Information processing device, method, program

Abstract

This provides an information processing device that appropriately performs changes to power supply settings. [Solution] An information processing device capable of communicating with a communication device includes a first display control means that controls the display of a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device based on whether the conditions for displaying the dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device are met at a predetermined timing after the setting process of the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device has been performed, and the dialog screen is configured to accept instructions on whether or not to change the power settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as software for controlling peripheral devices such as printers, software for realizing various functions such as a print function, a scan function, or a setup function in an application format (hereinafter referred to as a portal application for peripheral devices) has been known. In addition, an apparatus having a communication function such as a printer is equipped with a function of automatically turning on the power when a predetermined condition is satisfied (hereinafter referred to as an automatic power-on function). This function can be arbitrarily set to enabled or disabled by a user. For example, when the automatic power-on function is set to enabled, power of the printer is automatically turned on when data for performing printing or scanning is transmitted to the printer from a portal application for peripheral devices or the like. Note that when the automatic power-on function is enabled, communication via a wireless LAN or Bluetooth is often possible even when the power of the printer is off, and it is general that the power of the printer is automatically turned on when such wireless communication is performed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that a user can easily perform communication between a communication apparatus and an information processing apparatus by turning on the power of a printer under various conditions during wireless communication such as wireless LAN or Bluetooth.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In certain regions, regulations regarding power management may be in place. Therefore, in these regions, changes to power-related settings, such as the automatic power-on function of equipment, must be carried out appropriately, taking into account the power management regulations.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an information processing device, method, and program for appropriately performing changes to power supply settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device according to the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with a communication device, and comprises a first display control means that controls the display of a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device based on whether the conditions for displaying a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device are met at a predetermined timing after setting processing of the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device, wherein the dialog screen is configured to accept an instruction on whether or not to change the power settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately change settings related to the power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the system configuration. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the software configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the user interface screen. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the user interface screen. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing in an information processing device. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the user interface screen. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing processing in an information processing apparatus. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing processing in an information processing apparatus. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing processing in an information processing apparatus. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing processing in an information processing apparatus. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart showing processing in an information processing apparatus. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing a user interface screen. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are necessarily essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [First Embodiment] An information processing apparatus and a communication apparatus included in the communication system of the present embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus is also referred to as a terminal apparatus. In the present embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, various devices such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera can be applied as the information processing apparatus. Further, in the present embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the communication apparatus. The printer may be an inkjet printer that performs printing with ink, or a laser beam printer that performs printing with toner. Further, the printer may be a full-color printer capable of color printing, or a monochrome printer not capable of color printing but capable of monochrome printing. Note that in the present embodiment, the communication apparatus is not limited to a printer, and any apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with the information processing apparatus can be applied as the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus can be applied to, for example, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a scanner, a smartphone, a PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, a robot vacuum cleaner, an automatic cooking pot, a refrigerator, and the like. In addition, the communication apparatus can also be applied to, for example, a multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function.

[0012] First, a system configuration for realizing the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to the present embodiment. This system is assumed to include a communication apparatus 151, an information processing apparatus 101, an access point (AP) 131, and an external server 171.

[0013] Information processing device 101 is the information processing device of this embodiment. Communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. AP131 is an access point activated by an external device located outside the information processing device 101 and outside the communication device 151. The external device is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router. External server 171 is a server that can provide services to devices connected to AP131 via the Internet.

[0014] In a configuration where AP131 is connected to communication device 151 and information processing device 101, the LAN formed by AP131 includes AP131, communication device 151, and information processing device 101. On the other hand, the WAN (Wide Area Network) includes AP131 and external server 171.

[0015] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 can communicate with the communication device 151 via the AP 131 if the infrastructure connection described later is established. Furthermore, if the direct connection described later is established, the information processing device 101 can communicate directly with the communication device 151 without going through the AP 131. In the following, connection to the AP refers to connection to the network formed by the AP. Note that one external device may activate multiple APs, and one external device may be able to form multiple networks simultaneously.

[0016] In this embodiment, the connection 141 between the information processing device 101 and AP131, and the connection 142 between the communication device 151 and AP131, are assumed to be connections based on the IEEE 802.11 series standard. Specifically, the communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 series standard is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark). The connection 143 between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is also assumed to be a connection based on the IEEE 802.11 series standard. However, the communication method used for connection 143 is not limited to this form, and may be, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE), Bluetooth Classic, Wi-Fi Aware, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. AP131 and the external server 171 can communicate via the Internet, and when AP131 is connected to the Internet, devices connected to AP131 (information processing device 101 and communication device 151) can also use the Internet. The connection 141 between the information processing device 101 and AP131, and the connection 142 between the communication device 151 and AP131, may also be a wired LAN connection.

[0017] The configuration of the information processing device of this embodiment and the communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram in Figure 2. In addition, the following configuration is described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices that can communicate with the communication device and does not particularly limit the functions as shown in this figure.

[0018] The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a wireless communication unit 109, a short-range wireless communication unit 110, a camera 111, a wired communication unit 112, and the like. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc. form the computer of the information processing device 101.

[0019] The input interface 102 is an interface capable of receiving data input and operation instructions from the user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the output interface 107 (described later) and the input interface 102 may have the same configuration, allowing for screen output and acceptance of user operations to be performed using the same configuration.

[0020] The CPU 103 is a system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 101. In this embodiment, the CPU 103 performs control of the display content (display control) in the display unit 108.

[0021] ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by CPU 103, data tables, and operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 104. In this embodiment, ROM 104 stores a predetermined application program (app) for controlling the communication device 151. An application program is, in other words, application software. The predetermined app is installed on the information processing device 101 from the outside, for example, by a store app for installing various apps. The predetermined app is an app provided by the vendor of the communication device 151, and is an app for communicating with the communication device 151 and configuring the connection settings for the communication device 151. The predetermined app may have other functions other than the function for configuring the connection settings for the communication device 151. Specifically, other functions include, for example, a function to send a print job to the communication device 151 to execute printing (print job transmission function), and a function to send a scan job to the communication device 151 to execute scanning (scan job transmission function). In this embodiment, the processes described as being executed by the OS are, more precisely, processes executed by the CPU 103 according to a program within the OS. Similarly, the processes described as being executed by the application are, more precisely, processes executed by the CPU 103 according to a program within the application.

[0022] RAM 105 consists of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM 105's data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. RAM 105 also includes a memory area for storing configuration information and management data for the information processing device 101. Furthermore, RAM 105 is used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0023] The external storage device 106 contains various programs, such as a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and an information transmission and reception control program that transmits and receives information with the communication device 151 connected via the wireless communication unit 109. The external storage device 106 also stores various information used by these programs, as well as image data obtained from other information processing devices and the Internet.

