Communication device, communication device control method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: in recent years, there is an increase in use of wireless communication, and there is a demand for improvement in convenience of wireless communication.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus performs control so that OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard is not executed in direct wireless communication based on the details of settings on a setting screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables an image forming apparatus to perform wireless communication in infrastructure mode and wireless communication in ad-hoc mode in parallel via an access point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-19487 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, wireless communication has come to be used in a variety of cases, and there is a demand for more convenient wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus includes a first setting means for enabling a first mode in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point outside the image forming apparatus, a second setting means for enabling a second mode in which wireless communication is performed not via an external access point outside the image forming apparatus, a providing means for providing a setting screen related to OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard in wireless communication in the second mode, a receiving means for receiving a first trigger frame including information related to OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard from an external access point outside the image forming apparatus while the first mode is enabled, and an image forming apparatus comprising: a communication means for executing communication processing in the first mode using OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard based on information about a frame; a control means for controlling the image forming apparatus so that OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is not executed in wireless communication in the second mode based on settings on the setting screen, even if OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode; and a print processing means for executing print processing on paper based on a print job received via wireless communication via the first mode or wireless communication via the second mode. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a more efficient wireless communication technique. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of an access point. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication process according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sub-channel configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication processing among an access point, a mobile terminal, and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart relating to an OFDMA setting process. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart for automatic switching of OFDMA. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart for automatic switching of OFDMA. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart for automatic switching of OFDMA. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart relating to an OFDMA setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Example 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment is merely an example, and specific examples of components, processing steps, display screens, etc. are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0009] (System Configuration) Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can wirelessly communicate with each other. In the example of Fig. 1, the system includes an access point 131, an MFP 151, and a mobile terminal 101. An example of the mobile terminal 101 is a notebook computer or a smartphone.

[0010] The MFP 151 has a printing function, a reading function (scanner), a FAX function, and the like. Moreover, the MFP 151 of this embodiment has a communication function capable of wireless communication with the mobile terminal 101. In this embodiment, a case where the MFP 151 is used will be described as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, a facsimile device, a scanner device, a projector, or a single-function printing device may be used instead of the MFP 151. MFP is an abbreviation for Multi Function Peripheral. Note that in this embodiment, a device having a printing function may also be called an image forming device.

[0011] The access point 131 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151, and operates as a base station device of a wireless LAN (WLAN). The access point 131 may also be referred to as an external access point 131 or an external wireless base station (or an external parent station). The MFP 151 having a WLAN communication function can communicate in infrastructure mode of the WLAN via the access point 131. In the following, the access point may be referred to as an "AP." Furthermore, the infrastructure mode may be referred to as a "wireless infrastructure mode" or an "infrastructure mode."

[0012] The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the MFP 151 communicates with other devices via an external device (e.g., the AP 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external AP established by the MFP 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in the infrastructure connection, the MFP 151 operates as a child station, and the external AP 131 operates as a parent station. Note that in this embodiment, the parent station is a device that forms a network and determines a communication channel to be used in the network. Also, the child station is a device that does not determine a communication channel to be used in the network to which the child station belongs, but performs wireless communication on a communication channel determined by the parent station.

[0013] The AP 131 performs wireless communication with a communication device that has been authorized to connect to the AP 131 (has been authenticated), and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. The AP 131 may also be connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and may relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device that is wirelessly connected to the access point 131.

[0014] The mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151 can use their respective WLAN communication functions to perform wireless communication in a wireless infrastructure mode via an external AP 131 or in a peer-to-peer mode not via the external AP 131. In the following, peer-to-peer is referred to as "P2P." Alternatively, communication not via an external AP 131 may be referred to as direct wireless communication. The P2P mode includes Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) and soft AP mode. In the following, Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) may be referred to as WFD. The P2P mode can also be said to be communication compliant with the IEEE802.11 series.

[0015] The P2P mode is a mode in which the MFP 151 communicates directly with other devices such as the mobile terminal 101 without going through an external device that forms a network. In this embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the MFP 151 operates as an AP. The connection information (SSID and password) of the AP enabled in the MFP 151 in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. The P2P mode may include, for example, a WFD mode in which the MFP 151 communicates by Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of a plurality of WFD-compatible devices operates as a parent station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. The parent station may be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A device that is a WFD-compatible device and plays the role of a parent station is particularly called a Group Owner. A direct connection with another device established by the MFP 151 operating in the P2P mode is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the MFP 151 operates as a parent station, and another device (such as the mobile terminal 101) operates as a child station.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal of this embodiment and the communication device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with the communication device, and the functions are not particularly limited to those shown in this figure.

[0017] The mobile terminal 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a keyboard 109, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, a network interface 112, and a USB interface 113. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the mobile terminal 101.

[0018] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or may be a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may receive an input (operation) from the user via the display unit 108.

