Printing device, processing method, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a printing device, a processing method, and a program product that solve the problem of not being able to wirelessly connect a printing device to an access point. The printing device according to the present disclosure includes a printing section that performs printing on a medium; a first wireless communication section that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard; a second wireless communication section that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard; a state determination section that determines whether or not a state in which printing performed by the printing section can be executed; and a wireless setting section that causes the printing section to print a code image containing prescribed information if it is determined that the state in which printing performed by the printing section can be executed, and causes the second wireless communication section to transmit the prescribed information if it is determined that the state in which printing performed by the printing section cannot be executed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing apparatus, a processing method, and a process product. Background Technology

[0002] A feature known as Wi-FiEasyConnect (a registered trademark), developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, exists. This feature is a technology where a device called a Configurator provides access point information to a device called an Enrollee according to the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). This allows the Enrollee, having obtained the access point information, to establish a wireless connection with the access point.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following: DPP is used to enable the printing apparatus to wirelessly connect to the access point.

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printing device prints a QR code (registered trademark) during bootstrapping, which is performed as the initial stage of DPP. Although bootstrapping by printing a QR code is preferred from a user-friendly perspective because QR codes are familiar to general users, it is impossible to output a QR code if the printing device is in a state where it cannot print. Therefore, in such a case, there is a problem that the printing device cannot establish a wireless communication connection with the access point.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-205021 Summary of the Invention The printing apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a printing unit that performs printing on a medium; a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard; a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard; a state determination unit that determines whether the printing performed by the printing unit is in a state where printing can be performed; and a wireless setting unit that, when determined to be in a state where printing can be performed by the printing unit, causes the printing unit to print a code image containing predetermined information, and, when determined not to be in a state where printing can be performed by the printing unit, causes the second wireless communication unit to send the predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device for the terminal device to begin communication according to a predetermined communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0006] The processing method disclosed herein involves a printing apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing on a medium, a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard. The apparatus performs the following processing: determining whether it is in a state where printing by the printing unit can be performed; if it is determined that it is in a state where printing by the printing unit can be performed, the printing unit prints a code image containing predetermined information; if it is determined that it is not in a state where printing by the printing unit can be performed, the second wireless communication unit sends the predetermined information. This predetermined information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication according to a predetermined communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0007] The program product disclosed herein includes a program that causes a computer having a printing apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing on a medium, a first wireless communication unit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard to perform the following steps: a state determination step, determining whether the printing unit is in a state capable of performing printing; and a wireless setting step, if the printing unit is determined to be in a state capable of performing printing, causing the printing unit to print a code image containing predetermined information, and if the printing unit is determined not to be in a state capable of performing printing, causing the second wireless communication unit to send the predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device for the terminal device to begin communication according to a predetermined communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a structural example of a system including a printing apparatus and a terminal apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a printing example performed by the printing department.

[0011] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal device.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process flow for the bootstrapping phase in a printing apparatus.

[0013] Figure 6 A sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process of establishing a wireless connection between a printing device and an access point.

[0014] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer incorporated in a printing apparatus or terminal device. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed. Moreover, for the purpose of explaining illustrative embodiments, not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessarily necessary, and some features or steps may be omitted. Furthermore, the order of steps described in any one drawing may be appropriately changed.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a system including the printing apparatus 100 and terminal device 200 according to the embodiments. In this embodiment, both the printing apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 are devices equipped with Wi-Fi EasyConnect functionality. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 is a device that already has access point information. The terminal device 200 may also be a terminal that has already established a wireless communication connection with an access point AP. In contrast, the printing apparatus 100 is a device that does not yet have access point information. That is, the printing apparatus 100 is a device that has not yet established a wireless communication connection with an access point AP. Here, access point information refers to information required to establish a wireless communication connection with an access point AP. Specifically, access point information is information referred to as a configuration object in DPP. Access point information may include, for example, at least one of the access point AP's SSID (ServiceSetIdentifier) ​​and password. However, access point information only needs to be information required to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, and may replace the SSID or password, or include other information along with the SSID or password. In addition, an access point (AP) is specifically a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router, etc.

