JP2018137657A - Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus allowing execution of handover to be easily known.SOLUTION: A printer 3 (printing apparatus) includes: a communication information printing section 39 that performs printing on a recording paper 20a; a storage section 34 that stores a plurality of pieces of communication setting information and a radio wave intensity threshold; and a first communication section 31 that searches an access point (communication destination) 5 base on the communication setting information by radio communication and establishes communication with a first access point 5 of a highest radio wave intensity when a plurality of access points 5 is searched. The first communication section 31 starts searching when the radio wave intensity of the first access point 5 is below the radio wave intensity threshold, and establishes communication with a second access point 5 when the second access point 5 of a radio wave intensity higher than the first access point 5 is searched. The communication information printing section 39 prints communication information related with the second access point 5 when the communication with the second access point 5 is established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs communication with another device via a wireless network, and a control method for the printing apparatus.

  When building a wireless network in a facility such as a store or warehouse, multiple devices such as portable information terminals and portable printers that move within the facility together with the operator can always be connected to the wireless network. Install an access point in the facility. Each device connected to the wireless network searches for another access point whose radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold when the radio wave intensity of the connected access point is below a predetermined threshold as the operator moves. Then, when another access point having a radio field intensity equal to or higher than the threshold is detected, each device performs handover (roaming) to connect to the access point. Patent Document 1 describes an information device that performs a handover in a wireless network defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-244829

  Some portable printers do not include a display unit capable of displaying characters, such as a liquid crystal panel. In such a printer, the operator cannot easily recognize that the handover has been performed in the printer. Therefore, it is difficult to set the threshold value of the radio wave intensity at which the printer starts searching for a new access point and to appropriately arrange the access points so that handover is appropriately performed when the printer moves. ing.

  An object of the present invention is to propose a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus control method that can easily know that a handover has been performed in the printing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on a recording medium, a storage unit that stores a plurality of communication setting information and a radio wave intensity threshold, and wireless communication. A communication unit that searches for a communication destination based on information and establishes communication with a first communication destination having the strongest radio wave intensity when a plurality of the communication destinations are searched, and the communication unit includes the first communication unit The search is started when the radio field strength of the communication destination falls below the radio field intensity threshold, and when the second communication destination having a higher radio field intensity than the first communication destination is searched, communication is established with the second communication destination. The printing unit prints communication information with the second communication destination when communication with the second communication destination is established.

  According to the present invention, when the printing apparatus connected to the first communication destination is connected to the second communication destination, that is, when a handover is performed, the printing unit records the communication information of the second communication destination. Print on media. Therefore, an operator moving with the printing apparatus can easily know that the handover has been performed in the printing apparatus. Further, the operator can specify the second communication destination to which the printing apparatus is newly connected based on the printed communication information of the second communication destination. As a result, the operator can know the frequency and location of the handover performed in the printing device, so that the operator can set a radio field strength threshold at which a search for a new communication destination is started in the printing device, It is easy to perform a simple arrangement.

  In the present invention, the printing unit prints start information indicating that the search is started when the communication unit starts searching, and prints end information indicating that the search is ended when the communication unit ends searching. It is desirable to do. In this way, the operator can easily know the start time and end time of searching for a new communication destination in the printing apparatus.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the communication information includes communication setting information and radio wave intensity information regarding the second communication destination. In this way, the operator can grasp to which communication destination the printing apparatus is connected by the handover. Further, the operator can know the radio field intensity of the communication destination to which the printing apparatus is newly connected.

  In the present invention, the communication unit stores the number of times the communication destination is searched for in the storage unit, and the printing unit refers to the storage unit when communication with a second communication destination is established. It is desirable to print the number of times. In this way, the operator can accurately grasp the frequency of searching for a communication destination performed by the printing apparatus.

