JP2017102609A - Communication equipment and control method thereof and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform control in a state that communication via a predetermined cable connection system enabling communication between devices is made possible or in a state that communication via the predetermined cable connection system is made impossible without making a user perform any communication setting operation after connection between devices.SOLUTION: Communication equipment comprises: communication system which can be put in a state that communication via a predetermined cable connection system with an external device is made possible without making a user perform any communication setting operation when it is connected to the external device by the predetermined cable connection system; and means which receives setting of whether to make possible or impossible the communication via the predetermined cable connection system from the user. The communication means is put in the state that communication via the predetermined cable connection system is made possible when receiving setting for making possible connection by the predetermined cable connection system, and put in a state that communication via the predetermined cable connection system is made impossible when receiving setting for making impossible connection by the predetermined cable connection system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

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

  As a connection method between an information processing apparatus such as a PC or a tablet terminal and a communication apparatus such as a printer, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) is widely used. Since USB is compatible with the Plug and Play method, when USB connection is made between devices, enumeration processing, etc. is performed automatically, and connection between devices is performed without user communication setting operations. Is established. Therefore, the information processing apparatus can easily transfer the print data to the communication apparatus for printing by simply physically connecting the information processing apparatus and the communication apparatus with the USB cable.

  In addition, some communication devices that can be connected via USB are battery-mounted, small and portable. By using this communication device, the printable area is expanded and printing can be performed in a wider range of applications. .

JP 2002-36668 A

  The device described in Patent Document 1 enables communication between devices without detecting a communication setting operation by a user when connection by USB is detected. However, while the device described in Patent Document 1 has the convenience of being able to easily communicate with an external device, it communicates with the external device even in use cases where communication with the external device is not desired. There is a problem of end.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is a state in which communication via a predetermined wired connection method that enables communication between devices without a communication setting operation by a user after connection between the devices is possible. The purpose is to control to an impossible state.

  In order to solve the above problems, the communication apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the communication device of the present invention is a communication device that can be connected to an external device, and when the communication device is connected to the external device by a predetermined wired connection method, without a communication setting operation by the user, A communication unit that can communicate with the external device via the predetermined wired connection method and a setting for enabling or disabling communication via the predetermined wired connection method from the user. Receiving means, and the communication means is capable of communication via the predetermined wired connection method when the receiving means receives a setting for enabling connection by the predetermined wired connection method. A state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is impossible when the accepting unit accepts a setting for invalidating the connection by the predetermined wired connection method. Characterized in that it comprises.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to control a state in which communication via a predetermined wired connection method that enables communication between devices without a communication setting operation by a user after connection between the devices is possible or impossible.

The figure which shows the structural example of a system. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mobile printer. The figure which shows the USB connection control process which concerns on 1st embodiment. The figure which shows the switching control process of the USB connection setting from the external device which concerns on 1st embodiment. The figure which shows the USB connection control process which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The figure which shows the soft-off control process which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The figure which shows the soft-on control process which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The figure which shows the USB connection control process which concerns on 3rd embodiment. The figure which shows the USB connection control processing which concerns on 4th embodiment. The figure which shows the USB connection control processing which concerns on 5th embodiment. The figure which shows the switching control process of the USB connection setting from the external device which concerns on 6th embodiment. The figure which shows the USB connection control process which concerns on 7th embodiment. The figure which shows the example of UI display at the time of USB connection which concerns on 7th embodiment. The figure which shows the example of UI display at the time of USB non-connection based on 7th Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of LED which concerns on 7th embodiment.

[System configuration]
An example of a system configuration for realizing each embodiment described below will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. The communication terminal 100 is an external device in the present embodiment, and is a portable communication terminal device having a communication unit such as a wireless LAN communication unit or a USB communication unit. In the present embodiment, the external device is, for example, a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a digital camera, or the like. The printer 200 is a portable printer (mobile printer) that is equipped with a battery device as a power supply source and has a function of communicating with the communication terminal 100. The communication apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a mobile printer, and may be any apparatus that can communicate with a communication terminal apparatus by a connection method compatible with Plug and Play. For example, the communication device may be a stationary printer, a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, a portable terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, or the like. In addition, if the communication device has a printer function, the recording method of the communication device is not limited to the ink jet method, and may be another recording method such as an electrophotographic method.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication terminal 100 and the printer 200 are connected by the USB cable 101. Note that the USB standard described below is not particularly limited. Here, although each device constituting the system will be described by taking a portable device as an example, any of the devices may be a stationary device.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer 200. The printer 200 includes a main board 201 that performs main control of the apparatus and a plurality of units. The units connected to the main board 201 include a WLAN unit 215, an AC power connection unit 216, a battery connection unit 217, and a USB connector 223.

