Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives a first trigger frame from an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus while enabling a first mode, the first trigger frame comprises information related to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) conforming to an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard; a communication unit that performs communication processing in the first mode by OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard on the basis of information relating to the first trigger frame; and a control unit capable of controlling the image forming apparatus in such a manner that the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is not performed in wireless communication in the second mode on the basis of the second mode that is being enabled, even if the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode, in a case where the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-19487 discusses a technology that enables an image forming apparatus to simultaneously perform wireless communication in an infrastructure mode via an access point and wireless communication in an ad hoc mode.

[0003] Reference List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-19487 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In recent years, wireless communication has been used in various situations, and there is a demand for providing wireless communication with high convenience.

[0008] Problem Solution

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus includes: a first setting unit, the first setting unit enabling a first mode, in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point set outside the image forming apparatus; a second setting unit, the second setting unit enabling a second mode, in which wireless communication is not performed via the external access point set outside the image forming apparatus; a receiving unit, the receiving unit receiving a first trigger frame from the external access point set outside the image forming apparatus while enabling the first mode, the first trigger frame including information related to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) compliant with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE 802.11 standard; a communication unit, the communication unit performing communication processing in the first mode through the OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard based on the information related to the first trigger frame; and a control unit, the control unit enabling the communication processing in the first mode even if the communication processing in the first mode is enabled in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. In the case of the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard, it is also possible, based on the second mode being enabled, to control the image forming device in a manner that does not execute the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard in the wireless communication of the second mode; and a printing processing unit that performs printing processing on a sheet based on a print job received through wireless communication via the first mode or wireless communication via the second mode.

[0010] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, wireless communication with high convenience can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0013] [ Figure 2A ] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal.

[0014] [ Figure 2B ] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0015] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an access point.

[0016] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication processing.

[0017] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration.

[0018] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration.

[0019] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a subchannel configuration.

[0020] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication processing.

[0021] [ Fig. 9A ] Fig. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen.

[0022] [ Fig. 9B ] Fig. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen.

[0023] [ Fig. 9C ] Fig. 9C is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen.

[0024] [ Fig.9D ] Fig.9D is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen.

[0025] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 A diagram illustrating a flowchart related to processing of the image forming apparatus.

[0026] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 A diagram illustrating a flowchart related to processing of the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and it should be noted that unless otherwise specified, specific examples of components, processing steps, and display screens are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0028] [First exemplary embodiment]

[0029] (System Configuration)

[0030] Figure 1 The configuration example of the system according to the present exemplary embodiment is illustrated. 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 shown in , the system includes an access point 131, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 151, and a mobile terminal 101. In addition, an example of the mobile terminal 101 is a personal notebook computer or a smart phone.

[0031] The MFP 151 has a printing function, a reading function (scanner), a fax function, and the like. In addition, the MFP 151 according to the present exemplary embodiment also has a communication function capable of wirelessly communicating with the mobile terminal 101. In the present exemplary embodiment, a case where the MFP 151 is used as an example will be described, but the device is not limited thereto. For example, a fax device, a scanner, a projector, or a single-function printing device may be used instead of the MFP 151. MFP stands for multifunction peripheral. In the present exemplary embodiment, in some cases, a device having a printing function may be referred to as an image forming device.

[0032] The access point 131 is provided separately from the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151 (outside thereof), and operates as a base station device of a wireless local area network (WLAN). In addition, the access point 131 is sometimes described as an external access point 131 or an external wireless base station (or an external main station). The MFP 151 having a WLAN communication function can communicate in an infrastructure mode of the WLAN via the access point 131. In addition, the access point is sometimes referred to as an "AP" hereinafter. In addition, the infrastructure mode is sometimes referred to as a "wireless infrastructure mode" or "infrastructure mode".

[0033] The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the MFP 151 communicates with different devices via an external device (e.g., AP 131) that forms a network. The connection with the external AP established by the MFP 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as an infrastructure connection). In the infrastructure connection in the present exemplary embodiment, the MFP 151 operates as a slave station and the external AP 131 operates as a master station. In the present exemplary embodiment, the master station is a device that forms a network and determines a communication channel used in the network. In addition, the slave station is a device that does not determine the communication channel used in the network to which the slave station belongs and performs wireless communication in the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0034] The AP 131 wirelessly communicates with a communication device (authenticated) that is allowed to connect to the AP 131, and relays wireless communication between the communication device and a different communication device. In addition, the AP 131 is connected to a wired communication network, for example, and can relay communication performed between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and a different communication device wirelessly connected to the access point 131.

