Image processing apparatus, processing method, and storage medium

Abstract

To solve the problem that convenience is low for a user who wants to set an image processing apparatus without using a browser.SOLUTION: An image processing device 100 includes a printing unit 140 that performs printing, a communication unit 110 that performs wireless communication, and a page processing unit 152 that performs processing of causing a terminal 200 to display a setting page 131 for performing setting of the image processing device 100, in which the page processing unit 152 performs the processing after the communication unit 110 establishes wireless connection with the terminal 200 when the printing unit 140 is in a printable state, and does not perform the processing when the printing unit 140 is not in the printable state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, a processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for connecting devices to a wireless network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a terminal device directly connects to an image processing device in order to perform settings for connecting the image processing device to a wireless network using the terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-007648 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a terminal device and an image processing device are directly connected, there is no need to use a wired cable for communication between them, improving user convenience. However, when a terminal device establishes a direct connection with an image processing device, a browser may launch on the terminal device and display a specific page. While this behavior on the terminal device is convenient for users who want to configure the image processing device using a browser, it is inconvenient for users who want to configure the image processing device without using a browser. For example, when configuring the image processing device using an application installed on the terminal device, launching an unnecessary browser may confuse the user or interfere with the execution of the application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image processing device according to the present disclosure has a printing unit that performs printing, a communication unit that performs wireless communication, and a page processing unit that performs processing to display a setting page for configuring the image processing device on a terminal device, and the page processing unit performs the processing after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device if the printing unit is in a state where it is able to print, and does not perform the processing if the printing unit is not in a state where it is able to print.

[0006] In addition, the processing method disclosed herein is a processing method for an image processing device having a printing unit that performs printing and a communication unit that performs wireless communication, and determines whether the printing unit is in a state where it is able to print, and if the printing unit is in a state where it is able to print, after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with a terminal device, performs processing to display a setting page for configuring the image processing device on the terminal device, and if the printing unit is not in a state where it is able to print, does not perform the processing.

[0007] In addition, the program disclosed herein causes a computer of an image processing device having a printing unit that performs printing and a communication unit that performs wireless communication to execute a determination step of determining whether the printing unit is in a state where it can print, and a page processing step of performing processing to display a setting page for configuring the image processing device on the terminal device after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device if the printing unit is in a state where it can print, and does not cause the computer to perform the processing if the printing unit is not in a state where it can print. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including an image processing apparatus and a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image processing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing by a printing unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by a setting application on a UI unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by a setting application on a UI unit. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing by a printing unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the image processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing by a printing unit. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of an image processing device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the image processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary. Furthermore, not all of the features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessarily required to explain an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. Furthermore, the order of steps shown in any one drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0010] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including an image processing device and a terminal device according to an embodiment. A user U uses a terminal device 200 to configure the image processing device 100. For example, the user U configures the image processing device 100 to connect to an access point AP of a wireless network, but the configuration is not limited to this. The user U may also configure any function of the image processing device 100 (e.g., a printing function). In order to configure the image processing device 100 using the terminal device 200, the terminal device 200 and the image processing device 100 must be connected so that they can communicate with each other. For this reason, in this embodiment, the terminal device 200 and the image processing device 100 establish a direct wireless connection and communicate with each other.

[0011] The image processing device 100 of this embodiment is, as an example, a receipt printer that prints cash register information such as sales data on a receipt as a medium. Because receipt printers are small, they often lack a sufficient UI (User Interface), making it difficult to configure the image processing device 100 by directly operating it. For this reason, configuration is required using a terminal device 200. Note that the image processing device 100 is not limited to a receipt printer and may be any printer. Furthermore, the image processing device 100 is not limited to a printer and may be any electronic device such as a scanner, projector, or personal computer. Note also that the term "printer" as used herein includes a multifunction device. A multifunction device is a printer that includes functions other than a printer function. These functions other than a printer function include a copy function, fax function, or scanner function, but may also include other functions.

[0012] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image processing device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a short-range communication tag 120, a storage unit 130, a printing unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0013] The communication unit 110 is a hardware circuit that performs wireless communication with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and may include software such as firmware. The communication unit 110 includes a first wireless communication unit 111 and a second wireless communication unit 112.

[0014] The first wireless communication unit 111 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with a first wireless communication standard. Specifically, the first wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. In this embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) standard. Note that Wi-Fi Direct is a specific example of a direct connection in the present disclosure. When performing communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct standard, the first wireless communication unit 111 operates as an internal access point, which is a software access point. Furthermore, the first wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication in infrastructure mode defined by the Wi-Fi standard. In other words, the first wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication with an access point AP. However, to achieve this, appropriate network settings must be configured for the image processing device 100. In this embodiment, the user U performs this setting using the terminal device 200 that is directly connected to the image processing device 100.

[0015] The second wireless communication unit 112 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with a second wireless communication standard. Specifically, the second wireless communication unit 112 performs wireless communication in accordance with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, which is a power-saving standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). More specifically, the second wireless communication unit 112 transmits a BLE beacon that complies with the BLE standard. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the second wireless communication unit 112 transmits a BLE beacon that includes connection information required for the terminal device 200 to establish a direct connection with the image processing device 100.

[0016] The short-range communication tag 120 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that stores information that can be read by short-range communication. In this embodiment, specifically, the short-range communication tag 120 is a tag that complies with the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The short-range communication tag 120 stores connection information required for the terminal device 200 to establish a direct connection with the image processing device 100.

[0017] 2 includes both the second wireless communication unit 112 and the short-range communication tag 120, but may include only one of them. In this embodiment, as described above, both the second wireless communication unit 112 and the short-range communication tag 120 are used by the terminal device 200 to acquire connection information required for the terminal device 200 to establish a direct connection with the image processing device 100.

[0018] The storage unit 130 is any storage device that stores the setting page 131. The storage unit 130 may be realized by the memory 902 described below. The setting page 131 is page data that can be viewed by a browser installed in an external device such as the terminal device 200. Therefore, the user U can view this setting page 131 via a browser 252 (described later) of the terminal device 200. In this embodiment, the setting page 131 includes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) component for inputting network settings. The GUI component in the setting page 131 may be any component that can accept input from the user. For example, this GUI component may be a component that accepts free input from the user (e.g., an input box) or a component that accepts selection from options (e.g., radio buttons). In this embodiment, the network settings that can be specified on the setting page 131 include settings for connecting the image processing device 100 to an access point AP of a wireless network. Specifically, the network settings that can be specified using the setting page 131 include the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the access point to be connected to, the security type for wireless communication, and the frequency used for wireless communication. The network settings that can be specified using the setting page 131 may also include the IP (Internet Protocol) address, subnet mask, and gateway to be set in the image processing device 100, as well as whether or not to use a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. However, these are merely examples of settings that can be specified using the setting page 131, and the setting page 131 does not necessarily have to be able to specify all of these settings. The setting page 131 may also be able to specify settings for any function of the image processing device 100. For example, the setting page 131 may be able to specify the printing conditions (e.g., print density, print speed, etc.) of the printing unit 140 (described later).In this way, the user U can make various settings related to the image processing device 100 via the terminal device 200 by performing input operations on the setting page 131 displayed by the browser 252 (described later) of the terminal device 200.