[0019] The CPU 103 is a system control unit, and controls the entire mobile terminal 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter, referred to as OS) program. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0020] The RAM 105 is composed of a static random access memory (SRAM) that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the mobile terminal 101, management data for the mobile terminal 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0021] The external storage device 106 stores, for example, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the printer 115. The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the mobile terminal 101.

[0022] Display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the state of mobile terminal 101. Communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as MFP 151 and access point (AP) 131 to execute data communication. For example, communication unit 110 can connect to an AP (not shown) in MFP 151. By connecting communication unit 110 to the AP in MFP 151, P2P communication is possible between mobile terminal 101 and MFP 151. Note that communication unit 110 may directly communicate with MFP 151 by wireless communication, or may communicate via AP 131 device present outside mobile terminal 101 or MFP 151. Note that the external device includes an external AP (such as AP 131) present outside mobile terminal 101 and outside MFP 151, and a device other than an AP that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. In addition, the AP 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router.

[0023] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to wirelessly connect to a device such as the MFP 151 at a short distance and execute data communication, and communicates by a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is connectable to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the MFP 151. Examples of the communication method include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0024] The network interface 112 is a connection I / F that controls wireless communication and communication processing via a wired LAN cable.

[0025] The USB interface 113 is a connection I / F that controls a USB connection via a USB cable. Specifically, the USB interface 113 is an interface for connecting to devices such as the MFP 151 and the external AP 131 via USB and executing data communication.

[0026] Next, a description will be given of the MFP 151. The MFP 151 has a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, an input interface 158, an operation unit 159, an output interface 160, a display unit 161, a network interface 162, a USB interface 163, etc. The ROM 152, the RAM 153, the CPU 154, etc. form a computer of the MFP 151.

[0027] The communication unit 156 controls communication processing using each interface. For example, the MFP 151 can operate in an infrastructure mode and a P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0028] Specifically, the communication unit 156 can operate as an AP inside the MFP 151. For example, when a user instructs to enable the internal AP, the MFP 151 operates as an AP. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. The communication unit 156 may have hardware that functions as an AP, or may operate as an AP (software AP mode) by software for functioning as an AP. When the communication unit 156 operates as a parent station, the communication unit 156 can maintain P2P wireless connections with a predetermined number or less (for example, 3 or less) of child station devices in parallel. The communication unit 156 can perform wireless communication using a frequency band selected from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0029] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is a component for wirelessly connecting to a device such as the mobile terminal 101 at a short distance, and can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the mobile terminal 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0030] The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the MFP 151, management data for the MFP 151, and the like. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the mobile terminal 101 or the like, and various other information.

[0031] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0032] The CPU 154 is a system control unit, and controls the entire MFP 151 .

[0033] The print engine 155 executes a print process for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink on the recording medium based on information stored in the RAM 153 or a print job received from the mobile terminal 101 or the like, and outputs the print result. In general, the amount of data of a print job transmitted from the mobile terminal 101 or the like is large, so that a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for communication of the print job. Therefore, the MFP 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156 capable of communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157. Note that printing using ink is an example, and printing may be performed by an electrophotographic method using toner. In addition, as for the ink, the MFP may be a cartridge type MFP in which a cartridge is attached, or may be a type MFP in which ink is refilled from an ink bottle into the ink tank of the MFP.

[0034] Note that MFP 151 may be equipped with a memory such as an external HDD or an SD card as an optional device, and information stored in MFP 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0035] The input interface 158 is an interface for accepting data input and operation instructions from a user by operating an operation unit 159 such as a physical button. The operation unit may be a soft keyboard, soft buttons, or the like displayed on the display unit 161. That is, the input interface 158 may accept an input from the user via the display unit 161.

[0036] The output interface 160 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 to display data and to notify the status of the MFP 151 .

[0037] Display unit 161 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), and the like, and displays data and notifies the status of MFP 151.

[0038] The USB interface 163 is an interface that controls a USB connection via a USB cable. Specifically, the USB interface 163 is an interface that connects to the MFP 151, an external AP, or other device via USB to perform data communication.

[0039] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the AP 131. The AP 131 has, as its functional configuration, a wireless LAN control unit 301, a trigger frame control unit 302, a received frame analysis unit 303, a UI control unit 304, a storage unit 305, and a bandwidth allocation unit 306, for example.

[0040] The wireless LAN control unit 301 executes control for transmitting and receiving wireless signals with other wireless LAN communication devices. The wireless LAN control unit 301 can be realized by, for example, a program for controlling a baseband circuit, an RF circuit, and an antenna for the wireless LAN. The wireless LAN control unit 301 executes communication control of the wireless LAN in accordance with the IEEE802.11 series of standards, and executes wireless communication with an STA (corresponding to a child station) that complies with the IEEE802.11 series of standards.

