JP2017200019A - Terminal device, control method, program and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a terminal device, a control method, a program and a communication system capable of improving user operability in an operation to execute data communication between a communication device and the terminal device.SOLUTION: The terminal device includes: retention means which retains predetermined connection information, without reception of the input of predetermined connection information from a user by operation means, and without acquisition of the predetermined connection information from the communication device by the terminal device; reception means which receives an image data communication instruction from the user; connection means which connects to the communication device by the predetermined connection information retained by the retention means; and communication means which, when the communication instruction is received by the reception means, communicates image data with the communication device by the connection between the connection means and the communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device, a control method, a program, and a communication system.

  There is known a communication system in which a terminal device such as a camera and a communication device such as a printer execute image data communication. In order to perform communication of image data in such a communication system, it is first necessary to establish a connection between apparatuses by a communication method such as wireless LAN communication. In Patent Document 1, when a user is requested to select an access point to be connected or a password is input, and when the user receives an input of necessary information and is instructed to start a connection, the mobile phone that starts connection processing with the access point is started. The terminal is listed.

JP 2014-36292 A

  However, in the form of establishing a connection between apparatuses and executing communication of image data as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that a complicated operation such as input of connection information is required from the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to improve user operability in an operation of executing communication of image data between a communication device and a terminal device.

Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, the terminal device of the present invention
A terminal device that communicates with a communication device that can be connected by predetermined connection information,
An operation means capable of accepting an operation from a user;
Holding means for holding the predetermined connection information without the operation unit receiving the input of the predetermined connection information from a user and without the terminal device acquiring the predetermined connection information from the communication device; ,
Connection means for connecting the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information held by the holding means;
And a communication unit configured to communicate image data with the communication device by connecting the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operativity of the user in operation which performs communication of image data between a communication apparatus and a terminal device can be improved.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print processing system according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal device of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the terminal device of this embodiment. It is a state transition diagram of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the content of the process which the communication apparatus of this embodiment performs. It is a flowchart showing the content of the process which the terminal device of this embodiment performs. It is a sequence diagram in case an easy connection is performed between the communication apparatus of this embodiment, and a terminal device.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, within the scope of the present invention, the present invention includes modifications and improvements appropriately made to the embodiments described below based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood to enter.

(First embodiment)
The terminal device and communication device of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a digital camera is exemplified as the terminal device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various devices can be applied as long as they can communicate with a communication device described later. For example, the present invention can be applied to a smart phone, a portable terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a music playback device, and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the communication device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various devices can be applied as long as they can communicate with a terminal device. For example, if it is a printer, it can be applied to an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, and the like. Further, it can be applied not only to a printer but also to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a smart phone, a portable terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a storage, and the like. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a multifunction machine having a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a print processing system according to the present embodiment. This system includes a wireless LAN network 100, an access point 101 connectable to the wireless LAN network 100, a camera 200, and a printer 300.

  The camera 200 is a terminal device according to the present embodiment. The printer 300 is a communication device according to this embodiment. In addition, the printer 300 and the camera 200 can communicate with each other through a wireless LAN connection via the access point 101 outside the respective apparatuses. Also, the printer 300 and the camera 200 can operate as an access point by enabling the access point in each device. Therefore, for example, when one of the devices serves as an access point and the other device connects to the access point, the camera 200 and the printer 300 can be directly connected to the wireless LAN without going through the access point 101. . Since both the camera 200 and the printer 300 have a wireless LAN function, peer-to-peer (hereinafter referred to as P2P) communication can be performed by executing authentication processing. When each device operates as an access point, it forms a wireless LAN and periodically transmits a beacon. The communication partner device that has acquired the beacon recognizes the device that transmits the beacon and participates in the formed wireless LAN, thereby enabling wireless LAN communication between the devices. Further, when each device operates as an access point, it determines a channel to be used for wireless communication, and performs authentication processing of connection information (such as a password) transmitted from a communication partner device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the camera 200.

  The camera 200 has a main board 201 that performs main control of the apparatus.

  In the main board 201, a CPU 202 is a system control unit and controls the entire camera 200. The ROM 203 stores various programs such as a control program executed by the CPU 202 and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In the present embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM 203 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 203. The RAM 204 includes a memory such as an SRAM (static RAM), stores program control variables, setting values registered by the user, management data of the camera 200, and the like, and is provided with various work buffer areas. Note that these setting information data may be stored not in the RAM 204 but in other storage areas such as the ROM 203 and the nonvolatile memory 205.

  The non-volatile memory 205 is configured by a memory such as a flash memory, and stores data to be retained even when the power is turned off. Specifically, the nonvolatile memory 205 stores network information such as passwords and authentication information for connecting to the network, setting information of the camera 200 such as a list of previously connected communication devices such as MAC addresses and SSIDs, and the like. Is done. In the present embodiment, connection information for an easy connection mode to be described later is also stored. These data may be stored not in the nonvolatile memory 205 but in other storage areas such as the ROM 203 and the RAM 204. In addition, the CPU 202 expands the setting information stored in the ROM 303 or the nonvolatile memory 205 in the RAM 204, so that processing using the stored data may be performed.

