JP2023001613A - Printer, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve user convenience when a plurality of persons can share a printer enabling wireless communication.SOLUTION: A printer (1) includes a communication part (150) enabling wireless communication with an external device (2), and a control part (110) for allowing the communication part to transmit identification information to the external device. When determining that an own device is in the state of performing processing on a printed medium based on printing data on the basis of information on a printed medium (3) in the own device or in the state of being incapable of performing the processing on the printed medium based on the printing data, the control part changes first identification information used in wireless communication with the external device to second identification information including information on a derived printed medium, and allows the communication part to transmit the second identification information to the external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Some printing apparatuses that print on a tape-shaped print medium can control the operation of the printing apparatus using an external device such as a smartphone. This type of printing device receives print data from an external device by wireless communication conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example, and performs printing on a printing medium according to the print data. It can be performed.

A printing device capable of wirelessly communicating with an external device via Wi-Fi functions as an access point (AP) in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and broadcasts an SSID (Service Set Identifier) set in the printing device. send. After creating print data using an external device such as a smartphone, the user of the printing device can use the SSID received by the external device to send the created print data to the printing device.

As one of the technologies related to the above-described wireless communication using the SSID, Patent Document 1 discloses a connection interface used to connect the server and the management terminal when the server notifies the management terminal of the status of the server. A communication control system is described that transmits a notification SSID for notifying the state of a server, which is different from the SSID. In the communication control system described in Patent Document 1, the management terminal can know the state of the server without connecting to the server, and disconnects the carrier line only when it is necessary to connect to the server. can be switched to a wireless LAN connection.

JP 2015-171025 A

In the case of the above-described printing device that can be connected to an external device by wireless communication, a user who is away from the printing device can operate the external device to transmit print data. However, some of the printing apparatuses described above cannot accept print data from other external devices while printing on a print medium by receiving print data from an external device. For this reason, when a user who is away from the printing device tries to send print data by operating an external device without noticing that the printing device is printing on the print medium, can result in an error. In addition, when one printing device is shared by multiple people, a user who is away from the printing device may notice that the printing device does not contain the printing medium or the printing medium contained in the printing device. An error may occur when an external device is operated to transmit print data without noticing that the width of the print data has been changed from the desired one to another one. When one of these errors occurs, the user who is away from the printing device should move to the location where the printing device is located, check the status of the printing device, take appropriate measures, and then send the print data again. operation to be performed.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of improving user convenience when a printing apparatus capable of wireless communication is shared by a plurality of people.

A printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with at least one external device, and a receiving device in the own device when causing the communication unit to transmit identification information to the external device. Deriving information about a print medium, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the own device is performing processing on the print medium based on print data, or the print target is based on the print data. when it is determined that the medium cannot be processed, the first identification information used for wireless connection with the external device is changed to the second identification information including the derived information regarding the print medium; and a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device.

In a control method according to an aspect of the present invention, when a printing device having a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with at least one external device causes the communication unit to transmit identification information to the external device, Deriving information about the print medium in the own device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the state in which the own device is processing the print medium based on the print data, or the print data A second identification including information about the print medium derived from the first identification information used for wireless connection with the external device when it is determined that the print medium cannot be processed based on the second identification and executing a process of causing the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention causes a printing device having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device to cause the communication unit to transmit identification information to the external device. Deriving information about the print medium in the apparatus, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the own apparatus is performing processing on the print medium based on the print data, or based on the print data second identification information including information about the print medium derived from the first identification information used for wireless connection with the external device when it is determined that the print medium cannot be processed by and causing the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device.

