparatus and the communication apparatus functions as
an access point and wireless communication is performed by the
communication apparatus wirelessly connecting to the external
apparatus directly.
7. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
second communication mode is a communication mode in which
communication is performed based on Wi-Fi Direct.
8. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
first communication mode is a communication mode in which the
communication apparatus communicates wirelessly with the external
apparatus via an access point or a communication mode in which the
communication apparatus communicates with the external apparatus by
connecting to the external apparatus over wires.
9. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a setting unit configured to set, in accordance with an
operation input from a user, whether or not to automatically switch
the communication mode to the first communication mode when the
operation state of the communication apparatus shifts from the
first state to the second state, wherein the switching unit is
configured to switch the communication mode from the second
communication mode to the first communication mode when the
operation state of the communication apparatus shifts from the
first state to the second state, only in a case where the
communication mode is set to the second communication mode and the
communication mode is set by the setting unit to be automatically
switched to the first communication mode.
10. A printing apparatus comprising: a communication apparatus that
communicates with an external apparatus; and a printing unit
configured to execute printing based on print data received by the
communication apparatus from the external apparatus by
communicating with the external apparatus, wherein the
communication apparatus comprises: a communication control unit
configured to control communication with the external apparatus in
one of a first communication mode in which the communication
apparatus communicates with the external apparatus without
connecting to the external apparatus directly and a second
communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus by wirelessly connecting
to the external apparatus directly; and a switching unit configured
to switch a communication mode from the second communication mode
to the first communication mode, in a case where the communication
mode is set to the second communication mode when an operation
state of the communication apparatus shifts from a first state to a
second state that is different from the first state.
11. A control method for a communication apparatus that
communicates with an external apparatus, the method comprising
steps of: controlling communication with the external apparatus in
one of a first communication mode in which the communication
apparatus communicates with the external apparatus without
connecting to the external apparatus directly and a second
communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus by wirelessly connecting
to the external apparatus directly; and switching a communication
mode from the second communication mode to the first communication
mode, in a case where the communication mode is set to the second
communication mode when an operation state of the communication
apparatus shifts from a first state to a second state that is
different from the first state.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a
computer program for causing a computer to execute steps of a
control method for a communication apparatus that communicates with
an external apparatus, the method comprising steps of: controlling
communication with the external apparatus in one of a first
communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus without connecting to the
external apparatus directly and a second communication mode in
which the communication apparatus communicates with the external
apparatus by wirelessly connecting to the external apparatus
directly; and switching a communication mode from the second
communication mode to the first communication mode, in a case where
the communication mode is set to the second communication mode when
an operation state of the communication apparatus shifts from a
first state to a second state that is different from the first
state.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to communication apparatuses
capable of wireless communication with an external apparatus such
as a mobile terminal, a PC, or the like, and to control methods
thereof, printing apparatuses, and storage media.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recent years have seen an increase in printing apparatuses,
such as multifunction peripherals, printers, and the like, that
include wireless LAN functionality. A printing apparatus that
includes wireless LAN functionality can connect wirelessly to an
access point as a client using an infrastructure mode. Meanwhile,
by using the infrastructure mode to communicate with the printing
apparatus via the access point, PCs, mobile terminals, and the like
can cause the printing apparatus to execute printing by sending
print data thereto, and the PCs, mobile terminals, and the like can
then be used to manage the printing apparatus by receiving device
information from the printing apparatus.
[0005] Related to the aforementioned wireless LAN, the Wi-Fi
Alliance has established a standard called Wi-Fi Direct.RTM.. Wi-Fi
Direct defines a protocol for determining whether a wireless
terminal will function as an access point or as a client. Which
wireless terminal will function as an access point and which
wireless terminal will function as a client can be determined
automatically by executing this protocol. Using Wi-Fi Direct
enables one of the wireless terminals to function as an access
point automatically without needing to prepare a separate access
point, which makes it possible for wireless terminals to wirelessly
communicate with each other directly. Furthermore, using Wi-Fi
Direct makes it possible to execute various types of application
services (image sharing, printing, and the like) among wireless
terminals.
[0006] Wi-Fi Direct-compliant printing apparatuses are configured
so that a user can use a console or the like to manually instruct
whether to use Wi-Fi Direct, or to use the infrastructure mode for
wireless communication via a third-party access point, as a
communication mode for communicating wirelessly with a
communication partner. Such printing apparatuses are normally
configured to use the infrastructure mode so that multiple users
can use the printing apparatus. When it is necessary to use Wi-Fi
Direct as the communication mode, a user may temporarily switch the
communication mode of the printing apparatus from the
infrastructure mode to Wi-Fi Direct and then return the
communication mode to the infrastructure mode once the desired
tasks have been completed.
[0007] However, such a printing apparatus has a problem in that if
a given user forgets to return the communication mode to the
infrastructure mode after temporarily using Wi-Fi Direct, other
users who have been using the printing apparatus in the
infrastructure mode will be rendered unable to use the printing
apparatus. To solve this problem, the printing apparatus may, for
example, automatically switch the communication mode from Wi-Fi
Direct to the infrastructure mode rather than waiting for a user to
instruct the communication mode to be switched.
[0008] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-113349 proposes a method
for automatically switching a communication mode in a printing
apparatus. This document discloses a printing apparatus, capable of
using the stated infrastructure mode or an ad-hoc mode for
communicating directly with the terminal apparatus without going
through an access point, that automatically switches the
communication mode when communicating wirelessly with a terminal
apparatus. Specifically, in the case where the printing apparatus
is operating in the ad-hoc mode and a given instance of print data
has not been received for a predetermined amount of time after
printing has been completed based on a different instance of print
data received from a terminal apparatus, the communication mode is
automatically returned to the infrastructure mode. In this manner,
the printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2012-113349 automatically switches the communication mode from the
ad-hoc mode to the infrastructure mode depending on the
communication partner or the state of communication with the
communication partner.
[0009] However, with the stated printing apparatus (communication
apparatus), a situation can arise where it is desirable to
automatically switch the communication mode at a timing based on an
operation state of the printing apparatus regardless of the
communication partner or the state of communication with the
communication partner.
