Communication apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus capable of preventing the operation from being stopped in a connection setting state that is made based on a stop operation that a user unintentionally executed.SOLUTION: There is provided a communication apparatus that is configured so that a screen for receiving an operation to stop the operation in a connection setting state is not displayed on a display of a communication apparatus on the basis of the fact that the operation has started in the connection setting state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known communication devices such as printers that communicate with terminal devices such as personal computers (PCs) and smartphones. Such communication devices execute a connection setting process for communicating with the terminal devices by a predetermined communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark). In addition, at that time, the communication devices operate in a connection setting state (connection setting mode) which is a state for executing the connection setting process.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that a communication device operating in soft AP mode receives a device information setting command and sets an operation mode based on the received command. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2015-023440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, a user may unintentionally execute a stop operation to stop operation in the connection setting state, which may result in the operation in the connection setting state being stopped based on the stop operation that the user unintentionally executes.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent operation in a connection setting state from being stopped due to a stop operation unintentionally performed by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the communication device of the present invention comprises: a first control means for causing the communication device to start an operation in a connection setting state for receiving connection information for connecting to an external device from a terminal device; a receiving means for receiving the connection information from the terminal device while the communication device is operating in the connection setting state; an establishment means for establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device using the connection information when the connection information is received from the terminal device; and a second control means for causing the communication device to stop operating in the connection setup state based on the connection information being received from the terminal device, The present invention is characterized in that a screen for accepting an operation to stop operation in the connection setting state is not displayed on the display unit of the communication device based on the start of operation in the connection setting state.

[0008] A communication device of the present invention includes a first control means for causing the communication device to start an operation in a connection setting state for receiving connection information for connecting to an external device from a terminal device; a receiving means for receiving the connection information from the terminal device while the communication device is operating in the connection setting state; an establishment means for establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device using the connection information when the connection information is received from the terminal device; a second control means for causing the communication device to stop operation in the connection setting state based on the connection information being received from the terminal device; a stop means for stopping a process being executed by the communication device based on a press of a stop button for stopping the process being executed by the communication device; having Even if the stop button is pressed, the communication device does not stop operation in the connection setting state. Effect of the Invention

[0009] This makes it possible to prevent operation in a connection setting state from being stopped due to a stop operation unintentionally performed by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of each device included in the communication system. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process executed by the communication device. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a connection setting process executed by a communication device. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a screen displayed by the communication device. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a screen displayed by the communication device. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a screen displayed by the communication device. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a screen displayed by the communication device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a connection setting process executed by a terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention includes any modifications and improvements to the embodiments described below that are made based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0012] A communication device according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a printer (printing device) is exemplified as a communication device, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various devices that can be connected to a terminal device described later can be applied. For example, the present embodiment can be applied to a printer such as an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, and a monochrome printer. In addition to printers, the present embodiment can be applied to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, PCs (personal computers), tablet terminals, PDAs (personal digital assistants), digital cameras, smart speakers, and the like. Note that a smart speaker is a device that instructs a device present on the same network to perform processing according to a voice uttered by a user, or notifies a user of information acquired via a network in response to a voice uttered by the user. In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to a multifunction machine having a copying function, a fax function, and a printing function. In addition, in the present embodiment, a PC is exemplified as a terminal device, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various devices such as a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA, and a digital camera can be applied.

[0013] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to the present embodiment.

[0014] The communication system of this embodiment includes a printer 101, a host terminal 102, and an access point (hereinafter, AP) 103. The printer 101 is a communication device of this embodiment. The host terminal 102 is a terminal device of this embodiment. The AP 103 is an external access point that exists outside the terminal device and communication device, such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router. The terminal device can communicate with a communication device connected to the external access point and the Internet by communicating via the external access point.

[0015] In this embodiment, the printer 101 can be wirelessly connected to the host terminal 102 by a direct connection method that directly connects peer-to-peer without going through the AP 103. The printer 101 can also be wirelessly connected to the host terminal 102 by an infrastructure connection method that connects via the AP 103. Note that there are no particular limitations on the communication standard used in each connection method. A wireless LAN 104 based on the IEEE802.11 series of communication standards may be used. Other examples that may be used include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 105, a wired LAN 106, and a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) 107.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer 101, the host terminal 102, and the AP 103.

[0017] The printer 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an operation unit 204, a display unit 205, and a communication unit 206. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, etc. form a computer of the printer 101.

[0018] The CPU 201 is a system control unit that controls the entire printer 101 .

[0019] The ROM 202 stores fixed data such as the control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 201, and an embedded operating system (OS) program. In the present invention, each control program stored in the ROM 202 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS program stored in the ROM 202.

[0020] The RAM 203 is composed of a static random access memory (SRAM) that requires a backup power source, and data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup. The RAM 203 stores program control variables and the like. The RAM 203 also has a memory area for storing setting values ​​registered by the user, such as wireless LAN settings, management data for the printer 101, and information indicating whether the printer 101 is being set for the first time after power is turned on (hereinafter, referred to as the initial setting time). The initial setting time is, in other words, the time when the printer 101 is in an initial setting state in which the printer 101 has never executed the initial setting time cleaning process described below.

[0021] The operation unit 204 is configured to receive operations from a user, and is configured to include keys and buttons such as a numeric input button, a mode setting button, a decision button, a cancel button, a cancel button (stop button), and a home button. The various keys and buttons included in the operation unit 204 may be physical keys or physical buttons, or may be soft keys or soft buttons displayed by software. The cancel button is a button for canceling (stopping) a process being executed by the printer 101. For example, if the cancel button is pressed while the printer 101 is executing printing, the printing is canceled. The display unit 205 is configured to present information to a user, and is configured to include an LED (light-emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display). In this embodiment, the display unit for presenting information is configured to include a segment display using an LED, and the keys for receiving operations from a user are configured to include physical buttons. The printer 101 can start various functions of the printer 101 and perform various settings by being operated by a user via the operation unit 204. The display unit 205 may be configured without a display unit configured to include an LED or an LCD. Also, a configuration may be used in which there is a display unit configured with LEDs but no display unit configured with LCD. In that case, for example, the printer 101 issues various notifications by blinking an LED, etc. Also, a configuration in which the operation unit 204 and the display unit 205 are integrated may be used by using an operation display unit configured with a touch panel or the like.

[0022] In this embodiment, the display unit 205 displays various screens. Specifically, for example, the display unit 205 displays a home screen and various notification screens. The home screen is a screen displayed on the display unit 205 in response to the printer 101 starting up (normal start-up) in a state other than the initial setting. The home screen is a screen displayed on the display unit 205 in response to the home button on the operation unit 204 being pressed. The home screen is a screen displayed after the initial setting process described below is completed. The user can instruct the printer 101 to perform various processes by selecting various icons such as keys and buttons included in the home screen. For example, the user can instruct the printer 101 to print, copy, or scan. The user can also instruct the printer 101 to perform a setting process to use an interface selected by the user.

