Communication device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus in which update processing can be properly executed.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus includes an operation unit, the communication apparatus including control means which controls the communication apparatus to operate in a restricted mode in which functions of the communication apparatus are restricted. The control means is configured to: control the communication apparatus to operate in one of modes including a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which restricted functions are fewer than those in the first restricted mode; start the communication apparatus in the first restricted mode when a first operation to start the first restricted mode is performed on the operation unit; and start the communication apparatus in the second restricted mode when a second operation to start the second restricted mode is performed, the second operation being different from the first operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Communication devices such as printers communicate with external devices such as PCs (personal computers) and servers to provide users with various services such as printing and scanning. These services are made possible by the communication devices complying with standards established by the IT vendors that provide the PCs and servers.

[0003] In a communication device such as a printer, if the communication device cannot be started normally due to a malfunction, the device may be started in a "restricted mode" in which some of its functions are restricted, allowing only specific functions to operate, or a program update process may be performed to resolve the malfunction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2017-194833 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, when a predetermined error occurs in an image forming device that communicates with an external device, the image forming device is restarted with the network port that communicates with the external device disabled. However, with the method in Patent Document 1, if a problem occurs in the image forming device due to a change in the operating specifications of an external device such as a PC or server, there is a possibility that the image forming device will become unusable.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to enable appropriate update processing in a communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control means for operating a communication device having an operation unit in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device. a communication means capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection; and an update means for executing a program update process via the communication means. the control means operates the communication device in any one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode, and when a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source for the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode, and when a second operation is performed, the second operation is different from the first operation, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source for the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode. The update means executes a first update process, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, based on the fact that the communication device has been operating in the first restriction mode, and executes a second update process, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process, based on the fact that the communication device has been operating in the second restriction mode. A communication device characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, appropriate update processing can be performed in a communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication device, an external device (server), and an access point. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when log information is transmitted between a communication device and an external device (server). [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when printing is performed between a communication device and an external device (server). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the communication device starts up in a normal mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the communication device starts up in a restricted mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for updating firmware when the communication device is operating in restricted mode. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a communication device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the communication device starts up in one of a plurality of restricted modes. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the communication device. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a firmware update operation screen displayed on the communication device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a case where a communication device executes a firmware update process according to a restriction level. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) The external device and communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example of the external device, but this is not limiting. For example, various information processing devices, such as a mobile terminal, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital camera, can be used as the external device. In this embodiment, a printer is used as an example of the communication device, but this is not limiting. Various devices capable of wireless communication with the external device can be used. For example, printers can be inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to information processing devices other than printers, such as copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and smart speakers. In addition, the present invention can be applied to multifunction peripherals, image processing devices, and printing devices that have multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0012] First, the configuration of an external device of this embodiment and a communication device capable of communicating with the external device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 1. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with the communication device, and the functions are not particularly limited to those shown in this diagram.

[0013] The external device 101 is an external device of this embodiment. The external device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, etc. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the external device 101.

[0014] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, or the like, or may be a soft keyboard or software buttons (soft buttons) displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may receive input (operations) from the user via the display unit 108.

[0015] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire external device 101 .

[0016] The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 controls software execution such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104. Note that firmware, which is a program to be updated in this embodiment, is stored in the ROM 104.

[0017] The RAM 105 is configured with an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power source. The RAM 105 retains data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so that important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the external device 101, management data for the external device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103.

[0018] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter, a setting application) for executing network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is an application program for configuring an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected using Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) or the like. The setting application may have functions other than the network setup function. For example, the setting application may have a function for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function for causing a document placed in the communication device 151 to be scanned, a function for checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server, for example, via Internet communication via the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission / reception control program, transmitted and received between the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110 and the communication device 151, as well as various information used by these programs.

[0019] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the external device 101 .

[0020] The display unit 108 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the external device 101.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point within the communication device 151, the external device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device located outside the external device 101 or the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) located outside the external device 101 and the communication device 151, and a device other than an access point that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. The above-mentioned WEC is performed through communication by the communication unit 110. The access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the external device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. A method in which the external device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected through an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0022] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 at a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0023] In this embodiment, the external device 101 executes the WEC using the OS of the external device 101 based on an instruction to execute a network setup process by the setting application.

[0024] The communication device 151 is a communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a scan engine 162, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, etc. The ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc. form a computer of the communication device 151.

[0025] The communication unit 156 has an access point as an access point inside the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the external device 101. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the external device 101. When the communication unit 156 enables the access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may wirelessly connect to the external device 101 directly or via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. If the communication device 151 supports WEC, the WEC described above is executed through communication by the communication unit 156. Furthermore, the communication unit 156 may be provided with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes it to function as an access point.

[0026] The communication device 151 of this embodiment is operable in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0027] The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices, such as the external device 101, via an external device (e.g., the access point 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, referred to as an infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in the infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 operates as a slave station, and the external access point operates as a master station. In this embodiment, the master station is a device that determines a communication channel to be used in the network to which the master station belongs, and the slave station is a device that does not determine a communication channel to be used in the network to which the slave station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0028] The P2P mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices, such as the external device 101, without going through an external device that forms a network. In this embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. The P2P mode may also include, for example, a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of multiple WFD-compatible devices operates as a master station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. The master station may also be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A WFD-compatible device that also serves as a master station is particularly referred to as a Group Owner. A direct connection with another device established by the communication device 151 operating in P2P mode is referred to as a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a master station, and the other devices operate as slave stations.

