Electronic device, control method thereof, storage medium storing program, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device, a control method thereof, a storage medium storing a program, and a computer program product. An electronic device includes: a receiving unit that receives a change request of an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a print control unit that performs control to receive print data from another apparatus via the connected access point and print the print data; and a control unit that performs control to perform a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state that is not a state in which the print data is received from the other device. In a second state in which a portion of the print data is received from the other apparatus and reception of remaining print data is not completed, control is performed so as not to perform a change of the connection destination based on the change request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device connectable via a wireless LAN, a control method thereof, a storage medium storing a program, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] There is a technology for dynamically switching a connection destination AP in an extended service set (ESS) composed of multiple APs so as to efficiently exchange data between an access point (AP) and a station (STA). If it is determined to switch the connection destination AP based on the degree of congestion of the AP to which the STA is connected, the availability of other APs, radio wave conditions, etc., the connected AP sends a connection AP change request to the STA. Upon receiving the AP change request, the STA can switch the connection destination AP according to the request and connect to an appropriate AP.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-175068 discloses the following process as a process of requesting a change of the connection destination from a router with an AP function to a connected wireless slave device. A mobile router (MR1) that can be connected to multiple wireless slave devices checks whether the wireless slave terminal complies with IEEE 802.11v. Whether the wireless slave terminal complies with IEEE 802.11v can be determined from an association request frame sent when the wireless slave terminal is wirelessly connected to MR1. When the wireless slave terminal complies with IEEE802.11v, MR1 sends a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request frame to the wireless slave terminal. The BSS transition candidate list entry field of the BTM request frame specifies the BSSID of the master router RT2 as the connection destination. This prompts the switching of the connection destination of the wireless slave terminal, and the wireless slave terminal switches the connection destination from MR1 to RT2 according to the received BTM request frame. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides an electronic device that more appropriately performs a change of an access point serving as a connection destination, a control method thereof, a storage medium storing a program, and a computer program product.

[0005] The present invention provides, in its first aspect, an electronic device, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a printing control unit configured to control to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and print the print data; and a control unit configured to control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, which is not a state in which the print data is received from the other device, and to control not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a second state in which a portion of the print data is received from the other device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed.

[0006] The present invention, in its second aspect, provides an electronic device control method, which is executed in an electronic device, the method comprising: receiving a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; controlling to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and printing the print data; controlling to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, which is not a state in which the print data is received from the other device; and controlling not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a second state in which a portion of the print data is received from the other device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed.

[0007] The present invention, in its third aspect, provides a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program being configured to cause a computer to function as: a receiving unit configured to receive a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a printing control unit configured to control to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and to print the print data; and a control unit configured to control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, the first state not being a state in which the print data is received from the other device, and to control not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a second state in which a portion of the print data is received from the other device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed.

[0008] The present invention, in its fourth aspect, provides a computer program product, which is configured to cause a computer to function as: a receiving unit, which is configured to receive a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a printing control unit, which is configured to control to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and print the print data; and a control unit, which is configured to control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, which is not a state in which the print data is received from the other device, and to control not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a second state in which a portion of the print data is received from the other device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed.

[0009] According to the present invention, the change of the access point serving as the connection destination can be performed more appropriately.

[0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a view showing the system configuration.

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a view showing the arrangement of the MFP.

[0013] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a view showing an operation display unit of the MFP.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a view showing the arrangement of a mobile terminal device.

[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of access points.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a sequence diagram for explaining a process corresponding to a connection destination change request from an AP.

[0017] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It is a diagram for explaining processing in the MFP.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a sequence diagram showing the processing between devices.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a sequence diagram showing the processing between devices.

[0020] Fig.10It is a sequence diagram showing the processing between devices.

[0021] Fig.11 It is a sequence diagram showing the processing between devices.

[0022] Fig.12 It is a sequence diagram showing the processing between devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to requiring all such features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0024] The STA presents a state in which no problem occurs even when switching APs, and a state in which a problem occurs when switching APs or disconnecting from a connected AP. If the STA receives an AP change request from an AP in a state in which a problem occurs and switches the connection destination AP according to the request, a problem occurs in the STA.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, change of an access point serving as a connection destination can be performed more appropriately.

[0026] (System Configuration)

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment is shown. In the example, the system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can wirelessly communicate with each other. Figure 1 In the example of , the system includes a mobile terminal device 104 and an MFP 100 as communication devices, APs 101 and 102 as access points, a server 103, and a network 110. Note that APs 101 and 102 are sometimes referred to as AP1 and AP2, respectively. The mobile terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function through a wireless LAN or the like. Note that a wireless LAN is sometimes referred to as a WLAN. The mobile terminal device 104 may be a personal information terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0028] MFP 100 is a printing device with a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a FAX function, and a telephone function. The MFP 100 according to the embodiment has a communication function capable of wirelessly communicating with a mobile terminal device 104. In the embodiment, the case where MFP 100 is used will be illustrated, but some embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a scanner, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music player, a television, or a smart speaker with a communication function may be used instead of MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral.

[0029] The AP 101 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100, and is used as a WLAN base station device. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can communicate in a WLAN infrastructure mode via the AP 101. Note that an access point is sometimes referred to as an "AP". The infrastructure mode is sometimes referred to as a "wireless infrastructure mode". The AP 101 performs wireless communication with a communication device that the AP 101 allows (authenticates) to be connected to the AP 101, and relays wireless communication between the communication device and another communication device. The AP 101 is connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and can relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP 101.

[0030] The AP 102 has functions equivalent to those of the AP 101, and as necessary, the MFP 100 switches connection from the AP 101 to the AP 102. The server 103 is connected to the MFP 100 via the AP 101 and the network 110, and provides services to the MFP 100 in response to a request from the MFP 100. The network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or a closed office network or a mobile phone network.

[0031] (MFP appearance layout)

[0032] Figure 2AAn example of the appearance arrangement of the MFP 100 is shown. The MFP 100 includes, for example, a document table 201, a document cover 202, a print sheet insertion port 203, a print sheet discharge port 204, and an operation display unit 205. The document table 201 is a table on which a document to be read is placed. The document cover 202 is a cover that presses the document on the document table 201 and prevents light from a light source irradiating the document from leaking outward when reading. The print sheet insertion port 203 is an insertion port that can set sheets of various sizes. The print sheet discharge port 204 is a discharge port from which printed sheets are discharged. The sheets set at the print sheet insertion port 203 are conveyed to the printing unit one by one, and after being printed by the printing unit, are discharged from the print sheet discharge port 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys (such as character input keys, cursor keys, OK key, and cancel key); LEDs; and LCDs. The operation display unit 205 can accept the user's activation of various functions of the MFP 100 and operations on various settings. The operation display unit 205 may include a touch panel display. The MFP 100 has a WLAN wireless communication function and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for wireless communication, which does not need to be always visible from the appearance. Similar to the mobile terminal device 104, the MFP 100 can perform wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band through WLAN.

[0033] (MFP layout)

[0034] Figure 2B An example of the arrangement of the MFP 100 is shown. The MFP 100 includes a main board 211 that performs main control of the MFP 100 and a wireless unit 226 that serves as one communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. The MFP 100 includes a modem 229 for performing, for example, wired communication. The main board 211 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 212, a ROM 213, a RAM 214, a nonvolatile memory 215, an image memory 216, a read control unit 217, a data conversion unit 218, a read unit 219, and an encoding / decoding processing unit 221. The main board 211 includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a sheet feeding unit 223, a print control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. The functional units in the main board 211 are connected to each other via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. The main board 211 and the wireless unit 226 are connected via, for example, a dedicated bus 225, and the main board 211 and the modem 229 are connected via, for example, a bus 228.

