Printing system, printing apparatus, information processing apparatus, and method for changing setting of printing system

Abstract

To provide a printing system, a printing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a method for changing a setting of the printing system by which convenience of user is enhanced.SOLUTION: A printing apparatus comprises: a first radio communication unit for performing P2P communication; a network communication unit for performing network communication; a printing unit for printing an image onto a medium; a storage unit for storing a setting of the printing apparatus; and a first control unit for causing the printing unit to print a special code including address information on the network communication when the printing apparatus runs in a state where the first radio communication unit is valid and where preset conditions are established. An information processing apparatus comprises: a second radio communication unit for performing P2P communication; a reading unit for reading the special code; and a second control unit for accessing the printing apparatus based on the special code read by the reading unit, causing a display device to display an operation screen for receiving a change to the setting of the printing apparatus, and instructing the printing apparatus to implement the changed setting of the printing apparatus when an operation of changing the setting of the printing apparatus is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing device, an information processing device, and a method for changing settings of a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing system is known in which various settings of a printing device are performed from an information processing device such as a smartphone.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device control system that allows a user to view and change the web service settings of a printing device using a web application that runs on a web browser. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 106882 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in order to connect an information processing device and a printing device using a web application and change the web service settings of the printing device, the user had to manually launch the web application and connect the information processing device and the printing device, which was a burden to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a printing system comprising a printing device and an information processing device, wherein the printing device comprises a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication, a network communication unit that performs network communication, a printing unit that prints an image on a medium, a memory unit that stores settings of the printing device, and a first control unit that, when the printing device is started with the first wireless communication unit in an enabled state and predetermined conditions are met, causes the printing unit to print a special code including address information for the network communication, and the information processing device comprises a second wireless communication unit that performs P2P communication, a reading unit that reads the special code, and a second control unit that accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays an operation screen on a display device that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, when an operation to change the settings of the printing device is accepted, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a printing device comprising a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication, a network communication unit that performs network communication, a printing unit that prints an image on a medium, a memory unit that stores settings of the printing device, and a first control unit that, when the printing device is started with the first wireless communication unit in an enabled state and predetermined conditions met, causes the printing unit to print a special code that includes address information for the network communication.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device comprising a second wireless communication unit that performs P2P communication, a reading unit that reads a special code, and a second control unit that accesses a printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays an operation screen on a display device that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, upon accepting an operation to change the settings of the printing device, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a setting change method for a printing system including a printing device having a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication, a network communication unit that performs network communication, and a printing unit that prints an image on a medium, and an information processing device having a second wireless communication unit that performs the P2P communication and a reading unit, wherein when the printing device is started with the first wireless communication unit in an enabled state and predetermined conditions are met, the printing device causes the printing unit to print a special code that includes address information for the network communication, and the information processing device accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays on a display device an operation screen that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, upon accepting an operation to change the settings of the printing device, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an APP screen. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [1. System configuration of the embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a printing system 1. As shown in FIG. The printing system 1 includes a printing device 100 and an information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 is connected to the printing device 100 wirelessly. The printing device 100 is an inkjet printer. The printing device 100 may also be a thermal printer or a SIDM (Serial Impact Dot Matrix) printer. A SIDM printer is a printer that generates dots by impacting a medium such as recording paper via an ink ribbon using wires inside the print head. The information processing device 200 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet or notebook computer.

[0013] [2. Printing device configuration] The printing device 100 includes a first wireless communication interface 110, a first communication interface 120, an operation panel 130, a printing unit 140, and a first control unit 150. Hereinafter, interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0014] The first wireless communication I / F 110 is a wireless communication device including an antenna, an RF circuit, a baseband circuit, an encoder / decoder, etc. The first wireless communication I / F 110 corresponds to a first wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication I / F 110 executes P2P (Peer to Peer) communication with the information processing device 200. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the first wireless communication I / F 110 executes P2P communication with the information processing device 200 in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct standard. The first wireless communication I / F 110 operates in infrastructure mode and executes wireless communication with the information processing device 200 via a Wi-Fi access point (not shown). Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0015] Furthermore, the first wireless communication I / F 110 may be configured to perform short-distance wireless communication using Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), Miracast, etc. as P2P communication. Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

[0016] The first communication I / F 120 includes a communication module such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card. The first communication I / F 120 is connected to a network (not shown) and performs data communication with devices connected to the network. The first communication I / F 120 corresponds to a network communication unit.