[0024] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101.

[0025] The display unit 108 is composed of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Alternatively, a soft keyboard with keys such as numerical input keys, mode setting keys, confirm keys, cancel keys, and power keys may be installed on the display unit 108 to accept user input via the display unit 108. In this embodiment, the display unit 108 is a touch panel and can accept user input using fingers, pens, etc.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 109 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and AP 131 to perform data communication. For example, the wireless communication unit 109 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 wirelessly, or it may communicate via AP 131 located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the wireless communication unit 109 is Wi-Fi, which is a communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, but Bluetooth Classic or the like may also be used. In this embodiment, the wireless LAN is defined as a Wi-Fi network. In this embodiment, the method by which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected directly without going through an external AP is called a direct connection. The method by which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an external AP is called an infrastructure connection.

[0027] The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is configured to perform data communication with devices such as the communication device 151 using a short-range wireless communication method, and communicates using a different communication method than the wireless communication unit 109. The short-range wireless communication unit 110 can connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 157 within the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods for the short-range wireless communication unit 110 include BLE, Bluetooth Classic, Wi-Fi Aware, and NFC.

[0028] The imaging device 111 is a device that converts images captured by the image sensor into digital data. The digital data is first stored in the RAM 105. Then, a program executed by the CPU 103 converts it into a predetermined image format and saves it as image data to the external storage device 106.

[0029] The wired communication unit 112 is configured to connect via a wire to devices such as the communication device 151 and AP131 to perform data communication. For example, the wired communication unit 112 communicates via a wired LAN. In this embodiment, the wired LAN communicates according to the Ethernet standard. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the wired communication unit 112 may communicate via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. Also, for example, if the information processing device 101 is a smartphone, the information processing device 101 does not need to have a wired communication unit 112.

[0030] The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, print engine 155, wireless communication unit 156, short-range wireless communication unit 157, input interface 158, output interface 159, function control unit 160, display unit 161, wired communication unit 162, etc. The computer of the communication device 151 is formed by the ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 156 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the information processing device 101 and AP131 to perform data communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the wireless communication unit 156 is Wi-Fi, which is a communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, but Bluetooth Classic or the like may also be used. The wireless communication unit 156 has AP156-a as an AP inside the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101. This AP can be connected to the wireless communication unit 109 of the information processing device 101. The wireless communication unit 156 may communicate directly with the information processing device 101 via AP156-a, or it may communicate with the information processing device 101 via AP131. Furthermore, AP156-a may be hardware that functions as an AP, or the wireless communication unit 156 may operate as AP156-a through software that functions as an AP. In addition, the communication device 151 may be able to start up multiple APs internally with different SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers) and passwords.

[0032] RAM153 consists of DRAM and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM153 retains data through a data backup power supply (not shown), it can store important data such as program control variables without losing them. RAM153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU154, and serves as a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101, etc., storing various types of information.

[0033] ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152. ROM 152 also includes a memory area for storing data that needs to be retained even when power is not supplied, such as configuration information and management data for the communication device 151.

[0034] The CPU 154 is the system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151.

[0035] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using a recording material such as ink, based on the information stored in the RAM 153 and the print job received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs the print result. At this time, the print job transmitted from the information processing device 101, etc. has a large amount of data to transmit and requires high-speed communication, so it is received via the wireless communication unit 156, which can communicate at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0036] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to communicate with devices such as the information processing device 101 using a short-range wireless communication method. Examples of communication methods for the short-range wireless communication unit 157 include BLE, Bluetooth Classic, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0037] The input interface 158 is an interface that can receive data input and operation instructions from the user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, touch panel, etc. Alternatively, the output interface 159 (described later) and the input interface 158 may have the same configuration, allowing for screen output and acceptance of user operations using the same configuration. The output interface 159 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 for displaying data and notifying the status of the communication device 151.

[0038] The function control unit 160 manages the operation of each function of the communication device 151, determining whether or not to activate them.

[0039] The display unit 161 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151. Alternatively, a soft keyboard with keys such as numerical input keys, mode setting keys, confirm keys, cancel keys, and power keys may be installed on the display unit 161 to accept user input via the display unit 161.

[0040] The wired communication unit 162 is configured to connect via wire to devices such as the information processing device 101 and AP131 to perform data communication. For example, the wired communication unit 162 communicates via a wired LAN. However, it is not limited to this configuration; for example, it may communicate via a USB cable.

[0041] <About the direct connection method> Direct connection refers to a configuration in which devices connect wirelessly directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) without the need for external devices such as AP131. Direct connection is also called peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection). The communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communication via direct connection (direct connection mode) as one of its connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communication via direct connection, such as software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0042] The mode in which a direct connection is performed using WFD is called WFD mode. WFD is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. In WFD mode, after the device to be communicated with is discovered using a device discovery command, the roles of the P2P group owner (GO) and the P2P client are determined, and then the remaining wireless connection processing is performed. The group owner corresponds to the Wi-Fi base station (access point), and the client corresponds to the Wi-Fi slave station (slave device). This role determination corresponds to GO Negotiation in P2P, for example. In WFD mode, before the role determination is performed, the communication device 151 is neither a base station nor a slave station. Specifically, first, one device issues a device discovery command to the other device to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode. Once the other device to be communicated with is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that can be supplied by each other. This confirmation of device supply information is optional and not mandatory. This equipment supply information confirmation phase corresponds, for example, to P2P Provision Discovery. Next, by confirming this equipment supply information with each other, it is determined which will be the P2P client and which will be the P2P group owner. Once the client and group owner are determined, they exchange parameters for communication using WFD. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are carried out between the P2P client and group owner. In WFD mode, the communication device 151 may always operate as GO without performing the GO Negotiation described above. That is, the communication device 151 may operate in WFD mode, which is Autonomous GO mode. Furthermore, the state in which the communication device 151 is operating in WFD mode means, for example, a state in which the WFD connection has not been established but the communication device 151 is operating as GO, or a state in which the WFD connection has been established and the communication device 151 is operating as GO.

[0043] In software AP mode, one device (e.g., information processing device 101) acts as a client, requesting various services from the communicating devices (e.g., information processing device 101 and communication device 151). The other device then implements the functions of an AP in Wi-Fi through software configuration. The software AP corresponds to a Wi-Fi base station, and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi slave station. In software AP mode, the client searches for a device that will become a software AP using a device discovery command. Once a software AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (such as establishing a wireless connection) takes place between the client and the software AP, followed by IP connection processing (such as assigning an IP address). The commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and are therefore omitted from this explanation.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a master station within the network to which it belongs. A master station is a device that constructs a wireless network and provides slave stations with parameters used to connect to the wireless network. Parameters used to connect to the wireless network include, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving these parameters, the slave station connects to the wireless network constructed by the master station using the channel used by the master station. In direct connection mode, since the communication device 151 operates as a master station, it is possible for the communication device 151 to determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in direct connection mode. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is capable of using channels corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and channels corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in direct connection mode.

