Program

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving convenience when using an image output device in a plurality of communication modes after setup.SOLUTION: An information processing device, which communicates with an image output device, includes connection means for operating in either a first connection mode in which wireless connection is established with the image output device via an access point or a second connection mode in which wireless connection is established with the image output device without via an access point, and setting means for executing setup processing. The setting means executes setup processing that can register a first print queue used when printing via the connection means operating in the first connection mode, and can register a second print queue used when printing via the connection means operating in the second connection mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program for setting up an image output device. To the extent

Background Art

[0002] When performing image output from an information processing device via a wireless local area network (hereinafter referred to as wireless LAN) using an image output device, it is necessary to perform settings for wireless printing in advance. That is, the user connects the information processing device and the image output device to the same network, installs a driver corresponding to the connected image output device, and then must register a print queue corresponding to the connected image output device. These operations need to be performed manually by the user, which is time-consuming.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of searching for an image output device within the same segment on an information processing device, automatically downloading, installing a driver from a website or the like, and adding a print queue. Patent Document 2 also discloses a method of reducing the user load associated with necessary settings in advance when a user who is already using an image output device via a LAN newly connects to the same image output device via a print server and prints.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] ​As a method of connecting an information processing device and an image output device via a wireless LAN, there are a wireless infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as a wireless infra connection) in which the information processing device and the image output device are connected via a wireless LAN router or the like, and a wireless direct connection in which the information processing device and the image output device are directly connected without going through a wireless LAN router or the like. The print queue of the image output device registered in the information processing device may be configured to be registered corresponding to the IP address of the registered image output device. In such a case, since the IP addresses are different when the information processing device and the image output device are connected by a wireless infra connection and when the information processing device and the image output device are connected by a wireless direct connection, print queues corresponding to the respective connection methods must be registered.

[0006] For this reason, for example, assuming a user who has already connected an information processing device and an image output device by a wireless infra connection, registered a print queue for the wireless infra connection, and is using the image output device, when the user takes the information processing device and the image output device out to a destination without a wireless LAN router and uses them, in order to perform printing using the image output device from the information processing device, it is necessary to connect by a wireless direct connection. Therefore, the user has to make new settings necessary for connecting by a wireless direct connection. For example, as a necessary setting, switching the connection between the information processing device and the image output device from a wireless infra connection to a wireless direct connection can be cited. Also, when printing has never been performed using the image output device from the information processing device by a wireless direct connection, it is also necessary to additionally register a print queue.

[0007] Thus, even though the same information processing device and image output device are used, with the switching of the communication method, additional operations such as switching the connection and registering a new print queue may occur, which may cause confusion to the user or lead to a burden.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for improving the convenience when using an image output device by a plurality of communication methods after setup.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] According to a program according to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, on a computer of an information processing apparatus that communicates with an image output apparatus, a reception step of receiving a predetermined user operation; A transmission step of transmitting, to the image output device, information for connecting to an external access point via communication between the image output device and the information processing device; As processing based on the predetermined user operation, registration of a first print queue used at the time of printing using a first wireless connection via an external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, and registration of a second print queue used at the time of printing using a second wireless connection that does not pass through the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, and an execution step of executing both; The 、 After the first wireless connection is established by transmitting the information of the external access point to the image output device, registration of the first print queue is executed based on the information received from the image output device via the first wireless connection.

[0010]

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving convenience when using an image output apparatus by a plurality of communication methods after setup.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 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. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c), the connection form among the information processing apparatus, the wireless LAN router, and the image output apparatus will be described. In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus is described as being a personal computer or a smartphone, and the image output apparatus is described as being a printer.

[0014] First, FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the information processing apparatus 101 and the wireless LAN router 102 are wirelessly LAN-connected. The information processing apparatus 101 has a wireless LAN communication function, and communication during setup processing is performed wirelessly.

[0015] FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c) are diagrams showing a state after performing setup processing on the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus via wireless from the state of FIG. 1(a). FIG. 1(b) shows a wireless infrastructure connection state in which the image output apparatus 103 is wirelessly connected to the wireless LAN router 102. The wireless LAN router 102 is also called an access point (AP). As shown in FIG. 1(b), the communication mode for the information processing apparatus to connect to another communication apparatus (for example, the image output apparatus 103) via the AP 102 is called a wireless infrastructure connection mode.