[0023] The recording unit 212 is a recording unit consisting of a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and prints an image by adding a recording agent onto a recording medium based on color image data or monochrome image data generated by the recording control unit 112. The recording medium used is not limited to paper, and various media such as film may be used. The size and shape of the recording medium used are also not particularly limited. The recording agent used is ink, toner, etc.

[0024] In this embodiment, the printer 101 is an inkjet printer, and the recording unit 212 includes a recording head for ejecting ink onto a recording medium, and an ink tank for holding ink to be supplied to the recording head. The recording unit 212 uses an ink cartridge in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrally formed, and includes a carriage to which the ink cartridge is detachably attached and which scans the recording medium during printing. The printer 101 can detect whether or not an ink cartridge is attached to the carriage by a cartridge sensor (detection unit) (not shown). The recording head and the ink tank may be formed as separate bodies, and the recording head and the ink tank may be attached to different attachment units in the recording unit 212.

[0025] The printer 101 is provided with a cover that covers the opening of the printer 101. The cover can rotate or move between an open position that opens the opening of the printer 101 and a closed position that covers the opening of the printer 101. When the cover is in the open position, the user can visually check the inside of the printer 101 from the opening of the printer 101 and attach the ink cartridge to the recording unit 212. The printer 101 has a cover sensor (not shown) for detecting whether the cover is in the closed position. When the cover sensor detects that the cover has moved from the closed position, the printer 101 moves the carriage from the standby position to the position of the opening (cartridge installation position). Then, the user installs the ink cartridge on the carriage. After that, when the sensor detects that the cover has returned to the closed position, the printer 101 moves the carriage from the cartridge installation position to the standby position.

[0026] The communication unit 206 is a component for communicating with other devices.

[0027] The USB control unit 207 controls the connection of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and functions as a control unit for making a connection using a protocol defined by the USB connection standard. The USB connection standard is a standard that allows high-speed two-way data connection, and by using this standard, it is possible to connect multiple hubs or functions (slaves) to one host (master). Specifically, the USB control unit 207 converts data from a USB function control task executed by the CPU 201 into packets, and transmits the USB packets to the host terminal 102. Furthermore, the USB control unit 207 converts USB packets from an external PC into data, and transmits the data to the CPU 201.

[0028] The wireless LAN unit 208 connects to and communicates with a network terminal (a network capable of connection according to TCP / IP) via a wireless connection. The wireless LAN unit 208 is a unit for wirelessly connecting to the AP 103 and the host terminal 102. The wireless LAN unit 208 is capable of data (packet) connection in a Wireless LAN (hereinafter, referred to as WLAN) system conforming to the IEEE802.11 series, for example. In other words, the wireless LAN unit 208 is capable of connecting to and communicating with other devices via, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0029] The wired LAN unit 210 is a component for performing communication via Ethernet (registered trademark) using a wired LAN cable.

[0030] The BLE unit 211 is capable of connecting and communicating with other devices using Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0031] By setting the communication mode, the printer 101 operates to be communicable via the wireless LAN unit 208 in accordance with the connection form corresponding to the communication mode. That is, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printer 101 executes communication in accordance with the connection form corresponding to the set communication mode by means of the WLAN. Details of the connection setting process, which is the process of setting the communication mode, will be described later.

[0032] The host terminal 102 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a communication unit 224, an operation unit 225, and a display unit 226. Since each configuration of the host terminal 102 is the same as each configuration of the printer 101 described above, the description thereof is omitted. The host terminal 102 can be connected to the printer 101 and the AP 103 by the communication unit 224 in accordance with communication standards such as the wireless LAN 104, USB 105, wired LAN 106, and BLE 107.

[0033] The AP 103 includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, and a communication unit 234. Since each configuration of the AP 103 is the same as each configuration of the printer 101 described above, the description thereof is omitted. The AP 103 can be connected to the printer 101 and the host terminal 102 by the communication unit 234 in accordance with communication standards such as the wireless LAN 104, USB 105, wired LAN 106, and BLE 107.

[0034] <Regarding Wi-Fi communication (direct connection mode)> In order to establish a direct connection, which is a connection in a Peer To Peer (P2P) mode in Wi-Fi communication, the printer 101 of this embodiment operates in a direct connection mode. As described above, a direct connection refers to a mode in which devices are directly connected wirelessly to each other without going through an external device such as the AP 103. The direct connection mode includes a software AP mode and a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode. The printer 101 operating in the direct connection mode operates as a parent station in the network to which the printer 101 belongs. In this embodiment, the parent station is a device that constructs a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the child station. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to a communication channel used by the parent station. By receiving the parameters, the child station connects to the wireless network constructed by the parent station using the communication channel used by the parent station.

[0035] WFD is a standard established by the WiFi Alliance. WFD enables the host terminal 102 and the printer 101, which are WFD-compatible devices, to connect wirelessly directly to each other without going through another AP. A device that is WFD-compatible and plays the role of an AP (parent station) is particularly called a Group Owner. A mode in which a direct connection is made by WFD is called a WFD mode.

[0036] In addition, the printer 101 has a software access point (hereinafter referred to as a soft AP) function for operating as an AP. The printer 101 activates (starts up) an AP 209 which is a soft AP inside the printer 101, and the host terminal 102 connects to the AP 209 by means of normal Wi-Fi instead of WFD. By connecting in this way, the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 can be wirelessly connected directly to each other without going through another AP. By activating and operating the soft AP inside the printer 101, the mode of executing direct connection is called the software AP mode. When the software AP mode stops, the printer 101 deactivates the soft AP inside the printer 101, and it becomes a state where direct connection with other devices using the soft AP is not possible.

[0037] In the direct connection mode, since the printer 101 operates as a master station, the printer 101 can determine which communication channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. For example, when the printer 101 operates in parallel in the infrastructure connection mode and the direct connection mode, the printer 101 controls to also use the communication channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection mode for communication in the direct connection mode. Also, for example, the printer 101 may preferentially select the communication channel used for connection to the AP 103 as the channel to be used for communication in the direct connection mode over other channels.

[0038] In addition, the connection information (such as SSID and password) for connecting to the printer 101 in the direct connection mode may be arbitrarily changed by a user operation on the operation unit of the printer 101 or the like.

[0039] <Regarding Wi-Fi communication (infrastructure connection mode)> In order to establish a connection (infrastructure connection) in an infrastructure-based connection mode in Wi-Fi communication, the printer 101 of this embodiment operates in infrastructure connection mode. Note that in this embodiment, infrastructure connection refers to a mode in which an external device that manages a network, such as the AP 103, operates as a parent station, and devices connect wirelessly to each other via the parent station. The printer 101 operating in infrastructure connection mode operates as a child device within the network to which the printer 101 belongs.

[0040] In the infrastructure connection mode, the printer 101 and the host terminal 102 are connected via the AP 103, and communication between the printer 101 and the host terminal 102 becomes possible via the AP 103. Note that the channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection mode here may be a frequency band other than 2.4 GHz (such as the 5.0 GHz band).

