Printing apparatus, control method, program and storage medium

Abstract

To more appropriately display a screen for accepting a user operation for selecting a frequency band to be used in direct wireless communication.SOLUTION: A printing device includes display control means for controlling a display unit to display a screen that accepts user operation for selecting a frequency band to be used in direct wireless communication, and includes a first option corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a second option corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band, which are associated with a display element indicating the IEEE802.11n communication standard and a display element indicating the IEEE802.11b communication standard, and communication control means for controlling the printing device to operate as an access point using the 2.4 GHz frequency band when the first option is selected, and as an access point using the 5 GHz frequency band when the second option is selected, on the basis of the user operation accepted via the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in addition to 802.11a / b / g / n as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, faster 802.11ac has been defined. 802.11ac / a uses a 5 GHz frequency band. On the other hand, 802.11b / g uses a 2.4 GHz frequency band for use. Also, 802.11n supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz but generally the 2.4 GHz frequency band is used. In general mobile terminals, all of these wireless LAN standards are supported. There are also terminals that can set the operating frequency band. There are also MFPs (multifunction peripherals) that support both 802.11ac and 802.11n and operate as access points. Also, a method of starting access points in a plurality of modes is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if the access point activation instruction and the operating frequency instruction are given on separate screens, there are many screen transitions and complicated operations are required, which is a burden on the user. ​

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to more favorably display a screen that accepts user input for selecting a frequency band to be used in direct wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a wireless communication function that operates as an access point that performs wireless communication directly without going through an external terminal and an external access point, comprising: a display unit; a screen that accepts user operations for selecting a frequency band to be used for the direct wireless communication, and includes a first option corresponding to a 2.4GHz frequency band and a second option corresponding to a 5GHz frequency band, associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE802.11n and a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE802.11b, respectively; and a communication control means that controls the display unit to display a screen that accepts user operations for selecting a frequency band to be used for the direct wireless communication, and includes a first option corresponding to a 2.4GHz frequency band and a second option corresponding to a 5GHz frequency band, respectively. Furthermore, the first option is an operation target associated with multiple display elements, each representing a different communication standard. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a screen that accepts user input for selecting a frequency band to be used for direct wireless communication can be more preferably displayed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of an MFP hardware configuration. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the software configuration for an MFP (Multi-Function File Processor). [Figure 4] This is a user interface transition diagram for the wireless function settings screen. [Figure 5]It is a transition diagram of the user interface for controlling the wireless function of the MFP. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart up to the screen display of the MFP. [Figure 7] It is a transition diagram of the user interface for controlling the wireless function of the MFP. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart up to the screen display of the MFP.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiment are necessarily essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 130 includes a mobile terminal 100, an MFP 110, and an access point 120. The access point 120 is connected to the backbone network of the user environment. The MFP 110 is an image forming apparatus and can connect the mobile terminal 100 to the access point 1 20. The mobile terminal 100 wirelessly connects to the MFP 110 as an access point.

[0011] Although there is only one access point 120 in FIG. 1, in an actual user environment, there are often multiple access points permanently installed. Also, the MFP 110 is an information processing device and may be a personal computer, a mobile terminal, or the like.

[0012] Note that the wireless LAN mode is an access point connected to the user's backbone network. This is a mode in which the MFP 110 is connected as a to-be infrastructure mode, and the wired LAN is also a mode in which it is connected to the backbone network in a wired manner. Also, the wireless soft AP (access point) mode is a part of the wireless ad hoc mode, and the MFP 110 functions as a pseudo access point to connect the mobile terminal 100 to the MFP 110 in this mode.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 110. The large-scale storage device 211 is , for example, a hard disk or the like. The CPU 202 executes software (program) stored in the ROM 203 or the large-scale storage device 2 11. Also, the CPU 202 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 201.

[0014] The RAM 204 functions as the main memory and work area of the CPU 202, etc. The external input force controller (PANELC) 206 controls the instruction input from various buttons or the touch panel (PANEL) 207, etc. provided in the MFP 110. The display controller (DISPC) 208 controls the display of the display module (D [[ID=�]]ISPLAY) which is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The disk controller 210 controls the large-scale storage device 211. The large-scale storage device 211 is also used as a temporary storage location for images.

