Information processing device and control method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and the like that can appropriately control wireless connections with other apparatuses.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a communication unit that performs direct wireless communication with other apparatuses by establishing wireless connections with the other apparatuses; a recognition unit that recognizes the presence of a user; and a control unit that enables wireless connections with other apparatuses when the presence of the user is recognized by controlling a wireless transmission output outputted by the communication unit, and disables wireless connections with other apparatuses when the presence of the user is no longer recognized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and the like. [Background Art]

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses such as multi-function peripherals (MFPs, Multi-Function Peripherals / Printers) have a function of performing wireless connection with mobile phones or personal digital assistants to perform operations such as printing, scanning, and file transfer.

[0003] Technologies for properly establishing wireless connection between a multifunction peripheral and another device have also been proposed. For example, when an NFC (Near Field Communication) function is set to be enabled, a technology has been proposed in which the operation of a direct wireless communication mode is started upon startup and an SSID (Service Set Identifier) is generated, whereas when the NFC function is set to be disabled, the operation of the direct wireless communication mode is started in response to a user's operation instruction and the SSID is generated (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-163076 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Some multifunction printers have the ability to wirelessly connect to terminal devices such as mobile phones and other portable terminals to perform tasks such as printing, scanning, and transferring files. In such multifunction printers, wireless connectivity becomes possible either by explicitly setting them to wireless connectivity or by setting them to wireless connectivity by default. In this state, if a terminal device is within range of the radio waves emitted by the multifunction printer, it will be wirelessly connected to the printer.

[0006] However, when a multifunction printer and a terminal device are directly connected, the terminal device connects to a closed network environment between the multifunction printer and the terminal device. As a result, the terminal device is not connected to external networks such as the internet or mobile communication networks (it is disconnected from external networks). Because the terminal device is disconnected from external networks, it will not be able to use services such as email, chat, or IP phone. In this case, the terminal device will remain disconnected from external networks until the user of the terminal device disconnects the wireless connection from the multifunction printer or until the user of the terminal device explicitly disconnects the wireless connection from the terminal device. Therefore, for example, if the multifunction printer is initially in a state where it can connect wirelessly to other devices, and a user with a terminal device is in an area where a wireless connection to the multifunction printer is possible, the terminal device will be disconnected from external networks.

[0007] Therefore, for example, if a multifunction printer is initially in a wireless connectivity state, and a user with a terminal device stays in an area where wireless connectivity to the multifunction printer is possible, the terminal device will be disconnected from the external network. If the user does not realize that the terminal device is disconnected from the external network and does not notice that email, chat, IP phone, etc., are unavailable, they will be unable to use email, chat, IP phone, etc., while staying in an area where wireless connectivity to the multifunction printer is possible.

[0008] Thus, when an information processing device such as a multifunction printer is wirelessly connected to a terminal device, and the information processing device and the terminal device communicate directly via wireless communication, a problem arises in which the terminal device cannot connect to an external network. This problem was not considered in prior art such as Patent Document 1.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned issues, this disclosure aims to provide an information processing device, etc., that can appropriately control wireless connections with other devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the information processing device of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a communication unit that wirelessly connects with other devices to perform wireless communication directly with said other devices; a recognition unit that recognizes the presence of a user; and a control unit that controls the wireless transmission output output of the communication unit so as to enable wireless connection with other devices when the presence of the user is recognized, and makes wireless connection with other devices impossible when the presence of the user is not recognized.

[0011] Furthermore, the control method disclosed herein is a control method for an information processing device that directly communicates wirelessly with other devices by establishing a wireless connection with those other devices, and is characterized by recognizing the presence of a user and controlling the wireless transmission output so that when the presence of the user is recognized, the device is in a state where wireless connection with other devices is possible, and when the presence of the user is no longer recognized, the device is in a state where wireless connection with other devices is impossible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This disclosure makes it possible to provide an information processing device, etc., that can appropriately control wireless connections with other devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flow chart showing the flow of main processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flow chart showing the flow of wireless connection control processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an operation example of the conventional technique and an operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flow chart showing the flow of wireless connection control processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flow chart showing the flow of wireless connection control processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flow chart showing the flow of wireless connection control processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flow chart showing the flow of wireless connection control processing according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flow chart showing the flow of main processing according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flow chart showing the flow of main processing according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flow chart showing the flow of wireless connection control processing according to the eighth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the disclosure described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

[0015] [1. First Embodiment] The first embodiment is an embodiment when the information processing apparatus of the present disclosure is applied to a multifunction peripheral 10. The multifunction peripheral 10 of the present embodiment is an embodiment that enables wireless connection between the multifunction peripheral 10 and another device when a user approaches the multifunction peripheral 10. In the following description, it is assumed that the device that performs wireless connection with the multifunction peripheral 10 is the terminal device 20.

[0016] [1.1 Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 1 including the multifunction peripheral 10 of the present embodiment and a terminal device 20 that performs wireless connection with the multifunction peripheral 10. The multifunction peripheral 10 can form a wireless network NW for performing direct wireless communication by establishing wireless connection with another device. The terminal device 20 can perform direct wireless communication with the multifunction peripheral 10 by connecting to the wireless network NW. The wireless network NW is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0017] The multifunction peripheral 10 is an information processing apparatus (image processing apparatus) having a copy function, a scan function, a document print function, a facsimile function, and the like, and is also called an MFP (Multi-Function Printer / Peripheral). The terminal device 20 is a terminal device (wireless terminal) that performs wireless connection with the multifunction peripheral 10, and is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, or a portable information terminal such as a tablet or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0018] [1.2 Functional Configuration] [1.2.1 Multifunction Peripheral] The functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The multifunction peripheral 10 is configured to include a control unit 100, an image input unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a display unit 140, an operation unit 150, a storage unit 160, a detection unit 170, a short-range wireless communication unit 180, and a communication unit 190.

[0019] Note that the multifunction device 10 does not necessarily have to be configured to include all of the above-described components. For example, in this embodiment, the multifunction device 10 may be configured without including the short-range wireless communication unit 180. Also, although the multifunction device 10 is described as having a means for user authentication, it does not necessarily have to have a means for user authentication. If the multifunction device 10 does not have a means for user authentication, the control unit 100 does not need to function as the authentication processing unit 108 described later, and the storage unit 160 does not need to have an authentication information storage area 162 described later.

[0020] The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire multifunction device 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit 160, and is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit)). The control unit 100 may also be configured as a SoC (System on a Chip) having multiple functions among those described below.

[0021] The control unit 100 functions as an image processing unit 102, a recognition unit 104, a wireless function control unit 106, and an authentication processing unit 108 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 160.

[0022] The image processing unit 102 performs various image-related processing. For example, the image processing unit 102 performs sharpening and grayscale conversion processing on the image input by the image input unit 120.

[0023] The recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user using the multifunction printer 10. For example, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user when the user is near the multifunction printer 10 or when the user is performing an operation to execute a task. The processing of the recognition unit 104 will be described later.

[0024] The wireless function control unit 106 controls the wireless functions of the multifunction printer 10. Wireless functions are functions that establish wireless connections with other devices and perform wireless communication with those other devices. The wireless function control unit 106 enables or disables the wireless functions.

[0025] Furthermore, the wireless function control unit 106 controls the strength of the transmission output (transmission power) of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190 in order to establish a wireless connection. For example, the wireless function control unit 106 adjusts the power supplied to the communication unit 190 and sets the strength of the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190.

[0026] The strength of the radio wave transmission output output from the communication unit 190 is controlled, which changes the strength of the radio waves (radio signal strength) that other devices receive from the multifunction printer 10. If the radio signal strength received from the multifunction printer 10 is strong enough, other devices can establish a wireless connection with the multifunction printer 10. On the other hand, if the radio signal strength received from the multifunction printer 10 is weak, or if other devices are in the vicinity of the multifunction printer 10 but cannot receive any radio waves from it, they will be unable to establish a wireless connection with the multifunction printer 10. Therefore, the wireless function control unit 106 can enable or disable wireless connection with other devices by controlling the strength of the radio wave transmission output output from the communication unit 190.