[0035] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire MFP 100. In the example, the processing of the MFP 100 to be described below is realized by executing the program stored in the ROM 213 by the CPU 212. Note that hardware dedicated to each processing can be prepared. The ROM 213 stores a control program to be executed by the CPU 212, an embedded OS program, and the like. In the embodiment, the CPU 212 executes each control program stored in the ROM 213 under the management of the embedded OS similarly stored in the ROM 213, thereby performing software control such as scheduling or task switching.

[0036] The RAM 214 is composed of an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, and data such as setting values ​​registered by a user and management data of the MFP 100. The RAM 214 can be used as a buffer for various jobs. The nonvolatile memory 215 is composed of a memory such as a flash memory, and keeps storing data even after the MFP 100 is turned off. The image memory 216 is composed of a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 accumulates image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the above-mentioned memory configuration. The data conversion unit 218 performs analysis of various forms of data, conversion from image data to print data, and the like.

[0037] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (e.g., a contact image sensor (CIS)) to optically read the document on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signal) and outputs the image data. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may output the image data after performing various image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing.

[0038] The operation display unit 220 is a reference Figure 2A The described operation display unit 205, and performs display on the display based on display control of the CPU 212, generation of a signal in response to acceptance of a user operation, and the like.

[0039] The encoding / decoding processing unit 221 performs encoding processing, decoding processing, and scaling processing on image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100 .

[0040] The sheet feeding unit 223 holds sheets for printing. The sheet feeding unit 223 can supply set sheets under the control of the print control unit 224. The sheet feeding unit 223 may include a plurality of sheet feeding parts so as to hold a plurality of types of sheets, and may control which sheet feeding part feeds the sheet under the control of the print control unit 224.

[0041] The print control unit 224 performs various image processing such as smoothing processing, print density correction processing, and color correction on the image data to be printed, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 is configured to be able to perform a print process by, for example, an inkjet printing method. The print unit 222 discharges ink supplied from an ink cartridge from a print head, and prints an image on a print medium such as a sheet. Note that the print unit 222 may be configured to be able to perform another print process by an electrophotographic method or the like. The print control unit 224 may periodically read out information of the print unit 222, and update status information, etc., which is stored in the RAM 214 and includes the remaining amount of the ink cartridge, the state of the print head, etc.

[0042] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing a WLAN communication function, and can provide, for example, a function similar to that of a combination of the WLAN unit 429 of the mobile terminal device 104. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets according to the WLAN standard and sends the packets to another device. In addition, the wireless unit 226 restores the original data from the packet from another external device and outputs the data to the CPU 212. The wireless unit 226 can communicate as a station compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. In particular, the wireless unit 226 can communicate as a station compliant with IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. A station is sometimes referred to as a STA. The wireless unit 226 can also communicate as a station compliant with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband. TM STA to communicate.

[0043] The wireless unit 226 complies with IEEE 802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi 6 TM , and the MFP 100 can even operate as a STA that complies with at least either of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT). Since the MFP 100 complies with TWT, the timing of data communication from the host device to the STA is adjusted. The wireless unit 226 (MFP 100) as a STA transitions the communication function to a sleep state when it does not need to wait for signal reception. This can suppress power consumption. The wireless unit 226 also complies with Wi-Fi 6E TMThat is, the wireless unit 226 can communicate even in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz). The target band present in the 5 GHz band for performing dynamic frequency selection (DFS) does not exist in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, in the 6 GHz band communication, communication disconnection caused by the DFS standby time does not occur, and more comfortable communication can be expected.

[0044] Note that the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 can perform P2P (WLAN) communication based on WFD, and the wireless unit 226 has a software access point (soft AP) function or a group owner function. That is, the wireless unit 226 can build a P2P communication network and decide the channel used in the P2P communication.

[0045] (Operation display unit of MFP)

[0046] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C An example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 is schematically shown. Figure 3A An example of a home screen displayed during a state (idle state or standby state) in which the MFP 100 is turned on and an operation such as printing or scanning is not performed is shown. Figure 3A In the display, display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud are displayed. Cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions using Internet communication. When any menu item is selected by key operation or touch panel operation, MFP 100 can start executing the corresponding setting or function. MFP 100 can accept Figure 3A The home screen key operation or touch panel operation can be seamlessly displayed with Figure 3A The pictures in the picture are different.

[0047] Figure 3B An example of displaying another part of the home screen is shown. This screen is displayed from the home screen by an operation (e.g., a sliding operation to the left or right) to another page of the home screen. Figure 3A In the state transition. Figure 3B In the display, display items (menu items) corresponding to communication setting, printing and photo are displayed. When any menu item is selected, a function corresponding to the selected menu item, that is, any one of the printing function, the photo function and the communication setting is executed.

[0048] Figure 3C Shows that when Figure 3BAn example of a display of a menu screen for communication settings that is displayed when communication settings are selected on the screen in . The menu screen for communication settings displays menu items (options) "Wireless LAN", "Wired LAN", "Wireless Direct", "Bluetooth", and "Shared". "Wireless LAN", "Wired LAN", and "Wireless Direct" are menu items for performing LAN settings. From these items, settings such as settings for wired connection, valid / invalid settings for wireless infrastructure mode, and valid or invalid settings for P2P mode (such as WFD or soft AP mode) can be performed. When the item "Wireless LAN" is selected and the wireless LAN is set to valid by user operation, the wireless infrastructure mode becomes valid. When the item "Wireless Direct" is selected and the wireless direct connection is set to valid by user operation, the P2P (WLAN) mode becomes valid. On this screen, a common settings menu for various connection forms is also displayed. The user can perform settings of the frequency band and frequency channel of the wireless LAN, etc. from this screen.

[0049] (Appearance layout of mobile terminal equipment)

[0050] Figure 4A 4 is a view showing an example of the appearance arrangement of the mobile terminal device 104. In the embodiment, the case where the mobile terminal device 104 is a general form of a smart phone will be illustrated. Note that the mobile terminal device 104 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) type display mechanism. Note that the display unit 402 can display information using a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. In addition to the display unit 402 or in place of the display unit 402, the mobile terminal device 104 may have a function of outputting information by sound. The operation unit 403 includes physical keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, etc. for detecting user operations. Note that in this example, a common touch panel display is used to perform information display on the display unit 402 and acceptance of user operations by the operation unit 403, and the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are implemented by one device. In this case, for example, the display function of the display unit 402 is used to display button icons and a software keyboard, and the user's touch on these parts is detected by the operation acceptance function of the operation unit 403. Note that it is also possible to separate the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 and prepare display hardware and operation acceptance hardware separately. The power key 404 is a physical key for accepting a user operation to turn the mobile terminal device 104 on or off.

[0051] The mobile terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides a WLAN communication function, although it need not always be visible from the outside. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax). The WLAN unit 401 can be used as a Wi-Fi Agile Multiband TM WLAN unit 401 can communicate with an AP of a wireless network. However, WLAN unit 401 is not limited thereto, and may be able to perform communication in accordance with a WLAN system of another standard. Note that this example assumes that WLAN unit 401 can communicate in both the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band. In addition, WLAN unit 401 can perform communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure mode, etc. Operations in these modes will be described later.

