Printing apparatus, its control method, and program

Abstract

The direct wireless communication mode can be used only when logged in to the communication device, so users who do not have an IC card for authentication, a user ID, or a password cannot log in. [Solution] An information processing device with wireless communication functions has an operation unit that accepts user operations, and causes the operation unit to display a login screen for logging in to the information processing device in which a user authentication function can be enabled. Furthermore, after a user authenticated based on user information entered via the login screen logs in, the operation unit displays a screen on which the wireless communication function can be instructed, and when the user is not logged in, the operation unit displays a login screen for logging in to the information processing device in which the user authentication function can be enabled, and by accepting operation of a specific button on the operation unit without accepting a login, the operation unit displays a setting screen for establishing wireless communication using the wireless communication function.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a printing device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Communication devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and printers are equipped with wireless LAN functionality. A direct wireless communication mode is known as a wireless LAN function that allows multiple communication devices to connect directly without going through an access point.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a printing device and a mobile terminal perform direct wireless communication using an access point mode, which is an example of a direct wireless communication mode.

[0004] When using a communication device in the direct wireless communication mode, the user needs to instruct the communication device to start operation in the direct wireless communication mode. For example, a "start button" for starting operation in the direct wireless communication mode may be displayed on the communication device, and when the user presses this "start button," the communication device starts operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

[0005] Some communication devices are equipped with a user authentication function. In this case, user authentication is performed by, for example, holding an IC card over an IC card reader provided in the communication device, or by the user entering a user ID and password into the communication device. If the user authentication is successful, the user can log in to the communication device and use the functions provided by the communication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-98916 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In conventional communication devices, the communication device starts operating in the direct wireless communication mode after a user logs in to the communication device. In other words, a user can use the direct wireless communication mode only after logging in to the communication device, and to do so, the user must first be authenticated. Therefore, a user who does not have an authentication IC card, user ID, or password, such as a user visiting from outside the company, cannot log in to the company's printing device. This poses a problem in that the data stored on the user's mobile device cannot be printed using the company's printing device.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an information technology that allows a user who has not been authenticated by an information processing device having an authentication function to use the functions of the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An information processing device having a wireless communication function, an operation unit that accepts user operations; a display control means for displaying a login screen for logging in to the information processing device, the information processing device being capable of enabling a user authentication function, on the operation unit; the display control means causes the operation unit to display a screen on which the wireless communication function can be instructed after the user authenticated based on the user information input via the login screen logs in to the information processing device; When a user is not logged in to the information processing device, a login screen for logging in to the information processing device in which the user authentication function can be enabled is displayed, and by accepting operation of a specific button on the operation unit without accepting a login, a setting screen for establishing wireless communication using the wireless communication function is displayed on the operation unit, and the setting screen includes an instruction unit for instructing to cancel printing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even a user who has not been authenticated by an information processing device having an authentication function can use the functions of the information processing device.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on a display unit of an operation unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A shows an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of an operation unit of a printing device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B shows an example of a user management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a direct wireless connection screen displayed on the operation unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]6 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a direct wireless setting screen displayed on an operation unit of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by a printing device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] This communication system includes a printing device 100, which is an example of an information processing device according to the present invention, and a mobile terminal 101. The printing device 100 has a wireless LAN function, which has two wireless communication modes: infrastructure mode and access point mode. The infrastructure mode is a wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 wirelessly connects to a relay device such as an access point (not shown) and communicates with devices on a network, such as a PC (personal computer). On the other hand, the access point mode is a wireless communication mode in which a software access point is activated in the printing device 100, causing the printing device 100 itself to act as an access point.

[0017] A mobile terminal 101 such as a smartphone wirelessly connects to a printing device 100 operating in access point mode and transmits print data for printing electronic files such as photographs to the printing device 100. The access point mode allows wireless communication to be established directly between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 without going through a relay device such as an access point. The access point mode is an example of a direct wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 directly establish wireless communication.