[0041] The Trigger frame control unit 302 performs control for transmitting a Trigger frame to a STA that has been successfully authenticated via the wireless LAN control unit 301. When the STA receives the Trigger frame, it transmits an uplink (UL) frame in response to the frame. When the AP 131 receives a UL frame via the wireless LAN control unit 301, the received frame analysis unit 303 interprets the contents of the received UL frame. For example, when the received UL frame includes AC information, the received frame analysis unit 303 acquires the AC information by analysis and determines which AC's transmission target data the STA that transmitted the UL frame has. Note that "AC" is an acronym for access category.

[0042] The bandwidth allocating unit 306 determines the width of the frequency band to be allocated for data transmission of each STA, the center frequency of the frequency band, and the time to allocate the frequency band based on the information acquired by the received frame analyzing unit 303. That is, the bandwidth allocating unit 306 determines the timing and frequency range of radio resources to be allocated to each STA. The trigger frame control unit 302 notifies each STA of information indicating the allocation determined by the bandwidth allocating unit 306 via a trigger frame, and causes each STA to transmit a UL frame according to the allocation.

[0043] The UI control unit 304 is realized by a program or the like that controls hardware related to a user interface, such as a touch panel or buttons for accepting an operation on the AP 131 by a user (not shown) of the AP 131. The UI control unit 304 may also have a function for presenting information to the user, such as displaying an image or outputting sound. The storage unit 305 is a storage function that may be configured by a ROM, a RAM, or the like that stores a program and data operated by the AP 131.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of subcarriers. Here, in IEEE801.11ax, by allowing a frequency band to be allocated to a STA in a size smaller than 20 MHz, a large number of STAs can use radio resources simultaneously. Such radio resource allocation is performed using OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). In IEEE802.11ax, for example, a 20 MHz bandwidth is divided into nine blocks each having 26 subcarriers (tones) that do not overlap with each other on the frequency axis, and radio resources are allocated to terminals in block units. This allocation unit block is called a Resource Unit (RU), and the size of the RU is determined according to the frequency bandwidth and the number of terminals to which the radio resources are allocated. The size of the RU is expressed in units of the number of tones, and for example, 26, 52, 106, 242, 484, 996, and 2×996 are available, but in a 20 MHz bandwidth, values ​​of 242 or less of these can be used. When allocating the entire 20 MHz bandwidth to one terminal, a maximum of 242 tones can be allocated.

[0045] On the other hand, for example, if nine terminals use a 20 MHz bandwidth at the same time, 26 tones are assigned to each terminal. In this way, by dividing the frequency band by 26 tones, which is the smallest allocation unit, nine terminals can communicate at the same time using the 20 MHz bandwidth. Similarly, when frequency bands of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz are used, a maximum of 18, 37, and 74 terminals can communicate at the same time, respectively.

[0046] Next, a basic flow of multi-user (MU) communication in UL will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, the AP 131 transmits a Buffer Status Report Request (BSR Request) by the Trigger frame control unit 302 (S401). In this embodiment, the AP 131, the MFP 151, and the mobile terminal 101 can perform communication based on IEEE801.11ax. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 101 does not belong to a network formed by the AP 131.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 4, each STA transmits a Buffer Status Report (BSR) (S402). The BSR is used when each STA notifies the AP of its own transmission buffer amount. An example of the configuration of a BSR frame is shown in FIG. 5. The transmission buffer amount of each STA is indicated in a Queue size subfield 503 included in a QoS Control field 501. Alternatively, the transmission buffer amount of each STA can be indicated by a Scaling Factor subfield 505, a Queue Size High subfield 506, and a Queue Size All subfield 507 in a Control Information subfield 504 of an HT Control field 502.

[0048] When the AP 131 receives the BSR from each STA, it transmits a Trigger frame to prompt the transmission of UL data based on the information (S403). At this time, the AP 131 determines the allocation of RUs in UL-OFDMA and the communication time common to all STAs based on the information of the transmission buffer amount included in the BSR frame. After that, the AP 131 transmits a Trigger frame including information on the data communication time common to the RU and all STAs (hereinafter, RU / communication time information), that is, transmits a Trigger frame including information related to OFDMA. Figure 6 shows the configuration of the Trigger frame.

[0049] The Common Info field 601 includes information common to all STAs. The Length subfield 604 in the Common Info field 601 is set to a data communication time common to all STAs. If the Trigger Type subfield 603 is 0, the User Info field 602 is added. The Common Info field also includes other information. For example, the Common Info field includes CS (Carrier Sense) Required, which stores information indicating whether or not carrier sense needs to be performed. If the information indicating the necessity of carrier sense is included, the STA that received the Trigger frame performs carrier sense. On the other hand, if the information indicating whether or not carrier sense is to be performed is included, the STA that received the Trigger frame does not perform carrier sense. The AID subfield 605 in the User Info field 602 identifies the STA. Also, the index value indicated by the RU Allocation subfield 606 identifies the RU (a unit that groups together multiple subcarriers) and tone size that are allocated to the STA. The tone size is a value indicating the width of the frequency band that can be allocated to each STA. The MCS subfield 607 specifies the MCS.