[0045] <About infrastructure connection methods> Infrastructure connection is a connection configuration in which communication devices (for example, an information processing device 101 and a communication device 151) are connected to an AP (for example, AP131) that manages the network, allowing the devices to communicate with each other via the AP. The communication device 151 can also operate in an infrastructure connection mode (infrastructure connection mode) as one of its connection modes.

[0046] In infrastructure connectivity, each device searches for an access point (AP) using an AP discovery command. Once an AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing the wireless connection, etc.) takes place between the device and the AP, followed by IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.). The commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between the device and the AP should be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and will not be explained here.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 operates via an infrastructure connection, the AP 131 operates as the master station and the communication device 151 operates as the slave station. That is, in this embodiment, the infrastructure connection refers to the connection between the communication device 151 operating as a slave station and the device operating as the master station. If the communication device 151 has established an infrastructure connection and the information processing device 101 has also established an infrastructure connection with the AP 131, then communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible via the AP 131. Since the channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the AP 131, the communication device 151 performs communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the AP 131. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is capable of using channels corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and channels corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. The communication device 151 can also use channels corresponding to the DFS band within the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 communicates with the communication device 151 via the AP131, and recognizes and identifies that the communication device 151 belongs to the network formed by the AP131, to which the information processing device 101 belongs.

[0048] <About connection setup process> In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 performs a connection setting process (setup process), which is a setting to operate the communication device 151 using at least one communication method from infrastructure connection and direct connection, using wireless communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The connection setting process in this embodiment is performed by wireless communication and is therefore also called cableless setup (CLS) or wireless setup process. Note that the connection setting process may also be performed by wired communication. The information processing device 101 performs the connection setting process on the communication device 151 when a predetermined application stored in the external storage device 106 or the like is running. The communication device 151 can operate in a connection setting mode (connection setting state), which is a mode for executing the connection setting process, and executes the connection setting process while operating in the connection setting mode described later. Details of the connection setting mode will be described later.

[0049] When the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in infrastructure connection mode, it wirelessly transmits infrastructure connection setting information, which is the setting information for operating in infrastructure connection mode, to the communication device 151. The infrastructure connection setting information includes information about AP131. This information about AP131 includes, for example, the SSID (Service Set Identifier), password, and frequency band information.

[0050] On the other hand, when the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in direct connection mode, it wirelessly transmits direct connection setting information, which is the setting information for operating in direct connection mode, to the communication device 151. The direct connection setting information includes instructions for enabling the WFD function and operating as a Group Owner, and for enabling the access point settings of the communication device 151. The information processing device 101 also obtains connection information from the communication device 151 for direct connection with the communication device 151. The connection information for direct connection with the communication device 151 includes, for example, information such as the SSID and password of the AP of the communication device 151 operating in direct connection mode.

[0051] In this embodiment, a direct connection for connection setup is used between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 for transmitting infrastructure connection setup information and direct connection setup information, and for acquiring information for direct connection with the communication device 151 during the connection setup process. In this embodiment, a Wi-Fi connection setup process is performed as the direct connection for connection setup, but other wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy may be used. Alternatively, wired communication standards such as wired LAN or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used as the direct connection for connection setup. In these configurations, the information processing device 101 may maintain a Wi-Fi connection with the AP even while establishing a connection between the communication device 151 operating in connection setup mode and the information processing device 101.

[0052] After the connection setup process establishes an infrastructure connection or direct connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, communication becomes possible between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 can send a print job to the communication device 151 to perform printing, or a scan job to perform scanning, via the established connection. In this embodiment, the connection setup process can operate the communication device 151 in infrastructure connection mode or in direct connection mode, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the connection setup process may only allow the communication device 151 to operate in infrastructure connection mode (i.e., it may not be possible to operate the communication device 151 in direct connection mode).

[0053] <About connection settings mode> The communication device 151 can operate in connection setting mode. The trigger for the communication device 151 to start operating in connection setting mode may be, for example, the user pressing a button for connection setting mode, or the communication device 151 may be started (powered on) for the first time after arrival. The button for connection setting mode may be a hard button on the communication device 151, or a soft button displayed on the display unit 161 by the communication device 151.

[0054] When the communication device 151 starts operating in connection setting mode, it enables both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. Specifically, as part of the Wi-Fi communication activation process, the communication device 151 activates an internal AP (connection setting AP) dedicated to connection setting mode. This allows the communication device 151 to establish a direct Wi-Fi connection with the information processing device 101. Connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the connection setting AP is pre-stored in a predetermined application installed on the information processing device 101. In other words, the information processing device 101 is assumed to have prior knowledge of the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP. Therefore, unlike the connection information for the AP enabled in direct connection mode, the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that the connection setting AP may not have an encryption method set, and a password may not be required to connect to it. Note that in connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may connect to the information processing device 101 using Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) instead of normal Wi-Fi. In other words, the communication device 151 may operate as a Group Owner and receive configuration commands from the information processing device 101 via WFD communication. Furthermore, if the communication device 151 does not have BLE communication capabilities, it may enable only Wi-Fi communication when operating in connection configuration mode.

[0055] <Regarding registration of communication devices to the app> In this embodiment, a predetermined application of the information processing device 101 can register the communication device 151 with the predetermined application by obtaining information about the communication device 151 from the communication device 151. Information about the communication device 151 includes, for example, the capability information of the communication device 151, the identification information of the communication device 151 (MAC address, etc.), and the model information of the communication device 151. Specifically, the capability information of the communication device 151 includes a list of information about the functions that the communication device 151 supports, information about consumables that can be used with the communication device 151 (ink, paper, etc.), and information indicating the printing method of the communication device 151 (inkjet recording method, etc.). The predetermined application then selects one device from among the one or more communication devices 151 registered in the predetermined application to be the communication partner of the predetermined application. Hereinafter, the communication device 151 currently selected as the communication partner of the predetermined application will be referred to as the selected communication device 151. The selection of the device to communicate with by the specified application may be performed by accepting a selection from the user from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the specified application, or it may be performed automatically by the specified application according to predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the change of the device to communicate with by the specified application may be performed, for example, by accepting a selection from the user from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the specified application. In this embodiment, the specified application sends various jobs, such as print jobs and scan jobs, to the selected communication device 151. In other words, the selected communication device 151 is the device to which various jobs are sent.