  The image memory 206 is configured by a memory such as a DRAM (dynamic RAM), and stores various data such as image data received via the wireless LAN unit 211 and the image data processed by the code decoding processing unit 210. In addition, image data generated by capturing an image by an imaging unit (not shown) included in the camera 200 is also stored in the image memory 206.

  Note that the memory configuration of the camera 200 is not limited to this mode, and the number, characteristics, storage capacity, and the like can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the application and purpose. For example, the image memory 206 and the RAM 204 may be shared. The image memory 206 is configured by a DRAM or the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD), a nonvolatile memory, or the like.

  The data conversion unit 207 generates data such as page description language (PDL), and performs data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion on image data.

  The operation unit 208 and the display unit 209 receive various inputs to the camera 200 and display various information regarding the camera 200.

  The encoding / decoding processing unit 210 performs various processes such as an encoding / decoding process and an enlargement / reduction process on the image data.

  The wireless LAN unit 211 is a unit for realizing wireless LAN communication compliant with a standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The wireless LAN unit 211 has functions such as beacon detection processing and authentication processing for establishing a wireless LAN connection, and transmission of a print job to a communication apparatus that has established a wireless LAN connection. The wireless LAN unit 211 is connected to the system bus 213 via the bus cable 212. Note that the CPU 202 can operate the access point in the camera 200 by controlling the wireless LAN unit 211. In this embodiment, the camera 200 transmits a print job for causing the printer 300 to perform printing via the wireless LAN unit 211. The various components 202 to 212 are connected to each other via a system bus 213 managed by the CPU 202.

  The camera 200 may include a communication unit other than the wireless LAN unit 211. Further, the camera 200 may include a plurality of communication units and be communicable by a plurality of types of communication methods. The communication may be performed directly by wireless communication, or may be performed via an access point outside the camera 200 installed on the network. Examples of the communication method include Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication; ISO / IEC IS 18092), Wi-Fi Aware, and the like. Further, communication may be performed by wire instead of wireless.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer 300.

  The printer 300 includes a main board 301 that performs main control of the apparatus.

  In the main board 301, a CPU 302 is a system control unit and controls the entire printer 300. The ROM 303 stores various programs such as a control program executed by the CPU 302 and an embedded OS program. In the present embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM 303 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 303. The RAM 304 is configured by a memory such as an SRAM, and stores program control variables, setting values registered by the user, management data of the printer 300, setting information of mode change conditions to be described later, and various work buffer areas. Yes. These data may be stored not in the RAM 304 but in other storage areas such as the ROM 303 and the nonvolatile memory 305.

  The nonvolatile memory 305 is configured by a memory such as a flash memory, and stores data that is to be retained even when the power is turned off. Specifically, printers such as network information such as passwords and authentication information for connecting to the network, lists of external devices connected in the past such as MAC addresses and SSIDs, menu items such as print modes, and correction information of the recording head 300 setting information and the like are stored. Note that these setting information data may be stored not in the nonvolatile memory 305 but in other storage areas such as the ROM 303 and the RAM 304. Further, the CPU 302 may expand the setting information stored in the ROM 303 or the non-volatile memory 305 to the RAM 304 to perform processing using the setting information.

  The image memory 306 is configured by a memory such as a DRAM, and stores various data such as image data received via the wireless LAN unit 316 and the like and image data processed by the code decoding processing unit 312.

  Note that the memory configuration of the printer 300 is not limited to this form, and the number, characteristics, storage capacity, and the like can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the application and purpose. For example, the image memory 306 and the RAM 304 may be shared. The image memory 306 is configured by a DRAM or the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD), a nonvolatile memory, or the like.

  The data conversion unit 307 performs various types of image processing such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction on the image data included in the received job via an image processing control unit (not shown). By executing these processes, the data conversion unit 307 converts the image data to be printed into high-definition print data, and outputs the converted print data to the recording unit 314.

  The reading unit 310 optically reads a document using a CIS image sensor (contact image sensor) or the like. The reading control unit 308 performs high-definition image data by performing various types of image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing on the image signal read by the reading unit 310.

  An operation unit 309 and a display unit 311 accept various inputs to the printer 300 and display various information regarding the printer 300.

  The code decoding processing unit 312 performs various processes such as a code decoding process and an enlargement / reduction process on the image data.

  The paper supply unit 313 holds a recording medium for printing, and supplies the recording medium to the recording unit 314 under the control of the recording control unit 315. The paper feeding unit 313 has a plurality of paper feeding cassettes.

  The recording control unit 315 controls from which portion of the plurality of paper feed cassettes paper feed is performed. The recording control unit 315 also serves to update information in the RAM 304 by periodically reading various information such as the status of the recording unit 314. Specifically, the recording control unit 315 updates information such as the state of the apparatus such as in use, during sleep, and when an error occurs, and information such as the remaining amount of the ink tank.