According to the above aspect, it is an object to provide a technique capable of improving user convenience when a printing apparatus capable of wireless communication is shared by a plurality of people.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a combination of a printing device and an information processing device according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing device and an information processing device according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to printing on a print medium performed by a printing apparatus; 4 is a table showing an example of SSIDs broadcast by a printing device according to an embodiment; 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to SSID broadcasting performed in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment; 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of SSID change processing during printing in the flowchart of FIG. 5; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the information processing device when the printing device is not printing; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the information processing device while the printing device is printing; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an information processing device when a print medium is not attached to the printing device; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an information processing device when a tape jam occurs in a printing device; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the information processing device while the printing device is printing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of displaying completion waiting information on an information processing apparatus associated with printing being executed by the printing apparatus;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example of a printing device capable of wireless communication by Wi-Fi with at least one information processing device (external device) such as a smartphone, printing and cutting on a tape-shaped print medium having a heat-sensitive material layer is described. A thermal label printer capable of doing this is given. In the following description, detailed descriptions of well-known configurations, functions, operations, and the like of the illustrated label printer will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a combination of a printing device and an information processing device according to one embodiment. The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a device housing 101 and a lid 102 covering one side surface of the device housing 101 . The device housing 101 includes, for example, a tape-shaped print medium 3 wrapped around a cylindrical member to form a roll (hereinafter referred to as a “tape roll 4”), and a printing unit that prints on the print medium 3. , a storage unit that stores a transport unit that transports the print medium 3, a cut unit that cuts the print medium 3, and a control board that controls the operations of the print unit, the transport unit, and the cut unit. . The tape roll 4 is accommodated in the device housing 101 by attaching the medium adapter to a predetermined portion of the device housing 101 while being housed in a dedicated medium adapter, for example. The printing apparatus 1 performs processing such as printing and cutting on the print medium 3 unwound from the tape roll 4 and pulled out from the opening provided in the medium adapter. The print medium 3 pulled out to the outside of the medium adapter is transported by the transport unit, and can be ejected to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 from, for example, an ejection port 103 formed by the apparatus housing 101 and the lid 102 . By removing the cover 102 from the device housing 101 , the printing apparatus 1 can mount the medium adapter to the device housing 101 and remove the medium adapter from the device housing 101 .

A plurality of input buttons 104 and a plurality of display lamps 105 are provided on the outer surface of the printing apparatus 1 . The input button 104 can perform a predetermined operation input to the printing apparatus 1 . The input buttons 104 include, for example, a button for turning on/off the power, a button for switching between wireless LANs, a button for reprinting, and the like. A plurality of indicator lamps 105 indicate the status of the printer 1 by their lighting status.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is capable of wireless communication with the information processing apparatus (external apparatus) 2 such as a smartphone via Wi-Fi. For example, this type of printing apparatus 1 functions as a Wi-Fi access point ( Operate. A conventional printing device that functions as a Wi-Fi access point normally broadcasts (sends) one SSID periodically that is set for use in connecting to the information processing device 2 by wireless communication. On the other hand, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment changes the SSID to be broadcast according to the state of the printing apparatus 1, as will be described later. The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs processing on the printing medium 3 based on the print data based on the information on the printing medium in the printing apparatus 1 at least when the SSID is broadcast. 1, or a second state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data. When determining that the printing device 1 is in the first state or the second state, the printing device 1 transmits one SSID (first identification information) set for use in wireless connection with the information processing device 2 to the printing target. Change to SSID (second identification information) that includes information about the medium.

Information about the print medium includes, for example, information indicating whether or not processing (conveyance, printing, cutting, etc.) is being performed on the print medium based on the print data, and information indicating whether or not the print medium is being processed based on the print data. Contains time information until processing ends. Information indicating whether or not processing is being performed on the print medium and information on the time until the processing is completed are examples of information on the print medium that can be used to determine whether or not the medium is in the first state. . When the printer 1 determines that it is in the first state, the printer 1 performs print processing on the print medium 3 based on the print data, for example, the SSID for wireless connection, which is the first identification information. is changed to an SSID (second identification information) that includes information on the time until the end of printing as information on the print medium. The information on the print medium includes, for example, information indicating that the print medium 3 is not detected in the device itself, information indicating that a transport error (tape jam) of the print medium 3 has occurred, and the like. The information indicating that the print medium 3 has not been detected is an example of information regarding the print medium that can be used to determine whether or not it is in the second state. The information indicating that a transport error has occurred is an example of information about the print medium that can be used for both determination of whether it is in the first state and determination of whether it is in the second state. be. When determining that the printing apparatus 1 is in the second state based on the fact that the printing medium 3 is not detected, the printing apparatus 1, for example, sets the SSID for wireless connection, which is the first identification information, to The SSID (second identification information) is changed to include information indicating that there is no tape (tape undetected) as information about the print medium.