[0015] The network interface card (NIC) 205 transmits and receives data bidirectionally with other network devices or file servers, etc. via the network 200. The wireless communication module (WLAN) 214 is in the infrastructure mode or the soft AP mode . Wireless communication is performed using MF. When the wireless communication module 214 operates in soft AP mode, P110 operates as an access point and establishes a direct wireless connection with the mobile terminal 100. This is possible. Printer 212 is a paper printing unit that uses an electrophotographic method. The formula does not necessarily have to be an electrophotographic method.

[0016] Scanner 213 is an image reading unit for reading images printed on paper. The Yana 213 is equipped with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) as an option. It can automatically scan multiple documents.

[0017] Figure 3 shows an example of the software configuration of the MFP110. The OS kernel 320 is: Network setting control unit 300, UI control unit 310, Wi-Fi communication control unit 330 The Ethernet communication control unit 340 controls the Wi-Fi communication control unit 330 wirelessly. This is a module for controlling the communication module 214. (Ethernet communication control unit) 340 controls the network interface card 205. Network configuration control. Unit 300 communicates with the Wi-Fi communication control unit 330 and Ethernet via the OS kernel 320. The network communication control unit 340 controls the settings. The network setting control unit 300 controls the current network settings. Manage network settings, including Ethernet (wired LAN), wireless LAN, and wireless software A This manages whether each mode of P is enabled or disabled. In this embodiment, wired LAN and wireless LAN are used. N can only be configured for exclusive use. Wireless software AP mode is independent of LAN settings. It can be configured. The network configuration control unit 300 communicates information with the UI control unit 310. This involves changing the UI display, or conversely, performing network control based on operation requests from the UI.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the switching between wired LAN and wireless LAN modes and the connection to the wireless LAN on the MFP110. This diagram shows the screen transitions of the local user interface that perform the following. The UI control unit 310 First, display screen 510. On screen 510, press the LAN mode setting button 511 and the wireless The LAN setting button 511 is displayed. When the user presses the LAN mode setting button 511, The UI control unit 310 then displays screen 520. Screen 520 displays the wired LAN mode button. This screen switches between 522 and the wireless LAN mode button 523, and in the example of screen 520, The wired LAN mode button 523 is selected. When the user presses the settings save button 521... The network configuration control unit 300 saves the current LAN mode, and the UI control unit 310 Then, screen 510 is displayed. The wireless LAN setting button 512 on screen 510 is the current LAN mode. This is only enabled when the device settings are set to wireless LAN mode. When the N setting button 512 is pressed, the UI control unit 310 displays a screen for setting the wireless LAN connection destination. Display 530.

[0019] On screen 530, the user enters connection information in the SSID input text field 751 and PS Input is possible in input text field 752. If an SSID has been connected to once, it will be remembered. The completed PSK is pre-filled in the respective input text fields 751 and 752. It is displayed in a specific format. For security reasons, the actual input value of PSK is displayed as an asterisk. When the user presses the connect button 533, the Wi-Fi communication connection unit 330 is currently The values ​​in input text fields 531 and 532 are used as connection destination information for the wireless LAN connection process. The UI control unit 310 starts the process and displays screen 540. At this time, the Wi-Fi communication connection unit 330 performs wireless connection processing by specifying the frequency. On screen 540, the UI control unit 310 The system displays a 542 pop-up message to inform the user that the wireless LAN connection process is underway. The user can cancel the wireless LAN connection process by pressing the cancel button 541. This is possible. If the connection is successful, the network configuration control unit 300 will configure the settings specified at the time of connection. Remember the frequency.

[0020] Figure 5 shows the screen transitions of the local user interface for wireless function control of the MFP110. This is a diagram. The UI control unit 310 displays the main menu screen 610. When you press the wireless software AP management button 611, the wireless LAN will connect using 802.11ac. If present, the UI control unit 310 displays screen 620, which is the wireless software AP startup screen. On this screen 620, the wireless software AP activation button 621, which prioritizes connectivity, is disabled. Therefore, it is not possible to activate wireless software APs that prioritize connectivity. The wireless software AP activation button 622 is enabled, so it will activate the wireless software AP with speed priority. It is possible to operate it. For example, a wireless software AP prioritizing connectivity uses 2.4GHz. It uses 802.11n, and the wireless software AP prioritizing speed uses 802.11ac on the 5GHz band. When the user presses the speed-prioritizing wireless software AP activation button 622, the UI control unit 310 will: Display screen 650.