[0010] For example, recent printing apparatuses typically have
power-saving functions for reducing power consumption by shifting
from a normal operation state to a power saving state in which
power is only supplied to some devices, such as a CPU, a memory, or
the like. Such printing apparatuses shift from the normal operation
state to the power saving state in the case where an instruction
from a user has been received via an operation unit such as a
console, the case where an instruction has been received from a
server or the like via a network, the case where an idle state has
continued for a predetermined amount of time, and so on. If a
printing apparatus that has a power-saving function shifts from the
normal operation state to the power saving state while operating
using Wi-Fi Direct, the apparatus will continue to use Wi-Fi Direct
in the power saving state as long as there is no event that shifts
the apparatus back to the normal operation state. In such a
situation, there is a problem in that a user who is using the
printing apparatus through wireless communication in the
infrastructure mode will be rendered unable to use the printing
apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention has been achieved in light of the
above-mentioned problems. The present invention provides a
technique for automatically switching a communication mode of a
communication apparatus (a printing apparatus) at an appropriate
timing based on an operation state of the communication apparatus
itself.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a communication apparatus that communicates with an
external apparatus, the communication apparatus comprising: a
communication control unit configured to control communication with
the external apparatus in one of a first communication mode in
which the communication apparatus communicates with the external
apparatus without connecting to the external apparatus directly and
a second communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus by wirelessly connecting
to the external apparatus directly; and a switching unit configured
to switch a communication mode from the second communication mode
to the first communication mode, in a case where the communication
mode is set to the second communication mode when an operation
state of the communication apparatus shifts from a first state to a
second state that is different from the first state.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a printing apparatus comprising: a communication
apparatus that communicates with an external apparatus; and a
printing unit configured to execute printing based on print data
received by the communication apparatus from the external apparatus
by communicating with the external apparatus, wherein the
communication apparatus comprises: a communication control unit
configured to control communication with the external apparatus in
one of a first communication mode in which the communication
apparatus communicates with the external apparatus without
connecting to the external apparatus directly and a second
communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus by wirelessly connecting
to the external apparatus directly; and a switching unit configured
to switch a communication mode from the second communication mode
to the first communication mode, in a case where the communication
mode is set to the second communication mode when an operation
state of the communication apparatus shifts from a first state to a
second state that is different from the first state.
[0014] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a control method for a communication apparatus
that communicates with an external apparatus, the method comprising
steps of: controlling communication with the external apparatus in
one of a first communication mode in which the communication
apparatus communicates with the external apparatus without
connecting to the external apparatus directly and a second
communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus by wirelessly connecting
to the external apparatus directly; and switching a communication
mode from the second communication mode to the first communication
mode, in a case where the communication mode is set to the second
communication mode when an operation state of the communication
apparatus shifts from a first state to a second state that is
different from the first state.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute steps
of a control method for a communication apparatus that communicates
with an external apparatus, the method comprising steps of:
controlling communication with the external apparatus in one of a
first communication mode in which the communication apparatus
communicates with the external apparatus without connecting to the
external apparatus directly and a second communication mode in
which the communication apparatus communicates with the external
apparatus by wirelessly connecting to the external apparatus
directly; and switching a communication mode from the second
communication mode to the first communication mode, in a case where
the communication mode is set to the second communication mode when
an operation state of the communication apparatus shifts from a
first state to a second state that is different from the first
state.
[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a technique for automatically switching a communication
mode of a communication apparatus (a printing apparatus) at an
appropriate timing based on an operation state of the communication
apparatus itself. Accordingly, even in the case where a user who
used a second communication mode has forgotten to switch the
communication mode setting, the communication apparatus
automatically returns the communication mode to a first
communication mode based on the operation state of the
communication apparatus, and thus a situation in which another user
is rendered unable to use the communication apparatus in the first
communication mode can be avoided.
[0017] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
(with reference to the attached drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a Wi-Fi Direct processing
sequence.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware
configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the software
configuration of a communication apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating a console in a printing
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a "wireless
LAN settings" menu screen displayed in a display unit of a console
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching a
communication mode according to a first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching a
communication mode according to a second embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching a
communication mode according to a third embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
communication mode switch settings screen according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching a
communication mode executed by a printing apparatus according to
the fourth embodiment.
[0028] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a
communication mode automatic switch settings screen according to a
variation on the first embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching
a communication mode according to a variation on the first
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching
a communication mode according to a variation on the second
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for switching
a communication mode according to a variation on the third
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] 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 are not intended to
limit the scope of the appended claims, and that not all the
combinations of features described in the embodiments are
necessarily essential to the solving means of the present
invention.
[0033] Wi-Fi Direct
[0034] First, a Wi-Fi Direct processing sequence will be described
with reference to FIG. 1. It is assumed here that a printing
apparatus 100 and a mobile terminal 110 both support Wi-Fi
Direct.
[0035] First, in S101, the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile
terminal 110 each execute a device search for detecting a
communication partner. The printing apparatus 100 and the mobile
terminal 110 each search for nearby communication terminals that
are attempting to connect wirelessly through Wi-Fi Direct. When the
communication partner is detected as a result of the device search,
in S102, it is determined which of the printing apparatus 100 and
the mobile terminal 110 will serve as a GroupOwner (access point)
and which will serve as a client (role determination). In FIG. 1,
it is assumed that the role determination carried out in S102
results in the printing apparatus serving as the access point and
the mobile terminal serving as a client.
[0036] Then, in S103, the printing apparatus 100, which serves as
the access point, provides parameters for wireless connection to
the mobile terminal 110, which serves as the client, using WPS
(Wi-Fi Protected Setup), defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The
parameters are shared between printing apparatus 100 and the mobile
terminal 110 as a result. Then, in S104, a secure connection is
established between the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile
terminal 110 using the stated parameters.
[0037] Once the secure connection is established, in S105,
addressing is carried out between the printing apparatus 100 and
the mobile terminal 110 through IP communication. Here, the
printing apparatus 100, which is serving as the access point,
functions as a DHCP server, and assigns an IP address to the mobile
terminal 110, which is serving as the client.
[0038] By carrying out the aforementioned process, Wi-Fi Direct can
be used to establish wireless communication between the printing
apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 110. Employing this type of
wireless communication makes it possible for the printing apparatus
100 and mobile terminal 110 to communicate directly without
preparing a separate access point. For example, an application
service provided in the printing apparatus 100 can communicate
directly with an application service provided in the mobile
terminal 110.
[0039] Hardware Configuration of Printing Apparatus
[0040] Next, the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus
100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 2. The printing apparatus 100 is
an example of a communication apparatus capable of executing
wireless communication with an external apparatus such as a mobile
terminal, a PC, or the like. Although the present embodiment
describes the printing apparatus 100 as being a multifunction
peripheral, the printing apparatus 100 may also be a printer that
has a function for communicating with an external apparatus but
does not include a scanner. Alternatively, the printing apparatus
100 may be a scanner that has a function for communicating with an
external apparatus but does not include a printer. In other words,
the present invention can be applied in any communication apparatus
that has a function for communicating with an external
apparatus.