In this specification, the transmission and reception of information according to the wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi is referred to as "wireless communication". The information processing apparatus 2 that has transmitted the print data to the printing apparatus 1 by wireless communication and the printing apparatus 1 that is performing processing such as printing based on the print data are "wirelessly connected" for a period of time until the processing is completed. ing. While the printing apparatus 1 exemplified in this embodiment is wirelessly connected to a certain information processing apparatus 2, it can perform wireless communication such as transmission of an SSID to another information processing apparatus 2. It is not wirelessly connected to device 2 . That is, the first state described above includes a state in which the printing device 1 is wirelessly connected to the information processing device 2 .

A user of the printing apparatus 1 installs and executes a predetermined application program (software) on the information processing apparatus 2, and uses the information processing apparatus 2 to set the layout of characters, figures, etc. to be printed on the printing medium 3. It is possible to create print data including information, information on the type of print medium 3 (for example, tape width, color, etc.), number of prints, and information on cutting of the print medium 3 . For example, when the information processing device 2 is a smart phone, print data can be created by performing an operation such as touching or sliding on the touch panel display 201 on which an operation screen is displayed. After the information processing device 2 detects the SSID broadcast from the printing device 1, the user of the printing device 1 performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel display 201, thereby printing from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1. Data can be sent. The print data is transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 using UDP (User Datagram Protocol), for example.

For example, when the printing device 1 receives print data from the information processing device 2 while the printing device 1 is not printing, the printing device 1 performs processing (printing, cutting, etc.) on the printing medium 3 based on the received print data. , from the outlet 103 . The printing apparatus 1 notifies the information processing apparatus 2, which is the transmission source of the print data, of the result of processing performed based on the received print data, using UDP, for example. Further, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment receives print data from one information processing apparatus 2 and performs printing, cutting, or the like on the print medium 3, while the information processing apparatus 2 is wirelessly connected. Therefore, if another information processing apparatus 2 attempts to send print data to the printing apparatus 1 that is currently printing, a connection error occurs.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 132, a tape detection unit 140, a conveying unit 142, a printing unit 144, a cutting unit 146, and communication unit 150 .

The input unit 130 includes, for example, the multiple input buttons 104 described with reference to FIG. The display unit 132 includes, for example, the plurality of display lamps 105 described with reference to FIG. A tape detection unit (medium detection unit) 140 detects the presence or absence of the print medium 3 in the printing apparatus 1, such as whether or not a medium adapter is attached to the apparatus housing 101, and the print medium supplied from the medium adapter. The width and the like of the medium 3 are detected. The transport unit 142 transports the print medium 3 along the transport path inside the printing apparatus 1 . The printing unit 144 applies heat to the print medium 3 using a thermal head to print on the print medium 3 . The cutting unit 146 cuts the print medium 3 . The conveying unit 142, the printing unit 144, and the cutting unit 146, for example, similar to a well-known printing apparatus having a configuration similar to or of the same type as the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when an operation error is detected, the control unit 110 includes an error detection unit that notifies the

The communication unit 150 is, for example, a communication interface capable of wireless communication conforming to one or more wireless communication standards including Wi-Fi. The communication unit 150 may be capable of switching between, for example, Wi-Fi communication and Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication (including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy. registered trademark) communication). Further, the communication unit 150 may include a connector that enables not only wireless communication but also wired communication via a transmission cable such as a LAN cable or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. In the printing apparatus 1 capable of wired communication, for example, a user near the printing apparatus 1 connects the printing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 with a transmission cable, and accesses the information processing apparatus 2 through the transmission cable. can transmit print data to the printing apparatus 1 from the While the printing device 1 and the information processing device 2 are connected by a transmission cable, the printing device 1 may be in a state in which wireless communication such as SSID broadcasting is possible, or may be disabled. good. For example, when the connection with the information processing device 2 via the transmission cable is canceled, the printing device 1, which disables the wireless communication when connected to the information processing device 2 via the transmission cable, enables the wireless communication and sets the SSID. You may perform radio|wireless communication, such as broadcasting. For example, the printing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 are connected by a transmission cable, and the printing apparatus 1 performs processing based on print data from the information processing apparatus 2 to which the printing apparatus 1 is connected by the transmission cable. is not performed, print data from another information processing apparatus 2 may be received by wireless communication and wirelessly connected to the other information processing apparatus 2 . That is, the printing apparatus 1, which is connectable to the information processing apparatus 2 via the transmission cable, enters the above-described second state in which the printing medium cannot be processed based on the print data. A connected state may be included.