[0017] In this embodiment, access point information is sent from the terminal device 200 to the printing device 100 in the order specified by the DPP. Thus, the printing device 100 can establish a wireless communication connection with the access point (AP). In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 operates as a configurator specified by the DPP, and the printing device 100 operates as an enrollee specified by the DPP.

[0018] The printing apparatus 100 is a printer that prints information on media such as paper. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 100 may also be a printer without a display. In the absence of a display, the printing apparatus 100 cannot display code images, etc., as described later. In such cases, in particular, the printing apparatus 100 needs to print the code image in order to prompt the user U. Therefore, although the features described in this disclosure for solving the problem are particularly preferred to be applied to printers without a display, they can also be applied to printers with a display. This is because, for example, there may be situations where displaying code images on a display is not preferable due to reasons such as the display size being too small, or where displaying code images on a display is not possible due to technical or specification limitations, or where it is desirable to avoid displaying them.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the printing apparatus 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110, a printing unit 120, a color material storage container 130, and a control unit 150.

[0020] The communication unit 110 is a hardware circuit for wireless communication with other devices based on a specified communication standard, and may also include software such as firmware. The communication unit 110 includes a first wireless communication unit 111 and a second wireless communication unit 112.

[0021] The first wireless communication unit 111 is a circuit that communicates according to a first wireless communication standard. That is, the first wireless communication unit 111 transmits information or receives information according to the first wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, specifically, the first wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard.

[0022] The second wireless communication unit 112 is a circuit that communicates according to a second wireless communication standard. That is, the second wireless communication unit 112 transmits information or receives information according to the second wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 112 performs communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark, Bluetooth) standard, i.e., Bluetooth communication. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 112 performs wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, which is a power-saving standard for Bluetooth.

[0023] The printing unit 120 includes a mechanical structure, namely a printing engine, for printing on a medium. Although this embodiment describes an inkjet printing structure as the structure of the printing unit 120, the printing unit 120 may also include a printing engine configured to print using color materials (toners) in an electrophotographic manner. Furthermore, while the medium may be, for example, paper, it could also be fabric or the like.

[0024] In this embodiment, the printing unit 120, acting as a printing engine, includes a print head 121 that ejects color material onto the medium. The print head 121 performs inkjet printing using the supplied color material (specifically, ink). The color material is supplied to the print head 121 from a color material storage container 130 mounted on the printing apparatus 100. In addition to the print head 121, the printing engine may also include a medium receiver for storing the medium, a transport mechanism for conveying the medium from the medium receiver to a position opposite the print head 121, and a drive mechanism for driving a carriage including the print head 121. In this case, the printing unit 120 prints information such as images onto the medium by ejecting color material from the print head 121 onto the medium transported by the transport mechanism.

[0025] The color material storage container 130 is a container for storing the color material used in printing in the printing section 120, such as a box, can, or bag (ink cartridge, ink can, ink bag). The color material in the color material storage container 130 is supplied to the print head 121 via a supply channel from the color material storage container 130 to the interior of the print head 121. At the time of shipment, the print head 121 is not filled with color material. Therefore, in order to utilize the printing apparatus 100, it is necessary to fill the print head 121 with color material. The initial filling of the print head 121 with color material is called initial filling. More specifically, in initial filling, color material is extracted from the color material storage container 130 and filled into the supply channel from the color material storage container 130 to the interior of the print head 121. In this embodiment, the printing control unit 153, described later, performs initial filling at a predetermined time (e.g., the time when the power to the printing apparatus 100 is first turned on, or the time when an initial filling instruction is input from the user U). Furthermore, the instruction from the user U is input to the printing apparatus 100, for example, by the user U operating an operation panel (not shown) provided with the printing apparatus 100. When initial filling is complete, the printing control unit 153 stores a flag data indicating that initial filling is complete in a non-volatile memory. Alternatively, this non-volatile memory can also be implemented using the memory 902 described later.