[0027] The authentication processing unit 108 performs the process of authenticating the user who will use the multifunction printer 10. In other words, the authentication processing unit 108 implements the means of user authentication. The authentication processing unit 108 authenticates the user, for example, by NFC (Near Field Communication). In this case, the authentication processing unit 108 obtains the information necessary for user authentication from the terminal device 20 or from a device or card containing information that identifies the user (for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card) via the near-field wireless communication unit 180, which communicates using a short-range wireless communication means. Then, the authentication processing unit 108 authenticates the user based on the information obtained from the device or card it communicates with.

[0028] Furthermore, as a means of user authentication, knowledge-based authentication methods such as passwords and user IDs may be used, or possession-based authentication or biometric authentication may be used. In addition, if the authentication processing unit 108 has not authenticated the user, it may display a screen on the display unit 140 prompting the user to perform an authentication operation (for example, a screen prompting the user to hold the terminal device 20 over the short-range wireless communication unit 180).

[0029] The image input unit 120 inputs images to the multifunction printer 10. The image input unit 120 is composed of, for example, a scanner device that reads a document placed on the document glass. The scanner device is a device that converts an image into an electrical signal using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and then quantizes and encodes the electrical signal. The image input unit 120 is also composed of an interface (terminal) for reading images stored in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and images may be input by reading from the USB memory. Alternatively, the image input unit 120 may also input images by receiving them from other devices via the communication unit 190.

[0030] The image forming unit 130 forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as recording paper. The image forming unit 130 is composed of a printing device such as a laser printer using an electrophotographic method. For example, the image forming unit 130 feeds recording paper from a paper tray provided in the multifunction printer 10, forms an image on the surface of the recording paper, and ejects the recording paper to an output tray provided in the multifunction printer 10.

[0031] The display unit 140 displays various information. The display unit 140 is composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Electro-Luminescence) display, or a microLED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

[0032] The operation unit 150 receives operation instructions from the user of the multifunction printer 10. The operation unit 150 is composed of input devices such as key switches (hard keys) and touch sensors. The method for detecting input by contact (touch) in the touch sensor can be any common detection method, such as resistive, infrared, electromagnetic induction, or capacitive touch. The multifunction printer 10 may also be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 140 and the operation unit 150 are integrally formed.

[0033] The storage unit 160 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the multifunction printer 10. The storage unit 160 is composed of storage devices such as a semiconductor memory SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0034] The storage unit 160 is allocated an authentication information storage area 162. The authentication information storage area 162 stores authentication information, which is information used for user authentication. For example, if a user is authenticated by NFC, the authentication information includes information about cards or devices owned by the user (for example, information stored on the device or card). The authentication information may also include information about the user (username and user image), and information used for user authentication, such as user ID and password. Furthermore, if possession authentication or biometric authentication is used, the authentication information may include information about possessions owned by the user and the user's biometric information.

[0035] The detection unit 170 detects users and objects. For example, the detection unit 170 emits infrared rays or electromagnetic waves, and receives infrared rays or electromagnetic waves reflected by users or objects to detect users or objects, or to measure the intensity of the reflected infrared rays or electromagnetic waves. The detection unit 170 may also output signals indicating the detection result of objects, etc., or signals indicating the measurement result of the intensity of the reflected infrared rays, etc., to the control unit 100, etc. The detection unit 170 is composed of, for example, a proximity sensor that detects objects, etc., or a human presence sensor that detects the proximity of people. In addition, the detection unit 170 can use general methods such as inductive type, capacitive type, ultrasonic type, electromagnetic wave type, infrared type, etc., as the method for detecting objects, etc. The detection unit 170 is provided in the multifunction printer 10 so that users in the vicinity of the multifunction printer 10 can be detected.

[0036] The short-range wireless communication unit 180 performs short-range wireless communication with other devices using short-range wireless communication means. The short-range wireless communication unit 180 is composed of, for example, a communication device equipped with an antenna. The short-range wireless communication means (wireless communication method) used by the short-range wireless communication unit 180 may be any wireless communication method commonly used for short-range communication, such as Bluetooth®, NFC, or ZigBee®.

[0037] The communication unit 190 connects to other devices such as the terminal device 20 and communicates with those other devices. The communication unit 190 is configured, for example, to include an antenna that inputs and outputs radio waves for wireless connection with other devices. The communication unit 190 may also directly connect to other devices and communicate wirelessly with those other devices. Alternatively, the communication unit 190 may connect to a wireless network and communicate with other devices via other networks such as a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network). As described above, the strength of the radio wave transmission output from the communication unit 190 is controlled by the wireless function control unit 106.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication unit 190 may be composed of communication devices or communication modules such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) used in a wireless LAN. In addition, the communication unit 190 may be capable of wired communication in addition to wireless communication. In this case, the communication unit 190 may be configured to include an interface (terminal) into which a NIC used when performing wired communication such as a wired LAN, or a cable for connecting to a telephone line, can be plugged in.

[0039] [1.2.2 Terminal Devices] The functional configuration of the terminal device 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 20 is configured to include a control unit 200, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a storage unit 260, a short-range wireless communication unit 280, and a communication unit 290.

[0040] The control unit 200 controls the entire terminal device 20. The control unit 200 implements various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit 260, and is composed of one or more arithmetic units (e.g., CPUs). The control unit 200 may also be configured as an SoC having multiple functions from among those described below.

[0041] The control unit 200 functions as a wireless function control unit 202 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 260. The wireless function control unit 202 enables wireless functionality in the terminal device 20 by controlling the wireless function. For example, the wireless function control unit 202 switches the wireless function on or off.

[0042] Furthermore, the wireless function control unit 202, for example, reads the connection history information stored in the connection history information storage area 262 stored in the storage unit 260 and establishes a wireless connection with a device that has been previously connected to wirelessly. As a result, when the terminal device 20 is within range of a device that has been previously connected to wirelessly, the wireless function control unit 202 establishes a wireless connection with that device even if the user does not explicitly perform an operation to establish a wireless connection with that device.

[0043] The display unit 240 displays various information. The display unit 240 is composed of, for example, a display device such as an LCD, an organic EL display, or a microLED display, or terminals that can be connected to other display devices and display images or videos on those other display devices.

[0044] The operation unit 250 receives input from the user using the terminal device 20. The operation unit 250 is composed of input devices such as touch sensors. The terminal device 20 may also be equipped with a touch panel in which the display unit 240 and the operation unit 250 are integrally formed.

[0045] The storage unit 260 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 20. The storage unit 260 is composed of a storage device such as an SSD, which is a semiconductor memory.

[0046] The memory unit 260 reserves a connection history information storage area 262. The connection history information storage area 262 stores connection history information. The connection history information is information about other devices that have previously made a wireless connection via the communication unit 290. The connection history information includes, for example, the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the other device that has made a wireless connection, information necessary for wireless connection with that other device, the name of that other device, and information indicating whether or not to perform an automatic connection.

[0047] The short-range wireless communication unit 280 uses short-range wireless communication means to communicate with other devices located around the terminal device 20. The short-range wireless communication unit 280 is composed of, for example, a communication device equipped with an antenna. The short-range wireless communication means used by the short-range wireless communication unit 280 can be any wireless communication method commonly used for short-range communication, such as Bluetooth, NFC, or ZigBee.

[0048] The communication unit 290 connects to other devices such as the multifunction printer 10 via a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network) and communicates with those other devices. The communication unit 290 is composed of communication devices such as NICs and communication modules used in wired / wireless LANs.