  In the present invention, the storage unit preferably stores and holds print setting information indicating whether or not to print the communication information, and the printing unit prints the communication information based on the print setting information. . In this way, for example, when the wireless network is newly constructed, if the print setting information for printing the communication information is stored in the storage unit, each time a handover is performed in the printing apparatus, Communication information is printed. Therefore, it becomes easy to set the radio field intensity threshold in the printing apparatus and appropriately arrange the access points. On the other hand, after the wireless network is constructed, if the print setting information indicating that the communication information is not printed is stored in the storage unit, the communication information is not printed even if the printing apparatus performs a handover. Therefore, it is possible to prevent printing of a normal print job from being hindered by printing of communication information.

  In the present invention, an LED may be provided, and the communication unit may notify that an error has occurred by driving the LED when the communication destination that is equal to or greater than the radio field intensity threshold cannot be searched. In this way, the operator can grasp that the handover has not been properly performed by checking the LED.

  Next, the printing apparatus control method of the present invention searches for a communication destination based on a plurality of communication setting information, and communicates with the first communication destination having the highest radio wave intensity when the plurality of communication destinations are searched. And when the second communication destination having a higher radio field strength than the first communication destination is searched, the second search destination is started. Communication with the second communication destination is established and communication information with the second communication destination is printed.

  According to the present invention, when a handover for switching the connection from the first communication destination to the second communication destination is performed, the printing apparatus prints the communication information of the second communication destination on the recording medium. Therefore, an operator moving with the printing apparatus can easily know that the handover has been performed in the printing apparatus. As a result, the operator can know the frequency and location of the handover performed in the printing device, so that the operator can set a radio field strength threshold at which a search for a new communication destination is started in the printing device, It is easy to perform a simple arrangement.

1 is an explanatory diagram of a network system including a printer to which the present invention is applied. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the control system of a network system. It is explanatory drawing of the message printed by a printer. It is explanatory drawing of the status sheet printed by a printer. 6 is a flowchart of a handover confirmation operation.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a network system including a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Network system)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a network system including a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a control system of the network system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a message printed by the printer. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a status sheet printed by the printer. The network system 1 of this example is built in a facility in a store or a warehouse. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes a portable information terminal 2, a portable printer 3 (printing apparatus), and a wireless network 4 that connects the information terminal 2 and the printer 3 so that they can communicate with each other. The information terminal 2 and the printer 3 are owned by the operator, and the information terminal 2 and the printer 3 move as the operator moves in the facility.

  The wireless network 4 is defined by, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard. The wireless network 4 includes a plurality of access points 5 having the same SSID (Service Set Identifier) and security settings such as a password.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control system of the information terminal 2 includes a terminal communication unit 11 for connecting to the wireless network 4, a terminal control unit 12 including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and a non-volatile memory terminal. A storage unit 13. The terminal storage unit 13 stores and holds communication setting information for connecting to the wireless network 4 in advance. That is, the terminal storage unit 13 stores and holds SSID of the wireless network 4 and security settings for connecting to the wireless network 4 as communication setting information.

  The terminal communication unit 11 acquires communication setting information (SSID and security information) from the terminal storage unit 13 and establishes a connection with the wireless network 4 based on the communication setting information. The CPU of the terminal control unit 12 reads and executes an application program and a printer driver program stored in the terminal storage unit 13 and controls each unit of the information terminal 2 to perform various operations. The application program causes the terminal control unit 12 to function as the print data generation unit 15 that generates print data. The printer driver program causes the terminal control unit 12 to function as a printer driver unit 16 that drives and controls the printer 3 via the network to print print data. That is, the terminal control unit 12 includes a print data generation unit 15 and a printer driver unit 16 by operating an application program and a printer driver program.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 3 is a roll paper printer that performs printing on a long recording paper 20 a (recording medium) fed out from the roll paper 20. A paper discharge port 21, an LED 22, and a power switch 23 are provided on the upper surface of the casing 24 of the printer 3. A roll paper storage unit 25 that stores the roll paper 20 is provided inside the housing 24. Further, inside the housing 24 are housed a print head 26 for printing on the recording paper 20a, and a transport mechanism for transporting the recording paper 20a. The transport mechanism transports the recording paper 20 a along a path from the roll paper storage unit 25 through the print position by the print head 26 to the paper discharge port 21. The transport mechanism includes a transport motor 27 (see FIG. 2) as a drive source. In addition, the printer 3 includes a communication interface 28 for connecting an external device to the side surface of the housing 24 by wire. In this example, the communication interface 28 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control system of the printer 3 includes a first communication unit 31 (communication unit) connected to the wireless network 4, a second communication unit 32 that communicates with an external device via USB, a CPU, A control unit 33 including a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and a storage unit 34 including a nonvolatile memory are provided. The CPU of the control unit 33 reads and executes the firmware stored in the storage unit 34 and controls each unit of the printer 3 to perform various operations. The control unit 33 communicates with the information terminal 2 connected to the wireless network 4 via the first communication unit 31. Further, the control unit 33 performs communication with an external device connected via USB via the second communication unit 32.

