Communication device and control method of communication device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a control method of a communication device. The communication device includes a control unit configured to, in a case where the communication device is operating in a connection setting mode and predetermined processing is completed, perform control to stop the operation in the connection setting mode, based on a second time that is longer than a first time having elapsed since the start of the operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode without connection setting being performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication equipment and a method for controlling communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Communication devices, such as printers, that communicate with terminal devices such as personal computers (PCs) and smartphones are well-known. Such communication devices are used for applications such as… The connection setup process involves communicating with a terminal device using a predetermined communication method. During this process, the communication device operates in a connection setup state (connection setup mode). The connection setup state is the state used for connection setup processing.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-023440 discusses communication devices operating in software access point (software AP) mode. The communication device receives device information setting commands and sets its operating mode based on the received commands.

[0004] However, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-023440 does not mention proper control of the timeout period in software AP mode. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to proper control for performing operations in a stop connection setting mode.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication device includes: a start unit configured to initiate operation in a connection setting mode to receive setting information from an information processing device; a setting unit configured to perform connection setting of the communication device based on the setting information when the communication device receives the setting information from the information processing device while it is operating in the connection setting mode; a process unit configured to perform a predetermined process based on user operation; and a control unit configured to: in the case that the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and the predetermined process has not been completed, perform a first control to stop operation in the connection setting mode based on a first time elapsed since the start of operation in the connection setting mode without performing the connection setting; and in the case that the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and the predetermined process has been completed, perform a second control to stop operation in the connection setting mode based on a second time elapsed since the start of operation in the connection setting mode without performing the connection setting longer than the first time.

[0007] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of information processing equipment and communication equipment included in a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are figures illustrating examples of operation display units of communication devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A flowchart illustrating the processing performed by a communication device upon receiving a press of the power button, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an initial setup process performed by a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by an information processing device to enable a communication device to perform connection setup processing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that appropriate changes and modifications to the exemplary embodiments described below, based on ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, are also covered within the scope of the invention.

[0014] The information processing apparatus and communication apparatus of the communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment will now be described. Although a smartphone will be described below as an example of an information processing apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment, the information processing apparatus is not limited to smartphones, and various information processing apparatuses such as mobile terminals, laptop computers (PCs), tablet terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and digital cameras are also applicable. Furthermore, although a printer will be described below as an example of a communication apparatus according to this exemplary embodiment, the communication apparatus is not limited to printers, and various communication apparatuses capable of wireless communication with the information processing apparatus are also applicable. For example, printers such as inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, and monochrome printers are applicable. In addition to printers, copiers, fax machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and smart speakers are also applicable. Besides those described above, multi-functional peripheral devices having multiple functions such as copying, faxing, and printing are also applicable.

[0015] Now refer to Figure 1The block diagram shown illustrates the configuration of an information processing device included in a communication system according to this exemplary embodiment and a communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device. Furthermore, although the following configuration according to this exemplary embodiment is described as an example, the functionality is not limited to this embodiment. Figure 1 The functions shown.

[0016] The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a central processing unit (CPU) 103, a read-only memory (ROM) 104, a random access memory (RAM) 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, an operation display unit 108, a communication unit 109, a near-field wireless communication unit 110, and a camera device 111.

[0017] Input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation commands from the user, and includes a physical keyboard, buttons, and / or a touch panel. Output interface 107 and input interface 102 can be integrated into a single component for outputting a screen and receiving operations from the user.

[0018] CPU 103 is the system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 101.

[0019] ROM 104 stores fixed data (such as control programs, data tables, and embedded operating system (embedded OS) programs) to be processed by CPU 103. According to this exemplary embodiment, the various control programs stored in ROM 104 are subject to software execution control, such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling, under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 104.

[0020] RAM 105 includes static RAM (SRAM) that requires a backup power supply. Because data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, RAM 105 stores important data (such as the number of program control variables) without causing data volatile. RAM 105 also includes storage areas for storing setup information and management data related to the information processing device 101. RAM 105 also serves as the main memory and working memory of the CPU 103.

[0021] External storage device 106 stores applications that provide printing execution functions (hereinafter referred to as "printing applications"). External storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by communication device 151, and an information sending / receiving control program for sending information to and receiving information from communication device 151 connected via communication unit 109. External storage device 106 stores various types of information for use by the programs. External storage device 106 also stores image data acquired via communication unit 109 from other information processing devices or the Internet.

[0022] Output interface 107 is an interface provided by the operation display unit 108 for controlling the display data and status notification of the information processing device 101.

[0023] The operation display unit 108 includes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The operation display unit 108 displays data and provides status notifications for the information processing device 101. The software keyboard can receive user input via the operation display unit 108 through keys such as numeric input keys, mode setting keys, setting keys, cancel keys, and a power key.

[0024] Communication unit 109 is a component for connecting to a device such as communication device 151 and performing data communication. For example, communication unit 109 may be connected to an internal access point (not shown) of communication device 151. Communication unit 109 and the internal access point of communication device 151 are connected to each other to enable communication between information processing device 101 and communication device 151. Communication unit 109 may communicate directly with communication device 151 via wireless communication, or it may communicate with communication device 151 via access point 131 located outside information processing device 101 and communication device 151.

[0025] Examples of wireless communication methods include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of communication standards and The IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards are Access point 131 is a device such as a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) router. According to this exemplary embodiment, the method by which information processing device 101 and communication device 151 are directly connected to each other without using an external access point is referred to as a "direct connection method." Furthermore, the method by which information processing device 101 and communication device 151 are connected to each other via external access point 131 will be referred to as an "infrastructure connection method."

[0026] The near-field wireless communication unit 110 is a component used to establish a near-field wireless connection and perform data communication with a device such as communication device 151. The near-field wireless communication unit 110 uses a different communication method than that used by communication unit 109. The near-field wireless communication unit 110 can be connected to the near-field wireless communication unit 157 within communication device 151.

[0027] The camera device 111 is a device that converts images captured by an image sensor into digital data. The digital data is first stored in RAM 105. Subsequently, a program executed by CPU 154 converts the digital data into a predetermined image format, and the converted digital data is stored as image data in external storage device 106.

[0028] ROM 152 stores fixed data (such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs that will be executed by CPU 154).

[0029] The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, printing engine 155, communication unit 156, near-field wireless communication unit 157, input interface 158, output interface 159, and operation display unit 160. A connection mode (communication mode) is set for the communication device 151, enabling the communication device 151 to operate in the set connection mode.

[0030] Communication unit 156 is a component through which communication device 151 communicates with other devices. According to this exemplary embodiment, communication unit 156 performs communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. Communication unit 156 includes an access point for connecting to devices such as information processing device 101, serving as an internal access point for communication device 151. This access point can be connected to communication unit 109 of information processing device 101. Communication unit 156 can communicate directly with information processing device 101 via wireless communication, or it can communicate with information processing device 101 via access point 131. Furthermore, communication unit 156 can include hardware serving as an access point, or it can operate as an access point by using software serving as an access point.

[0031] RAM 153 includes dynamic RAM (DRAM) that requires a backup power supply. Since data is maintained by a power supply (not shown) for data backup, RAM 153 stores important data such as the number of program control variables without data loss. RAM 153 also serves as the main memory and working memory of CPU 154, and stores various types of information and a receive buffer for temporarily storing printed information received from information processing device 101. Furthermore, RAM 153 includes a storage area for storing information indicating whether this is the first time the communication device 151 has been configured after power-on (hereinafter referred to as the "initial setup time"). In other words, the initial setup time is the time when the communication device 151 is in the initial setup state without completing the initial setup process described below. The initial setup process is a process performed based on user operation.

[0032] ROM 152 stores fixed data (such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs to be executed by CPU 154). According to this exemplary embodiment, the various control programs stored in ROM 152 are subject to software execution control, such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling, under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152. ROM 152 also includes a storage area for storing data that is retained even without power (such as setting information related to communication device 151 and management data of communication device 151).