[0049] [1.3 Processing Flow] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the processing flow performed by the multifunction printer 10 of this embodiment will be explained. The processing described in Figures 4 and 5 is performed by the control unit 100 reading the program stored in the storage unit 160 when the power is turned on. In addition, the detection unit 170 is provided in the multifunction printer 10 and is capable of detecting users and others in the vicinity of the multifunction printer 10 (for example, in front of the multifunction printer 10).

[0050] [1.3.1 Main Processing] Referring to Figure 4, the main processes performed by the multifunction printer 10 will be explained. First, the control unit 100 performs a startup process (step S100). The startup process is the process of making the multifunction printer 10 usable, and includes processes such as supplying power to each functional part of the multifunction printer 10 and warming up the image forming unit 130.

[0051] Next, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) enables the wireless function (step S102). Enabling the wireless function means putting the multifunction printer 10 into a state where wireless functionality is realized. For example, the wireless function control unit 106 adjusts the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190 to a strength that allows wireless connection with devices in the vicinity of the multifunction printer 10. The wireless function control unit 106 also enables functions that rely on wireless connection with other devices. As a result, the wireless function of the multifunction printer 10 is enabled in the initial stages of startup, enabling wireless connection with other devices.

[0052] Next, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) puts the device in a state where wireless connection with other devices is impossible (step S104). A state where wireless connection with other devices is impossible means that there is no transmission output of radio waves output from the communication unit 190 (the transmission output is zero) or the transmission output is very weak. For example, the wireless function control unit 106 performs one of the following controls on the communication unit 190. (1) The wireless function control unit 106 keeps the wireless function enabled but reduces the transmission output of radio waves from the communication unit 190 to a state where there is no transmission output or the output is very weak (a state where it cannot connect to other devices). In other words, the wireless function control unit 106 weakens or eliminates the transmission output of radio waves. (2) The wireless function control unit 106 disables the wireless function.

[0053] The state of having no or very weak radio wave transmission output means that the wireless function is enabled, but wireless connection with other devices is practically impossible. Disabling the wireless function means that the wireless function is not implemented in the multifunction printer 10. For example, the wireless function control unit 106 controls the communication unit 190 to eliminate radio wave transmission output by stopping the power supply to the communication unit 190 or by stopping the wireless function. In other words, when the wireless function is disabled, the multifunction printer 10 is completely unable to connect wirelessly with other devices. The wireless function control unit 106 may also prevent the user from selecting functions that rely on wireless connection with other devices. Furthermore, if the wireless function control unit 106 makes wireless connection with other devices impossible by disabling the wireless function, the processing in step S102 may be omitted.

[0054] Next, the control unit 100 executes wireless connection control processing (step S106). Wireless connection control processing is the process of switching whether or not wireless connection with other devices is possible depending on whether or not the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of the user. Wireless connection control processing will be described later.

[0055] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a termination operation has been performed (step S108). A termination operation is an operation to end the use of the multifunction printer 10, for example, an operation to turn off the power of the multifunction printer 10. If a termination operation has been performed, the control unit 100 terminates the process shown in Figure 4 (step S108; Yes). On the other hand, if a termination operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S106 (step S108; No → step S106).

[0056] [1.3.2 Wireless Connection Control Processing] Referring to Figure 5, the wireless connection control process will be explained. First, the control unit 100 (recognition unit 104) determines whether or not it has recognized the presence of a user upon the user's approach to the multifunction device 10 (step S120). For example, based on the detection result of the detection unit 170, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user in the following cases. (1) When the detection unit 170 detects an object or a user within a predetermined range (a range in which the detection unit 170 can detect objects, etc.). (2) When the received intensity of infrared rays, etc., output from the detection unit 170 and reflected by an object, etc., is gradually increasing (when a user, etc., is approaching the multifunction device 10). (3) When the distance to the object or user detected by the detection unit 170 is less than or equal to a predetermined length.

[0057] In other words, the recognition unit 104 can recognize the presence of a user when the user approaches the multifunction printer 10 and the user is in the vicinity of the multifunction printer 10. When the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) recognizes the presence of a user due to the user's approach, it controls the communication unit 190 to enable wireless connection with other devices (step S120; Yes → step S122). The state in which wireless connection with other devices is possible means that the transmission output of the radio waves emitted from the communication unit 190 is strong enough to be received by other devices. That is, the state in which wireless connection is possible is the normal state in which the multifunction printer 10 can establish a wireless connection with other devices. For example, the wireless function control unit 106 performs one of the following controls on the communication unit 190. (1) The wireless function control unit 106 sets the transmission output of the radio waves output by the communication unit 190 to its normal strength (normal state). In other words, the wireless function control unit 106 increases the transmission output. (2) The wireless function control unit 106 enables the wireless function and sets the transmission output to a strength that allows wireless connection with other devices.

[0058] Next, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) determines whether or not it is possible to connect to the terminal device 20 (step S124). The state in which it is possible to connect to the terminal device 20 is, for example, when the terminal device 20 is within range of the multifunction printer 10 and a wireless connection to the multifunction printer 10 has been requested by the terminal device 20.

[0059] If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) can connect to the terminal device 20, it establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S124; Yes → step S126). If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) cannot connect to the terminal device 20, it repeats the process in step S124 (step S124; No).

[0060] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the user has moved away from the multifunction printer 10 (step S128). At this point, the recognition unit 104 will no longer recognize the presence of the user in the following cases. (1) When the detection unit 170 no longer detects an object or user from within a predetermined range (the range in which the detection unit 170 can detect an object, etc.). (2) When the received intensity of infrared rays, etc., output from the detection unit 170 and reflected by an object, etc., is gradually weakening (when the user, etc., is away from the multifunction device 10). (3) When the distance to the object or user detected by the detection unit 170 exceeds a predetermined length.

[0061] In other words, the recognition unit 104 can no longer recognize the presence of the user when the user moves away from the multifunction printer 10 and the user is no longer in the vicinity of the multifunction printer 10. Therefore, the control unit 100 can determine that the user has moved away from the multifunction printer 10 when the recognition unit 104 no longer recognizes the presence of the user.

[0062] The control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S130) and returns to a state where wireless connection with other devices is impossible (step S132) if the user moves away from the multifunction printer 10 and the user's presence is no longer recognized. The process in step S132 is the same as the process in step S104 in Figure 4.

[0063] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 determines in step S128 that the user will not move away from the multifunction device 10, it repeats the process in step S128 (step S128; No). Also, if the control unit 100 does not recognize the presence of a user in step S120, it omits the processes from steps S122 to S132 described above and terminates the process shown in Figure 5 (step S120; No).

[0064] In this way, the control unit 100 can, by executing the wireless connection control process shown in Figure 5, trigger the transmission output of the radio waves used to enable wireless functionality to a normal state (a state in which it can connect with other devices) when a user approaches the multifunction printer 10. Furthermore, the control unit 100 can, trigger the transmission output of the radio waves used to enable wireless functionality to a state of none or very weak (a state in which it cannot connect with other devices) when a user moves away from the multifunction printer 10.

[0065] [1.4 Example of Operation] Referring to Figure 6, we will now explain in comparison the operation examples of a multifunction printer that does not apply the information processing device of this embodiment and a multifunction printer that does apply the information processing device of this embodiment.

[0066] Figure 6(a) shows the operation of a conventional multifunction printer 90, which does not use the information processing device of this embodiment. In the case of the conventional multifunction printer 90, as shown in Figure 6(a), when the wireless function of the multifunction printer 90 is enabled, terminal devices 20 (such as mobile phones) that have previously made a wireless connection to the multifunction printer 90 are automatically connected to the multifunction printer 90. Therefore, when the multifunction printer 90 is installed in an office or the like, terminal devices 20 located near the multifunction printer 90 (within the range where wireless connection to the multifunction printer 90 is possible) remain wirelessly connected to the multifunction printer 90 until the radio waves from the multifunction printer 90 can no longer reach them. As a result, users may not receive external communications (such as emails) for extended periods.

