JP2012191301A - Information processing device, program, and radio printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print with a printing device which is as close to a terminal as possible.SOLUTION: An information processing device communicates with a printing device in a first mode in which it performs wireless communication with another device via an access point and in a second mode in which it performs wireless communication with another device without going through an access point. The information processing device comprises: receiving means for receiving a printing instruction; switching means for switching connection to a printing device connected in the first mode to the second mode if the printing instruction has been received; selection means for selecting a printing device connected in the second mode as a printing target printing device; and transmission means for transmitting printing data to the selected printing device.

Description

The present invention relates to wireless printing in a printing system including an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus.

In recent years, there have been increased opportunities to use printing devices such as printers, copiers, and multifunction devices from portable terminals (hereinafter also referred to as “information processing devices”) such as mobile PCs (Personal Computers), mobile phones, and smartphones. Yes. The terminal can also search for a printing apparatus that can be used by the terminal by an application program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an application).

As a network connection form of the terminal and the printing apparatus, for example, the terminal and the printing apparatus are I
Through wireless communication such as EEE 802.11, L
Some wirelessly connect to a network such as an AN (Local Area Network). Such a network connection form is called, for example, an infrastructure mode.

For example, the access point is connected to the LAN by wire, or is connected to the LAN via another access point by wireless communication. One of the terminal and the printing device may be wired to the LAN without going through an access point (via a hub device or the like).

As another network connection form of the terminal and the printing apparatus, for example, the terminal and the printing apparatus are
Some wireless communication such as IEEE802.11 establishes a peer-to-peer wireless connection without using a relay device such as an access point. Such a network connection form is called an ad hoc mode, for example.

In addition, there is a technique for switching from an infrastructure mode to an ad hoc mode or from an ad hoc mode to an infrastructure mode when the terminal receives a predetermined notification (for example, Patent Document 1).

In the infrastructure mode, the terminal and the printing apparatus are, for example, “ESS-
It is necessary to set parameters for establishing wireless communication such as “ID”, “channel”, and “WEP” (hereinafter also simply referred to as “parameters”) so as to match the parameters set in the access point. In ad hoc mode, the terminal and printing device
Various parameters must be set to match each other.

JP 2008-277919 A

By the way, in the infrastructure mode, there are cases where printing can be executed even by a printing device located farther from the terminal position than in the ad hoc mode. This is because in the infrastructure mode, communication between the terminal and the printing apparatus is performed via the access point. Also, for example, when the terminal device performs wireless communication in the infrastructure mode, the printing device is wired to the LAN or the access point to which the printing device is wirelessly connected is connected to the terminal device. Even when the access point is different, there are cases where printing can be executed by a printing apparatus located farther from the terminal.

However, if the printing result is output by a printing device located far from the terminal, the location of the printing device is not known, and it takes time to move to the location of the printing device, resulting in inconvenience for the user. .

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to perform printing with a printing apparatus as close as possible to a terminal.

The first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another device via an access point, and a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another device without passing through an access point. An information processing apparatus that communicates with a printing apparatus in two modes, a receiving unit that receives a printing instruction, and a printing apparatus that is connected in the first mode when the printing instruction is received, Switching means for switching to the connection, selection means for selecting the printing apparatus connected in the second mode as a printing apparatus to be printed, and transmission means for transmitting print data to the selected printing apparatus, It is characterized by having.

Here, the information processing apparatus includes a measurement unit that measures the radio field intensity of the printing apparatus connected in the second mode, and a determination unit that determines whether the radio field intensity exceeds a predetermined value. The selection unit may select a printing device connected in the second mode as the printing device to be printed when the radio field intensity exceeds the predetermined value.

In addition, the information processing apparatus includes search means for searching for a printing apparatus connected in the first mode that can be used by the information processing apparatus, and the switching means includes one or more searched printing apparatuses. On the other hand, the second mode connection may be switched in a predetermined order.

In addition, when the radio field intensity of the one or more searched printing apparatuses is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the selection unit has the strongest radio field intensity among the one or more searched printing apparatuses. May be selected as a printing apparatus to be printed.

In addition, the switching unit may switch the connection to the second mode for the printing apparatus designated by the user first among the one or more searched printing apparatuses.

