Communication device, method of controlling communication device, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which, even if a conventional communication device can determine that a user has finished using a direct wireless communication mode, it does not stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode until the user presses a "stop button".SOLUTION: The communication device stops operation in a direct wireless communication mode in conjunction with a user logging out from a communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Communication devices such as smartphones, portable game consoles, and printing devices are equipped with wireless LAN functions. Known wireless LAN functions include a direct wireless communication mode that directly connects multiple communication devices without going through an access point. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a printing device and a mobile terminal are directly connected using an access point mode, which is an example of a direct wireless communication mode.

[0003] When using the direct wireless communication mode, the user needs to instruct the communication device to start operation in the direct wireless communication mode. For example, the communication device displays a "start button" for starting operation in the direct wireless communication mode, and the user presses this "start button," causing the communication device to start operation in the direct wireless communication mode. Furthermore, when ending use of the direct wireless communication mode, the user instructs the communication device to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode. For example, the communication device displays a "stop button" for stopping operation in the direct wireless communication mode, and the user presses this "stop button," causing the communication device to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0005] In conventional communication devices, even when it is determined that the user has finished using the direct wireless communication mode, the device does not stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode until the user presses a "stop button." Therefore, an object of the present invention is to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode when it is determined that the user has finished using the direct wireless communication mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the communication device provided by the present invention is a communication device that a user can log in to, and is characterized by comprising: a wireless communication means that operates in a direct wireless communication mode that performs wireless communication directly between an external device and the communication device without going through a relay device; a decision means that, when a user logs out of the communication device, decides whether to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode based on the number of wireless connections established in the direct wireless communication mode; and a control means that, when it is decided by the decision means to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode, controls the wireless communication means to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

[0007] In addition, the communication device provided by the present invention is a communication device that a user can log in to, and is characterized by comprising: a wireless communication means that operates in a direct wireless communication mode that performs wireless communication directly between an external device and the communication device without going through a relay device; a decision means that, when a user logs out of the communication device, decides whether to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode based on the setting of the SSID to be used in the direct wireless communication mode that is set in the communication device; and a control means that, when it is decided by the decision means to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode, controls the wireless communication means to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the communication device can stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode in conjunction with the user logging out from the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing device 100. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing screens displayed by the printing device 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates a user management table. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a wireless connection screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to user authentication. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to operation in an access point mode. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to operation in an access point mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) An overview of the communication system will be explained using Fig. 1. The communication system of this embodiment is made up of a printing device 100 and a mobile terminal 101.

[0012] The printing device 100 has a wireless LAN function. The wireless LAN function of the printing device 100 has two types of wireless communication modes: infrastructure mode and access point mode. The infrastructure mode is a wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 wirelessly connects to a relay device such as an access point (not shown) and communicates with devices on a network, such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0013] On the other hand, the access point mode is a wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 itself acts as an access point by activating a software access point in the printing device 100. A mobile terminal 101, such as a smartphone, establishes a wireless connection with the printing device 100 operating in access point mode and transmits print data to the printing device 100 for printing electronic files such as photographs. The access point mode enables direct wireless communication between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 without going through a relay device such as an access point. The access point mode is an example of a direct wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 establish a direct wireless connection. Instead of the access point mode, other wireless communication methods, such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), may be applied to this embodiment.

[0014] As will be explained in more detail later, the printing device 100 has a user authentication function that allows a user to log in to the printing device 100. A user who has logged in to the printing device 100 can use the access point mode. When the user logs out from the printing device 100, the printing device 100 stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user's logout.

[0015] Next, the hardware configuration of the printing device 100 will be described using Figure 2. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 202 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the printing device 100. The ROM 202 stores the control program. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 201. The HDD 204 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores various data.

[0016] In the case of the printing device 100, one CPU 201 executes the processes shown in the flowcharts described below, but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute the processes shown in the flowcharts described below. Also, some of the processes in the flowcharts described below may be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs.