[0026] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the printing apparatus 100. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 150 includes a status determination unit 151, a wireless setting unit 152, and a printing control unit 153.

[0027] The printing control unit 153 performs various controls related to printing. For example, after a wireless communication connection is established between the access point AP and the first wireless communication unit 111, when the first wireless communication unit 111 receives printing data from any device connected to the access point AP via the access point AP, the printing control unit 153 causes the printing unit 120 to perform printing based on the received printing data.

[0028] As a function for establishing a wireless communication connection between the external access point AP of the printing apparatus 100 and the first wireless communication unit 111, the control unit 150 includes a status determination unit 151 and a wireless setting unit 152.

[0029] The state determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 120 is in a state where printing can be performed. In this embodiment, the state determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 120 is in a state where printing can be performed based on whether the initial filling has been completed and the amount of color material remaining in the color material storage container 130.

[0030] The status determination unit 151 determines whether the initial filling has been completed, for example, by checking whether the flag data indicating the completion of the initial filling has been stored in a designated non-volatile memory. That is, if the flag data has been stored in the non-volatile memory, the status determination unit 151 determines that the initial filling has been completed; if the flag data has not been stored, it determines that the initial filling has not yet been performed.

[0031] In addition, the status determination unit 151 detects the remaining amount of color material in the color material storage container 130 by means of a sensor provided in the printing apparatus 100 or the color material storage container 130, and determines whether the detected remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0032] More specifically, in this embodiment, the state determination unit 151 determines that printing by the printing unit 120 is not possible if initial filling has not been performed. Furthermore, the state determination unit 151 determines that printing by the printing unit 120 is not possible if the remaining amount of color material in the color material storage container 130 is less than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the state determination unit 151 determines that printing by the printing unit 120 is possible if initial filling has been performed and the remaining amount of color material in the color material storage container 130 is above the predetermined threshold. Through these determinations, it is possible to appropriately determine whether printing by the printing unit 120 can be performed.

[0033] Furthermore, although in this embodiment, the determination of whether printing is possible is based on both the initial filling and the remaining amount of color material, either condition can be used as the condition for determining whether printing is possible. Additionally, the state determination unit 151 can combine any other arbitrary conditions to determine whether printing is possible.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the status determination unit 151 further determines whether the printing of the code image (described later) performed by the printing unit 120 was successful. In other words, the status determination unit 151 determines whether the printing of the code image performed by the printing unit 120 failed. For example, after the process of printing the code image begins, if the status determination unit 151 receives an error signal indicating printing failure from the printing unit 120, it determines that the printing has failed. For example, if the supply of media to the location where printing is performed by the printing unit 120 fails, it outputs an error signal notifying of the occurrence of this phenomenon. That is, if the supply of media from the media receiver fails, etc., an error signal is output. Although in this embodiment, as an example, the status determination unit 151 determines that the printing of the code image has failed in the above-described case, it may also determine that the printing of the code image has failed if other error phenomena are detected. In this way, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine printing failures after the start of the printing process.

[0035] The wireless setting unit 152 performs the wireless setting process in the printing apparatus 100. That is, the wireless setting unit 152 performs the process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the first wireless communication unit 111. Specifically, in this embodiment, the wireless setting unit 152 establishes the wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the first wireless communication unit 111 according to the order specified in DPP (Wi-Fi EasyConnect). Therefore, the wireless setting unit 152 first obtains the access point information (i.e., access point information) used to establish the wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the first wireless communication unit 111 from another device that has access point information (in this embodiment, the terminal device 200).

[0036] In DPP, the process of obtaining access point information consists of three stages. Specifically, the process by which a device acting as a joiner obtains access point information (i.e., the configuration object) from a device acting as a configurator includes three stages: bootstrapping, authentication, and configuration.