[0056] <Software Configuration> Figure 3 shows an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 101. Hereafter, the information processing device 101 will be referred to as the host computer, and the communication device 151 will be referred to as the printer 151.

[0057] The host computer 101 includes a printing system 201 for providing printing functionality. The printing system 201 also includes an OS standard printing function unit 202, a specific printer driver unit 203, and a printer management unit 204.

[0058] The OS standard printing function unit 202 and the specific printer driver unit 203 are software that converts data output from an application into data that the printer 151 can process, and then causes the printer to execute printing based on that data.

[0059] In order to make the printer 151 usable via the printing system 201, the target printer 151 must be registered in advance via the printer management unit 204. This registration process is performed for each printer or for each connection type. For example, even for the same printer, separate registration and management may be performed for each connection type, such as USB connection and network connection such as LAN. The host computer 101 also includes a peripheral device portal application 211. The peripheral device portal application 211 includes a printer information acquisition unit 212 and a function display unit 213. The peripheral device portal application 211 corresponds to the "specified application" in the explanation in Figure 2.

[0060] The peripheral device portal application 211 is software that performs processes related to acquiring information about the printer 151, printing, scanning, etc., according to user instructions and the printer's connection status. The peripheral device portal application 211 is stored, for example, in the ROM 104 and read and executed by the CPU 103.

[0061] The printer information acquisition unit 212 acquires device information for printer 151. As a specific example, the printer information acquisition unit 212 may acquire information about printer 151 as device information from printer 151 as described above, or it may acquire device information for printer 151 that is registered in printer management unit 204.

[0062] The function display unit 213 presents various information, such as device information of the printer 151 acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 212, to the user by displaying it in a predetermined display area. The function display unit 213 may also have a function to display a web page based on the device information of the printer 151 acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 212. An example of a web page displayed by the function display unit 213 based on the device information of the printer 151 is a web page that allows the user to change the settings of the target printer via a network from a web browser. In this embodiment, such a web page is also called a remote UI (user interface). The remote UI of the printer 151 is activated when the web browser of the host computer 101 is launched and the URL of the printer 151 is entered as the address.

[0063] An overview of the printer management unit 204 of the printing system 201 in this embodiment will be described.

[0064] Figure 4(a) shows an example of a screen displayed by the printer management unit 204 of the printing system 201. For example, the screen shown in Figure 4(a) is a screen displayed by receiving user instructions on a standard environment configuration application running on Apple's macOS®. The screen 301 in Figure 4(a) includes a printer list unit 311, a printer registration button 313, a printer preview unit 314, a printer information unit 315, a default printer setting unit 316, and a default paper size setting unit 317.

[0065] When registering a printer with the printing system 201, the user first presses the printer registration button 313, which is the "Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax..." button. When the printer registration button 313 is pressed, the connected printer list screen 302 of the printer management unit 204 is displayed as a separate screen, as shown in Figure 4(b). The connected printer list screen 302 displays the printers detected by the host computer 101 on the connected printer list unit 321. In this case, if a printer supports multiple connection types, it will be displayed separately for each connection type. For example, a printer that can connect via network and USB will be displayed on the connected printer list unit 321 for each connection type. When the user selects the desired printer on the connected printer list unit 321 and presses the register (add) button 322, the printer registration process to the printer management unit 204 is executed. If the printer registration process is successful, the connected printer list screen 302 of the printer management unit 204 is closed, and the printer queue of the registered printer is added to the area 312 enclosed by a thick border in the printer list section 311 of screen 301.

[0066] The printers displayed in the printer list section 311 of the printer management section 204 are printers that correspond to the printer queue registered in the printing system 201 and are capable of printing and scanning. When a user selects a printer in the printer list section 311, a preview image of the selected printer is displayed in the printer preview section 314. In addition, information indicating the printer status (e.g., standby) is displayed in the printer information section 315.

[0067] In this embodiment, the power function of the printer 151 can be configured from the peripheral device portal application 211 (hereinafter simply referred to as application 211) of the host computer 101. Specifically, for example, application 211 can enable or disable the automatic power-on function for the printer 151. The automatic power-on function is a function that automatically turns the printer 151 into a printable state when it receives a print job from an external source while in a power-saving state where power consumption is lower than normal. The automatic power-on function can be configured via the display unit 161 of the printer 151, but it can also be configured via the remote UI displayed by the function display unit 213 of application 211 on the host computer 101.

[0068] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen for setting the automatic power-on function. The screen shown in Figure 5 is a remote UI screen displayed by the function display unit 213 of the application 211 on the host computer 101. The remote UI screen 400 includes a checkbox 401 that indicates the setting status of the automatic power-on function and a setting information confirmation unit 402 (OK button). To enable the automatic power-on function, the power saving setting screen is displayed on the remote UI screen 400. Then, through user operation, the checkbox 401 that indicates the setting status of the automatic power-on function is checked and the setting information confirmation unit 402 is pressed, which enables communication with the printer 151 and allows the automatic power-on function to be enabled on the printer 151.

[0069] As the automatic power-on function becomes more widespread, it is effective to guide users to configure the automatic power-on function during the setup procedure to increase awareness of this function. However, in certain regions, operations that disable power management during the setup procedure may be restricted. Therefore, it is difficult to uniformly guide users to configure the automatic power-on function during the setup procedure. This embodiment provides a mechanism that appropriately guides users to configure the automatic power-on function.

[0070] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process for inducing the setting of the automatic power-on function at a predetermined timing. The process in Figure 6 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 105 and executing it. The process in Figure 6 is also executed by application 211.

[0071] In S501, the CPU 103 detects that the setup has been executed on application 211 and that the setup is complete. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 detects that the setup is complete when the device information for printer 151 is registered in application 211.

[0072] In S502, the CPU 103 displays the top page screen 600 on the display unit 108.

[0073] Figure 7 shows an example of the top page screen 600 displayed in S502. The top page screen 600 is an example of the top page screen of application 211. The sidebar 601 is an example of the UI of the sidebar of application 211. The top page screen 600 has a photo print button 602 and a scan button 603. Pressing the scan button 603 transitions to the pre-scan settings screen 700, which will be described later. Pressing the photo print button 602 transitions to the pre-scan settings screen (not shown). The sidebar 601 has a photo print button 604 and a scan button 605. Pressing the scan button 605 also transitions to the pre-scan settings screen 700 shown in Figure 8. Pressing the photo print button 604 also transitions to the pre-scan settings screen (not shown).

