Electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can more suitably resolve a failure occurring due to communication, while suppressing the failure.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus has: receiving means that receives a first instruction to enable a first operation mode, and a second instruction to enable a second operation mode; and control means that, in the first operation mode, performs control to communicate with a first communication destination and communicate with a second communication destination for firmware update even if there is no operation to instruct communication from a user after the first instruction, and in the second operation mode, performs control to restrict the communication with the first communication destination, and performs control to communicate with the second communication destination even if there is no operation to instruct communication from the user after the second instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, a program, and a recording medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, due to communication failures, for example, program failures of a device when connecting to a web server, the device may shut down. If the device shuts down immediately after startup, services not related to the web server connection cannot be provided to the user. On the other hand, there is a conventionally known method of suppressing communication failures by starting in a mode (safe mode) that prohibits (restricts) automatic network connection by a startup operation different from the normal startup operation, and providing services other than network connection to the user.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, in response to the inconvenience that the image forming apparatus does not start up normally even when a restart process is executed, when a predetermined restart target error occurs, it is proposed to execute the restart process in a state where the network port used for communication with an external device is invalidated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] After startup in a mode with restricted communication, new firmware with the fault cause resolved is released. By manually downloading the new firmware by the user, performing a firmware update, and then restarting, automatic network connection can be restored without problems, and the user can use functions that require communication (such as web services). However, when starting up in a mode with restricted communication, since the automatic communication connection is restricted, information on whether the new firmware has been updated cannot be automatically received. Therefore, if the user is not aware that there is new firmware with the fault cause resolved, they cannot update with the new firmware to resolve the fault, and the functions that cannot be used in the state with restricted communication remain unavailable. Even if the user obtains information from web information, the call center, etc. that there is new firmware with the fault cause resolved, an operation for the user to manually download the latest firmware is required, which is troublesome.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can more suitably eliminate a fault while suppressing a fault caused by communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electronic device has a reception means for receiving a first instruction for enabling a first operation mode and a second instruction for enabling a second operation mode, and in the first operation mode, even without an operation for instructing communication from the user after the first instruction, controls to communicate with a first communication destination and also controls to communicate with a second communication destination for firmware update, and in the second operation mode, controls to restrict communication with the first communication destination and also controls to communicate with the second communication destination even without an operation for instructing communication from the user after the second instruction.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to more preferably eliminate a failure while suppressing a failure caused by communication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments will be exemplarily described. However, it should be understood that, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present embodiment, those obtained by appropriately changing and improving the following-described embodiments based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art also fall within the scope of the present embodiment.

[0011] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The printing system 100 includes a wireless LAN access point 101, a router 105, an update server 107, a web service server 108, a smartphone 109, a personal computer (PC) terminal 110, and a printer 200.

[0012] The router 105, the update server 107, and the web service server 108 are connected to the Internet 106. The router 105, the wireless LAN access point 101, and the PC terminal 110 are connected to the local area network 102.

[0013] The printer 200 and the smartphone 109 are each connected to the local area network 102 by wirelessly connecting to the wireless LAN access point 101. Here, the connections between the printer 200 and the smartphone 109 and the wireless LAN access point 101 utilize the wireless LAN infrastructure mode connection 103.

[0014] The printer 200 is equipped with a mode in which it operates as a wireless LAN access point. When the printer 200 is operating as a wireless LAN access point, the smartphone 109 can directly connect to the wireless LAN access point of the printer 200. This connection is referred to as a wireless direct connection 104.

[0015] Other devices, such as a PC terminal 110, can be connected to the local area network 102. Also, the local area network 102 is connected to the Internet 106 via a router 105.

[0016] The printer 200, the smartphone 109, and the PC terminal 110 can communicate with a Web service server 108 and an update server 107 on the Internet 106 via the router 105.

[0017] The printer 200 is provided with a USB connection terminal and can be USB-connected to various devices. The printer 200 is connected to the PC terminal 110 by a USB cable 111.