[0017] The operation panel 130 receives operations from the user and includes a plurality of buttons, such as a power button and input buttons.

[0018] The printing unit 140 includes a medium transport unit 141 , a carriage 143 , and a print head 145 .

[0019] The medium transport unit 141 transports the medium in a predetermined transport direction under the control of the first control unit 150. The medium transport unit 141 includes, for example, rollers that rotate to transport the medium, a motor as a power source for the rotation, etc. In this embodiment, roll paper is used as the medium.

[0020] The carriage 143 carries a print head 145 and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction by the power of a carriage motor (not shown).

[0021] The print head 145, under the control of the first control unit 150, ejects ink onto a medium to record an image.

[0022] In this embodiment, an inkjet printing device 100 will be described, but the printing device 100 may also be a thermal printer or a SIDM printer.

[0023] The first control unit 150 is a computer device that includes a first storage unit 160 and a first processor 170.

[0024] The first storage unit 160 includes memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The first storage unit 160 stores firmware 161 executed by the first processor 170 and a setting file 163. The first storage unit 160 is also used as a receiving buffer that stores received print data. The first storage unit 160 corresponds to a storage unit.

[0025] The setting file 163 is a file in which the settings of the printing device 100 are registered. The settings of the printing device 100 include, for example, a password that determines whether or not execution of the update process described below is permitted, and address information set in the printing device 100. In this embodiment, a case where the address information is an IP address will be described. The password and IP address are registered as setting values ​​in the setting file 163.

[0026] The first processor 170 is an arithmetic processing device configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The first processor 170 may be configured with a single processor, or may be configured with multiple processors. The first processor 170 may be configured to perform processing using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, or may be configured to perform processing in cooperation with a processor such as a CPU or MPU and a hardware circuit.

[0027] [3. Configuration of information processing device] The information processing device 200 includes a second wireless communication I / F 210, a camera 220, a touch panel 230, and a second control unit 250.

[0028] The second wireless communication I / F 210 is a wireless communication device that includes an antenna, an RF circuit, a baseband circuit, an encoder / decoder, etc. The second wireless communication I / F 210 executes P2P communication with the printing device 100. The second wireless communication I / F 210 of this embodiment executes P2P communication with the printing device 100 in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct standard. The second wireless communication I / F 210 also operates in infrastructure mode and executes wireless communication with the printing device 100 via a Wi-Fi access point (not shown). The second wireless communication I / F 210 corresponds to a second wireless communication unit.

[0029] The second wireless communication I / F 210 may be configured to perform short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth, NFC, Miracast, or the like as P2P communication.

[0030] Camera 220 includes a photographing lens, an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS), and a data processing circuit. The photographing lens, imaging element, and data processing circuit are not shown. Camera 220 captures images and generates captured images in response to instructions from second control unit 250. Camera 220 corresponds to a reading unit.

[0031] The touch panel 230 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and a touch sensor disposed on top of the display panel. The display panel and the touch sensor are not shown in the drawings. The touch sensor detects a touch operation at a position on the touch panel 230 where the user's finger touches. The touch sensor outputs an operation signal including coordinate information indicating the position of the detected touch operation to the second control unit 250. The touch panel 230 may also include hardware buttons. The touch panel 230 corresponds to a display device. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the information processing device 200 includes the touch panel 230 as a display device, but the information processing device 200 may also be configured to be externally connected to a display or the like, and to display an image on this display.

[0032] The second control unit 250 is a computer device that includes a second storage unit 260 and a second processor 270.