[0067] Figures 6(b) to 6(d) show the operation of a multifunction printer 10 to which the information processing device of this embodiment is applied. The multifunction printer 10 recognizes the presence of a user based on the detection result of the detection unit 170. Here, as shown in Figure 6(b), when the presence of a user is not recognized (for example, when a user is not approaching the multifunction printer 10), the multifunction printer 10 eliminates or greatly weakens the transmission output of radio waves for wireless connection with other devices.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 6(c), when the presence of a user is recognized based on the detection result of the detection unit 170, that is, when a user approaches the multifunction printer 10, the multifunction printer 10 outputs radio waves for wireless communication with other devices at a strength sufficient to be received by those other devices. This enables the multifunction printer 10 to establish a wireless connection with other devices in its vicinity (in the example of Figure 6(c), the terminal device 20).

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(d), when the user moves away from the multifunction printer 10 and the user's presence is no longer recognized, the multifunction printer 10 eliminates or significantly reduces the radio wave transmission output for wireless communication with other devices. As a result, the wireless connection between the multifunction printer 10 and the terminal device 20, which was connected to the multifunction printer 10, is disconnected. This allows the terminal device 20 to connect to an external network.

[0070] In this way, the multifunction printer 10 of this embodiment can limit the period during which it emits radio waves for wireless connection with other devices to the period from when the user approaches the multifunction printer 10 until when the user moves away from the multifunction printer 10. This allows the multifunction printer 10 to limit (intermittently) the period during which it directly establishes wireless connection with other devices. As a result, the multifunction printer 10 can avoid a situation in which the terminal device 20 is disconnected from the external network and does not receive external communications for an extended period of time.

[0071] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 is outputting radio waves for wireless connection at a strength sufficient to connect with other devices, it may restrict the functions of the multifunction device 10, such as disabling functions other than the function of receiving information from those other devices.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the recognition unit 104 was described as recognizing the presence of the user based on the detection result of the detection unit 170, but the detection unit 170 may also recognize the presence of the user. In this case, the control unit 100 can control the wireless function based on the recognition result of the detection unit 170's recognition of the presence of the user.

[0073] As described above, the multifunction printer of this embodiment recognizes the presence of a user when the user approaches the printer and sets the transmission output of the wireless connection radio waves to the normal state (wireless connection open). Furthermore, even after the transmission output of the radio waves for wireless connection has returned to the normal state, when the user moves away from the printer and the printer no longer recognizes the user's presence, the transmission output of the wireless connection radio waves of this embodiment is set to none or very weak. As a result, the period during which the terminal device held by the user is wirelessly connected to the multifunction printer and directly communicates wirelessly is limited. Because the period during which the terminal device held by the user and the multifunction printer directly communicate wirelessly is limited, there is a temporary state in which the terminal device is unable to communicate via external networks (for example, receiving emails or chats from outside). In this way, the multifunction printer of this embodiment avoids maintaining a continuous wireless connection between the multifunction printer and the terminal device, and prevents the period during which the terminal device cannot connect to the internet or mobile communication network (cannot contact the outside world) from becoming prolonged.

[0074] In conventional technology, if the wireless connection was not properly terminated, terminal devices such as mobile devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs) remained connected to the multifunction printer, resulting in a prolonged period during which the device could not connect to the internet or mobile communication network (i.e., could not communicate with the outside world). Furthermore, terminating the wireless connection required the user to press a button on the terminal device such as a mobile device or to disconnect the wireless connection from the other device such as the multifunction printer. In addition, re-enabling the wireless function required the dynamic generation of an SSID or the user to set the SSID and passcode during SSID generation. Moreover, if the SSID was changed, there was a problem that preparation time was required to perform direct wireless communication (access point mode communication).

[0075] The multifunction printer of this embodiment addresses these issues by appropriately controlling the transmission output of radio waves used for wireless connectivity, thereby shortening the period during which terminal devices lose contact with the outside world and eliminating the need for users to disconnect the wireless connection. Furthermore, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can maintain the wireless function (wireless module) activated by controlling the transmission output of radio waves while the wireless function remains enabled. As a result, the multifunction printer of this embodiment does not change the SSID and does not require the setting of an SSID or passcode.

[0076] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment is a multifunction device equipped with proximity wireless communication means, in which the wireless function is controlled based on the detection results of other devices by the proximity wireless connection means.

[0077] This embodiment replaces Figure 5 of the first embodiment with Figure 7. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 in this embodiment does not necessarily include all the components shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the multifunction device 10 may be configured without including the detection unit 170.

[0078] In this embodiment, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of the user when another device is recognized (the presence of another device is detected) by the short-range wireless communication unit 180 using a short-range wireless communication means such as NFC or Bluetooth.

[0079] Next, the processing performed by the control unit 100 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the other device recognized by the recognition unit 104 will be described as the terminal device 20.

[0080] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes steps S100 to S104 of the main processing shown in Figure 4, and enables the wireless function in advance as an initial step in starting up the multifunction device 10. That is, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) activates the wireless function in advance and then sets the transmission output of the radio waves output by the communication unit 190 to a state of none or a state of very low. After that, the control unit 100 executes the wireless connection control processing of step S106.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7, the wireless connection control process of this embodiment will be described. First, the control unit 100 (recognition unit 104) determines whether or not the presence of a user has been recognized by the short-range wireless communication unit 180 using the short-range wireless communication means to recognize the terminal device 20 (step S200). If the presence of a user has been recognized by the recognition of the terminal device 20, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) controls the communication unit 190 to enable wireless connection with other devices (step S200; Yes → step S122).

[0082] Furthermore, after establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device 20, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the terminal device 20 can no longer be recognized (step S202). Here, the recognition unit 104 determines that when the terminal device 20 can no longer be recognized by the short-range wireless communication unit 180, the presence of the user can no longer be recognized. Therefore, the control unit 100 can determine that the terminal device 20 can no longer be recognized when the recognition unit 104 no longer recognizes the presence of the user.

[0083] If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) can no longer recognize the terminal device 20 and therefore can no longer recognize the presence of the user, it disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S202; Yes → step S130) and returns to a state where wireless connection with other devices is impossible (step S132).

[0084] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 continues to recognize the terminal device 20 in step S202, it repeats the process in step S202 (step S202; No). Also, if the terminal device 20 is not recognized and therefore the presence of a user is not recognized in step S200, the control unit 100 omits the processes from steps S122 to S132 described above and terminates the process shown in Figure 7 (step S200; No).

[0085] By executing the above-described process, the control unit 100 assumes that a user is around the multifunction printer 10 and sets the transmission output of the wireless connection radio waves to the normal state (wireless connection open) when the terminal device 20 is within a predetermined range (the range in which short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 20 is possible). Furthermore, even after the transmission output of the radio waves for wireless connection has been set to the normal state, if the terminal device 20 is no longer within the predetermined range (the range in which short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 20 is possible) and the presence of the user is no longer recognized, the control unit 100 can set the transmission output of the wireless connection radio waves to none or very weak.

[0086] The process shown in Figure 7 is a process in which the multifunction printer 10 enables wireless connection when it recognizes the terminal device 20. However, the multifunction printer 10 may also enable wireless connection when it receives a wireless connection request from the terminal device 20. In this case, the control unit 100 determines in step S200 of Figure 7 whether it has recognized the terminal device 20 and received a wireless connection request from the terminal device 20. The wireless function control unit 106 enables wireless connection when the terminal device 20 is recognized and a wireless connection request is received from the terminal device 20. The wireless connection request can be any information or signal in a predetermined format.