  The recording unit 314 executes image forming processing (printing processing) for forming an image on a recording medium with a recording agent such as ink, based on the print data output from the data conversion unit 307 and the print setting information included in the print job. To do.

  The wireless LAN unit 316 is a unit for realizing wireless LAN communication compliant with a standard such as Wi-Fi. The wireless LAN unit 316 has functions such as connection information transmission processing and authentication processing for establishing a wireless LAN connection, and reception of a job from a terminal device that has established a wireless LAN connection. The wireless LAN unit 316 is connected to the system bus 318 via the bus cable 317. Note that the CPU 302 can operate the access point in the printer 300 by controlling the wireless LAN unit 211.

  The various components 302 to 317 are connected to each other via a system bus 318 managed by the CPU 302.

  Note that the printer 300 may include a communication unit other than the wireless LAN unit 316. The communication may be performed directly by wireless communication or may be performed via an access point outside the printer 300 installed on the network. Examples of the communication method include Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi Aware, and the like. In addition to wireless communication, the printer 300 may perform wired communication through a wired LAN or the like. The printer 300 receives a job from another external device such as the camera 200 via a network using these communication methods.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen of the printer 300 displayed on the display unit 311. (A) in the figure is a screen for selecting a function to be executed by the printer 300, and is a home screen 420 that is a screen on which the printer 300 waits for a user operation. On the home screen 420, a copy button 421, a card print button 422, and a camera print button 423 are arranged. The copy button 421 is a button for performing a copy process in which the printer 300 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) by the reading unit 310 and prints the read image data. The card print button 422 is a button for the printer 300 to print image data in a memory card inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown). The camera print button 423 is a button for the printer 300 to print image data received from the camera 200.

  Also, (b) in the figure is a camera print standby screen 430. The camera print standby screen 430 is displayed on the display unit 311 when the camera print button 423 is pressed to cause the printer 300 to wait for a print job from the camera 200. On the camera print standby screen 430, a cancel button 431 is arranged together with a message prompting the user to perform a print operation with the camera 200. When the cancel button 431 is pressed, the printer 300 ends printing of the image data received from the camera 200 and displays the home screen 420 again. Also, (c) in the figure is a camera printing screen 440. The camera printing screen 440 is displayed on the display unit 311 when the printer 300 receives a print job from the camera 200 and executes printing. On the camera printing screen 440, a cancel button 441 is arranged with a message indicating that the print job received from the camera 200 is being executed. When the cancel button 441 is pressed, the printer 300 stops the print job processing being executed and displays the home screen 420 on the display unit 311 again.

  FIG. 5 shows an image playback screen 520 displayed on the display unit 209. The image reproduction screen 520 is displayed on the display unit 209 when an image is selected on the image selection screen for selecting an image to be printed by the printer 300. On the image reproduction screen 520, a captured image 521 is displayed on the entire operation screen, and a print execution button 522 is displayed. When the print execution button 522 is pressed, the camera 200 can transmit a print job for printing the image displayed on the image reproduction screen 520 to the printer 300. The print job includes information such as image data, print setting information, and a drawing command, but only image data may be transmitted as a print job.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating state transition of the printer 300.

  First, when the event E601 occurs when the printer 300 is in the initial state (power off state), the printer 300 transitions to the standby state 605. Note that an event E601 is that a power switch (not shown) of the printer 300 is pressed.

  When the printer 300 transitions to the standby state 605, the home screen 420 is displayed on the display unit 209. In this state, when the event E602 occurs, the printer 300 validates the access point in the printer 300 and shifts to the easy connection mode 606. Note that event E602 is that the camera print button 423 is pressed (a communication instruction for image data is accepted). Details of the access point and the simple connection mode that are activated at this time will be described later. The easy connection mode 606 includes a camera print standby state 607 and a camera print in progress state 608 as sub-states. As described above, the image data communication instruction serves as a trigger for transmitting the print job. When the printer 300 transitions to the easy connection mode 606, the printer 300 first transitions to the camera print standby state 607 as a sub state. When the printer 300 transitions to the camera print standby state 607, a camera print standby screen 430 is displayed on the display unit 209. In this state, when the event E603 occurs, the printer 300 transitions to the camera printing state 608. The event E603 is reception of a print job from the camera 200.

  When the printer 300 transitions to the camera printing state 608, a camera printing screen 440 is displayed on the display unit 209. In this state, when the event E604 occurs, the printer 300 transitions to the standby state 605 and invalidates the access point. An event E604 is that any of completion of processing of a print job, disconnection of a wireless LAN connection with the camera 200, and a cancel operation by the user is detected.

  The above is the flow of a series of state transitions of the printer 300 when the printer 300 performs printing based on the print job transmitted from the camera 200. In the state where the home screen 420 is displayed on the display unit 209, the printer 300 accepts various operations in addition to the copy button 421 and the card print button 422, and shifts to various states by changing to a state (not shown). Perform the function. Here, a description of transition to a state (not shown) is omitted.