[0019] The printing unit 140 includes a print engine, which is a mechanical component that prints an image on a medium set in the image processing device 100. The print engine includes, for example, a transport mechanism, an inkjet ejection head, and a carriage drive mechanism including the ejection head. The printing unit 140 prints an image on the medium by ejecting ink from the ejection head onto the medium transported by the transport mechanism. In this embodiment, as an example, the medium set in the image processing device 100 is receipt paper, but it is not limited to receipt paper and may be any type of paper or medium such as cloth. The medium on which printing is performed may also be referred to as a print medium or a recording medium. The printing unit 140 may also include a print engine configured to print using toner using an electrophotographic method.

[0020] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the image processing device 100. Here, in this embodiment, the control unit 150 has a captive portal function for a user who configures the image processing device 100 using a browser. As is generally known, the captive portal function is a function that displays a predetermined page on a device with which a communication connection has been established. In this embodiment, the captive portal function is a function that displays the configuration page 131 on the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 that has established a wireless connection with the image processing device 100. In other words, the control unit 150 has a function that displays the configuration page 131 on the browser 252 of the terminal device 200. The captive portal function may also be referred to as a page navigation function.

[0021] The captive portal function is convenient for a user who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using the browser 252 because it can display the configuration page 131 on the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 after establishing a wireless connection between the image processing device 100 and the terminal device 200. However, this function is inconvenient for a user who wants to configure the image processing device 100 without using the browser 252, i.e., a user who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using a configuration app 253 (described later) on the terminal device 200. This is because launching the browser 252, which is not necessary for configuration, can confuse the user and inhibit execution of the configuration app 253. Therefore, in this embodiment, the captive portal function is enabled or disabled according to predetermined conditions. This allows the image processing device 100 to improve convenience for the user U.

[0022] In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the setting application 253 acquires connection information required for the terminal device 200 to establish a wireless connection with the image processing device 100 via wireless communication (more specifically, via a BLE beacon or NFC). Therefore, the image processing device 100 does not need to print the connection information. In contrast, when setting is performed using the browser 252 without using the setting application 253, the connection information is not acquired via wireless communication. Therefore, the user U needs to read the connection information printed by the image processing device 100 into the terminal device 200. That is, when setting the image processing device 100 using the browser 252, the connection information needs to be printed in advance. Therefore, a user U who wants to set the image processing device 100 using the browser 252 needs to enable the image processing device 100 to print the connection information before establishing a wireless connection between the terminal device 200 and the image processing device 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 150 determines whether the image processing device 100 is in a state where it can print the connection information, thereby switching between enabling and disabling the captive portal function. That is, the control unit 150 determines whether printing is possible or not, thereby estimating whether the user U plans to use the browser 252 or the setting application 253 to perform the setting.

[0023] The following describes the configuration of the control unit 150. The control unit 150 includes a determination unit 151, a page processing unit 152, an output processing unit 153, and a setting reception unit 154, as shown in FIG.

[0024] The determination unit 151 determines whether or not to execute the above-described captive portal function processing by determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. In other words, the determination unit 151 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and enables or disables the captive portal function depending on the determination result. In this embodiment, specifically, the determination unit 151 determines whether or not the printing unit 140 is in a printable state. If the printing unit 140 is in a printable state, the determination unit 151 enables the captive portal function. This is because it is assumed that the user U has selected a flow that requires printing of connection information (i.e., a flow using the browser 252) rather than a flow that does not require printing of connection information (i.e., a flow using the setting application 253). On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state, the determination unit 151 does not enable the captive portal function. That is, in this case, the determination unit 151 disables the captive portal function. This is because it is assumed that the user U has selected a flow that does not require printing of connection information (i.e., a flow using the setting application 253).

[0025] The determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print, for example, based on whether a predetermined error that inhibits printing by the printing unit 140 has occurred. That is, the determination unit 151 determines that the printing unit 140 is ready to print if a predetermined error has not occurred, and determines that the printing unit 140 is not ready to print if a predetermined error has occurred. This predetermined error may be, for example, a situation in which the medium used by the printing unit 140 to print is not set in the image processing device 100. In this case, when the medium used for printing is not set in the image processing device 100, the determination unit 151 determines that the printing unit 140 is not ready to print. Another predetermined error may be a situation in which a cover covering a part (e.g., a tray or cassette) in which the medium is set in the image processing device 100 remains open. Another predetermined error may be a situation in which the ink used by the printing unit 140 to print is insufficient. Note that these are merely examples of predetermined errors, and the determination unit 151 may determine whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print based on any error that inhibits printing by the printing unit 140. The above-mentioned errors may be detected by a sensor provided in the image processing device 100.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the captive portal function is a function for facilitating the configuration of the image processing device 100 using a browser. Therefore, if the configuration of the image processing device 100 has already been completed, i.e., if the configuration of the image processing device 100 is in a state other than the initial state, the captive portal function is unnecessary. Therefore, in such a case, the determination unit 151 disables the captive portal function regardless of whether the printing unit 140 is capable of printing. To achieve this, the determination unit 151 determines whether the configuration of the image processing device 100 is in the initial state. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 151 determines whether the configuration of the image processing device 100 is in the initial state by checking whether the setting value of each setting item remains at its initial value. If the configuration of the image processing device 100 is in the initial state, the determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function of the first wireless communication unit 111 so as to establish a wireless connection for accepting the configuration instructed by the terminal device 200. In other words, in this case, the determination unit 151 causes the first wireless communication unit 111 to operate as an internal access point. In addition, when the image processing device 100 has a second wireless communication unit 112, the determination unit 151 enables the function of the second wireless communication unit 112 to transmit a BLE beacon including connection information when the settings of the image processing device 100 are in the initial state and the printing unit 140 is not in a state where it can print.

[0027] The page processing unit 152 performs processing of the captive portal function. That is, the page processing unit 152 performs processing to display the setting page 131 for setting the image processing device 100 on the terminal device 200. More specifically, when the captive portal function is enabled by the determination unit 151, the page processing unit 152 performs processing to display the setting page 131 on the terminal device 200 after the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200. Hereinafter, this processing is also referred to as captive portal processing. Note that the captive portal processing may also be referred to as page guidance processing. In this embodiment, when the printing unit 140 is in a printable state, the page processing unit 152 performs captive portal processing after the communication unit 110 (specifically, the first wireless communication unit 111) establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200. That is, when the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state, the page processing unit 152 does not perform captive portal processing. Specifically, the page processing unit 152 performs the following process as the captive portal process: The page processing unit 152 transmits a redirect instruction as a response to a communication request from the terminal device 200 that has established a wireless connection with the first wireless communication unit 111. This redirect instruction includes address information of the setting page 131 (specifically, a URL: Uniform Resource Locator), and is an instruction requesting the terminal device 200 to access the setting page 131.