[0016] Figure 1(c) shows a wireless direct connection state in which the image output device 103 is wirelessly connected to the information processing device 101. As shown in Figure 1(c), the communication mode for the information processing device 101 to connect to another communication device (e.g., the image output device 103) without going through the AP102 is called the wireless direct connection mode.

[0017] The result of the setup process regarding which state of Figure 1(b) and Figure 1(c) to transition to will be described later.

[0018] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration diagrams of the information processing device 101 and the image output device 103 will be described.

[0019] The information processing device 101 has an input interface (I / F) 202, a CPU 203, a ROM 204, a RAM 205, an external storage device 206, an output I / F 207, a display unit 208, a keyboard 209, a mouse 210, a network I / F 211, and a USB I / F 212. The network I / F 211 controls communication via wireless and communication via a wired LAN cable. The USB I / F 212 controls USB connection via a USB cable. A program is stored in the ROM 204, and an application program group, an Operating System (hereinafter referred to as OS), a printer driver, and other various data are stored in the external storage device 206. The RAM 205 is used as a work memory for various programs stored in the external storage device 206. Hereinafter, a form using Microsoft's Windows (registered trademark) as the OS will be described as an example.

[0020] The image output device 103 includes a network I / F 252, a RAM 253, a print engine 256, a ROM 254, and a CPU 255. The network I / F 252 controls communication processing via wireless communication and communication via a wired LAN cable. The USB I / F 257 controls USB connection via a USB cable. The RAM 253 is used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 255, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily storing received print job print data and various types of data. The print engine 256 performs printing based on the data stored in the RAM 253. The ROM 254 contains various control programs and data used by each control program, and the CPU 255 controls each part of the image output device 103 according to these control programs.

[0021] Here, as an example, the processing division of the information processing device 101 and the image output device 103 is shown as above, but it is not particularly limited to this division and other forms may be possible.

[0022] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, as an example of the setup process, an example in which the information processing device 101 sets up a connection to the image output device 103 via a wireless LAN will be described. In this embodiment, the communication method used by the information processing device 101 and the image output device 103 in the wireless LAN is the wireless communication method of the IEEE802.11 series, which is generally a wireless communication method called Wi-Fi.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the setup process for setting the information processing device 101 to be connected to the image output device 103 via a wireless LAN. This process is generally stored in the external storage device 206 as a setup program (hereinafter referred to as this program), and the processing executed when this program is started and the CPU 203 controls the information processing device 101 will be described. In the following processing, it will be described that the information processing device 101 executes each process.

[0024] The information processing apparatus 101 executes setup processing that can register a print queue used during printing using a wireless direct connection and register a print queue used during printing using a wireless infrastructure connection. As a result, after setup, re-setup such as adding a print queue due to a change in the communication method becomes unnecessary, and the convenience of the user after setup can be improved. Note that a print queue refers to preparing an area on the operating system of the information processing apparatus 101 to store print jobs in the order of input. Thus, if a print job is input to the print queue, print data generated based on the print job can be transmitted to the corresponding IP address and port. In the present embodiment, the direct connection is a connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 without going through an external access point such as a wireless LAN router. The infrastructure connection is a connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 via an external access point. Note that the direct connection is established when the image output apparatus 103 functions as an access point based on the normal Wi-Fi standard as described below, but is not limited to this form. The direct connection may be a connection based on the Wi-Fi Direct standard. Also, in a connection based on the Wi-Fi Direct standard, group owner (GO) negotiation is executed, and either the information processing apparatus 101 or the image output apparatus 103 may operate as the GO. Further, by operating the image output apparatus 103 in the Autonamous GO mode, the image output apparatus 103 may always operate as the GO.