[0041] In order for the host terminal 102 to communicate with the printer 101 via the AP 103, the host terminal 102 must recognize that the printer 101 belongs to the network formed by the AP 103 and to which the host terminal 102 belongs. Specifically, the host terminal 102 transmits a search signal via the AP 103 to the network to which the host terminal 102 belongs, and confirms communication with the printer 101.

[0042] In this embodiment, a state in which the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 are simply connected to the same AP is considered to be an infrastructure connection state. That is, in the infrastructure connection state, the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 only need to be connected to the same AP, and do not need to recognize that the other device belongs to the network to which they belong.

[0043] In this embodiment, the printer 101 can establish a direct connection and an infrastructure connection in parallel. In other words, the printer 101 can establish a Wi-Fi connection in which the printer 101 is a child device and a Wi-Fi connection in which the printer 101 is a parent device in parallel. This operation with the above-mentioned two connections established in parallel is called a simultaneous operation. When performing the simultaneous operation, the printer 101 matches the frequency band and communication channel used for the infrastructure connection with the frequency band and communication channel used for the direct connection. However, in this embodiment, when the printer 101 uses a 5 GHz frequency band for the infrastructure connection, the printer 101 does not operate in the direct connection mode and does not perform the simultaneous operation. This is because when the 5 GHz frequency band is used, the communication channel used may be changed by DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) or the like.

[0044] <Connection setup process> In this embodiment, the host terminal 102 executes settings (connection settings) for operating the printer 101 in at least one communication mode of the infrastructure connection mode and the direct connection mode, using wireless communication with the printer 101. The connection setting process in this embodiment is also called cableless setup (CLS) because it is executed by wireless communication. Note that the connection setting process may also be executed by wired communication.

[0045] The printer 101 executes the connection setup process while operating in a connection setup mode (connection setup state), which is a mode for executing the connection setup process. The connection setup mode will be described in detail later.

[0046] The host terminal 102 performs a connection setting process when a predetermined program stored in the ROM 222 or an external storage device (not shown) is running. The predetermined program is an application program that sets the AP to which the printer 101 is connected and causes the printer 101 to print image data, document data, etc. in the host terminal 102, and is hereinafter referred to as a setup program. The setup program may have other functions in addition to the function of setting the AP to which the printer 101 is connected and the printing function. For example, if the printer 101 has a scanning function, the setup program may have a function of scanning a document set in the printer 101, a function of making other settings for the printer 101, a function of checking the status of the printer 101, etc.

[0047] When the host terminal 102 connects the AP 103 and the printer 101 and operates the printer 101 in the infrastructure connection mode, the host terminal 102 wirelessly transmits infrastructure setting information for operating the printer 101 in the infrastructure connection mode to the printer 101. The infrastructure setting information includes, for example, information about the AP 103. The information about the AP 103 includes, for example, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the AP 103, a password for connecting to the AP 103, information about the frequency band used by the AP 103, and the like.

[0048] On the other hand, when the host terminal 102 operates the printer 101 in the direct connection mode, the host terminal 102 wirelessly transmits direct setting information for operating the printer 101 in the direct connection mode to the printer 101. The direct setting information includes instructions for enabling the WFD function to operate the printer 101 as a Group Owner and for enabling the AP inside the printer 101. The host terminal 102 also acquires connection information for directly connecting to the printer 101 from the printer 101. The connection information for directly connecting to the printer 101 includes, for example, the SSID of the printer 101 and a password for connecting to the printer 101.

[0049] In this embodiment, a direct connection for connection settings between the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 is used for transmitting infrastructure setting information and direct setting information in the connection setting process, and for acquiring information for directly connecting to the printer 101. In this embodiment, there are two types of direct connection for connection settings: a connection using Wi-Fi and a connection using BLE. That is, in this embodiment, the host terminal 102 is capable of executing a connection setting process using Wi-Fi and a connection setting process using BLE.

[0050] Note that as a direct connection for connection settings, a wireless communication standard other than Wi-Fi or BLE, such as Classic Bluetooth, may be used, or a wired communication standard such as wired LAN or USB may be used.

[0051] After a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection or direct connection is established between the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 by the connection setting process, communication becomes possible between the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the host terminal 102 can transmit to the printer 101 a print job for causing the printer 101 to execute printing or a scan job for causing the printer 101 to execute scanning, via the established connection.

[0052] <About connection setting mode> As described above, the printer 101 can operate in the connection setting mode. The trigger for the printer 101 to start operating in the connection setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a connection setting mode button, or the printer 101 starting up (powering on) for the first time after arrival. The connection setting mode button may be a hard button provided on the printer 101, or may be a soft button displayed on the display unit 205 by the printer 101.

[0053] When the printer 101 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. Specifically, the printer 101 enables an AP 209 (connection setting AP) inside the printer 101, which is dedicated to the connection setting mode, as an enabling process for Wi-Fi communication. This enables the printer 101 to establish a direct connection with the host terminal 102 by Wi-Fi. It is assumed that the connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the connection setting AP is held in advance in a setup program installed in the host terminal 102, and the host terminal 102 recognizes the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP in advance. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the AP enabled in the direct connection mode, it is assumed that the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that in the connection setting mode, the printer 101 may connect to the host terminal 102 by WFD instead of normal Wi-Fi. That is, the printer 101 may operate as a Group Owner and receive setting information from the host terminal 102 by communication by WFD.

[0054] Furthermore, the printer 101 starts transmitting advertising information as a process for enabling BLE communication. This puts the printer 101 in a state in which it can establish a connection with the host terminal 102 via BLE. Note that in this embodiment, the printer 101 is in a state in which it can receive a pairing request via BLE for a predetermined period of time after BLE communication is enabled. Then, when the printer 101 receives a pairing request via BLE during the predetermined period, it pairs with the device that sent the pairing request and establishes a BLE connection. If the printer 101 does not receive a pairing request via BLE during the predetermined period, it may disable BLE communication.

[0055] When the printer 101 enables both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication in the connection setting mode, the printer 101 receives setting information via these communications and executes processing according to the received setting information.

[0056] <Processing performed during initial setup> 3 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process executed by the printer 101 in this embodiment. Note that this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program related to the flowchart stored in the ROM 202 or an external storage device (not shown) into the RAM 203 and executing the control program. Note that this flowchart is started when the printer 101 is in a power-off state.

[0057] First, in step S301, when the CPU 201 detects that the power button of the printer 101 has been pressed (the power-on operation has been executed), the CPU 201 transitions the printer 101 from a power-off state to a power-on state.

[0058] Next, in S302, the CPU 201 refers to information indicating whether or not it is the time of the initial setup, which is stored in the RAM 203, and determines whether or not it is the time of the initial setup. Specifically, when the user starts the printer 101 for the first time after it arrives, the initial setup flag is ON in the RAM 203. On the other hand, in the startup process of the printer 101 for the second time or later after it arrives, the initial setup flag is OFF in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 realizes the determination in S302 by referring to whether the initial setup flag is ON or OFF. Note that this determination may be made, for example, by determining whether or not the printer 101 has executed the arrival sequence in the past.