[0017] The wireless LAN I / F 205 executes wireless LAN communication between the mobile terminal 101 and external devices such as an access point. The wireless LAN communication executed by the wireless LAN I / F 205 is wireless communication such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac. The wireless LAN I / F 205 can operate in infrastructure mode and access point mode. The wireless LAN I / F 205 operates in either the infrastructure mode or the access point mode, selecting the mode according to device settings set in advance by the user.

[0018] The network I / F 210 is connected to a wired LAN via a LAN cable and is capable of communicating with an external device (such as a PC) on the wired LAN.

[0019] The printer 206 executes printing processing on a sheet based on print data received by the wireless LAN I / F 205 or the network I / F 210. The scanner 207 reads an original placed by a user and generates an original image. The original image generated by the scanner 207 is printed by the printer 206 (so-called copy processing) or stored in the HDD 204.

[0020] The operation unit 208 includes a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function and a keyboard, and displays various operation screens. A user can input instructions and information to the printing device 100 via the operation unit 208.

[0021] The IC card reader 209 reads user information from an IC card. In this embodiment, a user ID and password are stored as user information on the IC card. The printing device 100 then performs user authentication based on the user information read from the IC card by the IC card reader 209.

[0022] Note that the printing device 100 is given as an example of a communication device capable of operating in access point mode. The communication device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the printing device 100. The present invention can be applied to various communication devices capable of operating in access point mode, such as digital cameras, video cameras, smartphones, and portable game consoles.

[0023] Next, the operation screen provided by the printing device 100 and the operation procedure when the user uses the access point mode will be described.

[0024] 3A is a screen displayed by the operation unit 208 of the printing device 100. When the startup of the printing device 100 is complete, the operation unit 208 initially displays the login screen 300. The user holds their own IC card over the IC card reader 209.

[0025] 4 is information for managing user information (user name, user ID, password) of users who are permitted to log in to the printing device 100, and is stored in the HDD 204 of the printing device 100. Users registered in the user management table 400 can log in to the printing device 100. When a user holds their IC card over the IC card reader 209, the IC card reader 209 reads the user information (user ID and password) from the IC card. The CPU 201 then determines whether the user information read from the IC card by the IC card reader 209 is registered in the user management table 400. If the user information read from the IC card is registered in the user management table 400, authentication is successful, and the operation unit 208 displays the menu screen 310 of FIG. 3(B). A user who is determined to be authenticated is logged in to the printing device 100 and can use the printing device. On the other hand, if the user information read from the IC card is not registered in the user management table 400, the authentication is rejected, the operation unit 208 notifies the user of the rejection of the authentication, and the menu screen 310 is not displayed.

[0026] In this embodiment, the user may input a user ID and password into input fields 301 and 302, respectively, without using the IC card reader 209. When the user inputs a user ID and password into input fields 301 and 302 and then presses login button 303, the printing device 100 performs user authentication.

[0027] Furthermore, the user management table 400 may be provided by an external authentication server rather than by the printing device 100. If the authentication server has the user management table 400, the printing device 100 transmits user information to the authentication server. The printing device 100 then receives the result of the authentication process (authentication OK or authentication NG) from the authentication server, and performs user authentication.

[0028] 3B displays buttons that allow the user to use functions provided by the printing device 100. A logout button 315 is a button that allows the user to log in from the printing device 100. When the user presses the logout button 315, the currently logged-in user logs out from the printing device 100. Note that a logout screen is also displayed on each screen described below, and the user can input a logout instruction regardless of which screen the operation unit 208 is displaying.

[0029] The button 311 is a button for the user to use the copy function. When the user presses the button 311, the operation unit 208 displays a copy screen (not shown).

[0030] The button 312 is a button for the user to use the SEND function (a function for transmitting an original image generated by the scanner 207 to an external device). When the user presses the button 312, the operation unit 208 displays a SEND screen (not shown).

[0031] Button 314 is a button that allows the user to configure device settings for the printing device 100. When the user presses button 314, the operation unit 208 displays various setting screens in accordance with the user's operation. Setting screen 320 in FIG. 3C is one of the operation screens that the printing device 100 provides to the user, and is displayed by the operation unit 208. The items that can be configured on setting screen 320 will be described in detail. Setting screen 320 is a screen that can be accessed by users with special authority, such as a system administrator.