[0029] In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode, which is a mode for executing network setup of the communication device 151, by receiving a predetermined operation from a user. When operating in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates as a setup access point that is valid while operating in the network setup mode, by using the communication unit 156. The setup access point is an access point that is different from the access point that is valid in the AP mode described above. The SSID of the setup access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by a setting application of the external device 101. The setup access point is an access point that does not require a password for connection. The communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) to communicate with the external device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specific examples of the setup communication protocol include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). After starting operation in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in the network setup mode and disables the setup access point after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, as described above, the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password, and if it is enabled for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that an inappropriate device will request connection. Note that the setup access point may be an access point that requires a password. In this case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (that cannot be changed by the user) that is known in advance by the setting application.

[0030] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with a device such as the external device 101, and can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the external device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0031] The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the communication device 151, management data for the communication device 151, and the like. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the external device 101, etc., as well as various other information.

[0032] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 controls software execution such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0033] The CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151 .

[0034] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium based on information stored in the RAM 153 and a print job received from the external device 101 or the like, and outputs the print result. Generally, the amount of data in a print job transmitted from the external device 101 or the like is large, so a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for communicating the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0035] The scan engine 162 reads image data or document data from a document (original) or the like set using a platen or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) based on input from the operation unit 159 or a scan job received from the external device 101 or the like. The read data is stored in RAM 153 as the scan result or transmitted to the external device 101 or the like. Generally, the amount of data of the scan result transmitted from the communication device 151 to the external device 101 or the like is large, so a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for such communication. Therefore, the communication device 151 transmits the scan result via the communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0036] Note that the communication device 151 may be equipped with an optional memory such as an external HDD or SD card, and the information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0037] The input interface 158 is an interface for accepting data inputs and operational instructions from the user by operating an operation unit 159 such as physical buttons. The operation unit may be a soft keyboard, soft buttons, or the like displayed on the display unit 161. In other words, the input interface 158 may accept inputs from the user via the display unit 161. One embodiment of the operation unit 159 is shown in FIG. 9.

[0038] The output interface 160 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151 .

[0039] The display unit 161 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151.

[0040] 2 shows an example of communication when log information is transmitted between the communication device 151 and the external device 101. In this embodiment, the external device 101 operates as a server for collecting log information, and the communication device 151 transmits the user's usage status and the operation status of the communication device 151 as log information to the external device 101. The log information is stored in the RAM 153 of the communication device 151, and is used for analysis to improve the specifications of the communication device 151 by transmitting it to the external device 101 operating as a server that collects the log information.

[0041] In S200, the communication device 151 determines whether it is time to transmit log information. The timing for transmitting log information may be, for example, when the power of the communication device 151 is soft-on. Alternatively, for example, it may be when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last time log information was transmitted, or after the completion of a service operation such as printing. If the communication device 151 determines that it is time to transmit log information, it automatically transmits an authentication ID acquisition request to the external device 101 in S201, regardless of whether a user operation is performed. In this embodiment, the transmission of the authentication ID acquisition request is performed using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) communication, and the authentication ID refers to cookie information. The authentication ID is used, for example, to identify a unique communication device 151 in an environment where multiple communication devices 151 and external devices 101 are connected. Therefore, in S202, the external device 101 generates an authentication ID that is a unique value for each communication device 151. After generating the authentication ID, the external device 101 transmits the authentication ID to the communication device 151 in S203.

[0042] When the communication device 151 receives the authentication ID from the external device 101 in S203, it stores the authentication ID in the RAM 153. Then, the communication device 151 transmits log information to the external device 101 in S204. At this time, data in which the acquired authentication ID is added to the log information is transmitted to the external device 101. Then, if the external device 101 has successfully received the log information, it transmits information indicating that the log information has been successfully received to the communication device 151 in S205.

[0043] Using FIG. 3, a communication process when a print process is executed between the communication device 151 and the external device 101 will be described. In this embodiment, the external device 101 operates as a server capable of registering print jobs, and the communication device 151 can execute printing by receiving print jobs from the external device 101. Note that the registration of print jobs in the external device 101 is performed by a device (not shown, for example, a PC) different from the external device 101. The process of this flowchart starts when the communication device 151 is soft-on (powered on, power supplied). Note that in this embodiment, the timing for checking communication with the external device (the timing when this flowchart starts) is described as the timing when the communication device 151 is powered on, but this is not limited to this. For example, the timing may be when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the previous communication check, or after the operation of each service, such as printing, is completed.

[0044] In S301, the communication device 151 performs a communication confirmation process with the external device 101 as a preparation for checking whether a print job is registered in the external device 101. This communication confirmation process is a process in which the communication device 151 sends a request to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the external device 101 and checks whether a normal response is returned. The URL is a value defined by the external device 101. If the communication confirmation with the external device 101 is performed in S301 and communication is normal, the external device 101 sends a response to the communication device 151 in S302 indicating that communication is normal.

[0045] If the communication device 151 has successfully confirmed communication with the external device 101, then in S303 it checks with the external device 101 whether a print job has been registered. Here, the check on whether a print job has been registered may be executed automatically after confirmation of communication with the external device 101, or may be executed when triggered by some user operation. Then, if a print job has been registered in the external device 101, then in S304 the external device 101 transmits to the communication device 151 information indicating that a registered print job exists.

[0046] If the communication device 151 receives information indicating that a registered print job exists in S304, it transmits a request to send print data from the communication device 151 to the external device 101 in S305. The external device 101 then receives the request to send print data from the communication device 151, and if transmission is possible without any problems, it transmits information indicating that transmission is possible without any problems in S306. The external device 101 then transmits a print job to the communication device 151 in S307. The print job includes not only the data to be printed, but also print setting information such as paper information, quality, single-sided / double-sided, paper feed slot, etc. If the communication device 151 has successfully received the print job, it transmits information indicating that reception was successful to the external device 101 in S308, and executes print processing.