[0041] The printing apparatus 100 includes a controller 201, a
printer 207, a scanner 209, and a console 211. The controller 201
includes a CPU 202, a RAM 203, a ROM 204, an HDD 214, a printer I/F
206, a scanner I/F 208, a console I/F 210, a wireless LAN I/F 212,
and a wired LAN I/F 213. The various devices in the controller 201
are connected to each other via a system bus 205.
[0042] The controller 201 that includes the CPU 202 controls the
operations of the printing apparatus 100 as a whole. The CPU 202
carries out various types of control, such as communication control
and the like, by reading out and executing control programs stored
in the ROM 204. The RAM 203 is used as the main memory of the CPU
202, a temporary storage region such as a work area, or the like.
The HDD 214 stores data, various types of programs, or various
types of information tables.
[0043] The printer I/F 206 connects the printer 207 (a printer
engine) to the controller 201. The printer 207 executes a printing
process on the sheet supplied from a paper cassette (not shown)
based on print data input via the printer I/F 206. The scanner I/F
208 connects the scanner 209 to the controller 201. The scanner 209
reads a document that has been placed thereon, generates image
data, and outputs the image data. The image data output from the
scanner 209 is printed by the printer 207, stored in HDD 214, sent
to the external apparatus via the wireless LAN I/F 212 or the wired
LAN I/F 213, or the like.
[0044] The console I/F 210 connects the console 211 to the
controller 201. The console 211 includes a liquid-crystal display
unit having touch panel functionality, a keyboard, various types of
function keys, and so on (as will be described later with reference
to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B). A user can check screens displayed in the
console 211, and can input various instructions to the printing
apparatus 100 using the touch panel.
[0045] The wireless LAN I/F 212 executes wireless communication
with the external apparatus, such as a mobile terminal, a PC, or
the like. Likewise, the wired LAN I/F 213 connects to a LAN cable
(not shown) and executes communication (wired communication) with
the external apparatus. The printing apparatus 100 can send various
types of information to the external apparatus and can receive
various types of information from the external apparatus by
communicating wirelessly via the wireless LAN I/F 212 or
communicating over wires via the wired LAN I/F 213. For example,
the printing apparatus 100 can receive print data from the external
apparatus, and can cause the printer 207 to execute a printing
process based on the received print data. The printing apparatus
100 can also send image data generated by the scanner 209 to the
external apparatus.
[0046] Software Configuration of Printing Apparatus
[0047] Next, the software configuration of the printing apparatus
100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The various
functional units shown in FIG. 3 are realized in the printing
apparatus 100 by the CPU 202 executing control programs that have
been loaded into the RAM 203 from the ROM 204 or the HDD 214.
[0048] An operation control unit 300 controls the console 211. The
operation control unit 300 displays an operation menu in the
console 211 and accepts the input of instructions from the user,
notifies other functional units of the details of the instructions
accepted through the console 211, and displays results of the
instructions in the console 211. A 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 in response to instructions
from other functional units.
[0049] A mode switching unit 302 executes a process for switching
communication modes of the printing apparatus 100. The
communication modes include a mode in which communication is
carried out over a wired LAN via the wired LAN I/F 213 (a wired
communication mode) and modes in which communication is carried out
over a wireless LAN via the wireless LAN I/F 212 (wireless
communication modes). The wireless communication modes include a
first wireless communication mode and a second wireless
communication mode.
[0050] The first wireless communication mode is a communication
mode in which the printing apparatus 100 wirelessly communicates
with an external apparatus such as the mobile terminal 110 via an
access point (not shown) that is separate from the printing
apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 110. The second wireless
communication mode, meanwhile, is a communication mode in which the
printing apparatus 100 wirelessly communicates with an external
apparatus such as the mobile terminal 110 directly, using Wi-Fi
Direct. In the second wireless communication mode, when the
printing apparatus 100 communicates with the mobile terminal 110,
for example, one of the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile
terminal 110 functions as the access point, and the other as a
client. As a result, the printing apparatus 100 and the mobile
terminal 110 connect wirelessly and communicate with each other
directly.
[0051] A communication control unit 303 carries out communication
control when the printing apparatus 100 communicates with an
external apparatus such as the mobile terminal 110. Specifically,
the communication control unit 303 passes data, that is to be sent
to the external apparatus, from an application unit 310 to a
wireless communication unit 307 or a wired communication unit 309,
and causes the data to be sent to the external apparatus. In
addition, the communication control unit 303 passes data received
via the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication
unit 309 to the application unit 310.
[0052] The wireless communication unit 307 controls the wireless
LAN I/F 212, and in the case where the printing apparatus 100 is
operating in a wireless communication mode, sends and receives data
when the application unit 310 communicates with an external
apparatus such as the mobile terminal 110. Likewise, the wired
communication unit 309 controls the wired LAN I/F 213, and in the
case where the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the wired
communication mode, sends and receives data when the application
unit 310 communicates with the external apparatus.
[0053] A wireless communication mode control unit 304 executes
control (an activation process, an ending process, and so on)
related to the wireless communication modes (the first wireless
communication mode and the second wireless communication mode). The
wireless communication mode control unit 304 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 executes control (an activation
process, an ending process, and so on) related to the communication
mode when the printing apparatus 100 is operating in the first
wireless communication mode. Likewise, the second wireless
communication mode control unit 306 executes control related to the
communication mode when the printing apparatus 100 is operating in
the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct). A wired
communication mode control unit 308 executes control related to the
communication mode when the printing apparatus 100 is operating in
the wired communication mode.
[0054] A power control unit 313 determines whether or not to shift
the printing apparatus 100 to a power saving state in which less
power is consumed by the printing apparatus 100 than in a normal
power state, or to a shut down state, and controls a power supply
to devices such as the CPU 202 and the HDD 214 in accordance with a
result of the determination. A printing control unit 315 sends
print data and instructions to start printing to the printer 207
and receives a notification that printing has ended from the
printer 207 via the printer I/F 206.
[0055] The application unit 310 includes various types of services,
such as a printing service 311, a sending (SEND) service 312, and
so on. The printing service 311 accepts, via the communication
control unit 303, print data received from the external apparatus
by the wireless communication unit 307 or the wired communication
unit 309, and causes the printing control unit 315 to output that
print data to the printer 207 via the printer I/F 206. Through
this, the printing service 311 executes a service for printing an
image on a sheet based on the print data. The sending service 312
executes a sending service by passing image data (scan data)
received from the scanner 209 via the scanner I/F 208 to the
communication control unit 303 and sending the image data to the
external apparatus through the wireless communication unit 307 or
the wired communication unit 309.
