Wireless communication device, image forming device, and control method of image forming device

Abstract

The present application relates to a wireless communication device, an image forming device, and a control method for an image forming device. A wireless communication device according to one embodiment includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface wirelessly communicates with a client for indicating an action and other wireless communication devices. The processor switches the power state of the communication interface and other wireless communication devices based on information on the validity, number of simultaneously connected devices, and number of connectable devices of the wireless communication functions of other wireless communication devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless communication device, an image forming device, and a method for controlling the image forming device. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using various wireless communication methods have been put into practical use. In addition, image forming devices with wireless communication functions have also been put into practical use. Image forming devices with wireless communication functions can receive print data from various clients (PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc.) with wireless communication functions through wireless communication and perform printing.

[0003] When multiple clients simultaneously connect to the image forming apparatus, there is a technique for distributing the connection destinations among the multiple image forming apparatuses.

[0004] The image forming apparatus is configured to maintain the wireless communication function valid when there is a client connected within the range (communication range) where wireless communication is possible. Therefore, the image forming apparatus has the following problem: even in a state where the frequency of use is low, the wireless communication function cannot be disabled and the power saving state cannot be switched. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, comprising: a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a client for indicating an action and other wireless communication devices; and a processor for switching the power supply status of the communication interface and other wireless communication devices based on information on the validity, number of simultaneously connected devices and number of connectable devices of the wireless communication functions of the other wireless communication devices.

[0006] The present invention also relates to an image forming device, comprising: a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a client for instructing printing and other image forming devices; an image forming unit for forming an image on a printing medium based on the printing instruction; and a processor for switching the power status of the communication interface and other image forming devices based on information on whether the wireless communication function of the other image forming devices is valid or invalid, the number of simultaneously connected devices, and the number of connectable devices.

[0007] A control method for an image forming device, the image forming device comprising: a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a client for instructing printing and other image forming devices; an image forming unit for forming an image on a printing medium based on the printing instruction; and a processor for switching power states of the communication interface and other image forming devices based on information on whether the wireless communication function of the other image forming devices is valid or invalid, the number of simultaneously connected devices, and the number of connectable devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram for explaining a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a management table of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] A wireless communication device according to one embodiment includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface performs wireless communication with a client for instructing an action and other wireless communication devices. The processor switches the power supply state of the communication interface and other wireless communication devices based on information on the validity or invalidity of the wireless communication function of the other wireless communication devices, the number of simultaneously connected devices, and the number of connectable devices.

[0015] Hereinafter, a wireless communication device, an image forming device, and a method for controlling the image forming device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a wireless communication system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0017] The wireless communication system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 and a plurality of information processing apparatuses 3. The plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 of the wireless communication system 1 are connected via a network 4. The plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 and the plurality of information processing apparatuses 3 are connected by wireless communication.

[0018] Examples of wireless communication methods include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), and Blue tooth Low Energy (registered trademark). It should be noted that Blue tooth Low Energy will be referred to as Blue tooth (registered trademark) below. In this example, multiple image forming devices 2 are described as being connected via Wi-Fi Direct. Devices corresponding to Wi-Fi Direct can also connect to devices that do not correspond to Wi-Fi Direct but correspond to Wi-Fi. That is, as long as multiple information processing devices 3 as clients at least correspond to Wi-fi, they can communicate wirelessly with the image forming device. It should be noted that the communication method for wireless communication between multiple image forming devices 2 and multiple information processing devices 3 can be any other method.

[0019] The image forming device 2 is, for example, a multifunction printer (MFP) that performs various processes such as image formation while conveying a recording medium such as a printing medium. Since the image forming device 2 has a wireless communication function, it can also be called a wireless communication device. The image forming device 2 is, for example, a solid scanning printer (such as an LED printer) that scans an LED array that performs various processes such as image formation while conveying a recording medium such as a printing medium. In addition, the image forming device 2 can also be an inkjet printer (inkjet printer) that scans an inkjet head that ejects ink, or a printer of other types.

[0020] The image forming device 2 charges the photosensitive drum and irradiates the photosensitive drum with light corresponding to the image data (print data) for printing, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. The image forming device 2 causes toner to adhere to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, transfers the toner adhered to the latent image to the printing medium, and forms a toner image on the printing medium. In addition, the image forming device 2 clamps the printing medium on which the toner image is formed by a fixing roller heated to a high temperature by a heater, thereby fixing the toner image formed on the printing medium.

