JP2020006530A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve security without the time and effort of a user in a printer performing printing by the technique of the hand-over.SOLUTION: A printer 200 includes: an image formation unit 10 which performs printing; a first wireless communication control unit 37 and a second wireless communication control unit 38 which perform the communication to a portable terminal 100 with the first wireless communication and second wireless communication; and a CPU 31. The CPU 31 executes: first wireless communication processing of acquiring the communication information performing the communication to the portable terminal 100 with the first wireless communication and the communication with the second wireless communication; second wireless communication processing of performing the communication to the portable terminal 100 with the second wireless communication using the communication information; communication history information acquisition processing of acquiring the communication history information recorded when the communication is performed to the portable terminal 100 with the second wireless communication processing after the communication is performed to the portable terminal 100 with the first wireless communication processing; and history information deleting processing of deleting the communication history information acquired in the communication history information acquisition processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints print data obtained from an external device via wireless communication.

  There is known a so-called handover technique in which authentication is performed using short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), and the communication is taken over by wireless communication of another communication method (for example, see Patent Document 1). . In this prior art, in order to improve operability, a first wireless communication device participating in a network transmits participation information for joining a network to the second wireless communication device by NFC, and a second wireless communication device. The device connects to the network via the wireless LAN based on the acquired participation information.

JP 2010-245748 A

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, printing has been performed by transmitting print data from a portable terminal to a printing apparatus by wireless communication. In such a case, it is conceivable to apply the above-described handover technique to simplify the connection between the printing apparatus and the portable terminal by wireless communication. However, every time printing is performed from the mobile terminal, the communication history information is recorded in the printing apparatus, and the communication history information remains even after the wireless communication with the mobile terminal is interrupted. For this reason, security problems may arise, such as the possibility that communication history information left in the printing apparatus may be stolen. Further, it is possible for the user to delete the communication history information from the printing apparatus, but this requires time and effort.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration in which security can be improved without requiring a user's effort in a printing apparatus that performs printing by a handover technique.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing unit for performing printing, and a first wireless communication and a second wireless communication capable of communicating at a longer distance than the first wireless communication, and communicating with an external device. And a control unit, the control unit communicating with the external device by the first wireless communication, and the second wireless communication with the external device. A first wireless communication process for acquiring communication information for performing communication by the external device from the external device, and communicating with the external device by the second wireless communication using the communication information acquired in the first wireless communication process The second wireless communication process to be performed, when the communication with the external device is performed in the first wireless communication process and the communication with the external device in the second wireless communication process is performed. Recorded communication history information Acquisition communication history information acquisition processing, and history information for deleting the communication history information acquired in the communication history information acquisition processing in response to communication with the external device in the first wireless communication processing And a deletion process.

  In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the control unit executes the first wireless communication processing and the second wireless communication processing. In the first wireless communication process, the control unit communicates with the external device by the first wireless communication, and acquires communication information for performing communication with the external device by the second wireless communication from the external device. In the second wireless communication process, the control unit communicates with the external device by the second wireless communication using the communication information obtained in the first wireless communication process, and acquires print data to be printed by the printing unit from the external device. I do. In this manner, a so-called handover in which authentication is performed using the first wireless communication and the communication is taken over in the second wireless communication is performed.

  In such a case, the communication history information is recorded every time the printing apparatus communicates with the external device by the second wireless communication, and the communication history information remains even after the communication with the external device is interrupted. For this reason, security problems may arise, such as the possibility that communication history information left in the printing apparatus may be stolen. Further, it is possible for the user to delete the communication history information from the printing apparatus, but this requires time and effort.

  According to the present invention, the communication unit records the communication history information by executing the communication history information acquisition process and the history information deletion process when the communication is performed with the external device in the first wireless communication process. And deletes the communication history information. Thus, each time the user performs communication via the first wireless communication between an external device (for example, a mobile terminal or a PC) and the printing device in order to perform printing or the like, the communication history information up to that time is automatically deleted. can do. As a result, for example, even when a person who attempts to steal the communication history information from the printing apparatus attempts to perform communication by the first wireless communication with the printing apparatus using the communication device, the communication history information is automatically transmitted. Can be deleted. Therefore, security can be improved without requiring the user.