[0028] The output processing unit 153 performs output processing of various information. In the present embodiment, when the printing unit 140 is in a printing-enabled state, the output processing unit 153 causes the printing unit 140 to print information used by the terminal device 200 to establish a wireless connection with the first wireless communication unit 111 of the image processing device 100. In other words, when the printing unit 140 is in a printing-enabled state, the output processing unit 153 causes the printing unit 140 to print connection information. This allows the terminal device 200 to obtain the connection information even without using the setting application 253.

[0029] Specifically, the connection information includes the SSID and password of the internal access point of the image processing device 100. In this embodiment, the output processing unit 153 causes the printing unit 140 to print the connection information represented by a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). That is, the output processing unit 153 controls the printing unit 140 to print an image of the two-dimensional code representing the connection information on a medium set in the image processing device 100. The output processing unit 153 generates a code image by encoding the connection information according to a predetermined format (e.g., a format defined by the Wi-Fi Direct standard) and causes the printing unit 140 to print this code image. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of printing by the printing unit 140. As shown in FIG. 3, a code image C1 of the connection information is printed on the medium 90 in addition to a message M1 for the user U. The terminal device 200 can obtain the connection information for directly connecting to the image processing device 100 by reading this code image C1. Printing such a code image C1 can reduce the effort required for the user U to obtain the connection information from the terminal device 200, compared to when a character string of the connection information is printed.

[0030] The setting acceptance unit 154 accepts settings of the image processing device 100 instructed by the terminal device 200. That is, the setting acceptance unit 154 reflects the settings specified by the terminal device 200 in the image processing device 100. The setting acceptance unit 154 may accept settings specified on the setting page 131, or may accept settings transmitted from the terminal device 200 in accordance with processing by a setting application 253 of the terminal device 200. That is, the setting acceptance unit 154 may accept settings instructed via the setting page 131 (browser 252), or may accept settings instructed via the setting application 253. The settings accepted by the setting acceptance unit 154 are, for example, network settings, but may also be settings for any function of the image processing device 100, such as printing conditions.

[0031] Next, the terminal device 200 will be described. The terminal device 200 is a device operated by a user U, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 200 includes a UI unit 210, a communication unit 220, a code reading unit 230, a tag reading unit 240, and a control unit 250.

[0032] The UI unit 210 is a user interface device that includes an input device such as a button or a pointing device that accepts input operations from the user U, and a display. Note that the UI unit 210 may be a touch panel in which the input device and the display are integrated.

[0033] The communication unit 220 is a hardware circuit that performs wireless communication with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and may include software such as firmware. The communication unit 220 includes a first wireless communication unit 221 and a second wireless communication unit 222.

[0034] The first wireless communication unit 221 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with a first wireless communication standard. Specifically, the first wireless communication unit 221 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. In the present embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 221 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct standard. That is, the first wireless communication unit 221 performs a direct connection with the image processing device 100. The first wireless communication unit 221 establishes the direct connection in accordance with control processing by the control processing unit 251, which will be described later. Specifically, the first wireless communication unit 221 transmits a connection request to the image processing device 100 using connection information for establishing a direct connection with the image processing device 100. When the first wireless communication unit 111 of the image processing device 100 receives the connection request accompanied by appropriate connection information, it establishes a direct connection with the terminal device 200.

[0035] The second wireless communication unit 222 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with a second wireless communication standard. Specifically, the second wireless communication unit 222 performs wireless communication in accordance with the BLE standard. In the present embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 222 receives a BLE beacon that complies with the BLE standard. Therefore, the second wireless communication unit 222 can receive a BLE beacon that includes connection information and that is transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 112 of the image processing device 100.

[0036] The code reading unit 230 is a reader that reads code images such as QR codes. The code reading unit 230 may include a scanner or a camera as reading hardware. The code reading unit 230 decodes the scanned or photographed code image and reads the information represented by the code image. Therefore, the code reading unit 230 can read the code image of connection information printed by the image processing device 100.

[0037] The tag reading unit 240 is a reader that reads information stored in an IC chip by short-range communication, specifically, an NFC reader. The tag reading unit 240 uses NFC technology to establish communication with the short-range communication tag 120 and receives the information stored in the short-range communication tag 120, thereby reading the information stored in the short-range communication tag 120. Therefore, the tag reading unit 240 can read the connection information stored in the short-range communication tag 120 of the image processing device 100.

[0038] 4, the terminal device 200 includes the second wireless communication unit 222, the code reading unit 230, and the tag reading unit 240, but the terminal device 200 does not necessarily have to include all of these. That is, in the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the connection information can be acquired by any one of the second wireless communication unit 222, the code reading unit 230, or the tag reading unit 240. However, when the image processing device 100 is configured using the setting application 253, the terminal device 200 includes either or both of the second wireless communication unit 222 and the tag reading unit 240. When the image processing device 100 is configured via the browser 252 (setting page 131), the terminal device 200 includes the code reading unit 230.

[0039] The control unit 250 controls the operation of the terminal device 200. The control unit 250 includes a control processing unit 251, a browser 252, and a setting application 253, as shown in FIG.

[0040] The control processing unit 251 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200. Specifically, the control processing unit 251 is an operating system (OS). In this embodiment, when the terminal device 200 acquires connection information for a direct connection, the control processing unit 251 executes processing to establish a direct connection with the image processing device 100 using the acquired connection information. Furthermore, when the terminal device 200 receives a redirect instruction from the image processing device 100, the control processing unit 251 causes the first wireless communication unit 221 to transmit a page request requesting a page identified by address information included in the redirect instruction, and activates the browser 252 for viewing the page. When the page processing unit 152 of the image processing device 100 receives the page request from the terminal device 200, it transmits data of the setting page 131 to the terminal device 200. As a result, the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 displays the setting page 131 on the UI unit 210.

[0041] The browser 252 is any software capable of viewing the setting page 131. In other words, the browser 252 is a general-purpose browser (web browser). In this embodiment, the browser 252 acquires the setting page 131 via a direct connection established between the image processing device 100 and the terminal device 200. The browser 252 then transmits setting information indicating the settings for each setting item of the image processing device 100, which has been input into the setting page 131 by the user U, to the image processing device 100 via the direct connection. The setting information input into the setting page 131, i.e., the setting information transmitted via the setting page 131, is accepted by the setting acceptance unit 154 of the image processing device 100, and the settings indicated in the setting information are reflected in the image processing device 100.