[0033] CPU 154 is the system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151.

[0034] The printing engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using a recording agent such as ink, based on the information stored in RAM 153 and the print job received from the information processing device 101, and outputs the print result. At this time, the print job sent from the information processing device 101 is received via the communication unit 156, which is able to communicate at a higher speed than the near-field wireless communication unit 157 because the print job has a large amount of data to be transmitted and requires high-speed communication.

[0035] Input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input or operation commands from the user, and includes a physical keyboard, buttons, and / or touch panel. Output interface 159 and input interface 158 can be integrated into a single component for outputting images and receiving user operations. Output interface 159 is an interface provided by the operation display unit 160 for controlling data display and status notifications from the communication device 151.

[0036] The operation display unit 160 includes a display unit (such as an LED and an LCD). The operation display unit 160 displays data and provides status notifications for the communication device 151. The software keyboard can receive user input via the operation display unit 160 through keys on the operation display unit 160, such as numeric input keys, mode setting keys, setting keys, cancel keys, and a power key.

[0037] <Direct Connection Method>

[0038] Direct connection is a form of establishing a direct (i.e., point-to-point) wireless connection between devices without using external devices such as access point 131. Communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communication via direct connection (direct connection mode), which is one of the connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communication via direct connection (such as software access point (software AP) mode and Wi-Fi...). (WFD mode, etc.).

[0039] WFD mode is a mode for direct connection using WFD. WFD is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In WFD mode, after detecting devices to communicate with using a device search command, it determines which device will act as the peer-to-peer (P2P) group owner and which will act as the P2P client, and then proceeds with the remaining wireless connection processing. The determination of functionality corresponds to, for example, group owner (GO) negotiation in P2P. Specifically, first, one of the devices that wants to communicate with each other issues a device search command and searches for devices to connect to in WFD mode. Once the other device to communicate with is detected, both devices check information related to the services and functions that the device can provide. The checking of device provision information is not mandatory but optional. This device provision information checking phase corresponds to, for example, provision discovery in P2P. Next, the devices determine which of these devices will act as the P2P client and which device will act as the P2P group owner by checking each other's device provision information. After determining the client and group owner, the client and group owner exchange parameters for communicating using WFD. The P2P client and the P2P group owner perform the remaining wireless connection processing and Internet Protocol (IP) connection processing based on the exchanged parameters. In WFD mode, communication device 151 can always operate as the group owner without performing the aforementioned GO negotiation. Specifically, communication device 151 can operate in WFD mode as an autonomous GO mode. The state in which communication device 151 operates in WFD mode can be, for example, a state where no WFD connection is established but communication device 151 operates as the group owner, or a state where a WFD connection is established and communication device 151 operates as the group owner.

[0040] In software AP mode, one of the devices (e.g., information processing device 101 and communication device 151) that need to communicate with each other is identified as a client that acts as a requester for various services. The other device uses software settings to implement Wi-Fi access point functionality. In software AP mode, the client uses a device search command to search for a device to become a software AP. Once a software AP is detected, the client and the software AP perform the remaining wireless connection processing (e.g., wireless connection establishment), and then perform IP connection processing (e.g., IP address allocation). The client and the software AP can use commands and parameters defined in the Wi-Fi standard as commands and parameters sent to and received from the client and the software AP when establishing a wireless connection between them, and their description is omitted here. Furthermore, the state in which communication device 151 operates in software AP mode is, for example, a state in which no Wi-Fi connection is established but communication device 151 operates as a software AP, or a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is established and communication device 151 operates as a software AP.

[0041] According to this exemplary embodiment, when communication device 151 operates in direct connection mode, communication device 151 operates as a parent device in the network to which communication device 151 belongs. The parent device is an apparatus that forms a wireless network and provides parameters for connecting to the wireless network to a child device. Examples of parameters for connecting to the wireless network include parameters related to the communication channel used by the parent device. The child device receives the parameters and uses the communication channel used by the parent device to connect to the wireless network formed by the parent device. In direct connection mode, communication device 151 operates as a parent device, therefore communication device 151 can determine which communication channel will be used in communication in direct connection mode. In cases where communication device 151 operates simultaneously in infrastructure connection mode and direct connection mode, communication device 151 controls the communication channel used in infrastructure connection mode communication to also be used in direct connection mode communication. For example, communication device 151 may select the communication channel used to connect to access point 131 as the channel for communication in direct connection mode, prioritizing other channels.

[0042] Connection information (e.g., Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password) used to connect to communication device 151 in direct connection mode can be changed as needed through user operations on the operating unit of communication device 151.

[0043] <Infrastructure Connectivity Methods>

[0044] The infrastructure connection is in the form that devices that need to communicate with each other (e.g., information processing device 101 and communication device 151) are connected to an access point (e.g., access point 131) of a network used for managing devices, and communicate with each other via the access point. Communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for communicating via the infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode), which is one of the connection modes.

[0045] In infrastructure connectivity, devices use device search commands to search for access points. Once an access point is detected, the device and access point perform the remaining wireless connectivity processing (e.g., establishing a wireless connection), followed by IP connectivity processing (IP address allocation). Devices and access points can use commands and parameters defined in the Wi-Fi standard as commands and parameters sent to and received from each other when establishing a wireless connection, and their description is omitted here.

[0046] According to this exemplary embodiment, when the communication device 151 operates in infrastructure connection mode, the access point 131 operates as a parent device, and the communication device 151 operates as a child device. The communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 can communicate with each other via the access point 131. Communication via infrastructure connection can use channels in frequency bands other than 2.4 GHz (e.g., the 5.0 GHz band). In order to communicate with the communication device 151 via the access point 131, the information processing device 101 needs to identify that the communication device 151 belongs to the network formed by the access point 131 and to which the information processing device 101 belongs.

[0047] According to this exemplary embodiment, the infrastructure connection state is a state in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are simply connected to the same access point. Specifically, in the infrastructure connection state, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 will connect to the same access point, but it is not necessary to recognize that the other device is also on the same network. According to this exemplary embodiment, the communication device 151 can establish both a direct connection and an infrastructure connection simultaneously. In other words, the communication device 151 can establish a Wi-Fi connection operating as a child device while simultaneously establishing a Wi-Fi connection operating as a parent device. The operation in the state of simultaneously establishing two connections as described above is called "simultaneous operation". When performing simultaneous operation, the communication device 151 makes the frequency band and communication channel used in the infrastructure connection consistent with the frequency band and communication channel used in the direct connection. However, according to this exemplary embodiment, when the communication device 151 uses the 5GHz frequency band in the infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 does not operate in direct connection mode, and therefore does not perform simultaneous operation. This is because when using the 5GHz frequency band, the communication channel to be used can be changed through dynamic frequency selection (DFS).

[0048] <Connection Settings Processing>

[0049] According to this exemplary embodiment, the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 by using wireless communication with the communication device 151 to perform at least one of the communication methods of using infrastructure connection and direct connection. The connection setup process according to this exemplary embodiment is performed via wireless communication, and this connection setup process is therefore also referred to as "cableless setup" (CLS). Alternatively, the connection setup process can be performed via wired communication.

[0050] The communication device 151 can operate in connection setting mode (connection setting state). Connection setting mode is a mode used for connection setting processing, and the communication device 151 performs connection setting processing while operating in connection setting mode. Details of the connection setting mode will be described below.

[0051] To enable communication device 151 to operate in infrastructure connection mode, information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits infrastructure configuration information to communication device 151. The infrastructure configuration information is setup information used for operation in infrastructure connection mode. The infrastructure configuration information includes information related to access point 131. Information related to access point 131 includes, for example, SSID, password, and frequency band information.