[0021] On screen 610, when the user presses the wireless software AP management button 611, the wireless LAN If it is not connected, the UI control unit 310 displays screen 63 as the wireless software AP startup screen. Display 0. On screen 630, there is a wireless software AP activation button 631 that prioritizes ease of connection and The speed-prioritizing wireless software AP activation button 632 is enabled, so either frequency Wireless software APs can also be activated. Users can activate wireless software APs prioritizing ease of connection. When the movement button 631 or the speed-priority wireless software AP activation button 632 is pressed, the UI control unit 3 10 displays screen 650.

[0022] On screen 610, when the user presses the wireless software AP management button 611, the wireless LAN If connected via 802.11n, the UI control unit 310 displays the wireless software AP startup screen. Screen 640 is displayed as such. This screen 640 shows wireless software AP prioritizing connectivity. The activation button 641 is enabled, and it starts the wireless software AP that prioritizes connectivity. It is possible. The speed-prioritizing wireless software AP activation button 642 is disabled, so It is not possible to activate wireless software AP that prioritizes connectivity. When the AP activation button 641 is pressed, the UI control unit 310 displays screen 650.

[0023] When the UI control unit 310 displays screen 650, the mobile terminal 100 connects to the MFP 110. It is possible. When the user presses the wireless software AP stop button 651, the network settings The control unit 300 stops the wireless software AP mode, and the UI control unit 310 displays the screen 620. Return to displaying 630 or 640.

[0024] As can be seen from the operations on screens 620, 630, and 640, the user is able to access the access point. The ability to set the startup command and the operating frequency on the same screen reduces the effort required from the user. It will be done.

[0025] Furthermore, the wireless software AP startup screens 620, 630, and 640 explicitly display the frequency. The user may be allowed to select the frequency. Screen 660 shows the frequency via the local user interface. This is an example screen showing the button names on the face. The UI control unit 310, on screen 660, displays 2. The 4GHz software AP start button 661 and the 5GHz software AP start button 662 are shown. To show.

[0026] Furthermore, the wireless software AP startup screens 620, 630, and 640 explicitly specify the wireless LAN standard. The name may be displayed, and the user may be allowed to select the wireless LAN standard. Screen 680 shows the wireless LAN standard. This is an example screen showing the position name as the button name in the local user interface. UI Control Unit 310 is the 802.11a / b / g / n software AP start button 681 on screen 680. Then, it displays the 802.11ac software AP start button 682.

[0027] Figure 6 is a flowchart for controlling the activation of the MFP110's wireless software AP mode. As a prerequisite, at the start of this flowchart, the wireless software AP mode is disabled. Therefore, depending on the configuration of the hardware circuit used in wireless communication, Wi-Fi wireless communication may be The two modes, infrastructure mode and ad-hoc mode, use the same frequency channel. There may be limitations that require certain features. Wireless software APs prioritize ease of connection. The standard band is 2.4GHz 802.11n, and the speed-prioritizing wireless software AP mode is 5GHz. This is 802.11ac on the z. The user presses button 611 on the wireless software AP management screen in Figure 5. Then, the flowchart in Figure 6 begins.

[0028] In step S401, the network configuration control unit 300 has a connected LAN. It determines whether it is in wired LAN mode or wireless LAN mode. The network setting control unit 300 has If it is in wired LAN mode, proceed to step S402, if it is in wireless LAN mode Proceed to step S403.

[0029] In step S402, the network configuration control unit 300 displays on screen 630 that it is connected The software AP launch button 631 prioritizes ease of use, while the software AP launch button 632 prioritizes speed. Enable and proceed to step S406. In step S406, the UI control unit 310 wireless Display screen 630 for starting soft AP mode. In step S407, network The setting control unit 300 starts the software AP on the screen 630 for starting the wireless software AP mode. Wait until button 631 or 632 is pressed. Soft AP activation button 631 or 6 If 32 is pressed, the network configuration control unit 300 proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the network configuration control unit 300 activates the wireless soft AP mode. The software AP activation button 631 or 632 is pressed on screen 630 for the frequency of the software AP. Activate P mode.