  The WLAN unit 215 is an interface for performing WLAN (Wireless LAN) communication with an external device. The AC power connection unit 216 is an interface for connecting to the AC power supply device 400. The battery connection unit 217 is an interface for connecting to the battery device 300.

  The main board 201 includes a CPU 202, a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a nonvolatile memory 205, an image memory 206, an encoding / decoding processing unit 207, a data conversion unit 208, an operation unit 209, and a paper feeding unit 210. The main board 201 further includes a recording unit 211, a recording control unit 212, a power supply control unit 213, an LED 214, a USB control unit 221, and a GPIO 222. Each part in the main board is communicably connected to each other via a system bus 218.

  The CPU 202 is a system control unit and controls the entire printer 200. The ROM 203 is a non-volatile storage area, and stores a control program executed by the CPU 202, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In the present embodiment, each 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 is a volatile storage unit, and includes a SRAM (Static RAM) or the like. The RAM 204 stores program control variables and the like, stores setting values registered by the user, management data of the printer 200, and the like, and is provided with various work buffer areas. The non-volatile memory 205 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured by a flash memory or the like. The stored data is saved without being erased even when the power is turned off. Specific examples of data stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 include network connection information and user data. The image memory 206 is a memory constituted by a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like, and stores image data received via each communication unit, image data processed by a code decoding processing unit 207, which will be described later, and the like. In addition, in FIG. 2, although the example provided with the some memory | storage part is shown, it is not limited to this. Further, a storage unit other than the RAM 204 and the nonvolatile memory 205 may be provided.

  The code decoding processing unit 207 performs code decoding processing and enlargement / reduction processing of image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the printer 200. The data conversion unit 208 analyzes a page description language or the like, or converts image data into print data. The operation unit 209 receives an operation from the user such as a button operation.

  The paper supply unit 210 holds a recording medium (paper) such as paper for printing. During printing, paper can be supplied from the paper supply unit 210 under the control of the recording control unit 212. In particular, the sheet feeding unit 210 is configured to prepare a plurality of sheet feeding units in order to hold a plurality of types of sheets in one apparatus, and to control from which sheet feeding unit the recording control unit 212 feeds paper. It may be.

  The recording unit 211 performs an image forming operation by adding a recording agent such as ink onto a recording medium supplied from the paper supply unit 210 using image data that has undergone image processing, and outputs a printed matter.

  The recording control unit 212 performs various image processing such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction on the print data via an image processing control unit (not shown), and converts the print data into high-definition print data. Output to the recording unit 211. In addition, the recording control unit 212 periodically reads information in the recording unit 211 and updates information in the RAM 204. Specifically, the update here is to update the remaining amount of the ink tank, the state of the print head, and the like.

  The LED 214 illuminates or blinks to transmit the device status to the user.

  The WLAN unit 215 is a unit for communicating with an external device by WLAN, and is connected to the main board 201 by a bus cable 219 or the like. In addition, although the example of the structure using WLAN in the communication with an external apparatus is shown, you may have a unit which can implement | achieve another communication means, such as proximity | contact wireless communication.

  The power control unit 213 detects the connection state of the power source and controls the power necessary for driving the printer 200. Here, the power supply connection state is a state representing that the AC power supply device 400 or the battery device 300 is connected or not connected. Specifically, the power supply control unit 213 detects the connection state of the power supply via the AC power supply connection unit 216 and the battery connection unit 217, and from which device power is supplied according to the detection result. Control. Further, when the AC power supply device 400 and the battery device 300 are connected at the same time and the power consumption of the printer 200 is small, the power supply control unit 213 charges the battery device 300 with the power supplied from the AC power supply device 400. You may control as follows. Further, the power supply control unit 213 periodically communicates with the battery device 300 to receive the remaining battery level, the battery error status, and the like notified from the battery device 300, and according to the information via the CPU 202. Direct display and control. For example, when updating the data stored in the ROM 203 via the network, the power control unit 213 notifies the CPU 202 of the power connection state. Based on this notification, the CPU 202 can perform control such that the update of data stored in the ROM 203 is not started unless the AC power supply device 400 is connected.

  The GPIO 222 is a general-purpose input / output, and detects Vbus which is a USB power line via the USB connector 223.

  When the USB cable 101 is inserted from the communication terminal 100 to the USB connector 223, the USB control unit 221 performs control for executing USB communication, and enables the communication terminal 100 to perform USB communication using Plug and Play. Plug and Play is a method in which the printer 200 automatically performs communication settings for performing wired communication after the wired physical connection with the communication terminal 100 is performed. Therefore, the printer 200 corresponding to Plug and Play performs communication without accepting a communication setting operation by the user after the wired physical connection with the communication terminal 100 is performed and before the wired communication is started. You can start. Here, the communication setting includes, for example, enumeration processing, password input for permitting communication, recognition of a communication partner device, resource allocation, and the like. The USB control unit 221 performs control such as converting a D + or D− serial signal, which is a USB signal line, into a clock or data.