The switching unit may return the printing apparatus having the radio wave intensity equal to or lower than the predetermined value to the connection in the first mode.

The second aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another device via an access point, and a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another device without passing through an access point. An information processing apparatus that communicates with a printing apparatus in two modes, a receiving unit that receives a printing instruction, and a printing apparatus that is connected in the first mode when the printing instruction is received, Switching means for switching to the connection, selection means for selecting the printing apparatus connected in the second mode as a printing apparatus to be printed, and transmission means for transmitting print data to the selected printing apparatus, Have. And measuring means for measuring the radio field intensity of the printing apparatus connected in the second mode, wherein the switching means performs the first order on the one or more printing apparatuses connected in the first mode in a predetermined order. Switching to a two-mode connection, and the selecting means selects a printing device having the strongest radio wave intensity as a printing device to be printed among one or more printing devices connected in the second mode. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an information processing device is connected to a first mode for performing wireless communication with another device via an access point, and to another device without using an access point. A program that functions as a device that communicates with a printing device in the second mode in which wireless communication is performed, and a receiving unit that receives a printing instruction, and when the printing instruction is received,
Switching means for switching the printing apparatus connected in the first mode to the connection in the second mode, selection means for selecting the printing apparatus connected in the second mode as a printing apparatus to be printed, and the selection The information processing apparatus is caused to function as transmission means for transmitting print data to the printed apparatus.

The fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another device via an access point, and a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another device without passing through an access point. A wireless printing method in information processing that communicates with a printing apparatus by two modes, wherein a receiving step for receiving a printing instruction, and a printing apparatus connected in the first mode when the printing instruction is received, A switching step for switching to the connection in the second mode, a selection step for selecting the printing device connected in the second mode as a printing device to be printed, and sending print data to the selected printing device A transmission step.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a printing system according to an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining the printing apparatus search screen which concerns on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the ad hoc printing process of the information processing apparatus which concerns on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention.

  An example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of a printing system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The printing system 1 includes a printing device 2 (A to D), an information processing device 3, and an access point 4.
With.

The access point 4 functions as a relay device. The access point 4 is, for example, L
The communication is relayed between a device connected by wire to a network (not shown) such as AN and wirelessly connected to the access point 4 and the network, or between devices wirelessly connected to the access point 4. That is, an infrastructure mode communication environment is provided. Therefore,
The printing apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 can communicate with each other via the access point 4.

The information processing apparatus 3 implements various processes using an OS (Operating System) program and application programs, various processes using a printer driver program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a printer driver), and the like. For example, the information processing apparatus 3 issues a print instruction to the printing apparatus 2. That is, it functions as a print control apparatus that generates print data that can be interpreted by the printing apparatus 2 based on the print target data and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 2.

The information processing apparatus 3 is capable of wireless communication, and selectively performs communication with other apparatuses via the access point 4 or communication with other apparatuses not via the access point 4. For example, the information processing apparatus 3 can communicate with the printing apparatus 2 in an infrastructure mode or an ad hoc mode.

As will be described later, the information processing apparatus 3 has a function of searching for a printing apparatus 2 that can be used (connected) by the information processing apparatus 3. In addition, it has a function of switching the connection with the printing apparatus 2 from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode when executing printing.

The printing apparatus 2 has a printing function for executing printing based on a printing instruction. That is, printing is performed based on the print data received from the information processing apparatus 3.

The printing apparatus 2 is capable of wireless communication and communicates with other apparatuses via the access point 4;
Alternatively, communication with other devices not via the access point 4 is selectively performed. For example, the printing apparatus 2 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 3 in the infrastructure mode or the ad hoc mode.

As will be described later, the printing apparatus 2 receives an instruction from the information processing apparatus 3 to switch the wireless connection from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode, or from the ad hoc mode to the infrastructure mode, and switches to the ad hoc mode or the infrastructure mode. It has a function.

The form of the printing system 1 is not limited to the above. For example, the number of information processing apparatuses 3, printing apparatuses 2, and access points 4 is not limited to the illustrated example. The information processing device 3 and the printing device 2 may be connected to different access points 4. For example, the information processing device 3 and the printing device 2 may be connected to the network or the access point 4 by wired communication. In addition, for example, the printing system 1 may be configured by adding a function for generating print data based on print target data to the printing apparatus 2.