[0059] If it is not the initial setting time, the CPU 201 proceeds to S312 without executing the connection setting process. Except for cases such as when the connection environment of the printer 101 has changed, it is usually not necessary to set the communication mode again if it is not the initial setting time. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, it is possible to avoid performing the process of setting the communication mode every time the printer 101 transitions to the soft-on state. At this time, a UI or the like may be displayed to ask the user whether or not to perform the process of setting the communication mode, and the process of setting the communication mode may be performed depending on the user's response.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is the time of the initial setting, the CPU 201 changes the information indicating whether it is the time of the initial setting or not in S303 so that it can indicate that the printer 101 is not at the time of the initial setting when it transitions to the soft-on state next time onwards. Specifically, the CPU 201 changes the content of the initial setting flag. In this embodiment, the process of S302 is executed using the ON / OFF of the initial setting flag, but information other than the flag may be used. In that case, for example, it is assumed that information indicating that it is the time of the initial setting is stored in the RAM 203 from the time of arrival. Then, in S302, it is determined whether the information indicating that it is the time of the initial setting is stored in the RAM 203, and the information indicating that it is the time of the initial setting is deleted in the subsequent process. Also, the process in S303 may be performed at any time after the determination of whether it is the time of the initial setting or not.

[0061] In S304, the CPU 201 starts a connection setup process. The details of the connection setup process started by this process will be described later with reference to Fig. 4. Note that the following process is executed in parallel with the connection setup process started by this process.

[0062] In S305, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an ink cartridge is attached to the recording unit 212 based on the detection result by the detection unit. If the recording head and the ink tank are formed separately, the CPU 201 determines whether or not at least the recording head is attached to the recording unit 212. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S306, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S307.

[0063] On the other hand, if the determination in S305 is NO, this means that an ink cartridge was not attached to the recording unit 212 before the printer 101 transitioned to the power-on state (that is, while the printer 101 was in the power-off state).

[0064] Therefore, in S307, CPU 201 notifies the user about recording unit 212 by blinking an LED (light emitting diode) of display unit 205 or displaying a specific screen on the LCD of display unit 205. Specifically, CPU 201 notifies the user that printer 101 is waiting for an ink cartridge to be installed, and notifies the user of how to install the ink cartridge. Note that the notification method is not particularly limited, and for example, CPU 201 may execute notification by voice using a speaker (not shown).

[0065] Thereafter, in S308, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an ink cartridge has been attached to the recording unit 212 based on the detection result by the detection unit. If the recording head and the ink tank are formed as separate entities, the CPU 201 determines whether or not both the recording head and the ink tank have been attached to the recording unit 212. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S309, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 executes the process of S308 again. There is no timeout in the determination of S308, and the determination of S308 is repeated until the determination is YES or the printer 101 transitions to a power-off state. The CPU 201 may continue to execute the notification in S307 until the determination of S308 is YES.

[0066] In S306 and S309, the CPU 201 starts the initial setting cleaning process. Specifically, first, the CPU 201 moves the carriage to a position where a cleaning member such as a waste ink absorption band or a capping mechanism for capping the nozzles of the print head is installed. After that, the CPU 201 caps the nozzles of the print head with the capping mechanism and operates a pump connected to the capping mechanism. As a result, the CPU 201 refreshes the ink in the nozzles by generating negative pressure inside the capping mechanism to suck and discharge foreign matter such as viscous ink and air bubbles from the nozzles. The CPU 201 also wipes (wipes and cleans) foreign matter such as ink adhering to the nozzle surface of the print head with a wiper. The cleaning process is also performed at a timing other than the initial setting, such as before the start of printing, when a predetermined time has passed since the previous printing, or during soft-on after abnormal termination. Such a normal cleaning process may be different from the initial setting cleaning process. Specifically, in the initial setting, in order to fill the flow path from the head to the nozzles or from the ink tank to the head with ink, the negative pressure suction force may be made stronger than in the normal cleaning operation, the amount of suction may be increased, or the number of suctions may be increased. Alternatively, the ink in the recording head may be heated to reduce its viscosity.

[0067] When performing the initial setting cleaning process, the CPU 201 detects any errors occurring in the recording unit 212. The errors detected at this time include, for example, a head incomplete attachment error and a carriage position error.

[0068] The head incomplete installation error is an error in which the ink cartridge (recording head) is incompletely installed on the carriage. For example, if the ink cartridge is incompletely installed on the carriage, the ink cartridge may protrude into the carriage drive path. In this case, the ink cartridge may hit a specific component inside the printer 101 during carriage movement, and the carriage may stop at the position of the component. For example, the CPU 201 detects the amount of carriage movement, and if the detected amount of movement corresponds to the amount of movement from the cartridge installation position to the position of the component, it detects that a head incomplete installation error has occurred. Also, for example, if the ink cartridge is incompletely installed on the carriage, the ink cartridge may come off the carriage during carriage movement or cleaning processing. For example, the CPU 201 detects whether the ink cartridge is installed on the carriage by a cartridge sensor. Then, if the cartridge sensor detects that the ink cartridge is not installed on the carriage during carriage movement or cleaning processing, the CPU 201 detects that a head incomplete installation error has occurred. Note that the incomplete head installation error can be resolved by the user opening the cover again and correctly re-installing the ink cartridges, so there is no need for the printer 101 to transition to a power-off state in order to resolve the incomplete head installation error.

[0069] A carriage position error is an error caused by a foreign object in the drive path of the carriage. For example, if there is a foreign object in the drive path of the carriage, the foreign object will hinder the movement of the carriage, reducing the amount of movement of the carriage. For this reason, the CPU 201 detects, for example, the actual amount of movement of the carriage and the force (driving force) required to drive the carriage, and if the actual amount of movement is smaller than the driving force, detects that a carriage position error has occurred. The carriage position error is resolved when the printer 101 transitions to a power-off state and the foreign object is removed.

[0070] When the CPU 201 detects an error, it executes an error notification process for notifying the detected error. Specifically, for example, a screen for notifying the detected error is displayed on the display unit 205. Note that when an error is detected, if the printer 101 is connected to the host terminal 102 as a result of the connection setting process being started in S304, the CPU 201 transmits information to the host terminal 102 for displaying the detected error on a display unit provided in the host terminal 102. Note that the CPU 201 may be configured to execute the error notification process when an inquiry is received from the host terminal 102 to which the printer 101 is connected.

[0071] Next, in S310, the CPU 201 determines whether the process required for the initial setting has been completed. If the process required for the initial setting has not been completed, the CPU 201 repeats S310 until the process is completed, and if the process required for the initial setting has been completed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S311. Note that in this embodiment, the process required for the initial setting is described as the initial setting cleaning process, but is not limited to this. For example, the process required for the initial setting may include registration adjustment.