[0025] First, the information processing device 101 acquires information on the wireless LAN router 102 to which the information processing device 101 is connected in S301 using the Application Program Interface (hereinafter referred to as API) of the operating system. Subsequently, the information processing device 101 performs wireless connection processing using the API of the operating system to establish a temporary connection with the image output device 103 that is in the temporary connection mode described later. The connection information used for connecting the image output device 103 includes, for example, an identifier for direct connection provided by the image output device 103 and a passphrase for connection. For example, the connection information includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier) and a passphrase. Also, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that after connecting to the image output device 103 in the temporary connection mode and performing setting processing, the information processing device 101 is used when returning to the wireless LAN connection with the original wireless LAN router 102. In the present embodiment, the temporary connection mode is a mode in which the image output device 103 starts in the access point mode based on preset setting information such as a predetermined SSID for a certain period, and the information processing device 101 can be temporarily wirelessly connected without a passphrase. The access point mode is a mode in which the image output device 103 functions as an access point and directly connects to the information processing device 101. Note that in this way, in the present embodiment, the temporary connection mode is a mode for establishing a connection between the information processing device 101 and Wi-Fi, but it is not limited to this form. The temporary connection mode may be a mode for establishing a connection between the information processing device 101 and a communication method other than Wi-Fi. Then, communication between the information processing device 101 and the image output device 103 described later may be executed by a communication method other than Wi-Fi. The communication method other than Wi-Fi is, for example, Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC). Bluetooth may be Classic Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0026] After the information processing apparatus 101 establishes a temporary connection with the image output apparatus 103 in S301, it acquires the Wi-Fi Direct connection information from the image output apparatus 103 in S302. The Wi-Fi Direct connection information in this embodiment includes the SSID and passphrase necessary for performing the Wi-Fi Direct connection process with the image output apparatus 103. Next, the information processing apparatus 101 generates a network connection setting packet for connecting the image output apparatus 103 to the Wi-Fi router 102 in S303. The setting packet in this embodiment is an example of a packet including connection information including the network identifier and passphrase of the network provided by the Wi-Fi router 102. The connection information according to this embodiment includes the SSID, encryption method, and passphrase necessary for connecting to the Wi-Fi router 102.

[0027] With reference to the Wi-Fi router setting screens of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the process by which the user designates the SSID, encryption method, and passphrase will be described. The Wi-Fi router setting screens of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are screens for receiving the Wi-Fi router information to be set in the image output apparatus from the user.

[0028] The SSID can be input into the text field 401 in FIG. 4(a), and the encryption methods are displayed in the list 402, and the user's input is received. The encryption methods include at least any one of Wi-Fi Protected Access (hereinafter referred to as WPA), WPA2, WPA3, Wired Equivalent Privacy (hereinafter referred to as WEP), and no encryption, and can be selected by the user from the list 402. When the setting button 403 is selected, the information processing apparatus 101 displays the screen of FIG. 4(b).

[0029] The screen in Fig. 4(b) is a screen for receiving the input of the passphrase of the wireless LAN router for which the user performs connection settings. The text field 405 receives the input of the passphrase of the wireless LAN router from the user. Next, when the setting button 406 is selected by the user, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a process of generating a network connection setting packet based on the network identifier (SSID) input in the text field 401, the encryption method selected in the list 402, and the passphrase input in the text field 405 (S303). In this embodiment, the network connection setting packet is generated based on the SSID, encryption method, and passphrase received from the user. However, the CPU 203 may use the API of the OS to obtain the SSID, encryption method, and passphrase of the wireless LAN router 102 to which the information processing apparatus 101 is connected from the wireless LAN router 102 and generate a network connection setting packet.

[0030] Next, the information processing apparatus 101 receives from the user a selection of the wireless LAN connection method between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 in S304. Specifically, the user is made to select whether to set the connection state between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 after the setup process to the wireless infrastructure connection state shown in Fig. 1(b) or the wireless direct connection state shown in Fig. 1(c).

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram that presents two connection methods, wireless infrastructure connection and wireless direct connection, respectively, with radio buttons 501 and 502, and is displayed when allowing the user to arbitrarily select. In this embodiment, when the OK button 503 is pressed with the radio button 501 selected, the process proceeds to set the connection state between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 after the setup process is completed to be a wireless infrastructure connection. On the other hand, when the OK button 503 is pressed with the radio button 502 selected, the process proceeds to set the connection state between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 after the setup process is completed to be a wireless direct connection state. Note that this form is not limited as long as the user can arbitrarily select the connection state between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 after the setup process is completed. In this way, by accepting the selection of the connection method after the setup process and determining the order of the printer queues to be registered based on the selection, the number of times of switching the connection method before and after the setup process can be suppressed, and the time related to the setup process can be shortened.

[0032] Next, in S305, when it is determined by the user that a wireless direct connection is selected as the connection state between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 after the setup process is completed, the process will be described below.

[0033] First, the information processing apparatus 101 accepts a selection as to whether to create two print queues, not only the print queue for wireless direct connection but also the print queue for wireless infrastructure connection, in S306. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of a screen that guides whether to create the print queue for wireless infrastructure connection and accepts the user's selection. In this embodiment, when the "Do not create" button 602 is selected, it branches in S307 and proceeds to the process of S313. When the "Create" button 601 is selected, it branches in S307 and proceeds to the process of S308.

