Image processing apparatus, method for controlling an image processing apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem in which conventional communication devices do not stop operation of direct wireless communication mode until users press the "stop button" even when it can be determined that the users have finished using the direct wireless communication mode.SOLUTION: A communication device stops operation of direct wireless communication mode when it can be determined that a user has finished using direct wireless communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a method for controlling an image processing apparatus. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-023440 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, no consideration has been given to the connection information to be used when a communication device resumes operation in the direct wireless communication mode. It is preferable that the connection information to be used be managed with consideration given to usability and security. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for changing the connection information to be used according to settings when operation in the wireless communication mode is resumed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image processing device provided by the present invention is an image processing device that behaves as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function that performs direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and printing it, and has a setting means for making settings related to an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​used to execute the direct wireless communication function, a providing means for providing a setting screen that accepts the settings, and an execution means for executing the direct wireless communication function based on the settings, and the settings are stored SSIDs for repeated use, and include a first setting that executes the direct wireless communication function with an SSID entered by a user in an input field provided on the setting screen, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication with an SSID that includes a randomly generated character string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched by a user with administrator authority.

[0007] In addition, the control method of an image processing device provided by the present invention is a control method executed by an image processing device that behaves as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function that performs direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and printing, and includes a setting step of making settings related to an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​to be used for executing the direct wireless communication function, a providing step of providing a setting screen that accepts the settings, and an execution step of executing the direct wireless communication function based on the settings, wherein the settings are stored SSIDs for repeated use and include a first setting that executes the direct wireless communication function with an SSID entered by a user in an input field provided on the setting screen, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication with an SSID that includes a randomly generated character string, and wherein the first setting and the second setting can be switched by a user with administrator authority. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention, when the device resumes operation in the direct wireless communication mode, the connection information used can be changed depending on the settings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing device 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing screens displayed by the printing device 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 illustrates a user management table. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates a wireless connection screen. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a process related to user authentication. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the operation in the access point mode. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the operation in the access point mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0024] 3A is a screen displayed by the operation unit 208 of the printing device 100. When the start-up of the printing device 100 is completed, the operation unit 208 initially displays the login screen 300. The user holds his / her own IC card over the IC card reader 209.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0037] After checking the contents displayed in the area 511, the user searches for nearby access points using his / her mobile terminal 101 and selects an access point with the SSID displayed in the area 511 from the search result list. Then, the user inputs the connection key displayed in the area 511 into the mobile terminal 101, and a wireless connection based on the access point mode is established between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101. After wirelessly connecting the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100 using the access point mode, the user selects a photo to be printed on the mobile terminal 101. Then, when the user inputs a print instruction into the mobile terminal 101, the mobile terminal 101 transmits print data for printing the photo selected by the user to the printing device 100 using wireless communication in the access point mode. The printing device 100 that receives the print data executes a print process on a sheet based on the received print data.

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

[0039] Furthermore, a stop button 512 is displayed on the wireless connection screen 510. The stop button 512 accepts a stop instruction from the user to stop operation in the access point mode. When the user wishes to stop operation in the access point mode of the printing device 100, the user presses the stop button 512. When the user presses the stop button 512, the printing device 100 stops operation in the access point mode. Also, when the user logs out from the printing device 100, the printing device 100 stops operation in the access point mode.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052] Also, if the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in access point mode, is 1, then step S710 is determined to be Yes, and wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in the access point mode. If the value of variable N is 1, then it can be determined that there is a high possibility that only the logged-in user is using the access point mode, and that other users are not using the access point mode. Therefore, if the value of variable N is 1, wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

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

[0054] Next, step S711 will be described. In step S711, CPU 201 determines whether or not the user has pressed stop button 512. If CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed stop button 512, the process proceeds to step S712. Then, in step S712, CPU 201 controls wireless LAN I / F 205 to stop the operation in the access point mode, and wireless LAN I / F 205 stops the operation in the access point mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S711 that the user has not pressed stop button 512, the process returns to step 704.

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

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

[0057] Printing device 100 sets either a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID as the SSID to be used in access point mode using setting screen 320. In this embodiment, the maximum number of simultaneous connections when using a fixed SSID is multiple (e.g., 5 devices), and the maximum number of simultaneous connections when using a one-time SSID is 1. When set to use a one-time SSID, wireless LAN I / F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out. On the other hand, when set to use a fixed SSID, wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode even if the user logs out.