[0035] Using the WLAN communication function included in the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151, the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151 can perform wireless communication in a wireless infrastructure mode via an external AP 131, or perform wireless communication in a point-to-point mode without involving the external AP 131. Hereinafter, point-to-point is referred to as "P2P". Alternatively, communication performed without involving the external AP 131 is sometimes referred to as direct wireless communication. P2P modes include Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) and software AP mode. Hereinafter, Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) is sometimes referred to as WFD. P2P mode may also be referred to as communication that complies with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards.

[0036] The P2P mode refers to a mode in which the MFP 151 directly communicates with different devices such as the mobile terminal 101 without involving an external device that forms a network. In the present exemplary embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the MFP 151 operates as an AP. The AP connection information (service set identifier (SSID) or password) to be enabled in the MFP 151 when the MFP 151 operates in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, the P2P mode may include a WFD mode in which the MFP 151 communicates via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). For example, a device to be operated as a master station is determined from a plurality of WFD supporting devices according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. Another option is that the master station can be determined without performing the group owner negotiation. Specifically, a device that serves as a WFD supporting device and acts as a master station is referred to as a group owner (GO). A direct connection with different devices established by the MFP 151 operating in the P2P mode is referred to as a direct connection. In the direct connection in the present exemplary embodiment, the MFP 151 operates as a master and a different device (mobile terminal 101 or the like) operates as a slave.

[0037] Next, we will refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present exemplary embodiment and a communication device that can communicate with the mobile terminal according to the present exemplary embodiment are described. In the present exemplary embodiment, the following configuration will be used as an example for description, but since the present exemplary embodiment can be applied to a device that can communicate with the communication device, the function is not specifically limited to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The functionality shown in .

[0038] The mobile terminal 101 includes an input interface 102, a central processing unit (CPU) 103, a read-only memory (ROM) 104, a random access memory (RAM) 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a keyboard 109, a communication unit 110, a near field communication unit 111, a network interface 112, and a universal serial bus (USB) interface 113. The computer of the mobile terminal 101 is composed of the CPU 103, the ROM 104, and the RAM 105.

[0039] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user by operating an operation unit such as the keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard or physical buttons, or a software keyboard or software buttons displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 can receive input (operation) from the user via the display unit 108.

[0040] The CPU 103 is a system control unit and controls the entire mobile terminal 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as a control program, a data table, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") program to be executed by the CPU 103. In the present exemplary embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, or interrupt processing under the control of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0041] The RAM 105 includes a static random access memory (SRAM) that requires a backup power supply. Since data is retained in the RAM 105 by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), the RAM 105 can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 105 is also provided with a storage area for storing setting information of the mobile terminal 101 and management data of the mobile terminal 101. The RAM 105 is also used as a main memory and a working memory of the CPU 103.

[0042] The external storage device 106 stores, for example, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 115. The output interface 107 is an interface for controlling the display unit 108 to perform data display and status notification of the mobile terminal 101.

[0043] The display unit 108 includes a light emitting diode (LED) and a liquid crystal display (LCD), and performs data display and status notification of the mobile terminal 101. The communication unit 110 is a component for connecting devices such as the MFP 151 and the access point (AP) 131 and performing data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can be connected to an internal AP (not shown) in the MFP 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 and the internal AP in the MFP 151 to each other, the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151 can perform P2P communication. The communication unit 110 can communicate directly with the MFP 151 via wireless communication, and can also communicate with the MFP 151 via an external device such as the AP 131 that exists outside the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151. The external device includes an external AP (AP 131, etc.) that exists outside the mobile terminal 101 and outside the MFP 151, and a device that can relay communication other than the AP. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless communication method to be used by the communication unit 110 is Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (registered trademark) which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. Examples of the AP 131 include devices such as wireless LAN routers.

[0044] The near field communication unit 111 is a component for making a short-range wireless connection with a device such as the MFP 151 and performing data communication, and communicates using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. For example, the near field communication unit 111 may be connected with the near field communication unit 157 in the MFP 151. Examples of the communication method include near field communication (NFC), classic Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi aware.

[0045] The network interface 112 is a connection interface (I / F) that controls wireless communication and communication processing performed via a wired LAN cable.

[0046] The USB interface 113 is a connection I / F that controls a USB connection established via a USB cable. Specifically, the USB interface 113 is an interface for connecting with devices such as the MFP 151 and the external AP 131 via USB and performing data communication.