[0032] Item 321 is used to set whether to use a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID as the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​to be used in access point mode. Fixed SSID is a setting that indicates that the same SSID will be used each time the printer operates in access point mode. The system administrator inputs the desired SSID in input field 322. When the printer 100 operates in access point mode, the SSID input in input field 322 is used as the fixed SSID. On the other hand, one-time SSID is a setting that indicates that a random SSID will be generated and used.

[0033] The registration button 323 is a button for reflecting the settings made on the setting screen 320 in the printing device 100. When the system administrator presses the registration button 323, the setting results made on the setting screen 320 are stored in the HDD 204, and the settings made on the setting screen 320 are reflected in the printing device 100.

[0034] Returning to the description of menu screen 310, button 313 is a button that allows the user to use the access point mode. When the user uses the access point mode, the user first presses button 313. When the user presses button 313, operation unit 208 displays wireless connection screen 500 of FIG. 5(A).

[0035] A start button 501 is displayed on the wireless connection screen 500. This start button 501 is a button that the user uses to instruct the printing device 100 to start operation in access point mode. When the operation unit 208 displays the wireless connection screen 500, the printing device 100 has not started operation in access point mode. Therefore, even if the mobile terminal 101 searches for surrounding access points, it will not be able to find the printing device 100, and a wireless connection cannot be established between the mobile terminal 101 and the printing device 100. To establish a wireless connection between the mobile terminal 101 and the printing device 100, the user must start operation in access point mode on the printing device 100. When the user presses the start button 501, the printing device 100 starts operation in access point mode. The operation unit 208 then displays the wireless connection screen 510 shown in FIG. 5(B).

[0036] When the printing device 100 starts operating in access point mode, the printing device 100 generates an SSID and a connection key (e.g., a WEP key). The SSID and connection key generated by the printing device 100 are displayed in area 511 of the wireless connection screen 510. If the setting screen 320 is set to use a fixed SSID, the fixed SSID is generated and displayed in area 511. On the other hand, if the setting screen 320 is set to use a one-time SSID, a random SSID is generated and displayed in area 511.

[0037] After checking the content displayed in area 511, the user uses their mobile terminal 101 to search for nearby access points and selects an access point with the SSID displayed in area 511 from the list of search results. The user then inputs the connection key displayed in area 511 into the mobile terminal 101, thereby establishing a wireless connection between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 in access point mode. After wirelessly connecting the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100 using access point mode, the user selects photos they want to print on the mobile terminal 101. When the user then inputs a print instruction into the mobile terminal 101, the mobile terminal 101 transmits print data for printing the photos selected by the user to the printing device 100 using wireless communication in access point mode. Having received the print data, the printing device 100 executes printing on sheets based on the received print data.

[0038] When the printing device 100 starts operating in access point mode, the printing device 100 enters a standby state to receive a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device such as the mobile terminal 101. When the printing device 100 starts operating in access point mode, the mobile terminal 101 can find the printing device 100 when searching for surrounding access points. When the printing device 100 receives a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device, the printing device 100 establishes a wireless connection with the external device in access point mode. After the wireless connection is established, actual data communication (e.g., transmission of print data from the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100) is performed between the printing device 100 and the external device.

[0039] The wireless connection screen 510 also displays a stop button 512. The stop button 512 accepts a stop instruction from the user to stop operation in the access point mode. When the user wants to stop operation in the access point mode of the printing device 100, the user presses the stop button 512. When the user presses the stop button 512, the printing device 100 stops operation in the access point mode. The printing device 100 also stops operation in the access point mode when the user logs out from the printing device 100.

[0040] Next, the processing executed by the printing device 100 when a user logs in to the printing device 100 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 6. Each step shown in the flowchart in Fig. 6 is processed by the CPU 201 loading a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Note that the printing device 100 may be configured so that at least some of the steps in the flowchart in Fig. 6 are executed by the CPU 201, and the remaining steps are executed by another CPU (not shown) different from the CPU 201.