[0018] Note that this configuration is an example, and even if a different configuration is adopted, the effects of this embodiment do not change. For example, in FIG. 1, the wireless LAN access point 101 and the router 105 are configured as different devices, but it may be configured with a single router device having an access point function.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 200 in FIG. 1. The printer 200 includes a wireless LAN unit 201, a short-range wireless communication unit 202, a USB interface 203, an operation panel 204, a reading mechanism 205, a printing mechanism 206, and a main board 210.

[0020] The main board 210 includes a CPU 211, an internal bus 212, a program memory 213, a data memory 214, a non-volatile memory 215, a reading mechanism control circuit 216, and a printing mechanism control circuit 217. Further, the main board 210 includes a wireless LAN control circuit 218, a short-range wireless communication control circuit 219, a USB communication control circuit 220, and an operation unit control circuit 221.

[0021] The main board 210 controls the entire printer 200. The CPU 211 in the form of a microprocessor arranged on the main board 210 operates according to the control program stored in the program memory 213 in the form of a ROM connected via the internal bus 212 and the content of the data memory 214 in the form of a RAM.

[0022] In addition to this, the main board 210 is provided with a non-volatile memory 215 that can retain its content even when the power supply is cut off. The CPU 211 can continue to operate based on the same set values and data when it receives power supply again after the power has been turned off once by writing various set values, data, etc. to the non-volatile memory 215.

[0023] Examples of such non-volatile memories 215 include semiconductor memory devices such as flash memories. In a flash memory, it is possible to maintain the stored content even when the power supply is stopped, but there are often limitations on the number of times each memory element can be rewritten.

[0024] Therefore, it is necessary to design while considering at what timing during the product life of the printer 200 to write to the non-volatile memory 215. Generally, it is assumed that the unit price of a storage device with a larger guaranteed number of rewrites is higher.

[0025] The CPU 211 can control the reading mechanism 205 via the reading mechanism control circuit 216, read the document, and store it as image data information in the data memory 214.

[0026] Also, the CPU 211 can control the printing mechanism 206 via the printing mechanism control circuit 217 to print the image data in the data memory 214 on a recording medium (paper).

[0027] The CPU 211 controls the wireless LAN unit 201 via the wireless LAN control circuit 218 to perform wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices by the wireless LAN infrastructure connection 103.

[0028] Also, the CPU 211 can detect a connection with another short-range wireless communication terminal or perform data transmission and reception with another short-range wireless communication terminal by the wireless direct connection 104 by controlling the short-range wireless communication unit 202 via the short-range wireless communication control circuit 219.

[0029] The CPU 211 can operate the USB interface 203 via the USB communication control circuit 220 to perform USB communication with other terminal devices connected by the USB cable 111.

[0030] The CPU 211 can control the operation unit control circuit 221 to display the state of the printer 200 or a function selection menu on the operation panel 204 and receive operations from the user.

[0031] Next, the services provided by the startup by mode are changed by the operation at the startup of the printer 200 of the present embodiment, and if the presence of the latest firmware is detected, the flow of updating the firmware will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. Then, the display screens to be displayed on the printer 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C).

[0032] FIGS. 3A to 3C are flowcharts showing a control method of the printer 200 according to the present embodiment. The flowcharts of FIGS. 3A to 3C are realized by the CPU 211 developing and executing the program recorded in the program memory 213 in the data memory 214. The "S" in S301 to S344 of the flowchart is an abbreviation for step. The printer 200 is an example of an electronic device.

[0033] In S301, the CPU 211 receives the operation of the startup mode operated by the user via the operation panel 204. The CPU 211 functions as a reception unit and can receive a startup instruction in the normal mode for enabling the normal mode, a startup instruction in the safe mode with NW for enabling the safe mode with NW, and a startup instruction in the safe mode without NW for enabling the safe mode without NW. The normal mode is an example of a normal operation mode, the safe mode with NW is an example of a safe operation mode with NW, and the safe mode without NW is an example of a safe operation mode without NW. The CPU 211 receives the operations of different operation methods of the operation panel 204 as any one of the startup instructions in the normal mode, the safe mode with NW, and the safe mode without NW, respectively.