[0047] Next, the MFP 151 will be described. The MFP 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a near field communication unit 157, an input interface 158, an operation unit 159, an output interface 160, a display unit 161, a network interface 162, and a USB interface 163. The computer of the MFP 151 is composed of the ROM 152, the RAM 153, and the CPU 154.

[0048] The communication unit 156 controls communication processing performed via each interface. For example, as a mode of communication using the communication unit 156, the MFP 151 can operate in an infrastructure mode and a peer-to-peer (P2P) mode.

[0049] Specifically, the communication unit 156 can operate as an internal AP in the MFP 151. For example, by the user issuing an instruction to activate the internal AP, the MFP 151 operates as an AP. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless communication method to be used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard that complies with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. In the following description, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) is a communication standard that complies with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. The communication unit 156 may include hardware that functions as an AP, or may operate as an AP by software (operate in software AP mode) so that the communication unit 156 functions as an AP. In the case where the communication unit 156 operates as a master station, the communication unit 156 may simultaneously maintain a P2P wireless connection with a predetermined number or less (e.g., 3 or less) of slave station devices. The communication unit 156 may perform wireless communication using a frequency band selected from 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0050] The near field communication unit 157 is a component for short-range wireless connection with a device such as the mobile terminal 101, and may be connected with the near field communication unit 111 in the mobile terminal 101, for example. Examples of communication methods include NFC, classic Bluetooth, BLE, and Wi-Fi aware.

[0051] The RAM 153 includes an SRAM that requires a backup power supply. Since data is retained in the RAM 153 by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), the RAM 153 can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 153 is also provided with a storage area for storing setting information of the MFP 151 and management data of the MFP 151. The RAM 153 is also used as a main memory and a working memory of the CPU 154, and stores a receiving buffer for temporarily storing print information and various types of information received from the mobile terminal 101.

[0052] ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs to be executed by CPU 154. In the present exemplary embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, or interrupt processing under the control of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152.

[0053] The CPU 154 is a system control unit and controls the entire MFP 151 .

[0054] Based on the information stored in the RAM 153 or the print job received from the mobile terminal 101, the print engine 155 performs a print process of forming an image on a recording medium such as a sheet by adding a recording material such as ink to the recording medium, and outputs a print result. Since the print job transmitted from the mobile terminal 101 generally has a large amount of data, a communication method capable of high-speed communication needs to be used in the communication of the print job. Therefore, the MFP 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156 that can communicate at a higher speed than the near field communication unit 157. Printing performed using ink is an example, and printing can be performed using an electronic photography method using toner. In addition, a cartridge-type MFP with an ink cartridge attached or an MFP including an ink tank to supply ink from an ink bottle can be used.

[0055] A memory such as an external hard disk drive (HDD) or a secure digital (SD) card may be attached to the MFP 151 as an optional device, and information stored in the MFP 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0056] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user by operating the operation unit 159 such as a physical button. The operation unit may be a software keyboard or software buttons displayed on the display unit 161. In other words, the input interface 158 may receive input from the user via the display unit 161.

[0057] The output interface 160 is an interface for controlling the display unit 161 to perform data display and status notification of the MFP 151 .

[0058] The display unit 161 includes an LED and an LCD, and performs data display and status notification of the MFP 151 .

[0059] The USB interface 163 is an interface that controls a USB connection established via a USB cable. Specifically, the USB interface 163 is an interface for connecting with devices such as the MFP 151 and an external AP via USB and performing data communication.

[0060] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the AP 131. The AP 131 includes, for example, a wireless LAN control unit 301, a trigger frame control unit 302, a reception frame analysis unit 303, a user interface (UI) control unit 304, a storage unit 305, and a band allocation unit 306 as its functional configuration.

[0061] The wireless LAN control unit 301 performs control of transmission and reception of radio signals with different wireless LAN communication devices. For example, the wireless LAN control unit 301 can be implemented by a program for controlling a baseband circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, and an antenna of a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN control unit 301 performs communication control of a wireless LAN according to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, and performs wireless communication with a station (STA) (equivalent to a slave station) that complies with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards.

[0062] The trigger frame control unit 302 controls transmission of the trigger frame to the authenticated STA via the wireless LAN control unit 301. If the STA receives the trigger frame, the STA transmits an uplink (UL) frame as a response to the trigger frame. If the AP 131 receives the UL frame via the wireless LAN control unit 301, the AP 131 interprets the received UL frame in the reception frame analysis unit 303. For example, in the case where the received UL frame includes information related to an access category (AC), the reception frame analysis unit 303 acquires the information related to the AC through analysis, and identifies the AC of the data to be transmitted by the transmission source STA of the UL frame. "AC" stands for access category.