[0037] The bootstrapping process involves the entrant providing specified information to the configurator. This specified information is required for the configurator to initiate communication with the entrant during the subsequent authentication phase. Specifically, it includes the bootstrapping key specified by the DPP. The bootstrapping key is the entrant's public key. In other words, the specified information is what the terminal device 200 (configurator) needs to provide to the terminal device 200 in order for the first wireless communication unit 111 (i.e., as the entrant of the printing device 100) to initiate communication with the printing device 100 in a specified communication sequence for receiving access point information from the terminal device 200. In other words, the specified information can be described as what the printing device 100 needs to provide to the terminal device 200 in order to enable the execution of the specified communication (the authentication phase communication described later) implemented by the terminal device 200. Additionally, the specified information may also include information such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the printing device 100. Hereinafter, the specified information is also referred to as bootstrapping information.

[0038] The method for providing the information specified in the bootstrapping process can be through communication other than the first wireless communication standard (Wi-Fi standard) or through a QR code (registered trademark). In contrast, communication between the terminal device 200 and the printing device 100 during the authentication and configuration phases is performed according to the Wi-Fi standard. That is, during the authentication and configuration phases, the printing device 100 communicates with the terminal device 200 using the first wireless communication unit 111.

[0039] The authentication process involves the configurator (terminal device 200) and the joiner (printing device 100) mutually authenticating each other and generating a shared key used for encryption in the transmission of the configured object. Specifically, in this phase, a key is generated for encrypting access point information. The terminal device 200 and the printing device 100 (wireless setting unit 152) each generate a shared key based on, for example, ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman). During the authentication phase, the terminal device 200, acting as the configurator, first sends a signal called a DPP authentication request to the printing device 100, acting as the joiner. This signal contains a message generated using specified information obtained from the printing device 100 during the bootstrapping phase. Therefore, as described above, the specified information can be considered as the information that the terminal device 200 needs to provide to the printing device 100 in order to initiate communication (DPP authentication request) with the printing device 100 according to a specified communication sequence. Additionally, during the authentication phase, after the DPP authentication request is sent, the joiner sends a signal called the DPP Authentication Response to the configurator. Finally, a signal called the DPP Authentication Confirm is sent from the configurator to the joiner.

[0040] The configuration involves sending access point information (configuration objects) from the configurator to the joiner via encrypted communication using a shared key generated during the authentication phase. Specifically, during the configuration phase, the printing device 100, acting as the joiner, first sends a signal called a DPP configuration request to the terminal device 200, which acts as the configurator. In response, the configurator sends a signal called a DPP configuration response to the joiner. This DPP configuration response contains the access point information (configuration objects).

[0041] As described above, bootstrapping is required for the printing apparatus 100 to obtain access point information from the terminal device 200. That is, bootstrapping information (prescribed information) needs to be provided from the printing apparatus 100 to the terminal device 200. In recent years, code images such as QR codes have become widely used, and the procedures for using code images are familiar to many users U. Therefore, it is preferable that the printing apparatus 100 outputs a code image including bootstrapping information, and that the bootstrapping information is provided to the terminal device 200 in the order that the terminal device 200 reads the code image through the user U's operation. In contrast, the provision of bootstrapping information implemented by Bluetooth communication according to the BLE standard is inferior from a user-friendly point of view compared to the provision implemented by reading code images, because the user U needs to perform an unfamiliar commitment operation for the implementation of the communication beforehand with the terminal device 200. In this context, it is desirable to provide bootstrapping information by outputting code images. In particular, when the printing apparatus 100 lacks a display or other means that make it difficult to display code images on a screen, it is desirable to provide bootstrapping information by printing code images. However, in this case, if the code images cannot be printed, the provision of bootstrapping information cannot be implemented, and the printing apparatus 100 becomes unable to obtain access point information. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless setting unit 152 switches the method of providing bootstrapping information based on the determination result of the status determination unit 151.