<First embodiment>
A USB connection control process in the printer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a USB connection setting switching process of the printer 200. This processing flow is realized by the CPU 202 of the printer 200 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In step S <b> 301, the CPU 202 acquires information about the startup mode of the printer 200. In addition to the user mode for the user to use the functions (printing, scanning, etc.) of the printer 200 as the activation mode, there are a factory mode for confirming shipment at the factory, a service mode for maintenance by a service person, and the like. is there. In this embodiment, functions such as printing and scanning are also executed in, for example, the service mode, but image data arbitrarily selected by the user and functions for printing and scanning a document are executed only in the user mode. It is. The operation of the printer 200 is changed according to the startup mode. Note that the above mode is an example, and there may be other modes in which the printer 200 operates (for example, a maintenance mode). The mode switching method may be, for example, a method in which the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 209 at the time of activation, or a method of transmitting a command via a predetermined external device (for mode switching). It may be. Further, the mode switching method may be different depending on each mode.

  In S302, the CPU 202 determines whether the activation mode is the user mode based on the information acquired in S301. If it is determined that the user mode is selected (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S303, and if it is determined that the user mode is not selected (that is, another activation mode) (NO in S302), the process proceeds to S305. Note that the mode determination here is not limited to the user mode, but the determination is made according to the mode targeted for USB connection setting control according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the mode targeted for USB connection setting control is a mode in which image data arbitrarily selected by the user and a function for printing and scanning a document are executed. This is because the printer 200 is not used by a user who is not permitted to use the image data arbitrarily selected by the user or in a mode in which a document cannot be printed or scanned.

  In S303, the CPU 202 acquires USB connection setting information. The USB connection setting is information in which one of two setting values of valid / invalid for the USB connection is set and the setting can be switched by the user. The user sets the USB connection setting to “valid” when permitting communication via the USB connection, and sets the USB connection setting to “invalid” when not permitting communication via the USB connection. . A method of switching the USB connection setting will be described later with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the USB connection setting is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 205.

  In S304, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the value of the USB connection setting acquired in S303 is “valid”. If it is determined that the USB connection setting is valid (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S305, and if it is determined that the USB connection setting is not valid (that is, invalid) (NO in S304), the process proceeds to S311. .

  In S305, the CPU 202 acquires the connection state C1 of the USB cable 101. C1 is state information indicating whether or not the USB cable 101 is physically connected to the printer 200 (USB connection state or non-connection state), and is acquired from the GPIO 222.

  In S306, the CPU 202 acquires the USB connection state C2 of the software. C2 indicates a USB connection state in the software, and is state information indicating a state in which processing for turning on or off the USB Vbus is performed. When the Vbus on process is performed (Vbus on state), enumeration is performed if the USB cable 101 is physically connected, and the USB terminal is recognized from the communication terminal 100. it can. That is, when C1 indicates the USB connection state and C2 indicates the Vbus on state, the printer 200 can communicate via the USB connection. On the other hand, in the state where the Vbus off process is performed (Vbus off state), enumeration cannot be performed because the USB connection communication is disconnected. As a result, the connection between the devices is not established, and the device cannot be recognized even if the communication terminal 100 is physically connected by USB. That is, when C2 indicates the Vbus off state, the printer 200 cannot communicate via the USB connection regardless of the state indicated by C1.

  In S307, CPU 202 compares the acquired states of C1 and C2. As a result of the comparison, if the states match (NO in S307), it can be determined that appropriate Vbus processing is being performed, and thus this processing flow ends. Here, the case where the states match indicates a case where C1 indicates the USB connection state and C2 indicates the Vbus on state. Or, C1 indicates a non-connected state and C2 indicates a Vbus off state. On the other hand, as a result of comparing the states of C1 and C2, if the states do not match (YES in S307), it is determined that appropriate Vbus processing has not been performed, and the process proceeds to S308. Here, the case where the states do not match refers to the case where C1 indicates the USB connection state and C2 indicates the Vbus off state. Or, C1 indicates a non-connected state and C2 indicates a Vbus on state. As will be described later, when the USB connection setting is “invalid”, the CPU 202 causes C2 to indicate the Vbus off state regardless of which state C1 indicates. In addition, as described later, after the CPU 202 matches the states of C1 and C2, the state of C1 may be changed by inserting and removing the USB. Therefore, for example, the CPU 202 determines that the states of C1 and C2 do not match immediately after the USB connection setting is switched from “invalid” to “valid” or immediately after the USB is inserted or removed.

  In S308, CPU 202 determines whether C1 indicates a USB connection state or a non-connection state. If C1 indicates a connected state (YES in S308), the process proceeds to S309, and if C1 indicates a disconnected state (NO in S308), the process proceeds to S310.