[0074] In S503, the CPU 103 determines whether the scan function has been selected. Specifically, for example, if the scan button 603 located on the top page screen 600 or the scan button 605 located on the sidebar 601 is pressed, it determines that an instruction to execute the scan function has been received. If it is determined that the scan function has not been selected, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0075] If it is determined that the scan function has been selected, in S504, the CPU 103 displays the pre-scan setting screen 700 on the display unit 108.

[0076] Figure 8 shows an example of the pre-scan settings screen 700 displayed in S504. The pre-scan settings screen 700 includes a scan button 701 for executing a scan.

[0077] In S505, the CPU 103 detects the pressing of the scan button 701 located on the pre-scan settings screen 700. When the scan button 701 is pressed, a command to scan the content to be read (original image) is sent to the printer 151.

[0078] In S506, the CPU 103 determines whether the printer 151 is in a scannable state. The CPU 103 determines whether the printer 151 is in a scannable state based on the scan success / failure information sent by the printer 151 in response to the command sent in S505. Scan success information includes, for example, information indicating the start or completion of the scan. Scan failure information includes, for example, information indicating a scanner reading error. If it is determined that the printer 151 is not in a scannable state, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0079] If it is determined that printer 151 is ready to scan, in S507, CPU 103 detects the completion of the scanning process on printer 151. CPU 103 detects the completion of the scanning process on printer 151 based on receiving information from printer 151 indicating the completion of the scan. In this case, if information indicating a successful scan is received in S506, the process in S507 may be skipped and the process may proceed to S508.

[0080] In S508, the CPU 103 displays the post-scan settings screen 800 on the display unit 108.

[0081] Figure 9 shows an example of the post-scan settings screen 800 displayed in S508. The post-scan settings screen 800 includes a screen 802 that displays the scan results and a save button 801 that displays a dialog box for specifying the save location for the scanned image data.

[0082] In S509, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to save the scan results on the post-scan settings screen 800. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the save button 801 located on the post-scan settings screen 800 has been pressed. If it is determined that the instruction to save the scan results has not been received, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0083] If it is determined that an instruction to save the scan results has been received, in S510 the CPU 103 displays the scan result save screen 900 on the display unit 108.

[0084] Figure 10 shows an example of the scan result save screen 900 displayed in S510. The scan result save screen 900 includes an area 902 where the destination for saving the scan results can be selected, and a save button 901.

[0085] In S511, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to save the scan results to the save location on the scan result save screen 900. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the save button 901 located on the scan result save screen 900 has been pressed. If it is determined that the instruction to save the scan results to the save location has not been received, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0086] If it is determined that an instruction to save the scan results to the storage location has been received, in S512 the CPU 103 controls the system to save the scan result image data to the storage location specified in area 902. Then, in S512, the CPU 103 determines whether the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 are met.

[0087] Now, let's explain the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000.

[0088] Figure 11 shows an example of the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000. The automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 is a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function of the printer 151. As shown in Figure 11, the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 displays a message screen that guides the user to enable the automatic power-on function, for example, "Do you want to enable the automatic power-on setting for the printer?" The automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 has a Yes button 1001 and a No button 1002. When the Yes button 1001 is pressed, the CPU 103 sends a command to the printer to enable the automatic power-on function. On the other hand, when the No button 1002 is pressed, the CPU 103 closes the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 without sending a command regarding the setting of the automatic power-on function to the printer 151.

[0089] One condition for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 is that the number of times the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 has been displayed has not reached a predetermined number of times. The conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 may be set for each printer 151. In this embodiment, the number of times it has been displayed is given as a condition, but other conditions may also be used. For example, the printer 151 may be a predetermined model. If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 are not met, the process in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0090] If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 are met, in S513 the CPU 103 displays the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 on the display unit 108.

[0091] In S514, the CPU 103 determines whether it has received an instruction to enable the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 on the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines whether the "Yes" button 1001 located on the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 has been pressed. If it is determined that the instruction to enable the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 has not been received, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0092] If it is determined that an instruction to enable the automatic power-on function of printer 151 has been received, in S515, the CPU 103 sends a command to printer 151 to enable the automatic power-on function. After S515, the process shown in Figure 6 ends.

[0093] In this embodiment, after the host computer 101 detects that the printer 151 setup is complete via application 211, it determines the display conditions for a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function when the user presses the save button 901 located on the scan result save screen 900 displayed by application 211. If it determines that the display conditions are met, it displays the screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function. In other words, after detecting the completion of the printer 151 setup, the system determines the display conditions for a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function when a user operation is performed to complete the execution of the printer 151's scan function, and if it determines that the display conditions are met, it displays the screen. As a result, even if the printer 151 is in a power-saving state when the printer 151's scan function is selected and executed again, the user does not need to set the automatic power-on function, thus improving convenience. Furthermore, it allows the user to be aware that the printer 151, whose setup has been completed, has an automatic power-on function.

[0094] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will now be described in terms of its differences from the first embodiment.

[0095] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the process for inducing the setting of the automatic power-on function in this embodiment at a predetermined timing. The process in Figure 12 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 105 and executing it. The process in Figure 12 is also executed by application 211.

[0096] The processes in S1101 and S1102 are the same as those described in S501 and S502 in Figure 6, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0097] After S1102, in S1103, the CPU 103 determines whether the photo printing function has been selected. Specifically, for example, if the photo printing button 602 located on the top page screen 600 or the photo printing button 604 located on the sidebar 601 is pressed, it is determined that an instruction to execute the photo printing function has been received. If it is determined that the photo printing function has not been selected, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0098] If it is determined that the photo printing function has been selected, in S1104, the CPU 103 displays the photo file selection screen 1200 on the display unit 108.

[0099] Figure 13(a) shows an example of the photo file selection screen 1200 displayed in S1104. The photo file selection screen 1200 has an image area 1201 and an open button 1202. The image area 1201 is an area where a preview image of the image selected by the user is displayed. The open button 1202 is a button that, when pressed by the user, opens the photo file selection dialog 1300, which will be described later.

[0100] In S1105, the CPU 103 detects that the open button 1202 has been pressed. Then, in S1106, the CPU 103 displays the photo file selection dialog screen 1300 on the display unit 108.

[0101] Figure 14 shows an example of the photo file selection dialog screen 1300 displayed in S1106. The photo file selection dialog screen 1300 includes an open button 1301 and an area 1302 where the photo file to be printed can be selected.

[0102] In S1107, the CPU 103 determines whether or not a photo file to be printed has been selected. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines that a photo file to be printed has been selected if a photo file is selected in area 1302 on the photo file selection dialog screen 1300 and the open button 1301 is pressed. If it is determined that no photo file to be printed has been selected, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0103] If it is determined that a photo file to be printed has been selected, in S1108, the CPU 103 displays the photo file selection screen 1200 on the display unit 108.