[0033] The second storage unit 260 includes memories such as RAM and ROM. The second storage unit 260 stores a control program 261 such as an OS (Operating System) executed by the second processor 270. The second storage unit 260 also stores a web browser 263 and a setting change application program as application programs. Hereinafter, the application program will also be referred to as an APP.

[0034] The setting change 265 is an application program executed on the web browser 263, and has the function of changing the settings of the connected printing device 100.

[0035] The second processor 270 is an arithmetic processing unit configured with a CPU or MPU. The second processor 270 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The second processor 270 may be configured to perform processing using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, or may be configured to perform processing in cooperation with a processor such as a CPU or MPU and a hardware circuit.

[0036] [4. Printing System Operation] When the printing device 100 is started up with the first wireless communication I / F 110 set to enable Wi-Fi Direct, the first control unit 150 connects to the information processing device 200 via Wi-Fi Direct communication.

[0037] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether or not the preset printing conditions are met. The preset printing conditions include the following five conditions. The printing conditions are printing conditions for a special code that includes an IP address, which will be described later. First, wireless communication has not been set up. Second, no USB devices are connected to the printing device 100. Third, the printing device 100 is not connected to an Ethernet cable. Fourth, the IP address for network communication is not set. Fifth, Wi-Fi must be available.

[0038] If the above five conditions are met, the first control unit 150 prints the special code. If the above five conditions are not met, the first control unit 150 does not print the special code.

[0039] The special code includes address information of the printing device 100. The address information is address information for network communication, such as an IP address. The special code may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. In this embodiment, a case where a QR code is used as the special code will be described. In addition, although the present embodiment describes a case where the special code includes an IP address, the special code may include an IP address and a password. QR Code is a registered trademark.

[0040] The user reads the medium on which the QR code is printed with the camera 220. The image captured by the camera 220 is input to the second control unit 250. The second control unit 250 analyzes the input captured image and obtains the information contained in the QR code. As described above, the QR code contains the IP address of the printing device 100.

[0041] When the second control unit 250 acquires the IP address contained in the QR code, it launches the web browser 263, inputs the acquired IP address of the printing device 100 into the URL of the launched web browser 263, and launches the setting change APP 265.

[0042] The second control unit 250, which executes the setting change APP 265, connects to the printing device 100 at the input IP address and displays a password entry screen under the control of the setting change APP 265. When a password is entered on the password entry screen, the second control unit 250 transmits the entered password to the printing device 100. The printing device 100 performs password authentication by determining whether the password received from the information processing device 200 matches the registered password included in the setting file 163.

[0043] If the received password matches the registered password, the first control unit 150 transmits an authentication completion notification to the information processing device 200. When the second control unit 250 receives an authentication completion notification from the printing device 100, it displays an APP screen 300 that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device 100.

[0044] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an APP screen 300. The APP screen 300 corresponds to an example of an operation screen. The APP screen 300 includes a first setting field 310, a second setting field 320, a third setting field 330, and an OK button 350.

[0045] The first setting field 310 is a setting field for setting whether or not to print the password. In other words, when changing the password, this is a setting field for setting whether or not to print the changed password. The first setting field 310 includes a first radio button 311 and a second radio button 313. The first radio button 311 is a button that is selected when the password is to be printed. The second radio button 313 is a button that is selected when the password is not to be printed. After changing the password, the user selects the first radio button 311 by a touch operation when the password is to be printed, and selects the second radio button 313 by a touch operation when the password is not to be printed.

[0046] The second setting field 320 is a field for setting a password. The second setting field 320 includes an input field 321. When changing a password, the user inputs the password to be changed into the input field 321.

[0047] The third setting field 330 is a field for setting an IP address. The third setting field 330 includes a display field 331 and an input field 333. The current IP address of the printing device 100 is displayed in the display field 331. The user inputs the new IP address of the printing device 100 in the input field 333. When changing the IP address, the user inputs the new IP address in the input field 333.

[0048] When the confirm button 350 is pressed, the second control unit 250 sends a change request to the printing device 100 to change the settings of the printing device 100. This change request includes at least one of the password and IP address accepted on the APP screen 300. Furthermore, if the setting in the first setting field 310 is "Print," the change request includes a print instruction. If the setting in the first setting field 310 is "Do not print," the change request does not include a print instruction.