[0018] Note that instead of the access point mode, other wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) may be applied to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a communication method for directly establishing wireless communication, such as the access point mode or Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), is described as direct wireless. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the printing device 100 has a user authentication function.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0020] The CPU 201 loads a control program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and controls the operation of the printing device 100 by executing the loaded program. The ROM 202 stores the control program and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the CPU 201's main memory or work area. The HDD (hard disk drive) 204 is a non-volatile storage medium for storing various data and may be a non-volatile memory other than an HDD. Note that, in the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment, one CPU 201 executes the processes shown in the flowcharts described below, but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs may cooperate to execute the processes shown in the flowcharts described below. Furthermore, some of the processes shown in the flowcharts described below may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC.

[0021] The wireless LAN I / F (interface) 205 executes wireless LAN communication between the mobile terminal 101 and external devices such as an access point. The wireless LAN communication executed by the wireless LAN I / F 205 is wireless communication such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac. The wireless LAN I / F 205 can operate in infrastructure mode and access point mode. The wireless LAN I / F 205 selects and operates in either infrastructure mode or access point mode according to device settings set in advance by the user.

[0022] The network I / F 210 is connected to a wired LAN via a LAN cable. The network I / F 210 can communicate with an external device (e.g., a PC) on the wired LAN. The printer 206 is a printer engine that prints an image on a sheet based on print data received via the wireless LAN I / F 205 or the network I / F 210. The scanner 207 reads an image of an original document and generates image data corresponding to the image. The image data generated by the scanner 207 is printed by the printer 206 or stored in the HDD 204. The operation unit 208 includes a display unit with a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and displays various operation screens on the display unit. A user can input instructions and information to the printing device 100 via the operation unit 208. The IC card reader 209 reads user information stored in an IC card. In the first embodiment, an IC card owned by a user stores the user's user ID and password. The printing device 100 then performs user authentication based on the user information read from the IC card by the IC card reader 209.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of the operation unit 208 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] The display unit 301 has a touch panel function and displays various operation screens. The home button 302 is a button for instructing the user to return to the home screen, which is the basis for all operations. The logout button 303 is a button for the user to log out after completing operations. The back button 304 is a button for instructing the user to return to the previous screen from the currently displayed screen. The clear button 305 is a button for canceling input letters and numbers. The numeric keypad 306 is a button for inputting numbers and letters.

[0025] Next, the operation screen provided by the printing device 100 and the operation procedure when the user uses direct wireless communication will be described.

[0026] 4 and 5A are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 208 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] 4A shows the login screen. This login screen is displayed when the printing device 100 has finished booting up. Here, the user can be authenticated by holding their own IC card over the IC card reader 209.

[0028] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a user management table stored in the printing device 100, for example, in the HDD 204.

[0029] This user management table holds information for managing user information (user name, user ID, password) of users who are permitted to log in to the printing device 100. Therefore, users registered in this user management table can log in to the printing device 100.

[0030] When a user holds their IC card over IC card reader 209, IC card reader 209 reads user information (user ID and password) from the IC card. CPU 201 then determines whether the user information read from the IC card by IC card reader 209 is registered in the user management table. If the user information read from the IC card is registered in the user management table, authentication is successful, and the display on operation unit 208 transitions to the menu screen of FIG. 4(B). A user who has been successfully authenticated is now logged in to printing device 100 and can use the functions of printing device 100. On the other hand, if the user information read from the IC card is not registered in the user management table, authentication fails, and operation unit 208 notifies the user that authentication has failed, and the menu screen is not displayed.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the user may input a user ID and password via the operation unit 208 into input fields 401 and 402, respectively, on the login screen in FIG. 4A without using the IC card reader 209. When the user inputs a user ID and password into input fields 401 and 402 and presses login button 403, the printing device 100 performs user authentication. Also, instead of the printing device 100 having a user management table, an external authentication server may have the table. If the authentication server has this user management table, the printing device 100 transmits user information input via the IC card reader 209 or operation unit 208 to the authentication server. The printing device 100 then receives the result of the authentication process by the authentication server (authentication successful or authentication failed) from the authentication server, and performs user authentication.

[0032] 4B displays buttons that allow the user to use functions provided by the printing device 100. A copy button 411 is a button that allows the user to use the copy function. When the user presses this copy button 411, the operation unit 208 displays a copy screen (not shown).

[0033] The print cancel button 412 is a button that allows the user to cancel printing (a function that causes the printer 206 to suspend printing and discard the print data). When the user presses the print cancel button 412, the operation unit 208 displays a print cancel screen (not shown).