[0047] 2 and 3 are both executed based on a power-on operation of the communication device 151, but the process of the flowchart in Fig. 3 is executed after the process of the flowchart in Fig. 2. However, the order in which the processes of the flowcharts are executed does not matter.

[0048] Here, a case where a problem occurs in the communication device 151 will be described.

[0049] In FIG. 2, for example, when the external device 101 transmits an authentication ID to the communication device 151 in step S203, the communication device 151 may transmit an authentication ID that exceeds a specified size. The communication device 151 reserves an area in advance in RAM 153 that is equal to the specified upper limit size for the authentication ID in order to store the authentication ID. However, if an authentication ID that exceeds the specified size is transmitted from the external device 101, the authentication ID may be accidentally stored beyond the reserved area, resulting in memory corruption. If memory corruption occurs, the operation of the communication device 151 may become unstable (undefined), which may lead to a serious problem such as automatic shutdown of the communication device 151. In this embodiment, when a user soft-turns on the power of the communication device 151, the communication device 151 automatically starts acquiring the authentication ID. Therefore, if an authentication ID that exceeds the specified size is transmitted from the external device 101, there is a possibility that the communication device 151 may automatically shut down.

[0050] 3 , an example is given of a case in which a problem occurs when the communication device 151 and the external device 101 perform a communication check in steps S301 and S302. The communication device 151 transmits a request to a URL specified by the external device 101 in step S301. For example, if the request destination URL has changed due to a change in the operating specifications of the external device 101, the external device 101 transmits the new request destination URL to the communication device 151 in step S302. The communication device 151 reserves an area in RAM 153 in advance to store the received new request destination URL. However, if the transmitted new URL exceeds a specified size, memory corruption may occur if the communication device 151 stores the URL in RAM 153 beyond the previously reserved area size. Memory corruption may cause the operation of the communication device 151 to become unstable, potentially resulting in a serious problem such as the communication device 151 automatically shutting down. In this embodiment, when a user soft-switches on the power of the communication device 151, the communication device 151 automatically performs a communication check with the external device 101. Therefore, when a new request destination URL is received from the external device 101, there is a possibility that the communication device 151 will automatically shut down.

[0051] In this embodiment, even in cases where the above-described problems occur in communication device 151, the situation where the user is unable to use communication device 151 is mitigated by operating communication device 151 in a restricted mode in which some of the functions of communication device 151 are restricted. In other words, even in cases where the above-described problems occur, the situation where the user is unable to use communication device 151 is mitigated by operating communication device 151 in a restricted mode in which some of the functions of communication device 151 are available.

[0052] Furthermore, in communication device 151, if more restrictions are placed on functions that use network communication, the amount of information communicated over the network connection will decrease, increasing the likelihood that the firmware update process will be successful. On the other hand, fewer functions will be available. Also, if fewer restrictions are placed on functions that use network communication, more functions will be available. On the other hand, if more restrictions are placed on functions that use network communication, the amount of information communicated over the network connection will increase, increasing the likelihood that the firmware update process will fail.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, a communication device 151 having multiple restriction modes will be described. The first restriction mode restricts more functions than the second restriction mode described below, and the second restriction mode restricts fewer functions than the second restriction mode. Specifically, the first restriction mode restricts all network communications via a network connection with any server other than the external server on which the latest firmware is stored (having the latest firmware). The second restriction mode permits communication with not only the external server on which the latest firmware is stored but also a management server that manages firmware update information. More specifically, the first restriction mode allows firmware update processing to be performed without executing a process to check the version information of the current firmware (without communicating with the management server that manages firmware update information). The second restriction mode allows firmware update processing to be performed when the current version information does not satisfy (match) the latest version information. That is, the second restriction mode allows communication with the management server that manages firmware update information to be performed, and allows firmware update processing to be performed when the current version information does not satisfy (match) the latest version information. As a result, the first restricted mode reduces the amount of information communication over the network when performing the confirmation process to check the latest version information and the current version information, making it more likely that the firmware update process will be successful.In addition, the second restricted mode performs the process to check the current version information, making it possible to perform the firmware update process appropriately.

[0054] Furthermore, the user can switch between the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode. Specifically, whether to start the communication device 151 in the first restriction mode or the second restriction mode is determined based on the operation method for starting the communication device 151. Specifically, when a first operation for starting the first restriction mode is performed, the communication device 151 is started in the first restriction mode. When a second operation different from the first operation for starting the second restriction mode is performed, the communication device 151 is started in the second restriction mode. In other words, it is easy to select a firmware update process based on the first restriction mode (first update process) or a firmware update process based on the second restriction mode (second update process). This makes it easy to select a restriction mode and to select one of the firmware updates for the communication device 151 operating in one of the restriction modes, improving user convenience.