[0042] The setting application 253 is dedicated application software developed for configuring the image processing device 100. In the present embodiment, the setting application 253 first obtains connection information for directly connecting to the image processing device 100 using the second wireless communication unit 222 or the tag reading unit 240.

[0043] The acquisition of connection information by the second wireless communication unit 222 is realized by the second wireless communication unit 222 receiving a BLE beacon transmitted from the image processing device 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen that the setting application 253 displays on the UI unit 210 when the setting application 253 acquires connection information using the second wireless communication unit 222. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a message M2 for the user U and a button B, which is a GUI component for instructing the user U to start processing for establishing a direct connection, are displayed. When the user U presses button B, the setting application 253 starts processing for receiving a BLE beacon transmitted from the image processing device 100 using the second wireless communication unit 222. As described above, the image processing device 100 determines whether or not to enable the captive portal function depending on whether printing is possible. Therefore, in order to prevent the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 from being launched by the captive portal function of the image processing device 100, it is preferable that the setting application 253 displays, on the UI unit 210, a message M2 including a message urging the user U not to set a medium in the image processing device 100. This is because if a medium is not set in the image processing device 100, the image processing device 100 cannot execute printing, and therefore the determination unit 151 of the image processing device 100 will determine that the image processing device 100 is in a state where printing is not possible.

[0044] The tag reading unit 240 acquires the connection information when the user U brings the terminal device 200 close to the short-range communication tag 120 of the image processing device 100, and the tag reading unit 240 reads the connection information stored in the short-range communication tag 120. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen that the setting application 253 displays on the UI unit 210 when the setting application 253 acquires the connection information using the tag reading unit 240. In the example shown in Fig. 6, a message M3 for the user U is displayed. In this case as well, it is preferable that the setting application 253 displays on the UI unit 210 the message M3 including a message urging the user not to set a medium in the image processing device 100.

[0045] Upon acquiring the connection information, the setting application 253 requests the control processing unit 251 to establish a direct connection using the connection information. As a result, the terminal device 200 establishes a direct connection with the image processing device 100. Once the direct connection with the image processing device 100 is established, the setting application 253 transmits setting information indicating predetermined settings or setting information instructed by the user U to the image processing device 100 via the direct connection. That is, the setting application 253 may automatically transmit predetermined setting information to the image processing device 100, or may transmit setting information based on an instruction from the user U to the image processing device 100. The setting information transmitted by processing by the setting application 253 is received by the setting receiving unit 154 of the image processing device 100, and the settings indicated in the setting information are reflected in the image processing device 100.

[0046] The setting application 253 may be dedicated application software developed for configuring a system including the image processing device 100. For example, the setting application 253 may be software developed for collectively configuring a sales management system such as a POS (Point of Sale) system. That is, the setting application 253 may be a POS application or a cash register application.

[0047] Also, in the example shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 200 is equipped with the setting app 253, but the terminal device 200 of a user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100 without using the setting app 253 does not necessarily need to be equipped with the setting app 253.

[0048] Next, the flow of the setting operation of the image processing device 100 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the image processing device 100. The flow of the setting operation of the image processing device 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is merely an example, and various modifications are possible as long as no technical contradictions arise.

[0049] When the image processing device 100 starts up, the process of step S100 is performed. In step S100, the determination unit 151 of the image processing device 100 determines whether the settings of the image processing device 100 are in the initial state. If the settings are not in the initial state, that is, if the settings appropriate for the user U have already been completed (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the image processing device 100 starts up normally. In this case, the determination unit 151 does not enable the direct connection function or the captive portal function. That is, both the direct connection function and the captive portal function are disabled. If the settings are in the initial state, that is, if the settings appropriate for the user U need to be completed (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0050] In step S101, the determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print. If the printing unit 140 is ready to print (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not ready to print (NO in step S101), the process proceeds to step S106. For example, if the user U sets a medium in the image processing device 100 when setting up the image processing device 100, the determination unit 151 determines that the printing unit 140 is ready to print, and the process proceeds to step S102. If the user U sets up the image processing device 100 using the browser 252, that is, if the user U sets up the image processing device 100 without using the setting app 253, the user U sets up a medium in the image processing device 100. On the other hand, if the user U wants to set up the image processing device 100 using the setting app 253, the user U does not set up a medium in the image processing device 100. In this case, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0051] When the process proceeds to step S102, the determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function of the first wireless communication unit 111 so as to establish a wireless connection for accepting settings instructed from the terminal device 200. The determination unit 151 also enables the captive portal function to facilitate setting of the image processing device 100 using the browser 252. The output processing unit 153 also causes the printing unit 140 to print a code image of the connection information, as shown in FIG. 3. After step S102, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0052] In step S103, the image processing device 100 waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using the browser 252 performs an operation to read the code image printed in step S102 with the code reading unit 230 of the terminal device 200. When the code reading unit 230 reads the code image of the connection information printed by the image processing device 100, the control processing unit 251 of the terminal device 200 executes a process to establish a direct connection with the image processing device 100 using the acquired connection information. When the first wireless communication unit 111 of the image processing device 100 receives a connection request accompanied by appropriate connection information from the terminal device 200, it establishes a direct connection with the terminal device 200. When the direct connection is established (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0053] Since the captive portal function is enabled, in step S104, the page processing unit 152 performs processing to display the settings page 131 on the terminal device 200. In the terminal device 200, the control processing unit 251 performs processing to send a page request and starts the browser 252 for viewing the page. Then, the browser 252 displays the settings page 131.

[0054] Depending on the operating system of the terminal device 200, even if the page processing unit 152 performs processing to display the setting page 131 on the terminal device 200, the browser 252 may not automatically start on the terminal device 200, and the setting page 131 may not automatically be displayed. Therefore, in step S102 described above, the output processing unit 153 may cause the printing unit 140 to print not only the connection information for a direct connection but also the address information of the setting page 131. This allows the user U or the terminal device 200 to grasp the address information of the setting page 131. Therefore, the user U can view the setting page 131 using the browser 252. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of printing by the printing unit 140. As shown in FIG. 8, not only a code image C1 of the connection information but also a code image C2 of the address information of the setting page 131 may be printed on the medium 90. In this case, the output processing unit 153 generates a code image C2 that encodes the address information of the setting page 131 and causes the printing unit 140 to print this code image C2. 8, a message M4 is also printed to inform the user U of the circumstances in which the code image C2 is required. When the code image C2 of the printed address information is read by the code reading unit 230, the control processing unit 251 causes the first wireless communication unit 221 to transmit a page request requesting a page identified by the address information, and starts the browser 252 for viewing the page. Therefore, even if the setting page 131 is not automatically displayed based on the captive portal function when a direct connection is established, the setting page 131 can be displayed on the browser 252. Note that, to avoid the user U having to enter the address information into the browser 252, it is preferable that the address information be printed as a code image; however, a character string of the address information may also be printed.