[0087] As described above, the multifunction printer of this embodiment recognizes the presence of the user by recognizing the user's terminal device (mobile phone or personal digital assistant) using proximity wireless connection means such as NFC or Bluetooth. Then, triggered by the recognition of the user's presence, the multifunction printer of this embodiment returns the transmission output of the wireless connection radio waves to its normal state (a state in which it can connect to other devices). Furthermore, triggered by the fact that the multifunction printer of this embodiment can no longer recognize the user's terminal device via NFC or Bluetooth, thereby reducing the transmission output of the wireless connection radio waves to a state of none or very weak (a state in which it cannot connect to other devices). As a result, the multifunction printer of this embodiment enables wireless connection only when the terminal device held by the user is within range of the multifunction printer's proximity wireless communication capability, and the period of wireless connection with the terminal device can be limited. Consequently, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can avoid a prolonged period in which the user's terminal device is unable to receive external communications.

[0088] [3. Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the third embodiment is an embodiment in which the wireless function is controlled based on the user authentication status and the usage status of the authenticated user of the multifunction device, in a multifunction device having a user authentication means.

[0089] This embodiment replaces Figure 5 of the first embodiment with Figure 8. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 of this embodiment does not necessarily include all the components shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the multifunction device 10 may be configured without the detection unit 170 or the short-range wireless communication unit 180.

[0090] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 functions as an authentication processing unit 108. Furthermore, the storage unit 160 is provided with an authentication information storage area 162, and the authentication information of the user using the multifunction printer 10 is pre-stored in the authentication information storage area 162.

[0091] Furthermore, when a user is authenticated by the authentication processing unit 108, the control unit 100 logs the user into the multifunction printer 10. In addition, when a logged-in user attempts to log off, the control unit 100 logs the user off from the multifunction printer 10. The control unit 100 may also include an automatic logoff function that logs off a user if they do not perform any operations for a certain period of time after logging into the multifunction printer 10.

[0092] Furthermore, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the user's presence when the user is authenticated and logs in to the multifunction printer 10. The recognition unit 104 may cease to recognize the user's presence when the user logs off from the multifunction printer 10. In this case, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the user's presence from the time the user logs in to the multifunction printer 10 until the time the user logs off from the multifunction printer 10.

[0093] Next, the processing performed by the control unit 100 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user authentication means by the authentication processing unit 108 is enabled.

[0094] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes steps S100 to S104 of the main processing shown in Figure 4, and as an initial step in starting up the multifunction device 10, it enables the wireless function in advance and sets the transmission output of radio waves from the communication unit 190 to a state where there is no transmission output or the output is very weak. After that, the control unit 100 executes the wireless connection control processing in step S106.

[0095] Referring to Figure 8, the wireless connection control process of this embodiment will be described. First, the control unit 100 (recognition unit 104) determines whether or not it has recognized the presence of the user after the user has logged into the multifunction printer 10 (step S300). If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) recognizes the presence of the user after the user has logged into the multifunction printer 10, it controls the communication unit 190 to enable wireless connection with other devices (step S300; Yes → step S122).

[0096] Furthermore, after establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device 20, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the user has logged off (step S302). At this point, the recognition unit 104 ceases to recognize the user's presence if the user logs off due to user operation or due to the automatic logoff function.

[0097] If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) detects that the user has logged off and is no longer recognized as being present, it disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S302; Yes → step S130) and returns the system to a state where wireless connection is impossible (step S132).

[0098] Furthermore, if the user has not logged off in step S302, the control unit 100 repeats the process in step S302 (step S302; No). Also, if the user's presence is not recognized in step S300 because the user has not logged into the multifunction device 10, the control unit 100 omits the processes from steps S122 to S132 described above and terminates the process shown in Figure 8 (step S300; No).

[0099] In this embodiment, it has been explained that the user is authenticated by the multifunction printer 10, but user authentication may be performed by a device other than the multifunction printer 10. In this case, the recognition unit 104 only needs to recognize the presence of the user in step S300 of Figure 8 based on whether or not the user has been authenticated by the device that authenticates the user.

[0100] Furthermore, while the above explanation described the wireless connection being disabled when the user logs off and the user's presence is no longer recognized, the wireless function control unit 106 may also be disabled when the user finishes their work. The user finishes their work when, for example, the user stops making any further operations, more specifically when the user has performed a predetermined task or process, or when the user has not made any input for a certain period of time.

[0101] Thus, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can return the wireless connection transmission output to a normal state (a state in which it can connect to other devices) as a trigger when a user has been authenticated using an authentication means such as NFC. Furthermore, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can return the wireless connection transmission output to a state of no output or a state of very weak output (a state in which it cannot connect to other devices) as a trigger when the authenticated user logs off.

[0102] Furthermore, the multifunction printer of this embodiment uses an automatic logoff function to log off the user after a certain period of time, thereby returning the wireless connection transmission output to a state of no output or a very weak output at that time. As a result, even if the user forgets to log off, the terminal device held by the user will not lose wireless connection with the multifunction printer after a certain period of time, preventing a prolonged state of being unable to receive external communications.

[0103] [4. Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the wireless function is controlled in a multifunction printer equipped with a function to display an image showing information used for wireless connection with other devices such as terminal devices.

[0104] This embodiment replaces Figure 5 of the first embodiment with Figure 9. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 of this embodiment does not necessarily include all the components shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 may be configured without including the detection unit 170 or the short-range wireless communication unit 180.

[0105] In this embodiment, the image showing information used for wireless connection is an image encoding information used to establish a wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20, and is also called an identification code. The identification code is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The identification code may be a two-dimensional code such as a micro QR code, DataMATRIX, VeriCODE, or PDF417, or it may be a one-dimensional code or a monochrome or color image encoding information in a predetermined format. The information used for wireless connection is, for example, the SSID used to establish a direct wireless connection with the multifunction device 10, the name of the multifunction device 10, an IP (Internet Protocol) address or other address, security type, and other information.

[0106] Furthermore, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user when an operation to execute a task is initiated by the user. A task refers to processing using the functions provided by the multifunction device 10 (such as the copy function, scan function, document printing function, fax function, etc.). An operation to execute a task refers to an operation to select a function to execute, to configure the function to execute, or to instruct its execution. In particular, in this embodiment, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user when an operation to display an identification code is performed, as this indicates the start of an operation to execute a task.

[0107] Furthermore, the recognition unit 104 may cease to recognize the user's presence when the operations required to execute a task are completed. The completion of the operations required to execute a task refers to, for example, when the task is instructed to be executed or when the execution of the task is completed. In addition, the recognition unit 104 may cease to recognize the user's presence when a certain period of time has elapsed since the last operation was input (when there are no more user operations), assuming that the operations required to execute a task are complete.

[0108] In other words, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of the user from the time the operation to display the identification code is performed until the operation to execute the task is completed.

[0109] Next, the processes executed by the control unit 100 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes steps S100 to S104 of the main process shown in Figure 4, and as an initial stage of starting up the multifunction device 10, it enables the wireless function in advance and sets the transmission output of radio waves from the communication unit 190 to a state where there is no transmission output or it is very weak. After that, the control unit 100 executes the wireless connection control process in step S106.

[0110] Referring to Figure 9, the wireless connection control process of this embodiment will be described. First, the control unit 100 (recognition unit 104) determines whether or not it has recognized the presence of a user based on the operation to display the identification code (step S400). If the operation to display the identification code is performed, the control unit 100 displays the identification code on the display unit 140.

[0111] When the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) recognizes the presence of a user due to an operation to display an identification code, it controls the communication unit 190 to enable wireless connection with other devices (step S400; Yes → step S122).

[0112] Furthermore, after establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device 20, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the operation for executing the task has been completed (step S402). Here, if the operation for executing the task has been completed, the recognition unit 104 no longer recognizes the presence of the user.

[0113] If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) is no longer able to recognize the user's presence because the operation for executing the task has been completed, it disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S402; Yes → step S130) and returns to a state where wireless connection is impossible (step S132).