[0042] As part of the bootstrapping process defined by DPP, the wireless setting unit 152 prints or transmits the specified information (bootstrapping information). Specifically, when the state determination unit 151 determines that the wireless setting unit 152 is in a state where printing by the printing unit 120 can be performed, the wireless setting unit 152 instructs the printing unit 120 to print a code image containing the specified information (bootstrapping information). Specifically, the wireless setting unit 152 generates an image of a QR code or other two-dimensional code encoding the specified information and instructs the printing control unit 153 to execute the printing of the image. The printing control unit 153 then controls the printing unit 120 and begins the printing process. Furthermore, the printing process may not be successful; whether the printing is successful is determined by the state determination unit 151 as described above.

[0043] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a printing example performed by the printing unit 120. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, a code image C containing specified information is printed on medium 90. Additionally, as... Figure 3As shown, not only can the code image C be printed, but also messages M for user U can be printed. Message M is a message explaining the operation that user U should perform, such as a message prompting user U to read the code image C using terminal device 200. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, message M can also be a message conveying to user U that reading code image C is a job required to connect printing device 100 to an access point. By printing message M along with code image C, printing device 100 becomes a more user-friendly printing device.

[0044] Furthermore, if the wireless setting unit 152 is determined by the status determination unit 151 to be unable to perform printing by the printing unit 120, the second wireless communication unit 112 sends prescribed information (bootstrapping information). Similarly, if the wireless setting unit 152 is determined by the status determination unit 151 to be a printing failure of a code image, the second wireless communication unit 112 also sends prescribed information (bootstrapping information). Therefore, in these cases, in this embodiment, the prescribed information is sent to the terminal device 200 via BLE communication. This allows for reliable bootstrapping.

[0045] In this manner, in this embodiment, bootstrapping is performed based on the determination result of the state determination unit 151. After bootstrapping is performed, when the first wireless communication unit 111 receives an authentication phase signal from the terminal device 200, the wireless setting unit 152 performs the authentication phase and configuration phase processing according to the order specified by the DPP. As a result, the wireless setting unit 152 obtains access point information from the terminal device 200. When obtaining the access point information, the wireless setting unit 152 uses the obtained access point information to perform the process of establishing a wireless communication connection with the access point AP.

[0046] Next, the terminal device 200 will be described. The terminal device 200 is a device operated by the user U, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the terminal device 200. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the terminal device 200 includes a UI unit 210, a communication unit 220, a code reading unit 230, and a control unit 250.

[0047] UI unit 210 is a user interface device equipped with an input device such as a button or pointing device that accepts input operations from the user U and a display. Alternatively, UI unit 210 may be a touch panel that integrates the input device and the display.

[0048] The communication unit 220 is a hardware circuit for implementing wireless communication with other devices based on a specified communication standard, and may also include software such as firmware. The communication unit 220 includes a first wireless communication unit 221 and a second wireless communication unit 222.

[0049] The first wireless communication unit 221 is a circuit that performs communication according to the first wireless communication standard described above. Specifically, the first wireless communication unit 221 performs wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0050] The second wireless communication unit 222 is a circuit that performs communication according to the second wireless communication standard described above. In this embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 222 performs communication according to the Bluetooth standard, i.e., Bluetooth communication. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 222 performs wireless communication according to the BLE standard.

[0051] The code reading unit 230 is a reader for reading QR codes and other code images. The hardware used for reading in the code reading unit 230 can include either a scanner or a camera. The code reading unit 230 decodes the scanned or captured code image to read the information represented by the code image. Therefore, the code reading unit 230 is capable of reading the code image of bootstrapping information printed by the printing apparatus 100.

[0052] The control unit 250 controls the operation of the terminal device 200. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 250 includes a wireless setting unit 251.