[0041] First, in step S601, CPU 201 determines whether or not to perform user authentication. When IC card reader 209 reads user information from an IC, or when a user enters a user ID and password in input fields 301 and 302 and presses login button 303, CPU 201 determines that user authentication is to be performed. Then, processing proceeds to step S602.

[0042] Next, in step S602, the CPU 201 determines whether the user indicated by the user information is a user who is permitted to log in. This determination is made by checking whether the user information is registered in the user management table 400. If the user information is registered in the user management table 400 (determined as authentication OK), the process proceeds to step S603. Then, in step S603, the CPU 201 executes login processing. The CPU 201 allows the user who has been determined as authentication OK to log in to the printing device 100, and controls the operation unit 208 to display the menu screen 310.

[0043] On the other hand, if the user information is not registered in the user management table 400 (determined as authentication NG), it is determined in step S602 that the user indicated by the user information is not permitted to log in. The CPU 201 does not execute the login process, but notifies the user of the authentication NG and ends the process.

[0044] Next, the processing executed by the printing device 100 when a user uses the access point mode and the printing device 100 automatically stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 7. Each step shown in the flowchart in Fig. 7 is processed by the CPU 201 loading a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Note that the printing device 100 may be configured so that at least some of the steps in the flowchart in Fig. 7 are executed by the CPU 201, and the remaining steps are executed by another CPU (not shown) different from the CPU 201.

[0045] First, in step S701, CPU 201 determines whether or not the user has pressed start button 501. When CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed start button 501, the process proceeds to step S702. Then, in step S702, CPU 201 controls wireless LAN I / F 205 to start operation in access point mode. Wireless LAN I / F 205 generates a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID in accordance with the results of settings made on setting screen 320, and starts operation in access point mode.

[0046] Next, in step S703, the CPU 201 sets the value of variable N to 0. Variable N is a variable for managing the number of devices that have established wireless connections in access point mode with the printing device 100. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 can simultaneously establish wireless connections in access point mode with up to five devices. The value of five is an example of the maximum number of simultaneous connections, and other values ​​may be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum number of simultaneous connections is described as being the same regardless of whether a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID is used, but the maximum number of simultaneous connections may be set to different values ​​depending on whether a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID is used.

[0047] Next, in step S704, the CPU 201 determines whether a request to establish a wireless connection has been received from an external device. If the wireless LAN I / F 205 receives a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device, the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN I / F 205 has not received a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device, the process proceeds to step S709.

[0048] Next, step S705 will be described. In step S705, the CPU 201 determines whether the value of the variable N is less than the maximum number of simultaneous connections. If the value of the variable N, i.e., the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is less than the maximum number of simultaneous connections, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the CPU 201 controls the wireless LAN I / F 205 to establish a wireless connection with the device that requested the establishment of a wireless connection. The wireless LAN I / F 205 establishes a wireless connection in access point mode with the device that requested the establishment of a wireless connection. In step S707, the CPU 201 increments the value of the variable N by 1. On the other hand, if the value of the variable N, i.e., the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is equal to the maximum number of simultaneous connections, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, the CPU 201 rejects the request to establish a wireless connection. From the perspective of the device that requested the establishment of a wireless connection, the establishment of a wireless connection in access point mode with the printing device 100 fails.

[0049] Next, step S709 will be described. In step S709, the CPU 201 determines whether the user currently logged in to the printing device 100 has logged out from the printing device 100. In this embodiment, a user is logged out when the user presses the logout button or when a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) has passed without any user operation. When the currently logged in user logs out from the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S709 that the currently logged in user has not logged out from the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S711.

[0050] Next, step S710 will be described. In step S710, the CPU 201 determines whether the value of variable N is 1 or less. If the value of variable N, i.e., the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is 1 or less, the process proceeds to step S712. Then, in step S712, the CPU 201 controls the wireless LAN I / F 205 to stop operation in access point mode. The wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode under the control of the CPU 201. On the other hand, if the value of variable N, i.e., the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is 2 or more, the wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode, and the process shown in the flowchart ends. The printing device 100 is characterized in that it determines whether to stop operation in access point mode in conjunction with user logout, based on the number of wireless connections established in access point mode.