  Processing executed by the printer 300 and the camera 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram in a process of printing an image by performing a simple connection between the printer 300 and the camera 200. Note that the processing executed by each device in this sequence diagram is realized by the CPU included in each device reading various programs stored in the memory included in each device into the RAM included in each device and executing them.

  First, in step S <b> 901, the user 500 operates the printer 300 and presses the camera print button 423 on the home screen 420 displayed on the display unit 311.

  In step S <b> 902, the printer 300 transitions to the easy connection mode with the user 500 pressing the camera print button 423 as a trigger. The easy connection mode is a mode in which the printer 300 operates as an access point that can be connected by predetermined fixed connection information (fixed SSID, fixed password, etc.) for the easy connection mode. The fixed connection information is held in advance in a memory (ROM 203 or the like) provided in the camera 200 before the camera 200 is initially activated. That is, the camera 200 holds connection information for the easy connection mode without acquiring connection information from a connection target (data transmission target) device or accepting an input from a user. The camera 200 stores an initial activation flag, which is information indicating whether or not the camera 200 has been activated after arrival, in a memory (ROM 203 or the like) included in the camera 200. The time of arrival (before initial activation) refers to a state in which the initial activation flag indicates that the camera 200 has not been activated after arrival. Note that the fixed connection information for the easy connection mode is not limited to the camera 200 but is held in advance in each terminal device of each model having a function of communicating with the printer 300 before the initial activation of each terminal device. The camera 200 acquires connection information from a connection target (data transmission target) device or accepts input from a user by connecting to the printer 300 in the easy connection mode using fixed connection information. Wirelessly connected to the printer 300 without any problem. In the present embodiment, as described above, the connection information for the easy connection mode needs to be held in advance in the memory included in the camera 200, and thus cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. All information included in the connection information for the easy connection mode may not be fixed. That is, it is only necessary to include at least part of fixed information that can be identified by the printer 300 and the camera 200 as connection information for the easy connection mode. In this case, only fixed information cannot be changed, and portions other than the fixed information may be changed. The printer 300 performs authentication processing, which will be described later, with reference to fixed information among the connection information for the easy connection mode. The camera 200 detects the printer 300, which will be described later, with reference to fixed information in the connection information for the easy connection mode.

  The simple connection mode may be any mode in which the printer 300 can be connected to the camera 200 without requiring a complicated operation from the user. Therefore, the SSID for the easy connection mode may not be a fixed SSID. 200 may not be held in advance. For example, the SSID for the easy connection mode may be an SSID of a free access point that can be accessed without a password. In this case, the printer 300 in the simple connection mode operates as a free access point that can be accessed without a password. As a result, the camera 200 requires processing for allowing the user to select an access point to be connected, but it is possible to omit inputting a password.

  When the printer 300 starts operating as an access point having an SSID for the easy connection mode, the printer 300 starts transmitting a beacon including connection information such as an SSID for the easy connection mode. Thereby, the camera 200 can recognize that the printer 300 that is in the easy connection mode exists in the vicinity by receiving the beacon. In addition, the printer 300 executes storage control processing for storing information on the connection mode of the printer 300 at that time in the nonvolatile memory 305 or the like before making a transition to the easy connection mode. The connection mode information is information related to the connection state of the printer 300 at that time, and includes, for example, device information of a connection partner, connection information for reconnecting to the connection partner, a connection mode name, and the like. The connection mode includes, for example, a wired LAN connection mode in which communication is performed using a wired LAN, an infrastructure connection mode in which communication is performed with a terminal device via an access point outside the printer 300, and P2P communication is performed with a device outside the printer 300. There are direct connection modes.

  In step S <b> 903, the user 500 operates the camera 200 and presses the print execution button 522 on the image reproduction screen 520 displayed on the display unit 209. That is, the user 500 selects an image to be printed by the printer 300 and specifies that the printer 300 is to execute printing.

  In step S <b> 904, the camera 200 performs wireless LAN connection with the printer 300 using the connection information for the easy connection mode, triggered by the user 500 pressing the print execution button 522. Specifically, first, a beacon emitted from the printer 300 is detected, and by referring to device information included in the beacon, it is recognized that the printer 300 that is in the easy connection mode exists in the vicinity. Thereafter, the camera 200 transmits a wireless LAN connection request to the printer 300 using the connection information for the easy connection mode, and when the authentication is successful, establishes a wireless LAN connection with the printer 300. As a result, the printer 300 in the simple connection mode becomes an access point, and the camera 200 becomes a wireless LAN client, and a wireless LAN connection is established. Note that in step S904, the camera 200 may repeat the detection operation for a certain period of time when the beacon emitted from the printer 300 cannot be detected. By doing so, the camera 200 can be connected to the printer 300 even when the processing of S904 is executed prior to S901. In addition, before the camera 200 is connected to the printer 300, the connection mode of the camera 200 at that time and the information of the connection partner (device information of the connection partner, connection information for reconnecting to the connection partner, etc.) Stored in the memory 205 or the like.