[0030] In step S403, the network configuration control unit 300 controls the connected wireless LAN Determine whether the frequency is 2.4GHz 802.11n or not. Network setting control unit 3 If 00 is 2.4GHz 802.11n, proceed to step S404. If it is not GHz 802.11n, proceed to step S405.

[0031] In step S404, the network configuration control unit 300 displays on screen 640 that it is connected. Enable the software AP launch button 641 for ease of use, and the software AP launch button for speed Disable n642 and proceed to step S406. In step S406, UI control unit 31 0 displays screen 640 for starting wireless software AP mode. In step S407, The network setting control unit 300 is connected to the screen 640 for starting the wireless software AP mode. Wait until the ease-of-use software AP activation button 641 is pressed. If the aforementioned software AP activation button 641 is pressed, the network configuration control unit 300 The system then proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the network configuration control unit 300 The software AP activation button prioritizes ease of connection and activates the software AP mode for frequency 641. ru.

[0032] In step S405, the network configuration control unit 300 displays on screen 620 that it is connected The software AP launch button 621, which prioritizes ease of use, has been disabled, and the software AP launch button prioritizing speed has been disabled. Enable n622 and proceed to step S406. In step S406, the UI control unit 31 0 displays screen 620 for starting wireless software AP mode. In step S407, The network setting control unit 300 displays the speed on the screen 620 for starting the wireless software AP mode. Wait until the priority software AP activation button 622 is pressed. Speed ​​priority software AP activation If the movement button 622 is pressed, the network setting control unit 300 proceeds to step S4 Proceed to step 08. In step S408, the network configuration control unit 300 prioritizes speed. The AP activation button 622 activates the soft AP mode for that frequency.

[0033] As described above, the UI control unit 310 is an instruction receiving means, and screens 620, 630, 64 In step 0, the instruction to start the wireless ad-hoc network access point and its access The operating mode of the point can be instructed and controlled on the same screen. Network settings The control unit 300 is an activation means and accesses the UI control unit 310 in the operating mode instructed by the UI control unit 310. Start the input. The software AP activation buttons 631 and 641, which prioritize ease of connection, are the first This is the first instruction means for instructing the access point to start in operating mode. Speed ​​is the priority. The soft AP start buttons 622 and 632 start the access point in the second operating mode. It is a second means of indicating.

[0034] On screen 630, the first operating mode is the operation mode 631 which prioritizes connectivity. The second operating mode is the speed-prioritizing operating mode 632. Screen 660 shows the first operating mode. The mode is the first frequency radio operating mode 661, and the second operating mode is the second The frequency is the wireless operating mode 662. In screen 680, the first operating mode is the first The operating mode of the wireless communication network standard is 681, and the second operating mode is the second wireless This is the 682 operating mode of the communication network standard.

[0035] In step S401, the network configuration control unit 300 is connected to a wired network. If this is the case, proceed to step S402. In step S402, the UI control unit 310 On screen 630, instructions are given via the software AP activation button 631, which prioritizes ease of connection. It is possible to initiate the software AP using the speed-prioritizing button 632.

[0036] In step S403, the network configuration control unit 300 configures 2.4GHz 802.1 If connected to a 1n wireless network, proceed to step S404. In S404, the UI control unit 310 uses 2.4GHz 802.11 on screen 640. It can be controlled via the n software AP activation button 641, and supports 5GHz 802.11ac. It is not possible to initiate the operation using the software AP activation button 642.

[0037] According to this embodiment, on screens 620, 630, and 640, the user accesses the access point. The startup command and the operating frequency can be set on the same screen, saving the user time. This can reduce the problem.

[0038] (Second embodiment) The information processing system 130 of the second embodiment is the same as the information processing system 13 of the first embodiment. It has a similar configuration to 0. The differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are described below. explain.