[0050] The AP reserves a communication channel to transmit a trigger frame, then divides the reserved communication channel into multiple resource units and assigns each resource unit to a terminal.

[0051] When each STA receives a Trigger frame including information related to OFDMA, it transmits a UL Data frame within a data amount range determined by the Length subfield 604 of the Trigger frame (S404). At this time, if information indicating the need to perform carrier sense is included, the STA performs carrier sense and then executes S404. For example, the MFP 151 may transmit scan data in S404. In addition, 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 paper) may be transmitted in S404. Alternatively, information indicating the status of the MFP 151 (such as a paper jam error occurring, the cover being open, etc.) may be transmitted.

[0052] When the AP 131 receives the PPDU from each STA, it transmits a Multi Block Ack (Multi BA) as a reception confirmation (S405).

[0053] Next, the operation of the MFP 151 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. It is assumed that both infrastructure mode and P2P mode are enabled in the MFP 151 by user instructions. For example, the user enables infrastructure mode and WFD mode using the operation panel of the MFP 151, thereby enabling both modes. Also, the MFP 151 operates as a parent station (for example, a WFD group owner) in P2P communication. It is noted that P2P communication in a mode other than the WFD mode may be performed. For example, a soft AP mode may be executed.

[0054] Here, it is assumed that the MFP 151 has received a trigger frame from the AP 131 in S403. When both the infrastructure communication and the P2P communication are enabled, the MFP 151 refers to the communication channel used in the infrastructure communication. The MFP 151 may then build a network as a master station so as to execute the P2P communication on the same communication channel. When both the infrastructure communication and the P2P communication are enabled, the MFP 151 refers to the communication channel used in the infrastructure communication. The MFP 151 may then build a network as a master station so as to execute the P2P communication on a communication channel different from the communication channel used in the infrastructure communication. That is, in FIG. 8, the MFP 151 receives a trigger frame from the external access point 131 in S403 while both the infrastructure mode and the P2P mode are enabled.

[0055] Since the MFP 151 itself operates as a parent station, it transmits a trigger frame (S801). Note that the MFP 151 divides one communication channel (for example, 20 MHz) into multiple resource units using the trigger frame as described above in FIG. 5, and allocates each resource unit to the STA including the mobile terminal 101. That is, the RU Allocation 606 of the trigger frame transmitted by the MFP 151 includes information on the allocation of resource units. Here, the number of child station devices to which the resource units are allocated by the MFP 151 is the maximum number of devices that can maintain a direct connection in parallel. For example, if the communication unit 156 can maintain a P2P wireless connection with a maximum of three child station devices in parallel, the maximum number of child station devices to which the resource units are allocated is three. That is, the maximum number of devices to which the resource units specified in the trigger frame in S801 are allocated is the same as the maximum number of child stations that can be maintained in parallel in a direct connection. The mobile terminal 101 transmits data to the MFP 151 in S802 (S802). Here, the mobile terminal 101 transmits data using the resource unit allocated in the Trigger frame. For example, the mobile terminal 101 transmits a print job in S802. The mobile terminal 101 may also transmit a request to obtain the status of the MFP 151 or a request to obtain the remaining amount of consumables (ink, toner, or paper) in S802. Fig. 9 shows an example of a screen 900 displayed on display unit 161 included in MFP 151. When a user selects LAN setting item 901 in Fig. 9(a), a LAN setting screen (Fig. 9(b)) is displayed.

[0056] Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting various network communications. When "Wi-Fi" shown in Fig. 9(b) is selected, infrastructure mode is set. When "Wireless Direct 902" shown in Fig. 9(b) is selected, Fig. 9(c) is displayed.

[0057] Fig. 9(c) is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting related to Wireless Direct. When a user selects an enable / disable item 903 for Wireless Direct communication, wireless communication in the Wireless Direct communication mode is set to be enabled or disabled in the MFP 151. For example, when the user selects to enable the Wireless Direct mode, the CPU 154 operates the MFP 151 as a parent station in the Wireless Direct mode. Also, when a user selects an OFDMA setting item 904, Fig. 9(d) is displayed.

[0058] 9D is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting an OFDMA mode related to Wireless Direct, which includes a setting item 905, an automatic switching setting item 906, and a setting display item 907.

[0059] Fig. 9(e) is displayed when setting item 905 is selected. Fig. 9(e) includes an OFDMA enable item 908 and an OFDMA disable item 909. When OFDMA enable item 908 is selected, OFDMA settings are enabled according to the flowchart in Fig. 10 described below, and a mobile terminal or the like directly connected to MFP 151 performs wireless communication with MFP 151 using OFDMA.

[0060] When it is decided to use OFDMA, the MFP 151 transmits a trigger frame (S801) shown in Fig. 8 to the mobile terminal 101. The trigger frame (S801) includes RU information, and the RU information includes information related to OFDMA. The mobile terminal 101 that has received the trigger frame (S801) enables the OFDMA function based on the contents of the RU information, and performs communication.