[0049] When the first control unit 150 receives a change request from the information processing device 200 that is connected via Wi-Fi Direct and that is executing the setting change APP, it changes the settings of the printing device 100. The first control unit 150 rewrites the setting file 163 with at least one of the received password and IP address, and updates the settings of the printing device 100.

[0050] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether the change request includes a print instruction. If the change request includes a print instruction and the password and IP address have been changed, the first control unit 150 causes the printing unit 140 to print a QR code including the IP address and the password.

[0051] If the password has been changed but the IP address has not been changed, first control unit 150 causes printing unit 140 to print the password. Also, if the IP address has been changed but the password has not been changed, first control unit 150 causes printing unit 140 to print a QR code including the changed IP address. When printing a QR code including a password or an IP address, the first control unit 150 may also print the current date, or the current date and the time when the password or IP address was changed. Furthermore, the first control unit 150 may also print the model name of the printing device 100.

[0052] The user can access the printing device 100 by reading the QR code containing the changed IP address with the camera 220 of the information processing device 200. That is, the settings of the printing device 100 can be changed by operating the APP screen 300 displayed on the touch panel 230. Furthermore, because the IP address has been changed, the printing device 100 cannot be accessed even if the previous IP address is set in the URL of the web browser 263.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing device 100. The operation of the printing device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the printing device 100 is powered on (step S1), the first control unit 150 determines whether the setting for Wi-Fi Direct is enabled (step S2).

[0054] If the setting of Wi-Fi Direct is invalid (step S2 / NO), the first control unit 150 ends this processing flow and proceeds to another process. If the setting of Wi-Fi Direct is enabled (step S2 / YES), the first control unit 150 starts up the first wireless communication I / F 110 in the Wi-Fi Direct mode (step S3).

[0055] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether or not the preset printing conditions are met (step S4). If the preset printing conditions are not met (step S4 / NO), the first control unit 150 proceeds to the determination of step S6.

[0056] If the preset printing conditions are met (step S4 / YES), the first control unit 150 causes the printing unit 140 to print a QR code including the IP address of the printing device 100 (step S5).

[0057] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether or not a connection request via Wi-Fi Direct has been received (step S6). If the first control unit 150 has not received a connection request via Wi-Fi Direct (step S6 / NO), the first control unit 150 ends this processing flow and proceeds to another process.

[0058] When the first control unit 150 receives the connection request via Wi-Fi Direct (step S6 / YES), it connects to the information processing device 200 that is the source of the connection request via Wi-Fi Direct (step S7).

[0059] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether or not a password has been received from the information processing device 200 connected by Wi-Fi Direct (step S8). If the password has not been received (step S8 / NO), the first control unit 150 waits until the password is received.

[0060] When the first control unit 150 receives the password (step S8 / YES), it determines whether the received password matches the registered password included in the setting file 163 and performs password authentication (step S9). If the received password does not match the registered password, the first control unit 150 determines that password authentication has failed (step S10 / NO) and requests the information processing device 200 to resend the password.

[0061] Furthermore, if the received password matches the registered password, the first control unit 150 determines that the password authentication has been successful (step S10 / YES), and transmits an authentication completion notification to the information processing device 200 (step S11).

[0062] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether a change request has been received (step S12). The change request includes at least one of the changed IP address and password. If the setting in the first setting field 310 is "Print," the change request also includes a print instruction.

[0063] If the first control unit 150 has not received the change request (step S12 / NO), the first control unit 150 waits until it receives the change request. Furthermore, if the connection with the information processing device 200 via Wi-Fi Direct is disconnected or if the first control unit 150 receives a notification of communication termination from the information processing device 200, the first control unit 150 may cancel the wait for the change request and end this processing flow.

[0064] Furthermore, when the first control unit 150 receives a change request (step S12 / YES), it updates the setting file 163 based on at least one of the IP address and the password included in the change request (step S13).