[0052] (Layout of mobile terminal equipment)

[0053] Figure 4B An example of the arrangement of the mobile terminal device 104 is shown. In the example, the mobile terminal device 104 includes a main board 411 that performs main control of the mobile terminal device 104 and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a nonvolatile memory 422, a data accumulation unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 104 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. The functional units in the main board 411 are connected to each other via the system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. The main board 411 and the WLAN unit 429 are connected via the dedicated bus 426, for example.

[0054] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 104. In the example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 104 to be described below is realized by executing the program stored in the ROM 413 by the CPU 412. Note that hardware dedicated to each processing can be prepared. The ROM 413 stores a control program to be executed by the CPU 412, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In the embodiment, the CPU 412 executes each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of the embedded OS similarly stored in the ROM 413, thereby performing software control such as scheduling or task switching.

[0055] RAM 414 is composed of static RAM (SRAM) and the like. RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, and data such as setting values ​​registered by the user and management data of the mobile terminal device 104. RAM 414 can be used as a buffer for various jobs. Image memory 415 is composed of a memory such as dynamic RAM (DRAM). Image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via WLAN unit 429 and image data read out from data accumulation unit 423 so that data can be processed by CPU 412. Nonvolatile memory 422 is composed of a memory such as flash memory, and keeps storing data even after the mobile terminal device 104 is turned off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 104 is not limited to the above-mentioned memory configuration. For example, image memory 415 and RAM 414 can be shared, or data accumulation unit 423 can be used to perform backup of data, etc. In the embodiment, DRAM is exemplified as image memory 415, but another storage medium such as a hard disk or nonvolatile memory can be used.

[0056] The data conversion unit 416 performs analysis of various forms of data, and data conversion such as color conversion or image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls the telephone line, and processes audio data input / output via the speaker unit 424, thereby realizing telephone communication. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from a satellite, and obtains position information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 104.

[0057] The camera unit 421 has a function of electronically recording and encoding an image input via a lens. The image data obtained by the image capture of the camera unit 421 is stored in the data accumulation unit 423. The speaker unit 424 performs a function for realizing the input or output of a voice for a telephone function, and control of functions such as alarm notifications. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery and performs power supply control for the device. The power supply state includes, for example, a battery exhaustion state in which the battery is exhausted, a power off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, an active state in which the mobile terminal device 104 is normally activated, and a power saving state in which the mobile terminal device 104 is activated but power is saved.

[0058] Display unit 420 is a reference Figure 4A The display unit 402 described above displays various input operations, the operation status of the MFP 100, the status status, etc. based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 is a reference Figure 4A The operation unit 403 described above performs control of generating an electric signal corresponding to the operation when accepting a user operation and outputting it to the CPU 412.

[0059] The mobile terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using the WLAN unit 429 and performs data communication with another device such as the MFP 100. The WLAN unit 429 converts data into packets and sends the packets to another device. In addition, the WLAN unit 429 recovers the original data from the packets from another external device and outputs the data to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for implementing communication in accordance with the WLAN standard. The WLAN unit 429 can operate concurrently in at least two communication modes including a wireless infrastructure mode and a P2P (WLAN) mode. Note that the frequency bands used in these communication modes are subject to hardware function and performance constraints.

[0060] (Access point placement)

[0061] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the AP 101 having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP 101 includes a main board 510 that controls the AP 101 , a wireless LAN unit 516 , a wired LAN unit 518 , and an operation button 520 .

[0062] The CPU 511 in the form of a microprocessor arranged on the main board 510 operates according to the control program stored in the program memory 513 in the form of a ROM connected via the internal bus 512 and the contents of the data memory 514 in the form of a RAM. The CPU 511 performs wireless LAN communication with another communication terminal device by controlling the wireless LAN unit 516 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 515. The CPU 511 performs wired LAN communication with another communication terminal device by controlling the wired LAN unit 518 via the wired LAN communication control unit 517. The CPU 511 can accept an operation from a user via the operation button 520 by controlling the operation unit control circuit 519. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0063] The AP 101 further includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. When wireless communication is performed in a frequency band in which dynamic frequency selection (DFS) is performed, the interference wave detection unit 521 performs interference wave detection processing. When an interference wave is detected while wireless communication is performed in a frequency band in which DFS is performed, the channel change unit 522 performs a change process of a channel used in the case where the channel must be immediately changed to an idle channel.

[0064] Note that AP 102 also has an arrangement similar to that of AP 101 .

[0065] (P2P communication method)

[0066] Next, a P2P (WLAN) communication method in which devices directly communicate with each other wirelessly without intervention of an external access point in WLAN communication will be generally explained. P2P (WLAN) communication can be implemented using a plurality of methods. For example, a communication device supports a plurality of modes for P2P (WLAN) communication, and P2P communication (WLAN) can be performed by selectively using any one of these modes.

[0067] As the P2P mode, the following two modes are assumed:

[0068] Soft AP mode, and

[0069] Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0070] A communication device capable of performing P2P communication may be configured to support at least any one of these modes. However, even a communication device capable of performing P2P communication does not need to support all of these modes, and may be configured to support only some of the modes.

[0071] A communication device (e.g., mobile terminal device 104) having a WFD communication function accepts a user operation via an operation unit and calls an application for (in some cases, dedicated to) realizing the communication function. The communication device may display a user interface (UI) screen provided by the application to prompt the user to operate, and perform WFD communication based on the user operation accepted in response.

[0072] Soft AP mode

[0073] In the soft AP mode, the communication device (e.g., mobile terminal device 104) operates as a client that requests various services. Other communication devices (e.g., MFP 100) operate as a soft AP that can perform WLAN AP functions through software settings. Note that the commands and parameters sent / received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the soft AP are sufficient to be controlled by the client. The commands and parameters are defined by the standard, so their description will be omitted here. The MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel as a master station. The MFP 100 can select which of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz is used as the frequency band, and which frequency channel is used in the frequency band.

[0074] WFD mode

[0075] The MFP 100 can be statically activated as a master station (Autonomous Group Owner) in the WFD mode. In this case, the GO negotiation process for determining the role becomes unnecessary. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and the frequency channel as the master station. The MFP 100 can select which of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz is used as the frequency band, and which frequency channel is used in the frequency band.

[0076] (Wireless Infrastructure Mode)

[0077] In the wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices that communicate with each other (e.g., mobile terminal device 104 and MFP100) are connected to an external AP (e.g., AP 101) that controls the entire network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via the AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network constructed via the external AP. The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP100 respectively discover AP 101, send a connection request to AP 101, connect to AP 101, and enable communication between these communication devices in the wireless infrastructure mode via AP 101. Note that multiple communication devices can be connected to a single AP. In this case, communication between the communication devices becomes possible by transmitting data between APs. Commands and parameters sent / received in communication between communication devices via an access point are sufficient to be controlled by The AP 101 may select which of 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz is used as the frequency band, and which frequency channel is used in the frequency band.

[0078] (Processing Corresponding to Connection Destination Change Request from AP to STA)

[0079] The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are compliant with Wi-Fi Agile Function released to the public. Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables selection of an optimal environment according to the changing conditions of the Wi-Fi network. More specifically, STAs such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as the AP 101 exchange information about the network environment using the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. Through this information exchange, when the network is congested, the AP can induce (change the connection destination) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, or in some cases, to another cellular service.