[0053] The wireless setting unit 251 performs processing to assist in the wireless setting of the printing apparatus 100. Specifically, the wireless setting unit 251 performs a prescribed process for sending access point information to the printing apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the wireless setting unit 251 sends access point information to the printing apparatus 100 using the first wireless communication unit 221 in the order prescribed by DPP. Specifically, the wireless setting unit 251 begins the prescribed process for sending access point information to the printing apparatus 100 when the code reading unit 230 reads a code image containing bootstrapping information, or when the second wireless communication unit 222 receives bootstrapping information. That is, when the wireless setting unit 251 obtains the prescribed information (bootstrapping information) provided from the printing apparatus 100, it begins the authentication phase processing of DPP. Thereafter, the wireless setting unit 251 performs the configuration phase processing of DPP, thereby sending the access point information to the printing apparatus 100.

[0054] Next, the process flow of the bootstrap guidance stage in the printing apparatus 100 will be explained. Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the bootstrapping stage in the printing apparatus 100. Hereinafter, with reference to... Figure 5 The process of this treatment will also be explained. Figure 5 The series of processes shown are executed either when the power to the printing apparatus 100 is initially turned on or when an instruction to implement wireless connection settings is input from the user U to the printing apparatus 100. Furthermore, instructions from the user U are input to the printing apparatus 100 by the user U operating, for example, an operation panel (not shown) provided with the printing apparatus 100.

[0055] In step S100, the state determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 120 is in a state where printing can be performed. If the state is determined to be in a state where printing can be performed, the process proceeds to step S101. Conversely, if the state is determined not to be in a state where printing can be performed, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0056] In step S101, the wireless setting unit 152 instructs the printing control unit 153 to execute the printing of a code image containing specified information, thereby the printing control unit 153 performs the printing process of the code image. Afterwards, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0057] In step S102, the status determination unit 151 determines whether the printing of the code image was successful. That is, the status determination unit 151 determines whether the printing process performed in step S101 ended normally without detecting any printing errors. If the printing of the code image was successful, the bootstrapping stage process ends. Conversely, if the printing of the code image was unsuccessful, that is, if the printing of the code image failed, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0058] When the process moves to step S103, the wireless setting unit 152 causes the second wireless communication unit 112 to send the specified information. That is, in this case, the second wireless communication unit 112 sends the specified information via BLE communication. This concludes the bootstrapping phase processing.

[0059] Next, the process of establishing a wireless connection between the printing device 100 and the access point AP will be explained. Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the printing device 100 establishes a wireless connection with the access point AP. The following is a reference to... Figure 6 At the same time, the procedure for this action will be explained.

[0060] In step S10, as described above, the bootstrapping phase of DPP is performed, and the prescribed information is provided from the printing device 100 to the terminal device 200. Next, in step S20, the authentication phase of DPP is performed between the terminal device 200 and the printing device 100. This generates a key for transmitting access point information via encrypted communication.

[0061] Next, in step S30, the configuration phase of DPP is performed between the terminal device 200 and the printing device 100. As a result, access point information is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the printing device 100.

[0062] Subsequently, in step S40, the printing apparatus 100 uses the access point information to establish a wireless connection with the access point AP (a wireless communication connection according to the Wi-Fi standard). In other words, in step S40, the printing apparatus 100 uses the access point information to join the LAN using the access point AP.

[0063] In this way, in this embodiment, the prescribed information (bootstrapping guidance information) is provided using a method corresponding to the determination result of the status determination unit 151. Therefore, it is possible to provide the information in a way that is preferred from a user-friendly perspective (printing code images) as much as possible, while avoiding the situation where wireless connection settings cannot be set if the information cannot be provided in this way.

[0064] Although the implementation method has been described above, the processing of the printing apparatus 100 and the terminal device 200 can also be performed by the computer provided by each device. In addition, the computer can also be configured as a SoC (System on Chip). Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer 900 included in a printing apparatus 100 or a terminal device 200. For example... Figure 7 As shown, computer 900 may have, for example, an input / output interface 901, a memory 902, and a processor 903.

[0065] The input / output interface 901 is used to communicate with any circuit or device.