[0065] Next, the first control unit 150 determines whether or not the change request includes a print instruction (step S14). If the change request does not include a print instruction (step S14 / NO), the first control unit 150 ends this processing flow.

[0066] If the change request includes a print instruction (step S14 / YES), the first control unit 150 determines whether the password and IP address have been changed by updating the setting file in step S13 (step S15). If the password and IP address have been changed (step S15 / YES), the first control unit 150 causes the printing unit 140 to print a QR code including the changed IP address and the password (step S16).

[0067] Furthermore, if the password and IP address have not been changed in the update of the setting file in step S13 (step S15 / NO), the first control unit 150 determines whether either the password or the IP address has been changed (step S17).

[0068] If either the password or the IP address has been changed (step S17 / YES), the first control unit 150 causes the printing unit 140 to print a QR code including the changed IP address or the changed password (step S18). If neither the password nor the IP address has been changed (step S17 / NO), the first control unit 150 ends this processing flow.

[0069] In the above-described flowchart, the first control unit 150 prints a QR code including the changed password or IP address if the received change request includes a print instruction. As another example, the change request sent by the second control unit 250 to the printing device 100 may not include a print instruction. In this case, the first control unit 150 may determine whether the password or IP address has been changed, and if the password has been changed, print the password, or if the IP address has been changed, print a QR code including the IP address.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 200. The operation of the information processing device 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The second control unit 250 starts the camera 220 and determines whether or not the QR code has been read (step T1). If the QR code has not been read (step T1 / NO), the second control unit 250 waits until the QR code is read.

[0071] When second control unit 250 activates camera 220 and reads the QR code (step T1 / YES), second control unit 250 analyzes the image captured by camera 220 and acquires the IP address included in the QR code (step T2).

[0072] Next, the second control unit 250 launches the web browser 263 (step T3), and executes the setting change APP 265 by inputting the acquired IP address of the printing device 100 into the URL of the launched web browser 263 (step T4). The second control unit 250, which executes the setting change APP 265, connects to the printing device 100 with the input IP address via Wi-Fi Direct (step T5).

[0073] Next, the second control unit 250 executes the started setting change APP 265 and displays a password input screen (step T6). If a password has not been input (step T7 / NO), the second control unit 250 waits until a password is input.

[0074] When a password is entered on the input screen (step T7 / YES), the second control unit 250 sends the entered password to the printing device 100 (step T8) and determines whether an authentication completion notice has been received (step T9). If the second control unit 250 does not receive an authentication completion notice (step T9 / NO) and receives a request to resend the password, it determines that the authentication process has failed and requests the user to re-enter the password (step T6).

[0075] When the second control unit 250 receives the authentication completion notification (step T9 / YES), it displays the APP screen 300 that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device 100 on the touch panel 230 (step T10) and accepts a touch operation from the user (step T11). When the second control unit 250 has not accepted a touch operation on the touch panel 230 (step T11 / NO), it waits until it accepts a touch operation.

[0076] When the second control unit 250 receives a touch operation on the touch panel 230 (step T11 / YES), it determines whether the received touch operation is an input operation for inputting an IP address or a password (step T12). If the received touch operation is an input operation (step T9 / YES), the second control unit 250 changes the display on the touch panel 230 in accordance with the received touch operation (step T13), and returns to the determination in step T11.

[0077] Furthermore, if the received touch operation is not an input operation (step T12 / NO), the second control unit 250 determines whether the received touch operation is an operation of the enter button (step T14).

[0078] If the accepted touch operation is an operation of the decision button (step T14 / YES), the second control unit 250 determines whether or not at least one of the IP address and the password has been changed (step T15).

[0079] If at least one of the IP address and password has been changed (step T15 / YES), the second control unit 250 sends a change request to the printing device 100 (step T16). This change request includes at least one of the changed password and IP address. If the setting in the first setting field 310 is "Print," the change request also includes a print instruction. After sending the change request to the printing device 100, the second control unit 250 ends the display of the APP screen 300 displayed on the touch panel 230 (step T17) and displays other information. For example, the second control unit 250 displays information about the printing device 100.