  At S309, CPU 202 executes the Vbus on process because C2 indicates the Vbus off state at this time. This is because when the C1 indicates the USB connection state, it is indicated that the user desires USB communication, and therefore the printer 200 needs to be in a state where USB communication is possible. The CPU 202 can control the state of the printer 200 to a state in which USB communication can be performed by setting the Vbus on state. As a result of this processing, C1 indicates a USB connection state and C2 indicates a Vbus on state. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  At S310, CPU 202 executes Vbus off processing because C2 indicates the Vbus on state at this time. This is because when S310 is executed after S308, C1 indicates a disconnected state, indicating that the user does not desire USB communication, so that USB communication is enabled. This is because there is no need. Further, when S310 is executed after S312, the USB connection setting is set to invalid, and therefore it is necessary to change the state of the printer 200 to a state in which USB communication is impossible. The CPU 202 can control the state of the printer 200 to a state in which USB communication cannot be performed by setting the Vbus off state. Furthermore, the power consumption of the printer 200 can be reduced compared to the case where the Vbus is on. As a result of this process, C1 indicates a disconnected state and C2 indicates a Vbus off state. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  In S311, the CPU 202 acquires the USB connection state C2 of the software.

  In S312, CPU 202 determines whether C2 indicates a Vbus on state or a Vbus off state. When C2 indicates the Vbus on state (YES in S312), the process proceeds to S310 to execute the Vbus off process regardless of whether the USB is physically connected (which state C1 indicates). . This is because when the USB connection setting is set to “invalid”, it is necessary that the USB-connected device is not recognized by the host (here, the communication terminal 100). If C2 indicates the Vbus off state (NO in S312), the Vbus off process has already been performed, and the USB connected device is not recognized by the host (here, the communication terminal 100). This processing flow ends without doing anything.

  The processes of S301 to S312 are periodically executed by a periodic timer interrupt process (for example, 10 msec period) executed by the real-time OS. That is, even if the USB cable 101 is disconnected or the USB connection setting is changed to invalid after the Vbus on process is executed, the Vbus off process is executed periodically at predetermined intervals. The state of Vbus can be maintained. The period (time interval) here is an example, and other periods may be used based on the processing load or the like. Note that the initial setting of the USB connection setting in FIG. 3 is invalid, and printing via the USB is prohibited unless the setting is changed.

  A process of switching USB connection setting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 205 of the printer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. This processing flow is realized by the CPU 202 of the printer 200 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  Note that the printer 200 includes the WLAN unit 215 as described above, and can receive a USB connection setting change command according to the present invention from an external device via a network. Examples of command communication protocols include HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure). In this embodiment, the command is issued by an application for managing the printer 200 installed in an external device operated by a user who has the authority to change the setting of the printer 200. By doing so, it is possible to allow other users to use the printer 200 with the USB connection setting desired by the user having the authority to change the setting of the printer 200.

  In S401, the CPU 202 receives a command from the external device via the network.

  In S402, the CPU 202 analyzes the command received in S401.

  In step S403, the CPU 202 determines whether the received command is a command (change instruction) for changing the USB connection setting to be effective as a result of the analysis. If it is a command to be changed effectively (YES in S403), the process proceeds to S404, and if it is another command (NO in S403), the process proceeds to S405.

  In S404, the CPU 202 changes the USB connection setting recorded in the nonvolatile memory 205 to be valid. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  In step S405, the CPU 202 determines whether the received command is a command for changing the USB connection setting to invalid. If it is a command to change the USB connection setting to invalid (YES in S405), the process proceeds to S406, and if it is another command (NO in S405), this processing flow is terminated.

  In S <b> 406, the CPU 202 changes the USB connection setting information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 205 to invalid. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer 200 can be switched between a state in which USB communication can be performed and a state in which USB communication cannot be performed according to the validity / invalidity of the USB connection setting. As a result, when the USB connection setting is set to invalid, it is possible to prevent the communication device from being used via USB communication.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the states of C1 and C2 do not match, the printer 200 can control the state of Vbus so that the respective states match. As a result, even when the USB connection setting is switched from “invalid” to “valid”, control can be performed so that the states of C1 and C2 match.
<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, for example, in order to investigate the cause of the occurrence of a service call error in the printer 200, it may be necessary for the communication terminal 100 to acquire a log such as device operation information. Even in such a case, if the USB connection setting of the printer 200 remains invalid, the communication terminal 100 cannot acquire information via USB. Therefore, the communication terminal 100 needs to effectively switch the USB connection setting of the printer 200 in order to acquire information via USB. However, in the method of switching the USB connection setting of the printer 200 from an external device via a network as shown in FIG. 4 and then acquiring information via the USB, the communication terminal 100 cannot quickly acquire information.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the printer 200 acquires information on its own state, and executes processing for switching USB connection settings according to the acquired state information. The state acquired here includes, for example, a normal state in which no error has occurred, a recoverable error state in which an error can be recovered by a user operation, and a service call error state requiring maintenance by a service person.