[0034] In S302, the CPU 211 determines the type of the startup mode received in S301. If the startup mode is the normal mode, the process proceeds to S303. If the startup mode is the safe mode with NW, the process proceeds to S304. If it is the safe mode without NW, the process proceeds to S307.

[0035] In S303, the CPU 211 stores the normal mode startup in the data memory 214 and proceeds to S310.

[0036] In S304, since the CPU 211 is in the networked safe mode, it controls to display on the operation panel 204 the display screen 401 of FIG. 4(A) for indicating that server access is disabled and obtaining permission to start up.

[0037] In S305, the CPU 211 determines whether the user has selected either the OK button or the CANCEL button on the display screen 401 from the operation panel 204. If the OK button is selected, it proceeds to S306; if the CANCEL button is selected, it proceeds to S301 without starting up.

[0038] In S306, the CPU 211 stores the startup of the networked safe mode in the data memory 214 and proceeds to S310.

[0039] In S307, since the CPU 211 is in the non-networked safe mode, it controls to display on the operation panel 204 the display screen 402 of FIG. 4(B) for indicating that network access is disabled and obtaining permission to start up.

[0040] In S308, the CPU 211 determines whether the user has selected either the OK button or the CANCEL button on the display screen 402 from the operation panel 204. If the OK button is selected, it proceeds to S309; if the CANCEL button is selected, it proceeds to S301 without starting up.

[0041] In S309, the CPU 211 stores the startup of the non-networked safe mode in the data memory 214 and proceeds to S310.

[0042] In S310, the CPU 211 controls to display on the operation panel 204 a standby screen indicating that the initialization of the printer 200 is completed.

[0043] In the first access to the Web service server 108, the first access becomes possible at the timing when the display changes to the waiting screen. On the waiting screen, the CPU 211 does not display whether the startup mode is the NW-present safe mode or the NW-absent safe mode.

[0044] In S311, the CPU 211 determines from the information in the non-volatile memory 215 whether permission to connect to the Web service server 108 has been granted in a startup prior to the startup of this flow. If permission to connect to the Web service server 108 has been granted, the process proceeds to S312; if permission to connect to the Web service server 108 has not been granted, the process proceeds to S317.

[0045] In S312, the CPU 211 determines whether the startup mode is the normal mode based on the startup mode stored in the data memory 214 in S303, S306, or S309. If it is the normal mode, the process proceeds to S313; if it is not the normal mode, the process proceeds to S317.

[0046] In S313, the CPU 211 controls to send a Web service request to the Web service server 108 as an HttpClient for HTTP communication using the wireless LAN unit 201. The Web service server 108 is a communication destination that requires communication to utilize the functions using the Web service.

[0047] In S314, the CPU 211 controls to receive the response to the Web service request sent in S313 from the Web service server 108 by means of HTTP communication using the wireless LAN unit 201. The received response may include the specification of a new connection destination URL, and the CPU 211 controls to connect to the specified URL. At that time, depending on the program, if a URL of a size larger than the assumed URL size is received, resulting in a failure such as memory corruption in the data memory 214 and subsequent inability to operate normally, the CPU 211 controls to perform a shutdown.

[0048] As described above, in S313 and S314, in the normal mode, the CPU 211 functions as a control unit and controls to communicate with the communication destination of the Web service server 108 even without an operation instructing communication from the user after the instruction of S301.

[0049] Also, in the case of the NW-present safe mode, since it is No in S312 and S313 and S314 are not performed, the CPU 211 controls to restrict communication with the communication destination of the Web service server 108.

[0050] In S315, the CPU 211 determines whether to shut down. If it is to shut down, it restarts and proceeds to S303, and if it is not to shut down, it proceeds to S316.

[0051] In S316, the CPU 211 checks the connection to the URL received in S314 by HTTP communication using the wireless LAN unit 201, and then performs automatic disconnection.