[0051] If the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is 0, step S710 returns Yes, and wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode. The fact that the value of variable N is 0 indicates that no user is using access point mode. Therefore, if the value of variable N is 0, wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

[0052] Also, if the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is 1, step S710 returns Yes, and wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode. The fact that the value of variable N is 1 indicates that it is highly likely that only the logged-in user is using access point mode, and that other users are not. Therefore, if the value of variable N is 1, wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

[0053] Furthermore, if the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is two or more (plural), step S710 returns No, and wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode. If variable N has multiple values, it can be determined that other users, in addition to the logged-in user, are likely to be using access point mode. If access point mode operation were stopped in conjunction with the user logging out in this state, other users would be unable to use access point mode. Therefore, if variable N has multiple values, wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode even if the user logs out.

[0054] Next, step S711 will be described. In step S711, CPU 201 determines whether or not the user has pressed stop button 512. If CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed stop button 512, the process proceeds to step S712. Then, in step S712, CPU 201 controls wireless LAN I / F 205 to stop operation in the access point mode, and wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in the access point mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S711 that the user has not pressed stop button 512, the process returns to step S704.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, the printing device 100 can stop operating in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out of the printing device 100. In the printing device 100, the wireless LAN I / F 205 operates in either infrastructure mode or access point mode, and cannot operate in infrastructure mode and access point mode simultaneously. Therefore, while the wireless LAN I / F 205 is operating in access point mode, the wireless LAN I / F 205 cannot operate in infrastructure mode, and print data cannot be received from a PC via an external access point. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless LAN I / F 205 automatically stops operating in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out. By automatically stopping operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out, the operating mode of the wireless LAN I / F 205 can be switched from access point mode to infrastructure mode.

[0056] (Embodiment 2) A second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a process for switching whether or not to stop operation in the access point mode in conjunction with user logout will be described, based on the type of SSID used in the access point mode. The configuration of the printing device 100 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0057] Printing device 100 sets either a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID as the SSID to be used in access point mode using setting screen 320. In this embodiment, the maximum number of simultaneous connections when using a fixed SSID is multiple (for example, five), and the maximum number of simultaneous connections when using a one-time SSID is one. When set to use a one-time SSID, wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out. On the other hand, when set to use a fixed SSID, wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode even if the user logs out.

[0058] This processing will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 8. Each step shown in the flowchart in Fig. 8 is processed by CPU 201 expanding a control program stored in a memory such as ROM 202 into RAM 203 and executing it. Note that printing device 100 may be configured so that CPU 201 executes at least some of the steps in the flowchart in Fig. 8, and a CPU (not shown) different from CPU 201 executes the remaining steps.

[0059] In step S801, the CPU 201 determines whether a user currently logged in to the printing device 100 has logged out from the printing device 100. In this embodiment, a user is logged out when the user presses the logout button or when a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) has passed without any user operation. If the currently logged in user logs out from the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S802. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the currently logged in user has not logged out from the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S803.

[0060] Step S802 will now be described. In step S802, CPU 201 determines whether the setting for the access point mode set in printing device 100 is a setting that uses a one-time SSID. This determination is made by checking the results of the setting on setting screen 320. If the setting for the access point mode is a setting that uses a one-time SSID, processing proceeds to step S804. Then, in step S804, CPU 201 controls wireless LAN I / F 205 to stop operation in the access point mode. Wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in the access point mode in accordance with the control of CPU 201. On the other hand, if the setting for the access point mode is a setting that uses a fixed SSID, wireless LAN I / F 205 ends the processing shown in the flowchart without stopping operation in the access point mode.

[0061] If the setting for access point mode is to use a one-time SSID, the result of step S802 is Yes, and the wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode. If the setting for access point mode is to use a one-time SSID, the maximum number of simultaneous wireless connections in access point mode is 1. The fact that the maximum number of simultaneous connections is 1 means that the access point mode is intended to be used only by logged-in users, and it can be determined that use of access point mode has ended when the user logs out. Therefore, if the setting is to use a one-time SSID, the wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

[0062] Furthermore, if the setting for access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, step S802 returns No, and the wireless LAN I / F 205 does not terminate operation in access point mode. If the setting for access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the maximum number of simultaneous wireless connections in access point mode is multiple (for example, five). The fact that the maximum number of simultaneous connections is multiple means that multiple users are expected to use the access point mode at their own desired times, so it is preferable not to terminate operation in access point mode. Therefore, if the setting is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the wireless LAN I / F 205 does not terminate operation in access point mode even if a user logs in from the printing device 100, and continues operation in access point mode.

