Communication device

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows an initial setting process of a communication device to be more easily performed using an external terminal.SOLUTION: An MFP 50 is an MFP 50 including a network I / F 56, an LCD 58, an input I / F 60, and a CPU 52. In response to receiving an instruction to supply power from the input I / F 60, the CPU 52 executes a determination process (S10) for determining whether or not an initial setting process of the MFP 50 has been completed, and a first screen display process (S14) for causing the LCD 58 to execute first screens 100-102 that prompt a user to perform the initial setting process of the MFP 50 using a mobile terminal 10, if it is determined in the determination process that the initial setting process has not been completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a technology for executing initial setting processing of a communication device using an external terminal.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a setup support method in which a setup guide program on a setup CD-ROM is executed via a CD-ROM drive. In this setup support method, guidance information representing the setup procedure is displayed on the display unit by executing the setup guide program. The control unit updates the value of a flag stored in the computer's HD according to the progress of the setup. When the setup guide program is executed again, the control unit outputs guidance information corresponding to the value of the flag to the display unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when executing the initial setting process of a communication device using an external terminal such as a PC, the technique described in Patent Document 1 requires a complicated operation of executing a setup guide program from a setup CD-ROM via a CD-ROM drive.

[0005] An object of this application is to provide a technology that enables the initial setting process of a communication device to be executed more easily using an external terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the communication device of the present application is a communication device including a communication interface, a notification unit, an input device, and a controller. The controller executes a determination process of determining whether the initial setting process of the communication device is completed in response to receiving an instruction for power supply from the input device, and a first notification process of causing the notification unit to execute a first notification for prompting the initial setting process of the communication device using an external terminal when it is determined in the determination process that the initial setting process is not completed.

[0007] As described above, the communication device of the present application performs a first notification for prompting the initial setting process using an external terminal when the initial setting process is not completed. Thereby, it becomes possible to notify the user who has instructed power supply to the communication device of the next procedure. For this reason, it becomes possible to more easily execute the initial setting process of the communication device using an external terminal.

[0008] Further, when the controller receives an instruction to start the initial setting process from an external terminal via the communication interface after the notification unit executes the first notification, the controller executes the initial setting process of the communication device. Thereby, in response to receiving the start instruction from the external terminal according to the first notification, the communication device can execute the initial setting process.

[0009] Further, when the controller receives an instruction to start the initial setting process from an external terminal via the communication interface while the notification unit is executing a notification different from the first notification, the controller does not execute the initial setting process of the communication device.

[0010] When an instruction to start the initial setting process is received from an external terminal despite the first notification not being executed, there is a possibility that the user of the external terminal has erroneously selected the device and transmitted an instruction to start the initial setting process for another communication device different from the communication device to the communication device. In such a case, since the controller does not execute the initial setting process of the communication device according to the instruction to start the initial setting process, it is possible to suppress erroneously executing the initial setting process.

[0011] In addition, when the controller receives an instruction to start the initial setting process from an external terminal via the communication interface after the notification unit executes the first notification, the controller executes a second notification process for causing the notification unit to execute a second notification indicating the procedures necessary for executing the initial setting process. As a result, the user can know the procedures necessary for executing the initial setting process.

[0012] Further, after the notification unit executes the second notification, the controller does not execute the first notification process. After the notification unit executes the second notification, since the controller has already received an instruction to start the initial setting process, if the first notification is executed again, there is a possibility of receiving another instruction to start the initial setting process. In the present application, after receiving an instruction to start the initial setting process once, the first notification is not executed, so it is possible to suppress the reception of another instruction to start the initial setting process after receiving an instruction to start the initial setting process once. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the duplicate execution of the initial setting process.

[0013] Also, when the controller receives an instruction to start the initial setting process from an external terminal via the communication interface after the notification unit executes the second notification, the controller does not execute the second notification again. As a result, it is possible to suppress the duplicate execution of the second notification.

[0014] In addition, the communication device of the present application further includes a display, and in the first notification process, the controller displays on the display an access destination for downloading to the external terminal a transmission program for transmitting an instruction to start the initial setting process to the communication device. As a result, the user can immediately access the access destination displayed on the display and download the transmission program.

[0015] Further, in the first notification process, the controller displays on the display code information that can be read by the external terminal and includes the access destination. As a result, the user can immediately access the access destination included in the code information and download the transmission program without manually entering the access destination.