[0052] In S317, the CPU 211 determines whether the startup mode is the normal mode or the NW-present safe mode based on the startup mode stored in the data memory 214. If it is the normal mode or the NW-present safe mode, it proceeds to S318. If it is not the normal mode or the NW-present safe mode, that is, if it is the NW-absent safe mode, it proceeds to S328.

[0053] In S318, the CPU 211 starts the no-operation timer. The no-operation timer is a timer that monitors that the user does not operate the operation panel 204 or there is no print or read job execution request from the wireless LAN infrastructure connection 103, the wireless direct connection 104, or the USB cable 111. When the time-out occurs, if the latest firmware is deployed in the update server 107, the CPU 211 automatically downloads the latest firmware from the update server 107 and updates the program memory 213 with the latest firmware.

[0054] In S319, the CPU 211 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when it checked whether the previous latest firmware stored in the non-volatile memory 215 exists in the update server 107, based on the time when the check was performed and the current time. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S320; if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S328.

[0055] Note that S319 is an example of a predetermined condition. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S320. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition related to time, such as the elapse of a predetermined period, reaching a predetermined time (e.g., 7:00 am on Monday every week), and at least one of the conditions that the no-operation state has reached a predetermined time.

[0056] Thereby, the CPU 211 can periodically collect the presence or absence of the latest firmware information in the background. The above-mentioned predetermined time is, for example, the time when one week has elapsed since the last collection. At the time of shipment, the above-mentioned predetermined time is the time when 24 hours have elapsed since the end of the shipment process. The elapsed time of this collection is counted even when the software is off.

[0057] In S320, the CPU 211 uses the wireless LAN unit 201 to send a latest firmware information request as an HttpClient for HTTP communication to the update server 107.

[0058] In S321, the CPU 211 receives the latest firmware information from the update server 107 by HTTP communication using the wireless LAN unit 201 as a response to the latest firmware information request sent in S320. Then, the CPU 211 stores the received time in the non-volatile memory 215. The stored time here is used as the time when the check was performed in S319.

[0059] As described above, in S320 and S321, even if there is no operation to instruct communication from the user after the instruction in S301, the CPU 211 controls to communicate with the communication destination of the update server 107 for firmware update. Specifically, the CPU 211 controls to acquire information indicating whether there is firmware of a version newer than the current firmware of the printer 200 as the latest firmware information.

[0060] In S322, the CPU 211 compares the latest firmware information received in S321 with the information in the program memory 213 to determine whether the latest firmware exists in the update server 107. If the latest firmware exists, the process proceeds to S323; if the latest firmware does not exist, the process proceeds to S328. That is, if information indicating that there is new version firmware can be acquired, the process proceeds to S323.

[0061] In S323, the CPU 211 turns ON the latest firmware available flag stored in the non-volatile memory 215.

[0062] In S324, the CPU 211 controls to display the display screen 403 in Fig. 4(C) on the operation panel 204 to obtain permission to update with the latest firmware. The display screen 403 is an example of a confirmation screen for confirming whether to execute the firmware update.

[0063] Note that when the latest firmware available flag is ON, the CPU 211 displays "There is the latest firmware" and guides the update operation in the same way as the display screen 403 even when the software is off.

[0064] In S325, the CPU 211 determines whether the user has selected the YES button or the NO button for permission to update the display screen 403 from the operation panel 204. If the YES button is selected, the process proceeds to S327; if the NO button is selected, the process proceeds to S326. When the CPU 211 receives an operation instruction from the user to execute firmware update while the display screen 403 is being displayed, the process proceeds to S327.

[0065] In S326, the CPU 211 restarts the no-operation timer and proceeds to S328.

[0066] If the latest firmware available flag is set to ON in S323, the CPU 211 notifies the smartphone 109 or PC terminal 110 connected via the wireless LAN unit 201 that the printer 200 has the latest firmware in response to a status inquiry from the smartphone 109 or PC terminal 110. As a result of this notification, the smartphone 109 or PC terminal 110 requests the user for permission to update the latest firmware. If permission is granted, the CPU 211 can accept an update request from the smartphone 109 or PC terminal 110 and execute an update to the latest firmware.