  In step S <b> 905, the camera 200 transmits a print job to the printer 300. The print job transmitted at this time includes image data of an image selected by the user 500, print setting information set by the user 500, and the like.

  In step S906, the printer 300 executes print processing based on the received print job.

  In step S907, when the printing process is completed, the printer 300 notifies the camera 200 that the printing process is completed.

  In step S908, when the camera 200 receives the notification and recognizes that the printing process has been completed, the camera 200 disconnects the wireless LAN connection.

  In step S909, the printer 300 returns to the connection state before the transition to the easy connection mode using the information saved before the transition to the easy connection mode. As a result, the printer 300 stops operating as an access point having the SSID for the easy connection mode.

  In step S <b> 910, the camera 200 returns to the connection state before the connection with the printer 300 using the information stored before the connection with the printer 300.

  In the above description, the printer 300 cancels the easy connection mode when the connection with the camera 200 is disconnected. However, the simple connection mode may be canceled depending on other conditions. For example, the simple connection mode may be canceled when the printing process in S906 is completed. In addition, at any timing after the transmission of the print job is finished, an instruction to explicitly cancel the easy connection mode is transmitted from the camera 200, and the printer 300 cancels the easy connection mode based on the instruction. May be. In addition, there may be a case where the operation on the camera 200 (the process of S902) is not performed for a long time even though the operation on the printer is performed in S901 and the printer 300 is shifted to the easy connection mode. For this reason, if the connection with the camera 200 is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the printer 300 may voluntarily cancel the easy connection mode. Further, in order to shorten the operation time in the easy connection mode as much as possible, the printer 300 may cancel the easy connection mode, for example, at the timing when reception of the print job is completed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the printer 300 when the printer 300 and the camera 200 are connected by simple connection. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 302 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 303 into the RAM 304 and executing them. Also, the processing shown in this flowchart is started when the CPU 302 detects that the camera print button 423 displayed on the display unit 311 is pressed.

  In step S701, the CPU 302 causes the printer 300 to transition to the easy connection mode. Specifically, the CPU 302 causes the printer 300 to operate as an access point that can be connected based on predetermined fixed connection information for the easy connection mode. The CPU 302 stores the connection mode and connection partner information at that time in the nonvolatile memory 305 or the like immediately before the transition to the easy connection mode.

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 302 determines whether a wireless LAN connection request is received from the camera 200. If the CPU 302 determines that a wireless LAN connection request has been received, the CPU 302 performs the process of S704. On the other hand, when determining that the wireless LAN connection request has not been received, the CPU 302 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out) after the printer 300 is shifted to the simple connection mode in S703. To do. If the CPU 302 determines that a time-out has occurred, it performs the process of S712. At this time, the CPU 302 may display on the display unit 311 that a timeout has occurred. When determining that the time-out has not occurred, the CPU 302 performs the process of S702 again.

  In step S704, the CPU 302 determines whether authentication for establishing a wireless LAN connection has succeeded. Specifically, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the received wireless LAN connection request includes the SSID and password for the easy connection mode, device information corresponding to the printer 300 and the camera 200, and the like. It is determined that the authentication is successful. When the CPU 302 determines that the authentication for establishing the wireless LAN connection is successful, the CPU 302 performs the process of S705. At this time, the CPU 302 may notify the camera 200 that the authentication is successful, or may display it on the display unit 311. On the other hand, if the CPU 302 determines that the authentication for establishing the wireless LAN connection has not succeeded, the CPU 302 performs the process of S712. At this time, the CPU 302 may notify the camera 200 or display on the display unit 311 that the authentication has not been successful.

  In step S <b> 705, the CPU 302 establishes a wireless LAN connection between the camera 200 and the printer 300.

  In step S <b> 706, the CPU 302 determines whether a print job has been received from the camera 200 via a wireless LAN connection. If the CPU 302 determines that a print job has been received, the CPU 302 performs processing in step S708. On the other hand, if the CPU 302 determines that a print job has not been received, the CPU 302 performs the process of S707 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the wireless LAN connection was established (timeout). If the CPU 302 determines that a time-out has occurred, it performs the process of S712. At this time, the CPU 302 may display on the display unit 311 that a timeout has occurred. When determining that the time-out has not occurred, the CPU 302 performs the process of S706 again.

  In step S708, the CPU 302 executes print processing based on the received print job.

  In step S709, the CPU 302 determines whether the cancel operation for the received print job has been performed by the user. Note that the user can cancel the print job either by operating the camera 200 or by operating the printer 300 (such as pressing the cancel button 431 or the cancel button 441). When the execution of the print job is canceled by an operation on the camera 200, the CPU 302 communicates with the camera 200 via the wireless LAN connection and receives information indicating that the print job is canceled. When execution of a print job is canceled by an operation on the printer 300, the CPU 302 communicates with the camera 200 via a wireless LAN connection and transmits information indicating that the print job has been canceled. If the CPU 302 determines that a job cancel operation has been performed, the CPU 302 performs the process of S712. On the other hand, if the CPU 302 determines that the job cancel operation has not been performed, the CPU 302 performs the process of S7010.