The control unit 110 performs overall control of various operations executable by the printing apparatus 1 . Control by the control unit 110 is performed, for example, by executing a program stored in the storage unit 120 by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 120 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores programs executed by the processor, various information referred to when executing the programs, various information generated during execution of the programs, and the like. memorize A program executed by a processor as control unit 110 includes a set of one or more instructions for causing the processor to execute processes described later with reference to the drawings.

The control unit 110 in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a print control unit 111 , a determination unit 112 and an SSID change unit 113 . The print control unit 111 controls operations of the conveying unit 142, the printing unit 144, and the cutting unit 146 based on print data. The determination unit 112 determines whether or not to change the SSID to be broadcast based on the state of the printing apparatus 1 . The state of the printing apparatus 1 includes the above-described first state in which processing is being performed on the print medium 3 based on the print data, and the second state in which processing on the print medium 3 cannot be performed based on the print data. including. When the SSID changing unit 113 determines to change the SSID, it changes the SSID to be broadcast to an SSID according to the state of the printing apparatus 1 . An example of determination performed by the determination unit 112 and an example of changing the SSID will be described later.

The information processing device 2 includes a control section 210 , a storage section 220 , an input section 230 , a display section 232 and a communication section 250 . The input unit 230 and the display unit 232 are arranged on the surface of the information processing device 2 as the above-described touch panel display 201, for example. The input unit 230 and the display unit 232 of the information processing device 2 are not limited to the form of the touch panel display 201. For example, the input part 230 provided in the form of a keyboard device and the input part 230 are arranged in different parts. It may be a combination with the display unit 232 . The communication unit 250 is a communication interface capable of wirelessly communicating with the printing apparatus 1 according to one or more wireless communication standards including Wi-Fi, for example.

The control unit 210 performs overall control of various operations executable by the information processing device 2 . Control by the control unit 210 is performed by executing a program stored in the storage unit 220 by a processor such as a CPU, for example. The storage unit 120 includes a ROM and a RAM, and stores programs executed by the processor, various types of information referred to when executing the programs, various types of information generated during execution of the programs, and the like. The programs executed by the processor include application programs (software) for printing on the print medium 3 in cooperation with the printing device 1 .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to printing on a print medium performed by the printing apparatus. FIG. 3 shows, as an example of processing related to printing on the print medium 3, processing related to reception of UDP datagrams from the information processing device 2 via Wi-Fi connection. When the printer 1 is powered on and the Wi-Fi connection setting is enabled, it starts broadcasting the SSID and starts the process illustrated in FIG.

The printing device 1 determines whether or not a UDP datagram has been received from the information processing device 2 (step S11). If no UDP datagram has been received (step S11; NO), the printer 1 repeats the determination of step S11 until it receives a UDP datagram.

When the UDP datagram is received (step S11; YES), the printer 1 determines whether or not printing is currently in progress (step S12). The determination in step S12 is performed by the control unit 110 (more specifically, for example, the determination unit 112). The control unit 110 determines that printing is in progress when the process of transporting the print medium 3, the process of printing on the print medium 3, the process of cutting the print medium 3, and the like are being performed based on the print data. judge. Whether the process of conveying the print medium 3 used for determination in step S12 is being performed, whether the process of printing on the print medium 3 is being performed, and whether the process of cutting the print medium 3 is being performed Whether or not is an example of information about the print medium 3 in the own device (printing device 1).

If printing is not in progress (step S12; NO), the printer 1 starts processing according to the content of the received UDP datagram (step S13). For example, if the received UDP datagram contains print data, the printing device 1 starts processing the print medium 3 based on the print data in step S13. After starting the process in step S13, the printer 1 returns to the determination in step S11. Further, when the process corresponding to the contents of the UDP datagram is started in step S13, the printing apparatus 1 sends a UDP message indicating that the process has been completed to the information processing apparatus 2 associated with the process after the process is completed. Send a datagram.