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

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

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

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

[0062] Also, if the setting for the access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the result in step S802 is determined to be No, and the wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop the operation in the access point mode. If the setting for the access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the maximum number of simultaneous wireless connections in the access point mode is multiple (e.g., 5). The fact that the maximum number of simultaneous connections is multiple means that multiple users are expected to use the access point mode at their own desired timing, so it is preferable not to stop the operation in the access point mode. Therefore, if the setting is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the wireless LAN I / F 205 does not stop the operation in the access point mode even if a user logs in from the printing device 100, and continues the operation in the access point mode.

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

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

[0065] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of each of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Also, the present invention can be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for realizing one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. An image processing device that acts as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function for performing direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and performing printing, A setting unit for setting an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​used for executing the direct wireless communication function; providing means for providing a setting screen for accepting the setting; and an execution means for executing a direct wireless communication function based on the setting, The image processing device is characterized in that the settings are stored SSIDs for repeated use, and include a first setting that executes a direct wireless communication function using an SSID entered by a user in an input field provided on the settings screen, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication using an SSID that includes a randomly generated character string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched between by a user with administrator authority.

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting screen is provided to a user having administrator authority.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying a confirmation screen including a display item indicating an SSID used for the direct wireless communication function based on the setting.

4. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the confirmation screen displayed by said display means can be displayed even to a user who does not have administrator authority.

5. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a display item indicating a passkey used for a direct wireless communication function is displayed on the confirmation screen displayed on the display means.

6. The image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the setting screen is displayed after a function relating to the setting of the direct wireless communication is selected, unlike a function that displays a screen for starting the direct wireless communication from a screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions including a copy function possessed by the image processing device.

7. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first setting and the second setting are alternatively selectable on the setting screen.

8. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting screen is an independent screen for performing only the setting.

9. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting screen displays a message indicating that the setting screen is for making settings related to an SSID.

10. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when the image processing device stops a direct wireless communication function and then newly executes a direct wireless communication function, the execution means executes the direct wireless communication function using the same first SSID based on the first setting as when the direct wireless communication function was executed before the stop, and executes the direct wireless communication function using a new second SSID based on the second setting.

11. The image processing device according to claim 10 , wherein the stopping of the direct wireless communication function means that the image processing device stops operating as an access point.

12. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the new second SSID is an SSID that is newly generated when a direct wireless communication function is newly executed.

13. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first SSID is an SSID set by a user via an input screen.

14. 14. The image processing device according to claim 10, wherein the execution unit executes a direct wireless communication function by using the first SSID stored in the image processing device.

15. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the setting means is capable of setting either the first setting in which the execution means executes the direct wireless communication function using the same SSID as when the direct wireless communication function was last executed, or the second setting in which the execution means executes the direct wireless communication function using a new SSID.

16. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first setting is a setting to execute a direct wireless communication function using the same SSID every time the image processing device operates as an access point, and the second setting is a setting to execute a direct wireless communication function using a new SSID every time the image processing device operates as an access point.

17. An image processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the execution means starts execution of the direct wireless communication function based on instructions from a user logged in to the image processing device, and the execution means stops execution of the started direct wireless communication function on at least one condition that the user logs out of the image processing device.

18. 18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the logout of the user who is logged in to the image processing apparatus is executed when no user operation is performed on the image processing apparatus for a predetermined period of time.

19. 19. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device is configured to be capable of receiving print data from a communication terminal using the direct wireless communication and printing the data, regardless of the setting made by the setting means.

20. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an instruction to execute the direct wireless communication function using the SSID based on the setting can be accepted even from a user who does not have administrator authority.

21. A control method executed by an image processing device that acts as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function for performing direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and performing printing, the method comprising: A setting process for setting an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​used for executing the direct wireless communication function; a provision step of providing a setting screen for accepting the setting; and executing a direct wireless communication function based on the configuration, The setting is a stored SSID for repeated use, and includes a first setting that executes a direct wireless communication function with an SSID entered by a user in an input field provided on the setting screen, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication with an SSID including a randomly generated character string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched between by a user with administrator authority.

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