[0055] The user U performs an input operation on the setting page 131 displayed by the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 to configure various settings for the image processing device 100. As a result, in step S105, the setting acceptance unit 154 of the image processing device 100 accepts the settings specified on the setting page 131. The setting acceptance unit 154 then reflects the accepted settings in the image processing device 100. This completes the configuration of the image processing device 100 using the browser 252.

[0056] On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state, the following process is performed in step S106. The determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function of the first wireless communication unit 111 so as to establish a wireless connection for accepting the settings instructed by the terminal device 200. However, the determination unit 151 does not enable the captive portal function. That is, the determination unit 151 disables the captive portal function. Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 does not execute the printing process of the code image of the connection information. Note that, if the image processing device 100 has the second wireless communication unit 112, in this step the determination unit 151 enables the function of transmitting a BLE beacon including the connection information. This starts the transmission of the BLE beacon. After step S106, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0057] In step S107, the image processing device 100 waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using the configuration application 253 launches the configuration application 253. Then, under the control of the configuration application 253, the second wireless communication unit 222 or the tag reading unit 240 acquires connection information from the image processing device 100. When the connection information is acquired, the configuration application 253 requests the control processing unit 251 to establish a direct connection using the acquired connection information. This causes the terminal device 200 to execute a process for establishing a direct connection with the image processing device 100. When the first wireless communication unit 111 of the image processing device 100 receives a connection request accompanied by appropriate connection information from the terminal device 200, it establishes a direct connection with the terminal device 200. When the direct connection is established (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108. Since the captive portal function is not enabled in step S106, even if a direct connection is established between the image processing device 100 and the terminal device 200, the browser 252 does not start on the terminal device 200 while processing by the setting application 253 is being executed.

[0058] When the direct connection is established, the setting application 253 transmits predetermined settings or settings instructed by the user U for each setting item of the image processing device 100 to the image processing device 100. As a result, in step S108, the setting reception unit 154 of the image processing device 100 receives the settings transmitted via the setting application 253. The setting reception unit 154 then reflects the received settings in the image processing device 100. This completes the setting of the image processing device 100 using the setting application 253.

[0059] The first embodiment has been described above. According to the image processing device 100, when the printing unit 140 is in a printable state, the captive portal process is performed upon establishment of a direct connection. However, when the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state, the captive portal process is not performed. Therefore, when the image processing device 100 is configured without requiring printing by the printing unit 140, the captive portal process can be prevented from being performed. That is, when the image processing device 100 is configured using the setting app 253, the browser 252 can be prevented from automatically launching in the terminal device 200. Therefore, the present embodiment can improve convenience for a user U who wants to perform configuration using the setting app 253. On the other hand, for a user U who wants to establish a direct connection by reading printed connection information on the terminal device 200 and perform configuration using the setting page 131, the setting page 131 is automatically displayed in response to the captive portal process, thereby improving convenience.

[0060] <Embodiment 2> The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a button provided on the image processing device is also used to enable or disable the captive portal function. In the first embodiment, if a user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using the setting application 253 mistakenly starts up the image processing device in a printable state (for example, with a medium set in the image processing device), the captive portal function is enabled. This may reduce the convenience for the user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using the setting application 253. In contrast, in the present embodiment, even if the image processing device is started up in a printable state, the captive portal function can be disabled by operating a button. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100 using the setting application 253.

[0061] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image processing device 100a according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the image processing device 100a differs from the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a UI unit 160. Note that this does not exclude the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment from being equipped with the UI unit 160. Below, features that differ from the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0062] The UI unit 160 is a component that functions as a user interface, and in this embodiment includes at least a button 161 that can be operated by the user U. Note that the UI unit 160 may also include other user interfaces such as a display and a speaker.

[0063] In this embodiment as well, the determination unit 151 of the image processing device 100a determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and enables or disables the captive portal function depending on the determination result. However, in this embodiment, the determination unit 151 not only determines whether or not the printing unit 140 is ready to print, but also determines whether or not the button 161 has been operated. As in the first embodiment, the determination unit 151 in this embodiment enables the captive portal function when the printing unit 140 is ready to print. However, if the button 161 is subsequently operated before the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200, the determination unit 151 disables the captive portal function. Note that in this embodiment as well, the determination unit 151 does not enable the captive portal function when the printing unit 140 is not ready to print.

[0064] Based on the above-described determination, in this embodiment, the page processing unit 152 operates as follows: If the printing unit 140 is in a state where printing is possible and the button 161 is not operated before the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200, the page processing unit 152 performs captive portal processing after the communication unit 110 (specifically, the first wireless communication unit 111) establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200. In other words, if the button 161 is operated before the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200, the page processing unit 152 does not perform captive portal processing even if the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200.

[0065] Next, the flow of the setting operation of the image processing device 100a according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the image processing device 100a according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the flow of the setting operation of the image processing device 100a will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, steps in which the same processing as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is performed are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example, and various modifications are possible as long as no technical contradictions arise.

[0066] When the image processing device 100a starts up, the process of step S100 is performed. In step S100, the determination unit 151 of the image processing device 100a determines whether the settings of the image processing device 100a are in the initial state. If the settings are not in the initial state (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the image processing device 100a starts up normally. In this case, the determination unit 151 does not enable the direct connection function or the captive portal function. If the settings are in the initial state (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0067] In step S101, the determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print. If the printing unit 140 is ready to print (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not ready to print (NO in step S101), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0068] When the process proceeds to step S102, the determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function and the captive portal function of the first wireless communication unit 111. The output processing unit 153 also causes the printing unit 140 to print a code image of the connection information. The output processing unit 153 may output a notification prompting a user U who configures the image processing device 100a without using the setting page 131 (i.e., the browser 252) (i.e., a user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the setting app 253) to operate the button 161. This can prompt a user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the setting app 253 to operate the button 161, thereby more reliably improving convenience for such a user U. Specifically, the output processing unit 153 may perform printing as shown in FIG. 11 instead of the printing illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of printing by the printing unit 140. As shown in FIG. 11, a message M5 prompting a user U who configures the image processing device 100a without using the setting page 131 to operate the button 161 is also printed on the medium 90. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a message M6 is also printed to notify that the user who should use the code image C1 of the connection information is a user who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the browser 252 (settings page 131). As shown in FIG. 8, a code image C2 of the address information of the setting page 131 may also be printed on the medium 90. The output processing unit 153 does not necessarily have to print the notification represented by the message M5 or the message M6. For example, if the UI unit 160 has a speaker, the notification may be output by voice, or if the UI unit 160 has a display, the notification may be displayed on the display.

[0069] After step S102, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the image processing device 100a waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 7, step S103 is repeated until a direct connection is established, but in the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, if a direct connection is not established (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S200.