[0034] When the "Create" button 601 is selected (Yes in S307), the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds to S308 and transmits the network connection setting packet generated in S303 to the image output apparatus 103. Next, in S309, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a process of reconnecting the information processing apparatus 101 to the wireless LAN router 102 using the connection information (SSID / passphrase) of the wireless LAN router 102 held in S301. Next, the information processing apparatus 101 first registers a print queue for performing printing by connecting the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 through a wireless infrastructure connection in S310. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 101 first searches for the image output apparatus 103 using the Simple Network Management Protocol (hereinafter referred to as SNMP), and acquires IP address information from the image output apparatus 103 wirelessly connected via the wireless LAN router 102. Then, using the API of the OS, a print queue for wireless infrastructure connection is registered by specifying the acquired IP address information, the connection port information, and the Web Services for Devices (hereinafter referred to as WSD) port number. In this embodiment, SNMP is used as a means for acquiring IP address information, but another protocol such as WSD may be used. Also, the WSD port is used as the connection port information, but the print queue may also be registered by specifying the Line Printer daemon protocol (hereinafter referred to as LPR) or the Port 9100 port. Next, the information processing apparatus 101 determines in S311 whether the image output apparatus 103 is functioning in a state where wireless direct connection is possible using SNMP. In this embodiment, SNMP is used as a method for determining whether the image output apparatus 103 is in a state where wireless direct connection is possible, but the API of the OS may be used to search for the SSID included in the wireless direct connection information of the image output apparatus 103 acquired in S302.

[0035] Next, the information processing apparatus 101 branches the processing according to the result of the determination processing in S312. When it is determined that the image output apparatus 103 can be connected to both the wireless infrastructure connection and the wireless direct connection simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as a simultaneously operable device) and is in a state where the wireless direct connection is possible (Yes in S312), the information processing apparatus 101 advances the processing to S313. In S313, using the wireless direct connection information of the image output apparatus 103 acquired in S302, the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to the image output apparatus 103 by the API of the OS.

[0036] When it is determined that the image output apparatus 103 is not a simultaneously operable device and is not in a state where the wireless direct connection is possible (No in S312), the information processing apparatus 101 advances the processing to S314. In S314, the information processing apparatus 101 generates a setting packet for instructing the image output apparatus 103 to transition to a state where the wireless direct connection is possible, transmits the setting packet to the image output apparatus 103, and advances the processing to S313.

[0037] Next, the information processing apparatus 101 registers a print queue for performing printing by connecting the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 via a wireless direct connection in S315. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 101 first searches for the image output apparatus 103 using SNMP, and acquires IP address information from the image output apparatus 103 connected to the information processing apparatus 101 via a wireless direct connection. Then, using the API of the OS, a print queue for the wireless direct connection is registered by specifying the acquired IP address information and the WSD port number as the connection port information. In this embodiment, SNMP is used as the means for acquiring the IP address information, but another protocol such as WSD may be used. Also, the WSD port is used as the connection port information, but the print queue may be registered by specifying the LPR or Port9100 port instead.

[0038] Next, in S305, when it is determined by the user that wireless infrastructure connection is selected as the connection state between the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 after the setting process (No in S305), the processing will be described below. First, the information processing apparatus 101 receives a selection as to whether to create two print queues, not only the print queue for wireless infrastructure connection but also the print queue for wireless direct connection, in S316.

[0039] FIG. 6(b) shows an example of a screen that guides whether to create a print queue for wireless direct connection and receives the user's selection. In the present embodiment, when the "Do not create" button 604 is selected, it branches in S317 and proceeds to the process of S320. When the "Create" button 603 is selected (Yes in S317), it proceeds to the process of S318. When the "Do not create" button 604 is selected (No in S317), the information processing apparatus 101 advances the process to S320. Hereinafter, the process when the "Create" button 603 is selected will be described. First, in S318, the information processing apparatus 101 makes a wireless direct connection to the image output apparatus 103 using the wireless direct connection information of the image output apparatus 103 acquired in S302. Next, in S319, the information processing apparatus 101 registers a print queue for performing printing by connecting the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 through wireless direct connection. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 101 first searches for the image output apparatus 103 using SNMP, and acquires IP address information from the image output apparatus 103 connected by wireless direct connection to the information processing apparatus 101. Then, using the API of the OS, a print queue for wireless direct connection is registered by specifying the acquired IP address information and the WSD port number as the connection port information. Note that in this embodiment, SNMP is used as the means for acquiring the IP address information, but another protocol such as WSD may be used. Also, the WSD port is used as the connection port information, but the print queue may also be registered by specifying the LPR or Port9100 port.