[0072] Next, in S311, CPU 201 notifies the user that the initial setting process is complete by blinking an LED (light emitting diode) of display unit 205 or displaying a specific screen on the LCD of display unit 205. Specifically, for example, CPU 201 displays a screen (for example, screen 801 shown in FIG. 8) on the LCD of display unit 205 to notify the user that the initial setting process is complete. Note that the method of notification is not particularly limited, and for example, CPU 201 may execute the notification by voice using a speaker (not shown).

[0073] Next, in S312, CPU 201 displays a home screen (for example, screen 501 in FIG. 5) on display unit 205. The home screen may include, for example, an area 501a for receiving an instruction to execute a copy process, an area 501b for receiving an instruction to execute a scan process, and an area 501c for receiving an instruction to execute a print process. The home screen may also include, for example, an area 501d for receiving an instruction to transition to a connection setting mode. CPU 201 then ends the initial setting process. Note that from now on, CPU 201 can execute various processes by receiving a user operation on the home screen.

[0074] As described above, in this embodiment, a connection setting process is executed. The connection setting process includes a process that is started during initial setting and a process that is started after the initial setting is completed. The connection setting process that is started during initial setting is a process that is started by executing S304 in FIG. 3. The process that is started after the initial setting is completed is a process that is started by executing an operation on the printer 101 after the initial setting is completed. Specifically, an operation on the printer 101 is, for example, pressing the area 501d or an operation on a specific area of ​​the setting screen that is displayed after an operation on an area other than the areas 501a to 501d of the home screen.

[0075] As described above, in the initial setting process, the user performs various operations in succession to perform the initial setting of the printer 101. At this time, the user may unintentionally perform an operation to cancel the connection setting mode of the printer 101 while performing various operations in succession. As a result, there is a problem that the connection setting process started at the time of initial setting may be interrupted or stopped unintentionally by the user. In that case, even if the user tries to execute the connection setting process by operating the host terminal 102, there is a problem that the connection setting process cannot be executed because the printer 101 is not operating in the connection setting mode. Alternatively, there is a problem that it is time-consuming to operate the printer 101 in the connection setting mode again.

[0076] In this embodiment, a form for solving the problem will be described.

[0077] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a connection setting process executed by the printer 101. Note that this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 loading a control program related to the flowchart stored in the ROM 202 or an external storage device (not shown) into the RAM 203 and executing the control program. The process shown in this flowchart is started, for example, by executing S304 in Fig. 3. Also, the process shown in this flowchart is started, for example, when area 501d is pressed.

[0078] First, in S401, the CPU 201 determines whether the currently executing connection setup process is a process that is started during initial setting (a process that is started after initial setting). Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether the process that triggered the start of this flowchart was the process of S304 or pressing of area 501d. If the CPU 201 determines YES, the process proceeds to S402, and if the CPU 201 determines NO, the process proceeds to S414.

[0079] In S402, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S403, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S404.

[0080] In S403, the CPU 201 enables the wired LAN function of the printer 101, and transitions to a state in which the printer 101 can communicate with devices connected via the wired LAN. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless LAN function is disabled when the wired LAN function is enabled. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the process.

[0081] On the other hand, in S404, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the printer 101 is connected to another device via USB. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 ends the process, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S405.

[0082] Thus, in this embodiment, when the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB, the CPU 201 does not operate the printer 101 in the connection setting mode. This is because when the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB, the wired LAN or USB is specified as the communication method with the other device, and therefore there is no need to newly execute the connection setting process.

[0083] In S405, the CPU 201 shifts the printer 101 to the connection setting mode. This causes the printer 101 to enable the AP 209 for the connection setting mode. That is, the printer 101 is in a state in which a beacon including the SSID of the printer 101 is periodically sent out, and thus the printer 101 is in a state in which the information included in the beacon can be provided to an AP search from a terminal device (such as the host terminal 102). In this state, when a connection request is received from the host terminal 102, the devices exchange connection parameters, and the printer 101 and the host terminal 102 connect via the AP 209. At this time, the BLE function may be enabled to start broadcasting advertisement information. In this embodiment, in the connection setting process at the time of initial setting, even if the printer 101 shifts to the connection setting mode, the CPU 201 does not notify the user that the printer 101 has shifted to the connection setting mode. Specifically, the CPU 201 does not blink the LED (light-emitting diode) of the display unit 205 or display a specific message on the LCD based on the shift to the connection setting mode. Even if the CPU 201 transitions to the connection setting mode, the CPU 201 does not display a connection waiting screen (for example, screen 502 in FIG. 5) for notifying the user that preparations for connection to the host terminal 102 are complete. As described above, in this embodiment, the process of this flowchart and the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 can be executed in parallel. Therefore, for example, the printer 101 can operate in the connection setting mode even while the initial setting process in FIG. 3 is being executed. Also, even after the initial setting process is completed and the home screen is displayed, the printer 101 can operate while maintaining the connection setting mode. Also, for example, the printer 101 can operate in the connection setting mode while the printer 101 is executing various operations such as printing, scanning, and copying due to a user operation (for example, pressing area 501a, area 501b, or area 501c) after the home screen is displayed.

[0084] In S406, the CPU 201 determines whether the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN. This process is the same as S402. At this time, the printer 101 is operating in a connection setting mode, and the wireless LAN function is enabled. For example, if the wired LAN function is disabled when the wireless LAN function is enabled, this process may be omitted. If the CPU 201 determines YES, the process proceeds to S407, and if the CPU 201 determines NO, the process proceeds to S409.

[0085] In S407, the CPU 201 enables the wired LAN function of the printer 101, and transitions to a state in which the printer 101 can communicate with devices connected via the wired LAN. This process is similar to S403.

[0086] In S408, the CPU 201 stops operation in the connection setting mode in the printer 101. As a result, the printer 101 disables the AP 209 for the connection setting mode and stops sending beacons. The printer 101 also disables the BLE function, stops broadcasting advertising information, and enters a state in which it will not accept new instructions to execute pairing processing. Note that if the printer 101 has already established a BLE connection with another device, the BLE connection may be maintained even if operation in the connection setting mode is stopped. After that, the CPU 201 ends the process.

[0087] On the other hand, in S409, the CPU 201 determines whether the printer 101 is connected to another device via USB. This process is the same as S404. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S408, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S410.

[0088] Thus, in this embodiment, when the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB, the CPU 201 stops operation in the connection setting mode of the printer 101. When the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB, that is, when the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB after the printer 101 transitions to the connection setting mode, this is because when the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB, the wired LAN or USB is specified as the method of communication with the other device, and therefore there is no need to newly execute the connection setting process.

[0089] In S410, the CPU 201 determines whether or not setting information has been received from a device (here, the host terminal 102) connected to the printer 101 operating in the connection setting mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S411, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S412.