[0039] Figure 7 shows the local user interface for wireless function control of the MFP110 according to the second embodiment. This diagram shows the screen transitions of the face. The UI control unit 310 controls the main menu screen 810. This will be displayed. When the user presses the wireless software AP management button 811, the wireless LAN will switch to 802. When connected via 11ac, the UI control unit 310 displays the wireless software AP startup screen. Display screen 820. On this screen 620, check box 821 prioritizes connectivity. It is disabled, and it is not possible to activate the wireless software AP that prioritizes connectivity. The speed priority checkbox 822 is enabled and checked, so speed priority It is possible to launch wireless software APs. For example, wireless software A, which prioritizes ease of connection. P is 802.11n on 2.4GHz, and the speed-prioritizing wireless software AP is 80 on 5GHz. It is version 2.11ac. The user has checked the speed priority checkbox 822. When the start button 823 is pressed, the UI control unit 310 displays screen 850.

[0040] On screen 810, when the user presses the wireless software AP management button 811, the wireless LAN If it is not connected, the UI control unit 310 displays screen 83 as the wireless software AP startup screen. Display 0. On screen 630, check box 831 for prioritizing connectivity and speed priority. Since checkbox 832 is enabled, wireless software APs for both frequencies It can be launched. By default, the checkbox for prioritizing connectivity (831) is enabled. It is selected, but the user can change it. When you press the start button 833 with 831 or 832 checked, the UI control unit 310 , display screen 850.

[0041] On screen 810, when the user presses the wireless software AP management button 811, the wireless LAN If connected via 802.11n, the UI control unit 310 displays the wireless software AP startup screen. Screen 840 is displayed as this. In this screen 640, the checkbox for prioritizing connectivity is shown. S841 is enabled, checked, and launches wireless software AP prioritizing connectivity. It can be done. Since the speed priority checkbox 842 is disabled, speed The priority wireless software AP cannot be activated. The user has checked the "Prioritize connectivity" option. When the checkbox 841 is checked, pressing the start button 843 activates the UI control unit 31. 0 displays screen 850.

[0042] When the UI control unit 310 displays screen 850, the mobile terminal 100 connects to the MFP 110. It is possible. When the user presses the wireless software AP stop button 851, the network settings The control unit 300 stops the wireless software AP mode, and the UI control unit 310 displays the screen 820, The display returns to 830 or 840.

[0043] As can be seen from the operations on screens 820, 830, and 840, the user is able to access the access point. The ability to set the startup command and the operating frequency on the same screen reduces the effort required from the user. It will be done.

[0044] Furthermore, the wireless software AP startup screens 820, 830, and 840 explicitly display the frequency. The user may be allowed to select the frequency. Screen 860 shows the frequency via the local user interface. This is an example screen showing the checkbox name on the face. The UI control unit 310 controls screen 860. So, here are the 2.4GHz software AP checkbox 861 and the 5GHz software AP checkbox. Display the checkbox 862 and the start button 863.

[0045] Furthermore, the wireless software AP startup screens 820, 830, and 840 explicitly specify the wireless LAN standard. The name may be displayed, and the user may be allowed to select the wireless LAN standard. Screen 880 shows the wireless LAN standard. This is an example screen showing the category name as the checkbox name in the local user interface. The UI control unit 310, on screen 880, performs a software AP check for 802.11a / b / g / n. Box 881, 802.11ac software AP checkbox 882, and Start Box Display Tan883.

[0046] Figure 8 is a flowchart for controlling the activation of the MFP110's wireless software AP mode. The prerequisites and limitations are the same as in the first embodiment. Wireless software AP prioritizing connectivity. The mode is 2.4GHz 802.11n, and the speed-prioritizing wireless soft AP mode is 5G It is 802.11ac at Hz. The user interface of the wireless software AP startup screen is: Select the frequency using the checkboxes, and then click the start button to activate the function selected in the checkboxes. It is possible to launch the frequency software AP. The user can access the wireless software AP management screen shown in Figure 7. Pressing button 811 will start the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0047] In step S701, the network configuration control unit 300 has a connected LAN. It determines whether it is in wired LAN mode or wireless LAN mode. The network setting control unit 300 has If it is in wired LAN mode, proceed to step S702, if it is in wireless LAN mode Proceed to step S704.