  Further, for example, in a case where the communication history information is deleted after a certain period of time has elapsed, it is possible to browse and acquire the communication history information if an access is made within that time. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the communication history information is deleted when the printing apparatus is accessed regardless of the time, so that the security can be further enhanced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in a printing apparatus which performs printing by a handover technique, security can be improved without requiring user's trouble.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system including a printing apparatus and an operation terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external structure of the printing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of the printing apparatus. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of communication history information. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of the printing apparatus. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by the CPU of the printing apparatus in a modification in which communication history information is deleted after printing is completed while printing is being performed; FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by the CPU of the printing apparatus in a modified example in which only the deletion target is deleted from the communication history information. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of a printing apparatus in a modification example in which deletion target information is acquired from a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of the printing apparatus in a modification in which deletion target information is acquired from both the printing apparatus and the mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of the printing apparatus in a modification in which deletion target information is acquired from both the printing apparatus and the mobile terminal. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of a printing apparatus in a modification in which communication history information is deleted after printing is performed. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control routine executed by a CPU of a printing apparatus in a modification in which print setting information is initialized together with deletion of communication history information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration of printing system>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing system 300 according to the present embodiment includes a mobile terminal 100 that is an example of an external device that causes the printing device 200 to perform printing, and a printing device 200. In the printing system 300 of the present embodiment, various data can be exchanged between the mobile terminal 100 and the printing device 200 by wireless communication.

<Configuration of printing device>
Next, a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 200 will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where the printing apparatus 200 is a multifunction peripheral having a printing function and a reading function will be described as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, and may be applied to a printing apparatus having only a printing function, or may be applied to a printing apparatus having functions other than the printing function and the reading function.

  In this example, the printing apparatus 200 includes a CPU 31 (an example of a control unit), a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 34, as shown in FIG. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the NVRAM 34 include an image forming unit 10 that prints an image on a sheet, an image reading unit 11 that reads an image of a document, an operation status display, and input by a user who is an example of a user. The operation panel 40 that receives an operation, the first wireless communication control unit 37, and the second wireless communication control unit 38 are electrically connected. The RAM 33 and the NVRAM 34 constitute a memory (an example of a storage unit) of the printing apparatus 200.

  The image forming unit 10 (an example of a printing unit) performs printing on a sheet. The printing may be color printing or monochrome printing. The printing method may be, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image reading unit 11 scans an object. The scan may be a color scan or a monochrome scan. The reading mechanism may be, for example, a CCD or a CIS.

  The ROM 32 is a recording medium that stores various programs such as firmware for controlling the printing apparatus 200, various settings, initial values, and the like. Note that the various programs include a print processing program for executing each procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 5 to 6, 8 to 12, and the like described below. The RAM 33 and the NVRAM 34 are used as a work area from which the various programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the printing apparatus 200 according to the program read from the ROM 32 and signals sent from various sensors, while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34.

  The first wireless communication control unit 37 (an example of a communication unit) is an interface that enables the first wireless communication that is a short-range wireless communication such as an NFC (Near Field Communication) method. The printing device 200 receives data transmitted from the portable terminal 100 via the first wireless communication control unit 37. Further, the printing device 200 transmits data to the mobile terminal 100 via the first wireless communication control unit 37.

  The second wireless communication control unit 38 (an example of a communication unit) is capable of performing a second wireless communication, such as a wireless LAN method or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) method, capable of performing communication at a longer distance than the first wireless communication. Interface. The printing device 200 receives data transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 via the second wireless communication control unit 38. Further, the printing device 200 transmits data to the mobile terminal 100 via the second wireless communication control unit 38.