[0040] Next, at S320, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits the network connection setting packet generated at S303 to the image output apparatus 103. Next, at S321, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a process of reconnecting the information processing apparatus 101 to the wireless LAN router 102 using the information (SSID / passphrase) of the wireless LAN router 102 held at S301. Next, at S322, the information processing apparatus 101 registers a print queue for performing printing by connecting the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 through a wireless infrastructure connection. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 101 first searches for the image output apparatus 103 using SNMP, and acquires IP address information from the image output apparatus 103 wirelessly connected via the wireless LAN router 102. Then, using the API of the OS, a print queue for wireless infrastructure connection is registered by specifying the acquired IP address information and the WSD port number as the connection port information. In the present embodiment, the acquisition of IP address information using SNMP has been described, but another protocol such as WSD may be used. Also, although the WSD port is used as the connection port information, the print queue may be registered by specifying the LPR or Port9100 port instead.

[0041] Next, at S323, the information processing apparatus 101 uses the API of the OS to enumerate the registered print queues, performs a search based on the print queue information, and determines whether the registration of both the print queues registered at S310 and S314 was successful. Here, examples of the print queue information include IP address information and port numbers. In this embodiment, by enumerating the registered print queues and checking whether the specified print queue is registered among them, a determination of the success of registration of the print queue used at the time of wireless infrastructure connection and the print queue used at the time of wireless direct connection is made. In one example, for instance, a success / failure flag may be managed when each print queue is registered. Next, as a result of the determination process at S323, if it is determined that the registration of both the print queue used at the time of wireless infrastructure connection and the print queue used at the time of wireless direct connection was successful (Yes at S324), the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds with the process to S325. At S325, the information processing apparatus 101 performs a name change process that accepts the change of the names of the two registered print queues. If it is determined that the registration of both print queues was not successful (No at S324), the process shown in FIG. 3 is terminated.

[0042] FIG. 7 is an example of a screen for a user to arbitrarily specify the names of both the print queue used for wireless infrastructure connection and the print queue used for wireless direct connection on the user interface. In this embodiment, the user can input the name of the print queue used for wireless infrastructure connection in text field 701 and the name of the print queue used for wireless direct connection in text field 702, and the user input is accepted. Then, when the setting button 703 is selected, the information processing apparatus 101 renames the names of the print queue used for wireless infrastructure connection and the print queue used for wireless direct connection to the character strings specified in the text fields by the user. Note that, in this embodiment, although the description is given assuming that user input is accepted as an example in which the two registered print queues have names that can be identified by the user, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the information processing apparatus 101 may automatically change each print queue to a name that can be identified.

[0043] Next, the simultaneously operable devices in this embodiment will be described. When the image processing apparatus 103 is a simultaneously operable device, even if the image output apparatus 103 is already connected to the wireless infrastructure, the information processing apparatus 101 can find the SSID used for the wireless direct connection of the image output apparatus 103. When the image processing apparatus 103 is not a simultaneously operable device, in order for the information processing apparatus 101 to find the SSID used for the wireless direct connection of the image output apparatus 103, a user operation for enabling the wireless direct setting of the image output apparatus 103 is required. Examples of the necessary user operation include enabling the wireless direct connection mode by operating the panel on the image output apparatus 103.

[0044] Next, the wireless LAN profile information in this embodiment will be described. The OS in this embodiment enables the information processing apparatus 101 to save the wireless LAN profile information of a connected device when the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to another device via wireless LAN. Therefore, when the information processing apparatus 101 has once performed connection settings with another device, it can automatically connect as long as the SSID of the target device is found, unless the user actively deletes the saved wireless LAN profile information. That is, by performing settings for printing in a plurality of wireless communication methods during the setup process, it is no longer necessary to perform re-setup even when the wireless communication method is switched. For example, when the user takes the information processing apparatus 101 and the image output apparatus 103 to an environment without an AP, if the information processing apparatus 101 finds the SSID used for the wireless direct connection of the image output apparatus 103, it will automatically enter a state of wireless direct connection. And since both the print queues for wireless infrastructure connection and wireless direct connection have already been created during the setup process, it is also unnecessary to additionally register the print queue. The user can perform printing only by selecting the target print queue from among the distinguishable print queues, and it becomes possible to reduce the load for executing printing when the communication method is switched.