[0066] The memory 902 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 902 is used to store data used in programs executed by the processor 903 and in various processes.

[0067] Processor 903 implements the various processes described in the above embodiments by reading and executing programs from memory 902. Processor 903 may also be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Furthermore, processor 903 may include multiple processors.

[0068] The program contains a set of commands (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the implementation when read into the computer. The program may also be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As a non-limiting example, a computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted via a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As a non-limiting example, a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagation signals.

[0069] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although in the above embodiments, when it is determined that printing by the printing unit 120 is not possible, or when the printing of the code image fails, the prescribed information is sent via Bluetooth communication, it can also be sent via Near Field Communication (NFC). In this case, the second wireless communication unit 112 of the printing apparatus 100 performs communication according to the NFC standard as a second wireless communication standard. Furthermore, although in the above embodiments, the method of providing the prescribed information is selected based on whether printing by the printing unit 120 is possible, the wireless setting unit 152 can also select the method of providing the information in the following way: At the moment when the power of the printing apparatus 100 is first turned on, it is obvious that initial filling has not been performed, and therefore printing cannot be performed. Therefore, for example, depending on the initial power-on of the printing apparatus 100, the wireless setting unit 152 may cause the second wireless communication unit to send prescribed information, and depending on the user U inputting an instruction to the printing apparatus 100 to implement the wireless connection setting, the printing apparatus 100 may begin the aforementioned process. Figure 5 The series of processes shown. In this case, the status determination unit 151 may, for example, determine whether the power supply of the printing apparatus 100 has been initially turned on by checking whether the flag data indicating the execution of the initial power-on, which is stored in the non-volatile memory by the initial power-on, has been stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0070] While some or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as in the following notes, they are not limited thereto.

[0071] (Note 1) A printing apparatus comprising: The printing department performs printing on the medium; The first wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the first wireless communication standard; The second wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the second wireless communication standard; The state determination unit determines whether the printing process performed by the printing unit is in a state where printing can be carried out. The wireless setting unit, when determined to be in a state where it can perform printing by the printing unit, causes the printing unit to print a code image containing predetermined information; and when determined to be in a state where it cannot perform printing by the printing unit, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the predetermined information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0072] (Note 2) The printing apparatus as described in Appendix 1, wherein... The printing section has a printing head that sprays color material onto the medium. If the initial filling of the color material into the print head is not performed, the state determination unit determines that the printing performed by the printing unit is not possible.

[0073] (Note 3) The printing apparatus as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein... If the remaining amount of color material in the color material storage container used for printing by the printing unit is less than a predetermined threshold, the state determination unit determines that the printing performed by the printing unit is not possible.

[0074] (Note 4) The printing apparatus as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein... The status determination unit also determines whether the printing of the code image performed by the printing unit was successful. If the wireless setting unit determines that the printing of the code image has failed, it causes the second wireless communication unit to send the specified information.

[0075] (Note 5) The printing apparatus as described in Appendix 4, wherein... If the supply of the medium to the location where printing is performed by the printing unit fails, the status determination unit determines that the printing of the code image has failed.

[0076] (Note 6) The printing apparatus as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein... The printing apparatus operates as an intruder as defined by the equipment configuration protocol. As part of the bootstrapping process defined by the device configuration protocol, the wireless setting unit controls the printing or transmission of the specified information.

[0077] (Note 7) The printing apparatus as described in any one of Appendix 1 to 6, wherein... Communication according to the second wireless communication standard is either Bluetooth communication or near-field communication.