[0021] The information processing device 3 is a client device that supplies print data to the image forming device 2. The information processing device 3 is, for example, a mobile device such as a notebook PC, a smartphone, or a tablet PC.

[0022] The information processing device 3 includes a display, an operation interface, a communication interface, and a system controller (not shown).

[0023] The monitor displays images based on the input video signals.

[0024] The operation interface has various operation components. The operation interface supplies an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation component to the system controller. The operation component is, for example, a touch sensor. The touch sensor is, for example, a resistive film touch sensor or an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor. The touch sensor acquires information indicating a position specified in a certain area. The touch sensor is integrally formed with the display as a touch panel, and a signal indicating a touched position on the screen displayed by the display is input to the system controller.

[0025] The communication interface is an interface for wirelessly communicating with the image forming apparatus 2. The communication interface wirelessly communicates with the image forming apparatus 2 via Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct.

[0026] The system controller controls the information processing device and includes, for example, a processor and a memory.

[0027] A processor is a computing element (such as a CPU) that performs arithmetic processing. The processor performs various processes based on data such as a program stored in a memory. The processor functions as a control unit capable of performing various operations by executing the program stored in the memory.

[0028] The memory is a storage device that stores programs and data used by the programs, etc. In addition, the memory temporarily stores data being processed by the processor, etc. The memory is configured as a nonvolatile memory.

[0029] Next, a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

[0030] Figure 2 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a system controller 11, a first communication interface 12, an image reading unit 13, a conveying unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a display 16, an operation interface 17, a second communication interface 18, a sub-controller 19, a main power circuit 20, and a sub-power circuit 21. The system controller 11, the first communication interface 12, the image reading unit 13, the conveying unit 14, the image forming unit 15, the display 16, the operation interface 17, the second communication interface 18, the sub-controller 19, the main power circuit 20, and the sub-power circuit 21 are accommodated in a housing (not shown).

[0031] The system controller 11 controls the image forming apparatus 2. The system controller 11 includes, for example, a processor 31 and a memory 32.

[0032] The processor 31 is a computing element (such as a CPU) that performs arithmetic processing. The processor 31 becomes the main body of the operation of the system controller 11. The processor 31 performs various processes based on data such as programs stored in the memory 32. The processor 31 functions as a control unit capable of performing various operations by executing the programs stored in the memory 32.

[0033] The memory 32 is a storage device that stores programs and data used by the programs, etc. In addition, the memory 32 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 31, etc. The memory 32 is configured as a nonvolatile memory.

[0034] The first communication interface 12 is an interface for wirelessly communicating with the information processing device 3. The first communication interface 12 wirelessly communicates with the information processing device 3 via Wi-Fi Direct.

[0035] The image reading unit 13 is a structure for reading an image from a manuscript. The image reading unit 13 includes, for example, a scanner and an automatic document feeder (ADF). The scanner reads the manuscript from the side of the glass plate on which the manuscript is arranged opposite to the manuscript. The image reading unit 13 acquires an image through the scanner while moving the scanner, for example, thereby acquiring an image of the entire manuscript. In addition, the image reading unit 13 acquires an image through the scanner while passing the manuscript through the reading position of the scanner through the ADF, for example, thereby acquiring an image of the entire manuscript.

[0036] The conveying unit 14 is a structure that supplies a medium for printing (printing medium) to the image forming unit 15 and discharges the printing medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 15 from the housing. The conveying unit 14 supplies printing media stored in a paper feed box (not shown) that stores printing media to the image forming unit 15 one by one. In addition, the conveying unit 14 discharges the printing medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 15 to a paper discharge tray outside the housing.

[0037] The image forming unit 15 forms an image on a printing medium based on the control of the system controller 11. The image forming unit 15 includes a processing unit, an exposure device, a transfer mechanism, and a fixing device.

[0038] The process unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, and a developer.

[0039] The photosensitive drum is a photosensitive body including a cylindrical drum and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum. The photosensitive drum is rotated at a constant speed by a driving mechanism (not shown).

[0040] The charging charger charges the surface of the photosensitive drum uniformly. For example, the charging charger applies a voltage to the photosensitive drum using a charging roller, thereby charging the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential.

[0041] The developer is a device that makes the toner adhere to the photosensitive drum and includes a developer container, a stirring mechanism, a developing roller, a doctor blade, and the like.