  The USB connection control process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the process of S501-S503 corresponds to a different point from the control process (FIG. 3) demonstrated in 1st embodiment. Since other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  When the activation mode is the user mode (YES in S302), in S501, the CPU 202 acquires information on the state of the printer 200.

  In S502, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the printer 200 is in a specific state based on the information acquired in S501. If it is a specific state (YES in S502), the process proceeds to S503, and if it is not a specific state (NO in S502), the process proceeds to S303. For example, a service call error corresponds to the specific state, which will be described later.

  In S503, the CPU 202 sets the USB connection setting to be valid. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

  As a specific state according to the present embodiment, when a service call error has occurred, by setting the USB connection setting to be valid (S503), if the USB cable 101 is connected, the Vbus on process is executed. The As a result, the communication terminal 100 can recognize the printer 200, and can acquire the operation information of the printer 200 via the USB without instructing the setting change via a connection method other than the USB. It becomes possible.

  In the present embodiment, a service call error is targeted as a specific state in a condition (state determination) for effectively changing the USB connection setting. This is because the printer 200 cannot be printed in an error state, and therefore cannot be used by a user who does not permit use even if the USB connection setting is valid. Further, the error is not canceled unless the printer 200 is turned off, and the power-off control process described later is executed after the power is turned off, so that the USB connection setting is temporarily valid. This is because the unprintable state is continued. On the other hand, when the state of the printer 200 is normal (NO in S502), the subsequent processing is the same control processing as in the first embodiment.

  The power-off control process of the printer 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 5, when a service call error occurs, the printer 200 sets the USB connection setting to be valid. In such a printer 200, it is assumed that the service call error is solved, the power button of the printer 200 is pressed, the power is normally turned off, and then the power is turned on again. As a result, since the USB connection setting remains valid when the printer 200 is activated, if a physical connection is made by USB, printing via the USB becomes possible.

  When the printer 200 is in a normal state (non-error state), the user who wants the initial USB connection setting to be invalid needs to switch the valid USB connection setting every time the power is turned on. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the setting process as shown in FIG. 4 every time the power is turned on, which is troublesome for the user. In order to solve this problem, the processing shown in FIG. 6 is performed. This processing flow is realized by the CPU 202 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In S601, the CPU 202 detects a power-off process. Specifically, the CPU 202 detects, for example, that a power-off switch provided in the printer 200 is pressed by the user or that the power is turned off by an automatic power-off function.

  In step S602, the CPU 202 determines whether the USB connection setting is valid when the power-off process is detected. If it is valid (YES in S602), the process proceeds to S603, and if it is not valid (that is, invalid) (NO in S602), the process flow ends.

  In S603, the CPU 202 changes the USB connection setting to invalid. Thereafter, this processing flow is ended, and the power is turned off by the power-off process. At this time, the CPU 202 writes information indicating that the power is normally turned off in the nonvolatile memory 205 for the processing of FIG. The power source determination is performed based on this information.

  With such a configuration, it is not necessary for the user to manually switch the USB connection setting every time the power is turned on, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  For example, there may be a case where the error state has not yet been released when the power-off process is executed. In that case, when the power is turned on, the USB setting process is again effectively switched, and a useless process is performed. Therefore, in the above flowchart, the CPU 202 may determine whether the printer 200 is in an error state after S601, for example. If the printer 200 is determined to be in an error state, the CPU 202 may be configured not to switch the USB connection setting (leave it set to “valid”).

  A power-on control process of the printer 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the process of FIG. 6, when the power-off process of the printer 200 can be normally executed, the power is turned off after changing the USB connection setting to invalid. However, in spite of the printer 200 being powered on, if an abnormal operation for forcibly turning off the power by unplugging the power cable is performed, the normal power-off process has not been performed, so the power is turned off. If it is turned on, the USB connection setting will be activated. Therefore, the process shown in FIG. 7 is performed. This processing flow is realized by the CPU 202 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 203 or the like.

  In S701, the CPU 202 detects a power-on process. Specifically, for example, the CPU 202 detects that a power-on switch provided in the printer 200 is pressed by the user or that the power is turned on by an automatic power-on function. Thereby, processing related to power supply detection is performed.