[0034] The direct wireless connection button 413 is a button for the user to use direct wireless communication. When the user uses direct wireless communication, the user first presses the direct wireless connection button 413.

[0035] The setting button 414 is a button that allows the user to perform device settings for the printing device 100. When the user presses the setting button 414, the operation unit 208 displays various setting screens in accordance with the user's operation.

[0036] Fig. 4(C) shows the setting screen for direct wireless printing, which is one of the setting screens that is displayed when the setting button 414 is pressed on the menu screen in Fig. 4(B). Below, we will explain in detail the items that can be set on this setting screen.

[0037] The direct wireless printing setting screen is a screen that can be accessed by users with special privileges, such as a system administrator. Item 421 is a setting for setting permission for printing via direct wireless communication when the user is not logged in. Register button 422 is a button for reflecting the settings on this direct wireless printing setting screen in the printing device 100. When the system administrator presses the register button 422, the settings on this direct wireless printing setting screen are stored in the HDD 204, and the settings on this setting screen are reflected in the printing device 100. If a user selects “Do not permit” 423 on the direct wireless printing setting screen and presses the register button 422, printing via direct wireless communication is only available if the user logs in to the printing device 100 after user authentication. In other words, if “Do not permit” 423 is selected on this direct wireless printing setting screen, the menu screen of FIG. 4B is displayed after login authentication is performed on the login screen of FIG. 4A. In this case, since the user is already logged in, all functions are displayed and selectable on the menu screen of FIG. 4B.

[0038] On the other hand, if the user selects "Allow" 424 on this direct wireless printing setting screen and presses the registration button 422, user authentication enables printing via direct wireless communication even if the user is not logged in. If "Allow" 424 is set on the direct wireless printing setting screen, pressing the home button 302 in Fig. 3 while the login screen in Fig. 4(A) is displayed will display the menu screen in Fig. 5(A).

[0039] When the menu screen in Figure 5(A) is displayed, the user is not logged in, so only the direct wireless connection button 501 and the print cancel button 502 are selectable on this menu screen, limiting the functions of the printing device 100 that can be used.

[0040] It should be noted that, although it has been stated that the menu screen of FIG. 5(A) is displayed when the home button 302 is pressed while the login screen of FIG. 4(A) is displayed, this menu screen may also be displayed when another button, such as the logout button 303 of FIG. 3, is pressed.

[0041] When the user presses the direct wireless connection button 413 or 501 on the screen of FIG. 4(B) or FIG. 5(A), the operation unit 208 displays the wireless connection screen of FIG. 6(A).

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a direct wireless connection screen displayed on the operation unit 208 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] A start button 601 is displayed on the wireless connection screen in FIG. 6(A). This start button 601 is a button that the user uses to instruct the printing device 100 to start direct wireless communication operation. When the operation unit 208 displays this wireless connection screen, the printing device 100 has not started direct wireless communication operation. Therefore, even if the mobile terminal 101 searches for surrounding access points, it will not be able to find the printing device 100, and a wireless connection cannot be established between the mobile terminal 101 and the printing device 100. In order to establish a wireless connection between the mobile terminal 101 and the printing device 100, the user must press the start button 601 to cause the printing device 100 to start direct wireless communication operation. When the user presses the start button 601, the printing device 100 starts direct wireless communication operation. The operation unit 208 then displays the wireless connection screen in FIG. 6(B).

[0044] When the printing device 100 operates in direct wireless communication, the printing device 100 generates an SSID and a connection key (e.g., a WEP key). The SSID and connection key generated by the printing device 100 are displayed in area 611 on the wireless connection screen in FIG. 6(B). After checking the content displayed in area 611, the user uses their mobile terminal 101 to search for nearby access points and selects an access point with the SSID displayed in area 611 from the list of search results. The user then enters the connection key displayed in area 611 into the mobile terminal 101, thereby establishing a direct wireless connection between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101. After wirelessly connecting the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100 using the direct wireless communication function, the user selects data to be printed on the mobile terminal 101. When the user inputs a print command on the mobile terminal 101, the mobile terminal 101 uses the direct wireless communication function to transmit print data for printing the data selected by the user to the printing device 100. The printing device 100 receives this print data and executes printing processing based on the received print data.