[0056] An authentication control unit 314 reads user login
information received through the console 211 or an external card
reader, verifies that information against user login information
saved in the HDD 214 or the like by the storage unit 301, and
determines whether or not to allow the user to log in. In the case
where the login authentication is successful, the authentication
control unit 314 enables the printing apparatus 100 to be operated.
However, in the case where the login authentication has failed, the
authentication control unit 314 displays a notification of the
authentication failure in the console 211, and continues to prevent
the printing apparatus 100 from being operated. Furthermore, the
authentication control unit 314 reads user logout information via
the console 211 or the external card reader and sets the printing
apparatus 100 to a state in which the printing apparatus 100 cannot
be operated.
[0057] Note that it is necessary for the application unit 310 and
the communication control unit 303 to be capable of simultaneous
use in a plurality of communication modes in order for the printing
apparatus 100 to use two or more of the wired communication mode,
the first wireless communication mode, and the second wireless
communication mode simultaneously. However, depending on the
printing apparatus, there are cases where the included application
unit 310 and communication control unit 303 are not capable of
simultaneous use in a plurality of communication modes. Such a
printing apparatus operates so that one of the wired communication
mode, the first wireless communication mode, and the second
wireless communication mode is used exclusively. In this case,
which communication mode the printing apparatus is to use can be
selected by the user via the console 211.
[0058] Console and Settings Screen
[0059] Next, the configuration of the console 211 of the printing
apparatus 100 and screens displayed in the console 211 will be
described with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. The printing
apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a scanning
function provided by the scanner 209, a copy function provided by
the printer 207 and the scanner 209, and so on. The printing
apparatus 100 further includes a function for printing in response
to an instruction received from an external apparatus such as the
mobile terminal 110 via the wireless LAN I/F 212 or the wired LAN
I/F 213.
[0060] The console 211 includes a copy function button 401 and a
scanning function button 402 as keys for selecting the
aforementioned functions. The user can use a function of the
printing apparatus 100 by depressing the button corresponding to
the function to be used. In addition, the console 211 includes a
display unit 403 for notifying the user of information indicating
the status of settings, the status of the printing apparatus 100,
and so on.
[0061] Arrow keys 404 are used to move a cursor or the like
displayed in the display unit 403. The arrow keys 404 include four
buttons corresponding to the up, down, left, and right directions.
An OK key 405 is disposed in the center of the arrow keys 404, and
functions as a "set" key for making instructions regarding
settings, inquiries, and the like. For example, in the case where
the user wishes to change settings for copying (the paper size, for
example), the user depresses the copy function button 401, and a
copy function screen is displayed in the display unit 403. When the
user then uses the arrow keys 404 to select an item to be changed
(the paper size) from the items displayed in the copy function
screen and depresses the OK key 405, the display in the display
unit 403 transitions to a settings screen in which the user can
select settings. By manipulating the arrow keys 404 in order to
move the cursor to a position of the settings screen corresponding
to the desired settings and then depressing the OK key 405, the
user can finalize that setting. A numerical keypad 406 is used to
input numerical values, such as a number of copies.
[0062] The console 211 is further provided with a black-and-white
start key 407 and a color start key 408, which serve as keys for
instructing copying or scanning to start. Note that the color start
key 408 is unnecessary in the case where the printing apparatus 100
lacks a color copy function and has only a black-and-white copy
function. Likewise, the color start key 408 is unnecessary in the
case where the printing apparatus 100 lacks a function for
discriminating between color documents and black-and-white
documents and has only a function for reading documents in
black-and-white.
[0063] A stop key 409 is a key for instructing the printing
apparatus 100 to stop (cancel) execution of the various functions.
Note that the user can cause a status confirmation screen regarding
the operation (process) the printing apparatus 100 is currently
executing to be displayed in the display unit 403 by manipulating a
status confirmation/cancel key 410. The process being executed can
also be stopped (canceled) by the user using the arrow keys 404 and
the OK key 405 to select the process whose execution is to be
stopped (canceled) in the displayed status confirmation screen.
[0064] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a state in which the user
has navigated the menu hierarchy displayed in the display unit 403
using the arrow keys 404, the OK key 405, and the like, resulting
in a menu item for switching between the wired communication mode
and the wireless communication modes being displayed in the display
unit 403. Two selections, namely "wired LAN" and "wireless LAN",
are displayed under a menu item "select wired/wireless LAN". When
the user moves the cursor to "wired LAN" using the arrow keys 404
and depresses the OK key 405, the printing apparatus 100 begins
operating in the wired communication mode. On the other hand, when
the user moves the cursor to "wireless LAN" using the arrow keys
404 and depresses the OK key 405, the printing apparatus 100 begins
operating in a wireless communication mode while also displaying a
"wireless LAN settings" menu 450, shown in FIG. 4B, in the display
unit 403.
[0065] Three selections, namely "Wi-Fi Direct connection", "AP
connection", and "wireless LAN information", are displayed in the
"wireless LAN settings" menu 450 shown in FIG. 4B. When the user
moves the cursor to "Wi-Fi Direct connection" using the arrow keys
404 and depresses the OK key 405, the printing apparatus 100 begins
operating in the second wireless communication mode. Likewise, when
the user moves the cursor to "AP connection" using the arrow keys
404 and depresses the OK key 405, the printing apparatus 100 begins
operating in the first wireless communication mode. Finally, when
the user moves the cursor to "wireless LAN information" using the
arrow keys 404 and depresses the OK key 405, the display in the
display unit 403 transitions from the "wireless LAN settings" menu
450 to a screen displaying various types of status information that
enable the wireless LAN connection status to be confirmed.
[0066] Communication Mode Switching Process
[0067] As described above, with the printing apparatus 100
(communication apparatus), a situation can arise where it is
desirable to automatically switch the communication mode at an
appropriate timing based on an operation state of the printing
apparatus itself, regardless of the communication partner or the
state of communication with the communication partner. To respond
to such a situation, in the embodiments described hereinafter, the
printing apparatus 100 automatically switches the communication
mode to the first wireless communication mode or the wired
communication mode based on the operation state of the printing
apparatus 100 in the case where the communication mode is set to
the second wireless communication mode.