[0055] 4, an operation flow when the communication device 151 is started in the normal mode will be described. First, in S400, the operation of turning on the power of the communication device 151 by the user (power-on operation (soft-on operation)) is accepted. Then, in S401, the communication device 151 determines whether the operation of turning on the power of the communication device 151 by the user in S400 is an operation for starting up in the normal mode. Here, the normal mode is a mode in which all functions of the communication device 151 are available. Modes other than the normal mode include, for example, a restricted mode in which some functions of the communication device 151 are restricted, and an inspection mode used only at the production site of the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the restricted mode specifically refers to a mode in which all network communications with devices other than an external server on which the latest firmware is stored are restricted in the first restricted mode. However, the device may also be operated with functions other than the network communication function restricted. In addition, in the second restricted mode, communication with a management server that manages firmware update information is permitted in addition to the external server on which the latest firmware is stored. The restricted mode refers to a mode in which the communication device 151 operates with network communication restricted, but functions other than the network communication function may also be restricted. An operation for starting up in the normal mode is, for example, an operation in which the user presses a power button arranged on the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151. For example, the power button is the power button 902 for power control, which will be described later in FIG. 9. An operation for starting up in the restricted mode is a user operation different from that for starting up in the normal mode. For example, an operation for pressing a button other than the power button while the power button is pressed. For example, the button other than the power button is the HOME button 903 or the STOP button 907, which will be described later in FIG. 9. If the communication device 151 determines in S401 that the operation for turning on the power of the communication device 151 is not an operation for starting up in the normal mode, in S402 it performs a startup process dedicated to each mode.If the communication device 151 determines in S401 that the operation of turning on the power of the communication device 151 is an operation for starting up in normal mode, the communication device 151 starts startup processing in normal mode in S403. The startup processing in normal mode is processing necessary for the communication device 151 to operate normally, such as initialization processing of variables and areas in software control of the communication device 151, and initialization processing related to hardware such as the print engine 155 of the communication device 151.

[0056] Then, in S404, the communication device 151 starts its network communication processing based on the network settings set by the user. The network settings include, for example, a setting to enable whether to establish a wireless infrastructure connection with the access point 131, and a setting to enable whether to establish a P2P connection with the external device 101. Note that when establishing a wireless infrastructure connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131, the user needs to set the SSID and password of the access point 131 to be connected.

[0057] When the processing required to start up the communication device 151 is completed, in S405 the communication device 151 displays a menu screen (home screen) on the display unit 161, which enables the user to issue operational instructions to the communication device 151 via the operation unit 159. Specifically, a screen 1006 in FIG. 10(b) is displayed. Details of the menu screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0058] After displaying a menu screen on the display unit 161 in S405, it is determined in S406 whether the network settings allow communication with an external server, regardless of whether a user operation is performed. Note that the network settings allow communication with an external server refer to settings that allow an infrastructure connection to the access point 131. If it is determined in S406 that the network settings allow communication with the external server, then in S407 the communication device 151 communicates with the external server and ends the processing of this flowchart. In this embodiment, communication with the external server refers to communication with the external device 101 described in FIGS. 2 and 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that although S406 and S407 describe communication with an external server, this external server may also be communication with the external device 101 operating as a PC. On the other hand, if it is determined in S406 that the network settings do not allow communication with an external server, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0059] Next, an operation flow when communication device 151 is started up in restricted mode will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The processing of this flowchart corresponds to the processing of S402 in FIG. 4. In S500, communication device 151 performs a determination process to determine whether the user operation of turning on communication device 151 in S400 is an operation for starting up in restricted mode. The determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0060] In S501, the communication device 151 determines whether or not startup in the restricted mode has been instructed. If it is determined in S807 or S808 of Fig. 8 that startup will be in either the first restricted mode or the second restricted mode, then a determination of YES is made in S501. On the other hand, if a determination of NO is made in S803 of Fig. 8 or if a determination of NO is made in S806, then a determination of NO is made in S501. Specific processing in Fig. 8 will be described later.

[0061] In S502, the communication device 151 starts startup processing in a mode other than normal mode and restricted mode, and in S503 displays a menu screen on the display unit 161. For example, the mode other than normal mode and restricted mode is a test mode, and startup processing for the test mode is performed in S502, and a menu screen for the test is displayed on the display unit 161 in S503 (not shown). Then, if the communication device 151 determines in S501 that the user operation of turning on the power of the communication device 151 in S400 is an operation for starting up in restricted mode, then in S504 it performs startup processing to operate the communication device 151 in restricted mode. In this embodiment, the restricted mode operates with network communication restricted, but the startup processing in restricted mode in S504 is the same processing as the startup processing in normal mode in S403 of FIG. 4. However, for example, if the scanner function of the communication device 151 is restricted in restricted mode, the initialization process for the scan engine 162 does not need to be performed in the restricted mode startup process of S504, and therefore startup process different from the startup process in normal mode may be performed.

[0062] In S504, when the communication device 151 starts the startup process in the restricted mode, the communication device 151 saves the network settings of the communication device 151 set by the user in a non-volatile memory in S505. Here, the network settings refer to the enabled settings of the infrastructure connection and the enabled settings of the P2P connection.

[0063] Then, in S506, the communication device 151 automatically changes the above-mentioned network setting to a disabled setting in order to restrict network communication of the communication device 151. In this embodiment, since only the network setting is disabled in the restricted mode, communication with the external device 101 is possible by means other than network communication such as USB.

[0064] Because communication device 151 has automatically changed the network setting to disabled, in S507 a confirmation screen ( FIG. 7 ) is displayed on display unit 161 to ask the user whether or not communication device 151 should operate in restricted mode. This confirmation screen is displayed to reduce the risk of communication device 151 operating in restricted mode by mistake, even though the user intended communication device 151 to operate in normal mode. FIG. 7 shows a confirmation screen for asking the user whether or not to start communication device 151 with the network restricted when communication device 151 starts operating in restricted mode. Display screen 700 includes areas 701 and 702.