[0090] In S411, the CPU 201 executes processing based on the setting information received from the host terminal 102. Specifically, first, the CPU 201 cancels (stops) the connection setting mode. This controls so that the connection setting mode and other modes (infrastructure connection mode and direct connection mode) do not operate simultaneously. Note that the connection between the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 is temporarily disconnected by canceling the connection setting mode. After that, the CPU 201 sets the communication mode based on the received setting information. Specifically, when the CPU 201 receives information (AP information, etc.) corresponding to the infrastructure connection mode as the setting information, it registers the AP corresponding to the setting information in the RAM 203 as the AP to be used in the infrastructure connection mode, and executes connection processing with the AP. Also, when an encryption key is required to use the AP, the CPU 201 registers the encryption key, etc. Then, when the registration of the AP is properly completed, the CPU 201 sets the printer 101 to the infrastructure connection mode in which connection via the registered AP is possible. As a result, the printer 101 operates in a state in which wireless connection with the host terminal 102 via the registered AP is possible. Furthermore, when the CPU 201 receives information corresponding to the WFD mode or the soft AP mode as the setting information, it transmits connection information for connecting to the AP corresponding to the WFD mode or the soft AP mode to the host terminal 102 before canceling the connection setting mode. Then, after canceling the connection setting mode, the CPU 201 enables the AP corresponding to the WFD mode or the soft AP mode and operates in the WFD mode or the soft AP mode. In this state, when the CPU 201 receives a connection request including the connection information transmitted before canceling the connection setting mode from the host terminal 102 that is the transmission source of the setting information, it connects the printer 101 and the host terminal 102 in a P2P system. As a result, the printer 101 operates in a state in which it can wirelessly connect to the host terminal 102 by P2P. Note that in this embodiment, even if a process based on the setting information is executed in the connection setting process at the time of initial setting, various notifications based on the execution of the process based on the setting information are not issued. After that, the CPU 201 ends the connection setting process shown in FIG. 4.

[0091] Meanwhile, in S412, the CPU 201 determines whether the connection setting process has timed out. A timeout in the connection setting process refers to the printer 101 not connecting to an external device or not receiving setting information for a predetermined period of time or more after the printer 101 transitions to the connection setting mode in S405. If the CPU 201 determines YES, the process proceeds to S413. At this time, the CPU 201 may notify the user by displaying on the display unit 205 that a timeout has occurred or that a USB connection to the terminal device is recommended. If the CPU 201 determines NO, the process returns to S406.

[0092] In S413, the CPU 201 stops operation in the connection setting mode in the printer 101. This process is similar to S408. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the connection setting process shown in FIG.

[0093] The connection setting process at the time of the initial setting is executed as described above. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 does not accept a cancel operation from the user for canceling (stopping) the connection setting mode whose operation has been started in S405. That is, the CPU 201 does not display a screen for accepting an input for canceling the connection setting mode whose operation has been started in S405, for example. The CPU 201 does not cancel the connection setting mode, even if a cancel button provided in the printer 101 is pressed, for example. In this embodiment, the state in which the cancel operation is not accepted from the user is assumed to continue even after the initial setting is completed. The period in which the cancel operation is not accepted is not limited, but the cancel operation is assumed to be not accepted at least from the start of the initial setting until the initial setting is completed and the home screen is displayed. In this embodiment, the connection setting mode whose operation has been started in S405 is stopped or ended when a timeout occurs, when the power of the printer 101 is turned off, when the connection setting process is completed, or when the printer 101 is connected to another device using a wired communication standard such as a wired LAN or USB. In this embodiment, the printer 101 can also directly receive connection information (such as a password) from the user and execute a process for connecting to the AP. In this embodiment, the connection setting mode that was started in S405 is also stopped and ended when a connection is made to the AP based on the user input in this way.

[0094] In S414, which is executed when the determination in S401 is NO (when not at the initial setting), the CPU 201 displays a start screen for notifying the user that the operation in the connection setting mode will start. The start screen includes, for example, a button for receiving an instruction to start the operation in the connection setting mode from the user. When the button is pressed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S415.

[0095] In S415, the CPU 201 determines whether the printer 101 is already in the connection setting mode. Note that the determination is YES when the area 501d is pressed while the printer 101 is already operating in the connection setting mode by the connection setting process started at the time of initial setting. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S417, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S416.

[0096] In S416, the CPU 201 starts the printer 101 in the connection setting mode. This process is the same as S405. Unlike the initial setting, the CPU 201 at this time performs various notifications based on the transition to the connection setting mode through the display unit 205. Specifically, for example, while the CPU 201 is transitioning to the connection setting mode, the CPU 201 displays a screen (for example, the screen 601 in FIG. 6) indicating that the printer 101 is transitioning to the connection setting mode. Then, when the transition is completed and the printer 101 is operating in the connection setting mode, the CPU 201 displays a connection waiting screen for notifying the user that the printer 101 is operating in the connection setting mode and is ready for connection to the host terminal 102. The connection waiting screen is, for example, the screen 602 in FIG. 6. Note that the screen 602 includes an area 602a for canceling the connection setting mode. That is, unlike the initial setting, the CPU 201 at this time can accept a cancel instruction for canceling the connection setting mode. Note that the operations to be performed by the user in the connection setting process are described in the manual included with the printer 101. Therefore, a message for notifying the user to proceed with the operation according to the manual may be displayed on the screen 602. In the above description, a screen is displayed on the LCD as a notification based on the transition to the connection setting mode, but, for example, an LED may be blinked as a notification based on the transition to the connection setting mode.

[0097] In S417, the CPU 201 determines whether the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN. This process is the same as S402. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S407, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S418.

[0098] In S418, the CPU 201 determines whether the printer 101 is connected to another device via USB. This process is the same as S404. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S408, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S419.

[0099] At this time, unlike the time of initial setting, the printer 101 is operating in the connection setting mode because the user has explicitly instructed the printer 101 to switch to the connection setting mode. In other words, at this time, it is highly likely that the user intends to establish a wireless connection to the printer 101. Therefore, the CPU 201 may omit the processing of S417 and S418. In other words, the CPU 201 may maintain operation in the connection setting mode even if the printer 101 is connected to another device via a wired LAN or USB.

[0100] In S419, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a cancel operation for canceling (stopping) the connection setting mode started in S416 has been received from the user. A specific example of a cancel operation is pressing the area 602a displayed on the screen 601 or pressing the cancel button, which is a physical button. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S408, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S420.

[0101] In S420, the CPU 201 determines whether or not setting information has been received from a device (here, the host terminal 102) connected to the printer 101 operating in the connection setting mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 201 proceeds to S421, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 201 proceeds to S422.

[0102] In S421, the CPU 201 executes processing based on the setting information received from the host terminal 102. This processing is the same as S411. Unlike the initial setting, the CPU 201 at this time performs various notifications based on the execution of processing based on the setting information through the display unit 205. Specifically, for example, while the CPU 201 is executing a connection process with the AP corresponding to the setting information, the CPU 201 displays a screen (for example, the screen 701 in FIG. 7) indicating that the connection process with the AP is being executed. If the connection with the AP is successful, the CPU 201 displays a screen (for example, the screen 702 in FIG. 7) for notifying the user that the connection with the AP is successful. On the other hand, if the connection with the AP is unsuccessful, the CPU 201 displays a screen (for example, the screen 703 in FIG. 7) for notifying the user that the connection with the AP has failed. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the connection setting processing shown in FIG. 4.