Next, the hardware configurations of the printing apparatus 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 will be described more specifically.

The printing apparatus 2 is, for example, an ink jet printer. The printing apparatus 2 includes, for example, a controller 20 that controls the printing apparatus 2 in an integrated manner, and a network interface (I / F) 2 that wirelessly connects to the access point 4 or another apparatus to transmit and receive data.
4 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 25 connected to an external device such as a storage medium
A print engine 26 that prints on a print medium, and an operation panel 27 that displays various information and accepts input of user operations. You may have network I / F to perform wired connection

The controller 20 is a CPU (Central Proc) that performs processing based on various programs.
essing Unit) 21 and RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing print data and the like
) 22 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 in which various data, various programs and the like for controlling the printing apparatus 2 are previously stored in a nonvolatile manner. Controller 20
Is a dedicated ASIC (Application Specif) that controls image processing and the operation of the print engine 26.
ic Integrated Circuit).

The controller 20 controls the operation of the print engine 26. The controller 20
For example, image data for controlling the print engine 26 is generated based on the print data received from the information processing apparatus 3. Further, a drive signal is generated based on the image data, ink is ejected from the print head, and operations of various mechanisms of the print engine 26 are controlled. For example, a motor for reciprocating the carriage, a motor for feeding paper, a motor for feeding and discharging paper, and the like are driven to control the carriage reciprocating movement, paper feeding, paper feeding and discharging, and the like.

The print engine 26 is, for example, a color ink jet system. Print engine 26
In this case, ink cartridges filled with inks of various colors are detachably loaded, and printing is performed by spraying these inks on a printing medium such as recording paper. The print engine 26 includes, for example, a print head that ejects ink, a carriage that mounts the print head, a carriage drive mechanism that drives the carriage in the main scanning direction, a paper feed mechanism that transports the print medium in the sub-scanning direction, and a print medium Various mechanisms such as a paper supply / discharge mechanism for performing paper supply / discharge in the sub-scanning direction are provided.

The operation panel 27 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL.
A display such as a display (Electro-Luminescence Display), a touch panel that functions as an input device, a hard switch, and the like are provided.

The information processing device 3 is, for example, a PC or a mobile terminal. The information processing apparatus 3 includes a controller 30 that controls the information processing apparatus 3 in an integrated manner, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SDD.
A built-in or external auxiliary storage device 37 such as (Solid State Drive), an input device 38 such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and a display 39 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display are provided.

The controller 30 stores in advance a CPU 31 that performs processing based on various programs, a RAM 32 that temporarily stores data and the like, and various data and various programs that control the information processing device 3 in a nonvolatile manner. ROM 33 and access point 4
Alternatively, it includes a network I / F 34 that wirelessly connects to another device to transmit and receive data, and a USB I / F 35 that connects to an external device such as a storage medium. You may have network I / F to perform wired connection

Of course, the configurations of the printing system 1, the printing device 2, and the information processing device 3 are not limited to the above because the main configurations have been described in describing the features of the present invention. In addition, other configurations included in a general printing system, a printing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus are not excluded. For example, the printing apparatus 2 is not limited to an ink jet printer, and may be a laser printer. Further, the printing apparatus 2 may be a multifunction machine or a copier having a scanner function and a facsimile function. Further, the information processing apparatus 3 may be a mobile phone or a smartphone.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printing system according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 3 and the printing apparatus 2 will be described based on a state in which communication is performed in the infrastructure mode.

The information processing apparatus 3 includes a setting reception unit 310, a search unit 320, a printing device selection unit 330,
A print data generation unit 340 and a wireless communication unit 350 are included.

For example, each functional unit of the information processing device 3 is configured such that the CPU 31 executes the RAM 32 from the auxiliary storage device 37.
This is realized by executing a predetermined program loaded on the computer. For example, the predetermined program is downloaded from a server on the network, and is installed or updated in the information processing apparatus 3. Of course, it may be recorded in advance on a portable recording medium, read from the recording medium, installed in the information processing apparatus 3, or updated.