[0065] In S508, the communication device 151 determines whether the user has selected not to start the communication device 151 in a state where network communication is restricted. Specifically, if area 701 is selected, it is determined that the user has selected not to start the communication device 151 in a state where network communication is restricted, and the process proceeds to S510. On the other hand, if area 718 is pressed, the process proceeds to S509, and processing for turning off the power of the communication device 151 (soft power-off processing, shutdown processing) is performed.

[0066] In S510, if the determination process of S500 determines that the communication device 151 is set to start up in the first restricted mode, the communication device 151 displays a screen 1001 in Fig. 10(a), and if the determination process of S500 determines that the communication device 151 is set to start up in the second restricted mode, the communication device 151 displays a screen 1006 in Fig. 10(b). Details of the menu screen in Fig. 10 will be described later.

[0067] 6, an operation flow when a user performs a setting change operation or a firmware update operation while communication device 151 is operating in the restricted mode will be described. The processing of this flowchart is executed after communication device 151 starts operation in the restricted mode in S504 described in FIG. 5 and displays a menu screen on display unit 161 in S510. Specifically, in S510, communication device 151 is displaying the menu screen on display unit 161, and is therefore ready to receive an operation from the user. Then, in S601, communication device 151 starts the processing of this flowchart based on the user performing a predetermined operation via operation unit 159 of communication device 151 and receiving a predetermined operation instruction.

[0068] In S602, the communication device 151 determines whether the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation to turn off the power of the communication device 151 (power-off operation). If the communication device 151 determines that the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation to turn off the power of the communication device 151, in S603 it executes processing to turn off the power of the communication device 151. Then, the communication device 151 then ends operation in the restricted mode and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0069] In S604, the communication device 151 determines whether the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation for updating the firmware of the communication device 151. Details of the screen display for updating the firmware of the communication device 151 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. If it is determined that the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation for updating the firmware of the communication device 151, in S605 the communication device 151 transitions to a firmware update mode. This firmware update mode is a mode in which network communication is performed with an external server on which the latest firmware is stored in order to update the firmware of the communication device 151, and a printing operation using the print engine 155 is unavailable. Note that if the communication device 151 receives a firmware update instruction while operating in the normal mode or the second restricted mode of the restricted mode, the version information of the current firmware is compared with the version information of the firmware stored on the external server, and the communication device 151 transitions to the firmware update mode only if there is a difference between the version information. On the other hand, when the communication device 151 receives a firmware update instruction while operating in the first restricted mode among the restricted modes, the communication device 151 transitions to the firmware update mode without comparing the firmware versions.

[0070] However, when the communication device 151 transitions to the firmware update mode in S605, the network settings of the communication device 151, which had been operating in the restricted mode until immediately before, remain disabled, and therefore network communication is not possible. Therefore, in S606, the communication device 151 changes the network settings of the communication device 151 so that the communication device 151 operates using the previous network settings that were saved in the non-volatile memory in S505 of Fig. 5. Then, the communication device 151 performs network communication with an external server on which the latest firmware is stored, and updates the firmware of the communication device 151. Note that the firmware update method differs depending on the type of restricted mode, and will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.

[0071] In S607, the communication device 151 determines whether the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation for changing the network settings of the communication device 151. If it is determined in S601 that the predetermined operation received is not an operation for changing the network settings, in S608 the communication device 151 is caused to execute processing based on the predetermined operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation for changing the network settings, in S609 a screen indicating that the setting change cannot be implemented because network use is restricted is displayed on the display unit 161. Details of this screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0072] Next, an operational flow when the communication device 151 determines whether an operation is performed to start up in the restricted mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The processing in this flowchart corresponds to the processing in S501 in Fig. 5.

[0073] First, in S801, the communication device 151 determines whether the power button has been pressed. If the determination in S801 is YES, the process proceeds to S802, and if the determination is NO, the process of S801 is repeated. Note that the power button is a power button 902 for power control, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0074] In S802, the communication device 151 determines whether the power button 902 has been released (the user has stopped pressing the power button). If the determination in S802 is YES, the process proceeds to S803, and if the determination is NO, the process of S802 is repeated.

[0075] In S803, the communication device 151 determines whether at least one of the buttons other than the power button (in this embodiment, the HOME button 903 and the STOP button 907) has been operated. If the determination in S803 is YES, the process proceeds to S805, and if the determination is NO, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0076] In S805, it is determined whether an operation of pattern 1 has been performed. Here, the operation of pattern 1 means, for example, an operation on the HOME button 903. Therefore, it is determined that an operation of pattern 1 has been performed when only the HOME button 903 has been operated. If the determination in S805 is YES, the process proceeds to S807, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S806.

[0077] In S807, the communication device 151 sets (decides) to start up in the first restricted mode, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0078] In S806, the communication device 151 determines whether an operation of pattern 2 has been performed. Here, the operation of pattern 2 is, for example, an operation of pressing both the HOME button 903 and the STOP button 907. Therefore, if it is determined that an operation of simultaneously pressing both the HOME button 903 and the STOP button 907 has been performed, it is determined that an operation of pattern 2 has been performed. If it is determined in S806 that an operation of pattern 2 has been performed, the process proceeds to S808, and if it is determined that an operation of pattern 2 has not been performed, the process proceeds to S804.