If printing is in progress when the UDP datagram is received (step S12; YES), the printer 1 next determines whether the received UDP datagram includes an instruction to stop printing (step S14). . The determination in step S14 is performed by the control unit 110 (more specifically, for example, the determination unit 112). If the instruction is to cancel printing (step S14; YES), the printing device 1 cancels printing and transmits a UDP datagram indicating that printing has been canceled to the information processing device 2 associated with the canceled printing. (step S15). After step S15, the printer 1 returns to the determination of step S11.

If the UDP datagram received during printing is not an instruction to stop printing (step S14; NO), the printer 1 treats the received UDP datagram as a connection error (step S16), and returns to the determination of step S11. . Therefore, when receiving a UDP datagram instructing printing based on other print data during printing, the printer 1 does not perform processing such as printing based on the received different print data.

A connection error such as step S16 in FIG. 3 occurs, for example, by broadcasting the SSID for Wi-Fi connection even while the printer 1 is printing. When such a connection error occurs, for example, the user who is operating the information processing apparatus 2 at a location away from the printing apparatus 1 moves to the location where the printing apparatus 1 is installed and checks the status of the printing apparatus 1. I have to confirm. Furthermore, when the printer 1 is printing, the waiting time until the printing is completed is unknown. Therefore, such a connection error causes a decrease in user convenience of the printing apparatus 1 capable of cooperating with the information processing apparatus 2 by wireless communication.

In order to prevent the deterioration of user convenience as described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment broadcasts an SSID including information indicating that printing is in progress at least while the printing apparatus 1 is printing. The information indicating that printing is in progress is, as described above, information indicating that processing such as conveyance, printing, and cutting is being performed on the print medium 3, and is information indicating that the printing medium 3 is being processed. It is an example of the information about the to-be-printed medium 3 in. The information indicating that printing is in progress preferably includes, for example, time information regarding the print processing (for example, time information until the end of the print processing), as will be described later. Further, for example, when the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is in a state in which printing cannot be performed on the print medium based on the print data due to a factor other than the fact that printing is in progress, information indicating the factor broadcast an SSID containing

FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of SSIDs broadcast by a printing device according to one embodiment. Table 5 in FIG. 4 shows an example of correspondence relationships between four printing device states as information about the print medium 3 in the own device (printing device 1) and broadcast SSIDs.

"Standby (printable)" exemplified in Table 5 indicates that the printing device 1 is not printing, the print data received from the information processing device 2 is received, and printing, etc. on the printing medium 3 based on the print data is performed. It is in a state where processing can be executed. Therefore, in the "standby (printable)" state, one SSID (for example, "LP001") set in the printing device 1 as the first identification information used for Wi-Fi connection with the information processing device 2 is displayed. is associated.

"Printing (remaining printing time: X minutes)" exemplified in Table 5 is a state in which the printing apparatus 1 is performing processing such as printing based on print data. Therefore, the state of "printing (remaining printing time: X minutes)" is different from the SSID (first identification information) used by the printing apparatus 1 for Wi-Fi connection, and is printing and remaining printing. An SSID (for example, “LP001_Xmin_Wait”) that includes information about the print medium 3 and information indicating an approximate time is associated. The printing device 1 derives the remaining printing time X minutes based on the print data associated with the printing currently being performed and the progress of the printing. For example, the printing apparatus 1 derives the total processing time required for processing based on the print data, and calculates the remaining printing time X by subtracting the elapsed time from the start of the processing from the derived total processing time. Further, for example, the printing apparatus 1 may calculate the remaining print time X as the time required for the remaining processes among the processes performed based on the print data. The time required for processing is, for example, the product of the transport speed and transport amount of the print medium 3 in the process of printing on the print medium 3, and the transport of the print medium 3 in the process of cutting the print medium 3. It can be derived based on the product of the speed and the transport amount, the operation time for the cutting unit 146 to cut the print medium 3, and the like. The SSID associated with "printing in progress (remaining printing time: X minutes)" is an example of second identification information that includes time information regarding the process performed on the print medium 3 based on the print data.