[0016] In addition, the communication device of the present application further includes a display, and in the first notification process, the controller displays an object for migrating to communication settings via a communication interface on the display. To receive an instruction to start the initial setting process from an external terminal, communication settings for communicatively connecting the communication device and the external terminal are required. In the present application, it is convenient because the communication settings of the communication interface can be migrated immediately in response to an operation on the object.

[0017] In addition, the communication device of the present application further includes a display, and after the notification unit executes the first notification, the controller displays an object for receiving a request to execute an initial setting process that does not use an external terminal on the display. Thereby, the initial setting process can be executed by a method that does not use an external terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a mobile terminal 10 as an example of an “external terminal”, an MFP 50 as an example of a “communication device”, and a service providing server 70. Note that MFP is an abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral.

[0021] The mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 are connected to a network 200. The network 200 may be the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or a combination of a LAN and the Internet. Also, the network 200 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 are wirelessly connected to a router (not shown) that constitutes a part of the network 200. Also, a service providing server 70 is connected to the network 200.

[0022] The mobile terminal 10 mainly includes a CPU 12, a memory 14, a network I / F 16, an LCD 20, and a touch panel 22. These components are communicable with each other via a bus 28. The mobile terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone. Note that the mobile terminal 10 is not limited to a smartphone and may be other terminal devices such as a tablet or a notebook computer. Also, the configuration of the mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may include a mobile terminal communication I / F that performs wireless communication with a mobile base station, a camera that performs imaging, and the like.

[0023] The CPU 12 executes processing according to the initial - setting application 30 in the memory 14. The initial - setting application 30 is not stored in the memory 14 of the mobile terminal 10 from the beginning. For example, the mobile terminal 10 can download and install what is stored in the service - providing server 70 and then execute it. The initial - setting application 30 is, for example, an application program that causes the mobile terminal 10 to perform the initial settings of the MFP 50. The CPU 12 that executes the initial - setting application 30 sets the administrator password of the MFP 50, sets the time of the MFP 50, and displays an initial - setting guide on the LCD 20. Note that the CPU 12 that executes the initial - setting application 30 may sometimes be simply described by the program name. For example, the description "the initial - setting application 30" may sometimes mean "the CPU 12 that executes the initial - setting application 30".

[0024] Also, the memory 14 includes a data - storage area 32. The data - storage area 32 is an area that stores data necessary for the execution of the initial - setting application 30 and the like.

[0025] The network I / F 16 is a communication interface that performs wired or wireless communication with the network I / F 56 of the MFP 50 connected to the network 200, and includes chips and circuits corresponding to the communication standards of wired LANs or wireless LANs. The mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 transmit and receive electronic data to and from each other, for example, via a Wi - Fi (registered trademark) wireless LAN. Note that the communication method between the mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the mobile terminal 10 and the MFP 50 may perform wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (registered trademark).

[0026] The LCD 20 includes a display screen that displays various functions of the mobile terminal 10. The touch panel 22 has a touch sensor and is arranged to cover the display screen of the LCD 20. The touch panel 22 detects the approach and contact of the user's finger, touch pen, etc. to the touch panel 22 and outputs an electrical signal in response to the detection.

[0027] Further, the MFP 50 mainly includes a CPU 52, a memory 54, a network I / F 56, an LCD 58, an input I / F 60, a printer unit 61, a scanner unit 62, a FAX unit 63, and a cartridge housing unit 65. These components are communicable with each other via a bus 64.

[0028] The CPU 52 executes processing according to a program 66 in the memory 54. The program 66 includes, for example, an application program for executing printing processing or scanning, and an application program for executing initial setting of the MFP 50 according to an instruction by the initial setting application 30 of the mobile terminal 10. Further, the memory 54 includes a data storage area 68. The data storage area 68 is an area for storing data necessary for execution of the program 66.

[0029] Note that the memory 54 of the MFP 50 and the memory 14 of the mobile terminal 10 are configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer provided in the CPUs 12 and 52, and the like. Further, the memory 54 of the MFP 50 and the memory 14 of the mobile terminal 10 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include, in addition to the above examples, recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Also, non-transitory media are tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal that conveys a program downloaded from a server on the Internet or the like is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a kind of computer-readable medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0030] Further, the network I / F 56 of the MFP 50 is a communication interface for performing wired or wireless communication with the network I / F 16 of the mobile terminal 10, and includes a chip or a circuit corresponding to the communication standards of a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0031] The LCD 58 includes a display screen for displaying various functions of the MFP 50. The input I / F 60 is, for example, a touch panel integrally configured with the LCD 58, and accepts user operations on icons, buttons, etc. displayed on the display screen of the LCD 58. Note that the input I / F 60 may also include hard keys or the like in addition to the touch panel.