[0079] In S808, the communication device 151 sets to start up in the second restricted mode, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the power button, the HOME button, and the STOP button have been described as examples of buttons used in the operation to activate the restricted mode, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the buttons 902-907 shown in FIG. 9 (described later) or another button may be operated. Furthermore, the operation to activate the first restricted mode and the operation to activate the second restricted mode may be different operations on the same button. For example, the operation to activate the first restricted mode may be an operation to select the HOME button 903 once, and the operation to activate the second restricted mode may be an operation to select the HOME button 903 twice. Furthermore, the operation to activate the restricted mode may be accepted not only by a physical button but also by using touch information such as touching a specific area on the touch panel of the display unit 161. In other words, the operation to activate the first restricted mode and the operation to activate the second restricted mode may each be an operation on a specific soft button. Furthermore, one of the operations to activate the first restricted mode and the second restricted mode may be an operation on a hardware button and the other on a soft button.

[0081] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the operation unit 159 connected to the communication device 151. The liquid crystal display unit 901 is an LCD panel that displays the status of the communication device 151 and the details of operations. The screens shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 901. Buttons 902-907 are hardware buttons (hardware keys) mounted on the communication device 151. Note that the buttons 902-907 may also be software buttons (soft keys) displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 901. Button 902 is a power button that can turn the power on and off, and button 903 is a home button that can clear all operations and display the initial screen (menu screen, home screen). Button 904 is a back button that can return to the screen that was displayed immediately before the currently displayed screen, button 905 is a start button for a monochrome job, and button 906 is a start button for a color job. When a job such as copying or scanning is executed, pressing button 905 executes the job in monochrome, and pressing button 906 executes the job in color. The button 907 is a STOP button, which is used to stop the processing that the communication device 151 is running.

[0082] 11 is a flowchart for executing firmware update processing corresponding to the first restriction mode based on a selection operation (firmware update operation) of "Start Update" on a screen 1004 in FIG. 10(a) described later. Alternatively, it is a flowchart for executing firmware update processing corresponding to the second restriction mode based on a selection operation (firmware update operation) of "Start Update" on a screen 1013 in FIG. 10(b). The processing of this flowchart corresponds to the processing of S606 in FIG. 6.

[0083] In S1101, the communication device 151 determines whether the restriction mode ended in S605 of FIG. 6 is the first restriction mode. The restriction mode is the first or second restriction mode set in S807 or S808 of FIG. 8 described above. If the restriction mode is determined to be the first restriction mode, in S1102, the communication device 151 executes firmware update processing of restriction level 1. The firmware update processing of restriction level 1 is specifically the processing executed in the flow of screens 1000 to 1004 in FIG. 10(a). Details will be described later in FIG. 10(a). If the restriction mode is determined to be the second restriction mode, in S1103, the communication device 151 executes firmware update processing of restriction level 2. The firmware update processing of restriction level 2 is specifically the processing executed in the flow of screens 1006 to 1014 in FIG. 10(b). Details will be described later in FIG. 10(b).

[0084] 10, a screen displayed on the display unit 161 of the communication device 151 will be described. In this embodiment, the display unit 161 is assumed to be a touch panel.

[0085] FIG. 10(a) shows a screen flow displayed when the communication device 151 is started up in the first restriction mode (when the communication device 151 was operating in the first restriction mode before the firmware update), and illustrates a firmware update flow for a high restriction level. In this embodiment, this flow is displayed when the communication device 151 is started up with the network setting disabled. Specifically, this flow shows a flow when all network communications with the communication unit 156 of the communication device 151 are restricted except for the external server containing the latest firmware. This flow restricts all communications except those required for the firmware update operation, thereby limiting network communications to the minimum necessary. This makes it possible to avoid network communication problems and perform firmware updates. Note that FIG. 10(a) may also be a screen flow displayed when login is successful through login authentication processing based on user information after the communication device 151 is started up in the first restriction mode. In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 is started up in the normal mode in FIG. 4, the display screen 1006 is displayed in S405.

[0086] Display screen 1000 displays an area showing a scan application, an area showing a maintenance application, and an area showing a setting application. Note that the areas displayed on display screen 1000 are not limited to these, and may be areas showing other functions or applications. When the area showing the setting application is selected, communication device 151 displays display screen 1001. Display screen 1001 includes at least a LAN setting area where network settings of communication device 151 can be changed, and an area for performing firmware update ("Firmware Update" area). Here, when the area for performing firmware update is selected, communication device 151 displays display screen 1002. Display screen 1002 includes areas 10021, 10022, and 10023. Area 10021 displays a message indicating that a firmware update of communication device 151 will be performed. When area 10021 is selected, communication device 151 forcibly transitions to firmware update mode without comparing the firmware versions of communication device 151 and the external server. Area 10022 is an area where settings related to a proxy server can be configured when the communication device 151 updates firmware. When area 10022 is selected, if the communication device 151 is operating in normal mode, the screen transitions to a proxy server setting screen. However, if the communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, display screen 1017 of FIG. 10(d) is displayed, indicating that settings cannot be changed. Area 10023 is an area where settings related to a DNS server can be configured when the communication device 151 updates firmware. When area 10023 is pressed, if the communication device 151 is operating in normal mode, the screen transitions to a DNS server setting screen. However, if the communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, display screen 1017 of FIG. 10(d) is displayed, indicating that settings cannot be changed. When area 10021 is selected, the communication device 151 displays display screen 1003. Then, when communication device 151 receives an instruction to perform a firmware update (an instruction to select the "Yes" area) on display screen 1003, it displays display screen 1004 including an area for starting the firmware update.If the "No" area is selected on display screen 1003, the display returns to screen 1002. If the area for starting the firmware update is selected on display screen 1004, communication device 151 is restarted to execute the firmware update. Display screen 1004 includes information related to the firmware update (e.g., information such as precautions regarding the firmware update). In this embodiment, 1005 is not an actual screen that is displayed but is described for the sake of explanation, but a screen including information such as 1005 to prompt the user to restart communication device 151 may be displayed.