  In step S710, the CPU 302 determines whether the received print job has been processed. If the CPU 302 determines that the processing of the received print job has been completed, the CPU 302 performs the processing of S711. On the other hand, if the CPU 302 determines that the processing of the received print job has not been completed, the processing of S709 is performed again.

  In step S711, the CPU 302 notifies the camera 200 that the processing of the received print job has been completed via the wireless LAN connection.

  In step S712, the CPU 302 disconnects the wireless LAN connection and returns the printer 300 to the connection mode immediately before the easy connection mode using the information stored immediately before the transition to the easy connection mode. Thereafter, the CPU 302 ends the process.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the camera 200 when the printer 300 and the camera 200 are connected by simple connection. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 202 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing them. Further, the processing shown in this flowchart is started in a state where an image selection screen for selecting image data to be printed by the printer 300 is displayed on the display unit 209.

  First, in step S801, the CPU 202 detects that selection of image data to be printed by the printer 300 has been received from the user. When receiving the selection of the image, the CPU 202 displays an image reproduction screen 520 corresponding to the selected image on the display unit 209.

  In step S802, the CPU 202 instructs the execution of printing of the selected image from the user. In other words, the CPU 202 receives a communication instruction for image data corresponding to the selected image from the user. Specifically, the CPU 202 detects that the print execution button 522 has been pressed by the user. Then, the CPU 202 activates the wireless LAN function of the camera 200 and starts searching for beacons emitted from the printer 300.

  In step S <b> 803, the CPU 202 determines whether the printer 300 has been detected. Specifically, the CPU 202 compares the connection information for the easy connection mode that is held in advance with the detected beacon, and determines whether or not a beacon that includes information such as the SSID for the easy connection mode is detected. judge. If the CPU 202 determines that the printer 300 has been detected, the CPU 202 performs the process of S805. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer 300 has not been detected, the CPU 202 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out) after detecting that the print execution button 522 has been pressed in S804. judge. If the CPU 202 determines that a time-out has occurred, it performs the process of S812. At this time, the CPU 202 may display on the display unit 209 that a timeout has occurred. When determining that the time-out has not occurred, the CPU 302 performs the process of S803 again.

  In step S805, the CPU 202 transmits a wireless LAN connection request to the detected printer 300. Note that the wireless LAN connection request includes the SSID and password for the easy connection mode, device information of the camera 200 (MAC ADDRESS, device type, etc.), and the like.

  In step S <b> 806, the CPU 202 determines whether authentication for establishing a wireless LAN connection by the printer 300 has succeeded. Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether or not a notification indicating that the authentication is successful is received from the printer 300. If the CPU 202 determines that the authentication for establishing the wireless LAN connection has succeeded, the CPU 202 performs the process of S807. Note that the CPU 202 stores the connection mode of the camera 200 and the information of the connection partner immediately before the establishment of the easy connection in the nonvolatile memory 205 or the like. On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines that the authentication for establishing the wireless LAN connection has not succeeded, the CPU 202 displays that the authentication has not been successful on the display unit 209 and performs the process of S812.

  In S807, the CPU 202 establishes a wireless LAN connection between the printer 300 and the camera 200.

  In step S808, the CPU 202 transmits a print job for printing the selected image to the printer 300 via the wireless LAN connection.

  In step S809, the CPU 202 determines whether the cancel operation for the received print job has been performed by the user. Specifically, the CPU 202 determines whether information indicating that the print job has been canceled is received from the printer 300. Further, the CPU 202 determines whether or not a cancel button displayed on the display unit 209 has been pressed after the transmission of the print job is completed. If the CPU 202 determines that the cancel operation has been performed by the user, the CPU 202 displays on the display unit 209 that the print job process has been canceled, and performs the process of S812. On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines that the cancel operation has not been performed by the user, the CPU 202 performs the process of S810.

  In step S <b> 810, the CPU 202 determines whether a notification indicating that the print job processing has been completed is received from the printer 300. If the CPU 202 determines that a notification indicating that the processing of the print job has been completed is received from the printer 300, the CPU 202 performs the processing of S812. On the other hand, if the CPU 202 determines that the notification indicating that the processing of the print job has been completed has not been received from the printer 300, in step S811, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the print job was transmitted (timeout has occurred). Determine whether or not. If the CPU 202 determines that a time-out has occurred, it performs the process of S812. At this time, the CPU 202 may display on the display unit 209 that a timeout has occurred. If the CPU 202 determines that it has not timed out, it performs the process of S810 again.