[0048] In step S702, the network configuration control unit 300 displays on screen 830 that it is connected Enable checkbox 831 for ease of use and checkbox 832 for speed. In step S703, the network setting control unit 300 displays on screen 830, Check the checkbox 831 in the Fault section. On screen 830, the ease of connection is... I have checked the priority checkbox 831, but the speed priority checkbox You may also check 832. The two checkboxes 831 and 832 are mutually exclusive. Yes. In step S709, the UI control unit 310 displays a screen for activating the wireless software AP mode. Display 830. On screen 830, the user can also change the checkboxes. In the Step S710, the network configuration control unit 300 is for activating the wireless software AP mode. On screen 830, wait until the start button 833 is pressed. If this is the case, proceed to step S711. In step S711, network configuration Unit 300 is checked on screen 830 for activating wireless software AP mode. Activate soft AP mode on frequency 831 or 832.

[0049] In step S704, the network configuration control unit 300 checks the connected wireless LAN Determine whether the frequency is 2.4GHz 802.11n or not. Network setting control unit 3 If 00 is 2.4GHz 802.11n, proceed to step S705, 2.4 If it is not GHz 802.11n, proceed to step S707.

[0050] In step S705, the network configuration control unit 300 displays on screen 840 that it is connected Enable and check the checkbox 841, which prioritizes ease of use. Step S70 In step 6, the network configuration control unit 300 checks the speed priority checkbox on screen 840. Disables 842. In step S709, the UI control unit 310 controls wireless software A The screen 840 for P-mode startup is displayed. Step S710 is for network configuration control. Unit 300 is activated when the start button 843 is pressed on the screen 840 for activating the wireless software AP mode. Wait until the start button 843 is pressed, then proceed to step S711. In step S711, the network configuration control unit 300 performs a check prioritizing ease of connection. Activate the soft AP mode for the Box 841 frequency.

[0051] In step S707, the network configuration control unit 300 displays the speed on screen 820. Enable and check the priority checkbox 822. In step S708, The network settings control unit 300 displays a checkbox on screen 820 for prioritizing connectivity. Disables 821. In step S709, the UI control unit 310 controls wireless software A The screen 820 for P-mode startup is displayed. Step S710 is for network configuration control. Unit 300 is activated when the start button 823 is pressed on the screen 820 for activating the wireless software AP mode. Wait until the start button 823 is pressed, then proceed to step S711. In step S711, the network configuration control unit 300 checks the speed priority checkbox. Activate soft AP mode on frequency 822.

[0052] As described above, screen 830 is a checkbox for selecting an operating mode that prioritizes connectivity. Box 831 and checkbox 832 for selecting a speed-prioritizing operating mode. It has a start button 833 for instructing the access point to start. The access point is in the operating mode selected by checkbox 831 or 832. This is the button used to initiate the activation of the device.

[0053] In step S701, the network configuration control unit 300 is connected to a wired network. If this is the case, proceed to step S702. In step S702, the UI control unit 310 On screen 830, the selection is made using the checkbox 831 prioritizing connectivity and speed. Priority selection is possible using checkbox 832.

[0054] In step S704, the network configuration control unit 300 configures 2.4GHz 802.1 If connected to a 1n wireless network, proceed to step S705. In S705, the UI control unit 310 uses 2.4GHz 802.11 on screen 840. The n checkbox 841 allows selection, and the 5GHz 802.11ac checkbox Selection via checkbox 842 is not possible.

[0055] According to this embodiment, on screens 820, 830, and 840, the user accesses the access point. The startup command and the operating frequency can be set on the same screen, saving the user time. This can reduce the problem.

[0056] (Other embodiments) The present invention provides a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments via a network or To be supplied to a system or device via a storage medium, and to the computer of that system or device. This can also be achieved by one or more processors reading and executing a program. Furthermore, it can also be achieved by a circuit that performs one or more functions (for example, an ASIC).

[0057] The above embodiments are all examples of how the present invention may be implemented. These are merely examples, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention will not depart from its technical concept or its main features, and will be used in various ways. It can be implemented in this way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 100 mobile devices, 110 MFPs, 120 access points, 202 CPUs, 20 3 ROMs, 204 RAM

Claims

1. A printing device having a wireless communication function that operates as an access point that performs wireless communication directly without going through an external terminal and an external access point, Display unit and A display control means that controls the display unit to display a screen for accepting user input to select a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication, the screen including a first option corresponding to a 2.4 GHz frequency band associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11n and a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11b, and a second option corresponding to a 5 GHz frequency band. A communication control means controls the access point to operate as an access point using a 2.4 GHz frequency band if the first option is selected, and as an access point using a 5 GHz frequency band if the second option is selected, based on user operations received via the aforementioned screen. It has, The first option is a printing apparatus characterized by being an operating target associated with multiple display elements, each representing a different communication standard.