[0042] The developer container is a container for receiving and storing the toner sent from the toner box. The developer container contains a carrier in advance. The toner sent from the toner box is stirred with the carrier by a stirring mechanism to form a developer mixed with the toner and the carrier. The carrier is contained in the developer container when the developer is manufactured.

[0043] The developing roller rotates in the developer container to attach the developer to the surface. The scraper is a member arranged at a predetermined distance from the surface of the developing roller. The scraper removes part of the developer attached to the surface of the rotating developing roller. Thus, a developer layer having a thickness corresponding to the distance between the scraper and the surface of the developing roller is formed on the surface of the developing roller.

[0044] The exposure device has a plurality of light-emitting elements. The exposure device forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by irradiating light from the light-emitting elements to the charged photosensitive drum. The light-emitting element is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). One light-emitting element is configured to irradiate light to a point on the photosensitive drum. The plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, i.e., in the main scanning direction.

[0045] The exposure device irradiates light onto the photosensitive drum through a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the main scanning direction, thereby forming a latent image of one line on the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, the exposure device forms a plurality of lines of latent images by continuously irradiating light onto the rotating photosensitive drum.

[0046] In the above structure, when light is irradiated from the exposure device to the surface of the photosensitive drum charged by the charging charger, an electrostatic latent image is formed. When the developer layer formed on the surface of the developing roller approaches the surface of the photosensitive drum, the toner contained in the developer adheres to the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Thus, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0047] The transfer mechanism is a structure for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the printing medium. The transfer mechanism includes a primary transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, and other multiple rollers. The transfer mechanism receives the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum on the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt. The transfer mechanism conveys the toner image on the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt to the transfer roller gap where the secondary transfer roller and the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt are in close contact. The transfer mechanism transfers the printing medium supplied by the conveying unit 14 through the transfer roller gap, thereby transferring the toner image on the outer peripheral surface of the primary transfer belt to the printing medium.

[0048] The fuser is a structure that fixes the toner image transferred to the print medium to the print medium. The fuser includes a heating component (heating roller) that provides heat to the print medium, a pressurizing component (pressurizing roller) that provides pressure to the print medium, and a heater that heats the heating roller. The pressurizing roller applies pressure to the heating roller to form a fixing roller gap in which the pressurizing roller and the heating roller are in close contact. The fuser passes the print medium to which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer mechanism through the fixing roller gap, thereby applying heat and pressure to the print medium. Thus, the fuser fixes the toner image formed on the print medium. The print medium that passes through the fixing roller gap is discharged to the paper discharge tray through the conveying unit 14.

[0049] The display 16 displays a screen based on a video signal input from a display control unit such as the system controller 11 or an image controller (not shown). For example, the display 16 displays a screen for various settings of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0050] The operation interface 17 has various operation components. The operation interface 17 supplies an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation component to the system controller 11. The operation component is, for example, a touch sensor, a numeric keypad, a power key, a paper feed key, various function keys or a keyboard. The touch sensor is, for example, a resistive film touch sensor or an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor. The touch sensor acquires information indicating a position specified in a certain area. The touch sensor is integrally formed with the display 16 as a touch panel, and a signal indicating a touched position on the screen displayed by the display 16 is input to the system controller 11.

[0051] The second communication interface 18 is an interface for communicating with other image forming apparatuses 2 via the network 4. The second communication interface 18 communicates with other image forming apparatuses 2 through, for example, a wired LAN, Bluetooth, or other communication methods.

[0052] The sub-controller 19 controls the image forming apparatus 2. The sub-controller 19 includes, for example, a processor and a memory.

[0053] A processor is a computing element (such as a CPU) that performs arithmetic processing. The processor performs various processes based on data such as a program stored in a memory. The processor functions as a control unit capable of performing various operations by executing the program stored in the memory.

[0054] The memory is a storage device that stores programs and data used by the programs, etc. In addition, the memory temporarily stores data being processed by the processor, etc. The memory is configured as a nonvolatile memory.

[0055] The main power supply circuit 20 is a circuit that converts the AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply into a desired DC voltage and supplies the DC voltage to various components of the image forming apparatus 2. The main power supply circuit 20 supplies DC voltages to the first power supply system 41 and the second power supply system 42. The main power supply circuit 20 can turn on and off the first power supply system 41 and the second power supply system 42 independently.