  In S812, the CPU 202 disconnects the wireless LAN connection and returns the camera 200 to the connection mode immediately before the establishment of the wireless LAN connection using the information stored immediately before the establishment of the wireless LAN connection. Thereafter, the CPU 202 ends the process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the camera 200 is connected to the printer 300 operating in the easy connection mode using the fixed connection information for the easy connection mode. Since the fixed connection information for the easy connection mode is held in advance in a memory included in the camera 200 when it arrives, the camera 200 does not request the user to input connection information at the time of connection. By adopting such a form, this embodiment can connect the camera 200 and the printer 300 without complicated wireless LAN setting by the user.

  In addition, since the present embodiment does not require a process for acquiring connection information from a communication device such as a push button authentication process as compared with a conventional connection method such as WPS in which a complicated wireless LAN setting by a user is omitted. There is an advantage that the connection can be started quickly.

  In this embodiment, when receiving a data communication instruction from a user, the camera 200 establishes a connection using fixed connection information and transmits data through the connection. As described above, in this embodiment, since both the establishment of the connection and the transmission of the data are automatically performed by accepting a data communication instruction from the user, the user performs an operation for establishing the connection, There is no need to perform separate operations for data transmission. Therefore, the present embodiment can improve the convenience of the user in establishing a connection and transmitting data.

  In this embodiment, as shown in S901, simple connection can be executed only when the user directly operates the printer 300 and the printer 300 shifts to the simple connection mode. In addition, when printing is completed or the connection is disconnected, the printer 300 cancels the easy connection mode, and the easy connection cannot be executed. By setting it as such a form, it can suppress that the state which can perform an easy connection will be maintained for a long time. In other words, by limiting the period during which the simple connection can be performed to an arbitrary period for the user who can operate the printer 300, it is possible to prevent the terminal device owned by the third party and the printer 300 from being easily connected. .

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the connection information for the easy connection mode is stored in advance in a memory such as a ROM provided in the terminal device at the time of arrival. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, it may be held in a program such as an application installed in the terminal device. For example, a terminal device such as a smart phone may require a dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated application) corresponding to the communication device in order to transmit a print job to the communication device. In that case, by holding the connection information for the easy connection mode in the dedicated application, the terminal device can acquire the connection information for the easy connection mode with the installation of the dedicated application. When the terminal device transmits a print job to the communication device via the dedicated application, the terminal device communicates with the communication device using the acquired connection information for the easy connection mode, so that the user can input the connection information. It is possible to easily connect to a communication device without receiving it.

  In the above-described embodiment, when an image data communication instruction is received from the user, the image data is transmitted without receiving an input from the user thereafter. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the image data may be transmitted after some user operation is intervened after receiving a communication instruction of image data from the user, such as user confirmation after the connection between the apparatuses is established.

  In the above-described embodiment, the terminal device transmits a print job to the communication device, but is not limited to this form. For example, a scan job for causing the communication device to execute a scan, a copy job for causing the printer 300 to perform a copy, a setting change command for changing the setting of the communication device, and image / document / movie data to be saved in the communication device Etc. may be transmitted. When a scan job is transmitted to the communication device, the image data generated by scanning the document based on the scan job is connected to the terminal device through connection information for the one-time connection mode or the direct connection mode. Sent to. For example, a scan job is transmitted to the communication device when the CPU 202 detects that a scan execution button (not shown) is pressed by the user (an image data communication instruction has been accepted).

  As long as the effects of the above-described embodiment can be realized, the processing order of the flowcharts of the above-described embodiment may be changed, all of the processing may not be executed, or the processing content may be changed.

  The above-described embodiment supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or apparatus execute the program This process can be realized. The above-described embodiments can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

200 Camera 300 Printer

Claims (30)