  The CPU 31 executes a first wireless communication process and a second wireless communication process. In the first wireless communication processing, the CPU 31 performs communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication via the first wireless communication control unit 37, and performs communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication. From the portable terminal 100 for the communication. The communication information is, for example, communication standard information, address information such as a MAC address, and network information such as security information. In the second wireless communication processing, the CPU 31 communicates with the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication via the second wireless communication control unit 38 using the communication information acquired in the first wireless communication processing. In this manner, the CPU 31 executes so-called handover in which authentication is performed using the first wireless communication and the communication is taken over in the second wireless communication.

  The operation panel 40 is provided on the exterior of the printing apparatus 200 in this example, as shown in FIG. The operation panel 40 has a manual input unit 41 including various buttons and keys for receiving user input, and a display unit 42 configured to display a message or setting contents, for example, a touch panel having an input function. are doing.

  Further, the operation panel 40 has a reading unit 43 that receives communication of the first wireless communication method. The reading unit 43 is provided with the first wireless communication control unit 37 described above. Then, while the power is on, the printing apparatus 200 is in a state of detecting a device capable of executing communication of the first wireless communication method by a signal issued from the first wireless communication control unit 37. Therefore, for example, when the user holds the mobile terminal 100 over the reading unit 43, the printing apparatus 200 detects the mobile terminal 100, and communication by the first wireless communication is automatically enabled between the mobile terminal 100 and the printing apparatus 200. become. Note that “holding” the mobile terminal 100 over the reading unit 43 is an operation of arranging the mobile terminal 100 within the communication range of the first wireless communication control unit 37, and the mobile terminal 100 and the reading unit 43 are in contact with each other. You don't have to.

<Configuration of mobile device>
Returning to FIG. 1, the schematic configuration of the portable terminal 100 will be described. In FIG. 1, the portable terminal 100 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, and a flash memory 54 in this example. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 includes a first wireless communication control unit 57 and a second wireless communication as a communication interface that enables communication with the operation panel 55 having a touch panel having both a display function and an input function and the printing apparatus 200. And a control unit 58. The operation panel 55, the first wireless communication control unit 57, and the second wireless communication control unit 58 are controlled by the CPU 51.

  The flash memory 54 incorporates an OS, a browser for browsing files on the Internet, a device driver for controlling various devices, and the like. The flash memory 54 also stores an application program 20 that instructs the printing apparatus 200 to perform printing, scanning, and the like, and transfers a file accompanying the printing to the printing apparatus 200.

  The CPU 51 performs various processes according to various programs read from the ROM 52 or the flash memory 54 while storing the calculation results in the RAM 53 or the flash memory 54. The operation of the application program 20 described above is also processed by the CPU 51.

  The first wireless communication control unit 57 is an interface that enables the first wireless communication that is a short-range wireless communication such as an NFC method, for example, like the first wireless communication control unit 37 of the printing apparatus 200. Similarly to the second wireless communication control unit 38 of the printing apparatus 200, the second wireless communication control unit 58 is capable of performing communication at a longer distance than the first wireless communication, such as a wireless LAN system. 2 An interface that enables wireless communication. The mobile terminal 100 receives data transmitted from the printing device 200 via the first wireless communication control unit 57 or the second wireless communication control unit 58. Further, the portable terminal 100 transmits data to the printing device 200 via the first wireless communication control unit 57 or the second wireless communication control unit 58.

<Control Routine Executed by CPU of Printing Apparatus>
Next, a control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. Note that the control routine shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed while the power of the printing apparatus 200 is ON.