[0070] In step S200, the determination unit 151 determines whether or not the button 161 has been operated. If the button 161 has not been operated (NO in step S200), the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if the button 161 has been operated (YES in step S200), the process proceeds to step S201. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration application 253 operates the button 161 before establishing a direct connection using the configuration application 253.

[0071] In step S201, the determination unit 151 disables the enabled captive portal function. After step S201, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0072] If a direct connection is established without operating the button 161 (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the browser 252 reads the code image printed in step S102 with the code reading unit 230 of the terminal device 200 without operating the button 161. This establishes a direct connection between the image processing device 100a and the terminal device 200.

[0073] Because the captive portal function remains enabled, in step S104, the page processing unit 152 performs processing to display the setting page 131 on the terminal device 200. The user U performs input operations on the setting page 131 displayed by the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 to perform various settings for the image processing device 100a. As a result, in step S105, the setting acceptance unit 154 of the image processing device 100a accepts the settings specified on the setting page 131. The setting acceptance unit 154 then reflects the accepted settings in the image processing device 100a. This completes the configuration of the image processing device 100a using the browser 252.

[0074] On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state, in step S106, the determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function of the first wireless communication unit 111 but does not enable the captive portal function. In addition, the output processing unit 153 does not execute the printing process of the code image of the connection information. Note that, if the image processing device 100a has the second wireless communication unit 112, in this step, the determination unit 151 enables the function of transmitting a BLE beacon including the connection information. This starts the transmission of the BLE beacon. After step S106, the process proceeds to step S107. Note that in this embodiment, as described above, even if the button 161 is operated, the captive portal function that was once enabled is disabled, and then the process proceeds to step S107.

[0075] In step S107, the image processing device 100a waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration application 253 launches the configuration application 253. This establishes a direct connection between the image processing device 100a and the terminal device 200. Once the direct connection is established (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108. Note that because the captive portal function was not enabled in step S106 or was disabled in step S201, even if a direct connection between the image processing device 100a and the terminal device 200 is established, the browser 252 does not launch on the terminal device 200 while processing by the configuration application 253 is being executed.

[0076] When the direct connection is established, the setting application 253 transmits predetermined settings for each setting item of the image processing device 100a or settings instructed by the user U to the image processing device 100a. As a result, in step S108, the setting reception unit 154 of the image processing device 100a receives the settings transmitted via the setting application 253. The setting reception unit 154 then reflects the received settings in the image processing device 100a. This completes the setting of the image processing device 100a using the setting application 253.

[0077] This completes the description of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, even if the image processing device 100a is activated while it is in a printable state, the captive portal function can be disabled by operating the button 161. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration application 253.

[0078] <Modification of the second embodiment> Next, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In this modified example, the button 161 provided on the image processing device 100a is also used to enable or disable the captive portal function. In the second embodiment, the captive portal function, once enabled, is disabled by operating the button 161. In contrast, in this modified example, if the button 161 is not operated for a certain period of time, the captive portal function is enabled. Below, the features that differ from the image processing device 100a according to the second embodiment will be described, and overlapping explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0079] In this modified example, the determination unit 151 not only determines whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print, but also determines whether the button 161 has been operated. The determination unit 151 in this modified example does not immediately enable the captive portal function even when the printing unit 140 is ready to print. In other words, even when the printing unit 140 is ready to print, the determination unit 151 does not enable the captive portal function until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed without the button 161 being operated. In other words, the determination unit 151 enables the captive portal function if the button 161 is not operated within the predetermined waiting time after it is determined that the printing unit 140 is ready to print. Note that, in this modified example, the determination unit 151 does not enable the captive portal function if the printing unit 140 is not ready to print.

[0080] Based on the above-described determination, in this modified example, the page processing unit 152 operates as follows: When the printing unit 140 is in a state where printing is possible and the button 161 is not operated before a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the page processing unit 152 in this modified example performs captive portal processing after the communication unit 110 (specifically, the first wireless communication unit 111) establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200. In other words, if the button 161 is operated before the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the page processing unit 152 does not perform captive portal processing even if the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200.

[0081] Next, the flow of the setting operation of the image processing device 100a according to the modified example will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the image processing device 100a according to the modified example. Hereinafter, the flow of the setting operation of the image processing device 100a according to the modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that in Fig. 12, steps in which the same processing as in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is performed are assigned the same step numbers as in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the flowchart shown in Fig. 12 is merely an example, and various modifications are possible as long as no technical contradictions arise.

[0082] When the image processing device 100a starts up, the process of step S100 is performed. In step S100, the determination unit 151 of the image processing device 100a determines whether the settings of the image processing device 100a are in the initial state. If the settings are not in the initial state (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the image processing device 100a starts up normally. In this case, the determination unit 151 does not enable the direct connection function or the captive portal function. If the settings are in the initial state (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S101.

[0083] In step S101, the determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print. In this modification, if the printing unit 140 is ready to print (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not ready to print (NO in step S101), the process proceeds to step S106. Note that, if the printing unit 140 is ready to print, the output processing unit 153 may output a notification prompting the operation of the button 161 for a user U who configures the image processing device 100a without using the configuration page 131 (i.e., the browser 252) (i.e., a user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration app 253). Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 may output this notification by printing, or, if the UI unit 160 has a speaker, may output the notification by voice, or, if the UI unit 160 has a display, may output the notification as a display on the display. This allows a user U who wants to use the setting application 253 to be prompted to operate the button 161, thereby more reliably improving convenience for such a user U.

[0084] When the process proceeds to step S250, determination unit 151 determines whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. If the predetermined waiting time has not elapsed (NO in step S250), the process proceeds to step S251. On the other hand, if the predetermined waiting time has elapsed (YES in step S250), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0085] In step S251, the determination unit 151 determines whether or not the button 161 has been operated. If the button 161 has not been operated (NO in step S251), the process returns to step S250. On the other hand, if the button 161 has been operated (YES in step S251), the process proceeds to step S106. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration application 253 operates the button 161 before a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

[0086] When the waiting time elapses without the button 161 being operated and the process proceeds to step S102, the determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function and the captive portal function of the first wireless communication unit 111. Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 causes the printing unit 140 to print a code image of the connection information. The output processing unit 153 may cause the printing unit 140 to print not only the code image of the connection information but also a code image of the address information of the setting page 131 and the like.

[0087] After step S102, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the image processing device 100a waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. If a direct connection is established (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the browser 252 performs an operation to read the code image printed in step S102 with the code reading unit 230 of the terminal device 200. This establishes a direct connection between the image processing device 100a and the terminal device 200.