[0080] Figure 6 1 is a sequence diagram when the MFP 100 changes the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination change request from the AP 101. The processing performed by each device in this sequence is realized by the CPU of each device reading out various programs stored in the memory of each device such as the ROM to the RAM and executing them.

[0081] exist Figure 6In the initial state of the processing in , it is assumed that the MFP 100 establishes a connection with the AP 101 in the wireless infrastructure mode. When the MFP 100 and the AP 101 are connected to each other in the wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 obtains information whether the MFP 100 complies with IEEE 802.11v. If the AP 101 obtains information indicating that the MFP 100 complies with IEEE 802.11v, the following processing is performed.

[0082] In S601, AP 101 sends an inquiry (measurement request) to MFP 100 about the radio field strength of APs around MFP 100. This inquiry including a beacon frame request or a beacon report request may be sent. That is, this request may use a mechanism defined by the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0083] In S602, the MFP 100 receives frames transmitted from surrounding APs according to the request received in S601, and measures the radio field strength. Thus, the radio field strength of each AP including the AP 101 and the AP 102 is measured.

[0084] In S603, the MFP 100 sends a list of radio field strengths of the APs around the MFP 100 measured in S602 as a response to the request received in S601. Note that the radio field strengths as a response may be information stored in the RAM 214 or the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602. This response including a beacon report or a measurement report is sent.

[0085] In S604, the AP 101 determines whether it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100 based on the congestion condition in the network grasped by the AP 101 and the radio field strength received from the MFP 100 in S603. The factors for the AP 101 to determine that it is necessary to switch the connection are, for example, many connected STAs, a large amount of communication, less congestion of another AP, the presence / absence of interfering radio waves, and the stop of the AP function. If it is determined that it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100, and the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP designated as the switching destination of the MFP 100 are decided, the process proceeds to S605.

[0086] In S605, AP 101 sends an AP change request (connection destination switching request) to MFP 100. The connection destination change request includes information of the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP designated as the switching destination of MFP 100 determined in S604. Note that multiple SSIDs can be designated. The connection destination change request is sent as, for example, a BTM request. That is, a BSS transition management (BTM) request frame defined by the IEEE 802.11v standard is sent. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the AP 102 is designated as the switching destination included in the connection destination change request.

[0087] In S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the connection destination change request received in S605, it sends a response indicating approval of the switch to the AP 101. If the MFP 100 does not comply with the connection destination change request, it may send a rejection of the switch as a response. The response is sent as a BTM response. Figure 6 In the example of , assume that a response is sent indicating approval of the handover.

[0088] In S607, the AP 101 and the MFP 100 cancel the connection in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0089] In S608 , the MFP 100 transmits a connection request to the AP 102 in order to connect to the AP 102 specified by the connection destination change request received in S605 .

[0090] In S609 , the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is thus established.

[0091] With this mechanism, the MFP 100 acting as a STA can change the connection destination from the AP 101 to the AP 102 based on the connection destination change request from the AP 101 to which it was initially connected. The AP 101 and the AP 102 may be APs installed in different places. Figure 6 By performing the process of switching the MFP 100 to another AP installed at a different location from that of the AP initially connected, the AP sometimes corresponds to different frequency bands among a plurality of frequency bands (two or three of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands) provided by the same device. Figure 6 By the process of , the MFP 100 can switch to another frequency band provided by the same device as the initially connected AP. For example, the connection destination can be changed to a 6 GHz band AP based on the connection destination change request.

[0092] Note that in the embodiments, an example is given in which a measurement request and a connection destination change request from an AP are sent by a mechanism compliant with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband and the STA responds to them, but some embodiments are not limited thereto. The embodiments are applicable to a case in which the STA responds to a measurement request and a connection destination change request sent from an AP using a mechanism different from the above example and changes the connection destination AP (switches, deletes, or adds an AP serving as a connection destination).

[0093] [First embodiment]

[0094] The STA presents a state in which no problem occurs even when switching APs, and a state in which a problem occurs when switching APs or disconnecting from a connected AP. If the STA receives an AP change request from an AP in a state in which a problem occurs and switches a connection destination AP according to the request, a problem occurs in the STA. If the STA does not satisfy the AP change request in order to avoid generation of a problem, it may disconnect from the connected AP. Even at this time, a problem occurs in the STA.

[0095] For example, when a BTM request from an AP causes an STA to switch a connection destination from a wireless slave terminal when printing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a print job) is performed, if it interrupts reception of print data, this affects the printed material, causing uneven printing, etc. According to an embodiment, when a BTM request from an AP causes an STA to switch a connection destination from a wireless slave terminal when printing is performed, generation of uneven printing, etc. caused by the STA interrupting reception of print data can be prevented.

[0096] Figure 7B 2 is a flowchart of processing corresponding to a connection destination AP switching request when the MFP 100 executes printing. The processing executed by each device in this sequence is realized by the CPU 212 of the MFP 100 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the computer-readable ROM 213 in the MFP 100 to the RAM 214 and executing them.

[0097] exist Figure 7B In the initial state of the processing in , it is assumed that the MFP 100 establishes a connection with the AP 101 in the wireless infrastructure mode. When the MFP 100 and the AP 101 are connected to each other in the wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 obtains information whether the MFP 100 complies with IEEE 802.11v. If the AP 101 obtains information indicating that the MFP 100 complies with IEEE 802.11v, the following processing is performed.

[0098] In step S701, the CPU 212 determines whether an inquiry (measurement request) regarding the radio field strength of the APs around the MFP 100 has been received from the AP 101. This inquiry may include a beacon frame request or a beacon report request, and in this embodiment includes either request. Checking the received radio field strength inquiry in step S701 is equivalent to Figure 6 The query sent from the AP 101 in S601 of FIG. 210. If the CPU 212 determines in step S701 that the query has been received, it proceeds to step S702. If the CPU 212 determines in step S701 that the query has not been received, it proceeds to step S703.

[0099] In step S702, if Figure 6 As described in S602 and S603 of FIG. 1 , the CPU 212 measures the radio field strengths of the APs around the MFP 100 and transmits a list of the radio field strengths of the APs to the AP 101 as a beacon report.

[0100] In step S703, the CPU 212 determines whether a Figure 6 The CPU 212 receives the connection destination AP switching request sent from the AP 101 in S605 of the present invention. If the CPU 212 determines that the connection destination AP switching request has been received, it proceeds to step S705. If the CPU 212 determines that the connection destination AP switching request has not been received, it proceeds to step S704. In step S704, the CPU 212 determines whether the connection with the connected AP 101 is ended. If the CPU 212 determines that the connection with the connected AP 101 is not ended, it returns to step S701. If the CPU 212 determines that the connection with the connected AP 101 is ended, it ends the connection. Figure 7B in the processing.

[0101] In step S705, the CPU 212 determines whether the MFP 100 is receiving print data. If the CPU 212 determines that the MFP 100 is receiving print data, it proceeds to step S706. If the CPU 212 determines that the MFP 100 is not receiving print data, it proceeds to step S707.

[0102] In step S706, the CPU 212 sends back rejection of switching for the switching request from the AP 101, and proceeds to step S704. Note that, in step S706, the CPU 212 may not send back a response to the change request from the AP 101.