[0052] In contrast, to enable communication device 151 to operate in direct connection mode, information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits direct setup information to communication device 151. The direct setup information is configuration information for operation in direct connection mode. It includes instructions to enable WFD functionality so that communication device 151 operates as a group owner and instructions to enable access point settings for communication device 151. Information processing device 101 also obtains necessary connection information from communication device 151 for establishing a direct connection with it. This connection information includes, for example, SSID and password information related to communication device 151.

[0053] According to this exemplary embodiment, in the connection setup process, the direct connection for connection setup between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is used to send infrastructure setup information and direct setup information, and to obtain information for establishing a direct connection with the communication device 151. Although the connection setup process using Wi-Fi is performed as the direct connection for connection setup according to this exemplary embodiment, wireless communication standards other than Wi-Fi (such as Bluetooth) can be used, or wired communication standards (such as wired LAN or Universal Serial Bus (USB)) can be used.

[0054] Once a Wi-Fi-based infrastructure connection or direct connection is established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 through connection setup, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 can send a print job to the communication device 151 for printing or a scan job for scanning via the established connection.

[0055] According to this exemplary embodiment, the connection setup process can enable the communication device 151 to operate in both infrastructure connection mode and direct connection mode, but this is not a limiting form. For example, the connection setup process can enable the communication device 151 to operate only in infrastructure connection mode, wherein, in other words, the connection setup process cannot enable the communication device 151 to operate in direct connection mode.

[0056] <Connection Settings Mode>

[0057] As described above, the communication device 151 can operate in a connection setting mode. The start of operation of the communication device 151 in connection setting mode can be triggered, for example, by the user pressing a button for connection setting mode or activating the communication device 151 (transforming the communication device 151 into a software-enabled state). The button for connection setting mode can be a hardware button on the communication device 151, or a software button displayed on the operation display unit 160.

[0058] Once communication device 151 begins operation in connection setup mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, communication device 151 operates as a dedicated access point (AP) in connection setup mode. This puts communication device 151 in a state where it can establish a direct connection with information processing device 101 using Wi-Fi. Connection information (e.g., SSID) for connecting to the dedicated AP in connection setup mode is pre-stored in a setup program installed in information processing device 101, and information processing device 101 pre-identifies the connection information for connecting to the dedicated software AP in connection setup mode. Therefore, unlike the connection information associated with the access point enabled in direct connection mode, the user cannot change at least a portion (at least a portion of the SSID) of the connection information for connecting to the dedicated software AP in connection setup mode as needed. Furthermore, according to this exemplary embodiment, there is no password for connecting to the dedicated software AP in connection setup mode, and information processing device 101 can connect to communication device 151 operating in connection setup mode without using a password, as long as information processing device 101 identifies the SSID. This is not a limiting form. For example, the password used to connect to the dedicated software AP in the connection setup mode can also be pre-stored in the setup program, and the password can be used to establish a connection with the communication device 151 operating in the connection setup mode.

[0059] In connection setup mode, communication device 151 can connect to information processing device 101 using WFD instead of regular Wi-Fi. In other words, communication device 151 can operate as a group owner and receive setup information from information processing device 101 via WFD communication. In connection setup mode, communication device 151 can also connect to information processing device 101 using Bluetooth. Specifically, communication device 151 can operate as a Bluetooth slave device and receive setup information from information processing device 101 via Bluetooth communication (communication connected via Bluetooth). Bluetooth can be Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy. (Bluetooth Low When using Bluetooth Low Energy, once the communication device 151 begins operating in connection setup mode, it starts sending advertising information based on the Bluetooth Low Energy standard, and the information processing device 101, having received the advertising information, is changed to a state where it can establish a Bluetooth Low Energy connection with the information processing device 101. Furthermore, the connection setup mode can be a state capable of using both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Specifically, when receiving a connection request from the information processing device 101 using Wi-Fi, the communication device 151 operating in connection setup mode can receive setup information via Wi-Fi connection. Conversely, when receiving a connection request from the information processing device 101 using Bluetooth, the communication device 151 operating in connection setup mode can receive setup information via Bluetooth connection.

[0060] According to this exemplary embodiment, the condition for ending operation in the connection setting mode is, for example, setting a connection mode (direct connection mode or infrastructure connection mode) for the communication device 151 based on setting information received from the information processing device 101. Another condition is that the connection setting mode elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold (timeout time). The connection setting mode elapsed time is the time elapsed from the start of operation in the connection setting mode without the end of operation in the connection setting mode. Specifically, when operation in the connection setting mode ends, the counting of the connection setting mode elapsed time stops. The connection setting mode elapsed time is not limited to this form and can also be, for example, the time elapsed from the start of operation in the connection setting mode without the AP in the connection setting mode establishing a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In other words, the counting of the connection setting mode elapsed time can stop when a connection is established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 via the AP in the connection setting mode. Furthermore, the connection setting mode elapsed time can also be the time elapsed from the start of operation in the connection setting mode without the setting information sent from the information processing device 101 being received by the communication device 151. In other words, when communication device 151 receives the setup information sent from information processing device 101, it can stop counting the elapsed time of the connection setup mode. Because the connection setup mode is a mode that can establish a connection without a password or using a password pre-stored in the setup program, a timeout period is set. Specifically, although the connection setup mode has the advantage of easy connection, its low security increases the possibility of establishing a connection that is not intended by the user of communication device 151 if the connection setup mode is maintained for a long time.

[0061] One of the conditions for initiating operation in connection setup mode according to this exemplary embodiment is, for example, accepting the pressing of the power button while the initial setup of the communication device 151 is not yet complete.

[0062] After operation in connection setup mode begins as a result of fulfilling the condition, communication device 151 performs initial setup processing. However, since the initial setup processing is performed by receiving user operations from communication device 151, the time from the start to the completion of the initial setup processing varies depending on the user performing the operation. After communication device 151 completes the initial setup processing, the user can begin operation of information processing device 101 used for connection setup processing. According to this exemplary embodiment, communication device 151 begins operation in connection setup mode before completing the initial setup processing. Therefore, if the user operation for initial setup processing takes time and communication device 151 completes the initial setup processing late, the following problem arises: the count value of the elapsed time in connection setup mode until the initial setup processing is completed may be a large value. In other words, there is a problem that only a small amount of time may remain after the initial setup processing is completed before the elapsed time in connection setup mode exceeds the timeout period.

[0063] To address the aforementioned issues, the timeout period of the connection setup mode is appropriately controlled according to this exemplary embodiment. Specifically, according to this exemplary embodiment, the timeout period is controlled based on the elapsed time of the connection setup mode at the timed completion of the initial setup process. More specifically, according to this exemplary embodiment, if the elapsed time of the connection setup mode at the timed completion of the initial setup process is long, the timeout period is extended. Even if the completion of the initial setup process of the communication device 151 is delayed, this allows the user sufficient time to perform operations for connection setup processing.

[0064] <Configuration of the operation display unit of the communication equipment>

[0065] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the operation display unit 160 of the communication device 151.

[0066] exist Figure 2A In this configuration, panel 208 is a touch panel, and the user can operate the communication device 151 via touch panel 208. Power button 201 is a physical button located around panel 208. When the user presses power button 201 while the communication device 151 is in a software-off state, power is supplied to the entire communication device 151, and the communication device 151 transitions to a software-on state. The software-off state is a state in which power is supplied to the minimum components of the communication device 151 (such as CPU 154) but not to, for example, the print engine 155 and the display unit of the operation display unit 160.

[0067] The software-enabled state is the state in which power is supplied to the entire configuration of the communication device 151, including the print engine 155 and the operation display unit 160.

[0068] Once the communication device 151 switches to the software-enabled state, the home screen is displayed on the panel 208. The home screen is the top level of the user-operable menu. The home screen includes a copy area 205, a scan area 206, and a print area 207. The copy area 205 is used to receive instructions for copying, the scan area 206 is used to receive instructions for scanning, and the print area 207 is used to receive instructions for printing. The home screen also includes a status display area 202, a connection setting mode area 203, and a settings area 204. The status display area 202 displays the infrastructure connection and direct connection settings and status of the communication device 151. The connection setting mode area 203 allows the user to start operation in the connection setting mode at any time. The settings area 204 is used to change various settings.