In the present embodiment, each functional unit of the information processing apparatus 3 is realized by, for example, a printer driver (also referred to as a common driver or the like) that can handle a plurality of types of printing apparatuses. Therefore, the printer driver can accept selection of a printing apparatus that performs printing, or can automatically select a printing apparatus and instruct the selected printing apparatus to perform printing.

Of course, at least some of the functional units of the information processing apparatus 3 may be realized by a program different from the printer driver. The printer driver is not limited to a common driver, and may be a plurality of printer drivers corresponding to each printing apparatus. In these cases, for example, functions for searching for a printing device, selecting a printing device, and performing wireless communication can be realized by a program different from the printer driver.

Note that the information processing device 3 may include an OS unit and an application unit (both not shown). The OS unit and the application unit are realized, for example, when the CPU 31 executes a predetermined OS program or application program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 37 into the RAM 32.

The setting reception unit 310 receives print settings, a print start instruction, and the like. Moreover, the setting reception part 3
10 accepts print target data created by an application unit or the like.

The setting reception unit 310 displays a predetermined user interface screen that receives print settings or the like when a print setting instruction is received by a user operation via a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS unit or the application unit, for example. Display and accept print settings. In the present embodiment, the processing related to accepting print settings is not a main function, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The setting reception unit 310 displays a predetermined user interface screen on the display 39.
To receive a search instruction for the printing apparatus and display the search result.

For example, when receiving an instruction to start printing via a predetermined user interface screen displayed by the OS unit or the application unit, the setting reception unit 310 receives an instruction to search for a printing apparatus, displays a search result, and ad hoc. A predetermined user interface screen for accepting an instruction of ad hoc printing (details will be described later) using the mode is displayed.

More specifically, the setting reception unit 310 performs, for example, a printing device search screen 4 as illustrated in FIG.
00 is displayed. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a printing apparatus search screen according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The printing device search screen 400 prints a search button 410 for executing a printing device search, a search result area 420 for displaying a list of printing device search results, and a printing device included in the search result list. Printing device selection area 430 for designating as an execution target, and a printing apparatus selected in the printing device selection area 430 as a print execution target (port for outputting print data)
Include a print button 450 for application, an ad hoc print button 460 for executing ad hoc printing, and a cancel button 470 for canceling execution of printing.

Of course, the configuration of the printing apparatus search screen 400 is not limited to the above. For example, the arrangement and display mode of various areas are not limited to the above. Further, for example, each button or region may not be included in the same screen, and may be displayed on separate screens.

When the setting reception unit 310 receives a user operation on the search button 410, the setting reception unit 310 requests the search unit 320 to search for the printing apparatus 2 that can be used by the information processing apparatus 3. When the printing apparatus search screen 400 is displayed, a search process request may be automatically issued to the search unit 320.

When the search process of the printing apparatus 2 by the search unit 320 is completed, the setting reception unit 310 acquires the search result from the search unit 320 and displays it in the search result area 420. The search result includes, for example, a list of entries associated with information indicating the model name and port of the printing apparatus. Of course, the structure of the search result is not limited to this. In addition, the setting reception unit 310 displays a printing device selection area 430 in association with each entry.

The setting accepting unit 310 accepts any one of the printing device selection areas 430 corresponding to each printing device displayed in the search result area 420 by a user operation.

When the setting accepting unit 310 accepts an operation of the print button 450, the printing device selection area 4
The printing apparatus 2 specified by 30 is specified as a print execution target. Then, the print data generation unit 340 is instructed to transmit the print data to the specified printing apparatus 2. Also, the printing device search screen 400 is closed.

When the setting reception unit 310 receives an operation of the ad hoc print button 460, the setting reception unit 310 instructs the printing device selection unit 330 to select one of the printing devices displayed in the search result area 420 as an ad hoc printing target. . In addition, the print data generation unit 340 is instructed to transmit print data to the printing apparatus 2 selected by the printing apparatus selection unit 330. Also, the printing device search screen 400 is closed.

Upon receiving a request from the setting reception unit 310, the search unit 320 searches the network for a printing device 2 that can be used by the information processing device 3 in the infrastructure mode. Then, information about the device is obtained from each searched printing device 2, a list of printing devices is created based on the information, and the search result is stored in the RAM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 37.