A terminal device that communicates with a communication device that can be connected by predetermined connection information,
An operation means capable of accepting an operation from a user;
Holding means for holding the predetermined connection information without the operation unit receiving the input of the predetermined connection information from a user and without the terminal device acquiring the predetermined connection information from the communication device; ,
Connection means for connecting the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information held by the holding means;
A terminal device comprising: a communication unit configured to communicate image data with the communication device by connecting the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined connection information includes at least information that a user cannot arbitrarily change.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined connection information includes an SSID or a password.   4. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined connection information is held in the holding unit before the terminal device is initially activated. 5.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined connection information is held in the holding unit when a predetermined program is installed in the terminal device. When a predetermined operation by the user is performed on the communication device, the communication device is in a state where connection by the predetermined connection information is possible,
The connection means connects the terminal device and the communication apparatus according to the predetermined connection information held by the holding means when the communication apparatus is in a state in which connection by the predetermined connection information is possible. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is connected. When the communication of the image data by the communication means is completed, the connection between the terminal device and the communication device is disconnected,
The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the communication device cancels a state in which connection by the predetermined connection information is possible when the communication of the image data by the communication unit is completed. When the image forming process for forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data transmitted to the communication device by the communication unit is completed by the communication device, the connection between the terminal device and the communication device is disconnected,
The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein when the image forming process is completed by the communication device, the communication device releases a state in which connection by the predetermined connection information is possible. Storage control means for storing, in a memory, information relating to a connection state of the terminal device before the terminal device is connected to the communication device according to the predetermined connection information;
When the connection between the terminal device and the communication device is disconnected, before the terminal device connects to the communication device based on the predetermined connection information based on the information on the connection state stored by the storage control unit The terminal device according to claim 7, further comprising transition means for transitioning the connection state of the terminal device to the connection state.   10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits a print job including the image data and causing the communication device to execute printing based on the image data. The terminal device according to any one of claims.   The communication means transmits a scan job for causing the communication device to execute a scan to the communication device, and receives the image data generated by the scan performed by the communication device from the communication device. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits image data to be stored in the communication device to the communication device. Having a receiving means for receiving a communication instruction of image data from a user;
The connection means connects the terminal apparatus and the communication apparatus according to the predetermined connection information held by the holding means when the communication instruction is received by the receiving means. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Having a receiving means for receiving a communication instruction of image data from a user;
The communication of the image data by the communication means is executed without receiving an operation on the terminal device from the user after the communication instruction is received from the user by the receiving means. The terminal device according to claim 12. Communicates with a connectable communication device according to predetermined connection information,
A control method of a terminal device having holding means for holding the predetermined connection information without inputting the predetermined connection information by a user and acquiring the predetermined connection information from the communication device,
A connection step of connecting the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information held by the holding means;
And a communication step of communicating image data with the communication device by connection between the terminal device and the communication device based on the predetermined connection information. Communication means for communicating with a communication device connectable by predetermined connection information;
An operation means capable of accepting an operation from a user;
A holding unit that holds the predetermined connection information without the operation unit receiving the input of the predetermined connection information from a user and without acquiring the predetermined connection information from the communication device; To the device,
A connection step of connecting the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information held by the holding means;
And a communication step of communicating image data with the communication device by connection between the terminal device and the communication device based on the predetermined connection information.   The program according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined connection information includes at least information that a user cannot arbitrarily change.   The program according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the predetermined connection information includes an SSID or a password.   The program according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the predetermined connection information is held in the holding unit before the terminal device is initially activated.   The program according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the predetermined connection information is held in the holding unit when the program is installed in the terminal device. When a predetermined operation by the user is performed on the communication device, the communication device is in a state in which connection using the predetermined connection information is possible,
When the communication device is in a state where connection using the predetermined connection information is possible, the communication device and the terminal device are connected by the predetermined connection information held by the holding unit. The program according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the program is characterized in that When the communication of the image data is completed, the connection between the communication device and the terminal device according to the predetermined connection information is disconnected,
The program according to claim 21, wherein when the communication of the image data is completed, the communication device cancels a state in which connection by the predetermined connection information is possible. When an image forming process for forming an image based on the image data on a recording medium is completed by the communication device, the connection between the communication device and the terminal device based on the predetermined connection information is disconnected,
The program according to claim 22, wherein when the image forming process is completed by the communication device, the communication device releases a state in which connection by the predetermined connection information is possible. A storage control step of storing, in a memory, information related to a connection state of the terminal device before the terminal device is connected to the communication device according to the predetermined connection information;
When the connection between the communication device and the terminal device is disconnected, the connection before the terminal device connects to the communication device based on the predetermined connection information based on the information related to the connection state stored in the memory The program according to claim 22 or 23, further causing a transition step of transitioning a connection state of the terminal device to a state.   25. The print job including the image data and causing the communication device to execute printing based on the image data is transmitted to the communication device. The program described in. A scan job for causing the communication device to execute a scan is transmitted to the communication device,
The program according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the image data generated by executing a scan by the communication device is received from the communication device.   27. The program according to claim 16, wherein image data to be stored in the communication device is transmitted to the communication device. Execute a reception step for receiving a communication instruction for image data from the user,
28. Any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein when the communication instruction is received from a user, the predetermined connection information held by the holding means is used to connect to the communication device. The program according to item 1. Execute a reception step for receiving a communication instruction for image data from the user,
29. The communication of the image data is performed after the communication instruction is received from a user, and the operation on the terminal device is not received from the user. The program described in. A communication system including a communication device connectable by predetermined connection information and a terminal device communicating with the communication device,
The terminal device
An operation means capable of accepting an operation from a user;
Holding means for holding the predetermined connection information without the operation unit receiving the input of the predetermined connection information from a user and without the terminal device acquiring the predetermined connection information from the communication device; ,
When the communication device is in a connectable state based on the predetermined connection information, connection means for connecting the terminal device and the communication device with the predetermined connection information held by the holding means;
Communication means for communicating image data with the communication device by connection between the terminal device and the communication device according to the predetermined connection information;
The communication device
A communication system comprising transition means for transitioning the communication device to a connectable state based on the predetermined connection information when a predetermined operation is received from a user.

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