[0103] Meanwhile, in S422, CPU 201 determines whether or not the connection setup process has timed out. This process is the same as S412. Note that the time threshold used for the timeout determination in S422 may be different from the time threshold used for the timeout determination in S412. In this embodiment, the time threshold used for the timeout determination in S422 is set to be greater than the time threshold used for the timeout determination in S422. If the determination is YES, CPU 201 proceeds to S423, and if the determination is NO, CPU 201 returns to S417.

[0104] In S423, the CPU 201 stops operation in the connection setting mode in the printer 101. This process is similar to S408. Thereafter, the CPU 201 ends the connection setting process shown in FIG.

[0105] 9 is a flowchart showing a connection setting process executed by the host terminal 102. Note that this flowchart is realized by the CPU 221 loading a control program related to the flowchart stored in the ROM 222 or an external storage device (not shown) into the RAM 223 and executing the control program.

[0106] First, in S901, the CPU 221 accepts a user's operation and starts up a wireless LAN setting application. The wireless LAN setting application is an application for setting a communication mode in the printer 101. The wireless LAN setting application may have other functions, such as a function for transmitting a print job to the printer 101 to execute printing. The wireless LAN setting application is a program stored in an internal storage device (not shown) of the host terminal 102, and is installed in the host terminal 102 in advance by the user. The following process for setting the communication mode is realized by the CPU 221 executing the wireless LAN setting application.

[0107] Here, an example will be described in which the printer 101 is set to the infrastructure connection mode by registering an AP to be used in the infrastructure connection mode in the printer 101 using a wireless LAN setting application. Note that the AP may be registered using a service on the Internet via a web browser or other functions of the host terminal 102 and the printer 101, without using the wireless LAN setting application. At this time, the CPU 221 temporarily stores in the RAM 223 the AP information of the AP to which the host terminal 102 is connected.

[0108] Next, in S902, the CPU 221 searches for APs accessible by the host terminal 102 via the communication unit 224. The AP search may be performed automatically when the wireless LAN setting application is started, or may be performed in response to an instruction from the user. The AP search is performed by the communication unit 224 receiving a beacon transmitted by each AP.

[0109] In S903, the CPU 221 causes the display unit 226 to display a list of APs found by the AP search in S902 (AP search results). At this time, for example, the CPU 221 causes a list of SSIDs of each AP to be displayed. Note that in S903, the CPU 221 may be configured to automatically extract and display APs having SSIDs in a format conforming to the above-mentioned rules that constitute the SSID of the AP 209. At this time, if there are multiple SSIDs in a format conforming to the above-mentioned rules, the multiple SSIDs are displayed and the user is allowed to select from among them. Also, in this configuration, the process in S905 described below does not need to be performed.

[0110] When the APs are displayed in S903, the user selects from the search results an AP in the communication device for which the communication mode is to be set.

[0111] In S904, the CPU 221 detects that the selection of an AP by the user has been accepted.

[0112] In S905, the CPU 221 judges whether the AP selected in S904 is an AP in a communication device to be set by the wireless LAN setting application. Specifically, the CPU 221 judges whether the selected AP is an AP having an SSID in a format conforming to the above-mentioned rule that configures the SSID of the AP 209. If it is judged that the AP is not an AP in the communication device to be set, the CPU 221 waits again to detect the selection of an AP by the user. At this time, the CPU 221 may display a screen on the display unit 226 to inform the user that an inappropriate AP has been selected. Also, if there is no AP corresponding to the communication device to be set or there is no AP in the communication device desired by the user, the CPU 221 may be configured to end the process.

[0113] In the above, the configuration in which the user manually selects the AP of the communication device for which the communication mode is to be set by the processes of S903 to S905 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 221 may automatically select an AP having an SSID in a format conforming to the above-mentioned rule from the APs searched for in S902 as the AP of the communication device for which the communication mode is to be set.

[0114] When the communication device to be configured in step S905 (here, the AP in the printer 101 (here, AP 209) is selected, the CPU 221 exchanges parameters (connection information) for the host terminal 102 and the printer 101 to establish a wireless connection. Note that the connection information for connecting to AP 209 is held in advance by the wireless LAN setting application. In this way, the host terminal 102 connects to AP 209 and establishes communication with the printer 101.

[0115] Next, in S906, the CPU 221 transmits the AP information temporarily stored in the RAM 223 in S901 as setting information to the printer 101 via the AP 209 connected in S905. By receiving the AP information, the printer 101 is set to an infrastructure connection mode that enables connection via an AP based on the AP information.

[0116] Finally, in S907, the CPU 221 terminates the connection to the AP 209 and reconnects to the AP based on the AP information temporarily stored in the RAM 223 in S901, thereby enabling communication with the printer 101 via that AP. At this time, the CPU 221 registers the printer 101 in the RAM 223 as a communication device to which the host terminal 102 will connect in the future. Thereafter, the CPU 221 terminates the wireless LAN setting application.

[0117] The processes from S902 to S904 do not necessarily have to be performed by the wireless LAN setting application, but may instead be configured such that the AP 209 is searched for by another application already installed in the host terminal 102, and the wireless LAN setting application acquires the results.

[0118] Also, in the above description, the CPU 221 communicates with the printer 101 via the AP 209, and therefore transmits the setting information to the printer 101 using a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series (i.e., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)). However, without being limited to this form, the CPU 221 may transmit the setting information to the printer 101 using, for example, a communication standard different from the communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. The communication standard used at this time may be, for example, Bluetooth Classic (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), Near Field Communication, Wi-Fi Aware, etc. By adopting such a form, the CPU 221 can transmit the setting information to the printer 101 using another communication standard while maintaining a Wi-Fi connection with the AP used in the infrastructure connection mode.

[0119] In the above description, the CPU 221 sets the printer 101 to the infrastructure connection mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other communication modes such as the WFD mode and the soft AP mode may be set to the printer 101. The communication mode to be set to the printer 101 may be determined by accepting a user's selection via a screen displayed by a wireless LAN setting application, or may be automatically determined by the wireless LAN setting application based on the communication environment of the host terminal 102. For example, when setting the communication mode to the printer 101, if the host terminal 102 is connected to any AP, the infrastructure connection mode is selected as the communication mode to be set to the printer 101. Also, for example, when setting the communication mode to the printer 101, if the host terminal 102 is not connected to any AP, a P2P communication mode such as the WFD mode or the soft AP mode is selected as the communication mode to be set to the printer 101.

[0120] As described above, in this embodiment, the printer 101 does not accept an instruction to cancel the connection setting process that is started during initial setup. This prevents the user from unintentionally performing a cancel operation, which causes the printer 101 to unintentionally stop the connection setting mode.