[0068] Specifically, the printing apparatus 100 controls
communication with the external apparatus using the first wireless
communication mode (or wired communication mode) or the second
wireless communication mode, which have been set through user
operations or the like using the console 211 as described above. In
the case where the communication mode is set to the second wireless
communication mode, the printing apparatus 100 switches the
communication mode to the first wireless communication mode (or the
wired communication mode) when the operation state of the
communication apparatus shifts from a given state (a first state)
to another state (a second state). In other words, the printing
apparatus automatically switches the communication mode from the
second wireless communication mode to the first wireless
communication mode (or the wired communication mode) at a timing at
which a specific change occurs in the operation state of the
printing apparatus. This timing corresponds to, for example, a
timing at which it is desirable for the user who has switched the
communication mode to the second wireless communication mode and is
using the printing apparatus 100 in the second wireless
communication mode to carry out an operation for returning the
communication mode to its original settings. Automatically
switching the communication mode in this manner makes it possible
to avoid a state in which, for example, a user is rendered unable
to use the printing apparatus 100 in the first wireless
communication mode or the like because another user who had been
using the wireless communication mode has forgotten to switch the
communication mode settings.
[0069] Hereinafter, four specific examples of this processing will
be described in order as first to fourth embodiments. Note that in
the embodiments described hereinafter, the "first wireless
communication mode" and the "wired communication mode" are examples
of a first communication mode in which communication is carried out
with the external apparatus without connecting directly to the
external apparatus. On the other hand, the "second wireless
communication mode" is an example of a second communication mode in
which communication is carried out with the external apparatus by
wirelessly connecting to the external apparatus directly.
First Embodiment
[0070] A first embodiment describes a case where the operation
state of the printing apparatus 100 shifts from the normal power
state (a non-power saving state) to a power saving state (for
example, a sleep state) in which the printing apparatus 100
consumes a lower amount of power than in the normal power state. In
the present embodiment, the normal power state (a first state) is
the non-power saving state, and corresponds to a normal operation
state in which power is supplied to a plurality of devices provided
in the printing apparatus 100. On the other hand, the power saving
state (a second state) corresponds to a state in which the power
consumed by the printing apparatus 100 is reduced by supplying
power only to some of the stated plurality of devices.
[0071] Hereinafter, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present embodiment, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 5. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 5 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program.
[0072] First, in S501, the CPU 202 (the power control unit 313)
determines whether or not to shift the operation state to the power
saving state, while the printing apparatus 100 is in the normal
operation state. For example, in the case where the printing
apparatus 100 has remained in an idle state for a predetermined
amount of time and the user has instructed the printing apparatus
100 to shift to the power saving state via the console 211, the CPU
202 determines to shift the operation state to the power saving
state. When the CPU 202 has determined in S501 not to shift the
operation state to the power saving state, the determination
process of S501 is repeated; when the CPU 202 has determined to
shift to the power saving state, the process advances to S502.
[0073] In S502, the CPU 202 (the communication control unit 303)
determines whether or not the current communication mode is the
second wireless communication mode. In the case where the CPU 202
has determined that the current communication mode is not the
second wireless communication mode (that is, is the wired
communication mode or the first wireless communication mode), the
process advances to S506. In S506, the CPU 202 shifts the operation
state of the printing apparatus 100 from the normal operation state
to the power saving state without changing the communication mode
settings, after which the process ends.
[0074] However, in the case where the CPU 202 has determined in
S502 that the current communication mode is the second wireless
communication mode, the process advances to S503. In S503 to S505,
the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302) performs a process for
switching the communication mode. First, the CPU 202 (the mode
switching unit 302) sends an end command to the second wireless
communication mode control unit 306. Upon receiving the end
command, the second wireless communication mode control unit 306
executes a process for ending the second wireless communication
mode in S503, and when the ending process is complete, notifies the
mode switching unit 302 that the ending process is complete.
[0075] Next, in S504, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
changes a communication mode setting value saved in the HDD 214 or
the like by the storage unit 301 to "wired communication mode" or
"first wireless communication mode". The CPU 202 may change the
communication mode setting value so that, for example, the
communication mode is returned to the communication mode used prior
to switching to the second wireless communication mode. In other
words, in the case where the communication mode setting value was
"wired communication mode" prior to the value being changed to
"second wireless communication mode", the CPU 202 may change the
communication mode setting value to "wired communication mode". On
the other hand, in the case where the communication mode setting
value was "first wireless communication mode" prior to the value
being changed to "second wireless communication mode", the CPU 202
may change the communication mode setting value to "first wireless
communication mode".
[0076] After this, in S505, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit
302) sends an activation command to the wired communication mode
controller 308 in the case where the communication mode is to be
switched to the wired communication mode, or to the first wireless
communication mode control unit 305 in the case where the
communication mode is to be switched to the first wireless
communication mode. As a result, the wired communication mode
control unit 308 or the first wireless communication mode
controller 305 that has received the activation command executes an
activation process for the corresponding communication mode. When
the activation process is complete, the wired communication mode
control unit 308 or the first wireless communication mode
controller 305 notifies the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
that the activation process is complete.
[0077] After completing the communication mode switch from the
second wireless communication mode to the first wireless
communication mode or the wired communication mode through the
processes of S503 to S505, in S506, the CPU 202 (the power control
unit 313) shifts the operation state of the printing apparatus 100
from the normal operation state to the power saving state. After
this, the CPU 202 ends the process.
[0078] As described thus far, according to the present embodiment,
the printing apparatus 100 can be prevented from shifting from the
normal operation state to the power saving state while still in the
second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct). It is thus
possible to avoid a situation in which the mobile terminal of a
user using the first wireless communication mode (infrastructure
mode) or the wired communication mode can no longer connect to the
printing apparatus 100, even if the printing apparatus 100 shifts
to the power saving state. Therefore, according to the present
embodiment, it is possible to automatically switch the
communication mode of the printing apparatus 100 at an appropriate
timing based on the operation state of the printing apparatus 100
itself.
[0079] Variation on First Embodiment
[0080] The aforementioned first embodiment can be varied in a
variety of ways. For example, in the printing apparatus 100,
whether or not to actually automatically switch the communication
mode based on the operation state of the printing apparatus 100 may
be set based on an operation input performed by the user, and the
switching of the communication mode may be controlled based on that
setting. This makes it possible to improve the convenience for the
user. An example in which such control has been added will be
described hereinafter as a variation on the first embodiment.