[0069] Figure 2B Showing a ratio Figure 2A The illustration shows an example of the configuration of an operation display unit 160 with a smaller display unit. In this example, buttons 209, 210, and 211, as well as buttons 213 to 218, are physical buttons. The user connects the communication device 151 by pressing the power button 210.

[0070] When communication device 151 is connected, a home screen is displayed on panel 212. The home screen is the top level of the user-operable menu. The user can manipulate the cursor displayed on panel 212 by pressing operation buttons 213 or 214. The user can press the OK button 216 to perform an operation, or press the RETURN button 215 to return to the previous menu screen. When the Quick Response (QR) button 209 is pressed, panel 212 can also display a QR code containing information for establishing a direct connection with communication device 151. Reading a QR code from information processing device 101 establishes a direct connection between information processing device 101 and communication device 151, enabling wireless communication between them. Specifically, the QR code includes connection information for establishing a connection with communication device 151, which is operating in direct connection mode. Pressing QR button 209 initiates operation in direct connection mode. Pressing connection setting mode button 211 initiates operation in connection setting mode. Pressing stop button 217 cancels the current processing. Pressing copy start button 218 initiates copy processing.

[0071] <Processing performed by the system's devices>

[0072] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A flowchart illustrating the process performed when the communication device 151 accepts a press of the power button. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The flowchart in the diagram is implemented by, for example, CPU 154, by reading the program stored in ROM 152 into RAM 153 and executing the read program.

[0073] Furthermore, when the communication device 151, which is in a software-off state, receives a press of the power button by the user, it begins... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The flowchart shown.

[0074] In step S301, the CPU 154 starts supplying power to the entire communication device 151 and changes the communication device 151 from the software-off state to the software-on state.

[0075] In step S302, CPU 154 refers to the information stored in RAM 153 indicating whether it is the initial setup time, and CPU 154 determines whether it is the initial setup time. Specifically, when the user starts the communication device 151 for the first time after receiving it (when the user presses the power button to switch the communication device 151 to the software-enabled state), the initial setup time flag in RAM 153 is ON. Conversely, when the communication device 151 is started a second time after the initial setup process is completed, or at a subsequent time, the initial setup time flag in RAM 153 is OFF. In other words, CPU 154 performs the determination in step S302 by checking whether the initial setup time flag is ON or OFF. Alternatively, this determination can be performed, for example, by determining whether the communication device 151 has previously undergone initial setup processing. If CPU 154 determines that it is the initial setup time (yes in step S302), the process proceeds to step S303. If CPU 154 determines that it is not the initial setting time ("No" in step S302), the process proceeds to step S324. Although the processing of step S302 is based on whether the initial setting time flag is ON or OFF according to this exemplary embodiment, information other than the flag can be used. In this case, for example, when the communication device 151 is received, information indicating that it is the initial setting time is stored in RAM 153.

[0076] If CPU 154 determines that it is not the initial setting time ("No" in step S302), then CPU 154 can end the process in the flowchart without performing connection setting processing. At this time, CPU 154 can display a user interface (UI) to prompt the user to select whether to perform connection mode setting processing, and can control whether to proceed to step S324 or end the process in the flowchart based on the response from the user.

[0077] If the CPU 154 determines that it is the initial setup time ("Yes" in step S302), the CPU 154 displays a screen for initial setup processing by initiating the initial setup process in step S303. If the CPU 154 determines that it is not the initial setup time ("No" in step S302), the CPU 154 displays, for example, a home screen. Even if the CPU 154 determines that it is not the initial setup time ("No" in step S302), and the communication device 151 subsequently begins operation in connection setup mode, a screen indicating that the communication device 151 is in connection setup mode can be displayed.

[0078] In step S303, CPU 154 begins the initial setup process. Step S304 and subsequent steps begin without waiting for the initial setup process to complete, and are performed in parallel with the initial setup process that begins at this time. (Refer to the following...) Figure 4 To describe the details of the initial setup process.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the initial setup process performed by the communication device 151 according to this exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 The flowchart in the diagram is implemented by, for example, CPU 154 reading the program stored in ROM 152 and executing the read program. When step S303 is performed, the process begins... Figure 4 The flowchart in the document.

[0080] In step S401, the CPU 154 determines whether the ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 based on the detection result of the detection unit (not shown) of the communication device 151. If the recording head and ink reservoir are separate, the CPU 154 determines whether at least the recording head is attached to the communication device 151. If the CPU 154 determines that the ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 (yes in step S401), the process proceeds to step S402. If the CPU 154 determines that no ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 (no in step S401), the process proceeds to step S403. The operation of attaching the ink cartridge or the recording head is performed by the user on the communication device 151.

[0081] In step S403, the CPU 154 provides a cartridge notification to the user by causing the LED of the operation display unit 160 to blink or displaying a specific image on the operation display unit 160. Specifically, the CPU 154 provides a notification that the communication device 151 is in a state of waiting for the cartridge to be attached, or provides a notification on how to attach the cartridge. There are no particular limitations on the method used for notification. For example, the CPU 154 can use a speaker (not shown) to provide an audio notification.

[0082] Subsequently, in step S404, the CPU 154 determines whether the ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 based on the detection result of the detection unit (not shown) of the communication device 151. For example, in step S401, if the recording head and ink reservoir are separated, the CPU 154 determines whether at least the recording head is attached to the communication device 151. If the CPU 154 determines that the ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S404), the process proceeds to step S402. Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that no ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 ("No" in step S404), step S404 is performed again. According to this exemplary embodiment, no timeout is set for the determination in step S404, and the determination in step S404 is repeated until the user attaches the ink cartridge or the communication device 151 transitions to a software-off state. Therefore, if the user spends time attaching the ink cartridge, they also spend time completing the initial setup process. If the user performs a skip operation to skip ink cartridge attachment, the CPU 154 can determine that the ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S404). The CPU 154 can continue the notification in step S403 until the CPU 154 determines that the ink cartridge is attached to the communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S404).

[0083] In step S402, the CPU 154 begins the initial setup time cleaning process. Specifically, the CPU 154 moves the carriage to the location of cleaning components such as the waste ink absorber and the capping mechanism for sealing the discharge port of the recording head.

[0084] Subsequently, CPU 154 uses a capping mechanism to cap the discharge port of the record head and actuates a pump connected to the capping mechanism. By performing this operation, CPU 154 generates negative pressure in the capping mechanism and removes foreign matter (such as thick ink and air bubbles) through suction from the discharge port to refresh the ink in the discharge port. CPU 154 uses a wiper to wipe away foreign matter (such as ink) adhering to the discharge port surface of the record head. Cleaning is also performed at times other than the initial setup time, such as: before printing begins, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous printing, and after an abnormal termination and transition to the software-on state. Such routine cleaning can differ from the initial setup time cleaning. Specifically, during the initial setup time, the suction force, suction volume, and number of suctions can be set greater than in routine cleaning operations to fill the flow path from the head to the nozzle or from the ink reservoir to the head with ink. Alternatively, the ink in the record head can be heated to reduce its viscosity.

[0085] The CPU 154 detects errors occurring in the communication device 151 during the initial setup time cleaning process. Examples of errors that can be detected include incomplete head attachment errors and carriage position errors.