[0056] The first power supply system 41 includes a system controller 11 and a first communication interface 12. That is, the main power supply circuit 20 supplies a DC voltage to the system controller 11 and the first communication interface 12 when the first power supply system 41 is turned on.

[0057] The second power supply system 42 includes the image reading unit 13, the conveying unit 14, and the image forming unit 15. That is, the main power supply circuit 20 supplies a DC voltage to the image reading unit 13, the conveying unit 14, and the image forming unit 15 when the second power supply system 42 is turned on.

[0058] The auxiliary power supply circuit 21 is a circuit that converts the AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply into a desired DC voltage, and supplies the DC voltage to various components of the image forming apparatus 2. The auxiliary power supply circuit 21 supplies the DC voltage to the third power supply system 43. The auxiliary power supply circuit 21 can turn on and off the third power supply system 43. It should be noted that the auxiliary power supply circuit 21 may also be a structure that generates a desired DC voltage via an isolation transformer of the main power supply circuit 20 and supplies it to the third power supply system 43.

[0059] The third power supply system 43 includes the display 16, the operation interface 17, the second communication interface 18, and the sub-controller 19. That is, the secondary power supply circuit 21 supplies a DC voltage to the display 16, the operation interface 17, the second communication interface 18, and the sub-controller 19 when the third power supply system 43 is turned on.

[0060] Next, the power supply state of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

[0061] In the above structure, the system controller 11 and the sub-controller 19 control the on / off of the first power system 41, the second power system 42, and the third power system 43 respectively by controlling the main power circuit 20 and the sub-power circuit 21. Thus, the system controller 11 and the sub-controller 19 switch the power state of the image forming apparatus 2. Specifically, the power state of the image forming apparatus 2 is any one of the following: a standby mode in which power consumption is the largest, a first power saving mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the standby mode, and a second power saving mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first power saving mode.

[0062] The standby mode is a standby state in which the first power system 41, the second power system 42, and the third power system 43 are turned on. In the standby mode, the image forming apparatus 2 can perform operations through the operation interface 17, wireless communications through the first communication interface 12, communications through the second communication interface 18, printing, and document reading.

[0063] In the first power saving mode, the first power system 41 and the third power system 43 are turned on, and the second power system 42 is turned off. In the first power saving mode, the image forming apparatus 2 can perform operations through the operation interface 17, wireless communications through the first communication interface 12, and communications through the second communication interface 18. When the image forming apparatus 2 receives print data from the information processing apparatus 3 through wireless communications in the first power saving mode, or when a predetermined operation is performed through the operation interface 17, the image forming apparatus 2 shifts to the standby mode. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives a predetermined control signal from another image forming apparatus 2 in the first power saving mode, the image forming apparatus 2 shifts to the second power saving mode.

[0064] The second power saving mode is when the third power system 43 is turned on and the first power system 41 and the second power system 42 are turned off. In the second power saving mode, the image forming device 2 can perform operations through the operation interface 17 and communication through the second communication interface 18. When the image forming device 2 receives a predetermined control signal from another image forming device 2 in the second power saving mode, it shifts to the first power saving mode. In addition, when the image forming device 2 performs a predetermined operation through the operation interface 17 in the second power saving mode, it shifts to the standby mode or the first power saving mode.

[0065] Next, the communication setting between the image forming apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 will be described.

[0066] As described above, the image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3 communicate with each other wirelessly via Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, the first communication interface 12 of the image forming device 2 is used for wireless communication. That is, when the image forming device operates in the above-mentioned standby mode or the first power saving mode, it can communicate with the information processing device 3 wirelessly.

[0067] The image forming device 2 and the information processing device 3 can perform wireless communication by mutually acquiring information for starting wireless communication. The information for starting wireless communication is, for example, identification information of a communication partner.

[0068] In Wi-Fi Direct, MAC addresses, device names, and SSIDs are used as identification information. In Wi-Fi Direct, the image forming device 2 functions as an access point (AP). In Wi-Fi Direct, the information processing device 3 obtains the SSID of the image forming device 2 as the AP, and the image forming device 2 obtains the MAC address or device name of the information processing device 3 of the connection object, thereby enabling wireless communication.