[0032] The printer unit 61 forms an image on a sheet (e.g., paper, OHP, etc.). The printer unit 61 may be an exposure unit, a photoreceptor, a developing roller, a fuser for performing printing by an electrophotographic method, an inkjet head, a carriage, and a carriage drive mechanism for printing by an inkjet method. When the MFP 50 receives a print instruction from the mobile terminal 10, it prints the print image data included in the received print instruction using the printer unit 61. The scan unit 62 has a reading sensor for reading an image from a document. When the MFP 50 receives a scan instruction from the mobile terminal 10, it generates scan data using the scan unit 62 and transmits the generated scan data to the mobile terminal 10. The FAX unit 63 executes FAX processing according to a predetermined protocol. When the MFP 50 receives a scan instruction from the mobile terminal 10, it generates scan data using the scan unit 62 and transmits the generated scan data to the mobile terminal 10. The FAX unit 63 executes FAX processing according to a predetermined protocol.

[0033] The cartridge storage unit 65 is configured to be detachable for storing a cartridge that stores a coloring agent such as ink or toner for coloring a sheet. The cartridge storage unit 65 includes a detection sensor for detecting that a cartridge is mounted. Note that instead of the cartridge storage unit 65, a tank for storing a coloring agent may be provided. The tank is provided with an inlet, and the user can store the coloring agent in the tank by injecting the coloring agent from a bottle containing the coloring agent into the inlet. The tank may also be provided with a detection sensor for detecting whether the amount of the coloring agent stored is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0034] The service providing server 70 mainly includes a CPU, a memory, a network I / F, an LCD, and an input I / F, and each configuration is the same as that of the mobile terminal 10 or the MFP 50. The service providing server 70 is a server for providing various services, such as a remote printing function, which is useful for users of communication devices including the MFP 50, using the communication devices. The remote printing function is a function of transmitting print data from a terminal connected to the network 200 to the MFP 50 via the service providing server 70 and causing the MFP 50 to print the print data. In this embodiment, as described above, the service providing server 70 also stores the initial setting application 30 and plays a role of transmitting the initial setting application 30 in accordance with a request from the mobile terminal 10. However, not limited to this, the initial setting application 30 may be stored in a server different from the service providing server 70, and the mobile terminal 10 may access the server to download the initial setting application 30.

[0035] In this embodiment, mainly, the processing of the CPU according to the instructions described in the program is shown. That is, the processing such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "decision", "specification", "acquisition", "reception", "control", etc. in the following description represents the processing of the CPU or the controller. The processing by the CPU includes hardware control via the OS 20. Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the processing of receiving data without the application 21 requesting it is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquires data". Also, the "data" in this specification is represented in a computer-readable format. And data with the same substantial meaning content but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to the "information" in this specification.

[0036] Hereinafter, the control processing executed by the communication system 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows the procedure of the power supply time process executed by the MFP 50, particularly the CPU 52, included in the communication system 1. The power supply time process starts when an instruction to supply power to the MFP 50 is input. The instruction to supply power is input, for example, when the power switch is operated in a state where power is not supplied to the MFP 50, or when the touch panel is operated or data is received from the network I / F 56 in a state where the MFP 50 is in the sleep mode. Hereinafter, in the description of each process, the step is denoted as "S".

[0038] When the power supply time process starts, first, the CPU 52 determines whether the initial setting completion flag stored in the data storage area 68 of the memory 54 is set to "1" (S10). The initial setting completion flag is a flag that is set to "1" when the initial setting process for the MFP 50 is completed, and the initial value is "0".

[0039] Here, the initial setting process for the MFP 50 includes, for example, the process of setting the administrator password of the MFP 50, the time setting process, and the process of filling the printer unit 61 with ink or toner (hereinafter referred to as the "initial filling process"), but is not limited thereto. It may include any one or two of these three types of processes, or other processes may be added to these three types of processes, or the initial setting process may be configured by other processes other than these three types.

[0040] In the determination of S10, when the initial setting completion flag = 1 (S10: YES), the CPU 52 displays the HOME screen on the LCD 58 (S30). The description of the HOME screen will be given later. On the other hand, when the initial setting completion flag = 0 (S10: NO), the CPU 52 determines whether the second screen display completed flag stored in the data storage area 68 of the memory 54 is 1 (S12). The second screen display completed flag is a flag that is set to "1" when the second screen is displayed on the LCD 58, and the initial value is "0". A specific example of the second screen will be described later in S18.