[0086] A head-incomplete attachment error occurs when the ink cartridge (recording head) is not fully attached to the carriage. For example, if the ink cartridge is not fully attached to the carriage, it may extend beyond the carriage's drive path. In this case, the ink cartridge strikes a predetermined component in the communication device 151 while the carriage is moving, causing the carriage to stop at the component's position. The CPU 154 detects, for example, the amount of carriage movement, and if the detected movement corresponds to the movement from the cartridge attachment position to the component's position, it determines that a head-incomplete attachment error has occurred. Furthermore, in cases where the ink cartridge is not fully attached to the carriage, the cartridge may detach from the carriage while it is moving or during cleaning. The CPU 154 uses, for example, a cartridge sensor to detect whether the cartridge is attached to the carriage. If the cartridge sensor detects that the cartridge is not attached to the carriage while it is moving or during cleaning, the CPU 154 determines that a head-incomplete attachment error has occurred. If the user reopens the cover and correctly attaches the cartridge, the head-incomplete attachment error is resolved.

[0087] A carriage misalignment occurs when a foreign object is present in the carriage's drive path. For example, if a foreign object is in the carriage's drive path, it obstructs the carriage's movement, resulting in limited movement. Therefore, the CPU 154 detects, for example, the actual movement of the carriage and the force used to drive it (driving force). If the actual movement is less than the driving force, the CPU 154 determines that a carriage misalignment has occurred. The misalignment is resolved when the user removes the foreign object.

[0088] If an error is detected, the CPU 154 performs error notification processing to provide notification of the detected error. Specifically, for example, a screen providing notification of the detected error is displayed on the operation display unit 160. If the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are connected as a result of the start connection setup process when an error is detected, the CPU 154 sends information for displaying the detected error on the display unit of the information processing device 101 to the information processing device 101. The CPU 154 can be configured to perform error notification processing upon receiving an inquiry from the information processing device 101 connected to the communication device 151.

[0089] In step S405, the CPU 154 determines whether all processes included in the initial setup process have been completed. If not all processes included in the initial setup process have been completed ("No" in step S405), the CPU 154 repeats step S405 until all processes included in the initial setup process have been completed. Conversely, if all processes included in the initial setup process have been completed ("Yes" in step S405), the process proceeds to step S406. In the event of the aforementioned error, the initial setup process also includes a process for detecting the state of error resolution. Therefore, when the error is resolved by user operation, it is determined that one of the processes included in the initial setup process has been completed. According to this exemplary embodiment, the initial setup process includes the process of detecting the attached ink cartridge and the initial setup time cleaning process as described above. However, this is not a limiting form. For example, the initial setup process may include a process of receiving user operation for setting the language used by the communication device 151 in the display, a process of receiving user operation for answering a questionnaire related to the environment in which the communication device 151 is used, and a positioning adjustment process. The processes included in the initial setup process may be performed in any order.

[0090] If all processes included in the initial setup process are completed ("Yes" in step S405), the CPU 154 changes the information indicating whether it is the initial setup time, such that the changed information indicates that when the communication device 151 next and subsequently transitions to the software-enabled state, it is not the initial setup time. Specifically, the CPU 154 changes the content of the initial setup time flag. The timing of changing the information indicating whether it is the initial setup time is not limited to the timing described above, and can be any time after the determination of whether it is the initial setup time.

[0091] In step S406, the CPU 154 causes the LED of the operation display unit 160 to blink or displays a specific screen on the operation display unit 160, thereby providing the user with a notification related to the completion of the initial setup process. Specifically, the CPU 154 displays a screen on the operation display unit 160, for example, to notify the user of the completion of the initial setup process. There are no particular limitations on the method used for notification. For example, the CPU 154 can use a speaker (not shown) to provide an audio notification.

[0092] In step S407, the CPU 154 displays the home screen on the operation display unit 160.

[0093] After this, CPU 154 finishes processing in the flowchart.

[0094] As described above, the user needs to attach the ink cartridge to complete the initial setup process. If the user has just opened the packaging of the communication device 151, the user also needs to remove the packaging material of the communication device 151. As mentioned above, various user operations are required to complete the initial setup process, therefore the time required to complete the initial setup process varies depending on the user.

[0095] The description will return to Figure 3A .

[0096] In step S304, the CPU 154 determines whether an arbitrary connection mode has been set for the communication device 151. A connection mode other than the direct connection mode and the infrastructure connection mode can be set for the communication device 151. For example, a wired LAN connection mode can be set. The wired LAN connection mode is a mode that connects to other devices via a wired LAN. According to this exemplary embodiment, if the communication device 151 is set to the wired LAN connection mode, the direct connection mode or the infrastructure connection mode cannot be set, and the communication device 151 cannot perform wireless LAN communication (communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards). Even if the wired LAN is not connected to the communication device 151, the wired LAN connection mode can be preset for the communication device 151. The CPU 154 can also determine whether the communication device 151 has a previous connection to an external access point in the infrastructure connection mode. Specifically, the communication device 151 stores information related to the previously connected external access point in a predetermined storage area. If information related to the previously connected external access point is stored in the corresponding storage area, the CPU 154 determines that the communication device 151 has a previous connection to the external access point. If the corresponding storage area does not store information related to the previously connected external access point but instead stores a default value, the CPU 154 determines that the communication device 151 has no previous connection to the external access point. A reset operation can be performed to reset the information stored in the corresponding storage area to the default value. The reset operation is an operation performed on the communication device 151 to reset the connection settings of the communication device 151, and this operation is different from pressing the power button. If a reset operation is performed, the communication device 151 resets the connection mode set for the communication device 151 and returns to a state where no connection mode is set. Therefore, if the CPU 154 determines that a connection mode has been set for the communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S304), it determines that a connection mode has been set for the communication device 151 or a connection mode has been previously set for the communication device 151. Therefore, if the CPU 154 determines that a connection mode has been set for the communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S304), the CPU 154 determines that no connection setting process is needed, and the process proceeds to step S317 without causing the communication device 151 to start operation in the connection setting mode. Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that a connection mode has not been set for the communication device 151 ("No" in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0097] In step S305, CPU 154 determines whether the USB cable is connected to communication device 151. If the USB cable is connected ("Yes" in step S305), there is a high probability that communication device 151 will communicate with other devices via USB instead of a wireless network. Therefore, if CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is connected ("Yes" in step S305), CPU 154 determines that connection setup processing is not required, and the process proceeds to step S317 without initiating operation in connection setup mode for communication device 151. Although CPU 154 determines whether the USB cable is connected here, CPU 154 can also determine whether a wired LAN cable is connected. Furthermore, CPU 154 can determine whether both the USB cable and the wired LAN cable are connected. If CPU 154 determines that a wired LAN cable is connected, then wired LAN connection mode can be set for communication device 151. Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is not connected to the communication device 151 (in step S305, it is "No"), then the process proceeds to step S306.

[0098] In step S306, the CPU 154 causes the communication device 151 to begin operation in the connection setting mode. In other words, after the power button is pressed, the communication device 151 automatically begins operation in the connection setting mode without any operation on the connection setting mode area 203 or the connection setting mode button 211.

[0099] At this time, the CPU 154 can display a screen on the operation display unit 160 indicating the start of the connection setup mode.

[0100] In step S307, the CPU 154 starts a timer measurement to measure (count) the elapsed time of the connection setting mode and waits for setting information to be sent from the information processing device 101. According to this exemplary embodiment, the value counted in the timer measurement is a value incremented in minutes each time one minute elapses, but this is not a limiting form. For example, the value could be a value incremented in seconds each time one second elapses.

[0101] In step S308, the CPU 154 determines whether it has received setting information from the information processing device 101.

[0102] If the CPU 154 determines that it has received setting information from the information processing device 101 ("Yes" in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the CPU 154 terminates the operation of the communication device 151 in the connection setting mode, and then in step S310, the CPU 154 stops the timer measurement. If the connection setting mode ends while a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 has been established via the dedicated AP in the connection setting mode, the connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is disconnected. In step S311, the CPU 154 performs connection setting processing for the communication device 151 based on the received setting information. Specifically, the CPU 154 sets the connection mode based on the received setting information. The details of the connection setting processing of the communication device 151 will now be described.