[0114] In the above explanation, the operation to display the identification code was defined as the start of the task execution operation. However, the start of the task execution operation may occur at a time other than when the operation to display the identification code is performed. In other words, the timing of when the task execution operation starts may be predetermined or it may be configurable by the user of the multifunction device 10. Furthermore, the recognition unit 104 may determine that a task execution operation is being performed when the operation unit 150 is being operated, and thus recognize the presence of the user from the start of operation of the operation unit 150 until a certain period of time has passed without operation of the operation unit 150.

[0115] Thus, the multifunction printer of this embodiment recognizes the presence of a user when an operation is performed to display an identification code for wireless connection with a terminal device, and can return the radio wave transmission output for realizing wireless functionality to its normal state. Furthermore, when the user's presence is no longer recognized because the operation for executing a task has been completed, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can return the radio wave transmission output for realizing wireless functionality to a state of no output or a state of very weak output (a state in which connection with other devices cannot be established).

[0116] [5. Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Unlike the first embodiment, the fifth embodiment is an embodiment in which the wireless function is controlled in a multifunction device equipped with an image recognition function.

[0117] This embodiment replaces Figure 2 of the first embodiment with Figure 10 and Figure 5 of the first embodiment with Figure 11. The same reference numerals are used for the same functional parts and processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 of this embodiment does not necessarily include all the components shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment; in this embodiment, the detection unit 170 and the short-range wireless communication unit 180 may be omitted.

[0118] [5.1 Functional Configuration] Referring to Figure 10, the functional configuration of the multifunction device 12 of this embodiment will be described. In addition to the configuration of the multifunction device 10 shown in Figure 2, the multifunction device 12 includes an identification code reading unit 115 for reading identification codes. The identification code in this embodiment is an image that encodes information about the content of the task performed by the multifunction device 10 or the settings of the task. For example, it may be a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code that indicates predetermined information, or a monochrome or color image that encodes the information in a predetermined format. The identification code reading unit 115 is composed of, for example, a QR code reader or an optical barcode reader.

[0119] The identification code is displayed, for example, on the display unit 240 of the terminal device 20. In this case, the terminal device 20 pre-stores an application in the storage unit 260 that displays an identification code that the multifunction printer 12 can read, and, based on user operation, causes the control unit 200 to execute the application, thereby displaying the identification code on the display unit 240. Alternatively, the terminal device 20 may obtain an identification code from the multifunction printer 12 or other devices connected to the internet and display the obtained identification code on the display unit 240. In this case, the identification code reading unit 115 only needs to read the identification code displayed on the display unit 240.

[0120] Furthermore, the control unit 100 of the multifunction printer 12 functions as a special unit 110. The special unit 110 recognizes an identification code using image recognition and identifies the task indicated by the identification code.

[0121] Alternatively, instead of having an identification code reading unit 115, the multifunction printer 12 may have an image input unit 120 that reads the identification code. In this case, the image input unit 120 can read the identification code by scanning it printed on a recording medium such as printing paper.

[0122] Furthermore, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user when the user initiates an operation to execute a task. In particular, in this embodiment, the recognition unit 104 recognizes the presence of a user when the identification code is read by the identification code reading unit 115, as this indicates that an operation to execute a task has been initiated. The recognition unit 104 may also recognize the presence of a user when the identification code is recognized by the identification unit 110 through image recognition, or when a task is identified, as this indicates that an operation to execute a task has been initiated by the user. In addition, the recognition unit 104 may cease to recognize the presence of a user when the operation to execute the task identified by the identification unit 110 is completed (for example, when the task is instructed to be executed, when the task is completed, or when there are no more user operations).

[0123] [5.2 Processing Flow] Next, the processes executed by the control unit 100 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes steps S100 to S104 of the main process shown in Figure 4, and as an initial stage of starting up the multifunction device 10, it enables the wireless function in advance and sets the transmission output of radio waves from the communication unit 190 to a state where there is no transmission output or it is very weak. After that, the control unit 100 executes the wireless connection control process in step S106.

[0124] Referring to Figure 11, the wireless connection control process of this embodiment will be described. First, the control unit 100 (recognition unit 104) determines whether or not it has recognized the presence of a user based on the reading of the identification code (step S500).

[0125] When the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) recognizes the presence of a user by reading the identification code, it controls the communication unit 190 to enable wireless connection with other devices (step S500; Yes → step S122).

[0126] Furthermore, after wireless connection with the terminal device 20 is established, the control unit 100 (specification unit 110) identifies the task indicated by the identification code by performing image recognition on the identification code read in step S500 (step S502). The control unit 100 then executes the task identified in step S502 (step S504).

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines whether the task executed in step S504 has been completed (step S506). Here, the recognition unit 104 ceases to recognize the presence of the user if the execution of the task identified by the identification unit 110 based on the identification code has been completed.

[0128] If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) no longer recognizes the presence of the user because the task execution has finished, it disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S506; Yes → step S130) and returns to a state where wireless connection is impossible (step S132).

[0129] Furthermore, if the task execution has not been completed in step S506, the control unit 100 repeats the process in step S506 (step S506; No). Also, if the user's presence is not recognized in step S500 because the identification code has not been read, the control unit 100 omits the processes from steps S122 to S132 described above and terminates the process shown in Figure 11 (step S500; No).

[0130] Furthermore, while the above explanation described the recognition unit 104 ceasing to recognize the user's presence when the task execution is completed, the recognition unit 104 may also be configured to ceasing to recognize the user's presence when the task execution is instructed or when the user's operation ceases.

[0131] Thus, the multifunction printer of this embodiment recognizes the presence of a user by recognizing an image such as an identification code, and can return the radio wave transmission output for realizing wireless functionality to its normal state. Furthermore, when the user's presence is no longer recognized because the task indicated by the identification code has been completed, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can return the radio wave transmission output for realizing wireless functionality to a state of no output or a state of very weak output (a state in which connection with other devices is not possible).

[0132] [6. Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which the wireless function is controlled when the multifunction device in the first embodiment is further equipped with a function to set whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup. In this embodiment, Figure 4 of the first embodiment is replaced with Figure 12.

[0133] The multifunction printer 10 of this embodiment includes a function to set whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup. For example, the control unit 100 displays a setting screen on the display unit 140 for setting whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup based on user operation. In this case, if the user performs an operation to set whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup, the control unit 100 stores information indicating whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup based on that operation in the storage unit 160.

[0134] The method for setting whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup is not limited to the method described above. For example, another device that can communicate with the multifunction printer 10 (e.g., a server device that manages the multifunction printer 10) may be configured to enable or disable the wireless function at startup, and the multifunction printer 10 may be configured to retrieve the setting from the other device. Alternatively, the multifunction printer 10 may be equipped with a switch that allows setting whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup, and the multifunction printer 10 may enable or disable the wireless function at startup in response to the operation of the switch.

[0135] Next, referring to Figure 12, the flow of the main processing performed by the control unit 100 will be explained. First, the control unit 100 performs the startup process (step S100).

[0136] Next, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) determines whether or not to disable the wireless function at startup (step S600). For example, the wireless function control unit 106 obtains information indicating whether to enable or disable the wireless function at startup by reading from the storage unit 160 or receiving it from other devices, and determines whether or not to disable the wireless function at startup based on the obtained information.

[0137] If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) determines in step S600 that the wireless function should be disabled at startup, it disables the wireless function (step S600; Yes → step S602).

[0138] Next, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) determines whether the wireless function has been enabled by the user (step S604). If the wireless function has been enabled by the user, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) enables the wireless function (step S604; Yes → step S606). For example, the wireless function control unit 106 sets the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190 to its normal state, or makes available functions that rely on wireless connection with other devices. On the other hand, if the wireless function has not been enabled by the user, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) repeats the process in step S604 (step S604; No).