[0041] In the determination of S12, when the second screen display completed flag = 0 (S12: NO), the CPU 52 displays the first screen on the LCD 58 (S14). FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) show the first screens 100 to 102 displayed on the LCD 58. Note that the display of the first screen is an example of "first notification". Also, the LCD 58 is an example of a "notification unit".

[0042] The first screen 100 in FIG. 3(a) has a QR code (registered trademark) 100A, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) icon 100B, and a setup button 100C in another way. Above the QR code 100A, the access destination indicated by the QR code 100A is displayed as text (setup.xxxx.com). Further, on the right side of the QR code 100A, the setup method executable on the first screen 100 is displayed. The Wi-Fi icon 100B on the first screen 100 indicates that the MFP 50 is not wirelessly connected to the network 200 via the network I / F 56.

[0043] The first screen 101 in FIG. 3(b) differs only in the display mode of the Wi-Fi icon 101B from the first screen 100 in FIG. 3(a). For this reason, in the first screen 101 in FIG. 3(b), the same components as those in the first screen 100 in FIG. 3(a), that is, the QR code 100A and the setup button 100C in another way, are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The Wi-Fi icon 101B indicates that the MFP 50 is wirelessly connected to the network 200 via the network I / F 56. When the user touches the Wi-Fi icon 100B on the first screen 100, the first screen 100 shifts to a Wi-Fi setting screen (not shown), and when the Wi-Fi setting is completed by a well-known method, the first screen 101 in FIG. 3(b) whose display mode has changed from the Wi-Fi icon 100B to the Wi-Fi icon 101B is displayed. Also, it is possible to touch the Wi-Fi icon 101B, shift from the first screen 101 to a Wi-Fi setting screen (not shown), and perform Wi-Fi setting by switching to another access point by a well-known method.

[0044] The first screen 102 in Fig. 3(c) differs from the first screen 100 in Fig. 3(a) only in the display mode of the wired LAN icon 102B. Therefore, in the first screen 102 of Fig. 3(c), the same reference numerals are assigned to the components similar to those in the first screen 100 of Fig. 3(a), that is, the QR code 100A and the setup button 100C in a different way, and their descriptions are omitted. The wired LAN icon 102B indicates that the MFP 50 is in a state of being wired-connected to the network 200 via the network I / F 56. When the user connects a wired LAN cable (not shown) to the wired LAN port of the network I / F 56, the first screen 100 in Fig. 3(a) changes to the first screen 102 in Fig. 3(c). That is, the Wi-Fi icon 100B changes to the wired LAN icon 102B. When the first screen 101 in Fig. 3(b) is being displayed even if the user connects a wired LAN cable to the MFP 50, the first screen 101 in Fig. 3(b) changes to the first screen 102 in Fig. 3(c). That is, as the communication setting, the wired LAN is prioritized. Of course, the communication setting can also be switched from the wired LAN to Wi-Fi. In this case, by touching the wired LAN icon 102B and shifting from the first screen 102 to a Wi-Fi setting screen (not shown) and performing Wi-Fi setting in a well-known method, the first screen 102 in Fig. 3(c) switches to the first screen 101 in Fig. 3(b).

[0045] When the user takes a picture of the QR code 100A with the camera of the mobile terminal 10 in a state where any one of the first screens 100 to 102 is being displayed, the CPU 12 of the mobile terminal 10 analyzes the taken QR code 100A, accesses the access destination (setup.xxxx.com) indicated by the QR code 100A, downloads the initial setting application 30 capable of executing the initial setting process of the MFP 50, and installs the initial setting application 30. In the case where the mobile terminal 10 cannot analyze the QR code 100A due to reasons such as the mobile terminal 10 not having a camera, the user may access the access destination input from the touch panel 22 and install the downloaded initial setting application 30.

[0046] Note that the QR code 100A is an example of "code information", the Wi-Fi icons 100B and 101B and the wired LAN icon 102B are examples of "objects for migrating to communication settings", and the setup button 100C is an example of "an object for receiving a request to execute initial setting processing without using an external terminal" in another way.

[0047] The initial setting application 30 is installed in the mobile terminal 10. When the user instructs the initial setting application 30 to start, the initial setting application 30 is started. Then, when the user selects the MFP 50 with the initial setting application 30, if the MFP 50 has not completed the initial setting yet, the initial setting application 30 displays, on the LCD 20, for example, the administrator password setting screen 150 shown in FIG. 5(a). Then, when the user sets the administrator password and transmits it to the MFP 50, the CPU 52 of the MFP 50 receives the administrator password via the network I / F 56 and stores it in the data storage area 68 of the memory 54. This process corresponds to the administrator password setting process.