Examples of information that can be acquired from the printing apparatus 2 include information for identifying the printing apparatus 2 connected to the network (IP address, MAC address, model name, etc.), and information indicating the function of the printing apparatus 2 (for the sheet feeding apparatus). Information indicating the status of the printing apparatus 2 (idling, printing, ink amount, etc.), and the like.

In the present embodiment, the specific search processing of the printing apparatus is not a main function, and thus description thereof is omitted. For example, UPnP (Universal Plug and Play),
Technologies such as Bonjour can be used.

The printing apparatus selection unit 330 receives a request from the setting reception unit 310 and selects a printing apparatus 2 that can be connected under a predetermined condition in the ad hoc mode.

Specifically, the printing device selection unit 330 acquires a list of printing devices that are search results by the search unit 320 and selects the printing device 2 selected in a predetermined order (for example, the order in which the entries are arranged).
In response to this, the wireless communication unit 350 is instructed to attempt wireless connection in the ad hoc mode. When the connection with the selected printing apparatus 2 in the ad hoc mode is successful, the radio wave intensity of the connection-destination printing apparatus 2 (the intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the network I / F 24 of the printing apparatus 2) is measured wirelessly. The communication unit 350 is instructed.

In addition, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 determines whether or not the radio wave intensity of the connection-destination printing apparatus 2 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, level 4 when the radio wave intensity is divided into 1 to 5 levels). When the radio field intensity exceeds a predetermined value, the connection destination printing apparatus 2 is selected as the transmission destination of the print data. When the connection in the ad hoc mode fails, or when the radio wave intensity is a predetermined value or less, the same processing as described above (connection in the ad hoc mode, measurement of the radio wave intensity,
Radio wave strength).

If none of the printing devices 2 included in the search result is selected as the transmission destination of the print data, the printing device selection unit 330 has the strongest radio wave strength among the printing devices 2 that can measure the radio wave strength. 2 is selected as the print data transmission destination.

The print data generation unit 340 generates print data for causing the printing apparatus 2 to perform printing based on print settings and print target data. For this reason, the print data generation unit 340 has a function of performing rasterization processing, color conversion processing, halftone processing, and the like.

When the print button 450 is operated, the print data generation unit 340 displays the setting reception unit 310.
Print data for causing the printing apparatus 2 designated by the printer to perform printing is generated, and the wireless communication unit 35
Send via 0 and have it print.

When the ad hoc print button 460 is operated, the print data generation unit 340
Print data for causing the printing apparatus 2 selected by the printing apparatus selection unit 330 to perform printing as an ad hoc printing target is generated and transmitted via the wireless communication unit 350 to perform printing.

The wireless communication unit 350 transmits and receives data by controlling the network I / F 34. In addition, the wireless communication unit 350 switches between wireless connection in the infrastructure mode and wireless connection in the ad hoc mode.

Although the switching method is not particularly limited, when switching from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode, the wireless communication unit 350 sets, for example, a parameter set by the user or a predetermined ad hoc mode in the own device, and the search result. Is sent to the ad hoc connection target printing apparatus 2 and the ad hoc mode parameters and the parameters for the ad hoc mode are set.

When switching from the ad hoc mode to the infrastructure mode, the wireless communication unit 350, for example, sets a parameter set by the user or a predetermined infrastructure mode in the own apparatus, and prints an ad hoc connection target included in the search result. An instruction to switch the infrastructure mode is transmitted to the device 2. The printing apparatus 2 that has received the instruction sets a parameter set by the user or for a predetermined infrastructure mode in its own apparatus.

In addition, the wireless communication unit 350 controls the network I / F 34 to connect to the connection destination (for example, the access point 4 in the infrastructure mode and the printing apparatus 2 in the ad hoc mode in the infrastructure mode and the ad hoc mode). ). The method for measuring the radio field strength is not particularly limited.

  The printing apparatus 2 includes a wireless communication unit 210 and a print control unit 220.