[0139] Next, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) prepares the device for wireless connection with other devices (step S608). If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) can connect to the terminal device 20, it establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S610; Yes → step S612). If the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) cannot connect to the terminal device 20, it repeats the process in step S610 (step S610; No). The processes from step S608 to step S612 are the same as the processes from step S122 to step S126 in Figure 5 of the first embodiment.

[0140] Next, the control unit 100 determines, using the recognition unit 104, whether or not the user's presence is no longer recognized (step S614). The user's presence is no longer recognized when, for example, the user moves away from the multifunction printer 10, the terminal device 20 is no longer recognized by the short-range wireless communication unit 180, or the operation for executing the task is completed.

[0141] If the control unit 100 recognizes the presence of a user, it repeats the process in step S614 (step S614; No). On the other hand, if the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) no longer recognizes the presence of a user, it disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S614; Yes → step S616) and disables the wireless function (step S618).

[0142] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a termination operation has been performed (step S620). If a termination operation has been performed, the control unit 100 terminates the process shown in Figure 12 (step S620; Yes). On the other hand, if a termination operation has not been performed, the control unit 100 returns to step S604 (step S620; No → step S604).

[0143] In this way, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) can disable the wireless function when the user's presence is no longer recognized after the wireless function has been changed from disabled to enabled, by executing the processes from step S600 to step S620 described above.

[0144] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 enables the wireless function at startup, it executes the processes from step S102 to step S108, as in the first embodiment (step S600; No). In this case, in step S104, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) weakens or eliminates the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190, thereby making wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20 impossible. Also, in the wireless connection control process of step S106, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) strengthens the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190, thereby making wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20 possible. Also, by weakening or eliminating the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190, it makes wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20 impossible.

[0145] Note that the process shown in Figure 12 is the process when this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment. This embodiment may also be applied to the second embodiment. In this case, the control unit 100 executes the wireless connection control process shown in Figure 7 in step S106 of Figure 12. Similarly, when this embodiment is applied to the third embodiment, the control unit 100 should execute the wireless connection control process shown in Figure 8 in step S106 of Figure 12. Furthermore, this embodiment may also be applied to the fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0146] Thus, according to the multifunction printer of this embodiment, even if the wireless function is disabled at startup and enabled by the user, the wireless function can be disabled when the user's presence is no longer recognized. As a result, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can disable the wireless function when it is no longer needed, such as when the user moves away from the multifunction printer, thus preventing a prolonged state in which the user's terminal device is unable to receive external communications. Furthermore, since the multifunction printer of this embodiment disables the wireless function as a trigger when the user's presence is no longer recognized, even if, for example, the user forgets to disable the wireless function after enabling it, it is possible to prevent the wireless function from remaining enabled.

[0147] [7. Seventh Embodiment] Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is an embodiment in which the wireless function is controlled when the multifunction printer in the first embodiment is further equipped with a sleep (low power mode) function.

[0148] This embodiment replaces Figure 4 of the first embodiment with Figure 13. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 of this embodiment is configured to include the necessary functional units from the functional units shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment.

[0149] The sleep function is a function that transitions the state of the multifunction printer 10 from a normal operating state to a sleep state. The sleep state is a state in which the power consumption of the multifunction printer 10 is suppressed by operating the multifunction printer 10 at low power, and is also called an energy-saving state. For example, the control unit 100 puts the multifunction printer 10 into a sleep state by stopping or reducing the power supply to some of the functional parts of the multifunction printer 10. The control unit 100 may also interrupt some of the operations of the multifunction printer 10 when it transitions to a sleep state.

[0150] Furthermore, the conditions under which the multifunction device 10 transitions from a normal operating state to a sleep state are called sleep conditions. Sleep conditions are, for example, the following: - No operation was input to the multifunction device 10 via the control unit 150 for a predetermined period of time, and no request for processing execution was input from other devices for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined date and time for transitioning to sleep mode has arrived. • An action has been taken to initiate sleep mode.

[0151] Referring to Figure 13, the flow of the main processing performed by the control unit 100 will be explained. Note that the processing shown in Figure 13 is performed by the control unit 100 when the sleep function is enabled in the multifunction device 10.

[0152] After performing wireless connection control processing, the control unit 100 determines whether the sleep condition is met (step S700). If the sleep condition is met, the control unit 100 puts the multifunction device 10 into sleep mode (step S700; Yes → step S702). The control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) also disables the wireless function (step S704).

[0153] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the state of the multifunction device 10 satisfies the sleep wake-up condition, which is the condition for returning the device from sleep state to normal operation state (step S706). The sleep wake-up condition is, for example, that an operation has been input from the user.

[0154] If the sleep wake-up condition is met, the control unit 100 wakes the device from sleep and returns the multifunction printer 10 to its normal operating state (the state before sleep) (step S706; Yes → step S708). Also, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) enables the wireless function (step S710).

[0155] If the control unit 100 determines in step S706 that the sleep wake-up condition is not met, it repeats the process in step S706 (Step S706; No). Also, if the control unit 100 determines in step S700 that the sleep condition is not met, it omits the processes from step S702 to step S710 (Step S700; No).

[0156] Furthermore, in the wireless connection control process of step S106, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) sets the transmission output of the radio waves output from the communication unit 190 while keeping the wireless function enabled, thereby enabling or disabling wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20. As a result, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) can keep the wireless function enabled when the multifunction printer 10 is in a normal operating state, and disable the wireless function only when the multifunction printer 10 is in a sleep state. As a result, when in sleep state, the multifunction printer 10 can completely prevent wireless connection with other devices.

[0157] Thus, by disabling the wireless function when the multifunction printer of this embodiment is in sleep mode, it is possible to avoid a situation where the user's terminal device cannot receive external communications when the printer is in sleep mode.

[0158] [8. Eighth Implementation] Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment is an embodiment that enables wireless connection with other devices only when a function that presupposes the use of wireless functionality (a function that presupposes wireless connection) is used.

[0159] Functions that rely on wireless functionality are those that require wireless connection with other devices and wireless communication with those other devices to send and receive information. An example of a function that relys on wireless functionality is a mobile printing function that receives image data stored in the terminal device 20 and forms an image based on that image data. Functions that rely on wireless functionality may also include a Scan to Email function that obtains recipient information such as an email address or fax number stored in the terminal device 20 and sends scanned data to that recipient, or a fax function.

[0160] This embodiment replaces Figure 4 of the first embodiment with Figure 14. The same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 of this embodiment is configured to include the necessary functional units from the functional units shown in Figure 2 of the first embodiment.

[0161] Referring to Figure 14, the flow of the wireless connection control process performed by the control unit 100 will be explained. In this embodiment, when the control unit 100 recognizes the presence of a user due to the user's approach to the multifunction device 10, it determines whether or not the use of a function that presupposes the use of wireless functionality has been initiated (step S800).

[0162] The control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) enables wireless connection with the terminal device 20 when the use of a function that presupposes the use of wireless functions is initiated (step S800; Yes → step S122). As a result, when the use of the multifunction printer 10 is initiated and the use of a function that presupposes the use of wireless functions for wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20 is initiated, the wireless function control unit 106 can enable wireless connection with said other devices.

[0163] Furthermore, in step S128, if the control unit 100 determines that the user has not moved away from the multifunction device 10, it determines whether the use of a function that relies on the use of wireless functionality has ended (step S802). For example, in step S800, if the processing performed by the function that was started to be used has ended, or if the input of an operation related to the use of the function has ended, the control unit 100 determines that the use of a function that relies on the use of wireless functionality has ended.

[0164] If the control unit 100 has finished using a function that relies on the use of wireless functionality, it disconnects the wireless connection with the terminal device 20 (step S802; Yes → step S130) and returns to a state where wireless connection is impossible (step S132). On the other hand, if the control unit 100 has not finished using a function that relies on the use of wireless functionality, it returns to step S128 (step S802; No → step S128).