[0069] As described above, the image forming device 2 functions as an AP, so the information processing device 3 within the communication range of the image forming device 2 can obtain the SSID of the image forming device 2. The information processing device 3 sends a connection request including its own MAC address or device name to the image forming device 2. The image forming device 2 is set with the number of connectable devices when it functions as an AP. The image forming device 2 receives the connection request, and when the number of devices that have been connected does not reach the number of connectable devices, the image forming device 2 establishes communication through Wi-Fi Direct with the information processing device 3 that sent the connection request.

[0070] The information processing device 3 transmits print data to the image forming device 2 while establishing communication with the image forming device 2 via Wi-Fi Direct. This allows the image forming device 2 to perform printing.

[0071] Next, an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described.

[0072] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing related to the setting of wireless communication of the image forming device 2 (processing of reconfiguring the wireless communication device). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the plurality of image forming devices 2 cooperate with each other by sending and receiving control signals. In addition, any one of the plurality of image forming devices 2 acts as a master image forming device 2 (referred to as image forming device 2M) that controls the actions of the plurality of image forming devices 2 in the same network. Figure 3 In the following, the operation of the main image forming apparatus 2M will be described.

[0073] The system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M updates the management table (ACT 11). The system controller 11 stores the management table in the memory 32. The system controller 11 updates the management table on the memory 32 sequentially.

[0074] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a management table. Figure 4 As shown, the management table includes information on “priority”, “validity / invalidity of wireless communication function”, “number of simultaneously connected devices”, and “number of connectable devices” for each image forming apparatus 2 in the same network.

[0075] The “priority” is information indicating the degree of priority between image forming apparatuses 2 in the same network. The “priority” is set in advance based on, for example, past processing history or the specifications of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the “priority” is set based on past printing frequencies.

[0076] In addition, the “priority order” may be set according to, for example, the radio wave status of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0077] Furthermore, the “priority order” may be set, for example, in descending order of the “number of connectable image forming apparatuses 2”.

[0078] “Wireless communication function valid / invalid” is information indicating whether Wi-Fi Direct is valid. For example, “Wireless communication function valid / invalid” is information indicating whether the image forming apparatus 2 is operating in the standby mode or the first power saving mode in which Wi-Fi Direct is valid, or in the second power saving mode.

[0079] The “number of simultaneously connected devices” is information indicating the number of information processing devices 3 that have established wireless communication using Wi-Fi Direct with the image forming device 2 .

[0080] The “connectable number of devices” is information that is preset according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 2 and indicates the upper limit of the number of information processing devices 3 that can simultaneously perform wireless communication using Wi-Fi Direct.

[0081] The system controller 11 acquires “validity / invalidity of wireless communication function”, “number of simultaneously connected devices”, and “number of connectable devices” from other image forming apparatuses 2 via the second communication interface 18. The system controller 11 updates the management table based on the acquired “validity / invalidity of wireless communication function”, “number of simultaneously connected devices”, and “number of connectable devices”. It should be noted that the system controller 11 may also update the “priority order” of the management table based on the acquired “validity / invalidity of wireless communication function”, “number of simultaneously connected devices”, and “number of connectable devices”. In addition, the system controller 11 may be configured to acquire “validity / invalidity of wireless communication function”, “number of simultaneously connected devices”, and “number of connectable devices” from other image forming apparatuses 2 via the first communication interface 12.

[0082] The system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M determines whether the number of wireless enabled devices is 2 or more based on the management table (ACT 12). That is, the system controller 11 determines whether there are 2 or more image forming apparatuses 2 including itself whose "wireless communication function enabled / disabled" is "enabled" based on the management table.

[0083] When determining that the number of image forming apparatuses 2 for which the wireless communication function is valid is two or more (ACT 12 , YES), the system controller 11 determines whether the total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses is less than the connectable number of any one image forming apparatus 2 (ACT 13 ).

[0084] When it is determined that there are no image forming apparatuses 2 whose total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses is less than the connectable number (ACT 13, No), the system controller 11 transfers to ACT 11. That is, when it is determined that the number of image forming apparatuses 2 for which the wireless communication function is effective is 2 or more and there are no image forming apparatuses 2 whose total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses is less than the connectable number, the system controller 11 maintains the status quo.

[0085] When it is determined that there are image forming apparatuses 2 whose total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses is less than the connectable number (ACT 13 , YES), the system controller 11 identifies image forming apparatuses 2 for which the wireless communication function is maintained (ACT 14 ).