[0081] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a
communication mode automatic switch settings screen. A settings
screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10A is displayed in the display unit 403
of the console 211 in response to an operation made by the user
through the console 211. When the user manipulates a change button
1003 in the settings screen 1000, the display in the display unit
403 transitions to a settings screen 1010, shown in FIG. 10B. The
user can make settings regarding the automatic switching of the
communication mode using the settings screens 1000 and 1010.
[0082] In the case where the printing apparatus 100 is operating in
the first wireless communication mode, when the user presses a
button 1002 in the settings screen 1000, the printing apparatus 100
is set to continue operating in the first wireless communication
mode as long as the user does not perform an operation for
switching the communication mode. However, when the user presses a
button 1001, a setting for automatically switching from the first
wireless communication mode is activated. Meanwhile, when the user
manipulates the change button 1003, the display in the display unit
403 transitions from the settings screen 1000 to the settings
screen 1010.
[0083] When the user presses check boxes 1011 to 1014 in the
settings screen 1010, the check boxes toggle between displaying and
removing check marks. When check marks are displayed in the check
boxes 1011 to 1014, conditions corresponding to those check boxes
are active. For example, FIG. 10B shows settings for automatically
switching the printing apparatus 100 from the second wireless
communication mode to the first wireless communication mode or the
wired communication mode when shifting to the power saving state
and when logging out (as will be described later in a third
embodiment). When the user manipulates a button 1015, the display
in the display unit 403 returns to the settings screen 1000 from
the settings screen 1010. When a button 1004 is pressed in the
settings screen 1000, the printing apparatus 100 registers the
settings for automatically switching from the second wireless
communication mode and records corresponding setting values in a
memory such as the HDD 214.
[0084] Next, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present variation, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 11. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 11 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program. To simplify the
descriptions, steps that execute the same processes as those
described above with reference to FIG. 5 have been given the same
reference numerals as in FIG. 5, and descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0085] FIG. 11 is different from FIG. 5 in that the process of
S1101 has been added. In the present variation, in the case where
the CPU 202 has determined in S502 that the current communication
mode is the second wireless communication mode, the process
advances to S1101. In S1101, the CPU 202 determines whether or not
a setting for automatically switching the communication mode when
the printing apparatus 100 shifts to the power saving state (1011
in FIG. 10B) is active. In the case where the CPU 202 has
determined that the setting for automatically switching the
communication mode is not active, the process advances to S506,
where the CPU 202 shifts the operation state of the printing
apparatus 100 from the normal operation state to the power saving
state without changing the communication mode settings, after which
the process ends. However, in the case where the CPU 202 has
determined that the setting for automatically switching the
communication mode is active, the process advances to S503. The
processing from S503 on is the same as that shown in FIG. 5.
[0086] As described thus far, according to the present variation,
whether or not to automatically switch the communication mode from
the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless
communication mode (or the wired communication mode) when the
printing apparatus 100 shifts to the power saving state is
controlled based on user settings. Through this, the communication
mode can be automatically switched having taken into consideration
the user's preferences, thus making it possible to further improve
the convenience for the user.
Second Embodiment
[0087] If, for example, a power switch (not shown) is switched off
while the printing apparatus 100 is operating in a state where the
communication mode is set to the second wireless communication mode
(Wi-Fi Direct), the printing apparatus 100 shifts from an activated
state to a shut down state. In this case, if the power switch of
the printing apparatus 100 is then turned on, the printing
apparatus 100 will be activated in a state in which the
communication mode is the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi
Direct). In other words, a situation can arise in which a user who
has connected to and is using the printing apparatus 100 in the
first wireless communication mode is rendered unable to use the
printing apparatus 100 until the communication mode of the printing
apparatus 100 is returned to the first wireless communication mode
from the second wireless communication mode.
[0088] Accordingly, a second embodiment describes an example in
which the communication mode is automatically switched as necessary
in the case where the operation state of the printing apparatus 100
shifts from an activated state (a first state) to the shut down
state (a second state) (that is, is turned off).
[0089] Hereinafter, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present embodiment, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 6. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 6 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program.
[0090] First, in S601, the CPU 202 (the power control unit 313)
determines whether or not to shift the operation state of the
printing apparatus 100 to the shut down state. The CPU 202
determines to shift to the shut down state in, for example, the
case where a pre-set time at which the printing apparatus 100 is to
be turned off has been reached, the case where the user has
depressed a specific button in the console 211, the case where the
user has manipulated the power switch of the printing apparatus 100
(not shown), or the like. When the CPU 202 has determined in S601
not to shift the operation state to the shut down state, the
determination process of S601 is repeated; when the CPU 202 has
determined to shift to the shut down state, the process advances to
S602.
[0091] In S602, the CPU 202 (the communication control unit 303)
determines whether or not the current communication mode is the
second wireless communication mode. In the case where the CPU 202
has determined that the current communication mode is not the
second wireless communication mode (that is, is the wired
communication mode or the first wireless communication mode), the
process advances to S604. In S604, the CPU 202 shifts the operation
state of the printing apparatus 100 to the shut down state without
changing the communication mode settings, after which the process
ends.
[0092] However, in the case where the CPU 202 has determined in
S602 that the current communication mode is the second wireless
communication mode, the process advances to S603. In S603, the CPU
202 (the mode switching unit 302) changes the communication mode
setting value saved in the HDD 214 or the like by the storage unit
301 to "wired communication mode" or "first wireless communication
mode", in the same manner as in S504. Thereafter, in S604, the CPU
202 (the power control unit 313) shifts the operation state of the
printing apparatus 100 to the shut down state, after which the
process ends.
[0093] As described thus far, according to the present embodiment,
the printing apparatus 100 can be prevented from shifting to the
shut down state while still in the second wireless communication
mode (Wi-Fi Direct). Accordingly, when the printing apparatus 100
is turned on, the printing apparatus 100 is activated in a state in
which the communication mode is set to the first wireless
communication mode (infrastructure mode) or the wired communication
mode. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation in which
the mobile terminal of a user using the first wireless
communication mode (infrastructure mode) or the wired communication
mode cannot connect to the printing apparatus 100 when the printing
apparatus 100 shifts to the shut down state and is then activated
once again.
[0094] Variation on Second Embodiment
[0095] The aforementioned second embodiment can also be varied in a
variety of ways. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which
the printing apparatus 100 is set to determine whether or not to
actually automatically switch the communication mode as described
in the second embodiment based on an operation input performed by
the user, and the switching of the communication mode is controlled
based on that setting.