  A power switch 23 is connected to the input side of the control unit 33. The LED 22, the print head 26, and the transport motor 27 are connected to the output side of the control unit 33 via a driver (not shown). The storage unit 34 stores and holds communication setting information for connecting to the wireless network 4 in advance. That is, the storage unit 34 stores and holds the SSID of the wireless network 4 and the security setting for connecting to the wireless network 4 as communication setting information. The storage unit 34 stores and holds operation mode setting information (print setting information) for setting the operation mode of the printer 3 in advance.

  The first communication unit 31 acquires communication setting information (SSID and security information) from the storage unit 34. The first communication unit 31 searches for the access point 5 (communication destination) by wireless communication based on the communication setting information. And the 1st communication part 31 establishes communication with the access point 5 with the strongest electromagnetic wave intensity | strength, when the some access point 5 is searched.

  Further, the first communication unit 31 starts searching for the access point 5 when the radio wave intensity of the connected access point 5 falls below the radio wave intensity threshold, and the radio wave intensity is stronger than that of the connected access point 5. When another access point 5 is searched, the communication destination is switched and communication with the access point 5 is established. Further, the first communication unit 31 starts searching for the access point 5 when the radio wave intensity of the connected access point 5 falls below the radio wave intensity threshold, and the radio wave intensity is stronger than that of the connected access point 5. If another access point 5 cannot be established, the LED 22 is driven to blink the LED 22 to notify the operator that a connection error (communication error) to the wireless network 4 has occurred. Here, the first communication unit 31 starts searching for another access point 5 every time the radio wave intensity of the connected access point 5 falls below the radio wave intensity threshold and starts searching for another access point 5. The number of times is accumulated and stored in the storage unit as the number of searches. The number of searches is reset every time the printer 3 is turned on. The radio field intensity threshold is stored and held in the storage unit 34 together with the communication setting information.

  The control unit 33 includes a print data printing unit 36, a communication setting unit 37, a communication information acquisition unit 38, a communication information printing unit 39 (printing unit), and an operation mode setting unit 40.

  When the print data printing unit 36 receives print data from the wireless network 4 via the first communication unit 31, the print data printing unit 36 prints the received print data. When the print data printing unit 36 receives print data from an external device via the second communication unit 32, the print data printing unit 36 prints the received print data. That is, when the print data printing unit 36 receives the print data via the first communication unit 31 or the second communication unit 32, the print data printing unit 36 drives the conveyance motor 27 to convey the recording paper 20a via the print head 26. At the same time, the print head 26 is driven to print the print data on the recording paper 20a conveyed at the printing position.