[0087] FIG. 10(b) shows a screen flow displayed when the communication device 151 is started up in the second restriction mode (when the device was operating in the second restriction mode before the firmware update), and is an operation flow when the restriction level is lower than that of the first restriction mode. In this embodiment, this restriction mode permits communication with an external server that stores the latest firmware (holds the latest firmware information) as shown in FIG. 10(a), as well as communication with a management server that manages firmware update information. Note that FIG. 10(b) may also be a screen displayed when login is successful through login authentication processing based on user information after the communication device 151 is started up in the second restriction mode. Display screens 1006 to 1008 and 1012 to 1013 are similar to display screens 1000 to 1002 and 1003 to 1004, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0088] When area 10021 is selected on display screen 1008, communication device 151 starts communication with the external server where the firmware is stored. Furthermore, communication device 151 displays screen 1009 including information indicating that communication with the external server is in progress. Then, communication device 151 compares the firmware version of communication device 151 with the latest firmware version of the external server, and if they differ (there is a discrepancy), communication device 151 transitions to firmware update mode. Specifically, display screen 1011 including information indicating that the latest firmware information is available is displayed, and when selection of the "Next" area is accepted, display screen 1012 is displayed.

[0089] On the other hand, when the comparison of the firmware versions of communication device 151 and the external server reveals that they are the same version, display screen 1010 is displayed. Specifically, display screen 1010 is displayed including information indicating that the current firmware version information of communication device 151 satisfies (matches) the latest firmware information of the external server and therefore firmware update is not necessary. When the "OK" area is selected on display screen 1010, the display returns to display screen 1008.

[0090] Here, when the LAN setting area is selected on the display screen 1001, the screen transitions to a screen on which settings related to wireless connections, such as enabling / disabling a wireless infrastructure connection and enabling / disabling a communication protocol used for network communication, can be changed. However, the above-mentioned setting changes are possible only when the communication device 151 is operating in normal mode. When the LAN setting area is selected while the communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, the display screen 1017 of FIG. 10(d) is displayed. Information indicating that operations related to network communication are restricted and therefore changes to the settings related to network communication are not possible is displayed on the display screen 1017. If a predetermined time has elapsed while the display screen 1017 is displayed, the display screen 1016 of FIG. 10(c) is displayed again.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, even if a problem such as that described in FIGS. 2 and 3 occurs in the communication device 151, the communication device 151 operates in the restricted mode in which some of the functions are restricted, as described in FIGS. 5 and 6. This can mitigate situations in which the user is unable to use the communication device 151 at all. Even if the problem described above is a firmware problem in the communication device 151, by storing previous network settings in a nonvolatile memory as described in FIG. 6, firmware updates can be performed using network communication with an external server even after transitioning to the firmware update mode. Furthermore, the communication device 151 has multiple restricted modes (first restricted mode and second restricted mode), and the control of the firmware update process in the first restricted mode is different from the control of the firmware update process in the second restricted mode. This can gradually improve the success rate of the firmware update process. Specifically, in the first restricted mode, the communication process for comparing the current firmware version information with the latest firmware version information, which is included in the firmware update process in the second restricted mode, is omitted. By omitting this communication process, it is possible to avoid problems that may occur during communication processes, such as an inability to acquire or display firmware information, and thus increase the success rate of the firmware update process. In the second restriction mode, a communication process is executed to compare the current firmware version information with the latest firmware version information, thereby reducing the risk of executing a firmware update process with incorrect version information. The differences between the firmware update processes in the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode are as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b). Which firmware update process is executed is switched by a predetermined operation corresponding to a startup instruction from the user to the communication device 151 received at startup. This makes it easy for the user to select either the firmware update process in the first restriction mode or the firmware update process in the second restriction mode.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, there are two types of restriction modes: a first restriction mode and a second restriction mode. However, if two types of restriction modes are not enough, it is possible to increase the number of restriction modes. Increasing the number of restriction modes in FIG. 11 and increasing the restriction levels to be determined in the same way as in S805 and S806 in FIG. 8, and setting the restriction modes makes it possible to increase the number of types of restriction modes. Therefore, although there are two types of restriction modes in this embodiment, the number of restriction modes is not limited to this.

[0093] In this embodiment, while the communication device 151 is operating in the restricted mode, the settings of the wireless infrastructure connection and the wireless P2P connection are disabled, and communication with the external device 101 using USB is enabled; however, USB communication may also be disabled. Alternatively, the communication device 151 may operate in a state where only the infrastructure connection is disabled, while the wireless P2P connection and the USB connection are enabled. In this embodiment, when network communication is disabled and USB communication is enabled, it is possible to change the settings of the communication device 151 from the external device 101 using USB communication. At this time, settings other than the network settings can be changed, but the network settings cannot be changed. Examples of settings other than the network settings include the resolution setting, paper feed slot setting, and power saving setting when the communication device 151 performs printing.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination of whether to activate the normal mode or the restricted mode is based on a user operation. However, the predetermined user operation for activating the normal mode and the predetermined user operation for activating the restricted mode may be the same operation. In this case, the determination of whether to activate the normal mode or the restricted mode may be based on error information, such as whether a problem occurred in the communication device 151 and caused it to shut down immediately before. That is, if error information is present, the device may be activated in the restricted mode, and if no error information is present, the device may be activated in the normal mode. Furthermore, the predetermined user operation for activating the normal mode or the restricted mode may be arbitrarily set by the user. Specifically, for example, in the normal mode, the predetermined operation for activating the first restricted mode and the predetermined operation for activating the second restricted mode may be set on the display unit 161.