[0103] Here, we will refer to Fig. 7A Explain the operation. Fig. 7AThe sequence of a series of printing processes over time in the MFP 100 is shown, in which the MFP 100 receives a print start request, receives print data, starts printing, executes printing by operating the print head, and ends printing. Receipt of a print start request is equivalent to, for example, execution start timing of a print job in the MFP 100. Fig. 7A The period 722 in is a period in which the MFP 100 receives print data, starts printing, and performs printing (outputs printed materials) by operating the print head. If the MFP 100 is in the state of the period 722, it is determined in step S705 that the print data is being received. During the reception of the print data, a part of the print data of the image to be printed has been received from the mobile terminal device 104 acting as a partner device, and the reception of the remaining part of the print data has not been completed. The MFP 100 does not store all the print data to be printed on one sheet. On the contrary, when a part of the print data is received, the MFP 100 prints the received print data (for example, receives a line of print data and prints it), and when subsequent data is received, prints this data. The MFP 100 repeats this process and performs printing.

[0104] In step S707, the CPU 212 determines whether the MFP 100 has received a print start request. More specifically, the CPU 212 may store a flag indicating that a print start request has been received in a predetermined storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory, and make the determination in step S707 based on the presence / absence of the flag. If the CPU 212 determines that the MFP 100 has received a print start request, it proceeds to step S708. If the CPU 212 determines that the MFP 100 has not received a print start request, it proceeds to step S709.

[0105] In the case where the MFP 100 has received setting information and the like according to the execution of the print job but has not yet started printing triggered by the reception of the print data, Fig. 7A In the state of the period 721 in step S707, it is determined that a print start request has been received. In step S708, the CPU 212 delays (pauses) the reception of the print data. More specifically, the CPU 212 temporarily stops processing immediately before the reception of the print data, and stores a flag indicating that the reception of the print data has been delayed and the data received in the print job in a predetermined storage area of ​​the non-volatile memory. After step S708, the CPU 212 proceeds to step S709.

[0106] In step S709, the CPU 212 sends back approval of switching of the connection destination AP to the AP 101, and proceeds to step S710. Step S709 is equivalent to Figure 6In step S710, the CPU 212 cancels the connection with the AP 101 in the wireless infrastructure mode and proceeds to step S711. Step S710 is equivalent to Figure 6 In step S711, the CPU 212 starts connection with the recommended AP 102 according to the switching request from the connection destination AP, and proceeds to step S712.

[0107] In step S712, the CPU 212 determines whether the connection with the AP 102 is completed. The CPU 212 repeats step S712 until it determines that the connection with the AP 102 is completed. If the CPU 212 determines that the connection with the AP 102 is completed, it proceeds to step S713. In step S713, the CPU 212 determines whether a flag indicating that the reception of the print data has been delayed is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory. If the CPU 212 determines that the flag indicating that the reception of the print data has been delayed is stored, it proceeds to step S714. If the CPU 212 determines that the flag indicating that the reception of the print data has been delayed is not stored, it proceeds to step S704.

[0108] When the MFP 100 is in Fig. 7A In step S708, a flag indicating that the reception of the print data has been delayed is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory. In this case, in step S714, the CPU 212 starts delayed (paused) reception of the print data. After starting the reception of the print data, the MFP 100 changes to Fig. 7A In this way, when the connection with AP 102 is completed, the reception of print data starts. Since the communication state is more stable than when MFP 100 is connected to AP 101 before switching, printing in a more stable communication state can be achieved. After step S714, CPU 212 proceeds to step S704.

[0109] Note that, upon completion of the reception of print data, the CPU 212 may erase the flag indicating that the reception of print data has been delayed, which is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory. When a print start request is received, a flag indicating that the print start request has been received may be stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory. After the reception of print data is started, the flag indicating that the print start request has been received, which is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the nonvolatile memory, may be erased. With this arrangement, when the reception of print data is completed, the flag indicating that the print start request has been received may be erased. Fig. 7AWhen a connection destination switching request is received in period 723 of step S705, the process advances from "No" in step S705 to "No" in step S707, and approval of the switching of the connection is sent back to the AP 101 in step S709. In this case, "No" is determined in step S713. Note that period 723 includes a state in which the reception of print data is completed and the print head is operating (printed material is being output).

[0110] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A processing sequence of the MFP 100 according to the embodiment is described in detail.

[0111] Figure 8 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a sequence when the MFP 100 refuses to switch from the AP 101 to the AP 102 with respect to a connection destination AP switching request from the AP 101 while the MFP 100 is executing printing according to the embodiment. The terminal device 801 corresponds to Figure 1 The user operates the application installed in the terminal device 801 to send a print command or print data to the MFP 100 via the network to which the AP 101 belongs. The data control unit 802 is a print data control unit in the MFP 100, receives a print command or print data, and controls the execution of a print job. The print execution unit 804 is a print execution unit in the MFP 100, and executes printing including control of an engine required to convey a print medium and control of a print head required to discharge ink according to an instruction from the data control unit 802. The print execution unit 804 includes a sheet feeding unit 223 and a printing unit 222.

[0112] In addition, S601, S602, S603, S604 and S605 are Figure 6 That is, in these steps, the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination AP switching request from the AP 101 based on the premise of the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband specification.

[0113] In this example, after S604, S805 is executed. In S805, the data control unit 802 receives a print start request from the terminal device 801. This corresponds to Fig. 7AIn S807, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804. In S808, the data control unit 802 sends a print start response back to the terminal device 801. In S809, the data control unit 802 starts receiving print data from the terminal device 801. In S811, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804.

[0114] In this example, in S605, the MFP 100 receives a request to switch from the AP 101 to the AP 102. In S812, the MFP 100 makes a response determination for the received switching request. In S812, the data control unit 802 determines which of approval and rejection is sent back for the switching request. Since the print data is being received, the data control unit 802 determines the response of the AP 101 to the AP 102. Figure 7B The flowchart of FIG. 1 determines in step S706 that a rejection is sent back. In S817, the MFP 100 sends a rejection of the switching back to the AP 101 as a response.

[0115] When the reception of the print data is completed in the MFP 100, in S814, the data control unit 802 sends back a print data reception completion response to the terminal device 801. Then, in S815, the print execution unit 804 sends back a print completion response to the data control unit 802 at the timing of the print operation completion. In S816, the data control unit 802 sends back a print completion response to the terminal device 801, and ends the print job.

[0116] The MFP 100 rejects the switching request from the AP 101 when receiving print data. This can prevent the occurrence of uneven printing or the like due to interruption of print data during printing caused by switching of connection.

[0117] Fig. 9 1 is a sequence chart showing an example of a sequence when the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to a connection destination AP switching request from the AP 101 while the MFP 100 is executing printing according to the embodiment.

[0118] S601, S602, S603, S604, S605, S606, S607, S608 and S609 and Figure 6 That is, in these steps, the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination AP switching request from the AP 101 based on the premise of the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband specification.

[0119] S805, S807, S808, S809, S811, S814, S815 and S816 Figure 8 In S805, the terminal device 801 sends a print start request to the data control unit 802. In S807, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804. In S808, the data control unit 802 sends a print start response back to the terminal device 801.

[0120] In this example, after S808, S605 is executed. In S605, AP 101 sends a request to switch to AP 102 to MFP 100. MFP 100 makes a response determination for the received switching request in S912. In S912, data control unit 802 determines which of approval and rejection is sent back for the switching request. Since print data is not being received, data control unit 802 determines the response of AP 102 according to the received switching request. Figure 7B The flowchart determines in step S709 that the approval is sent back.