  In S <b> 702, when the CPU 202 detects the power-on process, whether or not the power was turned off in the normal termination state last time is stored in the nonvolatile memory 205, and the power was normally turned off. The determination is made based on the information indicating. When the power is turned off in the normal end state, information indicating that the power is normally turned off is written in the non-volatile memory 205. Conversely, when the power is turned off in the abnormal end state, The information is not written. Specifically, the normal end state refers to a state in which the power is turned off by the CPU 202 detecting the power off process, and the abnormal end state refers to the CPU 202 without detecting the power off process. The state where the power is turned off. If the power is turned off in the normal end state (YES in S702), the process flow ends. If the power is turned off in the abnormal end state (NO in S702), the process proceeds to S703.

  In S703, the CPU 202 changes the USB connection setting to invalid. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the switching of the USB connection in accordance with the state when the power is turned off.

  By adopting such a configuration, the USB connection setting can be invalidated even when the power is turned off in the abnormal end state and then the power is turned on.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the printer 200, for example, when communication cannot be executed by a connection method such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), the USB connection may be temporarily permitted. In this case, the USB connection setting is validated, but the USB connection setting remains valid even when communication by Wi-Fi direct is recovered thereafter. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a description will be given of a mode in which the USB connection setting is invalidated when a connection is made with an external network using a predetermined wired connection method.

  A USB connection control process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the process of S801-S804 corresponds to a different point from the control process (FIG. 3) demonstrated in 1st embodiment. Since other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  If the activation mode is the user mode (YES in S302), in S801, the CPU 202 acquires information on the current connection mode of the printer 200. The connection mode information acquired here is information regarding modes such as Wi-Fi direct connection and wired LAN connection, and this information indicates which communication method the printer 200 has established. Note that the Wi-Fi direct mode, the method for establishing communication for wired LAN connection, and the like are well-known techniques, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In S802, CPU 202 determines whether or not the current connection mode is a specific connection mode. Here, the above-described Wi-Fi direct mode will be described as an example of the specific connection mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an infrastructure connection mode in which communication is performed via an access point outside the printer 200, or a connection mode using a communication method other than Wi-Fi may be used. That is, here, the CPU 202 only needs to be able to determine whether or not communication has been established by a connection method other than USB. If the current connection mode is the Wi-Fi direct mode (YES in S802), the process proceeds to S804, and if it is another connection mode (NO in S802), the process proceeds to S803.

  In step S803, the CPU 202 sets the USB connection setting to be valid. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

  In S804, the CPU 202 sets the USB connection setting to invalid. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the USB connection setting can be automatically switched according to the connection mode by the above control, and the trouble of changing the USB connection setting from the external device can be saved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the USB connection setting from being kept valid even though the Wi-Fi direct communication is recovered.

<Fourth embodiment>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the range in which the USB connection is valid is controlled based on the position information.

  The USB connection control process in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the process of S901-S904 corresponds as a different point from the control process (FIG. 3) demonstrated in 1st embodiment. Since other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  If the activation mode is the user mode (YES in S302), CPU 202 acquires the current position information of printer 200 in S901. The position information here is information such as latitude and longitude. For example, when the printer 200 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, it is possible to acquire position information from the GPS. The position information acquisition means is not limited to GPS. Further, even if the printer 200 is not equipped with a position information acquisition unit, the printer 200 can acquire the position information from the communication terminal 100 via the network if the communication terminal 100 includes the position information acquisition unit. It is.

  In step S902, the CPU 202 compares the current position information acquired in step S901 with the effective range information of the USB connection, and determines whether the printer 200 is at a specific position. This effective range information may be recorded in advance in the non-volatile memory 205, or the setting may be changed by the user from a dedicated tool or the like. When it is determined that it is within the effective range (YES in S902), the process proceeds to S903, and when it is determined that it is not within the effective range (that is, outside the range) (NO in S902), the process proceeds to S904.

  In S903, the CPU 202 sets the USB connection setting to be valid. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

  In S904, the CPU 202 sets the USB connection setting to invalid. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S303.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by enabling USB connection only within a specific area and disabling USB connection outside the specific area, it is possible to improve security outside the specific area and prioritize convenience. USB communication is possible in the area (specific area). In addition, the user can switch the setting automatically instead of using a dedicated tool or the like, and the user's trouble is eliminated, so the convenience of the user is improved.

<Fifth embodiment>
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when it is desired to return the USB connection setting from valid to invalid after switching the USB connection setting from invalid to valid via the network from the external device, it is necessary to change the setting from the external device again. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the USB cable 101 is disconnected, it is determined that the USB connection is unnecessary, and the USB connection setting is switched to the invalid setting after the Vbus off process.

  The USB connection control process in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the process of S1001 corresponds to a difference from the control process (FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment. Since other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  After the Vbus off process in S310, in S1001, the CPU 202 sets the USB connection setting to invalid. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the USB connection by the external device. Note that this embodiment may be combined with the configurations of the second to fourth embodiments as well as the configuration of the first embodiment.