[0067] In S327, the CPU 211 turns off the latest firmware available flag stored in the non-volatile memory 215. Then, the CPU 211 uses the wireless LAN unit 201 to send a latest firmware download request to the update server 107 as an HttpClient for HTTP communication. Then, the CPU 211 receives the download data of the latest firmware from the update server 107, updates the information in the program memory 213 with the download data, performs a restart, and proceeds to S303. That is, the CPU 211 controls to execute the update process with the new version of the firmware.

[0068] Note that the CPU 211 can also perform an update from the CPIS when the latest firmware available flag is ON.

[0069] In the safe mode with network, the CPU 211 may be controlled to communicate with the communication destination of the update server 107 in S320 to S327 even if there is no operation instruction from the user to instruct communication after the instruction of S301 in response to the startup in the safe mode with network. That is, in the safe mode with network, the CPU 211 may perform the processing in S320 to S327 at the same timing as S306.

[0070] In S328, the CPU 211 determines whether an operation from the operation panel 204 has been detected. If an operation is detected, the process proceeds to S329, and if no operation is detected, the process proceeds to S330.

[0071] In S329, the CPU 211 performs processing according to the operation using the reading mechanism 205, the printing mechanism 206, etc., restarts the no-operation timer after the processing is completed, and proceeds to S319.

[0072] Note that when the startup mode stored in the data memory 214 is the normal mode or the safe mode with network, the CPU 211 can change the network settings (such as the SSID of the wireless LAN access point 101, password settings, security method, etc.). However, when the startup mode is the safe mode without network, the network settings cannot be changed.

[0073] In S330, the CPU 211 determines whether a job execution request has been received from a communication destination such as the PC terminal 110 connected via a USB cable using the USB interface 203. The PC terminal 110 is an example of an information processing device. If a request is received, the process proceeds to S331, and if no request is received, the process proceeds to S332.

[0074] In S331, the CPU 211 performs processing in response to the received job execution request using the reading mechanism 205, the printing mechanism 206, etc. After the processing is completed, the inactivity timer is restarted and the process proceeds to S319. The CPU 211 is controlled to execute, for example, printing in response to a printing instruction or processing of scanning and transmitting the scan data to the PC terminal 110.

[0075] In S332, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the startup mode stored in the data memory 214 is the NW - less safe mode. If the startup mode is the NW - less safe mode, the process proceeds to S319. If the startup mode is the normal mode or the NW - enabled safe mode, the process proceeds to S333.

[0076] In S333, the CPU 211 uses the wireless LAN unit 201 or the short - range wireless communication unit 202 to determine whether or not a job execution request has been received from a communication destination such as the smartphone 109. The smartphone 109 is an example of an information processing apparatus. When using the wireless LAN unit 201, the communication destination of the printer 200 is a smartphone 109 etc. connected to the same wireless LAN access point 101 by the wireless LAN infrastructure mode connection 103. When using the short - range wireless communication unit 202, the communication destination of the printer 200 is a smartphone 109 etc. by the wireless direct connection 104. If a request has been received, the process proceeds to S334. If no request has been received, the process proceeds to S335.

[0077] In S334, the CPU 211 performs processing in response to the received job execution request using the reading mechanism 205, the printing mechanism 206, etc. After the processing is completed, the inactivity timer is restarted and the process proceeds to S319. The CPU 211 is controlled to execute, for example, printing in response to a printing instruction or processing of scanning and transmitting the scan data to the smartphone 109.

[0078] Note that in the NW-enabled safe mode, jobs can be executed via the network at S333. However, for jobs that use HTTP communication and are performed by the printer 200 connecting to the web service server 108 as a client, they are basically prohibited. However, HTTP communication for firmware updates is permitted as in S320 and S327.