Each functional unit of the printing apparatus 2 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a predetermined program loaded from the ROM 23 to the RAM 22, for example. For example, the predetermined program is stored in advance in the ROM 23 when the printing apparatus 2 is manufactured. Of course, it may be downloaded from a server on the network and updated. Further, it may be recorded in advance on a portable recording medium, read from the recording medium, and updated.

The wireless communication unit 210 transmits and receives data by controlling the network I / F 24. Further, the wireless communication unit 210 switches between wireless connection in the infrastructure mode and wireless connection in the ad hoc mode.

Although the switching method is not particularly limited, for example, when an instruction for switching from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode and a parameter for the ad hoc mode are received from the information processing device 3, the wireless communication unit 210 receives the received parameter. Is set to the local device.

Further, for example, when an instruction to switch from the ad hoc mode to the infrastructure mode is received from the information processing device 3, the wireless communication unit 210 sets a parameter set by the user or a predetermined infrastructure mode in the own device. To do.

The print control unit 220 generates image data for controlling the print engine 26 based on the print data received from the information processing apparatus 3. Based on the image data,
A drive signal is generated, ink is ejected from the print head, and operations of various mechanisms of the print engine 26 are controlled. Details are as described in the description of the controller 20.

The above components are classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configurations of the printing system 1, the printing device 2, and the information processing device 3. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configurations of the printing system 1, the printing device 2, and the information processing device 3 can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processing executed in the printing system 1 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing ad hoc printing processing of the information processing apparatus according to the example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

This flow is started when an ad hoc print button 460 on the above-described printing device search screen 400 is operated. Note that the printing apparatus 2 switches between the infrastructure mode and the ad hoc mode according to an instruction from the information processing apparatus 3.

In S <b> 1, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 determines whether or not the measurement of the radio field intensity of all the printing apparatuses 2 has been completed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the radio wave intensity measurement attempts (S2 to S4) have been completed for all the printing apparatuses 2 included in the list of printing apparatuses that are the search results by the search unit 320. When the measurement for all the printing apparatuses 2 is completed (S1: YES), the process is S
Proceed to step 8. If measurement for all the printing apparatuses 2 has not been completed (S1: NO), the process proceeds to S2.

In S <b> 2, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 selects a measurement target of radio wave intensity. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 selects one printing apparatus 2 from a list of printing apparatuses in a predetermined order (for example, the order in which entries are arranged). Then, the process proceeds to S3.

In S3, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 switches to the ad hoc mode. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 instructs the wireless communication unit 350 to attempt a wireless connection in the ad hoc mode with respect to the measurement target printing apparatus 2 selected in S2. And process S
Proceed to 4. For example, the wireless communication unit 350 sets an ad hoc mode parameter and transmits an ad hoc mode switching instruction and the ad hoc mode parameter to the printing apparatus 2 to be measured.

In S4, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 determines whether the wireless connection in the ad hoc mode is successful. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 acquires the result of switching from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode performed by the wireless communication unit 350 in S3.
If the connection is successful (S4: YES), the process proceeds to S5. If connection fails (S4
: NO), the process proceeds to S7.

In S5, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 measures the radio field intensity. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 instructs the wireless communication unit 350 to measure the radio field intensity of the printing apparatus 2 connected in the ad hoc mode in S3. Then, the process proceeds to S6.

In S6, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 determines whether the radio wave intensity exceeds a predetermined value. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 acquires the radio wave intensity of the printing apparatus 2 connected in the ad hoc mode from the wireless communication unit 350. Further, it is determined whether or not the acquired radio wave intensity exceeds a predetermined value. If the predetermined value is exceeded (S6: YES), the printing apparatus 2 connected in the ad hoc mode is selected as the transmission destination of the print data, and the process proceeds to S10. When it is below the predetermined value (S6: NO), the process proceeds to S7.

In S7, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 performs switching to the infrastructure mode. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 instructs the wireless communication unit 350 to instruct the printing apparatus 2 to be measured selected in S2 to switch to the wireless connection in the infrastructure mode. Then, the process returns to S1. Note that the wireless communication unit 350, for example, sets parameters for the infrastructure mode and transmits an instruction to switch the infrastructure mode to the printing apparatus 2 to be measured.