[0061] On the other hand, when the OFDMA disable item 909 is selected, the MFP 151 disables the OFDMA setting according to the flowchart in Fig. 10. Since the OFDMA setting is disabled, a mobile terminal or the like directly connected to the MFP 151 performs wireless communication with the MFP 151 using OFDM.

[0062] When it is determined that communication is to be performed in the OFDM mode, the MFP 151 transmits a trigger frame (S801) shown in Fig. 8 to the mobile terminal 101. Upon receiving the trigger frame (S801), the mobile terminal 101 disables the OFDMA function based on the contents of the RU information, and performs communication in the OFDM mode.

[0063] Fig. 9(f) is displayed when an automatic switching setting item 906 is selected in Fig. 9(d). Fig. 9(f) includes an automatic switching enable item 910 and an automatic switching disable item 911. When the automatic switching enable item 910 is selected, the automatic switching function of the OFDMA mode is enabled according to the flowchart of Fig. 11. Then, the CPU 154 determines whether to perform direct wireless communication using OFDMA or to perform direct wireless communication using OFDM. When the automatic switching enable item 910 is selected, Fig. 9(g) is displayed.

[0064] FIG. 9(g) is an example of a screen for setting information required for automatic switching. In this embodiment, as a condition for automatically switching the OFDMA mode to an enabled state, the user sets a threshold value for the number of connected portable terminals connected to the MFP 151 operating as a master station in direct communication (hereinafter, referred to as a switching condition). When changing the setting of the switching condition, the user selects a setting change item 912. When the user selects the setting change item 912, a screen 913 shown in FIG. 9(h) is displayed. Then, the user can change the switching condition by selecting a numerical value displayed on the screen 913. When the switching condition is changed, the OFDMA mode automatic switching function is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 described later. When the setting of the OFDMA mode is changed, the portable terminal 101 connected to the MFP 151 is notified of the change of the OFDMA mode. Note that, although the number of connected devices in a direct connection is shown as a condition for automatically switching the OFDMA mode to an enabled state in this embodiment, other information may be used. For example, a day of the week or a time period may be set, and OFDMA may be automatically enabled only on a specific day of the week or in a specific time period. For example, a state of the MFP 151, such as printing or power saving state, may be set, and OFDMA may be automatically enabled when the MFP 151 is in a specific state.

[0065] Alternatively, when OFDMA is enabled in infrastructure communication, CPU 154 may automatically disable OFDMA in direct communication. Conversely, when OFDMA is disabled in infrastructure communication, CPU 154 may automatically enable OFDMA in direct communication. Note that such processing is performed in order to prevent power consumption in an environment where both AP 131 and MFP 151 exist from increasing due to OFDMA being executed in both infrastructure communication and direct communication.

[0066] On the other hand, when the automatic switching disable item 911 in Fig. 9(f) is selected, the OFDMA mode automatic switching function is disabled according to the flowchart in Fig. 11. At this time, the OFDMA mode setting continues to be the setting when the OFDMA mode automatic switching function was disabled.

[0067] Fig. 9(i) is an example of a setting screen displayed when the user selects the setting display item 907 in Fig. 9(d). As shown in Fig. 9(i), the setting status related to OFDMA is displayed. In addition, the number of mobile terminals 101 directly connected to the MFP 151 and the setting value of the switching condition are displayed.

[0068] Fig. 10 shows a flowchart executed when a user selects the OFDMA enable item 908 or the OFDMA disable item 909 in Fig. 9(e). Note that the flowchart of this embodiment is realized by the CPU 154 reading out a program related to the flowchart from memory and executing it.

[0069] In S1001, the CPU 154 checks the state of the MFP 151. If the state of the MFP 151 is JOB execution, the process proceeds to S1002 and waits for the end of the JOB. An example of JOB execution is a state in which the print engine 155 of the MFP 151 is operating. Although not shown in FIG. 3 of this embodiment, if the MFP 151 has a scanner function or a FAX function, the state in which the scanner function or the FAX function is operating may be considered as JOB execution. If the OFDMA setting is changed during JOB execution, the method of direct communication between the MFP 151 and the mobile terminal 101 may change. As a result, the change in the method of direct communication may delay the end of the JOB, so S1001 to S1002 are executed so as not to execute the OFDMA setting change during JOB execution. If it is determined in S1001 that the state of the MFP 151 is not JOB execution, the process of FIG. 10 proceeds to S1003.

[0070] In S1003, the CPU 154 checks whether the OFDMA automatic switching setting is enabled. If the OFDMA automatic switching setting is enabled, the process in Fig. 10 proceeds to S1004. On the other hand, if the OFDMA automatic switching setting is disabled, the process in Fig. 10 proceeds to S1011.