[0079] In S335, the CPU 211 determines whether the startup mode stored in the data memory 214 is the normal mode. If the startup mode is the normal mode, it proceeds to S336. If the startup mode is the NW-enabled safe mode, it proceeds to S338.

[0080] In S336, the CPU 211 determines whether it has received a job execution request from the web service server 108 using the wireless LAN unit 201. If it has received the request, it proceeds to S337. If it has not received the request, it proceeds to S338.

[0081] In S337, the CPU 211 performs processing in response to the received job execution request using the reading mechanism 205, the printing mechanism 206, etc. After the processing is completed, it restarts the no-operation timer and proceeds to S319.

[0082] In S338, the CPU 211 determines whether it has detected an operation for a firmware update request through an operation from the operation panel 204. If it has detected the operation, it proceeds to S327 to update to the latest firmware. If it has not detected the operation, it proceeds to S339.

[0083] In S339, the CPU 211 determines whether the no-operation timer has timed out. Here, the timeout of the no-operation timer is, for example, 10 minutes, indicating that there has been no operation for a predetermined period. If it has timed out, it proceeds to S340. If it has not timed out, it proceeds to S341.

[0084] In S340, the CPU 211 determines whether the latest firmware available flag stored in the non-volatile memory 215 is ON. If the latest firmware available flag is ON, it proceeds to S327 to update to the latest firmware; if the latest firmware available flag is OFF, it proceeds to S341.

[0085] In S341, the CPU 211 determines whether it has detected an operation request to turn off the power (OFF) from the operation panel 204. If it has detected such an operation, it proceeds to S342; if it has not detected such an operation, it proceeds to S319.

[0086] In S342, the CPU 211 determines whether the latest firmware available flag stored in the non-volatile memory 215 is ON. If the latest firmware available flag is ON, it proceeds to S343. If the latest firmware available flag is OFF, the CPU 211 performs the power-off process and ends the flowchart processing.

[0087] In S343, the CPU 211 controls to display the display screen 403 in Fig. 4(C) on the operation panel 204 in order to obtain permission to update with the latest firmware.

[0088] In S344, the CPU 211 determines whether the user has selected the YES button for update permission on the display screen 403 from the operation panel 204. If the YES button on the display screen 403 is selected, it proceeds to S327 to update to the latest firmware. If the NO button on the display screen 403 is selected, the CPU 211 performs the power-off process and ends the flowchart processing.

[0089] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the safe mode with NW, the Web service request transmission in S313 is not performed (communication with the communication destination for the Web service is restricted), so shutdown due to an unintended response can be suppressed. That is, communication failures can be suppressed.

[0090] On the other hand, since functions other than web services, such as copying, scanning, executing jobs via USB, and jobs received within the network (for example, jobs received from a PC connected to the same access point or a directly connected PC), can be executed, most of the functions of the printer 200 can be utilized.

[0091] Furthermore, in order to automatically communicate in S322~S324 to obtain information on whether there is an update for the latest firmware, it is also possible to prevent the situation where the user cannot update without noticing the firmware update.

[0092] When there is a firmware update, the update process itself is performed when there is an instruction from the user (Yes in S325), when there is no operation (Yes in S339 → Yes in S340), or when the power is turned off (Yes in S341 → Yes in S342 → Yes in S344). Therefore, it is also possible to suppress the interruption of operations such as copying and scanning performed by the user due to the update process.

[0093] If the update process is performed, it will automatically restart in the normal mode (S327 → S303), and it can be expected that the failure factors that would cause Yes in S315 have been resolved. Therefore, after a communication failure occurs, if firmware that can be downloaded to resolve the communication failure becomes available after starting in the NW available safe mode, the user can download and update the new firmware without forgetting or performing troublesome operations, and can use it in the normal mode where the failure has been resolved. Therefore, it is possible to suitably return to a state where services that require communication such as web services are available.