[0103] Upon receiving information (AP information) corresponding to the infrastructure connection mode as configuration information, the CPU 154 registers the AP corresponding to the configuration information as an AP to be used in the infrastructure connection mode in RAM 153 through connection configuration processing, and establishes a connection between the AP and the communication device 151. If an encryption key is required to use the AP, the CPU 154 registers the encryption key. After properly registering the AP and establishing a connection, the CPU 154 sets the communication device 151 to an infrastructure connection mode capable of communication via the registered AP. Therefore, the communication device 151 operates in a state where it can wirelessly connect to the information processing device 101 via the registered AP. If information corresponding to WFD mode or software AP mode is received as configuration information, the CPU 154 sends connection information for connecting to an AP that supports WFD mode or software AP mode to the information processing device 101 before ending the connection configuration mode of the communication device 151. Therefore, if information corresponding to WFD mode or software AP mode is received as setting information, the CPU 154 terminates the connection setting mode and then performs connection setting processing to enable the AP supporting WFD mode or software AP mode, and sets the communication device 151 to WFD mode or software AP mode. In this state, if a connection request including connection information sent before the termination of the connection setting mode is received from the information processing device 101 that sent the setting information, the CPU 154 establishes a connection between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 using the P2P method. Therefore, the communication device 151 operates in a state where it can wirelessly connect to the information processing device 101 using the P2P method. After the connection setting processing is completed, the process proceeds to step S317.

[0104] The details of the connection setup process are not limited to those described above. For example, based on the setup information received from the information processing device 101, only the infrastructure connection mode can be set, without setting the direct connection mode. If, for example, information (AP information) corresponding to the infrastructure connection mode is received as setup information, the communication device 151 can be set not only to the infrastructure connection mode, but also to either WFD mode or software AP mode simultaneously.

[0105] Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that no setting information has been received from the information processing device 101 ("No" in step S308), the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, the CPU 154 determines whether the USB cable is connected to the communication device 151. This determination is made because after the communication device 151 begins operation in connection setting mode, there may be cases where the user connects the USB cable to the communication device 151 to use the communication device 151 via USB communication. The details of the processing in step S312 are the same as those in step S305. If the CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is connected to the communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S312), the process proceeds to step S315. In step S315, the CPU 154 ends the operation of the communication device 151 in connection setting mode. In step S316, the CPU 154 stops the timer measurement. After this, the process proceeds to step S317.

[0106] Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is not connected to the communication device 151 ("No" in step S312), the process proceeds to step S313. In step S313, the CPU 154 determines whether the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement has exceeded the timeout period. According to this exemplary embodiment, the timeout period before changing the timeout period through the timeout period change process described below is 60 minutes, which is not a limiting form and any value can be used. If the CPU 154 determines that the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement has exceeded the timeout period ("Yes" in step S313), the process proceeds to step S315. If the CPU 154 determines that the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement has not exceeded the timeout period ("No" in step S313), the process proceeds to step S314.

[0107] In step S314, CPU 154 determines whether the initial setup process has been completed. The completion of the initial setup process is as described above. Figure 4If the CPU 154 determines that the initial setup process has not been completed ("No" in step S314), the process proceeds to step S308, and the CPU 154 waits for the setup information to be sent from the information processing device 101. Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that the initial setup process has been completed ("Yes" in step S314), the process proceeds to step S318.

[0108] In step S317, as in step S314, CPU 154 determines whether the initial setup process has been completed. If CPU 154 determines that the initial setup process has not been completed ("No" in step S317), the process proceeds to step S317 again, and CPU 154 waits until the initial setup process is completed. Conversely, if CPU 154 determines that the initial setup process has been completed ("Yes" in step S317), the process proceeds to step S318.

[0109] In step S318, CPU 154 determines whether communication device 151 is operating in connection setup mode. If CPU 154 determines that communication device 151 is operating in connection setup mode (yes in step S318), the process proceeds to step S319. If CPU 154 determines that communication device 151 is not operating in connection setup mode (no in step S318), the process proceeds to step S324. The case where CPU 154 determines that communication device 151 is operating in connection setup mode (yes in step S318) is the case where the initial setup process is completed before the connection setup mode timeout (yes in step S314). Examples of the case where CPU 154 determines that communication device 151 is not operating in connection setup mode (no in step S318) include the case where the initial setup process is completed after the connection setup mode timeout and the case where the initial setup process is completed without starting operation in connection setup mode (yes in step S317).

[0110] In step S319, the CPU 154 determines whether the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement is short. In other words, this process determines whether the remaining time before the connection setting mode times out and ends is long. Specifically, the CPU 154 determines whether the value calculated by subtracting the elapsed time of the connection setting mode from the timeout time is less than a predetermined threshold. According to this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined threshold used in the determination is 15 minutes, but this is not a limiting form and any value can be used. This determination can, for example, determine whether the elapsed time of the connection setting mode is greater than the threshold. If the CPU 154 determines that the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement is short ("yes" in step S319), then there is sufficient time remaining before the connection setting mode times out and ends, so the process proceeds to step S321 without the CPU 154 changing the timeout time and the elapsed time of the connection setting mode.

[0111] Conversely, if the CPU 154 determines that the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement is not short ("No" in step S319), then the remaining time before the connection setting mode times out and ends is not long, so the process proceeds to step S320. In step S320, the CPU 154 performs a process of changing the timeout time. Specifically, this process is, for example, changing the timeout time so that the value calculated by subtracting the elapsed time of the connection setting mode from the timeout time becomes a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, but is not limited to, 15 minutes, and any value can be used. Specifically, in this form, if, for example, the timeout time is 60 minutes and the elapsed time of the connection setting mode is 50 minutes, then the timeout time is changed to 65 minutes. Furthermore, this process can be, for example, changing the timeout time to a larger timeout time than before without based on the elapsed time of the connection setting mode. In this case, for example, a value is added to the timeout time, and the added value can be a predetermined value or a value that changes according to the elapsed time of the connection setting mode. This process can be any process used to control the remaining time before the connection setting mode times out and ends, making it longer. Therefore, for example, the process is not limited to changing the timeout period, but can also be a process that changes the elapsed time of the connection setting mode to increase the remaining time before the connection setting mode times out and ends. Specifically, for example, the elapsed time of the connection setting mode can be changed such that the value calculated by subtracting the elapsed time of the connection setting mode from the timeout period becomes a predetermined value. Specifically, in this form, if the timeout period is 60 minutes and the elapsed time of the connection setting mode is 50 minutes, then the elapsed time of the connection setting mode is changed to 45 minutes. Furthermore, for example, the process can be a process that changes the elapsed time of the connection setting mode without based on the timeout period, such that the changed elapsed time of the connection setting mode is less than the original elapsed time of the connection setting mode. In this case, for example, a value is subtracted from the elapsed time of the connection setting mode, and the subtracted value can be a predetermined value or a value that varies according to the elapsed time of the connection setting mode. Furthermore, for example, the process can be a process that resets the elapsed time of the connection setting mode (sets the elapsed time of the connection setting mode to zero). Furthermore, for example, both the timeout time and the connection setting mode elapsed time can be changed. Specifically, in this form, for example, if the timeout time is 60 minutes and the connection setting mode elapsed time is 50 minutes, the connection setting mode elapsed time is reset, and the timeout time is changed to 15 minutes. In the form of changing both the timeout time and the connection setting mode elapsed time as described above, the timeout time can be changed so that the changed timeout time is less than the original value. Afterward, the process proceeds to step S321.

[0112] In step S324, which proceeds if CPU 154 determines that it is not the initial setting time ("No" in step S302) or if CPU 154 determines that communication device 151 is not operating in connection setting mode ("No" in step S318), CPU 154 determines whether a connection mode has been set for communication device 151. The details of step S324 are the same as those of step S304. If CPU 154 determines that a connection mode has been set for communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S324), then CPU 154 ends the processing in the flowchart without causing communication device 151 to start operating in connection setting mode. Conversely, if CPU 154 determines that a connection mode has not been set for communication device 151 ("No" in step S324), then the process proceeds to step S325.