[0048] Next, the initial setting application 30 reads out the current time set in the mobile terminal 10 and transmits the current time information to the MFP 50. In response, the CPU 52 of the MFP 50 receives the current time information via the network I / F 56 and stores it in the data storage area 68 of the memory 54. This process corresponds to the time setting process.

[0049] Next, the initial setting application 30 displays, on the LCD 20, for example, the setup guidance screen 151 of the MFP 50 shown in FIG. 5(b), and transmits an instruction to start the initial filling process to the MFP 50.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 2, the CPU 52 determines whether the setup button 100C has been touched in another way as displayed on the LCD 58 (S40). If the CPU 52 determines that the setup button 100C has been touched in another way (S40: YES), it displays the setup screen 110 in another way (S42). FIG. 3(d) shows the setup screen 110 in another way that is displayed on the LCD 58 when the setup button 100C included in the first screens 100 to 102 is touched. This screen 110 guides a method of performing the initial setting of the MFP 50 using the input I / F 60 of the MFP 50 instead of performing the initial setting process of the MFP 50 using the mobile terminal 10. The setup screen 110 in another way has a next button 110A and a return button 110B, and displays explanatory texts showing the operations when the next button 110A is pressed and when the return button 110B is pressed. It does.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 2, if the CPU 52 determines that the setup button 100C has not been touched in another way (S40: NO), it waits until an instruction to start the initial filling process is received (S16: NO). Then, when the CPU 52 receives an instruction to start the initial filling process (S16: YES), it displays the second screen (S18). FIG. 4(a) shows a screen 120 that guides attaching a starter cartridge to the MFP 50 as an example of the second screen. Then, the CPU 52 sets the second screen display flag to "1" (S20). The display of the second screen 120 is an example of the "second notification". Note that when a tank is provided instead of the cartridge housing portion 65, the second screen 120 may be a screen that guides injecting a coloring agent into the tank.

[0052] Next, the CPU 52 determines whether or not a cartridge is installed based on the detection result of a detection sensor provided in the cartridge housing portion 65 (S22). When a tank is provided instead of the cartridge housing portion 65, it may be determined whether or not a colorant equal to or greater than a threshold value is stored based on the detection result of a colorant detection sensor provided in the tank. If it is determined that the cartridge is not installed (S22: NO), the determination is repeated (S22). If it is determined that the cartridge is installed (S22: YES), an initial filling process is executed (S24), and a screen indicating that the initial filling process is in progress is displayed on the LCD 58. The initial filling process includes, for example, a process of agitating the toner stored in the cartridge when the printer unit 61 is an electrophotographic system. Also, when the printer unit 61 is an inkjet system, the initial filling process includes a process of filling the ink stored in the cartridge into the inkjet head. In addition, as the initial filling process, a process of correcting the printing position or a test print may be included. The CPU 52 executes the initial filling process until the initial filling process is completed (S26: NO). When the initial filling process is completed (S26: YES), the CPU 52 sets the initial setting completion flag to "1" (S28), displays the HOME screen on the LCD 58 (S30), and then ends the power supply time process. FIG. 4(b) shows an example of this HOME screen 130. The HOME screen 130 includes icons for executing various functions provided in the MFP 50 such as FAX, copy, and scan, a remaining amount gauge of the colorant, a setting icon, and the like.

[0053] Further, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the next button 110A of the screen 110 displayed in S42 is touched (S44). When the CPU 52 determines that the next button 110A is touched (S44: YES), it determines that an instruction to start the initial filling process is received in S16 (S16: YES). On the other hand, when the CPU 52 determines that the return button 110B is touched (S44: NO), it returns to S14 and displays any one of the first screens 100 to 102.

[0054] Also, in the determination of S12, when the second screen display completed flag = 1 (S12: YES), after the CPU 52 displays the second screen 120 (S32), the process proceeds to S22. When the process proceeds to S32, it indicates that although the initial setting process has not been completed when the power supply time process is started, the second screen 120 has been displayed. That is, it indicates the case where after the initial setting application 30 of the mobile terminal 10 displays the setup guidance screen 151 of the MFP 50, the power supply to the MFP 50 is stopped, and then the power supply is started again. In this case, the CPU 52 does not display the first screen but displays the second screen 120.