[0071] In S1004, CPU 154 acquires the number of terminals connected to MFP 151 operating as the parent station of direct communication, and stores it as information A. Next, in S1005, CPU 154 acquires the number set as a switching condition, and stores it as information B. In this embodiment, information A and information B are stored in RAM 153, but may be stored in ROM 152.

[0072] In S1006, CPU 154 determines the setting state of OFDMA. When the user selects OFDMA enable item 908 or OFDMA disable item 909, the selection result is stored in RAM 153. CPU 154 can achieve S1006 by acquiring the selection result in S1006. If it is determined that the setting state of OFDMA is valid (i.e., the user selects OFDMA enable item 908), the process of FIG. 10 proceeds to S1007.

[0073] In S1007, CPU 154 compares the values ​​of information A and information B. If the value of information A is smaller than the value of information B, the process in FIG. 10 proceeds to S1008. On the other hand, if the value of information A is equal to or larger than the value of information B, the process in FIG. 10 proceeds to S1011.

[0074] In S1008, CPU 154 changes the OFDMA automatic switching setting to invalid. When the numerical value of information A is smaller than the numerical value of information B, and OFDMA automatic switching control described later in Fig. 11 is executed, CPU 154 switches the OFDMA setting to invalid. That is, in order to prevent execution of a process contrary to the operation of the user selecting OFDMA enable item 908, CPU 154 disables the OFDMA automatic switching setting in S1008.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1006 that the OFDMA setting state is invalid, the process of FIG. 10 proceeds to S1009. In S1009, CPU 154 compares the values ​​of information A and information B. If the value of information A is equal to or greater than the value of information B, the process of FIG. 10 proceeds to S1010. On the other hand, if the value of information A is smaller than the value of information B, the process of FIG. 10 proceeds to S1011. In S1010, CPU 154 changes the OFDMA automatic switching setting to invalid. If the value of information A is equal to or greater than the value of information B, when the OFDMA automatic switching control described later in FIG. 11 is executed, CPU 154 switches the OFDMA setting to valid. That is, in order to prevent the execution of a process contrary to the operation of the user selecting OFDMA invalidation item 909, CPU 154 invalidates the OFDMA automatic switching setting in S1010.

[0076] In S1011, CPU 154 performs the same determination process as in S1006. If it is determined as Yes in S1011, CPU 154 enables OFDMA setting (S1012). As described above, by enabling OFDMA setting, MFP 151 transmits a Trigger frame including information related to OFDMA to mobile terminal 101, which is the communication partner of direct communication. As a result, mobile terminal 101 performs wireless communication using OFDMA mode in direct communication with MFP 151.

[0077] If the result of S1011 is No, CPU 154 disables the OFDMA setting (S1013). As described above, by disabling the OFDMA setting, MFP 151 transmits a Trigger frame including information indicating that OFDMA is disabled to mobile terminal 101, which is the communication partner of the direct communication. As a result, mobile terminal 101 executes wireless communication using the OFDM mode in the direct communication with MFP 151.

[0078] By the above-described processing in FIG. 10, MFP 151 can execute wireless communication in accordance with the user's intention.

[0079] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a process that is executed at a predetermined interval when the user selects the automatic switching enable item 910 or the automatic switching disable item 911 in Fig. 9(f). The process in Fig. 11 may also be executed when the MFP 151 is powered on.

[0080] S1101 to S1102 are similar to the explanation of S1001 to S1002 in FIG. 10, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0081] In S1103, the CPU 154 determines the setting state of the automatic switching function of OFDMA. When the user selects the automatic switching enable item 910 or the automatic switching disable item 911, the selection result is stored in the RAM 153. Alternatively, the processing result of S1008 or S1010 in FIG. 10 is stored in the RAM 153. The CPU 154 can realize S1103 by acquiring the user's selection result (or the processing result of FIG. 10) in S1103. If it is determined that the setting state of the automatic switching function of OFDMA mode is enabled, the processing of FIG. 11 proceeds to S1104. Note that S1104 and S1105 are the same processing as S1004 and S1005 described above, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

[0082] In S1106, CPU 154 compares the values ​​of information A and information B. If the value of information A is smaller than the value of information B, CPU 154 changes the OFDMA setting to invalid (S1007). This is because the number (A) of terminals connected to MFP 151 operating as a master station for direct communication is smaller than the number of connected terminals (B), which is the switching condition, and therefore the criterion for changing the OFDMA setting to valid is not met. If the number of connected terminals is smaller than the switching condition, it is expected that processing efficiency will be higher if OFDMA is not used, and therefore S1107 is executed.

[0083] On the other hand, if the value of information A is equal to or greater than the value of information B, CPU 154 changes the OFDMA setting to active. This is because the number (A) of terminals connected to MFP 151 operating as a parent station for direct communication is equal to or greater than the number of connected terminals (B) that is the switching condition, and therefore the criterion for changing the OFDMA setting to active is met. Also, if the number of connected terminals is greater than the switching condition, it is expected that the use of OFDMA will result in higher processing efficiency, and therefore S1108 is executed.