[0063] Based on the information acquired by the reception frame analysis unit 303, the band allocation unit 306 determines the width of the frequency band allocated to the data transmitted from each STA, the center frequency of the frequency band, and the time of allocating the frequency band. In other words, the band allocation unit 306 determines the frequency range of the radio resources to be allocated to each STA and the timing of allocating the radio resources to each STA. The trigger frame control unit 302 notifies each STA of the information indicating the allocation determined by the band allocation unit 306 via a trigger frame, and causes the UL frame to be transmitted according to the allocation.

[0064] The UI control unit 304 is implemented by a program for controlling hardware (not shown) related to the user interface in the AP 131, such as a touch panel or buttons for receiving user operations on the AP 131. For example, the UI control unit 304 may also have a function of presenting information to the user, such as image display or voice output. The storage unit 305 has a storage function that can be implemented by a ROM and a RAM that store programs and data for operating the AP 131.

[0065] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of subcarriers. In IEEE 801.11ax, a frequency band less than 20 megahertz (MHz) can be allocated to STA, so that several STAs can use radio resources at the same time. This radio resource allocation is performed by using orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). For example, in IEEE 802.11ax, the 20MHz bandwidth is divided into nine blocks including 26 subcarriers (tones) that do not overlap each other on the frequency axis, and radio resources are allocated to terminals on a block basis. The allocation unit block is called a resource unit (RU), and the RU size is defined according to the frequency bandwidth and the number of terminals allocated with radio resources. The RU size is represented by the number of subcarriers. For example, 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, 996 and 2×996 can be used. In a 20MHz bandwidth, a value equal to or less than 242 can be used from these values. In the case where the entire 20MHz bandwidth is allocated to one terminal, a maximum of 242 subcarriers can be allocated.

[0066] On the other hand, for example, in the case where 9 terminals use a 20MHz bandwidth at the same time, 26 subcarriers are allocated to each terminal. In this way, by dividing the frequency band into blocks each including 26 subcarriers (minimum allocation unit), 9 terminals can communicate simultaneously using the 20MHz bandwidth. Similarly, in the case of using 40-MHz, 80-MHz, and 160-MHz frequency bandwidths, a maximum of 18, 37, and 74 terminals can communicate simultaneously, respectively.

[0067] Next, we will first refer to Figure 4The basic flow of UL multi-user (MU) communication is described. First, in S401, AP131 transmits a buffer status report request (BSR request) using the trigger frame control unit 302. In this exemplary embodiment, AP131, MFP 151 and mobile terminal 101 can perform communication based on IEEE 801.11ax. In this exemplary embodiment, mobile terminal 101 does not belong to the network formed by AP 131.

[0068] Return to reference Figure 4 In S402, each STA transmits a Buffer Status Report (BSR). The BSR is used when each STA notifies the AP of its own transmission buffer amount. Figure 5 The configuration example of the BSR frame is shown in the figure. The transmission buffer amount of each STA is indicated by the queue size subfield 503 included in the QoS control field 501. Alternatively, the transmission buffer amount of each STA may be indicated by the scaling factor (Scaling Factor) subfield 505, the queue size high (Queue Size High) subfield 506, and the queue size all (Queue Size All) subfield 507 in the control information subfield 504 of the HT control field 502.

[0069] When AP 131 receives BSR from each STA, in S403, AP 131 transmits a trigger frame that prompts each STA to transmit UL data based on the received information. At this time, based on the information related to the transmission buffer amount included in the BSR frame, AP 131 determines the RU allocation in UL-OFDMA and the communication time shared by all STAs. Thereafter, AP 131 transmits a trigger frame including information related to the data communication time shared by the RU and all STAs (hereinafter, RU / communication time information). That is, AP 131 transmits a trigger frame including information related to OFDMA. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the configuration of the trigger frame.

[0070] The common information field 601 includes information common to all STAs. The data communication time common to all STAs is set in the length subfield 604 of the common information field 601. In the case where the trigger type subfield 603 indicates 0, the user information field 602 is added. The common information field 601 includes another type of information. For example, the common information field 601 includes the required carrier sense (CS), and stores information indicating whether to perform carrier sense. In the case of including information indicating that carrier sense needs to be performed, the STA that receives the trigger frame performs carrier sense. On the other hand, in the case of including information indicating that carrier sense does not need to be performed, the STA that receives the trigger frame does not perform carrier sense. The STA is identified based on the AID subfield 605 of the user information field 602. The RU (unit for combining multiple subcarriers) and the subcarrier size to be allocated to the corresponding STA are identified by the index value indicated by the RU Allocation subfield 606. The subcarrier size is a value indicating the bandwidth that can be allocated to each STA. The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) is specified in the MCS subfield 607.