[0095] Furthermore, the firmware update process in the above-described embodiment has been described as a process for updating firmware, but is not limited to this and may be a process for updating at least one program in the communication device 151. For example, the above-described embodiment may also be applied to a process for updating software such as an OS, a processor, or an application program.

[0096] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processes by software; some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processes by a single CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0097] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where the OS running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0098] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program.

[0099] (Configuration 1) A communication device having an operation unit, control means for operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device; Equipped with the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode; A communication device characterized in that when a first operation is performed on the operation unit to activate the first restricted mode, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation is performed to activate the second restricted mode, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode.

[0100] (Configuration 2) 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first operation and the second operation are operations on hardware keys provided on the operation unit.

[0101] (Configuration 3) a communication means capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection; and an update unit that executes a program update process using the communication unit. The communication device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restricted mode, a first update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restricted mode, and, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restricted mode, a second update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restricted mode and is different from the first update process.

[0102] (Configuration 4) The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when an instruction to execute the second update process is received, the communication device notifies information indicating whether a program update process is necessary, and, when an instruction to execute the first update process is received, the communication device displays a screen to select whether to execute the program update process.

[0103] (Configuration 5) The communication device described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that when an instruction to execute the second update process is received, a confirmation process is executed to confirm information regarding the program on the server which is the external device and information regarding the program of the communication device, and the confirmation process is not executed in the first update process.

[0104] (Configuration 6) The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the communication device determines whether to execute the update process based on version information of the program on the server and version information of the program on the communication device confirmed in the confirmation process.

[0105] (Configuration 7) The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, in the confirmation process, if the version information of the program on the server matches the version information of the program on the communication device, the update process is not executed, and if the version information of the program on the server does not match the version information of the program on the communication device, the update process is executed.

[0106] (Configuration 8) The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the second update process is greater than the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the first update process.

[0107] (Configuration 9) 9. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the first update process involves a smaller amount of information communication over a network connection with the external device than the second update process.

[0108] (Configuration 10) 10. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the number of servers connectable in the second update process is greater than the number of servers connectable in the first update process.

[0109] (Configuration 11) The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that in the first update process, the device is capable of connecting to a server that has the latest program, and in the second update process, the device is capable of connecting to the server that has the latest program and a server that manages information about the program of the communication device.

[0110] (Method 1) A control method for a communication device having an operation unit, a control step of operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device; and the control step operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode; A control method characterized in that, when a first operation for activating the first restriction mode is performed on the operation unit, the communication device starts up in the first restriction mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation for activating the second restriction mode is performed, the communication device starts up in the second restriction mode.

[0111] (Program 1) A program for a communication device having an operation unit, a control step of operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device; causing a computer of the communication device to execute the the control step operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode; A program characterized in that, when a first operation for activating the first restriction mode is performed on the operation unit, the communication device starts up in the first restriction mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation for activating the second restriction mode is performed, the communication device starts up in the second restriction mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 101 External device 151 Communication equipment 159 Operation section 161 Display section

Claims

1. A communication device having an operation unit, control means for operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device; a communication means capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection; an update unit that executes a program update process using the communication unit; Equipped with the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode; When a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode; The update means executes a first update process, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restriction mode, and executes a second update process, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restriction mode.

2. The first operation and the second operation are performed on a hardware key provided on the operation unit.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the operation is to press the hardware key different from the power button while the power button is pressed.

3. When the instruction to execute the second update process is received, the communication device executes the program. Notifying information indicating whether update processing is necessary and receiving an instruction to execute the first update processing. When the user selects the update program, the user can select whether to update the program in the communication device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device displays a screen showing the information.

4. When the instruction to execute the second update process is received, the program on the server that is the external device is executed. and a verification process for verifying information about the program and information about the program of the communication device.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation process is not executed in the first update process.

5. The version information of the program on the server confirmed in the confirmation process and the communication Determine whether to perform the update process based on the version information of the program in the device.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein:

6. In the confirmation process, the version information of the program on the server and the version information of the communication device If the version information of the program matches, the update process is not executed, and The version information of the program does not match the version information of the program of the communication device.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the update process is executed when the update is completed.

7. The number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the first update process is greater than the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the first update process. The number of screens displayed on the display unit in the second update process is larger than the number of screens displayed on the display unit. The communication device according to claim 1 .

8. The first update process is performed in a manner that the network connection with the external device is faster than the second update process.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of information communication on the connection is small.

9. The number of servers that can be connected in the second update process is greater than the number of servers that can be connected in the first update process.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the number of servers that can be connected to the communication device is greater than the number of servers that can be connected to the communication device.

10. In the first update process, it is possible to connect to a server that has the latest program. In the second update process, the server that has the latest program and the communication A claim characterized in that it can be connected to a server that manages information about the device's programs. Item 10. The communication device according to item 9.

11. A control method for a communication device having an operation unit, a control step in which a control means of the communication device operates the communication device in a restricted mode in which execution of functions of the communication device is restricted; a communication step capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection; an updating step of executing a program update process in the communication step; and In the control step, the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode; When a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode; A control method characterized in that, in the update step, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restriction mode, a first update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, and based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restriction mode, a second update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process.

12. A program for a communication device having an operation unit, a control step of operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device; a communication step capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection; an updating step of executing a program update process in the communication step; causing a computer of the communication device to execute the In the control step, the communication device is operated in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode; When a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode; A program characterized in that, in the update step, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restriction mode, a first update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, and based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restriction mode, a second update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process.

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