[0084] In S1109, the CPU 154 keeps the automatic switching setting of the OFDMA mode enabled.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1103 that the automatic switching function of the OFDMA mode is disabled, the CPU 154 maintains the automatic switching setting of the OFDMA mode as disabled (S1110).

[0086] As described above, the process in FIG. 11 enables automatic switching of the OFDMA mode, thereby improving user convenience.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart executed when the number of connected devices, which is a switching condition, is changed in FIG. 9(g) and FIG. 9(h).

[0088] In S1201, the CPU 154 updates the number of connected devices stored in the ROM 152 to the number of connected devices designated by the user in Fig. 9(h). Then, the CPU 154 executes the process shown in S1202 (i.e., the process according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11).

[0089] As described above, the process of FIG. 12 makes it possible to change the number of connected devices, which is a switching condition, and enables the user to execute the automatic switching function of the OFDMA mode under the conditions desired by the user.

[0090] Fig. 13 shows a flowchart executed when the number of terminals connected to MFP 151 operating as a parent station of direct communication is changed. The change in the number of connected terminals can be detected by communication unit 156. When communication unit 156 detects a change in the number of connected terminals, the control flow shown in Fig. 13 is executed.

[0091] In S1301, the CPU 154 updates the number of terminals connected to the MFP 151. Next, the CPU 154 executes the process shown in S1302 (that is, the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11).

[0092] As described above, the process in FIG. 13 enables automatic switching of the OFDMA mode in response to a change in the number of terminals connected to the MFP 151.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the user can arbitrarily switch the OFDMA mode setting of the OFDMA mode, and can perform wireless direct communication as intended by the user. As a result, even if OFDMA is enabled in infrastructure communication, the MFP 151 can perform direct communication with OFDMA disabled. In addition, the OFDMA mode automatic switching function makes it possible to automatically change the OFDMA mode according to the number of mobile terminals 101 connected to the MFP 151, improving user convenience.

[0094] [Example 2] In the first embodiment, the user can set both Fig. 9(e) and Fig. 9(f). In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which Fig. 9(e) and Fig. 9(f) are mutually exclusive will be described.

[0095] When the user selects OFDMA enable item 908 or OFDMA disable item 909 using Fig. 9(e), the selection result in Fig. 9(f) is cleared. On the other hand, when the user selects automatic switching enable item 910 or automatic switching disable item 911 using Fig. 9(f), the selection result in Fig. 9(e) is cleared.

[0096] FIG. 14 is a flowchart relating to the OFDMA setting process executed in this embodiment.

[0097] The CPU 154 judges whether or not the screen of Fig. 9(e) has been operated. If it is judged as Yes in S1401, the CPU 154 erases the setting contents set on the screen of Fig. 9(f). At this time, the CPU 154 may display a warning message to the effect that the setting contents of Fig. 9(f) will be erased. Also, since the processes from S1403 to S1405 are similar to those from S1011 to S1013, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0098] If it is determined No in S1401, CPU 154 determines whether or not the screen of FIG. 9(f) has been operated (S1406). If it is determined Yes in S1406, CPU 154 erases the setting contents set on the screen of FIG. 9(e). At this time, CPU 154 may display a warning message to the effect that the setting contents of FIG. 9(e) will be erased. Next, CPU 154 executes the process shown in S1408 (i.e., the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11).

[0099] If the result of S1406 is No, the process of Fig. 14 ends. According to this embodiment, the user can arbitrarily switch the OFDMA mode setting of the OFDMA mode, and can perform wireless direct communication as intended by the user. As a result, the MFP 151 can perform direct communication with OFDMA disabled, for example, even if OFDMA is enabled in infrastructure communication.

[0100] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which various settings are changed on the display unit 161 of the MFP 151 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile terminal 101 or a device connected to the MFP 151 via the external AP 131 may display a screen corresponding to FIG. 9 to change the settings. In this case, the user may use an application corresponding to the MFP 151 to change the settings, or may use a remote UI function using the browser of the mobile terminal 101 to change the settings. The remote UI function is a function in which the MFP 151 provides a Web screen to the browser of the mobile terminal 101 or the like as a server by the user inputting the IP address of the MFP 151 into the address input field of the browser. In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 151 provides the screen of FIG. 9 as a Web screen to the browser of the mobile terminal 101 or the like.

[0101] The processing in the above-described embodiment may be executed after an infrastructure connection is established, or may be executed before an infrastructure connection is established.

[0102] This embodiment can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions.

[0103] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program.