[0094] Note that each of the various controls described as being performed by the CPU 211 may be performed by one piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware (for example, a plurality of processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0095] Also, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Further, each of the above-described embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and it is also possible to appropriately combine the respective embodiments.

[0096] Also, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the printer 200 has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this example, and it is applicable to any electronic device capable of updating the firmware. That is, the present invention is applicable to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, digital photo frames, music players, game machines, electronic book readers, home appliances, and the like.

[0097] (Other Embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various recording media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the recording medium on which the program is recorded constitute the present invention.

[0098] Note that the above-described embodiments are merely specific examples for implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limitedly interpreted by these. That is, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical idea or its main features.

[0099] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configuration, method, program, and recording medium. (Configuration 1) Receiving means for receiving a first instruction for enabling a first operation mode and a second instruction for enabling a second operation mode, In the first operation mode, even if there is no operation for instructing communication from the user after the first instruction, control is performed to communicate with a first communication destination and to communicate with a second communication destination for firmware update. In the second operation mode, control means for controlling to restrict communication with the first communication destination and for controlling to communicate with the second communication destination even if there is no operation for instructing communication from the user after the second instruction. An electronic device characterized by comprising the same. (Configuration 2) The electronic device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that both the first instruction and the second instruction are startup instructions of the electronic device. (Configuration 3) The reception means receives a first operation as the first instruction and receives a second operation different from the first operation method as the second instruction. The electronic device according to Configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) In the second operation mode, the control means controls to communicate with the second communication destination based on satisfying a predetermined condition even if there is no operation for instructing communication from the user after the second instruction. The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The electronic device according to Configuration 4, characterized in that the predetermined condition is a condition related to time. (Configuration 6) The electronic device according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the predetermined condition is at least one condition among the elapse of a predetermined period, reaching a predetermined time, and the non-operation state reaching a predetermined time. (Configuration 7) In the second operation mode, the control means controls to communicate with the second communication destination based on starting in the second operation mode even if there is no operation for instructing communication from the user after the second instruction. The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) The control means controls to acquire information indicating whether there is firmware of a version newer than the current firmware of the electronic device by communicating with the second communication destination in the second operation mode. The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) When the information indicating that there is a new version of firmware can be acquired, the control means controls to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to execute a firmware update, and when an operation instructing execution of a firmware update is received from the user while the confirmation screen is being displayed, controls to execute the update process with the new version of firmware. The electronic device according to Configuration 8. (Configuration 10) The control means controls to display the confirmation screen at at least one of the timing corresponding to the acquisition of the information indicating that there is a new version of firmware and the timing corresponding to an operation to turn off the power. The electronic device according to Configuration 9. (Configuration 11) When the information indicating that there is a new version of firmware can be acquired, the control means controls to execute the update process with the new version of firmware based on the fact that there has been no operation for a predetermined period. The electronic device according to Configuration 8. (Configuration 12) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, further comprising printing means for performing printing on paper. (Configuration 13) In the second operation mode, the control means controls to execute printing in response to a printing instruction from an information processing device which is at least one of a third communication destination connected to the same access point, a fourth communication destination connected by Wi-Fi Direct, and a fifth communication destination connected via a USB cable, or to execute a process of scanning and transmitting scan data to the information processing device. The electronic device according to Configuration 12. (Configuration 14) The electronic device according to Configuration 13, wherein communication with the third to fifth communication destinations is communication different from HTTP communication. (Configuration 15) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 14, wherein the first communication destination is a communication destination that requires communication to utilize a function using a web service. (Configuration 16) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, wherein the control means restricts HTTP communication with the first communication destination and controls to perform HTTP communication with the second communication destination in the second operation mode. (Configuration 17) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 16, wherein network settings can be changed in the second operation mode. (Configuration 18) The electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 17, wherein the reception means can receive a third instruction for enabling a third operation mode (NW-free safe mode), and in the third operation mode, the control means controls not to communicate with the second communication destination. (Method 1) A reception step of receiving a first instruction for enabling a first operation mode and a second instruction for enabling a second operation mode, In the first operation mode, even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the first instruction, control is performed to communicate with the first communication destination and to communicate with a second communication destination for firmware update, In the second operation mode, control is performed to restrict communication with the first communication destination and to communicate with the second communication destination even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the second instruction, and a control step A control method for an electronic device, characterized by comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 18. (Recording medium 1) A computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 18.