  In step S <b> 1, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the portable terminal 100 is connected to the portable terminal 100 by the first wireless communication via the first wireless communication control unit 37 by being held over the reading unit 43. When it is determined that the mobile terminal 100 is not connected to the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication (No), the mobile terminal 100 waits in a loop until the mobile terminal 100 is connected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 through the first wireless communication (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the CPU 31 performs communication with the mobile terminal 100 through the first wireless communication, and acquires communication information for performing communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication from the mobile terminal 100. The wireless communication process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the CPU 31 performs communication with the mobile terminal 100 in the second wireless communication process triggered by the communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication in step S2. Then, a communication history information acquisition process for acquiring communication history information recorded in a memory (the above-described RAM 33, NVRAM 34, or the like) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the communication history information. “WLAN” in FIG. 4 indicates a wireless LAN. In this example, the communication history information includes the items of the connection ID, the connection type, and the connection state, but may include other items. Note that the mobile terminal 100 connected by the first wireless communication in step S2 is not recorded in this communication history information because it has not been connected by the second wireless communication yet.

  In step S4, when the communication with the portable terminal 100 is performed by the first wireless communication in step S2, the CPU 31 acquires the communication history information up to the previous time (the previous or previous communication history information) acquired from the memory in step S3. A history information deletion process for deleting communication history information recorded when the second wireless communication was performed before is executed, and the process proceeds to step S5. If there is information or settings associated with the communication history information to be deleted, the information or settings or the like may be deleted together. Further, by deleting the communication history information, the communication with the connected external device (for example, the device whose connection ID is 00a in FIG. 4) is disconnected.

  In step S5, the CPU 31 executes a second wireless communication process of performing communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication using the communication information acquired in step S2, and shifts the process to step S6.

  In step S6, the CPU 31 records in the memory the current communication history information resulting from the communication by the second wireless communication with the mobile terminal 100 in step S5, and shifts the processing to step S7.

  In step S7, the CPU 31 determines whether a print instruction has been received from the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication. If it is determined that the print instruction has not been received (No), the process waits in a loop until the print instruction is received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the print instruction has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, the CPU 31 executes print processing of acquiring print data from the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication and printing the print data using the image forming unit 10, and ends the routine.

<Effects of Embodiment>
According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the printing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, the CPU 31 executes the first wireless communication processing (Step S2 in FIG. 3) and the second wireless communication processing (Step S5 in FIG. 3). In the first wireless communication process, the CPU 31 performs communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication, and acquires communication information for performing communication by the second wireless communication with the mobile terminal 100 from the mobile terminal 100. . In the second wireless communication processing, the CPU 31 performs communication with the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication using the communication information acquired in the first wireless communication processing. In this manner, a so-called handover in which authentication is performed using the first wireless communication and the communication is taken over in the second wireless communication is performed.

  In such a case, in the printing apparatus 200, communication history information is recorded every time communication is performed with the mobile terminal 100 by the second wireless communication, and the communication history information remains even after the communication with the mobile terminal 100 is cut off. Becomes For this reason, security problems may arise, such as the possibility that communication history information left in the printing apparatus 200 may be stolen. Further, it is possible for the user to delete the communication history information from the printing apparatus 200, but this requires time and effort.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when communication is performed with the mobile terminal 100 in the first wireless communication process, the CPU 31 performs communication history information acquisition processing (step S3 in FIG. 3) and history information deletion processing (FIG. 3). By executing step S4), the communication history information recorded in the memory is obtained and the communication history information is deleted. Thus, every time the user performs communication by the first wireless communication between the external device such as the mobile terminal 100 and the printing device 200 for printing or the like, the communication history information up to that time is automatically deleted. Can be. As a result, for example, even when a person who tries to steal the communication history information from the printing apparatus 200 attempts to perform communication by the first wireless communication with the printing apparatus 200 using the communication device, the communication history information is also stored. Can be deleted automatically. Therefore, security can be improved without requiring the user.

  Furthermore, for example, when the communication history information is deleted after a certain period of time, if the communication history information is accessed within that time, the information can be browsed and acquired. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the communication history information is deleted when the first wireless communication is performed to access the communication history information of the printing apparatus 200 regardless of the time, so that the security can be further enhanced. it can.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the CPU 31 executes the second wireless communication process (step S5 in FIG. 3) after executing the history information deletion process (step S4 in FIG. 3). Thereby, the communication by the second wireless communication can be executed after the communication history information is deleted, so that it is possible to prevent the previous communication history information from interfering with the current communication, and to stabilize the communication by the second wireless communication. Can be improved. As a result, the certainty of acquiring data regarding printing from the mobile terminal 100 is increased, and thus the reliability of printing can be improved.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the technical idea. Hereinafter, such modified examples will be sequentially described.