[0104] Figure 13(b) shows an example of the photo file selection screen 1200 displayed in S1108. The image area 1203 displays the image of the photo file selected in area 1302. In the photo file selection screen 1200 of Figure 13(b), the print button 1204 is displayed in a way that allows it to accept user input. In contrast, in the photo file selection screen 1200 of Figure 13(a), the print button 1204 is displayed in a way that prevents it from accepting user input. Furthermore, in S1108, the CPU 103 detects that the print button 1204 has been pressed. In other words, the CPU 103 detects that it has received a print execution command from the user.

[0105] In S1109, the CPU 103 displays the OS standard print dialog screen 1400 on the display unit 108. The process in S1109 may also be executed by application 211 requesting (calling) the printing system 201.

[0106] Figure 15 shows an example of the OS standard print dialog screen 1400 displayed in S1109. The print dialog screen 1400 is a print settings screen that displays print settings items such as the number of copies and paper size. The print dialog screen 1400 also has a print button 1401 that can accept a command to execute printing.

[0107] In S1110, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it has received a print command. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the print button 1401 located on the OS standard print dialog screen 1400 has been pressed. If it is determined that no print command has been received, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0108] If it is determined that a print command has been received, in S1111, the CPU 103 sends a print command for the content (image of the photo file) to the printer 151. Then, in S1111, the CPU 103 determines whether the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 are met.

[0109] Figure 16 shows an example of the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500. The automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 is a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function of the printer 151. As shown in Figure 16, the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 displays a message screen that guides the user to enable the automatic power-on function, for example, "Do you want to enable the automatic power-on setting for the printer?" The automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 has a Yes button 1501 and a No button 1502. When the Yes button 1501 is pressed, the CPU 103 sends a command to the printer 151 to enable the automatic power-on function. On the other hand, when the No button 1502 is pressed, the CPU 103 closes the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 without sending a command regarding the setting of the automatic power-on function to the printer 151.

[0110] One of the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 is that the number of times the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 has been displayed has not reached a predetermined number of times. The conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 may be set for each printer 151. In this embodiment, the number of times it has been displayed is given as a condition, but other conditions may also be used. For example, the printer 151 may be a predetermined model. If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 are not met, the process in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0111] If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 are met, in S1112, the CPU 103 displays the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 on the display unit 108.

[0112] In S1113, the CPU 103 determines whether it has received an instruction to enable the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 on the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines whether the "Yes" button 1501 located on the automatic power-on guidance screen 1500 has been pressed. If it is determined that the instruction to enable the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 has not been received, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0113] If it is determined that an instruction to enable the automatic power-on function of printer 151 has been received, in S1114, the CPU 103 sends a command to printer 151 to enable the automatic power-on function.

[0114] In this embodiment, after the application 211 detects that the printer 151 setup is complete, the host computer 101 determines the display conditions for displaying a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function when the print button 1401 located on the print dialog screen 1400 is pressed. If the display conditions are met, the screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function is displayed. In other words, after detecting that the printer 151 setup is complete, the display conditions for displaying a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function are determined when a user operation is performed to complete the execution of the printer 151's print function, and if the display conditions are met, the screen is displayed. As a result, even if the printer 151 is in a power-saving state when the printer 151's print function is selected and executed again thereafter, the user does not need to set the automatic power-on function, thus improving convenience. In addition, the user can be made aware that the printer 151, whose setup has been completed, has an automatic power-on function.

[0115] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will now be described in terms of its differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0116] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the process for inducing the setting of the automatic power-on function in this embodiment at a predetermined timing. The process in Figure 17 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 105 and executing it. The process in Figure 17 is also executed by application 211.

[0117] In S1601, the CPU 103 displays the top page screen 600 of application 211 on the display unit 108.

[0118] In S1602, the CPU 103 determines whether a frequently used function has been selected on the top page screen 600 or the sidebar 601. For example, in this embodiment, the frequently used function is assumed to be the scan function. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines that a frequently used function has been selected if the scan button 603 located on the top screen 600 or the scan button 605 located on the sidebar 601 is pressed. If it is determined that a frequently used function has not been selected, the process shown in Figure 17 is terminated. In this embodiment, the user may pre-configure that the frequently used function is the scan function. Alternatively, information indicating the frequency of execution, such as the number of times each function has been executed within a predetermined period, may be stored in an external device such as a printer 151 or server. When the CPU 103 displays the top page screen 600 of the application 211, it may obtain information indicating the frequency of execution for each function from the printer 151 or external device and designate functions that have been executed a predetermined number of times or more as frequently used functions. This allows for appropriate switching of frequently used functions. Alternatively, the CPU 103 may calculate the information indicating the execution frequency instead of obtaining it from the printer 151 or external devices.

[0119] If it is determined that a frequently used function has been selected, the process proceeds to S1603. In this embodiment, as an example, if it is determined that the scan function has been selected, the process proceeds to S1603. The processing in S1603 to S1614 is the same as the explanation in S504 to S515 in Figure 6, so their explanations are omitted.

[0120] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a frequently used function is selected on the top screen of application 211, the display conditions for displaying a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function are determined at the time the user operation to complete the execution of that function is performed. If it is determined that the display conditions are met, the screen is displayed. As a result, even if the printer 151 is in a power-saving state when the above function is selected and executed again thereafter, the user does not need to set the automatic power-on function, thereby improving convenience. In addition, the user can be effectively made aware that the printer 151 has an automatic power-on function.

[0121] [Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment will now be described in detail, highlighting its differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0122] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the process for inducing the setting of the automatic power-on function in this embodiment at a predetermined timing. The process in Figure 18 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 105 and executing it. The process in Figure 18 is also executed by application 211.

[0123] In S1701, the CPU 103 displays the top page screen 600 of application 211 on the display unit 108.

[0124] In S1702, the CPU 103 determines whether a frequently used function has been selected on the top page screen 600 or the sidebar 601. For example, in this embodiment, the frequently used function is assumed to be the print function. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines that a frequently used function has been selected if the photo print button 602 located on the top screen 600 or the photo print button 604 located on the sidebar 601 is pressed. If it is determined that a frequently used function has not been selected, the process shown in Figure 16 is terminated. In this embodiment, the user may pre-configure that the frequently used function is the print function. Alternatively, information indicating the frequency of execution, such as the number of times each function has been executed within a predetermined period, may be stored in an external device such as a printer 151 or server. When the CPU 103 displays the top page screen 600 of the application 211, it may obtain information indicating the frequency of execution for each function from the printer 151 or external device and designate functions that have been executed a predetermined number of times or more as frequently used functions. This allows for appropriate switching of frequently used functions. Alternatively, the CPU 103 may calculate the information indicating the execution frequency instead of obtaining it from the printer 151 or external devices.