[0096] Hereinafter, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present variation, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 12. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 12 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program. To simplify the
descriptions, steps that execute the same processes as those
described above with reference to FIG. 6 have been given the same
reference numerals as in FIG. 6, and descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0097] FIG. 12 is different from FIG. 6 in that the process of
S1201 has been added. In the present variation, in the case where
the CPU 202 has determined in S602 that the current communication
mode is the second wireless communication mode, the process
advances to S1201. In S1201, the CPU 202 determines whether or not
a setting for automatically switching the communication mode when
the printing apparatus 100 shifts to the shut down state (1012 in
FIG. 10B) is active. In the case where the CPU 202 has determined
that the setting for automatically switching the communication mode
is not active, the process advances to S604, where the CPU 202
shifts the operation state of the printing apparatus 100 to the
shut down state without changing the communication mode settings,
after which the process ends. However, in the case where the CPU
202 has determined that the setting for automatically switching the
communication mode is active, the process advances to S603. The
processing from S603 on is the same as that shown in FIG. 6.
[0098] As described thus far, according to the present variation,
whether or not to automatically switch the communication mode from
the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless
communication mode (or the wired communication mode) when the
printing apparatus 100 shifts to the shut down state is controlled
based on user settings. Through this, the communication mode can be
automatically switched having taken into consideration the user's
preferences, thus making it possible to further improve the
convenience for the user.
Third Embodiment
[0099] As described above, the printing apparatus 100 includes an
authentication function for permitting the printing apparatus 100
to be operated by a user whose login authentication has succeeded.
Normally, only users whose login authentications have succeeded can
operate the console 211 of the printing apparatus 100 and, by
extension, the printing apparatus 100 itself. When the user
completes a desired task using the console 211 and a logout process
is performed for that user, that user is once again rendered unable
to operate the console 211. Such login authentication is carried
out by, for example, providing a card reader in the printing
apparatus 100 and using card-based authentication, accepting the
input of a username and a password, or the like.
[0100] In the case where the printing apparatus 100 includes such
an authentication function, the user can log into the printing
apparatus 100, switch the communication mode of the printing
apparatus from the first wireless communication mode to the second
wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct), and perform desired
tasks. However, when logging out of the printing apparatus 100, it
is possible that the user will log out without returning the
communication mode from the second wireless communication mode to
the first wireless communication mode. In other words, a situation
can arise in which a user who has connected to and is using the
printing apparatus 100 in the first wireless communication mode is
rendered unable to use the printing apparatus 100 until the
communication mode of the printing apparatus 100 is returned to the
first wireless communication mode or the like.
[0101] Accordingly, the third embodiment describes a case where
after the user has logged into the printing apparatus 100 and
entered a state in which the printing apparatus 100 can be operated
(a first state) and a process for logging that user out has been
completed, the operation state of the printing apparatus 100 shifts
from the first state to a state in which that user cannot operate
the printing apparatus 100 (a second state). In other words, the
present embodiment describes an example in which the communication
mode of the printing apparatus 100 is automatically switched as
necessary in such a case.
[0102] Hereinafter, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present embodiment, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 7. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 7 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program.
[0103] First, in S701, the CPU 202 (the authentication control unit
314) stands by for a user of the printing apparatus 100 to carry
out login authentication. The CPU 202 reads user login information
received through the console 211 or an external card reader,
verifies that information against user login information saved in
the HDD 214 or the like by the storage unit 301, and determines
whether or not to allow the user to log in. In the case where no
user is logged into the printing apparatus 100, no users can
operate the console 211. In the case where the CPU 202 determines
in S701 that the user login authentication has succeeded, the
process advances to S702, and a login process is executed. The user
thus becomes able to operate the console 211 and can perform
desired tasks using the printing apparatus 100.
[0104] Next, in S703, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
determines whether or not to switch the communication mode to the
second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct) based on an
operation input made by the user through the console 211. When the
CPU 202 determines not to switch the communication mode to the
second wireless communication mode, the process advances to S710,
where a service process instructed by the user is executed;
thereafter, in S712, it is determined whether or not to execute a
user logout process. Here, when the CPU 202 determines to execute
the user logout process based on an operation input from the user,
the process advances to S709, where the logout process is carried
out for that user; after this, the processing ends.
[0105] On the other hand, when the CPU 202 determines in S703 to
switch the communication mode to the second wireless communication
mode, the process advances to S704. In S704, the CPU 202 (the mode
switching unit 302) executes a process for switching the
communication mode to the second wireless communication mode.
Thereafter, in S705, the CPU 202 executes a service process
instructed by the user, after which the process advances to
S706.
[0106] In S706, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
determines whether or not to switch the communication mode to the
first wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode
based on an operation input made by the user through the console
211. Normally, the user will return the communication mode from the
second wireless communication mode to the original communication
mode and instruct the logout process to be executed. When the CPU
202 determines in S706 to switch the communication mode to the
first wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode,
the process advances to S711, where a process for switching the
communication mode to the first wireless communication mode or the
wired communication mode is executed. After this, it is determined
in S712 whether or not to execute the user logout process. Here,
when the CPU 202 determines to execute the user logout process
based on an operation input from the user, the process advances to
S709, where the logout process is carried out for that user; after
this, the processing ends. The console 211 enters an inoperable
state as a result. However, because the printing apparatus 100 is
operating in a state in which the first wireless communication mode
(infrastructure mode) or the wired communication mode is set, users
who are using those communication modes can operate the printing
apparatus 100.
[0107] On the other hand, when the CPU 202 determines in S706 not
to switch the communication mode to the first wireless
communication mode or the wired communication mode, the process
advances to S707. This determination result corresponds to a case
where the user has instructed the logout process to be executed
having forgotten to switch the communication mode. When the CPU 202
determines in S707 to execute the user logout process based on an
operation input from the user, the process advances to S708. In
S708, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302) executes a process
for switching the communication mode from the second wireless
communication mode to the first wireless communication mode or the
wired communication mode. Thereafter, in S709, the CPU 202 executes
the logout process for the user who instructed the logout process
to be executed, after which the processing ends. The console 211
enters an inoperable state as a result. However, because the
printing apparatus 100 is operating in a state in which the first
wireless communication mode (infrastructure mode) or the wired
communication mode is set, users who are using those communication
modes can operate the printing apparatus 100.
[0108] According to the present embodiment, even in the case where
a user who has logged into the printing apparatus 100 instructs the
logout process to be executed while the communication mode remains
set to the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct), the
communication mode is returned to the original mode automatically
before the logout process is executed. As a result, it is possible
to avoid a situation in which the mobile terminal of a user using
the first wireless communication mode (infrastructure mode) or the
wired communication mode cannot connect to the printing apparatus
100 after a user who was using the second wireless communication
mode has logged out.