[0071] The AP reserves a communication channel for transmitting a trigger frame. Then, the AP divides the reserved communication channel into a plurality of resource units and allocates each resource unit to a terminal.

[0072] When each STA receives a trigger frame including information related to OFDMA, in S404, the STA transmits a UL data frame within the data amount range defined by the length subfield 604 of the trigger frame. At this time, in the case where information indicating that carrier sensing needs to be performed is included, the STA performs transmission in S404 after performing carrier sensing. For example, the MFP 151 can transmit scan data in S404. In addition to this, information related to consumables (for example, at least one of the remaining amount of ink, the remaining amount of toner, and the remaining amount of sheets) can be transmitted in S404. Alternatively, information indicating the status of the MFP 151 (a paper jam error occurs, the cover is open, etc.) can be transmitted.

[0073] When the AP 131 receives a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) from each STA, the AP 131 transmits a multi-block acknowledgment (Multi BA) as a reception acknowledgment in S405. Figure 8Describe the operation of MFP 151. In MFP 151, both infrastructure mode and P2P mode are enabled according to instructions from the user. For example, both modes are enabled by the user enabling infrastructure mode and enabling WFD mode using the operation panel of MFP 151. In P2P communication, MFP 151 operates as a master (e.g., a group owner of WFD). In P2P communication, P2P communication other than communication in WFD mode can be performed. For example, communication in software AP mode can be performed.

[0074] Here, it is assumed that MFP 151 has received a trigger frame from AP 131 in S403. In the case where both infrastructure communication and P2P communication are enabled, MFP 151 may refer to the communication channel used in infrastructure communication and construct a network as a master in such a manner that P2P communication is performed in the same communication channel. Alternatively, in the case where both infrastructure communication and P2P communication are enabled, MFP 151 refers to the communication channel used in infrastructure communication. Then, MFP 151 may construct a network as a master in such a manner that P2P communication is performed in a communication channel different from the communication channel used in infrastructure communication. That is, in Figure 8 In the example embodiment, the MFP 151 receives a trigger frame from the external AP 131 in S403 while enabling both the infrastructure mode and the P2P mode.

[0075] Since the MFP 151 operates as a master, in S801, the MFP 151 transmits a trigger frame. Here, the MFP 151 refers to the Figure 5 A communication channel (e.g., 20MHz) is divided into a plurality of resource units using a trigger frame, and each resource unit is allocated to a STA including the mobile terminal 101. That is, the RU allocation subfield 606 of the trigger frame transmitted by the MFP 151 includes information related to the allocation of resource units. Here, the number of slave devices to which the MFP 151 allocates resource units becomes the maximum number of slave devices that can simultaneously maintain direct connections. For example, in the case where the communication unit 156 can simultaneously maintain a P2P wireless connection with up to three slave devices, the maximum number of slave devices allocated with resource units becomes three. That is, the maximum number of devices allocated with resource units specified in the trigger frame transmitted in S801 is the same as the maximum number of slaves that can simultaneously maintain direct connections. In S802, the mobile terminal 101 transmits data to the MFP 151 (S802). Here, the mobile terminal 101 transmits data using resource units allocated based on the trigger frame. For example, the mobile terminal 101 transmits a print job in S802. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 101 may transmit a status acquisition request of the MFP 151 or a remaining amount acquisition request of consumables (ink, toner, or sheets) in S802.

[0076] 9A to 9D 900 are diagrams illustrating examples of operation screens for performing various mode settings for the infrastructure mode or the direct wireless communication. Fig. 9A Network settings in 901, Fig. 9A The screen shown in the Fig. 9B In addition, the display unit 161 displays 9A to 9D The screen shown in .

[0077] Fig. 9B The figure shows a screen for performing network settings. When the user selects the infrastructure mode setting 904, the display Fig. 9C In addition, when the user selects the direct print setting 903, the Fig.9D The screen shown in .

[0078] Fig. 9C This diagram shows the screen for setting up processing in infrastructure mode.