[0055] And at the timing when the initial filling process of the MFP 50 is completed, specifically, at the timing when the "All Completed" button 151A is pressed on the setup guidance screen 151 of the MFP 50 shown in FIG. 5(b), the initial setting application 30 of the mobile terminal 10 inquires of the MFP 50 whether the initial setting process has been completed. In response, when the CPU 52 of the MFP 50 notifies that the initial setting process has been completed, the initial setting application 30 of the mobile terminal 10 displays, on the LCD 20, for example, the user service provision screen 152 shown in FIG. 5(c). The user service provision screen 152 includes a message guiding the remote printing function and a Next button. When the user selects the Next button on the user service provision screen 152, the screen transitions to a HOME screen (not shown), and icons enabling selection of each function provided in the MFP 50 are displayed on the LCD 20. Note that when the Next button on the user service provision screen 152 is selected, the process may proceed to the procedure for subscribing to the service of the remote printing function.

[0056] As described above, the MFP 50 of the present embodiment includes a network I / F 56, an LCD 58, an input I / F 60, and a CPU 52. The CPU 52 performs a determination process (S10) to determine whether the initial setting process of the MFP 50 has been completed in response to receiving an instruction for power supply from the input I / F 60, and a first screen display process (S14) to cause the LCD 58 to execute first screens 100 to 102 that prompt the initial setting process of the MFP 50 using the mobile terminal 10 when it is determined in the determination process that the initial setting process has not been completed.

[0057] In this way, when the initial setting process of the MFP 50 of the present embodiment has not been completed, the first screen display process that prompts the initial setting process using the mobile terminal 10 is performed. As a result, it becomes possible to notify the user who has instructed power supply to the MFP 50 of the next procedure. For this reason, it becomes possible to more easily execute the initial setting process of the MFP 50 using the mobile terminal 10.

[0058] Further, when the CPU 52 receives an instruction to start an initial filling process, which is an example of the initial setting process, from the mobile terminal 10 via the network I / F 56 after the LCD 58 has displayed the first screens 100 to 102 (S16), the CPU 52 executes the initial filling process of the MFP 50. As a result, in response to receiving the start instruction from the mobile terminal 10 according to the first screens 100 to 102, the MFP 50 can execute the initial setting process.

[0059] Further, when the CPU 52 receives an instruction to start the initial filling process from the mobile terminal 10 via the network I / F 56 while the LCD 58 is displaying a screen different from the first screens 100 to 102, the CPU 52 does not execute the initial filling process of the MFP 50. In the present embodiment, the instruction to start the initial filling process is ignored when it is received while a screen other than the first screens 100 to 102 is being displayed.

[0060] Even if the first screens 100 to 102 are not being displayed, if the mobile terminal 10 receives an instruction to start the initial filling process, it is possible that the user of the mobile terminal 10 sent an instruction to start the initial filling process for another communication device different from the MFP 50 due to an incorrect selection of the device. In such a case, the CPU 52 does not execute the initial filling process of the MFP 50 in response to the instruction to start the initial filling process, so it is possible to prevent the incorrect execution of the initial filling process.

[0061] Also, when the CPU 52 receives an instruction to start the initial filling process from the mobile terminal 10 via the network I / F 56 after the LCD 58 has displayed the first screens 100 to 102, the CPU 52 executes a second screen display notification process (S18) that causes the LCD 58 to display a second screen 120 indicating the procedures necessary for the execution of the initial filling process. As a result, the user can know the procedures necessary for the execution of the initial filling process.

[0062] Also, after the LCD 58 has displayed the second screen 120 (S18, S20, S32), the CPU 52 does not execute the display of the first screens 100 to 102 (S22 to S30). After the LCD 58 has displayed the second screen 120, since the CPU 52 has already received an instruction to start the initial filling process, if the first screens 100 to 102 are displayed again, there is a risk of receiving another instruction to start the initial filling process. In the present embodiment, after an instruction to start the initial filling process has been received once, the first screens 100 to 102 are not displayed, so it is possible to prevent the reception of another instruction to start the initial filling process after an instruction to start the initial filling process has been received once. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the duplicate execution of the initial filling process.

[0063] Also, after the LCD 58 displays the second screen (S18, S20, S32), when the CPU 52 receives an instruction to start the initial filling process from the mobile terminal 10 via the network I / F 56, the MFP 50 does not display the second screen 120 again according to the start instruction (S12: YES). After the second screen 120 is displayed (S18, S20, S32), there is a possibility that the initial filling process is being executed or has been executed. If the second screen 120 is displayed again in response to receiving the start instruction for the initial filling process in such a state, the initial filling process may be executed multiple times. In this embodiment, the start instruction for the initial setting process is received while the first screens 100 to 102 are being displayed (S14, S16) to display the second screen 120, but it is ignored even if received after the second screen 120 is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the duplicate execution of the initial filling process.