[0109] Variation on Third Embodiment
[0110] The aforementioned third embodiment can also be varied in a
variety of ways. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which
the printing apparatus 100 is set to determine whether or not to
actually automatically switch the communication mode as described
in the third embodiment based on an operation input performed by
the user, and the switching of the communication mode is controlled
based on that setting.
[0111] Hereinafter, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present variation, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 13. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 13 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program. To simplify the
descriptions, steps that execute the same processes as those
described above with reference to FIG. 7 have been given the same
reference numerals as in FIG. 7, and descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0112] FIG. 13 is different from FIG. 7 in that the process of
S1301 has been added. In the present variation, when the CPU 202
determines in S707 to execute the user logout process based on an
operation input from the user, the process advances to S1301. In
S1301, the CPU 202 determines whether or not a setting for
automatically switching the communication mode when executing the
logout process (1014 in FIG. 10B) is active. In the case where the
CPU 202 has determined that the setting for automatically switching
the communication mode is inactive, the process advances to S709.
In S709, the CPU 202 executes the logout process for the user who
instructed the logout process to be executed without changing the
communication mode setting, after which the processing ends.
[0113] However, in the case where the CPU 202 has determined in
S1301 that the setting for automatically switching the
communication mode when executing the logout process is active, the
process advances to S708. The processing from S708 on is the same
as that shown in FIG. 7.
[0114] As described thus far, according to the present variation,
whether or not to automatically switch the communication mode from
the second wireless communication mode to the first wireless
communication mode (or the wired communication mode) when the
printing apparatus 100 executes the logout process for a logged-in
user is controlled based on user settings. Through this, the
communication mode can be automatically switched having taken into
consideration the user's preferences, thus making it possible to
further improve the convenience for the user.
Fourth Embodiment
[0115] A fourth embodiment describes an example in which the
communication mode is automatically switched as necessary in the
case where the operation state of the printing apparatus 100 shifts
from a state in which a job is being executed (a first state) to a
state in which the execution of the job is complete (a second
state).
[0116] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
communication mode switch settings screen according to the present
embodiment. A settings screen 801 is displayed in the display unit
403 of the console 211 in response to an operation made by the user
through the console 211. In the settings screen 801, the user can
set whether or not to automatically switch the communication mode
when the execution of a printing process (a print job) has been
completed by the printing apparatus 100 when operating in the
second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct). In other words,
the user can set whether or not to automatically switch the
communication mode from the second wireless communication mode to
the first wireless communication mode (infrastructure mode) or the
wired communication mode.
[0117] Hereinafter, a process for switching the communication mode
according to the present embodiment, executed by the printing
apparatus 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart
shown in FIG. 9. Note that the printing apparatus 100 implements
the processes in each step shown in FIG. 9 by the CPU 202 reading
out a control program stored in the ROM 204 or the HDD 214 into the
RAM 203 and executing that control program.
[0118] First, in S901, the CPU 202 (the printing control unit 315)
determines whether or not a printing process being executed by the
printer 207 has ended by communicating with the printer 207 via the
printer I/F 206. When the CPU 202 determines in S901 that the
printing process has not ended, the determination process of S901
is repeated; when it is determined that the printing process has
ended, the process advances to S902.
[0119] In S902, the CPU 202 (the communication control unit 303)
determines whether or not the current communication mode is the
second wireless communication mode. In the case where the CPU 202
has determined that the current communication mode is not the
second wireless communication mode (that is, is the wired
communication mode or the first wireless communication mode), the
process ends without changing the communication mode setting.
However, in the case where the CPU 202 has determined in S902 that
the current communication mode is the second wireless communication
mode, the process advances to S903.
[0120] In S903, the CPU 202 (the communication control unit 303)
determines whether or not the communication mode has been set to be
switched when the printing ends. When the CPU 202 determines that
the communication mode has not been set to be switched using the
settings screen 801, the process ends without changing the
communication mode setting. On the other hand, when the CPU 202
determines that the communication mode has been set to be switched,
the process advances to S904.
[0121] In S904 to S906, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
performs a process for switching the communication mode, in the
same manner as in S503 to S505. First, the CPU 202 (the mode
switching unit 302) sends an end command to the second wireless
communication mode control unit 306. Upon receiving the end
command, the second wireless communication mode control unit 306
executes a process for ending the second wireless communication
mode in S904, and when the ending process is complete, notifies the
mode switching unit 302 that the ending process is complete.
[0122] Next, in S905, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
changes the communication mode setting value saved in the HDD 214
or the like by the storage unit 301 to "wired communication mode"
or "first wireless communication mode", in the same manner as in
S504. After this, in S906, the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit
302) sends an activation command to the wired communication mode
controller 308 in the case where the communication mode is to be
switched to the wired communication mode, or to the first wireless
communication mode control unit 305 in the case where the
communication mode is to be switched to the first wireless
communication mode. As a result, the wired communication mode
control unit 308 or the first wireless communication mode
controller 305 that has received the activation command executes an
activation process for the corresponding communication mode. When
the activation process is complete, the wired communication mode
control unit 308 or the first wireless communication mode
controller 305 notifies the CPU 202 (the mode switching unit 302)
that the activation process is complete. After this, the CPU 202
ends the process.
[0123] According to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus
100 automatically executes a process for switching the
communication mode when the execution of a printing process (a
print job) has been completed by the printing apparatus 100
operating in the second wireless communication mode (Wi-Fi Direct).
As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the
mobile terminal of a user using the first wireless communication
mode (infrastructure mode) or the wired communication mode cannot
connect to the printing apparatus 100 after the execution of a
printing process has been completed.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0124] Although the aforementioned embodiments describe examples in
which Wi-Fi Direct serves as the second wireless communication
mode, the present invention is not limited to Wi-Fi Direct. Any
type of wireless communication can be employed as the second
wireless communication mode as long as it enables a given apparatus
to directly connect to another apparatus through wireless
communication.
[0125] Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by
a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes
computer executable instructions recorded on a storage medium
(e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) to perform
the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments of
the present invention, and by a method performed by the computer of
the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing
the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to
perform the functions of one or more of the above-described
embodiments. The computer may comprise one or more of a central
processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU), or other
circuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or
separate computer processors. The computer executable instructions
may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the
storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or
more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only
memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an
optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc
(DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD).TM.), a flash memory device, a memory
card, and the like.
[0126] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
[0127] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2013-054142, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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