  The communication setting unit 37 sets a radio field intensity threshold at which the first communication unit 31 starts searching for the access point 5. More specifically, when the communication setting unit 37 receives an input of a threshold setting command from an external device via the first communication unit 31 or the second communication unit 32, the communication setting unit 37 sets the radio field intensity threshold based on the threshold setting command. The setting is stored in the storage unit 34. For example, when setting the radio field intensity threshold, a computer is connected to the printer 3 via the communication interface 28 (USB), and a threshold setting command is transmitted from the computer to the printer 3. As a result, a threshold setting command is input to the printer 3 via the second communication unit 32. When the threshold setting command is input, the communication setting unit 37 sets the radio field intensity threshold in one of three levels of high, medium, and low based on the threshold setting command. That is, the communication setting unit 37 stores and holds in the storage unit 34 one of three values of high, medium, and low as the radio wave intensity threshold.

  The communication information acquisition unit 38 acquires the communication information of the connected access point 5 when connected to the access point 5. The communication information includes communication setting information of the access point 5, radio wave intensity information at the time of connection, and access point information. In this example, the communication setting information is the SSID of the wireless network 4. The radio wave intensity information is radio wave density. The access point information is the MAC address of the access point 5.

  When the search for the access point 5 is started, the communication information printing unit 39 prints a message (start information) indicating that the search has started on the recording paper 20a. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first communication unit 31 starts searching for the access point 5, the communication information printing unit 39 prints [Background Scan Start] on the recording paper 20a. When the first communication unit 31 starts searching for the access point 5 and then connects to a new access point 5 (when handover is performed), the communication information printing unit 39 ends the search and establishes a new connection. A message to the effect (end information) and access point information (MAC address) are printed on the recording paper 20a. For example, when the first communication unit 31 connects to the new access point 5, the communication information printing unit 39 prints [Connected to AA: BB: CC: FF: EE: FF] on the recording paper 20 a. The character string after “Connected to” is access point information.

  Further, when the first communication unit 31 connects to a new access point 5 after searching for the access point 5, the communication information printing unit 39 prints the status sheet 45. On the status sheet 45, communication information is printed. The communication information printed on the status sheet 45 includes the SSID of the wireless network 4 that is communication setting information of the access point 5 and the radio wave density that is radio wave intensity information at the time of connection. Further, the communication information printing unit 39 refers to the storage unit 34 and prints the number of searches on the status sheet 45. In the example of the status sheet 45 shown in FIG. 4, the SSID is printed as [RoamingTest], the radio wave density (AP Density) is printed as [High], and the number of searches is printed as “3”. In the example of the status sheet 45 shown in FIG. 4, a status ([Roaming: Enable]) indicating that the printer 3 can be handed over (roamed) is also printed.

  The operation mode setting unit 40 switches the operation mode of the printer 3 between the communication information print on mode and the communication information print off mode with reference to the operation mode setting information stored and held in the storage unit 34. The communication information print on mode is an operation mode in which a message and a status sheet 45 are printed at the start and end of the search for the access point 5, and the communication information print off mode is an operation mode in which these messages and the status sheet 45 are not printed. It is.

  In addition, when the operation mode setting unit 40 receives an operation mode setting command from an external device via the first communication unit 31 or the second communication unit 32, the operation mode setting unit 40 stores the information in the storage unit 34 based on the threshold setting command. Rewrite the set operation mode setting information. Thereby, the operation mode setting unit 40 sets the operation mode of the printer. When rewriting the operation mode setting information, for example, a computer is connected to the printer 3 via the communication interface 28 (USB), and an operation mode setting command is transmitted from the computer to the printer 3. Thereby, an operation mode setting command is input to the printer 3 via the second communication unit 32. When the operation mode setting command is input, the operation mode setting unit 40, based on the input operation mode setting command, information indicating communication information print on mode setting or information indicating communication information print off mode setting. Is stored in the storage unit 34 as operation mode setting information.

(Handover confirmation operation)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a confirmation operation for confirming whether or not handover is properly performed by the printer 3 in the network system 1 constructed in the facility will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the handover confirmation operation. Here, it is assumed that the storage unit 34 of the printer 3 stores and holds communication setting information, a radio wave intensity threshold value, and operation mode setting information in advance. The communication setting information is the SSID and security information of the wireless network 4. The radio field intensity threshold is medium, and the operation mode setting information is information indicating the setting of the communication information print on mode.