[0045] On the other hand, when the printing device 100 starts direct wireless communication operation, the printing device 100 enters a standby state to receive a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device such as the mobile terminal 101. When the printing device 100 starts direct wireless communication operation, the mobile terminal 101 can find the printing device 100 when searching for surrounding access points. Then, when the printing device 100 receives a request to establish a wireless connection from the external device, it establishes a wireless connection with the external device via direct wireless communication. After this wireless connection is established, actual data communication (e.g., transmission of print data from the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100) is performed between the printing device 100 and the external device.

[0046] A stop button 612 is displayed on the wireless connection screen in FIG. 6(B). This stop button 612 is a button that the user uses to issue a stop instruction to stop the operation of direct wireless communication. The user presses the stop button 612 when they want to stop the operation of direct wireless communication of the printing device 100. When the user presses the stop button 612, the printing device 100 stops the operation of direct wireless communication. Furthermore, to prevent the printing device 100 from remaining in operation of direct wireless communication, the wireless connection screen in FIG. 6(B) is displayed before switching the display to the login screen in FIG. 4(A). Then, only when the user presses the stop button 612 on the wireless connection screen in FIG. 6(B) and the printing device 100 stops the operation of direct wireless communication does the screen transition to the login screen in FIG. 4(A).

[0047] Next, the process executed by the printing device 100 when a user uses direct wireless communication without logging in to the printing device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0048] 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the printing device 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing of each step shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 201 loading a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program. The printing device 100 may be configured so that at least some of the steps in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are executed by the CPU 201, and the remaining steps are executed by another CPU (not shown) different from the CPU 201.

[0049] First, in S701, the CPU 201 causes the operation unit 208 to display the login screen shown in FIG. 4A. Here, the IC card reader 209 reads user information from the IC card, or the user enters a user ID and password in the input fields 401 and 402 of the login screen and presses the login button 403, and the process proceeds to S702, where user authentication is performed. In S702, the CPU 201 determines whether the user is permitted to log in based on the entered user information. This determination is made by checking whether the user information is registered in the above-mentioned user management table. Here, if the user information is registered in the user management table (determined as authentication successful), the process proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if the user information is not registered in the user management table (determined as authentication failed), the process proceeds to S705.

[0050] In S703, the CPU 201 displays the menu screen of Fig. 4(B) on the operation unit 208 and permits the user to use all functions. In S704, the CPU 201 performs various operations to execute the functions instructed on the menu screen, and executes S704 and S705 until it determines in S705 that a logout operation has been performed. When the logout operation has been performed in this manner, the process returns to S701 and the login screen is displayed. Note that the various operations in S704 are not directly related to the present invention, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] On the other hand, if user authentication has not been performed in S702, the process proceeds to S705, where the CPU 201 determines whether a specific button on the operation unit 208 has been pressed. Here, the specific button is the home button 302 as described above, but it may also be the logout button 303 or another button. If the specific button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S701. However, if it is determined that the specific button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S707. In S707, the CPU 201 determines whether permission to use direct wireless printing when not logged in is set on the setting screen of FIG. 4C. This determination is made by referencing information in the HDD 204 that stores the settings on the setting screen of FIG. 4C. Here, if "Do not allow" 423 has been selected on the setting screen, the process returns to S701 and displays the login screen. On the other hand, if "Allow" 424 has been selected on the setting screen, the process proceeds to S708, where the CPU 201 performs display control to display the menu screen shown in FIG. 5A, and then proceeds to S709. In S708, since the user is not logged in, only the direct wireless connection button 501 and the print cancel button 502 can be selected. Note that, in S708, if the print cancel button 502 is pressed on the menu screen in Fig. 5(A), the print processing of the print data transmitted using direct wireless communication is canceled, but a detailed description of this will be omitted.