<Sixth embodiment>
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, if the command information is known, the USB connection setting of the printer 200 can be changed from any external device or by any user. On the other hand, in this embodiment, specific authentication information (password, application information, terminal information, etc.) is included in the command. Then, only when the authentication is successful using the specific authentication information, the USB connection setting can be switched, thereby improving the security related to the USB connection setting switching.

  Processing for switching USB connection setting information in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the processing of S1101 corresponds to a difference from the switching processing (FIG. 4) described in the first embodiment. Since other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  After command analysis in S402, in S1101, the CPU 202 determines whether or not specific authentication information is included in the analyzed command. At this time, specifically, the CPU 202 refers to the determination information corresponding to the specific authentication information stored in the nonvolatile memory 205 or the like, and makes a determination by comparing the determination information with the specific authentication information. . The determination information may be set in the printer 200 in advance, or may be arbitrarily set by a user who has the authority to switch USB connection settings. If it is determined that the specific authentication information is included (YES in S1101), the process proceeds to S403. If it is determined that the specific authentication information is not included (NO in S1101), this process is performed. End the flow.

  In this embodiment, the USB connection setting is switched by receiving a command from the external device having the authority to switch the USB connection setting via the network. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the switching of the USB connection setting from an unspecified external device, and the USB communication is executed in accordance with the intention of the user having the authority to switch the USB connection setting, such as the administrator of the communication device. Can do. The present embodiment may be combined with the configurations of the second to fifth embodiments as well as the configuration of the first embodiment.

<Seventh embodiment>
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the user is clearly notified of the USB connection status of the communication device.

  A USB connection control process according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 12, the processing of S1201 and S1202 corresponds to a difference from the control processing (FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment. Since other processes are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  After the Vbus on process in S309, the CPU 202 notifies the USB connection state in S1201. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  After the Vbus off process in S310, the CPU 202 notifies the USB disconnected state in S1202. Thereafter, this processing flow ends.

  If the operation unit 209 is a touch panel UI (User Interface), in S1201, the CPU 202 displays USB connection state information on a screen as shown in FIG. 13A or FIG. 13B. In S1202, the CPU 202 displays information on the USB non-connection state on a screen as shown in FIG. 14A or 14B. Note that the screen displayed at the time of notification is not limited to the above-described screen, and may be any display that can notify the user that the USB is connected and the USB is not connected.

  If the operation unit 209 is not equipped with a touch panel UI or the like and the display means has only the LED 214, the USB connection state is connected to the user by turning on the LED 214 as shown in FIG. You may make it notify a state. Similarly, in the USB non-connection state, the connection state may be notified to the user by turning off the LED 214 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can be notified of the USB connection state, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Note that this embodiment may be combined not only with the configuration of the first embodiment but also with the configurations of the second to sixth embodiments.

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the validity / invalidity of the USB connection is set and the state in which the USB communication is possible and the state in which the USB communication is possible is switched according to the setting has been described. However, the connection method is not limited to USB, and may be any wired connection method compatible with Plug and Play, such as IEEE1394. In that case, in the above-described embodiment, the validity / invalidity of the connection in these connection methods is set, and the state in which communication by these connection methods is possible and the state in which communication is not possible are switched according to the setting.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 202 switches the state of the Vbus according to the determination result in S308 when the USB connection setting is “valid” or when the activation mode is not the user mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the CPU 202 may perform control so that the Vbus is always turned on when the USB connection setting is “valid” or when the activation mode is not the user mode.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Communication terminal, 200 ... Mobile printer, 202 ... CPU, 215 ... WLAN unit, 223 ... USB connector

Claims (24)