  In the handover confirmation operation, first, the printer 3 is turned on by turning on the power switch 23. When the power is turned on, the printer 3 searches for the access point 5 based on the setting information (SSID and security setting). Then, when a plurality of access points 5 are searched, the printer 3 establishes communication with the access point 5 (first communication destination) having the highest radio wave intensity (step ST1).

  Thereafter, the operator carries the printer 3 and moves within the facility. Here, the printer 3 monitors whether or not the radio field intensity of the access point 5 is lower than the radio field intensity threshold set in the printer 3 (step ST2). When the radio field intensity of the access point 5 falls below the radio field intensity threshold (step ST2: Yes), the printer 3 starts searching for another access point 5. In parallel with this search, the printer 3 prints a message indicating that the search has started on the recording paper 20a (step ST3).

  Here, when another access point 5 (second communication destination) whose radio wave intensity is stronger than that of the connected access point 5 is searched (step ST4: Yes), the printer 3 performs a handover (step ST5). . That is, the printer 3 establishes communication with another searched access point 5. Further, when the connection with the new access point 5 is established, the printer 3 displays a message indicating that the new connection has been made (search has been completed) together with the communication information (MAC address) of the access point 5. Then, printing is performed on the recording paper 20a (step ST6). Further, the communication information printing unit 39 prints the status sheet 45 (step ST7).

  On the other hand, when another access point 5 (second communication destination) whose radio wave intensity is stronger than that of the connected access point 5 is not searched for and cannot be connected to the new access point 5 (step ST4: No). The printer 3 (first communication unit 31) drives the LED 22 to blink the LED 22, and notifies the operator that a connection error to the wireless network 4 has occurred (step ST8).

  As described above, in this example, when the operation mode of the printer 3 is set to the communication information printing on mode, the printer 3 starts searching when the printer 3 starts searching for a new access point 5. Print a message to that effect. When the printer 3 finishes searching for the access point 5, the printer 3 prints a message indicating that the search is finished. Therefore, an operator who carries the printer 3 and moves within the facility can easily know the start time and end time of searching for a new access point 5 in the printer 3.

  Further, when the printer 3 performs the handover, the printer 3 adds the communication information (MAC address) of the access point 5 to the message indicating that the search is finished, and prints. Therefore, the operator can specify the access point 5 to which the printer 3 is connected.

  Furthermore, the printer 3 prints the status sheet 45 when the handover is performed. On the status sheet 45, the SSID of the wireless network 4, the radio wave density, and the number of searches for the access point 5 are printed. Therefore, the operator who sees the status sheet 45 can know the frequency of searching for the access point 5 performed by the printer 3 and the radio wave density at the position where the handover is performed. Therefore, the operator can easily set the radio wave intensity threshold and change the arrangement of the access points 5 based on the frequency of searching for the access point 5 and the radio wave density.

  For example, when the search for the access point 5 is frequently performed, the frequency can be lowered by the operator lowering the radio field intensity threshold value from medium to low. In addition, when the radio wave density at the position where the handover is performed is high, the access points 5 can be rearranged such as increasing the distance between the two access points 5 that have been handed over.

  In addition, when a new access point 5 is searched but cannot be connected to another access point 5 (when a handover cannot be performed), the printer 3 causes the LED 22 to blink to indicate a connection error. Inform the operator of the occurrence. Therefore, the access points 5 can be rearranged, for example, by reducing the interval between the two access points 5 close to the position where the connection error has occurred.

  When the printer 3 moves after the handover is performed and the radio field intensity of the connected access point 5 falls below the radio field intensity threshold (step ST2: Yes), the printer 3 again accesses the access point 5 Start searching for. Thereafter, the operations from step ST3 to step ST7 are repeated.