Explanation of symbols

[0100] 101 Wireless LAN access point, 103 Wireless LAN infrastructure mode connection, 104 Wireless direct connection, 107 Update server, 108 Web service server, 109 Smartphone, 110 PC terminal, 111 USB cable, 200 Printer, 201 Wireless LAN unit, 202 Short-range wireless communication unit, 203 USB interface, 204 Operation panel, 205 Reading mechanism, 206 Printing mechanism, 211 CPU, 213 Program memory, 214 Data memory, 215 Non-volatile memory

Claims

1. Receiving means for receiving a first instruction for enabling a first operation mode and a second instruction for enabling a second operation mode; In the first operation mode, even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the first instruction, control is performed to communicate with a first communication destination and to communicate with a second communication destination for firmware update; In the second operation mode, control means for controlling to restrict communication with the first communication destination and for controlling to communicate with the second communication destination even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the second instruction An electronic device characterized by comprising.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein both the first instruction and the second instruction are startup instructions of the electronic device.

3. The receiving means according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means receives a first operation as the first instruction and receives a second operation, which is an operation method different from the first operation, as the second instruction.

4. The control means according to claim 1, wherein in the second operation mode, even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the second instruction, control is performed to communicate with the second communication destination based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition related to time.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined condition is at least one of a condition that a predetermined period has elapsed, a condition that a predetermined time has been reached, and a condition that a non-operation state has reached a predetermined time.

7. The control means according to claim 1, wherein in the second operation mode, even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the second instruction, control is performed to communicate with the second communication destination in response to starting in the second operation mode.

8. The control means according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to acquire information indicating whether there is firmware of a version newer than the current firmware of the electronic device by communication with the second communication destination in the second operation mode.

9. When information indicating that there is a new version of the firmware can be obtained, the control means controls to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to execute the firmware update, and when an operation instructing the execution of the firmware update is received from the user while the confirmation screen is being displayed, controls to execute the update process with the new version of the firmware. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. The control means controls to display the confirmation screen at least at one of a timing corresponding to obtaining information indicating that there is a new version of the firmware and a timing corresponding to an operation of turning off the power. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. When information indicating that there is a new version of the firmware can be obtained, the control means controls to execute the update process with the new version of the firmware based on the fact that there has been no operation for a predetermined period. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising printing means for printing on paper.

13. In the second operation mode, the control means controls to execute printing in response to a printing instruction from an information processing device that is at least one of a third communication destination connected to the same access point, a fourth communication destination connected by Wi-Fi Direct, and a fifth communication destination connected via a USB cable, or to execute a process of scanning and transmitting scan data to the information processing device. The electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that.

14. Communication with the third to fifth communication destinations is communication different from HTTP communication. The electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that.

15. The first communication destination is a communication destination that requires communication to utilize a function using a web service. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

16. In the second operation mode, the control means restricts HTTP communication with the first communication destination and controls to perform HTTP communication with the second communication destination. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

17. In the second operation mode, it is possible to change the network settings. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

18. The receiving means is further capable of receiving a third instruction for enabling a third operation mode, and in the third operation mode, the control means controls so as not to communicate with the second communication destination. The electronic device according to claim 1.

19. A receiving step of receiving a first instruction for enabling a first operation mode and a second instruction for enabling a second operation mode; In the first operation mode, even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the first instruction, control is performed to communicate with a first communication destination and to communicate with a second communication destination for firmware update. In the second operation mode, control is performed to limit communication with the first communication destination, and control is performed to communicate with the second communication destination even if there is no operation instructing communication from the user after the second instruction. A control step; A control method for an electronic device, characterized by comprising:

20. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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