"Standby (tape not detected)" exemplified in Table 5 is a state in which the printing device 1 is not printing and the print medium 3 is not detected. The state in which the print medium 3 is not detected is a state in which the print medium 3 pulled out from the medium adapter does not exist on the transport path of the print medium. That is, when the print medium 3 is not detected, the print data cannot be printed on the print medium 3 even if the print data is received. Therefore, in the "waiting (tape undetected)" state, the SSID (first identification information) used by the printer 1 for Wi-Fi connection is different and the print medium 3 is not detected. The indicated SSID (for example, "LP001_No_Tape") is associated. The presence or absence of the print medium 3 on the transport path can be detected by the tape detection section 140 . The tape detection unit 140 detects the presence or absence of the print medium 3 by, for example, whether or not a medium adapter is attached. Further, the tape detection unit 140 detects the presence or absence of the print medium 3 using, for example, a photosensor that receives different amounts of light depending on whether the print medium 3 is present on the transport path or not. The SSID associated with "standby (tape undetected)" is an example of second identification information that includes information about the print medium 3 indicating that there is no print medium 3 on the transport path.

“Print error (tape jam)” exemplified in Table 5 is a state in which the print medium 3 cannot be transported along the transport path of the printing apparatus 1 . Therefore, in the "print error (tape jam)" state, the SSID (first identification information) used by the printer 1 for Wi-Fi connection is different and the print medium 3 cannot be transported. is associated with an SSID (for example, "LP001_Tape_Jammed") indicating that the The SSID associated with “printing error (tape jam)” is an example of second identification information including information indicating a transport error of the print medium 3 as information on the print medium 3 .

For example, although the printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a medium adapter and the process of transporting the print medium 3 is being performed, the output of the photosensor used to detect the presence or absence of the print medium 3 in the transport path. is out of the range of output values indicating that the print medium 3 is present, it is determined that there is a tape jam. For example, if the print medium 3 bends due to a transport failure and the position of the print medium 3 deviates from the appropriate position on the transport path, the distance between the photosensor and the print medium 3 changes, causing the photosensor to A change in the amount of light received may change the output value. Further, the printing apparatus 1 is in a state of tape jam, for example, when the transport unit 142 that is performing transport processing of the print medium 3 detects an operation failure (for example, rotation failure of the platen roller). can be determined. The transport unit 142 detects a malfunction by the same method as a transport unit (transport mechanism) of a well-known printing apparatus having the same or similar configuration as the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment. For example, the transport unit 142 is an error detection unit (see FIG. 2) that detects an operation error of a mechanism (component) that can be used for detection and control of the transport speed and transport amount of the printing medium 3 such as a stepping motor and an encoder. (not shown), etc., to detect a tape jam.

The status of the printer 1 associated with the information about the print medium 3 is not limited to the four shown in the table 5 of FIG. ” may be used. Also, the state of the printing apparatus 1 may include states not illustrated in the table 5 of FIG. For example, the status of the printing device 1 may include information indicating a status similar to "standby (tape not detected)" indicating that the print medium 3 has been exhausted during printing and that the tape is out. Further, for example, the state of the printing apparatus 1 may include one or both of information indicating the width and color of the detected print medium 3 . Further, the character string indicating information about the print medium 3 to be included (added) to the SSID is not limited to the character string illustrated in Table 5 of FIG. 4, and can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to SSID broadcasting performed in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