[0088] Because the captive portal function is enabled, in step S104, the page processing unit 152 performs processing to display the setting page 131 on the terminal device 200. The user U performs input operations on the setting page 131 displayed by the browser 252 of the terminal device 200 to perform various settings related to the image processing device 100a. As a result, in step S105, the setting acceptance unit 154 of the image processing device 100a accepts the settings specified on the setting page 131. The setting acceptance unit 154 then reflects the accepted settings in the image processing device 100a. This completes the configuration of the image processing device 100a using the browser 252.

[0089] On the other hand, if the printing unit 140 is not in a state where printing is possible (NO in step S101) or if the button 161 has been operated (YES in step S251), the determination unit 151 activates the direct connection function of the first wireless communication unit 111 in step S106. However, the determination unit 151 does not activate the captive portal function. Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 does not execute the printing process of the code image of the connection information. Note that, if the image processing device 100a has the second wireless communication unit 112, in this step the determination unit 151 activates the function of transmitting a BLE beacon including the connection information. This starts the transmission of the BLE beacon. After step S106, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0090] In step S107, the image processing device 100a waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration application 253 launches the configuration application 253. This establishes a direct connection between the image processing device 100a and the terminal device 200. Once the direct connection is established (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108. Note that since the captive portal function was not enabled in step S106, even if a direct connection between the image processing device 100a and the terminal device 200 is established, the browser 252 does not launch on the terminal device 200 while the configuration application 253 is executing the process.

[0091] When the direct connection is established, the setting application 253 transmits predetermined settings for each setting item of the image processing device 100a or settings instructed by the user U to the image processing device 100a. As a result, in step S108, the setting reception unit 154 of the image processing device 100a receives the settings transmitted via the setting application 253. The setting reception unit 154 then reflects the received settings in the image processing device 100a. This completes the setting of the image processing device 100a using the setting application 253.

[0092] The above describes a modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, even if the image processing device 100a is activated while it is in a printable state, the captive portal function can be disabled by operating the button 161. Therefore, in this modification, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the configuration application 253.

[0093] Although the second embodiment and its modified examples have been described, the timing of operating button 161 to disable the captive portal function is not limited to the timing shown in the specific example above. Therefore, when printing unit 140 is in a printable state and button 161 is not operated, determination unit 151 may enable the captive portal function. If button 161 is operated, determination unit 151 may not enable the captive portal. In other words, when printing unit 140 is in a printable state and button 161 is not operated, page processing unit 152 may perform captive portal processing after communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with terminal device 200. If button 161 is operated, page processing unit 152 may not perform captive portal processing even if a wireless connection is established.

[0094] <Third Embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, if a user U who wants to configure the image processing device using the settings page 131 (browser 252) mistakenly starts up the image processing device in a state where printing is not possible (for example, a state where no medium is set in the image processing device), the captive portal function cannot be enabled. This may reduce the convenience for the user U who wants to configure the image processing device using the settings page 131. Therefore, this embodiment discloses a technology that can enable the captive portal function even when the image processing device is started up in a state where printing is not possible.

[0095] The image processing device of this embodiment also has the configuration of the image processing device 100a shown in Fig. 9. Below, features that differ from the above-described embodiment will be described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0096] In this embodiment, even if the printing unit 140 of the image processing device 100a is not in a printable state when the image processing device 100a is started up, the determination unit 151 enables the captive portal function if the printing unit 140 subsequently becomes printable. This embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to a flowchart.

[0097] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the image processing device 100a according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 13, steps in which the same processing as in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is performed are assigned the same step numbers as in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the flowchart shown in Fig. 13 is merely an example, and various modifications are possible as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0098] When the image processing device 100a starts up, the process of step S100 is performed. The operational flow from step S100 to step S105 is the same as that in FIG. 7, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Note that in this embodiment as well, if the settings are not in the initial state (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S109. Then, in step S109, the image processing device 100a starts up normally.

[0099] Also in this embodiment, if the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state immediately after the image processing device 100a is started (NO in step S101), the process proceeds to step S106. The process from step S106 onwards will be described in detail below.

[0100] If the printing unit 140 is not in a printable state, the following processing is performed in step S106 in this embodiment as well. That is, the determination unit 151 enables the direct connection function of the first wireless communication unit 111 but does not enable the captive portal function. That is, the determination unit 151 disables the captive portal function. Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 does not execute the printing process of the code image of the connection information. Note that, if the image processing device 100a has the second wireless communication unit 112, in this step the determination unit 151 enables the function of transmitting a BLE beacon including the connection information. This starts the transmission of the BLE beacon. After step S106, the processing proceeds to step S107.

[0101] In step S107, the image processing device 100a waits for a connection request from the terminal device 200. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 7, step S107 is repeated until a direct connection is established, but in the flowchart of this embodiment, if a direct connection is not established (NO in step S107), the process proceeds to step S300. If a direct connection is established, as in the other embodiments, in step S108, the setting acceptance unit 154 accepts the setting transmitted via the setting application 253, and the setting is reflected in the image processing device 100a.

[0102] When the process proceeds to step S300, the determination unit 151 determines whether the button 161 has been operated. If the button 161 has not been operated (NO in step S300), the process returns to step S107. On the other hand, if the button 161 has been operated (YES in step S300), the process proceeds to step S301. A user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the setting page 131 (browser 252) operates the button 161 before establishing a direct connection using the setting application 253. Note that, in order to prompt such a user U to operate the button, the output processing unit 153 may output a notification prompting the user U who configures the image processing device 100a using the setting page 131 (i.e., the browser 252) to operate the button 161 in advance (for example, in step S106, etc.). If the UI unit 160 has a speaker, the output processing unit 153 may output the notification by voice. Furthermore, if the UI unit 160 is equipped with a display, the output processing unit 153 can output the notification as an indication on the display.

[0103] When the button 161 is operated, in step S301, the output processing unit 153 outputs a notification urging the user U to perform an operation to make the printing unit 140 ready for printing. In other words, when the button 161 is operated when the printing unit 140 is not ready for printing, the output processing unit 153 outputs a notification urging the user U to perform an operation to make the printing unit 140 ready for printing. For example, the output processing unit 153 outputs a notification according to the cause of the inability to print. Specifically, for example, if printing is not possible because a medium is not set in the image processing device 100a, the output processing unit 153 outputs a notification urging the user U to set a medium. Furthermore, for example, if printing is not possible because ink is low, the output processing unit 153 outputs a notification urging the user U to refill ink. Note that if the UI unit 160 is equipped with a speaker, the output processing unit 153 can output the notification by voice. Furthermore, if the UI unit 160 is equipped with a display, the output processing unit 153 can output the notification as a display on the display. After step S301, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0104] In step S302, the determination unit 151 determines whether the printing unit 140 is ready to print. This step is repeated until the printing unit 140 is ready to print, and when the printing unit 140 is ready to print (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0105] When the process proceeds to step S303, the determination unit 151 enables the captive portal function to facilitate the setting of the image processing device 100 using the browser 252. Furthermore, the output processing unit 153 causes the printing unit 140 to print a code image of the connection information. The output processing unit 153 may also cause the printing unit 140 to print not only the code image of the connection information but also a code image of the address information of the setting page 131 and the like.