[0121] In S606, MFP 100 sends a response indicating approval of switching to AP 101 in order to satisfy the connection destination AP switching request received in S605 (first processing). The response is sent as a BTM response. In S607, the connection between AP 101 and MFP 100 in the wireless infrastructure mode is canceled. In S608, the data control unit 802 sends a connection request to AP 102 to connect to the AP 102 specified by the connection destination AP switching request received in S605. As a result, in S609, the connection between MFP 100 and AP 102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is established.

[0122] Note that when the connection request is sent to the AP 102 in S608, the data control unit 802 may request the AP 102 to assign the IP address currently assigned to the MFP 100 from the AP 102 to the MFP 100. That is, the data control unit 802 requests the AP 102 to assign the IP address assigned to the MFP 100 by the AP 101 to the MFP 100 using the DHCP function through the AP 102 (second process). The terminal device 801 may use the same IP address to access the MFP 100 before and after the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP. Alternatively, before canceling the connection with the AP 101 in S607, the data control unit 802 may request the terminal device 801 via the AP 101 for a designation process of the IP address of the MFP 100 after the connection destination is changed based on at least any one of the domain name and model specific information (model name, model number, manufacturing number, etc.) of the MFP 100 (third process). Therefore, the terminal device 801 can access the MFP 100 before and after the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP. That is, when the connection destination is changed based on the change request, the MFP 100 controls to execute at least one of the following three processes (a plurality of processes may be executed):

[0123] A first process of transmitting a response indicating approval of a connection request via an access point connected before a change of a connection destination;

[0124] A second process of requesting an IP address used in connection with a connected access point even after a change in a connection destination access point; and

[0125] A third process of requesting the partner device terminal via the connected access point to specify the IP address of the MFP 100 after the change of the connection destination based on the domain name of the MFP 100 and the device-specific information.

[0126] In S809, the data control unit 802 receives print data from the terminal device 801. In this example, the print data is received via the AP 102 to which the connection is established. In S811, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804. In S814, the data control unit 802 sends a data reception completion response back to the AP 101 at the timing when the reception of the print data is completed. Thereafter, in S815, the print execution unit 804 sends a print completion response back to the data control unit 802 at the timing when the print operation is completed. In S816, the data control unit 802 sends a print completion response back to the terminal device 801, and ends the print job.

[0127] In this way, MFP 100 performs switching of the connection before it starts receiving print data. This can reduce the possibility of interrupting the print data being received due to a conflict with the connection switching process. As a result, the generation of uneven printing, etc. caused by the interruption of the print data during printing can be prevented.

[0128] Fig.10 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a sequence when the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to a connection destination switching request from the AP 101 while the MFP 100 is executing printing according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 The difference is that in Fig. 9 In the example, the switching request from the AP 101 is sent in S605 before receiving the print data, and in the example, the switching request from the AP 101 is sent in S605. Fig.10 When receiving the print data is completed, a switching request is sent in S605.

[0129] S601, S602, S603, S604, S605, S606, S607, S608 and S609 and Figure 6 That is, in these steps, the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination switching request from the AP 101 based on the premise of the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband specification.

[0130] S805, S807, S808, S809, S811, S814, S815 and S816 Figure 8 In S805, the terminal device 801 sends a print start request to the data control unit 802. In S807, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804. In S808, the data control unit 802 sends a print start response back to the terminal device 801.

[0131] In S809, the data control unit 802 receives print data from the terminal device 801. In S811, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804. In S814, the data control unit 802 sends a data reception completion response back to the terminal device 801. In S815, the print execution unit 804 sends a print completion response back to the data control unit 802 at the timing of the print operation completion. In S816, the data control unit 802 sends a print completion response back to the terminal device 801 and ends the print job.

[0132] Thereafter, in this example, the AP 101 transmits a request to switch to the AP 102 to the MFP 100 in S605. The data control unit 802 performs a response determination for the received switching request in S1012. In S1012, the data control unit 802 determines which of approval and rejection is to be sent back for the switching request. Since print data is not being received, the data control unit 802 determines the response to the received switching request in accordance with the received switching request. Figure 7B The flowchart of determines in step S709 to send back approval. In S606, the data control unit 802 sends a response indicating approval of the switch to AP 101 in order to satisfy the connection destination AP switch request received in S605. The response is sent as a BTM response. In S607, the connection between AP 101 and MFP 100 in the wireless infrastructure mode is canceled. In S608, the data control unit 802 sends a connection request to AP 102 to connect to AP 102 specified by the connection destination AP switch request received in S605. Therefore, in S609, the connection between MFP 100 and AP102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is established.

[0133] In this way, the MFP 100 performs switching of the connection when the reception of the print data is completed. This can reduce the possibility of interrupting the print data being received due to a conflict with the connection switching process. Therefore, the generation of uneven printing, etc. caused by the interruption of the print data during printing can be prevented.

[0134] [Second embodiment]

[0135] The second embodiment will be explained regarding the differences from the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, in addition to determining whether print data is being received in the first embodiment, determining a response to a connection destination AP switching request using a deny list and a security list is performed.

[0136] The reject list holds conditions for rejecting switching of the connection destination AP and not executing the switching as a list. The reject list in the embodiment holds conditions such as the operation state of the printer and whether a specific print job is being executed as a list. The security list holds conditions for always executing switching of the connection destination AP as a list. The security list in the embodiment holds conditions such as the operation state of the printer, the type of received job, the type of medium used for printing, and the type of ink used for printing as a list.

[0137] Specific examples (conditions) of the deny list and the safe list will be listed.

[0138] [Example of conditions defined in a deny list]

[0139] Condition: Immediately after activation of the MFP 100, a process of connecting to an AP and an operation other than the connection process may conflict with each other.

[0140] Examples of a case where this condition is satisfied are a case where a connection destination AP switching request is transmitted from the AP 101 when the MFP 100 is activated without waiting until the time when the MFP 100 becomes idle, and a case where the occupancy rate of the CPU 212 increases to a certain degree or higher due to another process related to the activation. Another example is a case where the usage rate of the RAM 214, the nonvolatile memory 215, etc. increases to a certain degree or higher due to another process related to the activation. When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 rejects the switching of the connection destination AP in order to realize safe switching in the system.

[0141] Condition: The MFP 100 is starting the stop process.

[0142] After the stop process, the MFP 100 stops and cannot be connected, and thus cannot perform switching of the connection destination AP. When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 rejects switching of the connection destination AP.

[0143] Condition: Upon receiving a specific job (print start request), the MFP 100 checks the ID and type of the print job, and the ID and type coincide with predetermined ones.

[0144] When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 always rejects the switching of the connection destination AP. In the first embodiment, the switching of the connection destination AP is rejected when print data is being received. In the second embodiment, this condition may be defined as rejecting the switching of the connection destination AP in response to a request to execute a specific print job as a trigger (e.g., reception of a print start request).

[0145] Conditions other than the above conditions may be defined in the rejection list. For example, a condition that the communication speed cannot be expected to be improved after the switching of the connection destination AP may be defined.

[0146] [Example of conditions defined in a security list]

[0147] Condition: A printing error occurred.

[0148] When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 approves the switching of the connection destination AP even in a state where the MFP 100 receives a part of the print data and has not completed the reception of the remaining print data. The reception of the print data is interrupted due to the generation of an error. Therefore, in the switching of the connection destination AP, the interruption of the print data does not occur first, and the switching of the connection destination AP can be performed.