[0052] In S709, the CPU 201 determines whether the direct wireless connection button 501 was selected on the menu screen of FIG. 5A and the start button 601 was pressed on the wireless connection screen of FIG. 6A, thereby instructing the start of a direct wireless connection. If the CPU 201 determines in S709 that the start of a direct wireless connection was instructed, the process proceeds to S710; otherwise, the process proceeds to S708. In S710, the CPU 201 starts wireless communication operation in access point mode. Specifically, when the start button 601 is pressed, the CPU 201 displays the direct wireless connection screen of FIG. 6B on the operation unit 208. Here, when the user of the mobile terminal 101 inputs the connection key displayed in area 611 of this wireless connection screen into the mobile terminal 101, a direct wireless connection is established between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101. Then, the user of the mobile terminal 101 uses the wireless communication function of direct wireless communication to send print data to the printing device 100 for printing data selected by the user. Upon receiving this print data, the printing device 100 executes print processing based on the print data. Then, the process proceeds to S711, where the CPU 201 determines whether the stop button 612 on the wireless connection screen in Fig. 6B has been pressed, and if it is determined that the stop button 612 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S712. In S712, the CPU 201 stops the direct wireless communication operation, returns to S701, and displays the login screen.

[0053] In addition, in S710, the wireless connection screen in Fig. 6(B) is displayed before switching the display to the login screen in Fig. 4(A) to prevent the printing device 100 from remaining in operation of direct wireless communication.

[0054] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if a user is not authenticated on a printing device, the printing device can be switched to direct wireless communication mode by performing a specific operation on the printing device, thereby allowing the unauthenticated user's terminal to send print data to the printing device via direct wireless communication and have it printed.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the printing device can be used by switching to the direct wireless communication mode by performing a printing device-specific operation without the user logging in to the printing device.

[0056] In contrast, in the second embodiment, an example is described in which pressing a specific button on the operation unit of the printing device displays an authentication screen for direct wireless communication, and only when this authentication is performed does the printing device transition to direct wireless communication mode. Note that the communication system and the hardware configuration of the printing device according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a direct wireless setting screen displayed on the operation unit 208 of the printing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0058] The items that can be set on the direct wireless setting screen in FIG. 8(A) will be described in detail.

[0059] This direct wireless setting screen is a screen that can be accessed by users with special privileges, such as a system administrator. Item 801 is a setting for whether or not authentication for direct wireless communication is required when using direct wireless communication for printing without logging in. A register button 803 is a button for reflecting the settings made on this direct wireless setting screen in the printing device 100. When the system administrator presses the register button 803, the settings made on this direct wireless setting screen are stored in the HDD 204 and reflected in the printing device 100. When "Use" 804 is selected in item 801, use of direct wireless communication for printing is permitted only after successful authentication for direct wireless communication and login. Therefore, when "Use" 804 is selected, a password 802 for authentication for direct wireless communication must be set. When "Use" 804 is selected, the menu screen of FIG. 5(A) is displayed only after successful user authentication on the login screen of FIG. 8(B) and the user logs in.

[0060] On the other hand, when "Do not use" 805 is selected in the item 801, the menu screen of FIG. 5A is displayed without displaying the authentication of direct wireless communication.

[0061] 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the printing device 100 according to the second embodiment. The processing of each step shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 201 loading a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. The printing device 100 may be configured so that at least some of the steps in the flowchart of FIG. 9 are executed by the CPU 201, and the remaining steps are executed by another CPU (not shown) different from the CPU 201. In FIG. 9, the same processing steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0062] 9, if permission to use printing via direct wireless communication is set, the process proceeds to S901. In S901, the CPU 201 determines whether or not authentication for direct wireless communication is set to be performed on the direct wireless communication setting screen of FIG. 8A, based on information from the HDD 204. Here, if "Do not use" 805 is selected, that is, if authentication for direct wireless communication is not set to be performed, the process proceeds to S708, and the menu screen of FIG. 5A is displayed, as in the first embodiment.

[0063] On the other hand, in S901, the CPU 201 selects "Use" 804, that is, if the setting is to perform authentication for direct wireless communication, the process proceeds to S902, where the CPU 201 displays the login screen shown in Fig. 8(B) on the operation unit 208. If the user enters a password in the input field 811 and presses the login button 812, the process proceeds to S903, where the CPU 201 compares the password 802 set on the setting screen of Fig. 8(A) with the password entered in the input field 811 on the login screen. If these match, it is determined that authentication for direct wireless communication has been successful, and the process proceeds to S708. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that authentication has failed, and the process proceeds to S902, where the login screen of Fig. 8(B) is redisplayed.