[0064] Also, the MFP 50 further includes the LCD 58, and in the first screen display process, the CPU 52 displays on the LCD 58 an access destination (setup.xxxx.com) for downloading to the mobile terminal 10 a transmission program (initial setting application 30) that transmits an instruction to start the initial filling process to the MFP 50. Thereby, the user can immediately access the access destination displayed on the LCD 58 and download the transmission program.

[0065] Also, in the first screen display process, the CPU 52 displays on the LCD 58 a QR code 100A that is code information readable by the mobile terminal 10 and includes the access destination. Thereby, the user can immediately access the access destination included in the QR code 100A and download the transmission program without manually entering the access destination.

[0066] Further, the MFP 50 further includes an LCD 58, and the CPU 52 displays icons 100B, 101B, and 102 for shifting to communication settings via the network I / F 56 on the LCD 58 in the first screen display process. To receive an instruction to start the initial filling process from the mobile terminal 10, communication settings for communicatively connecting the MFP 50 and the mobile terminal 10 are necessary. In the present embodiment, it is convenient because the communication settings of the network I / F 56 can be immediately shifted simply by touching the icons 100B, 101B, and 102.

[0067] Further, the MFP 50 further includes an LCD 58, and after the LCD 58 displays the first screens 100 to 102, the CPU 52 displays a setup button 100C on the LCD 58 by another method for receiving a request to execute an initial setting process without using the mobile terminal 10. Thereby, the initial setting process can be executed by a method that does not use the mobile terminal 10.

[0068] Next, another example of "first notification", "second notification", "object for shifting to communication settings", and "object for receiving a request to execute an initial setting process without using an external terminal" will be described.

[0069] FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) show first screens 100 to 102 and first screens 300 to 320 with different display modes, which are displayed on an LCD having only a display function without a touch panel as a display. The first screens 300 to 320 are another example of the "first notification".

[0070] By pressing a hard key (not shown) corresponding to the button display 300C included in the first screen 300 of FIG. 6(a), it is possible to transition to a screen (not shown) for setting up in another way. Therefore, the button display 300C is a request to execute an initial setting process without using an external terminal. This is another example of an "object for reception". Also, by pressing the hard key button 300 corresponding to the button display 300D included in the first screen 300, it is possible to transition to a screen for communication settings (not shown), so the button display 300D is another example of an "object for transitioning to communication settings".

[0071] The QR codes 310B included in the first screens 310 and 320 are the same as the QR code 100A included in the first screens 100 to 102 of FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c).

[0072] The screen transition from the first screen 300 to the first screen 310 is made by pressing a hard key (not shown) corresponding to ▽300A. Also, the screen transition from the first screen 310 to the first screen 320 and the screen transition from the first screen 320 to the first screen 310 are toggled, for example, every 2 seconds. Further, the first screen 310 can be transitioned to the first screen 300 by pressing a hard key (not shown) corresponding to △310A, and the first screen 320 can be transitioned to the first screen 300 by pressing a hard key (not shown) corresponding to △320A.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows a screen displayed on the LCD 58 when an LCD capable of displaying a single line of characters is adopted as the display. In FIG. 7, the first screen 411 is another example of "First Notification". On the first screen 411, the character string "Download and install (abbrev.) setup.xxxx.com" described below it is scrolled and displayed. Note that on the first screen 411, the Press the hard key ▽500 from the setting screen 400 to transition to the selection screen 410 of the first screen 411, and press the hard key OK510 from the selection screen 410 to transition. From the first screen 411 to the selection screen 410, pressing the hard key Stop520 or continuing without operation for 2 minutes will cause a timeout and transition. Also, from the selection screen 410 to the setting screen 400, pressing the hard key △501 will cause a transition.

[0074] Also, screen 420 is another example of an "object for receiving a request to execute initial setting processing without using an external terminal". This is because screen 420 is a screen that can transition to screen 421 for performing initial setting processing without using an external terminal. Note that on screen 420, pressing the hard key ▽500 from the setting screen 400 causes a transition to the selection screen 410 of the first screen 411, and pressing the hard key ▽500 from the selection screen 410 causes a transition. Pressing the hard key OK510 causes a transition from screen 420 to screen 421. Pressing the hard key ▽500 or continuing without operation for 1 minute causes a timeout and a transition from screen 421 to screen 420.