[0149] Condition: The print job has been canceled.

[0150] When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 approves the switching of the connection destination AP even in a state where the MFP 100 receives a part of the print data and has not completed the reception of the remaining print data. If the print cancel operation has been performed, the reception of the remaining data itself is unnecessary. In the switching of the connection destination AP, the interruption of the print data does not occur first, and the switching of the connection destination AP can be performed.

[0151] Condition: The print media is of a predetermined type.

[0152] When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 approves the switching of the connection destination AP even in a state where the MFP 100 receives a part of the print data and has not completed the reception of the remaining print data. In some cases, even if the reception of the print data is slightly interrupted, there is no problem in the image formation quality depending on the type of the print medium. For example, this corresponds to a case where the image quality is important for glossy paper and photo paper, while the interruption of the print data is allowed to a certain extent for plain paper / postcards.

[0153] Condition: The ink is of a predetermined type.

[0154] When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 approves the switching of the connection destination AP. In some cases, even if the reception of the print data is slightly interrupted, there is no problem in the image formation quality depending on the type of the printing material such as ink. For example, this corresponds to a case where the interruption of the print data is allowed to a certain extent for ink that dries quickly.

[0155] Conditions: For media and inks other than those described above, there are settings for color or monochrome, whether text printing, and whether high-quality printing mode.

[0156] When this condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 approves the switching of the connection destination AP. For example, this corresponds to a case where the quality of monochrome image formation does not need to be as high as the quality of color image formation. In this case, the condition of performing monochrome printing is added to the security list. In addition, for example, the condition that printing is text printing and the condition that the printing mode is not a high-quality printing mode are added to the security list.

[0157] Conditions other than the above conditions may be defined in the security list. For example, a condition that the communication speed is expected to increase after switching of the connection destination AP may be defined.

[0158] Reference Figure 7B A process of using both a deny list and a safe list according to an embodiment is explained.

[0159] If it is determined in step S705 that print data is not being received, the CPU 212 determines whether the state of the MFP 100 satisfies the conditions defined in the reject list. If the CPU 212 determines that the state of the MFP 100 does not satisfy the conditions of the reject list, it proceeds to step S707. If the CPU 212 determines that the state of the MFP 100 satisfies the conditions of the reject list, it determines whether the state of the MFP 100 satisfies the conditions defined in the security list. If the CPU 212 determines that the state of the MFP 100 satisfies the conditions of the security list, it proceeds to step S707. If the CPU 212 determines that the state of the MFP 100 does not satisfy the conditions of the security list, it proceeds to step S706.

[0160] As described above, according to the embodiment, when it is determined that print data is not being received, it is determined whether the status of MFP 100 satisfies the conditions of the deny list before sending back approval of switching. When it is determined that print data is being received, it is determined whether the status of MFP 100 satisfies the conditions of the security list before sending back rejection of switching.

[0161] In the determination of the deny list or the determination of the safe list, when each condition is satisfied, a reply of switching of the connection may be performed by referring to the value of the flag dynamically set in the MFP 100 .

[0162] [Third embodiment]

[0163] The third embodiment will be explained regarding differences from the first and second embodiments. Fig.11 1 is a sequence chart showing an example of a sequence when the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to a connection destination AP switching request from the AP 101 while the MFP 100 is executing printing according to the embodiment.

[0164] S601, S602, S603, S604, S605, S606, S607, S608 and S609 and Figure 6 That is, in these steps, the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination switching request from the AP 101 based on the premise of the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband specification.

[0165] S805, S807, S808, S809, S811, S814, S815 and S816 Figure 8In S805, the terminal device 801 sends a print start request to the data control unit 802. In S807, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804.

[0166] In S605, the AP 101 sends a request to switch to the AP 102 to the MFP 100. In S1112, the data control unit 802 performs a response determination for the received switching request. In S1112, the data control unit 802 determines which of approval and rejection is sent back for the switching request. Since no print data is being received, the data control unit 802 determines the response of the received switching request according to the received switching request. Figure 7B The flowchart determines in step S709 that the approval is sent back.

[0167] In this example, it is assumed that the MFP 100 receives the switching request in S605 and the print start request in S805 at almost the same timing. Therefore, the MFP 100 controls to shift these timings from each other so as not to interrupt the reception of the print data and not to perform data reception and connection switching at the same time. In order to shift the timing, the data control unit 802 determines to delay sending the response to the print start request after switching the connection destination AP. More specifically, after receiving the print start request in S805, the print start response is not sent back until the MFP 100 is connected to the AP 102 in S609.

[0168] In S606, the data control unit 802 sends a response indicating approval of the switching to the AP 101 in order to satisfy the connection destination AP switching request received in S605. The response is sent as a BTM response. In S607, the connection between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 in the wireless infrastructure mode is canceled. In S608, the data control unit 802 sends a connection request to the AP 102 to connect to the AP 102 specified by the connection destination AP switching request received in S605. Therefore, in S609, the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is established.

[0169] After the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 is established in the wireless infrastructure mode, the data control unit 802 sends back a print start response to the terminal device 801 in S1108 .

[0170] In S809, the data control unit 802 receives print data from the terminal device 801. In S811, the data control unit 802 sends a print start request to the print execution unit 804. In S814, the data control unit 802 sends a data reception completion response back to the terminal device 801. Thereafter, in S815, the print execution unit 804 sends a print completion response back to the data control unit 802 at the timing of the print operation completion. In S816, the data control unit 802 sends a print completion response back to the terminal device 801, and ends the print job.

[0171] In this way, the MFP 100 performs switching of the connection destination AP before receiving the print data, so the print data being received is not interrupted. This can prevent the occurrence of uneven printing or the like caused by interruption of the print data during printing due to switching of the connection destination AP.

[0172] Fig.12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a sequence when the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP according to a connection destination AP switching request while pattern printing in the maintenance function is being executed. Pattern printing is printing that performs test printing of a fixed pattern and checks the print head and ink discharge quality.

[0173] The maintenance execution unit 1204 is an execution unit of a maintenance function in the MFP 100, and performs cleaning of a print head or the like or performs printing of pattern data stored in the MFP 100. In the embodiment, the maintenance execution unit 1204 performs pattern printing. The pattern data of the pattern printing is not obtained from an external device through data communication, but is stored in a storage medium (such as a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory) in the MFP 100.

[0174] S601, S602, S603, S604, S605, S606, S607, S608 and S609 and Figure 6 That is, in these steps, the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination switching request from the AP 101 based on the premise of the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband specification.

[0175] In S1205, the data control unit 802 starts maintenance printing. The trigger for starting maintenance printing is, for example, based on automatic execution of scheduled maintenance or user operation of the MFP 100. In S1207, the data control unit 802 sends a maintenance printing start request to the maintenance printing execution unit 1204.

[0176] In S605, AP 101 sends a request for switching to AP 102 to MFP 100. In S1212, the data control unit 802 performs a response determination for the received switching request. In S1212, the data control unit 802 determines which of approval and rejection is sent back for the switching request. In this example, MFP 100 is performing maintenance printing at this time. Since it is not necessary to obtain print data from the outside through data communication in maintenance printing, the data control unit 802 always determines approval of switching for the connection destination AP switching request received during maintenance printing.