[0104] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus, a first setting unit for enabling a first mode in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point outside the image forming apparatus; a second setting unit for enabling a second mode in which wireless communication is performed without going through an external access point outside the image forming apparatus; providing means for providing a setting screen for OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard in the second mode of wireless communication; a receiving means for receiving a first trigger frame including information related to OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard from an external access point outside the image forming apparatus while the first mode is enabled; a communication means for executing communication processing in the first mode by OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard based on information about the first trigger frame; a control means for controlling the image forming apparatus so that, even if OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode, OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is not executed in the wireless communication in the second mode based on the setting contents of the setting screen; and a print processing unit that executes a print process on a sheet based on a print job received via wireless communication in the first mode or wireless communication in the second mode; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0105] (Configuration 2) 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication means transmits information indicating a remaining amount of a consumable of the image forming apparatus or a state of the image forming apparatus based on OFDMA conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard.

[0106] (Configuration 3) the remaining amount of the consumable is at least one of a remaining amount of ink, a remaining amount of toner, and a remaining amount of paper; 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus is at least one of a paper jam error and a cover open.

[0107] (Configuration 4) When an automatic OFDMA switching function is enabled on the setting screen and the number of communication partner devices connected to the image forming apparatus in the second mode of wireless communication satisfies an OFDMA switching condition, it is determined that the OFDMA is to be executed in the second mode of wireless communication; The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a decision means for deciding not to execute the OFDMA in the second mode of wireless communication when an automatic OFDMA switching function is enabled on the setting screen and the number of communication partner devices connected to the image forming apparatus in the second mode of wireless communication does not satisfy an OFDMA switching condition.

[0108] (Configuration 5) The image forming device according to claim 4, further comprising a determination means for determining the number of communication partner devices to be connected to the image forming device in the second mode wireless communication at a predetermined interval when an OFDMA automatic switching function is enabled on the setting screen.

[0109] (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that, when the second mode is enabled, the image forming apparatus determines a communication channel to be used in wireless communication in the second mode.

[0110] (Configuration 7) 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is an infrastructure mode, and the second mode is a software AP mode.

[0111] (Configuration 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the first mode is an infrastructure mode, and the second mode is Wi-Fi Direct.

[0112] (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the providing means provides the setting screen to a communication partner device connected to the external access point in the first mode of communication or to a communication partner device in the second mode of communication.

[0113] (Configuration 10) 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the setting screen on a display unit of the image forming apparatus.

Claims

1. A communication device, a first setting means for enabling a first mode in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point outside the communication device; a second setting means for enabling a second mode in which wireless communication is performed without going through an external access point outside the communication device; providing means for providing a setting screen relating to OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard in the second mode of wireless communication; receiving means for receiving a first trigger frame including information regarding OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard from an external access point outside the communication device while the first mode is enabled; a communication means for executing communication processing in the first mode by OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard based on information about the first trigger frame; a control means for controlling the communication device so that, even if OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode, OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is not executed in the wireless communication in the second mode based on the setting content of the setting screen; and A communication device comprising:

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means transmits information indicating the remaining amount of a consumable item of the communication device or the state of the communication device based on OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

3. the remaining amount of the consumables is at least one of the remaining amount of ink, the remaining amount of toner, and the remaining amount of paper; 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the information indicating the state of the communication device is at least one of a paper jam error and a cover open.

4. When an automatic switching function of OFDMA is enabled on the setting screen and the number of communication partner devices connected to the communication device in the second mode of wireless communication satisfies an OFDMA switching condition, it is determined that the OFDMA will be executed in the second mode of wireless communication; The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a decision means for deciding not to execute OFDMA in the second mode of wireless communication when the automatic OFDMA switching function is enabled on the setting screen and the number of communication partner devices connected to the communication device in the second mode of wireless communication does not satisfy the conditions of OFDMA.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, further comprising a determination means for determining the number of communication partner devices connected to the communication device in the second mode wireless communication at a predetermined interval when the OFDMA automatic switching function is enabled on the setting screen.

6. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein when the second mode is enabled, the communication device determines a communication channel to be used in wireless communication in the second mode.

7. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is an infrastructure mode, and the second mode is a software AP mode.

8. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is an infrastructure mode and the second mode is Wi-Fi Direct.

9. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing means provides the setting screen to a communication partner device connected to the external access point in the first mode of communication or to a communication partner device in the second mode of communication.

10. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the setting screen on a display unit of the communication device.

11. A communication device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it further has a printing processing means for performing printing processing on paper based on a print job received by wireless communication via the first mode or wireless communication via the second mode.

12. A control method for a communication device, comprising: a first setting step of enabling a first mode in which wireless communication is performed via an external access point external to the communication device; a second setting step of enabling a second mode in which wireless communication is performed without going through an external access point outside the communication device; providing a setting screen for OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard in the second mode of wireless communication; a receiving step of receiving a first trigger frame including information related to OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard from an external access point outside the communication device while the first mode is enabled; a communication step of performing communication processing in the first mode by OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard based on information about the first trigger frame; a control step of controlling the communication device so that OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is not executed in the wireless communication in the second mode based on the setting content of the setting screen, even if OFDMA conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode; A method for controlling a communication device, comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images