[0063] As explained above, the printing device 100 is characterized by determining whether to stop operation in access point mode in conjunction with user logout, based on the setting of the SSID used in access point mode. If the SSID used in access point mode is a one-time SSID, the printing device 100 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with user logout. On the other hand, if the SSID used in access point mode is a fixed SSID, the printing device 100 does not stop operation in access point mode even if the user logs out.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a one-time SSID is used as an example of an SSID for which the maximum number of simultaneous connections is 1. However, the present invention may be applied to other types of SSIDs for which the maximum number of simultaneous connections is 1, instead of the one-time SSID. As another type of SSID, for example, a setting may be considered in which an SSID corresponding to a user is generated and used in access point mode. When using an SSID corresponding to a user, the printing device 100 switches the SSID to be used depending on the logged-in user. For example, if user A is logged in, the printing device 100 uses a user SSID dedicated to user A, and if user B is logged in, the printing device 100 uses a user SSID dedicated to user B. Even when using such an SSID corresponding to a user in access point mode, it is desirable to set the maximum number of simultaneous connections to 1, and it is also desirable to automatically stop operation in access point mode when the user logs out.

[0065] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of each of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100 Printing equipment 201 CPU 205 Wireless LAN I / F 208 Operation section 209 IC card reader

Claims

1. A communication device to which a user can log in, a wireless communication unit that operates in a direct wireless communication mode for directly executing wireless communication between an external device and the communication device without an intermediate device; a determination means for determining whether to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode based on the number of wireless connections established in the direct wireless communication mode when a user logs out of the communication device; A communication device characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the wireless communication means to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode when the decision means determines to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the number of wireless connections is 0, the determining unit determines to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

3. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the number of wireless connections is one, the determining unit determines to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

4. A communication device to which a user can log in, a wireless communication unit that operates in a direct wireless communication mode for directly executing wireless communication between an external device and the communication device without an intermediate device; a determination means for determining whether to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode based on a setting of an SSID to be used in the direct wireless communication mode, which is set in the communication device when a user logs out from the communication device; A communication device characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the wireless communication means to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode when the decision means determines to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the communication device is configured to use an SSID whose maximum number of simultaneous wireless connections is 1, the determination means determines to stop operation of the direct wireless communication mode.

6. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the communication device is set to use a randomly generated SSID, the decision means decides to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

7. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the communication device is set to use an SSID corresponding to a user, the decision means decides to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

8. further comprising authentication means for performing user authentication; 8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein a user who is determined by the user authentication to be a user who is allowed to log in to the communication device logs in to the communication device.

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the direct wireless communication mode is an access point mode in which the communication device acts as an access point.

10. 10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a printing device that executes printing processing on a sheet.

11. A control method for a communication device operable in a direct wireless communication mode in which direct wireless communication is performed between the communication device and an external device without an intermediate device, the method comprising: a login step that accepts a user's login; a determination step of determining whether to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode based on the number of wireless connections established in the direct wireless communication mode when a user logs out of the communication device; a stop step of stopping the operation in the direct wireless communication mode when it is determined in the decision step that the operation in the direct wireless communication mode should be stopped.

12. A control method for a communication device operable in a direct wireless communication mode in which direct wireless communication is performed between the communication device and an external device without an intermediate device, the method comprising: a login step that accepts a user's login; a determination step of determining whether to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode based on a setting of an SSID to be used in the direct wireless communication mode, which is set in the communication device when a user logs out from the communication device; a stop step of stopping the operation in the direct wireless communication mode when it is determined in the decision step that the operation in the direct wireless communication mode should be stopped.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling a communication device according to claim 11 or 12.

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