[0080] If the IP address and password have not been changed (step T15 / NO), the second control unit 250 ends the display of the APP screen 300 (step T17) and displays other information. For example, the second control unit 250 displays information about the printing device 100.

[0081] If the received touch operation is not an operation of the decision button 350 (step T14 / NO), the second control unit 250 determines whether the received touch operation is an end operation (step T18). If the received touch operation is an end operation (step T18 / YES), the second control unit 250 ends the display of the APP screen 300 (step T17) and displays other information. If the received touch operation is not an end operation (step T18 / NO), the second control unit 250 executes processing corresponding to the received operation (step T19) and returns to the determination of step T11.

[0082] 5. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment, but is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the functional units shown in Figure 1 indicate functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is of course possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0083] 3 and 4 are divided according to the main processing content to make it easier to understand the processing of the printing device 100 and the information processing device 200, and the method of dividing the processing units or the names of the processing units does not limit the present invention. The processing of the printing device 100 and the information processing device 200 may be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, the processing of the printing device 100 and the information processing device 200 may be divided so that one processing unit includes even more processes.

[0084] Furthermore, when the printing system setting change method is implemented using a computer included in the printing device 100 and the information processing device 200, the program executed by the computer can be configured as a recording medium or a transmission medium for transmitting the program. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. The recording medium can also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device included in the server device. Blu-ray is a registered trademark.

[0085] 6. Summary of the Disclosure A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0086] (Appendix 1) A printing system comprising a printing device and an information processing device, wherein the printing device comprises a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication, a network communication unit that performs network communication, a printing unit that prints images on a medium, a memory unit that stores settings of the printing device, and a first control unit that, when the printing device is started with the first wireless communication unit in an enabled state and predetermined conditions are met, causes the printing unit to print a special code including address information for the network communication, and the information processing device comprises a second wireless communication unit that performs P2P communication, a reading unit that reads the special code, and a second control unit that accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays on a display device an operation screen that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, when an operation to change the settings of the printing device is accepted, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device.

[0087] According to this configuration, when the printing device is started up with the preset conditions met, the printing device prints a special code including address information for network communication. As a result, since the special code that can access the printing device is printed, an information processing device can access the printing device with a simple operation, improving user convenience. In addition, an operation screen for accepting changes to the settings of the printing device is displayed, and by changing the settings of the printing device on this operation screen, the changed settings of the printing device are instructed to the printing device, so that the settings of the printing device can be changed.

[0088] (Appendix 2) The printing system of claim 1, wherein the settings of the printing device include a password, and when the second control unit accepts an operation to change the password, it sends the changed password to the printing device.

[0089] According to this configuration, by changing the password through the operation screen, the changed password is sent to the printing device, so that the password of the printing device can be changed.

[0090] (Appendix 3) The printing system described in Appendix 2, wherein the second control unit instructs the printing device to change the password and to print the special code, and the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code in accordance with the print instruction.

[0091] According to this configuration, by changing the password through the operation screen, the changed password and a command to print the special code are sent to the printing device, so that when the password of the printing device is changed, the special code can be printed by the printing device.

[0092] (Appendix 4) The printing system described in Appendix 2, wherein the second control unit instructs the printing device to change the password and to print the password, and the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the password in accordance with the printing instruction.

[0093] According to this configuration, when a password is changed by operating the operation screen, the changed password and an instruction to print the password are sent to the printing device. Therefore, when the password of the printing device is changed, the changed password can be printed by the printing device.

[0094] (Appendix 5) 5. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the second control unit erases the display of the operation screen after transmitting the changed password to the printing device.

[0095] With this configuration, after the changed password is sent to the printing device, the operation screen display is cleared, so that the printing device can be placed in a state where it does not accept operations to change its settings.

[0096] (Appendix 6) A printing system as described in any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the settings of the printing device include the address information, and when the second control unit accepts an operation to change the address information, it sends the changed address information to the printing device, and after the first control unit changes the settings of the printing device based on the changed address information, it does not accept access based on the special code that includes the address information before the change.