[0125] If it is determined that a frequently used function has been selected, the process proceeds to S1703. In this embodiment, as an example, if it is determined that the print function has been selected, the process proceeds to S1703. The processing in S1703 to S1713 is the same as the explanation in S1104 to S1114 in Figure 12, so their explanations are omitted.

[0126] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a frequently used function is selected on the top screen of application 211, the display conditions for displaying a screen that guides the user to set the automatic power-on function are determined at the time the user operation to complete the execution of that function is performed. If it is determined that the display conditions are met, the screen is displayed. As a result, even if the printer 151 is in a power-saving state when the above function is selected and executed again thereafter, the user does not need to set the automatic power-on function, thereby improving convenience. In addition, the user can be effectively made aware that the printer 151 has an automatic power-on function.

[0127] [Fifth Embodiment] The fifth embodiment will now be described in terms of its differences from the first to fourth embodiments. In this embodiment, we assume a case where a frequently used function on the printer 151 is successfully executed, the automatic power-on guidance screen is displayed, and an instruction to enable the automatic power-on function is received. A command to enable the automatic power-on function is sent to the printer 151, but the printer 151 fails to enable the automatic power-on function. Such a case can occur when the communication protocol for sending the command to execute the frequently used function to the printer 151 is different from the communication protocol for enabling the automatic power-on function. In this embodiment, in such a case, the process of executing the frequently used function is retried. If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen are met again, the automatic power-on guidance screen is not displayed, and a command to enable the automatic power-on function is sent to the printer 151. This improves the user experience because the user does not need to repeatedly perform user operations on the automatic power-on guidance screen for the function they actually want to execute. In this embodiment, the scanning function is described as an example of a frequently used function.

[0128] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the process for inducing the setting of the automatic power-on function in this embodiment at a predetermined timing. The process in Figure 19 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 105 and executing it.

[0129] The processes in S1801 to S1804 are the same as those described in S502 to S505 in Figure 5, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0130] In S1805, the CPU 103 determines whether the printer 151 is in a scannable state. The CPU 103 determines whether the printer 151 is in a scannable state based on the scan success / failure information sent by the printer 151 in response to the command sent in S1804. Scan success information includes, for example, information indicating the start or completion of the scan. Scan failure information includes, for example, information indicating a scanner reading error. If it is determined that the printer 151 is not in a scannable state, the process shown in Figure 19 is terminated.

[0131] In this embodiment, the above case is assumed, so in S1805 it is determined that the printer 151 is ready to scan, and the process proceeds to S1806. The processing in S1806 to S1814 is the same as the explanation in S507 to S515 in Figure 5, so their explanations are omitted.

[0132] After an instruction to enable the automatic power-on function (enable instruction) is sent to the printer 151 in S1814, in S1815, the CPU 103 initializes the retry count for sending the automatic power-on function enable instruction to the printer 151 to zero. The retry count refers to the number of loops in the loop processing from S1816 to S1822, and is reserved in a memory area such as RAM 105.

[0133] In S1816, CPU 103 determines whether the condition "the automatic power-on function has been successfully enabled or the number of retries is less than or equal to a predetermined number" is met. If the condition is met, the loop processing ends and the process shown in Figure 18 is terminated. On the other hand, if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to S1817. The predetermined number of retries is, for example, 2.

[0134] In S1817, the CPU 103 determines whether an error indicating activation failure was returned as a response from the printer 151 in response to the activation command sent in S1814. If it is determined that no error indicating activation failure was returned, it means that the automatic power-on function has been enabled in the printer 151, and the process proceeds to S1822. If the process proceeds to S1822, it is determined that the condition is met in S1816, the loop processing ends, and the process shown in Figure 18 is terminated.

[0135] If it is determined that an error indicating activation failure has been returned, in S1818, CPU 103 executes the same processing as S1803 to S1810. At this time, if the frequently used function is fixed as the scan function, or if the frequently used function is the scan function when S1818 is executed, S1818 executes the same processing as S1803 to S1810. However, if the frequently used function has switched from the scan function to another function when S1818 is executed, S1818 may execute different processing than S1803 to S1810. Also, even if the frequently used function has switched from the scan function to another function when S1818 is executed, S1818 may execute the same processing as S1803 to S1810. Furthermore, if the determination in S1805 executed in S1818 is false (for example, determined not to be in a scannable state), the loop processing is terminated, and the processing in Figure 18 is terminated.

[0136] In S1819, the CPU 103 determines, similar to S1811, whether the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 are met. If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 are not met, the process proceeds to S1822.

[0137] If it is determined that the conditions for displaying the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 are met, in S1820, the CPU 103 sends a command to the printer 151 to enable the automatic power-on function, similar to S1814. In S1820, the automatic power-on guidance screen 1000 is not displayed.

[0138] In S1821, CPU103 increments the retry count by 1, and in S1822, it returns processing to S1816.

[0139] Thus, according to this embodiment, if the process of sending the command to activate the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 fails, the guidance screen will not be displayed even if a frequently used function is executed again. Therefore, the user does not need to perform repeated user operations for the function they originally wanted to execute, thus improving the user experience.

[0140] [Sixth Embodiment] The sixth embodiment will now be described in terms of its differences from the first to fifth embodiments.

[0141] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the process for inducing the setting of the automatic power-on function in this embodiment at a predetermined timing. The process in Figure 20 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in ROM 104 into RAM 105 and executing it. The process in Figure 20 is also executed by application 211.

[0142] The processes in S1901 to S1914 are the same as those described in S502 to S515 in Figure 6, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0143] In S1914, a command (enable command) is sent to the printer 151 to enable the automatic power-on function. In S1915, the CPU 103 determines whether an error indicating activation failure was returned as a response from the printer 151 in response to the enable command sent in S1914. If it is determined that no error indicating activation failure was returned, it means that the automatic power-on function has been enabled in the printer 151, and the process shown in Figure 20 is terminated.

[0144] If it is determined that an error indicating activation failure has been returned, in S1916, the CPU 103 displays an error screen 2000 regarding the activation process of the automatic power-on function on the display unit 108.

[0145] Figure 21 shows an example of the error screen 2000 displayed in S1916. As shown in Figure 20, the error screen 2000 displays a message indicating that the process of activating the automatic power-on function has failed. The error screen 2000 also displays a guidance screen prompting the user to view a manual page on how to activate the automatic power-on function of the printer 151. One method for activating the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 is to enable the automatic power-on function via the display unit 161 of the printer 151. Another method is to enable the automatic power-on function via a remote UI using the function display unit 213 of the application 211. The error screen 2000 has a Yes button 2001 that accepts the instruction to display the manual page and a No button 2002 that does not accept the instruction to display the manual page.