A communication device that can be connected to an external device,
A communication unit configured to enable communication with the external device via the predetermined wired connection method without a communication setting operation by a user when the communication device is connected to the external device by a predetermined wired connection method; ,
Accepting means for accepting a setting from a user for enabling or disabling communication via the predetermined wired connection method;
Have
When the accepting unit accepts a setting for enabling the connection by the predetermined wired connection method, the communication unit is in a state in which communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible, and the accepting unit The communication apparatus, wherein when a setting for invalidating a connection using the predetermined wired connection method is received, communication via the predetermined wired connection method is disabled. When the communication device is in a predetermined mode in which the user can arbitrarily execute the function of the communication device, the predetermined wired connection method is set according to the setting received by the reception unit. In a state where communication via the network is possible or communication via the predetermined wired connection method is impossible,
If the activation mode of the communication device is not the predetermined mode, the mode determination unit may not be able to communicate via the predetermined wired connection method regardless of the setting received by the reception unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 1.   3. The activation mode that is not the predetermined mode is at least one of a mode for maintaining the communication device and a mode for confirming shipment of the communication device at a factory. The communication device described. A detecting means for detecting whether or not physical connection with the predetermined wired connection method with the external device is performed;
The communication unit is in a state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible or communication via the predetermined wired connection method is not possible, depending on the setting received by the receiving unit and the detection result by the detection unit. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication apparatus is in a possible state. The communication means detects that the accepting means accepts a setting for enabling the connection according to the predetermined wired connection method, and the detection means detects that a physical connection according to the predetermined wired connection method is being performed. The communication via the predetermined wired connection method is enabled,
When the accepting unit accepts a setting for enabling connection by the predetermined wired connection method, and the detection unit detects that a physical connection by the predetermined wired connection method is not performed, The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein communication via a predetermined wired connection method is impossible.   When the accepting unit accepts a setting for invalidating the connection by the predetermined wired connection method, the communication unit does not communicate via the predetermined wired connection method regardless of the detection result by the detecting unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the communication apparatus is in a possible state.   The communication means is controlled to be on or off with respect to Vbus in the predetermined wired connection method, so that communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible or communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is in an impossible state.   The determination for switching the communication unit to a state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible or a state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is impossible is performed periodically at a predetermined cycle. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is executed. It further has a state determination means for determining the state of the communication device,
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein when the communication device is determined to be in a predetermined state by the state determination unit, the communication unit is in a state in which communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible. The communication device according to any one of claims 8 to 9.   The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which an error has occurred that prevents a user from arbitrarily executing a function of the communication device. Power detection means for detecting reception of an instruction to turn on or off the power of the communication device;
A storage unit that stores, in a storage unit, setting information indicating whether to enable or disable communication via the predetermined wired connection method in response to reception by the reception unit;
Further comprising
The storage unit detects that the power supply detection unit has received an instruction to turn off the power, and the setting information stored in the storage unit enables the connection using the predetermined wired connection method. The storage unit stores setting information indicating that the connection by the predetermined wired connection method is invalidated in the storage unit. Communication equipment. A power determination unit that determines whether or not the previous power-off of the communication device has been normally performed when it is detected by the power detection unit that the power-on instruction is received;
A storage unit that stores, in a storage unit, setting information indicating whether to enable or disable communication via the predetermined wired connection method in response to reception by the reception unit;
Further comprising
The setting indicating that the storage unit invalidates the connection by the predetermined wired connection method when the power source determination unit determines that the previous power-off of the communication device has not been normally performed. Information is preserve | saved at the said memory | storage part, The communication apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 11 characterized by the above-mentioned. Connection determining means for determining whether or not the communication device is connected to an external network by a connection method different from the predetermined wired connection method;
The communication means communicates via the predetermined wired connection method when the connection determining means determines that the communication device is connected to an external network by a connection method different from the predetermined wired connection method. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the communication device is in an impossible state.   The communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the connection method different from the predetermined wired connection method is Wi-Fi direct. It further has an acquisition means for acquiring position information of the communication device,
The communication means includes
When the position information acquired by the acquisition means indicates a position within a preset range, communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible,
15. When the position information acquired by the acquisition means indicates a position outside a preset range, communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible. The communication apparatus as described in any one. In response to acceptance by the accepting means, further comprising a storage means for storing setting information indicating whether to enable or disable communication via the predetermined wired connection method in a storage unit,
According to the setting information stored in the storage unit, the communication unit is in a state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible or a state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is impossible The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein   The accepting means sets whether to enable or disable communication via the predetermined wired connection method from a user via an external device connected by a connection method other than the predetermined wired connection method. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus receives the communication apparatus.   Enables or disables communication via the predetermined wired connection method by accepting a command issued by a predetermined application installed in an external device connected by a connection method other than the predetermined wired connection method. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a setting of whether to perform is accepted. The accepting means accepts a setting for enabling or disabling communication via the predetermined wired connection method when specific authentication information is included in the command;
19. The configuration according to claim 18, wherein if the command does not include specific authentication information, a setting for enabling or disabling communication via the predetermined wired connection method is not accepted. Communication equipment.   Notification means for notifying the state when the communication means is in a state where communication via the predetermined wired connection method is possible or communication via the predetermined wired connection method is impossible; The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is provided.   21. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium with a recording agent.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the predetermined wired connection method is a USB (Universal Serial Bus). A method for controlling a communication device that enables communication with the external device via the predetermined wired connection method without a communication setting operation by a user when connected to the external device by a predetermined wired connection method. ,
An accepting step of accepting a setting of whether to enable or disable communication via the predetermined wired connection method;
A communication step of communicating with the external device via the predetermined wired connection method;
Have
In the communication step, when the setting for enabling the connection by the predetermined wired connection method is accepted, the communication through the predetermined wired connection method is enabled, and the predetermined step A control method, wherein when a setting for invalidating a connection by a wired connection method is accepted, communication via the predetermined wired connection method becomes impossible.   23. A program for realizing each means of the communication apparatus according to claim 1 by a computer.

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