[0079] If the user checks the check box 905, the infrastructure mode is enabled. The MFP 151 accordingly searches for nearby access points and displays a list of SSIDs in the area 909. For example, by displaying the SSID of the AP 131 in the area 909 and by the user selecting the SSID of the AP 131 from the area 909, a wireless connection between the MFP 151 and the AP 131 in the infrastructure mode is established. In addition, in the case where the user desires to end the communication in the infrastructure mode, by the user unchecking the check box 905 and pressing the OK button 910, the operation of the MFP 151 in the infrastructure mode is disabled. For example, the wireless connection between the MFP 151 and the AP 131 in the infrastructure mode is disconnected.

[0080] In the communication in the infrastructure mode, the OFDMA mode is enabled / disabled according to the setting of the AP 131. More specifically, if the OFDMA mode is enabled in the AP 131, the MFP 151 performs the communication in the infrastructure mode according to the setting.

[0081] On the other hand, if the OFDMA mode is not enabled in the AP 131, the MFP 151 performs communication in the infrastructure mode in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) mode according to the setting.

[0082] Here, in order to fit the frequency band to be used in data transmission into a narrow range, OFDMA requires a complex method to be used in a primary modulation process. In addition, when demodulating the communication data obtained by OFDMA, a complex method needs to be used to demodulate the communication data. Therefore, the power consumption of the terminal device tends to increase.

[0083] On the other hand, using and referring to Figure 8 The described method is a different method to perform OFDM wireless communication. More specifically, the communication process is performed by a specific terminal occupying the entire band of the channel.

[0084] In OFDM, since a specific terminal occupies the entire band of a channel, wireless communication with multiple STAs cannot be performed simultaneously.

[0085] However, since OFDM does not require the use of subchannels, a simple method can be used to perform a modulation process once. Therefore, when a terminal receiving a signal through OFDM communication demodulates the signal, unlike OFDMA, complex and large-scale calculations are not required, and the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0086] As described above, both OFDMA and OFDM have advantages and disadvantages. In order to take advantage of each advantage, it is necessary to determine these communication methods based on the use environment.

[0087] Here, in an environment where AP 131 and MFP 151 exist, in the case where OFDMA is performed in both MFP 151 and AP 131 operating as a master station, power consumption reduction cannot be achieved. Therefore, for example, in the case where AP 131 performs OFDMA in infrastructure mode, MFP 151 does not perform OFDMA in direct mode. Through this configuration, in infrastructure mode, the effect produced by OFDMA is obtained, and power consumption in direct mode is reduced. On the contrary, in the case where AP 131 does not perform OFDMA in infrastructure mode, MFP 151 performs OFDMA in direct mode. Through this configuration, power consumption in infrastructure mode is reduced, and in direct mode, the effect produced by OFDMA is obtained. Therefore, in an environment where AP 131 and MFP 151 exist, power consumption reduction can be achieved while maintaining communication convenience.

[0088] When the user Fig. 9B When direct print setting 903 is selected in Fig.9D The screen shown in .

[0089] By the user checking the check box 911 of the direct print mode, the MFP 151 enables the direct mode. By enabling the direct mode, the MFP 151 operates as a master in the P2P communication. In other words, if the P2P communication is WFD communication, the MFP 151 will operate as a GO. Another option is that if the P2P communication is direct communication through a software AP, the MFP 151 operates as an AP.

[0090] The communication unit 156 uses the OFDMA mode setting 912 to set whether to enable the OFDMA mode in the direct mode. In the case of checking the check box 913, direct communication will be performed in a state where OFDMA is disabled. Alternatively, in the case of checking the check box 914, direct communication will be performed in a state where OFDMA is enabled.

[0091] Here, in the case where the check box 915 is checked, the MFP 151 checks the enabled state or disabled state of OFDMA in the infrastructure mode of the MFP 151 , and determines to enable or disable OFDMA in the direct mode based on the check result.

[0092] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of enabling or disabling OFDMA in the direct mode of the MFP 151 . Fig.10 The flow shown in FIG. 1 is realized by the CPU 154 reading out each control program stored in the ROM 152 and executing the control program.

[0093] If the operation of direct print setting is started, then in step S1001, the CPU 154 receives various setting operations related to direct print setting. Specifically, the CPU 154 receives Fig.9D In step S1002, the CPU 154 determines whether the OK button 910 is selected. In the case where it is determined in step S1002 that the OK button 910 is selected, Fig.10 The processing in step S1004 and subsequent steps. In the case where it is determined in step S1001 that the OK button 910 is not selected, the processing proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, the CPU 154 determines whether the operation performed in step S1001 is to select the Cancel button. In the case where it is determined in step S1003 that the Cancel button is not selected, the processing returns to step S1001 and the setting operation is continued. In the case where it is determined in step S1003 that the Cancel button is selected, the setting operation of this flow ends.