(1) In the case where information is deleted after printing is completed while printing is in progress, as described above, the communication with the connected external device is disconnected by deleting the communication history information. For this reason, when printing is being executed in response to a print command from a connected external device, the printing is also stopped halfway. In order to avoid this, when the printing apparatus 200 is performing printing, the communication history information may be deleted after waiting until printing is completed.

  A control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 in the present modification will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the same control processes as those in FIG. 3 described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Steps S1 to S3 are the same as those in FIG. The CPU 31 executes a communication history information acquisition process in step S3, and moves the process to step S11.

  In step S11, the CPU 31 executes a print execution determination process of determining whether or not printing by the image forming unit 10 of the printing apparatus 200 is being executed in response to a print command from a connected external device. If it is determined that printing is being performed (Yes), the process waits in a loop until printing is completed. If it is determined that printing is not being executed (printing is completed and the printer is in a standby state) (No), the process proceeds to step S4.

  Steps S4 to S8 are the same as those in FIG. 3 described above.

  According to this modification, even if the next user tries to print while the previous user continues printing, the second wireless communication is cut off due to the deletion of the communication history information, and the printing is stopped halfway. Can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of printing can be further improved.

(2) When Only the Deletion Object is Deleted from the Communication History Information In the above embodiment, the case where all the communication history information is deleted has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an external device connected to the printing apparatus 200 by wireless communication may be used in common by a plurality of users such as a barcode reader and a keyboard in addition to a PC terminal and a mobile terminal used individually by each user. And the like. For such a device, if communication history information is deleted and communication is interrupted each time a user who performs printing changes, processing for establishing communication is required again, so that communication should be maintained. The information processing by the CPU 31 can be simplified and the processing load can be reduced. Therefore, a deletion target may be set, only the communication history information to be deleted is deleted, and the communication history information not to be deleted may be maintained without being deleted.

  A control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 in the present modification will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to the same control processes as those in FIG. 3 and the like described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Steps S1 to S3 are the same as those in FIG. The CPU 31 executes the communication history information acquisition processing in step S3, and moves the processing to step S21.

  In step S21, when the communication with the mobile terminal 100 is performed in the first wireless communication process in step S2, the CPU 31 transmits the deletion target information in which the deletion target is set by the history information deletion process to the printing apparatus 200. Then, the deletion target information acquisition processing to be acquired from the memory is executed, and the process proceeds to step S22.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the deletion target information. The deletion target information is stored in the memory of the printing device 200 in advance. Note that “WLAN” in FIG. 7 represents a wireless LAN, and “LAN” represents a wired LAN. In this example, the deletion target information includes the items of the connection type, the connected device, and the deletion setting, but may include other items. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a PC connected via LAN and a reader (such as a barcode reader) connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark) are set to be maintained, and the others are set to be deleted.

  In step S22, the CPU 31 executes a deletion target determination process for determining whether or not there is a deletion target in the communication history information obtained in step S3 based on the deletion target information obtained in step S21. If it is determined that there is no deletion target in the communication history information (No), the process proceeds to step S5 described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that a deletion target exists in the communication history information (Yes), the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the CPU 31 executes a history information deletion process of deleting communication history information corresponding to a deletion target from the previous communication history information acquired from the memory in step S3, and shifts the process to step S5. .

  Steps S5 to S8 are the same as those in FIG. 3 described above.