2. A printing device having a wireless communication function that operates as an access point that performs wireless communication directly without going through an external terminal and an external access point, Display unit and A display control means that controls the display unit to display a screen for accepting user input to select a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication, the screen including a first option corresponding to a 2.4 GHz frequency band associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11n and a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11g, and a second option corresponding to a 5 GHz frequency band. A communication control means controls the access point to operate as an access point using a 2.4 GHz frequency band if the first option is selected, and as an access point using a 5 GHz frequency band if the second option is selected, based on user operations received via the aforementioned screen. It has, The first option is a printing apparatus characterized by being an operating target associated with multiple display elements, each representing a different communication standard.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the first option is associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11b.

4. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second option is associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11ac.

5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reading means for scanning a document and reading an image.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a printing unit that performs printing using an electrophotographic method.

7. It also features a wireless communication interface and a wired communication interface. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the communication control means controls the wireless communication interface and causes the printing apparatus to function as an access point operating in a frequency band corresponding to the selection made on the screen.

8. The printing device can operate as a wireless client connected to a network provided by an external access point. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the printing apparatus is operating as the wireless client using a predetermined frequency channel, the communication control means operates the printing apparatus to start operating as an access point operating on the predetermined frequency channel.

9. The printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that when the network is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) via the wired communication interface, the printing device does not operate as the wireless client.

10. The aforementioned screen is a screen that is displayed when a first user operation is received, and if the printing device is not operating as an access point, the screen further displays an operation object for initiating operation as an access point, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, if the option selected on the screen corresponds to a 5 GHz frequency band, the communication control means operates the printing apparatus to start operating as an access point that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band and is based on the IEEE 802.11ac communication standard.

12. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a second display control means for displaying a second screen on the display unit that includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password used for connecting to the access point.

13. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, when the printing apparatus is operating as the access point, a second user operation is received, the communication control means controls the operation to stop as the access point.

14. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a third display control means for displaying a third screen on the display unit that accepts a user operation to input the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of an external access point.

15. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a third display control means for displaying a third screen on the display unit that accepts a user operation to enter a password for an external access point.

16. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it changes the state of the options displayed on the screen based on the frequency band used for connection with an external access point.

17. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the screen includes text indicating an access point.

18. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, within the screen, a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11n and a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11b or g are displayed within the item as the first choice.

19. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the second option is not associated with a display element indicating IEEE 802.11n.

20. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the first option is associated with both a display element indicating IEEE 802.11a and a display element indicating IEEE 802.11b.

21. A control method performed by a printing device having a wireless communication function and a display unit that operate as an access point that performs wireless communication directly without going through an external terminal and an external access point, A display control step of controlling the display unit to display a screen that accepts user input for selecting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication, the screen including a first option corresponding to a 2.4 GHz frequency band and a second option corresponding to a 5 GHz frequency band, associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11n and a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11b, A communication control process that controls the access point to operate as an access point using a 2.4 GHz frequency band if the first option is selected, and as an access point using a 5 GHz frequency band if the second option is selected, based on user operations received via the aforementioned screen. It has, The first option is a control method characterized in that the target of operation is associated with display elements indicating multiple communication standards.

22. A control method performed by a printing device having a wireless communication function and a display unit that operate as an access point that performs wireless communication directly without going through an external terminal and an external access point, A display control step of controlling the display unit to display a screen that accepts user input for selecting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication, the screen including a first option corresponding to a 2.4 GHz frequency band associated with a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11n and a display element indicating the communication standard IEEE 802.11g, and a second option corresponding to a 5 GHz frequency band. A communication control process that controls the access point to operate as an access point using a 2.4 GHz frequency band if the first option is selected, and as an access point using a 5 GHz frequency band if the second option is selected, based on user operations received via the aforementioned screen. It has, The first option is a control method characterized in that the target of operation is associated with display elements indicating multiple communication standards.

23. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a printing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a printing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

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