[0097] With this configuration, when the address information of a printing device is changed on the operation screen, the changed address information is sent to the printing device, and after the address information setting is changed, the printing device enters a state where it will not accept access based on a special code that includes the address information before the change. This makes it possible to prevent access to the printing device using a special code that includes the address information before the change, thereby improving security.

[0098] (Appendix 7) The printing system described in Appendix 6, wherein, when the second control unit receives an operation to change the address information, the second control unit sends the changed address information and an instruction to print the address information to the printing device, and the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code including the address information in accordance with the print instruction.

[0099] According to this configuration, by changing the address information of the printing device on the operation screen, the changed address information and a print instruction for the address information are sent to the printing device, thereby causing the printing device to print a special code including the changed address information.

[0100] (Appendix 8) 8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code and a model name of the printing device.

[0101] According to this configuration, the printing device prints the special code and the model name of the printing device, which improves user convenience.

[0102] (Appendix 9) 8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code and a date.

[0103] According to this configuration, the special code and the date are printed by the printing device, which improves user convenience.

[0104] (Appendix 10) 8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code, the date, and the time.

[0105] According to this configuration, the special code, date, and time are printed by the printing device, which improves user convenience.

[0106] (Appendix 11) 11. The printing system according to any one of appendices 1 to 10, wherein the special code is a QR code (registered trademark).

[0107] According to this configuration, a QR code is used as the special code, which increases the amount of information that can be included in the special code, thereby improving security.

[0108] (Appendix 12) The printing system described in Appendix 7, wherein the operation screen includes a setting item for enabling or disabling printing of the special code, and the second control unit does not send a print instruction for the address information to the printing device if the setting of the setting item is disabled.

[0109] According to this configuration, the operation screen includes a setting item for enabling or disabling printing of the special code, and if the setting item is disabled, a print instruction for the address information is not sent to the printing device. This allows the user to select whether or not to print the special code including the address information, thereby improving user convenience.

[0110] (Appendix 13) A printing device comprising: a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication; a network communication unit that performs network communication; a printing unit that prints an image on a medium; a memory unit that stores settings of the printing device; and a first control unit that, when the printing device is started with the first wireless communication unit enabled and predetermined conditions met, causes the printing unit to print a special code that includes address information for the network communication.

[0111] According to this configuration, when the printing device is started up with the preset conditions met, the printing device prints a special code including address information for network communication. As a result, since the special code that can access the printing device is printed, an information processing device can access the printing device with a simple operation, improving user convenience.

[0112] (Appendix 14) An information processing device comprising: a second wireless communication unit that performs P2P communication; a reading unit that reads a special code; and a second control unit that accesses a printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays an operation screen on a display device that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, upon accepting an operation to change the settings of the printing device, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device.

[0113] With this configuration, an operation screen for accepting changes to the printer settings is displayed, and by changing the printer settings on this operation screen, the changed printer settings are sent to the printer. Therefore, by reading the special code, the printer settings can be changed, improving user convenience.

[0114] (Appendix 15) A setting change method for a printing system comprising: a printing device having a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication, a network communication unit that performs network communication, and a printing unit that prints an image on a medium; and an information processing device having a second wireless communication unit that performs the P2P communication and a reading unit, wherein when the printing device is started with the first wireless communication unit in an enabled state and predetermined conditions are met, the printing device causes the printing unit to print a special code that includes address information for the network communication, and the information processing device accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays on a display device an operation screen that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, when an operation to change the settings of the printing device is accepted, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device.