[0064] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even a user who is not logged in can switch the printing device to direct wireless communication mode if the user authentication for wireless communication is successful. This allows the unauthenticated user's terminal to send print data to the printing device via direct wireless communication and have it printed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100...printing device, 101...mobile terminal, 201...CPU, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...HDD, 208...operation unit

Claims

1. A printing apparatus equipped with wireless communication functionality and user authentication functionality, An operating unit that receives user input, The device includes a display control means that causes the operation unit to display a login screen for logging into the printing device, The display control means causes the user, who has been authenticated based on the user information and login instructions entered via the login screen, to display an object on the operation unit for establishing wireless communication using the wireless communication function when the user is logged into the printing device. When the user is not logged into the printing device and the login screen is displayed on the control panel, and the control panel accepts a specific operation without receiving a login instruction, an object for establishing wireless communication using the wireless communication function is displayed on the control panel. A printing apparatus characterized in that, when the operation unit has received the specific operation and the object is displayed on the operation unit, an object corresponding to a print cancellation instruction is displayed on the operation unit.

2. The system further includes a first setting means that, upon receiving the aforementioned specific operation, sets whether or not to permit wireless communication using the wireless communication function. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means causes the operation unit to display an object for establishing wireless communication when the operation unit receives a specific operation, in the case where the setting by the first setting means is a setting that permits wireless communication using the wireless communication function.

3. The system further includes a second setting means for setting whether or not to perform user authentication for wireless communication when the first setting means is set to allow wireless communication using the wireless communication function, The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the second setting means is configured to perform user authentication, the display control means causes the operation unit to display an object for establishing wireless communication when the operation unit has received the specific operation, upon successful user authentication.

4. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the object is a button for initiating the wireless communication.

5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the login screen is a login screen for logging in using an IC card.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display control means causes a logout button for logging out of the printing apparatus to be displayed on the operation unit when the user is not logged into the printing apparatus.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the login screen is a screen for entering a user ID and password.

8. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the authentication process by the user authentication function is performed on an authentication server connected to the printing apparatus.

9. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the authentication process by the user authentication function is performed in the printing apparatus.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the authentication process by the user authentication function is performed by transmitting the user information entered via the login screen to an authentication server connected to the printing apparatus, and receiving the result of the authentication process from the authentication server.

11. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a printer unit for printing an image onto a sheet.

12. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a scanner unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data.

13. A control method for controlling a printing device having an operating unit that accepts user input, and equipped with wireless communication functionality and user authentication functionality, The system includes a display control step that causes a login screen for logging into the printing device to be displayed on the operation unit, The display control step involves displaying an object on the operation unit for establishing wireless communication using the wireless communication function when a user authenticated based on user information and login instructions entered via the login screen is logged into the printing device. A control method characterized in that, when the user is not logged into the printing device and the login screen is displayed on the operation unit, the operation unit receives a specific operation without inputting a login instruction, causing an object for establishing wireless communication using the wireless communication function to be displayed on the operation unit, and while the object is displayed on the operation unit because the operation unit has received the specific operation, an object corresponding to a print cancellation instruction is displayed on the operation unit.

14. The system further includes a first setting step of accepting the aforementioned specific operation to determine whether or not to permit wireless communication using the wireless communication function, The control method according to claim 13, wherein the display control step is characterized in that, when the setting by the first setting step is a setting that permits wireless communication using the wireless communication function, the control method causes the control unit to display an object for establishing wireless communication when the control unit receives the specific operation.

15. If the first setting step is set to allow wireless communication using the wireless communication function, the system further includes a second setting step for setting whether or not to perform user authentication for said wireless communication. The control method according to claim 14, wherein, if the second setting step is set to perform user authentication, the display control step, upon successful user authentication, causes the operation unit to display an object for establishing the wireless communication as a result of the operation unit receiving the specific operation.

16. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the object is a button for initiating the wireless communication.

17. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the display control step causes a logout button for logging out of the printing device to be displayed on the operation unit when the user is not logged into the printing device.

18. A program for causing a computer to perform all steps of the control method described in any one of claims 13 to 17.

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