[0075] Also, screen 430 is another example of an "object for transitioning to communication settings". This is because screen 430 is a screen that can transition to screen 431 for performing communication settings. Note that on screen 430, pressing the hard key ▽500 from the setting screen 400 causes a transition to the selection screen 410 of the first screen 411, pressing the hard key ▽500 from the selection screen 410 causes a transition to the selection screen 420, and pressing the hard key ▽500 from the selection screen 420 causes a transition. Pressing the hard key OK510 causes a transition from screen 430 to screen 431. Pressing the hard key Stop520 or continuing without operation for 1 minute causes a timeout and a transition from screen 431 to screen 430.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows a display mode when an LED-only display is adopted. The display mode in FIG. 8(a) is such that the power LED blinks at 4-second intervals, the warning LED is turned off, and the ink LED is turned off. This display mode corresponds to the first screen of the present embodiment and is another example of "first notification". In the present embodiment, this display mode indicates a state of waiting for an instruction to start the initial filling process in S16. The display mode in FIG. 8(b) is such that the power LED is turned off, the warning LED is turned off, The ink LED is lit. This display mode corresponds to the second screen of the present embodiment and is another example of "second notification". When the CPU 52 receives an instruction to start the initial filling process from the mobile terminal 10 during the display mode of Fig. 8(a), it transitions to the display mode of Fig. 8(b). In addition, if the user presses a predetermined hard key during the display mode of Fig. 8(a), the CPU 52 may determine that a request to execute the initial setting process without using an external terminal has been made and transition to the display mode of Fig. 8(b).

[0077] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0078] (1) In the above embodiment, the MFP 50 is used as an example of the communication device, but the communication device may be a single copier.

[0079] (2) In the above embodiment, one CPU 52 is used as an example of the controller, but it is not limited to this, and a controller composed of a plurality of CPUs or a controller including a CPU composed of a plurality of cores may be used.

[0080] (3) In the above embodiment, a QR code is used as the code information, but a two-dimensional code other than the QR code may be used, or a one-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code may be used instead of the two-dimensional code.

[0081] (4) In the above embodiment, the initial filling process is described as an example of the initial setting process, but it is not limited to this, and any process related to the initial setting of the communication device may be used.

[0082] In the above embodiment, after receiving an instruction to start the initial filling process (S16), the second screen is displayed (S18), and the initial filling process is executed (S24) in response to determining that a cartridge has been loaded into the cartridge housing unit 65 (S22: YES). However, the processes of displaying the second screen (S18) and determining that a cartridge has been loaded (S22) may be omitted, and the initial filling process may be executed in response to receiving an instruction to start the initial filling process (S16: YES).

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 10... Mobile terminal (external terminal), 50... MFP (communication device), 52... CPU (controller), 54... Memory, 56... Network I / F (communication interface), 58... LCD (notification unit), 60... Input I / F (input device), 61... Printer unit, 65... Cartridge housing unit, 100 - 102... First screen (first notification), 120... Second screen (second notification).

Claims

1. A communication device comprising a communication interface, a notification unit, an input device, and a controller, wherein the controller performs a determination process of determining whether or not initial setting processing of the communication device has been completed in response to receiving an instruction for power supply from the input device, a first notification process of causing the notification unit to execute a first notification for prompting the initial setting processing of the communication device using an external terminal when it is determined in the determination process that the initial setting processing has not been completed, and executes a communication device.

2. The controller executes the initial setting processing of the communication device when an instruction to start the initial setting processing is received from the external terminal via the communication interface after the notification unit executes the first notification. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The controller does not execute the initial setting processing of the communication device when an instruction to start the initial setting processing is received from the external terminal via the communication interface while the notification unit is executing a notification different from the first notification. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The controller performs a second notification process of causing the notification unit to execute a second notification indicating procedures necessary for execution of the initial setting processing when an instruction to start the initial setting processing is received from the external terminal via the communication interface after the notification unit executes the first notification. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. The controller does not execute the first notification process after the notification unit executes the second notification. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The controller does not execute the second notification again when an instruction to start the initial setting processing is received from the external terminal via the communication interface after the notification unit executes the second notification. The communication device according to claim 4.

7. further comprising a display, wherein the controller displays, on the display, an access destination for downloading a transmission program for transmitting an instruction to start the initial setting processing to the communication device to the external terminal in the first notification process. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The controller displays, on the display, code information readable by the external terminal and including the access destination in the first notification process. The communication device according to claim 7.

9. further comprising a display, wherein the controller displays, on the display, an object for shifting to communication settings via the communication interface in the first notification process. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. further comprising a display, wherein the controller displays, on the display, an object for receiving a request to execute the initial setting process without using the external terminal after the notification unit executes the first notification. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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