[0078] (Note 8) One processing method, wherein, A printing apparatus comprising a printing unit for printing on a medium, a first wireless communication unit for communication according to a first wireless communication standard, and a second wireless communication unit for communication according to a second wireless communication standard performs the following processing: A determination is made as to whether the printing process, performed by the printing unit, is in a state where it is capable of carrying out printing. When it is determined that the printing unit is in a state where printing can be performed, the printing unit prints a code image containing specified information. If it is determined that the printing process performed by the printing unit is not feasible, the second wireless communication unit transmits the specified information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0079] (Note 9) A program product includes a program that causes a computer having a printing unit for printing on a medium, a first wireless communication unit for communicating according to a first wireless communication standard, and a second wireless communication unit for communicating according to a second wireless communication standard to perform the following steps: The state determination step determines whether the printing process can be performed by the printing unit. In the wireless setting step, if it is determined that the printing unit is capable of performing printing, the printing unit prints a code image containing specified information; if it is determined that the printing unit is not capable of performing printing, the second wireless communication unit transmits the specified information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

[0080] Symbol Explanation 90…Media, 100…Printing apparatus, 110…Communication unit, 111…First wireless communication unit, 112…Second wireless communication unit, 120…Printing unit, 121…Print head, 130…Color material storage container, 150…Control unit, 151…Status determination unit, 152…Wireless setting unit, 153…Printing control unit, 200…Terminal device, 210…UI unit, 220…Communication unit, 221…First wireless communication unit, 222…Second wireless communication unit, 230…Code reading unit, 250…Control unit, 251…Wireless setting unit, 900…Computer, 901…Input / output interface, 902…Memory, 903…Processor, C…Code image, M…Message, U…User.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus comprising: The printing department performs printing on the medium; The first wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the first wireless communication standard; The second wireless communication unit communicates in accordance with the second wireless communication standard; The state determination unit determines whether the printing process performed by the printing unit is in a state where printing can be carried out. The wireless setting unit, when determined to be in a state where it can perform printing by the printing unit, causes the printing unit to print a code image containing predetermined information; and when determined to be in a state where it cannot perform printing by the printing unit, causes the second wireless communication unit to transmit the predetermined information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The printing section has a printing head that sprays color material onto the medium. If the initial filling of the color material into the print head is not performed, the state determination unit determines that the printing performed by the printing unit is not possible.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the remaining amount of color material in the color material storage container used for printing by the printing unit is less than a predetermined threshold, the state determination unit determines that the printing performed by the printing unit is not possible.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The status determination unit also determines whether the printing of the code image performed by the printing unit was successful. If the wireless setting unit determines that the printing of the code image has failed, it causes the second wireless communication unit to send the specified information.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, If the state determination unit fails to supply the medium to the position where printing is performed by the printing unit, it determines that the printing of the code image has failed.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The printing apparatus operates as an intruder as defined by the equipment configuration protocol. As part of the bootstrapping process defined by the device configuration protocol, the wireless setting unit controls the printing or transmission of the specified information.

7. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Communication according to the second wireless communication standard is either Bluetooth communication or near-field communication.

8. A processing method, wherein, A printing apparatus comprising a printing unit for printing on a medium, a first wireless communication unit for communication according to a first wireless communication standard, and a second wireless communication unit for communication according to a second wireless communication standard performs the following processing: A determination is made as to whether the printing process, performed by the printing unit, is in a state where it is capable of carrying out printing. When it is determined that the printing unit is in a state where printing can be performed, the printing unit prints a code image containing specified information. If it is determined that the printing process performed by the printing unit is not feasible, the second wireless communication unit transmits the specified information. The specified information is information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication in accordance with a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device, wherein the access point information is information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

9. A program product comprising a program that causes a computer having a printing unit for printing on a medium, a first wireless communication unit for communicating according to a first wireless communication standard, and a second wireless communication unit for communicating according to a second wireless communication standard to perform the following steps: The state determination step determines whether the printing process can be performed by the printing unit. In the wireless setting step, if it is determined that the printing unit is capable of performing printing, the printing unit prints a code image containing specified information; if it is determined that the printing unit is not capable of performing printing, the second wireless communication unit transmits the specified information. The specified information refers to the information that needs to be provided to the terminal device in order for the terminal device to begin communication according to a specified communication sequence for the first wireless communication unit to receive access point information from the terminal device. The access point information is the information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point and the first wireless communication unit.

Images