[0094] In step S1004, the CPU 154 determines whether the check box 915 is selected. In a case where it is determined in step S1004 that the check box 915 is selected, in step S1006, the CPU 154 acquires the state of the OFDMA mode in the infrastructure mode.

[0095] If it is determined in step S1007 that OFDMA is enabled in infrastructure mode, in step S1009, CPU 154 operates OFDMA in a disabled state in direct mode. If CPU 154 operates MFP 151 as a master in direct mode, CPU 154 controls communication unit 156 to operate as a master in a state of performing OFDM.

[0096] If it is determined in step S1007 that OFDMA is not enabled in infrastructure mode, in step S1008, CPU 154 operates OFDMA in an enabled state in direct mode. If CPU 154 operates MFP 151 as a master in direct mode, CPU 154 controls communication unit 156 to operate as a master in a state of performing OFDMA.

[0097] In a case where it is determined in step S1004 that the check box 915 is not selected, in step S1005, the CPU 154 determines whether the check box 914 is enabled. In a case where it is determined in step S1005 that the check box 914 is selected, the CPU 154 executes the above-described processing in step S1008.

[0098] Alternatively, in a case where it is determined in step S1005 that the check box 914 is not selected, the CPU 154 executes the above-described processing in step S1009.

[0099] Through the above-mentioned processing, the MFP 151 can Fig.9D Communication processing is performed in direct mode by making settings on the screen shown in .

[0100] Furthermore, even when OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the infrastructure mode, the CPU 154 may control the MFP 151 in such a manner that OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is not performed in wireless communication in the direct mode based on enabling the direct mode.

[0101] [Second exemplary embodiment]

[0102] In the present exemplary embodiment, a process of enabling or disabling the setting of OFDMA in the direct mode at a timing different from that of the first exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0103] Fig.11: is a flowchart related to a process of setting enabling or disabling OFDMA in direct mode according to the present exemplary embodiment. Fig.11 The flow shown in is realized by CPU 154 reading out each control program stored in ROM 152 and executing the control program. Fig.11 The flowchart described in is started when a connection request for direct connection is issued from the terminal to the MFP 151.

[0104] In step S1101, the CPU 154 checks the setting of the OFDMA mode in the infrastructure mode, and in step S1102, the CPU 154 determines whether OFDMA is in an enabled state or a disabled state. The CPU 154 may determine whether OFDMA is in an enabled state or a disabled state by referring to Figure 6 The processing in step S1102 is implemented by allocating RUs in the trigger frame transmitted from the AP.

[0105] In the event that it is determined in step S1102 that OFDMA is disabled in the infrastructure mode, in step S1103 , the CPU 154 starts communication in the direct mode with OFDMA enabled.

[0106] In a case where it is determined in step S1102 that OFDMA is enabled in the infrastructure mode, in step S1104 the CPU 154 starts communication in the direct mode with OFDMA disabled.

[0107] According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the status of the infrastructure mode is confirmed when the direct connection request is issued to the MFP 151, communication reflecting the latest status in the infrastructure mode can be performed.

[0108] [Other exemplary embodiments]

[0109] In the above exemplary embodiment, the case where the MFP 151 establishes a wireless connection in the infrastructure mode and then enables the direct mode is described, but the enabling timing is not limited to this. More specifically, the direct mode may be enabled first, and then the MFP 151 establishes a wireless connection in the infrastructure mode. In this case, the MFP 151 Fig.9D The setting of check box 913 or 914 in determines whether OFDMA is enabled or disabled in direct mode.

[0110] In the above exemplary embodiment, the trigger frame transmitted from AP 131 is used to determine whether to enable or disable OFDMA in the infrastructure mode, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, MFP 151 may receive information on enabling or disabling OFDMA of AP 131 via a wired connection with AP 131.

[0111] In addition, whether in 9A to 9DRegardless of the settings made on the setting screen shown in , the CPU 154 can control the MFP 151 in such a manner that OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is not performed in the wireless communication in the direct mode. In other words, even in the case where OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the infrastructure mode, the CPU 154 can control the MFP 151 in such a manner that OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is not performed in the wireless communication in the direct mode based on the enabling of the direct mode.

[0112] The present exemplary embodiment can also be implemented by providing a program that implements one or more functions of the above exemplary embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read out and execute the program. In addition, the present exemplary embodiment can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that implements one or more functions.