[0045] Next, the default queue in this embodiment will be described. The print queue registered in the information processing apparatus 101 is, in the initial settings of the OS, the one that was registered last and becomes the print queue that is selected by default by the OS. Therefore, in S304, from the two types of wireless infrastructure connection and wireless direct connection, the print queue used in the connection method arbitrarily selected by the user will be in a state of being selected by default after the connection settings. As a result, when performing printing using the image output apparatus 103 from the information processing apparatus 101, it is no longer necessary for the user to change the print queue that is selected by default, and the user load can be further reduced.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a print queue is arbitrarily selected from a user interface when actually printing in a case where a user makes settings for performing printing in advance according to the present embodiment. The print queue that is default-selected in the combo box 801 is the print queue used in the connection method arbitrarily selected by the user in S304. Also, the name of the print queue has been changed to a name that can be identified in S325. When changing the print queue, the user selects from the print queues listed in the combo box 801. At this time, among the listed print queues, in addition to the print queue that is default-selected, there is a print queue whose name has been changed to a name that can be identified in S325. After the user selects a print queue in the combo box 801, by selecting the print button 802, it becomes possible to output an image from the information processing apparatus 101 using the image output apparatus 103.

[0047] Also, for example, in FIG. 8, the name of each queue may be displayed together with an icon corresponding to the communication method for each queue. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the name "XXXX_Printer" is given for wireless infrastructure connection, and the name "YYYY_Printer" is given for wireless direct connection. In this case, the information processing apparatus 101 stores each queue in association with its communication method. Then, on the screen of FIG. 8, a first icon may be associated and displayed with "XXXX_Printer", and a second icon may be associated and displayed with "YYYY_Printer" on the screen of FIG. 8. Thereby, when the user selects a print queue, the user can intuitively grasp the communication method corresponding to the print queue. In one example, the first icon for wireless infrastructure connection may be an image indicating a stationary printer, and the second icon for wireless direct connection may be an image indicating a mobile printer.

[0048] When the user wirelessly connects the information processing device 101 and the image processing device 103 and makes settings for printing through the above processing, the user can perform a printing process from the image processing device 103 using the print queue selected by default. And when the information processing device 101 and the image processing device 103 are taken out to an environment without an AP, the information processing device 101 and the image processing device 103 are automatically wirelessly directly connected. Furthermore, a print queue available for wireless infrastructure connection and a print queue available for wireless direct connection have already been created. Therefore, after setup, the user only needs to select the print queue to be used for printing, and can perform image output from the information processing device 101 to the image processing device 103, and it is possible to reduce the user load associated with print preparation. As a result, the convenience when using an image output device with a plurality of communication methods can be improved.

[0049] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0050] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0051] 101: Information processing device, 102: Wireless LAN router, 103: Image output device

Claims

1. In a computer of an information processing apparatus that communicates with an image output apparatus, a reception step of receiving a predetermined user operation; a transmission step of transmitting, via communication between the image output apparatus and the information processing apparatus, information for connecting to an external access point to the image output apparatus; an execution step of executing both registration of a first print queue used at the time of printing using a first wireless connection via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus and registration of a second print queue used at the time of printing using a second wireless connection not via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, as processing based on the predetermined user operation; causing the above to be executed, wherein, after the first wireless connection is established by transmitting information of the external access point to the image output apparatus, registration of the first print queue is executed based on information received from the image output apparatus via the first wireless connection. A program characterized by this.

2. In a computer of an information processing apparatus that communicates with an image output apparatus, a reception step of receiving a predetermined user operation; a reception step of receiving, via communication between the image output apparatus and the information processing apparatus, information for connecting the image output apparatus without passing through an external access point from the image output apparatus; an execution step of executing both registration of a first print queue used at the time of printing using a first wireless connection via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus and registration of a second print queue used at the time of printing using a second wireless connection not via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, as processing based on the predetermined user operation; causing the above to be executed, wherein, after the second wireless connection is established by receiving information for connecting the image output apparatus without passing through an external access point from the image output apparatus, registration of the second print queue is executed based on information received from the image output apparatus via the second wireless connection. A program characterized by this.