[0086] For example, in ACT 13, the system controller 11 determines whether the total number of simultaneously connected devices is less than the connectable number of devices according to the "priority order" in the management table from high to low. The system controller 11 determines that the total number of simultaneously connected devices is less than the connectable number of devices as the image forming device 2 maintaining the wireless communication function.

[0087] The system controller 11 disables the wireless communication function of the other image forming apparatuses 2 determined to be the image forming apparatus 2 maintaining the wireless communication function (ACT 15 ), and ends the process.

[0088] For example, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 2 that maintains the wireless communication function is the image forming apparatus 2M. In this case, the system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M supplies a control signal for instructing the other image forming apparatuses 2 to shift to the second power saving mode. The image forming apparatus 2 that has received the control signal for instructing the shift to the second power saving mode transmits information for connecting to the image forming apparatus 2M that maintains the wireless communication function to the information processing apparatus 3 connected thereto, and shifts to the second power saving mode.

[0089] In addition, for example, it is determined that the image forming device 2 and the image forming device 2M that maintain the wireless communication function are different. In this case, the system controller 11 of the image forming device 2M supplies the management table to the image forming device 2 that maintains the wireless communication function. As a result, the image forming device 2 that receives the management table functions as the master device in the future. In addition, the system controller 11 of the image forming device 2M supplies a control signal instructing the image forming device 2 whose wireless communication function is disabled to shift to the second power saving mode, and the system controller 11 of the image forming device 2M also shifts to the second power saving mode.

[0090] Figure 5 It is used for Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of executing the processing of ACT11 to ACT15 in the example of the management table shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 4 , in order to distinguish the image forming apparatus 2 , the image forming apparatuses in the network 4 are respectively referred to as an image forming apparatus 2M, an image forming apparatus 2S1 , an image forming apparatus 2S2 , and an image forming apparatus 2S3 .

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the "wireless communication function" of the image forming device 2M is "valid", the "number of connectable devices" is "10", and the "number of simultaneously connected devices" is "2". The "wireless communication function" of the image forming device 2S1 is "valid", the "number of connectable devices" is "5", and the "number of simultaneously connected devices" is "2". The "wireless communication function" of the image forming device 2S2 is "invalid", the "number of connectable devices" is "5", and the "number of simultaneously connected devices" is "0". The "wireless communication function" of the image forming device 2S3 is "invalid (not compatible)".

[0092] In the above example, the number of image forming apparatuses 2 with valid wireless communication function is 2, and the total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses is "4". According to such an example, the system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M functioning as the master apparatus determines in the process of ACT 12 that the number of image forming apparatuses 2 with valid wireless communication function is 2 or more. In addition, the system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M determines in the process of ACT 13 that there are image forming apparatuses 2 with the total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses being less than the connectable number.

[0093] In this case, the system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M determines to maintain the wireless communication function of the image forming apparatus 2M, and disconnects the wireless communication function of the image forming apparatus 2S1.

[0094] The system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2S1 transmits information for connecting to the image forming apparatus 2M to the information processing apparatus 3 connected thereto. Furthermore, the system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2S1 causes the image forming apparatus 2S1 to shift to the second power saving mode.

[0095] The information processing device 3 that has disconnected from the image forming device 2S1 transmits a connection request to the image forming device 2M.

[0096] The system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M establishes wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 3 in response to a connection request from the information processing apparatus 3 .

[0097] As a result, if Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the "wireless communication function" of the image forming device 2M is still "valid", and the "number of simultaneously connected devices" is increased from "2" to "4". In addition, the "wireless communication function" of the image forming devices 2S1, 2S2, and 2S3 is changed to "invalid". That is, by Figure 3 Through the processing of ACT 11 to ACT 15 , the number of image forming apparatuses 2 for which the “wireless communication function” is “valid” is reduced from two to one.

[0098] In addition, Figure 3 In ACT 12, when it is determined that the number of image forming apparatuses 2 for which the wireless communication function is effective is not more than two (ACT 12, NO), the system controller 11 determines whether there is a connection request from the information processing apparatus 3 (ACT 16).

[0099] When determining that there is no connection request from the information processing device 3 (ACT 16, NO), the system controller 11 shifts to ACT 11. That is, when there is no connection request from the information processing device 3, the system controller 11 maintains the current status.