In S <b> 8, the printing device selection unit 330 selects the printing device 2 having the strongest radio wave intensity. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 selects the printing apparatus 2 having the strongest radio wave intensity from the printing apparatuses 2 that have been able to measure the radio field intensity in S5, and performs the process in S9. Proceed to

In addition, when the radio field intensity of all the printing apparatuses 2 cannot be measured (in the case of all measurement target printing apparatuses 2 and S4: NO), the printing apparatus selection unit 330 ends this flow, for example. Then, the printing apparatus search screen 400 may be displayed again on the setting reception unit 310. In this way, the user can specify the printing device selection area 430, operate the print button 450, and execute printing in the infrastructure mode. Of course, the printing device selection unit 330
Select the printing device 2 according to a predetermined rule (for example, select the printing device at the top of the list of printing devices, or select the printing device specified in the printing device selection area 430), and in the infrastructure mode Printing may be instructed to the print data generation unit 340.

In S9, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 performs switching to the ad hoc mode. Specifically, the printing device selection unit 330 instructs the wireless communication unit 350 to attempt the wireless connection in the ad hoc mode with respect to the printing device 2 selected in S8. Then, the process proceeds to S10.

In S10, the print data generation unit 340 generates print data. Specifically, the print data generation unit 340 generates print data for causing the printing apparatus 2 connected in the ad hoc mode in S3 or S9 to perform printing based on the print setting and the print target data. And
The process proceeds to S11.

In S11, the print data generation unit 340 converts the print data generated in S10 into S3 or S3.
9, the printer 2 connected in the ad hoc mode is transmitted via the wireless communication unit 350 to perform printing. Then, the process proceeds to S12.

In S12, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 switches to the infrastructure mode. Specifically, the printing apparatus selection unit 330 instructs the wireless communication unit 350 to instruct the printing apparatus 2 connected in the ad hoc mode in S3 or S9 to switch to the wireless connection in the infrastructure mode. Then, this flow ends.

Each processing unit in FIG. 4 is divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the information processing apparatus 3. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the information processing apparatus 3 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

Heretofore, an example of the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present embodiment, printing can be performed by a printing apparatus as close as possible from the terminal.

That is, in this embodiment, the information processing apparatus measures the radio field intensity by connecting each searched printing apparatus in the ad hoc mode. In addition, a printing apparatus whose radio field intensity exceeds a predetermined value is selected and printing is instructed in the ad hoc mode. With such a configuration, printing is performed on a printing apparatus that is predicted to be close to the position of the information processing apparatus. Therefore, convenience for the user is improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus selects the printing apparatus having the strongest radio wave intensity from the printing apparatuses having the radio field intensity equal to or less than the predetermined value when there is no printing apparatus having the radio field intensity exceeding the predetermined value. Instructs printing in ad hoc mode. With such a configuration, even if the radio wave intensity is equal to or less than a predetermined value, printing is performed on a printing apparatus that is predicted to be close to the position of the information processing apparatus.

In this embodiment, printing is executed after switching from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode. Such a configuration can reduce security risks in the infrastructure mode, such as intercepting print data from an access point or LAN.

The above embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

<Modification 1>
When the ad hoc print button 460 is operated, the printing device selection unit 330 first attempts to measure the radio field intensity for all the printing devices 2 included in the list of printing devices that are the search results by the search unit 320. You may make it select the printing apparatus 2 with the strongest electromagnetic field intensity. According to such a configuration, a printing apparatus predicted to be close to the position of the information processing apparatus can be selected with higher accuracy.

<Modification 2>
First, the printing device selection unit 330 may select the printing device designated in the printing device selection area 430 as the measurement target of the radio wave intensity. According to such a configuration, the possibility that the printing apparatus desired by the user is selected increases.

<Modification 3>
First, the printing device selection unit 330 selects the printing device designated in the printing device selection area 430 as a radio wave intensity measurement target, and when the printing device is not selected as a print data transmission destination in the ad hoc mode. The printing apparatus may be selected as a transmission destination of print data in the infrastructure mode. According to such a configuration, printing is performed by the printing apparatus desired by the user.