3. In a computer of an information processing apparatus that communicates with an image output apparatus, a reception step of receiving a predetermined user operation; As a process based on the predetermined user operation, registration of a first print queue used at the time of printing using a first wireless connection via an external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, and registration of a second print queue used at the time of printing using a second wireless connection not via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, and an execution step of executing both; to cause to execute; Registration of the first print queue is executed by acquiring IP address information from the image output apparatus via the first wireless connection; Registration of the second print queue is executed by acquiring the IP address information from the image output apparatus via the second wireless connection; A program characterized by the above.

4. A reception step of receiving, from the image output apparatus, information for connecting without passing through the external access point via communication between the image output apparatus and the information processing apparatus; to further cause to execute; After the second wireless connection is established by receiving, from the image output apparatus, information for connecting without passing through the external access point, registration of the second print queue is executed based on the information received from the image output apparatus via the second wireless connection; The program according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The predetermined user operation is a first input corresponding to a wireless connection via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus, or a second input corresponding to a wireless connection not via the external access point between the information processing apparatus and the image output apparatus. When the first input is received, after registration of the second print queue is performed, registration of the first print queue is executed. When the second input is received, after registration of the first print queue is performed, registration of the second print queue is executed; When the first input is received, after registration of the second print queue is performed, registration of the first print queue is executed; When the second input is received, after registration of the first print queue is performed, registration of the second print queue is executed; The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. When the first input is received, after establishment of the second wireless connection and registration of the second print queue are performed, establishment of the first wireless connection and registration of the first print queue are performed; When the second input is received, after the establishment of the first wireless connection and the registration of the first print queue, the establishment of the second wireless connection and the registration of the second print queue are performed. The program according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. A transmission step of transmitting information for connecting to the external access point to the image output device via communication between the image output device and the information processing device; A receiving step of receiving, via communication between the image output device and the information processing device, information for connecting the image output device without passing through the external access point from the image output device; To further execute, The first wireless connection is established by transmitting the information of the external access point to the image output device, The second wireless connection is established by receiving, from the image output device, information for connecting without passing through the external access point between the image output device and the external access point. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. A receiving step of receiving a third input corresponding to executing both the registration of the first print queue and the registration of the second print queue when the first input is received, or a fourth input corresponding to executing the registration of the first print queue and not executing the registration of the second print queue; A receiving step of receiving the third input or a fifth input corresponding to executing the registration of the second print queue and not executing the registration of the first print queue when the second input is received; To further execute, When the third input is received, it is controlled so that both the registration of the first print queue and the registration of the second print queue are executed. When the fourth input is received, it is controlled so that the registration of the first print queue is executed but the registration of the second print queue is not executed. When the fifth input is received, it is controlled so that the registration of the second print queue is executed but the registration of the first print queue is not executed. The program according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that.

9. The registration of the first print queue is executed by acquiring IP address information from the image output device via the first wireless connection. The registration of the second print queue is executed by acquiring the IP address information from the image output device via the second wireless connection. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The registration of the first print queue and the registration of the second print queue are executed by specifying a port number and the IP address information using an API of the OS. The program according to claim 3 or 9, characterized in that.

11. When both the registration of the first print queue and the registration of the second print queue are executed, an operation of selecting any one of a plurality of print queues including the first print queue and the second print queue is received by the information processing device. Printing is executed using the selected print queue among the plurality of print queues. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that.

12. A transmission step of transmitting information for connecting to the external access point to the image output device via communication between the image output device and the information processing device; A receiving step of receiving information for connecting the image output device and the information processing device without passing through the external access point from the image output device via communication between the image output device and the information processing device; Further executed, After the first wireless connection is established by transmitting the information of the external access point to the image output device, the registration of the first print queue is executed based on the information received from the image output device via the first wireless connection. After the second wireless connection is established by receiving the information for connecting the image output device and the information processing device without passing through the external access point from the image output device, the registration of the second print queue is executed based on the information received from the image output device via the second wireless connection. The communication between the image output device and the information processing device is communication via a third wireless connection that is a connection without passing through the external access point between the information processing device and the image output device and is different from the second wireless connection. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that.

13. Communication between the image output device and the information processing device is communication by any one of Wi-Fi, Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Near Field Communication. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that.

14. When it is determined that the registration of the first and second print queues has been successful, a reception step of receiving a change in the names of the first and second print queues; The program according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is further caused to execute.

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