  According to this modification, communication history information that is not a deletion target can be maintained without being deleted. As a result, for example, communication history information is maintained for devices and the like commonly used by a plurality of users described above, and communication history information is deleted only for PC terminals and mobile terminals used individually by each user. Can be. Therefore, the information processing by the CPU 31 can be simplified, the processing load can be reduced, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, according to the present modification, the CPU 31 acquires the deletion target information from the memory of the printing apparatus 200. That is, when the deletion target of the communication history information is determined in common among users based on, for example, the type of the communication method or the type of the communication device as shown in FIG. By storing the information in the memory of the printing apparatus 200, the deletion target information can be applied to each user in common, so that the deletion target information can be simplified.

  In the above modification, the deletion target information is managed as data different from the communication history information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication history information includes the deletion target information. It may be managed as one piece of data.

(3) When the deletion target information is obtained from the mobile terminal In the above-described modification (2), the case where the deletion target information is obtained from the memory of the printing apparatus 200 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when sharing a printing device in a company, employees in the same department may know the communication history information, but employees in other departments do not want to know the communication history information. The target may be different for each user. In such a case, the deletion target information may be individually stored in the mobile terminal 100 of each user, and the CPU 31 may acquire the deletion target information from the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication.

  A control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 in the present modification will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the same control processes as those in FIG. 6 and the like, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Steps S1 and S2 are the same as those in FIG. CPU 31 executes the first wireless communication processing in step S2, and moves the processing to step S31.

  In step S31, the CPU 31 executes a deletion target information acquisition process of acquiring deletion target information from the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication, and shifts the process to step S32.

  In step S32, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the communication information has been properly acquired from the portable terminal 100 in step S2. If it is determined that the communication information has not been properly acquired (No), this routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication information has been properly acquired (Yes), the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the CPU 31 executes information acquisition determination processing for determining whether or not the deletion target information has been properly acquired from the portable terminal 100 in step S31. If it is determined that the deletion target information has not been properly acquired (No), the process proceeds to step S5 described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information to be deleted has been properly acquired (Yes), the process proceeds to step S3.

  The subsequent steps S3, S22 and S23, and steps S5 to S8 are the same as those in FIG.

  According to this modification, it is possible to flexibly cope with a case where the deletion target differs for each user as described above. Further, in the present modification, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the deletion target information has been properly acquired from the mobile terminal 100, and when it is determined that the information has been properly acquired, the communication history information is deleted. As a result, for example, when the deletion target information cannot be properly acquired due to a communication error or the like, the communication history information can be entirely maintained without being deleted (No in step S33 in FIG. 8 → step S5). . By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous deletion of the communication history information that is not a deletion target, so that the reliability of the printing apparatus can be improved.

(4) When the deletion target information is acquired from both the printing apparatus and the portable terminal The deletion target of the communication history information is determined in common among a plurality of users based on, for example, the type of communication method and the type of communication device. In this case, it is conceivable that the deletion target information is stored in the memory of the printing apparatus 200 as in the above-described modified example (2). On the other hand, when the deletion target is different for each user, it is conceivable that the deletion target information is individually stored in the portable terminal 100 of each user as in the above-described modification (3). This modification is an example in which the deletion target information is stored in both the printing device 200 and the portable terminal 100.

  A control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 in the present modification will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same control processes as those in FIG. 8 and the like, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Steps S1 to S2 and steps S31 to S33 are the same as those in FIG. The CPU 31 executes the information acquisition determination process in step S33, and if it is determined that the information to be deleted has been properly acquired (Yes), the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the deletion target information is stored in the memory of the printing device 200. If it is determined that the deletion target information is not stored (No), the process proceeds to step S3 described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the deletion target information is stored (Yes), the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, the CPU 31 executes deletion target information acquisition processing for acquiring deletion target information from the memory of the printing apparatus 200, and moves the processing to step S42.

  In step S42, the CPU 31 deletes the deletion target information (an example of first deletion target information) obtained from the mobile terminal 100 in step S31 and deletes the deletion target information (second deletion target information) obtained from the printing apparatus 200 in step S21. And an information difference determination process for determining whether or not there is a difference with the target information. If it is determined that there is no difference (No), the process proceeds to step S3 described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a difference (Yes), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the CPU 31 executes a deletion target determination process for determining a deletion target in the history information deletion process (step S23), and proceeds to step S3. As a method of this determination, for example, the deletion target information stored in the mobile terminal 100 is prioritized, the deletion target information stored in the printing apparatus 200 is prioritized, or if there is a difference, all of the deletion target information is deleted. Priority may be given. The deletion target may be determined by a method other than these.