<Modification 4>
The printing device selection unit 330 may determine security safety in addition to or instead of the radio wave intensity. For example, if the ad hoc mode parameter does not include a password, or if the included password is easier to parse than the password included in the infrastructure mode parameter (for example, the number of characters is short),
The printing device selection unit 330 may stop printing in the ad hoc mode. If you cancel, print in infrastructure mode.

<Other variations>
For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications are not limited to printing apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines, but can be applied to apparatuses such as scanner apparatuses.

Further, for example, in the example of the first embodiment, the print data generation unit 3 of the information processing apparatus 3 is used.
40 generates print data, but the print control unit 220 of the printing apparatus 2 may generate print data. For example, the information processing apparatus 3 transmits print target data such as a photograph or a document file to the printing apparatus 2. Then, the print control unit 220 generates print data and image data based on these print target data.

Of course, one or more of the examples of the first embodiment and various modifications may be combined as appropriate.

1: Printing system, 2 (A to D): Printing device, 3: Information processing device, 4: Access point, 20: Controller, 21: CPU, 22: RAM, 23: ROM, 24: Network I / F, 25 : USB I / F, 26: Print engine, 27: Operation panel, 30: Controller, 31: CPU, 32: RAM, 33: ROM, 34: Network I / F
35: USB I / F, 37: auxiliary storage device, 38: input device, 39: display,
210: Wireless communication unit 220: Print control unit 310: Setting reception unit 320: Search unit 33
0: printing device selection unit, 340: print data generation unit, 350: wireless communication unit, 400: printing device search screen, 410: search button, 420: search result area, 430: printing device selection area,
450: Print button, 460: Ad hoc print button, 470: Cancel button

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a printing apparatus in a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another apparatus via an access point and a second mode in which wireless communication is performed with another apparatus without via an access point,
A receiving means for receiving a print instruction;
A switching means for switching the printing apparatus connected in the first mode to the connection in the second mode when the printing instruction is received;
Selecting means for selecting a printing apparatus connected in the second mode as a printing apparatus to be printed;
Transmitting means for transmitting print data to the selected printing device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Measuring means for measuring the radio field intensity of the printing apparatus connected in the second mode;
Determining means for determining whether or not the radio field intensity exceeds a predetermined value,
The selection means selects a printing device connected in the second mode as the printing device to be printed when the radio field intensity exceeds the predetermined value.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
A search means for searching for a printing apparatus connected in the first mode that can be used by the information processing apparatus;
The switching unit switches the connection to the second mode in a predetermined order with respect to one or more searched printing apparatuses.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
The selection unit prints the printing device having the strongest radio wave intensity among the one or more searched printing devices when the radio wave strengths of the searched one or more printing devices are less than or equal to the predetermined value. Select as the target printing device,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
The switching unit first switches the connection to the second mode for the printing device designated by the user among the one or more printing devices searched.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The switching means returns the printing apparatus in which the radio wave intensity is equal to or less than the predetermined value to the connection in the first mode.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Measuring means for measuring the radio field intensity of the printing apparatus connected in the second mode;
The switching means switches to the second mode connection in a predetermined order for one or more printing apparatuses connected in the first mode,
The selecting means selects a printing device having the strongest radio wave intensity as a printing device to be printed among one or more printing devices connected in the second mode.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. A first mode in which the information processing device performs wireless communication with another device via an access point;
A program that functions as a device that communicates with a printing device in a second mode in which wireless communication with another device is performed without going through an access point,
A receiving means for receiving a print instruction;
A switching means for switching the printing apparatus connected in the first mode to the connection in the second mode when the printing instruction is received;
Selecting means for selecting a printing apparatus connected in the second mode as a printing apparatus to be printed;
As a transmission means for transmitting print data to the selected printing apparatus,
A program for causing the information processing apparatus to function. A wireless printing method in information processing that communicates with a printing apparatus in a first mode in which wireless communication is performed with another apparatus via an access point and a second mode in which wireless communication is performed with another apparatus without via an access point. There,
A reception step for receiving a print instruction;
A switching step of switching the printing apparatus connected in the first mode to the connection in the second mode when the printing instruction is received;
A selection step of selecting a printing device connected in the second mode as a printing device to be printed;
A transmission step of transmitting print data to the selected printing device;
A wireless printing method comprising:

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