[0177] In S606, the data control unit 802 sends a response indicating approval of the switch to the AP 101 in order to satisfy the connection destination AP switch request received in S605. The response is sent as a BTM response. In S607, the connection between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 in the wireless infrastructure mode is canceled. In S608, the data control unit 802 sends a connection request to the AP 102 to connect to the AP 102 specified by the connection destination AP switch request received in S605. Therefore, in S609, the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is established. Then, in S1215, the maintenance print execution unit 1204 sends the completion of the maintenance print to the data control unit 802.

[0178] In this way, when performing maintenance printing in cleaning (maintenance of the print head) etc., data in the main body of the MFP 100 is used without accompanying data communication with an external terminal. Therefore, a connection destination AP switching request from the AP 101 is always approved.

[0179] In each of the above-described embodiments, a connection destination AP switching request is rejected during reception of print data. However, for a connection destination AP switching request received not only during reception of print data but also during execution of a job, rejection of switching may be sent back. Note that “during execution of a job” is, for example, from reception of a print start request or transmission of a print start response until transmission of a print completion response.

[0180] In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to the MFP 100 has been described. However, some embodiments are not limited to this arrangement example, and may be applied to a wireless device serving as a STA capable of performing processing corresponding to a connection destination AP switching request. The execution of printing in each embodiment can also be performed from a personal computer, and further, can also be performed from a device such as a PDA, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a smart watch that serves as a mobile terminal device. The printing in each embodiment is not only printing via a device, but also printing performed on arbitrary data in a network, such as cloud printing.

[0181] Note that in the above-described embodiment, an example has been explained in which the STA (e.g., MFP 100) changes the connection destination AP based on the connection destination change request received from the connected AP (e.g., AP 101). It can also be controlled that even if the STA does not receive a connection destination change request from the AP, and if the STA satisfies a specific switching condition, the STA actively determines to switch the connection destination AP, and switches the connection destination AP. The specific switching condition is, for example, a decrease in the radio field strength of the connected AP. For example, the radio field strength of the connected AP is measured, and if a predetermined condition indicating that the radio field strength of the connected AP becomes weak is satisfied, the STA actively determines to switch the connection destination AP. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the radio field strength of the connected AP becomes lower than a threshold, that the state in which the radio field strength of the connected AP becomes lower than a threshold continues for a predetermined time, or that the average value of the radio field strength of the connected AP in a specific period becomes lower than a threshold. When the STA determines to switch the connection destination AP, it searches for an AP (AP search), and decides an AP different from the currently connected AP among the APs detected by the AP search as a switching target AP serving as a connection destination after switching, cancels the connection with the connected AP, and switches the connection destination to the switching target AP. Alternatively, the AP after switching may be added and connected without canceling the connection with the connected AP. Even such active switching control of the connection destination AP by the STA may be suppressed based on a condition similar to the condition for switching the connection destination AP based on the change request described above. More specifically, even if the above-mentioned specific switching condition is satisfied, switching (changing) of the connection destination AP is controlled not to be performed during reception of print data, or switching (changing) of the connection destination AP is suppressed.

[0182] Note that the above-described various control operations performed by the MFP 100 in the above-described embodiment may be performed by one piece of hardware, or control of the entire apparatus may be performed by sharing processing among a plurality of hardware units (eg, a plurality of processors or circuits).

[0183] Although the present disclosure has described the exemplary embodiments in detail, some embodiments are not limited to these specific embodiments and also include various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely embodiments of the present disclosure and can be appropriately combined.

[0184] In the above-mentioned embodiments, an example applied to the MFP 100 has been described. However, some embodiments are not limited to this example, and some may be applied to a wireless device having multiple operation modes and serving as a STA capable of performing processing corresponding to a connection destination change request from an AP. That is, some embodiments may be applied to personal computers, PDAs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals such as smart phones, music players, game devices, e-book readers, smart watches, and various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. Some embodiments may be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, web cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. Some embodiments may be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN slave devices (adapters) that can be connected to a USB terminal or a LAN cable terminal. The video output device includes obtaining (downloading) a movie on the Internet indicated by a URL specified by the slave electronic device and outputting it to a network device such as a wireless device connected to a wireless network. The video output device also includes a display device connected to a video output terminal of the display device to realize streaming playback on the display device, and a device that realizes mirror display (in which the content displayed on the electronic device is also displayed on the display device). Video output devices also include media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors) and marking devices. Some embodiments may even be applied to Wi-Fi-connectable devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting equipment, heating equipment and cooling equipment.

[0185] Other embodiments

[0186] Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading out and executing computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and by a computer of the system or device, for example, reading out and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute computer executable instructions. Computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)) TM ), one or more of a flash memory device, a memory card, etc.

[0187] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0188] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive a change request of an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a print control unit configured to control to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and to print the print data; as well as a control unit configured to control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, the first state not being a state in which the print data is received from the other device, and In a second state in which a part of the print data is received from the another device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed, control is performed so as not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control unit receives a print start request before starting reception of the print data, and The first status includes a status in which reception of the print data has not started and the print start request has been received. 3 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first status includes a status in which reception of the print data is completed and a printed material is being output. 4 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs control so as not to perform a change of the connection destination based on the change request during execution of a job corresponding to the print data. 5 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the first state includes a state in which printing based on second print data which does not need to be received from the another device is being performed.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printing based on the second print data is maintenance printing.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the print data is received from the other device via wireless communication.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a specific condition for executing the change of the connection destination is satisfied, the control unit performs control to execute the change of the connection destination based on the change request even in the second state.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific condition includes a condition in which an error occurs with execution of a job based on the print data.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific condition includes a condition that a job based on the print data is canceled.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific condition includes a condition for making a predetermined setting in printing based on the print data.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined setting is a setting for a predetermined type of at least one of a print medium and a print material. 13 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a device capable of performing an operation corresponding to at least one of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT).

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a device capable of operating in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax. 15 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein in a case where the control unit performs control to perform a change of the connection destination based on the change request, the control unit performs control to perform a change to an access point of a 6 GHz frequency band.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when performing the change of the connection destination based on the change request, the control unit controls to perform at least one of the following: a first process of transmitting a response indicating approval of the change request via the connected access point connected before the change of the connection destination, a second process of requesting an IP address used in connection with the connected access point even after a change of the connection destination access point, and A third process of requesting, via the connected access point, a process of specifying an IP address of the electronic device after the change of the connection destination based on the domain name of the electronic device and device-specific information.

17. An electronic device control method, the electronic device control method being executed in an electronic device, the method comprising: receiving, from the connected access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; controlling to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and print the print data; performing control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, the first state not being a state in which the print data is received from the other device; as well as In a second state in which a part of the print data is received from the another device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed, control is performed so as not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program being configured to cause a computer to function as: a receiving unit configured to receive a change request of an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a print control unit configured to control to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and to print the print data; as well as a control unit configured to control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, the first state not being a state in which the print data is received from the other device, and In a second state in which a part of the print data is received from the another device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed, control is performed so as not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request.

19. A computer program product configured to cause a computer to: a receiving unit configured to receive a change request of an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; a print control unit configured to control to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and to print the print data; as well as a control unit configured to control to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request in a first state, the first state not being a state in which the print data is received from the other device, and In a second state in which a part of the print data is received from the another device and reception of the remaining print data is not completed, control is performed so as not to execute a change of the connection destination based on the change request.

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