  The subsequent steps S3, S22 and S23, and steps S5 to S8 are the same as those in FIG.

  According to the present modification, when the deletion target information is stored in both the printing apparatus 200 and the portable terminal 100, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a difference between both the deletion target information. When there is no communication history information, the communication history information to be deleted is deleted. When there is a difference, the deletion target is newly determined. By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous deletion of communication history information that is not a deletion target, and it is possible to set according to needs what priority to delete communication history information. 200 and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

(5) Deletion of communication history information after execution of printing In the above description, history information deletion processing (step S4 of FIG. 3) is executed before execution of the second wireless communication processing (step S5 of FIG. 3). However, instead of or in addition to this, the history information deletion processing may be executed after the execution of the printing processing (step S8 in FIG. 3).

  A control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 in the present modification will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the same control processes as those in FIG. 3 described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Steps S1 to S8 are the same as those in FIG. In this modification, step S4 may be omitted. The CPU 31 executes the printing process in step S8, and moves the process to step S51.

  In step S51, the CPU 31 executes history information deletion processing for deleting communication history information corresponding to the print processing completed in step S8, and ends the routine.

  According to this modification, every time a user performs printing, communication history information relating to communication performed in the printing can be deleted immediately after printing is completed. As a result, when the next user performs printing, there is no need to perform processing for acquiring deletion target information and determining whether or not there is a deletion target in the communication history information, thereby simplifying information processing by the CPU 31. Processing load can be reduced.

(6) When Initializing Print Setting Information Along with Deletion of Communication History Information The printing apparatus 200 acquires print data from the portable terminal 100 through the second wireless communication and executes print processing. Is updated to the print setting information acquired from the mobile terminal 100. The updated print setting information will remain even after the communication with the mobile terminal 100 is cut off, but such information may be concealed. Therefore, the print setting information may be initialized together with the deletion of the communication history information.

  A control routine executed by the CPU 31 of the printing apparatus 200 in the present modification will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same control processes as those in FIG. 3 described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

  Steps S1 and S2 are the same as those in FIG. The CPU 31 executes the first wireless communication processing in step S2, and moves the processing to step S61.

  In step S61, the CPU 31 executes print setting information acquisition processing for acquiring print setting information from the portable terminal 100 by the first wireless communication performed in step S2, and moves the processing to step S3. The print setting information is information on print settings by the image forming unit 10, and is information specifying, for example, the type of print paper and the print mode (print direction, single-sided or double-sided, number of sheets, number of copies, margin setting, etc.).

  Steps S3 and S4 are the same as those in FIG. The CPU 31 executes a history information deletion process in step S4, and moves the process to step S62.

  In step S62, when the communication history information is deleted in step S4, an information initialization process for initializing the print setting information stored in the memory (the print setting information updated in the previous print process) is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, when the print setting information is initialized in step S62, the CPU 31 executes information validation processing for validating the print setting information acquired in step S61, and proceeds to step S5. Move.

  Subsequent steps S5 to S8 are the same as those in FIG.

  According to the present modification, the communication history information is deleted and the print setting information is initialized, so that the security can be further enhanced. When the CPU 31 obtains the print setting information together with the communication information from the mobile terminal 100 by the first wireless communication and deletes the communication history information and initializes the print setting information, the print setting information obtained from the mobile terminal 100 Is automatically activated, so that the user does not have to perform the print setting, and thus the convenience can be improved.

(7) Others In the above description, the arrows shown in FIG. 1 indicate an example of a signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  Also, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, and FIGS. 8 to 12 do not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and the procedure of the procedure is not deviated from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. You may add / delete or change the order.