[0146] In S1917, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to display the manual page on how to enable the automatic power-on function of the printer 151. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it has received the Yes button 2001. If it is determined that it has not received an instruction to display the manual page on how to enable the automatic power-on function of the printer 151, the process shown in Figure 20 is terminated.

[0147] If it is determined that a command has been received to display a manual page on how to enable the automatic power-on function of printer 151, in S1918, the CPU 103 displays the manual page on how to enable the automatic power-on function of printer 151. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 displays the above manual page as a web page using the function display unit 213 of application 211. Such a manual page may also be obtained from an external device such as a server. After S1918, the process shown in Figure 20 is terminated.

[0148] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can be effectively made aware that the automatic power-on function of the printer 151 has failed to be activated.

[0149] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0150] The disclosure of this embodiment includes information processing devices, methods, and programs. (Item 1) A communication device and an information processing device capable of communicating with each other, A first display control means controls the display of a dialog screen based on the condition that the conditions for displaying a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device are met at a predetermined timing after the setting process of the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device has been performed, Equipped with, The aforementioned dialog screen is configured to accept instructions on whether or not to change the power supply settings. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Item 2) The system further comprises a second display control means that controls the system to display a screen capable of receiving instructions for executing the functions of the communication device after the setting process of the communication device has been performed, The predetermined timing is the timing at which an instruction to execute the function of the communication device is received on a screen capable of receiving instructions to execute the function of the communication device. The information processing device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The information processing apparatus according to item 2, characterized in that the communication device is of a predetermined model. (Item 4) The information processing device according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that, when the function of the communication device is a printing function, the instruction for executing the function of the communication device is a print execution instruction on the print settings screen. (Item 5) The information processing device according to item 2 or 3, characterized in that, when the function of the communication device is a scanning function, the instruction for executing the function of the communication device is an instruction to execute saving of the scan results. (Item 6) The information processing device according to any one of items 2 to 5, characterized in that the function of the communication device is a function that is frequently used among the functions that can be executed by the communication device. (Item 7) The information processing device according to any one of items 2 to 6, further comprising: a transmission means for transmitting a command to change the power supply settings to the communication device when an instruction to change the power supply settings is received in the dialog screen; (Item 8) The information processing device according to item 7, characterized in that, if the communication device receives an instruction to perform the function of the communication device and the function of the communication device is performed, and as a result the transmission means sends the command, the power supply setting of the communication device is not changed, the communication device is made to perform the function of the communication device again, and the transmission means sends the command without displaying the dialog screen. (Item 9) The information processing apparatus according to item 7, further comprising: a third display control means that controls the communication device to display a screen instructing on how to change the power supply settings if, as a result of the command being transmitted by the transmission means, the power supply settings are not changed in the communication device. (Item 10) The information processing device according to item 9, characterized in that the screen that guides the user on how to change the power supply settings is a screen that prompts the user to display a manual page. (Item 11) The information processing device according to any one of items 2 to 10, characterized in that, after setting up the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device, and after the information of the communication device is registered in the information processing device, the first display control means controls to display a screen capable of receiving instructions for executing the functions of the communication device. (Item 12) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the change in the power supply settings of the communication device is the activation of the automatic power-on function of the communication device. (Item 13) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the setting process for the communication device for performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device is a process for connecting the information processing device to the communication device as an access point. (Item 14) The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 12, characterized in that the setting process for the communication device for performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device is a process for connecting the communication device to an access point located outside the information processing device and outside the communication device. (Item 15) A method performed in a communication device and an information processing device capable of communicating with a communication device, A first display control step controls the display of a dialog screen based on the condition that the conditions for displaying a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device are met at a predetermined timing after the setting process of the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device has been performed, It has, The aforementioned dialog screen is configured to accept instructions on whether or not to change the power supply settings. A method characterized by the following: (Item 16) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means described in any one of items 1 through 14 of the information processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 101 Terminal device: 131 Access point: 151 Communication device: 103, 154 CPU: 104, 152 ROM: 105, 153 RAM

Claims

1. A communication device and an information processing device capable of communicating with each other, A first display control means controls the display of a dialog screen based on the condition that the conditions for displaying a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device are met at a predetermined timing after the setting process of the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device has been performed, Equipped with, The aforementioned dialog screen is configured to accept instructions on whether or not to change the power supply settings. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The system further includes a second display control means that controls the system to display a screen capable of receiving instructions for executing the functions of the communication device after the setting process of the communication device has been performed, The predetermined timing is the timing at which an instruction to execute the function of the communication device is received on a screen capable of receiving instructions to execute the function of the communication device. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the communication device is of a predetermined model.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the function of the communication device is a printing function, the instruction for executing the function of the communication device is an instruction to execute printing on the print settings screen.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the function of the communication device is a scanning function, the instruction for executing the function of the communication device is an instruction to execute saving of the scan results.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the function of the communication device is a function that is frequently used among the functions that can be executed by the communication device.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission means that, when an instruction to change the power supply settings is received in the dialog screen, transmits a command to change the power supply settings to the communication device.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, if the communication device receives an instruction to perform a function and the communication device performs a function, and as a result the transmission means sends the command, the power supply settings in the communication device are not changed, the communication device is made to perform a function again, and the transmission means sends the command without displaying the dialog screen.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a third display control means that controls the communication device to display a screen instructing on how to change the power supply settings if, as a result of the command being transmitted by the transmission means, the power supply settings are not changed in the communication device; and the information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the screen that guides the user on how to change the power supply settings is a screen that prompts the user to display a manual page.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, after setting up the communication device for communication between the information processing apparatus and the communication device, and after the information of the communication device is registered in the information processing apparatus, the first display control means controls to display a screen capable of receiving instructions for executing the functions of the communication device.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that changing the settings related to the power supply of the communication device is equivalent to enabling the automatic power-on function of the communication device.

13. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting process for the communication device for performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device is a process for connecting the information processing device to the communication device as an access point.

14. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting process for the communication device for performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device is a process for connecting the communication device to an access point located outside the information processing device and outside the communication device.

15. A method performed in a communication device and an information processing device capable of communicating with a communication device, A first display control step controls the display of a dialog screen based on the condition that the conditions for displaying a dialog screen prompting a change in the power settings of the communication device are met at a predetermined timing after the setting process of the communication device for communication between the information processing device and the communication device has been performed, It has, The aforementioned dialog screen is configured to accept instructions on whether or not to change the power supply settings. A method characterized by the following:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means described in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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