[0121] In this embodiment, the connection setting process started at the time of initial setting and the connection setting process started based on a user operation after the initial setting are different in content. Specifically, in the connection setting process started after the initial setting is completed, various notifications and displays that were not executed in the connection setting process started at the time of initial setting are executed. In addition, in the connection setting process started after the initial setting is completed, an instruction to cancel the connection setting process is accepted. This is because, even if the user unintentionally cancels the connection setting process started based on a user operation after the initial setting is completed, the user can start the connection setting process again by executing the user operation again.

[0122] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the connection setting process that does not accept a cancel instruction has been described as a process that is performed during the initial setup of the printer 101, but is not limited to this. For example, the connection setting process that does not accept a cancel instruction may be executed when the wireless LAN setting of the printer 101 is disabled, or may be executed when the printer 101 is initialized. Also, for example, the connection setting process may be executed when the printer 101 is turned on, regardless of whether the printer 101 is in the initial setup state or not.

[0123] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0124] The above-mentioned embodiment can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiment are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. It is not necessary to realize all of the above-mentioned processes by software, and some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as ASIC. The CPU is also not limited to one that performs all processes by one CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 101 Printer 102 Host terminal

Claims

1. 1. A communication device, comprising: a first control means for causing the communication device to start an operation in a connection setting state for receiving connection information for connecting to an external device from a terminal device; a receiving means for receiving the connection information from the terminal device while the communication device is operating in the connection setting state; an establishment means for establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device using the connection information when the connection information is received from the terminal device; and a second control means for causing the communication device to stop operating in the connection setting state based on the connection information being received from the terminal device, A communication device characterized in that a screen for accepting an operation to stop operation in the connection setting state is not displayed on a display unit of the communication device based on the start of operation in the connection setting state.

2. When a power-on operation for turning on the power of the communication device is performed while the power of the communication device is off, the communication device starts an operation in the connection setting state; When a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device while the communication device is in a power-on state, the communication device starts an operation in the connection setting state. a screen for receiving an operation to stop the operation in the connection setting state that has been started based on the power-on operation being performed is not displayed on a display unit of the communication device based on the start of the operation in the connection setting state; The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that a screen for accepting an operation to stop operation in the connection setting state that was started based on the specified operation being performed is displayed on a display unit of the communication device based on the start of operation in the connection setting state.

3. 1. A communication device, comprising: a first control means for causing the communication device to start an operation in a connection setting state for receiving connection information for connecting to an external device from a terminal device; a receiving means for receiving the connection information from the terminal device while the communication device is operating in the connection setting state; an establishment means for establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device using the connection information when the connection information is received from the terminal device; a second control means for causing the communication device to stop operation in the connection setting state based on the connection information being received from the terminal device; a stop means for stopping a process being executed by the communication device based on a press of a stop button for stopping the process being executed by the communication device; having A communication device, characterized in that even if the stop button is pressed, the communication device does not stop operation in the connection setting state.

4. When a power-on operation for turning on the power of the communication device is performed while the power of the communication device is off, the communication device starts an operation in the connection setting state; When a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device while the communication device is in a power-on state, the communication device starts an operation in the connection setting state. Even if the stop button is pressed, the operation in the connection setting state that was started based on the power-on operation is not stopped by the communication device, The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein when the stop button is pressed, the communication device stops operation in the connection setting state that was started based on the specified operation being performed.

5. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the communication device starts operating in the connection setting state based on a power-on operation being performed to turn on the power of the communication device when initial configuration of the communication device has not been completed and the power of the communication device is off.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the communication device maintains operation in the connection setting state even after the initial setting is completed.

7. 7. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the communication device does not start operation in the connection setting state when the initial setting is completed and the power-on operation is performed.

8. 8. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the initial setting includes a process for cleaning a configuration of the communication device.

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein a screen indicating that the operation in the connection setting state has started is not displayed on a display unit of the communication device.

10. When a power-on operation for turning on the power of the communication device is performed while the power of the communication device is off, the communication device starts an operation in the connection setting state; When a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device while the communication device is in a power-on state, the communication device starts an operation in the connection setting state. When an operation in the connection setting state that is started based on the power-on operation is started, a screen indicating that the operation in the connection setting state has started is not displayed on a display unit of the communication device, The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that when operation in the connection setting state is started based on the specified operation being performed, a screen indicating that operation in the connection setting state has started is displayed on a display unit of the communication device.

11. if the connection information is received from the terminal device, the connection information is used to establish a connection between the external device and the communication device according to a first communication standard; A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that if a connection has already been established between the communication device and another device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, the communication device does not start operation in the connection setting state.

12. if the connection information is received from the terminal device, the connection information is used to establish a connection between the external device and the communication device according to a first communication standard; A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that when a connection is established between the communication device operating in the connection setting state and the terminal device, the communication device stops operating in the connection setting state based on the establishment of a new connection between the communication device and another device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard.

13. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the communication device stops operating in the connection setting state based on the lapse of a predetermined time since the communication device started operating in the connection setting state.

14. a receiving unit for receiving a connection setting operation for executing a connection setting of the communication device from a user, 14. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device stops operation in the connection setting state based on the acceptance of the connection setting operation.

15. The communication device according to claim 14 , wherein the connection setting operation includes an operation of establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device by a user directly inputting the connection information into the communication device.

16. the first communication standard is a wireless communication standard, 16. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second communication standard is a wired communication standard.

17. the first communication standard is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; 17. The communication device according to claim 16, wherein the second communication standard is a wired LAN or a USB.

18. 18. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the connection setting state is a state in which the communication device is to establish a peer-to-peer connection with the terminal device.

19. 19. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the connection setting state is a state in which a predetermined access point in the communication device is enabled.

20. 20. A communication device according to any preceding claim, further comprising printing means for printing an image on a recording medium.

21. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a first control step of causing the communication device to start an operation in a connection setting state for receiving connection information for connecting to an external device from a terminal device; a receiving step of receiving the connection information from the terminal device while the communication device is operating in the connection setup state; an establishing step of establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device using the connection information when the connection information is received from the terminal device; a second control step of causing the communication device to stop operating in the connection setup state based on the connection information being received from the terminal device; A control method characterized in that a screen for accepting an operation to stop operation in the connection setting state is not displayed on a display unit of the communication device based on the start of operation in the connection setting state.

23. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a first control step of causing the communication device to start an operation in a connection setting state for receiving connection information for connecting to an external device from a terminal device; a receiving step of receiving the connection information from the terminal device while the communication device is operating in the connection setup state; an establishing step of establishing a connection between the external device and the communication device using the connection information when the connection information is received from the terminal device; a second control step of causing the communication device to stop operating in the connection setup state based on the connection information being received from the terminal device; a stop step of stopping the process being executed by the communication device based on pressing of a stop button for stopping the process being executed by the communication device; having A control method, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a communication device that is connected to the communication apparatus and that is operable to perform a control operation in the connection setting state;

Images