  Further, in addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiment and each modified example may be appropriately combined and used.

  Although not specifically exemplified, the present invention is embodied with various changes without departing from the spirit thereof.

10 Image forming unit (printing means)
31 CPU (control means)
33 RAM (storage means)
34 NVRAM (storage means)
37 first wireless communication control unit (communication means)
38 second wireless communication control unit (communication means)
100 Mobile terminal (external device)
200 printing device

Claims (10)

Printing means for performing printing,
Communication means for communicating with an external device by a first wireless communication and a second wireless communication capable of communication at a longer distance than the first wireless communication;
Control means;
A printing device having
The control means,
A first wireless communication process of performing communication with the external device by the first wireless communication and acquiring communication information for performing communication by the second wireless communication with the external device from the external device;
A second wireless communication process of performing communication with the external device by the second wireless communication using the communication information acquired in the first wireless communication process;
When communication with the external device is performed in the first wireless communication process, communication history information recorded when communication is performed with the external device in the second wireless communication process is performed. Acquisition of communication history information to be acquired; and history information to delete the communication history information acquired in the communication history information acquisition process when communication with the external device is performed in the first wireless communication process. Deletion processing;
A printing apparatus that performs the following. The printing device according to claim 1,
The control means,
A printing apparatus, wherein the second wireless communication process is executed after the history information deletion process is executed. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The control means,
Print execution determination processing for determining whether or not printing by the printing unit is being performed;
Run
In the history information deletion process,
If it is determined by the print execution determination process that printing corresponding to the communication history information to be deleted is being executed, the communication history information is deleted after waiting for printing to be completed. Characteristic printing device. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means,
A deletion target information acquisition process for acquiring deletion target information in which a deletion target is set by the history information deletion process when communication with the external device is performed in the first wireless communication process;
A deletion target determination process for determining whether a deletion target exists in the communication history information acquired in the communication history information acquisition process based on the deletion target information acquired in the deletion target information acquisition process;
Run
In the history information deletion process,
A printing apparatus, wherein, when it is determined in the deletion target determination processing that a deletion target exists in the communication history information, the communication history information corresponding to the deletion target is deleted. The printing device according to claim 4,
In the deletion target information acquisition process,
A printing apparatus, wherein the deletion target information is obtained from a storage unit of the printing apparatus. The printing device according to claim 4,
In the deletion target information acquisition process,
Acquiring the deletion target information from the external device by the first wireless communication,
The control means,
Information acquisition determination processing for determining whether or not the deletion target information has been properly acquired in the deletion target information acquisition processing;
Run
In the history information deletion process,
A printing apparatus that deletes the communication history information when it is determined in the information acquisition determination processing that the deletion target information has been properly acquired. The printing apparatus according to claim 6,
In the deletion target information acquisition process,
Acquiring the first information to be deleted from the external device by the first wireless communication, and acquiring the second information to be deleted from storage means of the printing apparatus;
The control means,
Information difference determination processing for determining whether there is a difference between the first deletion target information and the second deletion target information;
A deletion target determination process for determining a deletion target by the history information deletion process when it is determined that there is a difference in the information difference determination process;
A printing apparatus that performs the following. The printing device according to claim 1,
The control means,
A printing process of acquiring print data from the external device by the second wireless communication after the execution of the second wireless communication process, and printing by the printing unit;
Run
After the printing process is completed, execute the history information deletion process,
In the history information deletion process,
A printing apparatus, wherein the communication history information corresponding to the completed print processing is deleted. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The control means,
An information initialization process for initializing print setting information relating to a print setting by the printing unit when the communication history information is deleted in the history information deletion process;
A printing apparatus that performs the following. The printing device according to claim 9,
The control means,
Print setting information acquisition processing for acquiring the print setting information from the external device by the first wireless communication performed in the first wireless communication processing;
An information validation process for validating the print setting information acquired in the print setting information acquisition process when the print setting information is initialized in the information initialization process;
A printing apparatus that performs the following.

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