[0100] When determining that there is a connection request from the information processing device 3 (ACT 16, YES), the system controller 11 determines whether the number of simultaneously connected devices has reached the connectable number of image forming devices 2 for which the wireless communication function is enabled (ACT 17).

[0101] When it is determined that the number of simultaneously connected devices does not reach the connectable number of image forming devices 2 with valid wireless communication functions (ACT 17, NO), the system controller 11 transfers to ACT 11. That is, when the number of image forming devices 2 with valid wireless communication functions is one and the number of simultaneously connected devices is less than the connectable number, the system controller 11 establishes wireless communication with the information processing device 3 according to the connection request and transfers to the processing of ACT 11.

[0102] When it is determined that the number of simultaneously connected devices has reached the connectable number of image forming devices 2 with valid wireless communication functions (ACT17, YES), the system controller 11 determines the image forming device 2 whose wireless communication function is to be changed from invalid to valid (ACT18). That is, when the number of image forming devices 2 with valid wireless communication functions is 1, the number of simultaneously connected devices has reached the connectable number, and a connection request is received, the system controller 11 makes the wireless communication functions of other image forming devices 2 valid.

[0103] For example, the system controller 11 determines the image forming apparatus 2 having the highest “priority” among the image forming apparatuses 2 whose wireless communication functions are disabled as the image forming apparatus 2 whose wireless communication functions are to be enabled from disabled.

[0104] The system controller 11 enables the wireless communication function of the image forming device 2 determined to have the wireless communication function changed from invalid to valid (ACT 19), and ends the processing. For example, the system controller 11 supplies a control signal instructing the image forming device 2 determined to have the wireless communication function changed from invalid to valid to shift to the first power saving mode. In addition, the system controller 11 may be configured such that information (e.g., SSID) for connecting to the image forming device 2 whose wireless communication function has been changed from invalid to valid is supplied to the information processing device that has sent the connection request.

[0105] The image forming apparatus 2 , which has received the control signal instructing the transition to the first power saving mode, enables the wireless communication function and enters a state of receiving a connection request from the information processing apparatus 3 .

[0106] Figure 6 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of executing the processing of ACT16 to ACT19. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 4 , in order to distinguish the image forming apparatus 2 , the image forming apparatuses in the network 4 are respectively referred to as the image forming apparatus 2M and the image forming apparatus 2S1 .

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, the "wireless communication function" of the image forming apparatus 2M is "valid", the "number of connectable units" is "10", and the "number of simultaneously connected units" is "10". The "wireless communication function" of the image forming apparatus 2S1 is "invalid", the "number of connectable units" is "5", and the "number of simultaneously connected units" is "0".

[0108] In the above example, the number of image forming apparatuses 2 for which the wireless communication function is valid is 1, and the total number of simultaneously connected apparatuses is "10". In addition, there is a connection request from the information processing apparatus 3. In this case, the system controller 11 of the main image forming apparatus 2M determines to enable the wireless communication function of the other image forming apparatuses 2 in the processing of ACT16 and ACT17. The system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M switches the wireless communication function of the image forming apparatus 2S1 from invalid to valid. In addition, the system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2M supplies information for connecting to the image forming apparatus 2S1 to the information processing apparatus 3 that has sent the connection request.

[0109] When the image forming apparatus 2S1 receives the control signal for switching the wireless communication function from invalid to valid, it shifts from the second power saving mode to the first power saving mode.

[0110] The information processing device 3 that has transmitted the connection request to the image forming device 2M transmits a connection request to the image forming device 2S1 based on the information received from the image forming device 2M.

[0111] The system controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 2S1 establishes wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 3 in response to a connection request from the information processing apparatus 3 .

[0112] As a result, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the “wireless communication function” of the image forming device 2S1 changes from “invalid” to “valid”, and the image forming device 2S1 is connected to the two information processing devices 3 that have sent connection requests to the image forming device 2M, and the “number of simultaneous connections” becomes “2”. That is, when there are information processing devices 3 that have not been connected, Figure 3 Through the processing of ACT16 to ACT19, the image forming apparatus 2M can enable the “wireless communication function” of the other image forming apparatus 2S1 to be “valid”.