[0113] The disclosure of the present exemplary embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0114] (Configuration 1)

[0115] An image forming device, comprising:

[0116] a first setting unit that enables a first mode in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus;

[0117] a second setting unit that enables a second mode in which wireless communication is not performed via an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus;

[0118] a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit receives a first trigger frame from an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus while the first mode is enabled, the first trigger frame including information related to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) conforming to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard;

[0119] a communication unit, wherein the communication unit performs communication processing in the first mode through the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard based on information related to the first trigger frame;

[0120] a control unit capable of controlling the image forming apparatus in such a manner that the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is not performed in wireless communication in the second mode based on the second mode being enabled, even when the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode; and

[0121] A print processing unit that performs print processing on a sheet based on a print job received through wireless communication via the first mode or wireless communication via the second mode.

[0122] (Configuration 2)

[0123] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third setting unit configured to receive a setting regarding whether to perform the OFDMA in the wireless communication of the second mode via an operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

[0124] (Configuration 3)

[0125] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication unit transmits a remaining amount of consumables of the image forming apparatus or information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus based on the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard.

[0126] (Configuration 4)

[0127] The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,

[0128] wherein the remaining amount of the consumables is at least one of a remaining amount of ink, a remaining amount of toner, and a remaining amount of sheets, and

[0129] The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is at least one of a paper jam error and a cover open.

[0130] (Configuration 5)

[0131] The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disabling unit that disables OFDMA in the second mode of wireless communication based on enabling OFDMA in the first mode of wireless communication.

[0132] (Configuration 6)

[0133] The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the disabling unit disables OFDMA in the wireless communication of the second mode based on information related to the OFDMA included in a trigger frame transmitted from the external access point.

[0134] (Configuration 7)

[0135] The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication of the first mode based on the second mode being enabled,

[0136] Wherein, when it is determined that the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication in the first mode, the enabling unit disables the OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second mode.

[0137] (Configuration 8)

[0138] The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication in the first mode based on a received request to connect to the image forming apparatus in the wireless connection in the second mode,

[0139] Wherein, when it is determined that the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication in the first mode, the disabling unit disables the OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second mode.

[0140] (Configuration 9)

[0141] The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, in a case where the second mode is enabled, the image forming apparatus determines a communication channel to be used in wireless communication in the second mode.

[0142] (Configuration 10)

[0143] The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first mode is an infrastructure mode and the second mode is a software access point (AP) mode.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0145] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of Japanese patent application No. 2022-117402, filed on Jul. 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0146] Reference numerals list

[0147] 151 MFP

Claims

1. An image forming device, comprising: a first setting unit that enables a first mode in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus; a second setting unit that enables a second mode in which wireless communication is not performed via an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus; a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit receives a first trigger frame from an external access point provided outside the image forming apparatus while the first mode is enabled, the first trigger frame including information related to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) conforming to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard; a communication unit, wherein the communication unit performs communication processing in the first mode through the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard based on information related to the first trigger frame; a control unit capable of controlling the image forming apparatus in such a manner that the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is not performed in wireless communication in the second mode based on the second mode being enabled, even when the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode; as well as A print processing unit that performs print processing on a sheet based on a print job received through wireless communication via the first mode or wireless communication via the second mode. 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a third setting unit configured to receive a setting regarding whether to perform the OFDMA in the wireless communication of the second mode via an operation panel of the image forming apparatus.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The communication unit transmits a remaining amount of consumables of the image forming apparatus or information indicating a state of the image forming apparatus based on the OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, in, The remaining amount of the consumables is at least one of a remaining amount of ink, a remaining amount of toner, and a remaining amount of sheets, and The information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is at least one of a paper jam error and a cover open. 5 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a disabling unit that disables OFDMA in the second mode of wireless communication based on enabling OFDMA in the first mode of wireless communication.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The disabling unit disables OFDMA in the wireless communication of the second mode based on the information related to the OFDMA included in the trigger frame transmitted from the external access point.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication of the first mode based on the second mode being enabled, in, In a case where it is determined that the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication in the first mode, the enabling unit disables the OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second mode.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication of the first mode based on a received request to connect to the image forming apparatus in the wireless connection of the second mode, in, In a case where it is determined that the OFDMA is enabled in the wireless communication in the first mode, the disabling unit disables the OFDMA in the wireless communication in the second mode.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where the second mode is enabled, the image forming apparatus determines a communication channel to be used in wireless communication in the second mode.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first mode is an infrastructure mode and the second mode is a software access point (AP) mode.

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