  Here, after the radio field intensity threshold is reset or the access point 5 is rearranged, the operation mode of the printer 3 is set to the communication information printing off mode. As a result, even if the printer 3 subsequently searches for a new access point 5, a message indicating that the search for the access point 5 has been started from the printer 3, a message indicating that the search has been completed, and the status sheet 45. Will not be printed. Therefore, when print data is transmitted from the information terminal 2 to the printer 3, it is possible to prevent the print data from being hindered.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, after the 1st communication part 31 starts the search of the access point 5, when another access point 5 whose electric field intensity is stronger than the connected access point 5 is not made (step ST4 of FIG. 4: No). ) May print a message to the effect that a connection error has occurred on the recording paper 20a.

  Further, the printer 3 (communication information printing unit 39) may print the stator sheet when a status sheet print command for printing the stator sheet is input via the first communication unit 31 or the second communication unit 32. Good. That is, when a status sheet print command is input from the information terminal 2 to the printer 3 via the wireless network 4, or a status sheet print command is input from the computer connected to the printer 3 via USB to the printer 3. In some cases, the status sheet 45 may be printed. In this way, the operator can acquire the status sheet 45 at a desired timing.

  When the printer 3 includes a display unit that displays characters, the communication information printing unit 39 may output the content to be printed on the recording paper 20a to the display unit for display.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network system, 2 ... Information terminal, 3 ... Printer (printing apparatus), 4 ... Wireless network, 5 ... Access point, 11 ... Terminal communication part, 12 ... Terminal control part, 13 ... Terminal storage part, 15 ... Print data Generating unit, 16 ... printer driver unit, 20 ... roll paper, 20a ... recording paper, 21 ... discharge port, 22 ... LED, 23 ... power switch, 24 ... casing, 25 ... roll paper storage unit, 26 ... print head , 27 ... transport motor, 28 ... communication interface, 31 ... first communication unit (communication unit), 32 ... second communication unit, 33 ... control unit, 34 ... storage unit, 36 ... print data printing unit, 37 ... communication setting , 38 ... Communication information acquisition unit, 39 ... Communication information printing unit (printing unit), 40 ... Operation mode setting unit, 45 ... Status sheet.

Claims (7)

A printing unit for printing on a recording medium;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of communication setting information and a radio field intensity threshold;
A communication unit that searches for a communication destination based on the communication setting information by wireless communication, and when a plurality of communication destinations are searched, a communication unit that establishes communication with the first communication destination having the strongest radio wave intensity;
With
The communication unit starts a search when a radio field intensity of the first communication destination falls below the radio field intensity threshold, and when a second communication destination having a higher radio field intensity than the first communication destination is searched, 2 Establish communication with the communication destination,
The printing device is characterized in that, when communication with the second communication destination is established, communication information with the second communication destination is printed.   The printing unit prints start information indicating that the search is started when the communication unit starts searching, and prints end information indicating that the search is ended when the communication unit ends searching. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication information includes communication setting information and radio wave intensity information regarding the second communication destination. The communication unit stores the number of times the communication destination has been searched for in the storage unit,
The said printing part prints the said frequency | count with reference to the said memory | storage part, when communication with a 2nd communication destination is established, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Printing device. The storage unit stores and holds print setting information indicating whether or not to print the communication information;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit prints the communication information based on the print setting information. With LEDs,
6. The communication unit according to claim 1, wherein when the communication destination that is equal to or greater than the radio field intensity threshold value cannot be searched, the communication unit notifies that an error has occurred by driving the LED. The printing apparatus according to one item. Searching for a communication destination based on a plurality of communication setting information, and establishing a communication with the first communication destination having the highest radio wave intensity when a plurality of the communication destinations are searched,
The search is started when the radio wave intensity of the first communication destination falls below a radio wave intensity threshold, and when a second communication destination having a higher radio wave intensity than the first communication destination is searched, A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: establishing communication and printing communication information with the second communication destination.

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