[0165] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 determines in step S800 that the use of a function that does not presuppose the use of wireless functionality has begun, it terminates the process shown in Figure 14 (step S800; No). In this case, the multifunction device 10 remains in a state where wireless connection with other devices is impossible and never becomes capable of wireless connection with other devices. In other words, even when a user approaches the multifunction device 10, the wireless function control unit 106 can maintain a state where wireless connection is impossible when the user uses a function that does not presuppose the use of wireless connectivity (a function that does not require wireless communication with other devices).

[0166] In the above description, the case in which this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment was explained, but this embodiment can be applied to any of the second to seventh embodiments. In other words, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) makes it possible to establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 20 when the presence of a user is recognized by the recognition unit 104 and the use of a function that presupposes the use of wireless functionality is initiated. In this way, even when the presence of a user is recognized, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) can maintain a state in which a wireless connection is impossible if a function that presupposes the use of wireless functionality is not used.

[0167] For example, suppose the multifunction printer 10 has a mobile printing function that acquires image data from a terminal device 20 and outputs an image based on that image data via an image forming unit 130. In this case, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) makes the multifunction printer 10 capable of wireless connection with other devices such as the terminal device 20 when the use of the mobile printing function is selected by the user. Furthermore, the control unit 100 (wireless function control unit 106) makes the multifunction printer 10 unable to wirelessly connect with other devices such as the terminal device 20 when wireless connection is no longer needed, such as when the use of the mobile printing function is finished. As a result, the multifunction printer 10 can only wirelessly connect with the terminal device 20 while the mobile printing function is in use.

[0168] Thus, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can return the radio wave transmission output for realizing the wireless function to a normal state when a function that relies on the use of wireless functionality is used, and when the use of said function ends, it can return to a state where there is no radio wave transmission output for the wireless function or a state where it is very weak (a state in which it cannot connect to other devices). As a result, the multifunction printer of this embodiment can maintain a state where wireless connection is not possible when the use of a function that does not rely on the use of wireless functionality is started, thereby shortening the period during which the terminal device used by the user is wirelessly connected to the multifunction printer.

[0169] [9. Variant] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0170] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above are explained separately for the sake of explanation, they can, of course, be combined and implemented to the extent that is technically possible. In other words, the wireless function may be controlled by combining several of the wireless function control methods described in the embodiments described above.

[0171] For example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined. In this case, the multifunction device will enable wireless connection with other devices when it detects either the approach of a user or the presence of another device using short-range wireless communication means, and will disable wireless connection with other devices when it detects the user's departure or when it fails to detect other devices using short-range wireless communication means. Furthermore, the first embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined, or the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined, or the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment may be combined,

[0172] Furthermore, the second and third embodiments may be combined. In this case, the multifunction printer can use short-range wireless communication means and authentication means to enable wireless connection with other devices only when the terminal device held by the user is near the multifunction printer and the user is logged into the multifunction printer.

[0173] The above-mentioned combinations are merely examples, and two or more embodiments may be combined. In other words, the process of recognizing the presence of a user and enabling wireless connection with other devices is described for each embodiment, so the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate to recognize the presence of a user and enable wireless connection with other devices.

[0174] Furthermore, the embodiments described above described the case in which the information processing device of the present disclosure is applied to a multifunction printer. However, the information processing device of the present disclosure can also be applied to devices that directly connect wirelessly to a terminal device and send and receive information with said terminal device (for example, scanners and laser printers).

[0175] Furthermore, in the embodiments, the programs that run in each device are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) in order to realize the functions of the embodiments described above. The information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) during processing, and then stored in storage devices such as various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and HDDs, and read, modified, and written by the CPU as needed.

[0176] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of the following: semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, etc.), optical recording media / magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray® Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Furthermore, in addition to realizing the functions of the embodiments described above by executing the loaded program, the functions of this disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0177] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, it can be stored on a portable storage medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is, of course, also included in this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1 System 10, 12 Multifunction device 100 Control Unit 102 Image Processing Unit 104 Recognition part 106 Wireless Function Control Unit 108 Authentication Processing Unit 110 Specific section 115 Identification code reading unit 120 Image Input Section 130 Image forming unit 140 Display section 150 Operation section 160 Storage section 162 Authentication information storage area 170 Detection unit 180 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 190 Communications Department 20 Terminal devices 200 Control Unit 202 Wireless Function Control Unit 240 Display section 250 Operation section 260 Storage section 262 Connection history information storage area 280 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 290 Communications Department

Claims

1. A communication unit that establishes a wireless connection with other devices and directly communicates wirelessly with those other devices, A recognition unit that recognizes the presence of a user, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, When the presence of the aforementioned user is detected, the radio wave transmission output is set to a state that allows wireless connection with other devices. When the presence of the user is no longer recognized, the wireless function that allows wireless connection with other devices via the communication unit is kept enabled, but the radio wave transmission output is weakened to make wireless connection with other devices impossible. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. It is further equipped with a detection unit that detects users, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition unit recognizes the presence of a user when a user is detected by the detection unit.

3. It further includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication using short-range wireless communication means, The recognition unit recognizes the presence of the user if other devices are recognized by the short-range wireless communication unit. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition unit recognizes the presence of a user from the time the user logs in until the time the user logs off.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition unit recognizes the presence of a user from the time an operation to perform a task is started until the operation to perform a task is finished.

6. The system further includes a display processing unit that performs processing to display an identification code indicating information used for wireless connection. The recognition unit, The moment when the operation to display the aforementioned identification code is performed is defined as the start of the operation to execute the aforementioned task. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. A reader unit that reads the identification code, A communication unit that establishes a wireless connection with other devices and directly communicates wirelessly with those other devices, A recognition unit that recognizes the presence of the user from the time the operation to execute the task is started until the operation to execute the task is finished, A control unit controls the wireless transmission output of the communication unit so that when the presence of the user is recognized, it enables wireless connection with other devices, and when the presence of the user is no longer recognized, it disables wireless connection with other devices. Equipped with, The recognition unit, The moment the aforementioned identification code is read is defined as the moment when the operation for executing the aforementioned task is initiated. The completion of the task indicated by the aforementioned identification code is defined as the completion of the operation required to perform the task. An information processing device characterized by the following:

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit, after an operation has been performed by the user to enable wireless connection, disables wireless connection with other devices when the user's presence is no longer recognized.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit enables wireless connection with other devices only when the presence of the user is recognized and the execution of a task is selected to perform wireless connection with other devices and wireless communication with said other devices to send and receive information.

10. A control method for an information processing device equipped with a communication unit that wirelessly connects to other devices and performs direct wireless communication with those other devices, Recognizing the user's presence, When the presence of the aforementioned user is detected, the radio wave transmission output is set to a state that allows wireless connection with other devices. When the presence of the user is no longer recognized, the wireless function that allows wireless connection with other devices via the communication unit is kept enabled, but the radio wave transmission output is weakened to make wireless connection with other devices impossible. A control method characterized by the following:

11. A control method for an information processing device comprising: a reading unit for reading an identification code; and a communication unit for wirelessly connecting with another device and performing wireless communication directly with said other device, A step of recognizing the user's presence from the time the operation to perform the task is initiated until the operation to perform the task is completed, The steps include controlling the wireless transmission output of the communication unit so that when the presence of the user is recognized, wireless connection with other devices is enabled, and when the presence of the user is no longer recognized, wireless connection with other devices is disabled. Includes, The moment the aforementioned identification code is read is defined as the moment when the operation for executing the aforementioned task is initiated. The completion of the task indicated by the aforementioned identification code is defined as the completion of the operation required to perform the task. A control method for an information processing device characterized by the following features.

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