[0113] In step S325, CPU 154 determines whether the USB cable is connected to communication device 151. The details of step S325 are the same as those of step S305. If CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is connected to communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S325), CPU 154 ends the process in the flowchart without causing communication device 151 to start operation in connection setup mode. Conversely, if CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is not connected to communication device 151 ("No" in step S325), the process proceeds to step S326.

[0114] In step S326, CPU 154 causes communication device 151 to begin operation in connection setup mode. The details of step S326 are the same as those of step S306.

[0115] In step S327, CPU 154 starts a timer to measure the elapsed time of the connection setting mode and waits for setting information to be sent from information processing device 101. The details of step S327 are the same as those of step S307. After this, the process proceeds to step S321.

[0116] In step S321, CPU 154 determines whether it has received setting information from information processing device 101. If CPU 154 determines that it has received setting information from information processing device 101 ("Yes" in step S321), the process proceeds to step S328. If CPU 154 determines that it has not received setting information from information processing device 101 ("No" in step S321), the process proceeds to step S322.

[0117] The details of steps S328 to S330 are the same as those of steps S309 to S311. After step S330, CPU 154 terminates the processing in the flowchart.

[0118] In step S322, CPU 154 determines whether the USB cable is connected to communication device 151. The details of step S322 are the same as those of step S312. If CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is connected to communication device 151 ("Yes" in step S322), the process proceeds to step S331. If CPU 154 determines that the USB cable is not connected to communication device 151 ("No" in step S322), the process proceeds to step S323.

[0119] In step S323, CPU 154 determines whether the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement has exceeded the timeout period. If the timeout period has already been changed in step S320, this determination is based on the changed timeout period. If CPU 154 determines that the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement has exceeded the timeout period ("Yes" in step S323), the process proceeds to step S331. If CPU 154 determines that the elapsed time of the connection setting mode measured in the timer measurement has not exceeded the timeout period ("No" in step S323), the process returns to step S321.

[0120] The details of steps S331 and S332 are the same as those of steps S315 and S316. After step S332, CPU 154 terminates the processing in the flowchart.

[0121] As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, as a result of the time spent completing the initial setup process, if the remaining time before the end of the operation in the connection setup mode after the initial setup process is short ("No" in step S319), the timeout period is extended. This allows the user sufficient time to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 and to set the connection mode for the communication device 151. According to this exemplary embodiment, if, for example, the remaining time before the end of the operation in the connection setup mode after the initial setup process is long ("Yes" in step S319), the timeout period is not changed. Furthermore, if, for example, the connection setup mode is started without starting the initial setup process (in the case where step S326 is performed after the CPU 154 determines that it is not the initial setup time ("No" in step S302), the timeout period is also not changed. This prevents the connection setup mode from lasting too long and ensures a secure connection for the communication device 151.

[0122] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the information processing device 101 to enable the communication device 151 to perform connection setup processing. The CPU 103 implements the flowchart by loading the control program of the flowchart stored in the ROM 104 or an external storage device (not shown) into the RAM 105 and executing the loaded control program.

[0123] In step S501, the CPU 103 receives a user operation and launches the wireless LAN setup application. The wireless LAN setup application is used to set the connection mode for the communication device 151. The wireless LAN setup application may include other functions (such as sending print jobs to the communication device 151 to enable printing). The wireless LAN setup application is a program stored in the internal storage device (not shown) of the information processing device 101 and is pre-installed by the user on the information processing device 101. The connection mode setting process described below is implemented by the CPU 103 by executing the wireless LAN setup application.

[0124] The following describes an example of setting communication device 151 to infrastructure connection mode by registering the AP used in infrastructure connection mode in communication device 151 using a wireless LAN setup application. AP registration can be performed via a web browser using services on the Internet or by using other functions of information processing device 101 and communication device 151, without using the wireless LAN setup application. Furthermore, at this time, CPU 103 temporarily stores AP information related to the AP connected to information processing device 101 in RAM 105.

[0125] In step S502, the CPU 103 searches for access points (APs) that the information processing device 101 can access via the communication unit 109. The AP search can be performed automatically when the wireless LAN setup application is launched, or it can be performed in response to a user command. The AP search is performed by receiving beacons sent from the APs via the communication unit 109.

[0126] In step S503, the CPU 103 displays a list of APs detected through the AP search in step S502 (AP search results) on the operation display unit 108. At this time, the CPU 103 displays, for example, a list of AP SSIDs. In step S503, the CPU 103 can automatically extract APs with SSIDs in the format described above, conforming to the connection setting mode of dedicated APs, and can display the extracted APs. If multiple SSIDs conforming to the above-described format exist, multiple SSIDs are displayed to prompt the user to select an SSID from the displayed SSIDs. If this configuration is used, step S505 described below can be skipped.

[0127] When the AP is displayed in step S503, the user selects the AP corresponding to the communication device with the connection mode setting from the search results.

[0128] In step S504, the CPU 103 detects the reception of the AP selected by the user.

[0129] In step S505, the CPU 103 determines whether the AP selected in step S504 corresponds to the communication device that is the setting target of the wireless LAN setting application. Specifically, the CPU 103 determines whether the selected AP has an SSID in the format of the aforementioned rules for dedicated APs that conform to the connection setting mode. If the CPU 103 determines that the selected AP is not an AP in the setting target communication device, the CPU 103 waits to detect other APs selected by the user. At this time, the CPU 103 can display a screen on the operation display unit 108 to notify the user that the selected AP is unsuitable. If there is no AP corresponding to the setting target communication device, or if there is no AP in the communication device expected by the user, the CPU 103 can also end the process.

[0130] As described above, steps S503 to S505 prompt the user to manually select the AP of the communication device to be set as the connection mode setting object. However, this is not a limiting form. For example, CPU 103 can automatically select an AP with an SSID that conforms to the above rules as the AP of the communication device (to be set as the connection mode setting object) from the APs detected by the search in step S502.

[0131] If a communication device is selected as the target device in step S505, the CPU 103 exchanges parameters (connection information) for establishing a wireless connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The wireless LAN setup application pre-stores connection information for connecting to a dedicated AP in connection setup mode, enabling the information processing device 101 to connect to the dedicated AP in connection setup mode and communicate with the communication device 151.

[0132] In step S506, CPU 103 sends the AP information temporarily stored in RAM 105 in step S501 as configuration information to communication device 151 via the dedicated AP in the connection configuration mode connected in step S505. Upon receiving the AP information, communication device 151 is configured to an infrastructure connection mode that can establish a connection via the AP based on the AP information.

[0133] In step S507, CPU 103 terminates the connection with the dedicated AP in the connection setup mode and reconnects to the AP based on the AP information temporarily stored in RAM 105 in step S501, enabling CPU 103 to communicate with communication device 151 via the reconnected AP. At this time, CPU 103 registers communication device 151 in RAM 105 as the communication device to which information processing device 101 will connect. Afterward, CPU 103 terminates the wireless LAN setup application.

[0134] Steps S502 to S504 do not always have to be performed by the wireless LAN setup application. Other applications installed in the information processing device 101 can search for dedicated APs in connection setup mode, and the wireless LAN setup application can obtain the search results.

[0135] Since the CPU 103 communicates with the communication device 151 via a dedicated AP in connection setup mode, the CPU 103 uses the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards (i.e., Wi-Fi) to send setup information to the communication device 151. This is not a limiting form, and the CPU 103 can use, for example, a different communication standard than the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards to send setup information to the communication device 151. Examples of communication standards that can be used in this case are Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, and Wi-Fi. Using this approach, CPU 103 can send setup information to communication device 151 using other communication standards while maintaining a Wi-Fi connection with the AP used in infrastructure connection mode.