[0106] After step S303, the process proceeds to step S103, and the processes from step S103 to step S105 described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7 are performed. That is, when a direct connection is established, the page processing unit 152 performs a process of displaying the setting page 131 on the terminal device 200. In this way, in the present embodiment, even if the printing unit 140 is not in a state where it can print, if the printing unit 140 subsequently becomes in a state where it can print, the page processing unit 152 performs captive portal processing after the communication unit 110 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 200.

[0107] The third embodiment has been described above. In this embodiment, the captive portal function can be enabled even if a startup operation is performed when the image processing device 100a is in a state where printing is not possible. Therefore, this embodiment can improve the convenience of the user U who wants to configure the image processing device 100a using the setting page 131 (browser 252). This embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment or a variation thereof. That is, the flow described in the second embodiment or a variation thereof may be executed as the flow after it is determined in step S101 in FIG. 13 that the image processing device 100a is in a state where printing is possible.

[0108] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, the processing of the image processing devices 100, 100a and the terminal device 200 may be executed by a computer included in each device. The computer may be configured as a SoC (System on a Chip). FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 900 included in the image processing device 100, 100a or the terminal device 200. As shown in FIG. 14, the computer 900 includes, for example, an input / output interface 901, a memory 902, and a processor 903.

[0109] The input / output interface 901 is used to communicate with any circuit or device. The memory 902 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, and is used to store programs executed by the processor 903 and data used in various processes. The processor 903 performs the various processes described in the above-described embodiment or modification by reading and executing a program from the memory 902. The processor 903 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 903 may also include multiple processors.

[0110] The program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and its modifications, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0112] Some or all of the above-described embodiments and modified examples can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) An image processing device, a printing unit that performs printing; a communication unit for performing wireless communication; a page processing unit that performs processing to display a setting page for setting the image processing device on a terminal device; and The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state, the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, and then performs the process. If the printing unit is not in a printable state, the process is not performed. Image processing device. (Appendix 2) the image processing device has a button; The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state and the button is not operated, the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, and then performs the process. When the button is operated, the process is not performed even if the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state and the button is not operated before the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, the communication unit performs the process after establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device; If the button is operated before the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, the process is not performed even if the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. 3. The image processing device according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state and the button is not operated before a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, and then performs the process; If the button is operated before the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the process is not performed even if the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. 3. The image processing device according to claim 2. (Appendix 5) and an output processing unit that outputs, when the printing unit is in a printable state, a notification prompting a user to operate the button for setting the image processing device without using the setting page. 5. An image processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4. (Appendix 6) The image processing device includes: Button and an output processing unit that outputs a notification; and When the button is operated while the printing unit is not ready for printing, the output processing unit outputs a notification urging the user to perform an operation to make the printing unit ready for printing; When the printing unit is ready to print, the page processing unit performs the process after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. 6. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) an output processing unit that causes the printing unit to print information used by the terminal device to establish a wireless connection with the communication unit when the printing unit is in a printable state; 7. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) When the printing unit is in a printable state, the output processing unit further causes the printing unit to print address information of the setting page. 8. The image processing device of claim 7. (Appendix 9) A processing method for an image processing apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing and a communication unit that performs wireless communication, determining whether the printing unit is in a printable state; When the printing unit is in a printable state, after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, a setting page for setting the image processing device is displayed on the terminal device; If the printing unit is not in a printable state, the process is not performed. Processing method. (Appendix 10) A computer of an image processing apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing and a communication unit that performs wireless communication, a determination step of determining whether the printing unit is in a printable state; a page processing step of, when the printing unit is in a printable state, causing the communication unit to establish a wireless connection with a terminal device and then causing the terminal device to display a setting page for setting the image processing device; Execute If the printing unit is not in a printable state, the computer is not allowed to execute the process. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 90...medium, 100...image processing device, 100a...image processing device, 110...communication unit, 111...first wireless communication unit, 112...second wireless communication unit, 120...short-range communication tag, 130...storage unit, 131...setting page, 140...printing unit, 150...control unit, 151...determination unit, 152...page processing unit, 153...output processing unit, 154...setting acceptance unit, 160...UI unit, 161...button, 200...terminal device, 210...UI unit, 220...communication unit, 221...first wireless communication unit, 222...second wireless Communication unit, 230...code reading unit, 240...tag reading unit, 250...control unit, 251...control processing unit, 252...browser, 253...setting application, 900...computer, 901...input / output interface, 902...memory, 903...processor, AP...access point, B...button, C1...code image, C2...code image, M1...message, M2...message, M3...message, M4...message, M5...message, M6...message, U...user

Claims

1. An image processing device, a printing unit that performs printing; a communication unit for performing wireless communication; a page processing unit that performs processing to display a setting page for setting the image processing device on a terminal device; and The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state, the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, and then performs the process. If the printing unit is not in a printable state, the process is not performed. Image processing device.

2. the image processing device has a button; The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state and the button is not operated, the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, and then performs the process. When the button is operated, the process is not performed even if the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state and the button is not operated before the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, the communication unit performs the process after establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device; If the button is operated before the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, the process is not performed even if the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. The image processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The page processing unit If the printing unit is in a printable state and the button is not operated before a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, and then performs the process; If the button is operated before the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the process is not performed even if the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. The image processing device according to claim 2 .

5. and an output processing unit that outputs, when the printing unit is in a printable state, a notification prompting a user to operate the button for setting the image processing device without using the setting page. The image processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The image processing device includes: Button and an output processing unit that outputs a notification; and When the button is operated while the printing unit is not ready for printing, the output processing unit outputs a notification urging the user to perform an operation to make the printing unit ready for printing; When the printing unit is ready to print, the page processing unit performs the process after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

7. an output processing unit that causes the printing unit to print information used by the terminal device to establish a wireless connection with the communication unit when the printing unit is in a printable state; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

8. When the printing unit is in a printable state, the output processing unit further causes the printing unit to print address information of the setting page. The image processing device according to claim 7 .

9. A processing method for an image processing apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing and a communication unit that performs wireless communication, determining whether the printing unit is in a printable state; When the printing unit is in a printable state, after the communication unit establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device, a setting page for setting the image processing device is displayed on the terminal device; If the printing unit is not in a printable state, the process is not performed. Processing method.

10. A computer of an image processing apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing and a communication unit that performs wireless communication, a determination step of determining whether the printing unit is in a printable state; a page processing step of, when the printing unit is in a printable state, causing the communication unit to establish a wireless connection with a terminal device and then causing the terminal device to display a setting page for setting the image processing device; Execute If the printing unit is not in a printable state, the computer is not allowed to execute the process. program.

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