[0115] According to this configuration, when the printing device is started up with the preset conditions met, the printing device prints a special code including address information for network communication. As a result, since the special code that can access the printing device is printed, an information processing device can access the printing device with a simple operation, improving user convenience. In addition, an operation screen for accepting changes to the settings of the printing device is displayed, and by changing the settings of the printing device on this operation screen, the changed settings of the printing device are instructed to the printing device, so that the settings of the printing device can be changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1...printing system, 100...printing device, 110...first wireless communication I / F, 120...first communication I / F, 130...operation panel, 140...printing unit, 141...medium transport unit, 143...carriage, 145...print head, 150...first control unit, 160...first memory unit, 161...firmware, 163...setting file, 170...first processor, 200...information processing device, 210...second wireless communication I / F, 220... Camera, 230...touch panel, 250...second control unit, 260...second memory unit, 261...control program, 263...web browser, 265...setting change APP, 270...second processor, 300...APP screen, 310...first setting field, 311...first radio button, 313...second radio button, 320...second setting field, 321...input field, 330...third setting field, 333...input field, 350...decision button.

Claims

1. A printing device and an information processing device are provided, The printing device a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer-to-Peer) communication; a network communication unit that performs network communication; a printing unit that prints an image on a medium; a storage unit that stores settings of the printing device; a first control unit that causes the printing unit to print a special code including address information for the network communication when the printing device is started up in a state where the first wireless communication unit is enabled and a preset condition is met; The information processing device includes: a second wireless communication unit that performs P2P communication; a reading unit that reads the special code; a second control unit that accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays an operation screen on a display device that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, upon accepting an operation to change the settings of the printing device, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings; A printing system comprising:

2. The settings of the printing device include a password; When the second control unit receives an operation to change the password, the second control unit transmits the changed password to the printing device. The printing system of claim 1 .

3. the second control unit instructs the printing device to print the changed password and the special code; the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code in response to the printing instruction; The printing system according to claim 2 .

4. the second control unit instructs the printing device to print the changed password and the password; the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the password in response to the printing instruction; The printing system according to claim 2 .

5. the second control unit erases the display of the operation screen after transmitting the changed password to the printing device; The printing system according to claim 2 .

6. the printing device settings include the address information; When the second control unit receives an operation to change the address information, the second control unit transmits the changed address information to the printing device; the first control unit, after changing the settings of the printing device based on the changed address information, does not accept access based on the special code including the address information before the change; The printing system of claim 1 .

7. When the second control unit receives an operation to change the address information, the second control unit transmits the changed address information and an instruction to print the address information to the printing device; the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code including the address information in response to the printing instruction; The printing system according to claim 6.

8. the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code and a model name of the printing device; The printing system according to claim 7.

9. The first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code and the date. The printing system according to claim 7.

10. the first control unit causes the printing unit to print the special code, the date, and the time; The printing system according to claim 7.

11. The special code is a QR code (registered trademark). The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the operation screen includes a setting item for setting whether to enable or disable printing of the special code; the second control unit does not send a print instruction for the address information to the printing device when the setting of the setting item is invalid; The printing system according to claim 7.

13. 1. A printing device, comprising: a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer-to-Peer) communication; a network communication unit that performs network communication; a printing unit that prints an image on a medium; a storage unit that stores settings of the printing device; a first control unit that causes the printing unit to print a special code including address information for the network communication when the printing device is started up in a state where a first wireless communication unit is enabled and a preset condition is met; A printing device comprising:

14. a second wireless communication unit that performs P2P communication; a reading unit that reads the special code; a second control unit that accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays an operation screen on a display device that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, upon accepting an operation to change the settings of the printing device, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings; An information processing device comprising:

15. A setting change method for a printing system including a printing device having a first wireless communication unit that performs P2P (Peer To Peer) communication, a network communication unit that performs network communication, and a printing unit that prints an image on a medium, and an information processing device having a second wireless communication unit that performs the P2P communication and a reading unit, The printing device When the printing device is started up in a state where the first wireless communication unit is enabled and a preset condition is met, a special code including address information for the network communication is printed on the printing unit; The information processing device includes: A method for changing settings of a printing system, which accesses the printing device based on the special code read by the reading unit, displays an operation screen on a display device that accepts changes to the settings of the printing device, and, when an operation to change the settings of the printing device is accepted, instructs the printing device to use the changed settings of the printing device.

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