[0113] As described above, the main image forming device 2 has information (management table) on the "priority", "validity / invalidity of wireless communication function", "number of simultaneously connected devices", and "number of connectable devices" of other image forming devices 2. The main image forming device 2 sequentially obtains information from other image forming devices 2 and updates the management table. The main image forming device 2 controls the validity and invalidity of the wireless communication function of itself and other image forming devices 2 based on the total number of information processing devices 3 connected to the image forming device 2 whose wireless communication function is "valid" (the total number of simultaneously connected devices) and the number of connectable devices of each image forming device 2.

[0114] Specifically, when there are multiple image forming apparatuses 2 with valid wireless communication functions, and the total number of clients connected to the image forming apparatuses 2 is less than the number of clients that can be connected to one image forming apparatus 2, the main image forming apparatus 2 maintains the wireless communication function of one image forming apparatus 2 and disables the wireless communication functions of other image forming apparatuses 2. This can prevent the situation where the wireless communication functions of multiple image forming apparatuses 2 are still valid and cannot be transferred to the power saving state.

[0115] Furthermore, when receiving a connection request from an information processing device 3 while the number of simultaneously connected devices has reached the connectable number, the main image forming device 2 enables the wireless communication function of the other image forming devices 2 and supplies information for connecting to the enabled image forming device 2 to the information processing device 3 that has sent the connection request. This prevents the information processing device 3 from being unable to connect to the image forming device 2.

[0116] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the image forming device 2 is described as an example, but any device can be implemented as long as it receives instructions from the client through wireless communication and performs actions. For example, it can also be a wireless communication device with wireless communication function such as a drone or a camera.

[0117] It should be noted that the functions described in the above embodiments are not limited to hardware configurations, but can also be implemented by reading a program recording each function into a computer using software. In addition, each function can also be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.

[0118] Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In fact, the novel devices and methods described herein may be embodied in various other forms; in addition, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the devices and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The attached claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, characterized in that: have: A communication interface for wireless communication with a client for instructing an action and other wireless communication devices; and The processor switches the power state of the other wireless communication device based on the validity or invalidity of the wireless communication function of the own wireless communication device, the number of simultaneously connectable units of the own wireless communication device, and the number of simultaneously connectable units of the other wireless communication devices, When the total number of simultaneously connected other wireless communication devices for which the wireless communication function is enabled is less than the connectable number of the own wireless communication device, the processor switches the wireless communication function of the other wireless communication devices from enabled to disabled.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor switches the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the wireless communication functions of the communication interface and the wireless communication functions of the other wireless communication devices based on information on effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the wireless communication functions of the other wireless communication devices, the number of simultaneously connected devices, and the number of connectable devices.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein: When receiving a connection request from a client in a state where the number of simultaneously connected terminals reaches the connectable number of terminals, the processor enables the wireless communication function of the wireless communication device whose wireless communication function is disabled.

4. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: A communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a client for instructing printing and other image forming devices; an image forming unit that forms an image on a printing medium based on the printing instruction; as well as The processor switches the power state of the other image forming apparatus based on the validity or invalidity of the wireless communication function of the own wireless communication apparatus, the number of simultaneously connectable units of the own wireless communication apparatus, and the number of simultaneously connectable units of the other wireless communication apparatus, When the total number of simultaneously connected other wireless communication devices for which the wireless communication function is enabled is less than the connectable number of the own wireless communication device, the processor switches the wireless communication function of the other wireless communication devices from enabled to disabled.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The processor switches the communication interface and the wireless communication function of the other image forming apparatus to be enabled or disabled based on information on the enable or disable of the wireless communication function of the other image forming apparatus, the number of simultaneously connected apparatuses, and the number of connectable apparatuses.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: When receiving a connection request from a client in a state where the number of simultaneously connected devices reaches the connectable number of devices, the processor enables a wireless communication function of an image forming apparatus whose wireless communication function is disabled.

7. A control method for an image forming device, the image forming device comprising: a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a client for instructing printing and other image forming devices; an image forming unit for forming an image on a printing medium based on the printing instruction; and a processor, characterized in that: The processor switches the power state of the other image forming apparatus based on the validity or invalidity of the wireless communication function of the own wireless communication apparatus, the number of simultaneously connectable wireless communication apparatuses of the own wireless communication apparatus, and the number of simultaneously connectable wireless communication apparatuses of the other wireless communication apparatuses, When the total number of simultaneously connected other wireless communication devices for which the wireless communication function is enabled is less than the connectable number of the own wireless communication device, the processor switches the wireless communication function of the other wireless communication devices from enabled to disabled.

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