[0136] In the above description, the CPU 103 sets an infrastructure connection mode for the communication device 151, but this is not a limiting form. For example, other connection modes (such as WFD mode or software AP mode) can be set for the communication device 151. The connection mode to be set for the communication device 151 can be determined by receiving user selection, for example, through a screen displayed by a wireless LAN setup application, or the wireless LAN setup application can automatically determine the connection mode to be set for the communication device 151 based on the communication environment of the information processing device 101. For example, if the information processing device 101 is connected to an AP when setting the connection mode for the communication device 151, the infrastructure connection mode is selected as the connection mode to be set for the communication device 151. For example, if the information processing device 101 is not connected to an AP when setting the connection mode for the communication device 151, a P2P method connection mode, such as WFD mode or software AP mode, is selected as the connection mode to be set for the communication device 151.

[0137] Using the above configuration, when a user wants to use the information processing device 101 to set up a connection to the communication device 151, a timeout period for the connection setting mode is set. This improves usability because the user has more opportunities to easily change the connection settings.

[0138] As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, the communication device 151 can begin operation in the connection setting mode under various conditions. Specifically, for example, the communication device 151 begins operation in the connection setting mode in step S306 based on the condition that the communication device 151 has switched to the software-enabled state and the initial setup has not been completed (condition 1). Furthermore, for example, the communication device 151 begins operation in the connection setting mode in step S326 based on the condition that the communication device 151 has switched to the software-enabled state and the initial setup has been completed (condition 2). Furthermore, for example, the communication device 151 begins operation in the connection setting mode based on the condition that the communication device 151 receives a predetermined operation for starting the connection setting mode (operation on the connection setting mode area 203 or the connection setting mode button 211) (condition 3). Furthermore, for example, the communication device 151 begins operation in the connection setting mode based on the condition that the communication device 151 receives a reset operation (condition 4). Furthermore, for example, the communication device 151 begins operation in the connection setting mode based on the condition that the initial setup process has been completed after the connection setting mode started based on condition 1 times out and stops (condition 5). Therefore, the communication device 151 can change the timeout period based on the conditions for starting operation in the connection setting mode. According to this exemplary embodiment, the timeout period before the change in the connection setting mode initiated based on condition 1 is longer than the timeout period for the connection setting mode initiated based on other conditions. For example, the timeout period before the change in the connection setting mode initiated based on condition 1 is set to 60 minutes, while the timeout period for the connection setting mode initiated based on other conditions is set to 15 minutes. Alternatively, the same timeout period can be set for all conditions for starting operation in the connection setting mode. According to this exemplary embodiment, the timeout period for the connection setting mode initiated based on condition 1 can be changed by a timeout period change process without changing the timeout period for the connection setting mode initiated based on other conditions. It is not necessary to start operation in the connection setting mode in all of the above cases, and the above conditions may include conditions on which not starting operation in the connection setting mode is based. As described above, according to this exemplary embodiment, a process is performed to select whether to allow the communication device 151 to operate in the connection setting mode based on whether a USB cable or a wired LAN cable is connected. For example, although selection processing is performed in the connection setting mode that starts based on conditions 1, 2, 4 and 5, selection processing can be omitted in the connection setting mode that starts based on condition 3. Instead, when a predetermined operation for starting the connection setting mode is performed, the communication device 151 can always operate in the connection setting mode.

[0139] The exemplary embodiments described above can also be implemented through the following process. Specifically, software (programs) for implementing the functions of the exemplary embodiments described above are supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (CPU or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the read program. Furthermore, the program can be executed by a single computer or by multiple computers cooperating together. Moreover, not all of the above-described process must be implemented by software, and the process can be implemented partially or entirely by hardware such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to a single CPU configured to perform the entire process, and multiple CPUs can perform the process by cooperating with each other as needed.

[0140] (Other embodiments)

[0141] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0142] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: A start unit is configured to cause the communication device to begin operation in connection setting mode to receive setting information from the information processing device; A setting unit is configured to perform connection settings for the communication device based on the setting information received from the information processing device while the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode. The execution unit is configured to perform pre-defined processing based on user actions; as well as The control unit is configured as follows: If the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and has not completed the predetermined process, based on the fact that a first time has elapsed since the start of the communication device's operation in the connection setting mode without performing the connection setting, a first control is performed to stop the operation in the connection setting mode. If the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and has completed the predetermined process, a second control is performed to stop the operation in the connection setting mode, based on the fact that a second time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode without the connection setting being performed, which is longer than the first time.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: A counting unit is configured to count a value corresponding to the time from the start of operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode; as well as The judgment unit is configured to determine whether to stop the operation in the connection setting mode based on a count value and a predetermined threshold. The first control includes processing for determining whether to stop the operation in the connection setting mode based on the count value and a predetermined threshold corresponding to the first time, and... The second control includes a change process comprising at least one of a change for decreasing the count value and a change for increasing the predetermined threshold, and includes a process for determining whether to stop the operation in the connection setting mode based on the count value after the change process and the predetermined threshold.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein, If the predetermined process is completed while the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode, the control determines whether to perform the first control or the second control based on the time since the start of the operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, in, Control is performed such that if the predetermined process is completed while the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and the time from the start of the communication device's operation in the connection setting mode is no greater than a specific threshold, the first control is performed. The second control is performed when the predetermined process is completed while the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and the time from the start of the operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode is greater than the specific threshold.

5. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein, Both the count value and the predetermined threshold are changed during the change process.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein, Make changes to reduce the count value and to reduce the predetermined threshold.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The communication device initiates operation in the connection setup mode based on the fact that the power button of the communication device was pressed before the predetermined processing of the communication device was completed.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, in, The communication device begins operation in the connection setup mode based on the fact that the power button of the communication device was pressed before the predetermined processing of the communication device was completed, and based on the absence of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable connection to the communication device. Specifically, if the power button of the communication device is pressed and the USB cable is connected to the communication device without completing the predetermined processing of the communication device, the communication device will not start the operation of the connection setting mode.

9. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein, If the operation in the connection setting mode starts based on conditions different from pressing the power button of the communication device without completing the predetermined processing of the communication device, a third control is performed to stop the operation in the connection setting mode based on a third time different from the first time and the second time elapsed since the start of the operation in the connection setting mode without the connection setting being performed.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein, The other condition includes pressing the power button of the communication device after completing the predetermined processing of the communication device.

11. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein, The other conditions include performing a predetermined operation on the communication device, which is an operation for initiating the operation in the connection setup mode and is different from pressing the power button.

12. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein, The other conditions include: the predetermined process is completed after the operation in the connection setting mode has stopped after the first time has elapsed since the operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode began without the connection setting being performed.

13. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, If the connection settings for the communication device have been configured, stop the operation in the connection settings mode.

14. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined process is the initial setup process for performing the initial settings of the communication device.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein, The initial setup process includes a process for cleaning the components of the communication device.

16. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The connection settings of the communication device include processing for connecting the communication device to an access point outside the communication device and the information processing device.

17. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The connection setting mode is a mode that enables the predetermined access point of the communication device.

18. The communication device of claim 1, further comprising a printing unit configured to perform printing.

19. A control method for a communication device, the control method comprising: The communication device is initiated to operate in the connection setting mode in order to receive setting information from the information processing device; When the communication device receives the setting information from the information processing device while it is operating in the connection setting mode, the connection settings of the communication device are performed based on the setting information. Perform scheduled processing based on user actions; as well as Perform the following: If the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and has not completed the predetermined process, based on the fact that a first time has elapsed since the start of the communication device's operation in the connection setting mode without performing the connection setting, a first control is performed to stop the operation in the connection setting mode. If the communication device is operating in the connection setting mode and has completed the predetermined process, a second control is performed to stop the operation in the connection setting mode, based on the fact that a second time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the communication device in the connection setting mode without the connection setting being performed, which is longer than the first time.

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