For example, when the power is turned on, the printing apparatus 1 performs a self-diagnostic test including detecting the presence or absence of a tape (printing medium 3) and diagnosing the conveying unit 142, the printing unit 144, the cutting unit 146, and the like. After the self-diagnostic test, the printing apparatus 1 starts the process illustrated in FIG. 5, and determines whether or not the tape (printing medium 3) is detected, for example (step S1). The determination in step S<b>1 is performed by the control unit 110 (more specifically, the determination unit 112 , for example) based on the output of the tape detection unit 140 . When the tape is detected (step S1; YES), the printer 1 sets the broadcast SSID to the Wi-Fi connection SSID (for example, "LP001") associated with "standby (printable)". (Step S2), the set SSID is broadcast (Step S3). After that, it is determined whether or not print data has been received within a predetermined period (step S4), and if not (step S4; No), the printer 1 returns to the determination of step S1, for example. When print data is received (step S4; YES), the printer 1 performs processing (printing, cutting, etc.) on the print medium 3 based on the received print data, and performs SSID change processing during printing (step S5). I do. The SSID change process during printing is a process of changing the SSID to indicate that the printing apparatus 1 is printing. conduct. A specific example of the SSID change processing during printing in step S5 will be described later with reference to FIG. When the process for the print medium 3 based on the print data is completed, the printing apparatus 1 ends the SSID change process during printing, and returns to the determination of step S1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the tape is not detected (step S1; NO), the printing apparatus 1 sets the SSID to be broadcast to the SSID associated with "standby (tape not detected)" (for example, , "LP001_No_Tape") (step S6), and broadcasts the set SSID (step S7). The setting of the SSID in step S6 is performed by the control unit 110 (more specifically, for example, the SSID changing unit 113). If it is determined in step S1 that the tape is not detected, the printing apparatus 1, for example, attaches the medium adapter to the apparatus housing 101, attaches the lid 102, and detects the tape (printing medium 3) on the transport path. is detected, the SSID associated with "standby (tape not detected)" is broadcast.

As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the print medium 3 is not detected, the SSID to be broadcast is determined from the SSID (first identification information) set for Wi-Fi connection. The SSID (second identification information) is changed to include information indicating that the print medium 3 is not present on the path. Therefore, before transmitting print data from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1, the user of the information processing device 2 can print data based on the SSID displayed on the display unit 232 (touch panel display 201) of the information processing device 2. , the presence or absence of the print medium 3 on the transport path can be confirmed. For example, if the displayed SSID is "LP001_No_Tape" shown in Table 5 of FIG. can do. Therefore, compared to the case where one SSID (first identification information) is broadcast regardless of the presence or absence of the print medium 3 on the transport path, the number of operations for transmitting print data to the information processing device 2 is reduced. It is possible to improve the user convenience for the user.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a specific example of the SSID change processing during printing (step S5) will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of SSID change processing during printing in the flowchart of FIG.

When the SSID change process during printing is started, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not printing is in progress (step S501). The determination in step S501 is performed by the control unit 110 (more specifically, for example, the print control unit 111 or the determination unit 112). For example, when the process of conveying the print medium 3, the process of printing on the print medium 3, the process of cutting the print medium 3, etc. are normally performed based on the print data, the control unit 110 It is determined that printing is in progress. If printing is in progress (step S501; YES), the printer 1 derives the remaining printing time X (step S502). The process of step S502 is performed by the control unit 110 (more specifically, for example, the print control unit 111 or the SSID change unit 113). For example, at the start of printing, the control unit 110 derives the total processing time required for processing based on the print data associated with the printing, and subtracts the elapsed time from the start of printing from the derived total processing time. By doing so, the remaining printing time X is derived. The unit of remaining printing time X is not limited to a specific one. The remaining print time X may be, for example, not only minutes as described with reference to FIG. 4, but also seconds. The remaining printing time X is not limited to a detailed (concrete) time, and may be a value rounded up or down to a multiple of a reference value (reference time). For example, if the reference value is 1 minute and the value obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the total processing time is within the range of 1 second to 60 seconds, it is rounded up to X=1 (minute), and the subtracted value is from 61 seconds. If the time is within the range up to 120 seconds, a method of rounding up to X=2 (minutes) may be used. Also, for example, if the reference value is 15 seconds and the value obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the total processing time is within the range of 46 seconds to 60 seconds, X is rounded up to 60 (seconds) and the subtracted value is 31. If the time is within the range from seconds to 45 seconds, it may be rounded up to X=45 (seconds).

After deriving the remaining printing time X, the printing apparatus 1 sets the SSID to be broadcast to an SSID (for example, "LP001_Xmin_Wait") corresponding to "printing in progress (remaining printing time X minutes)" (step S503). broadcast the SSID (step S504). After that, the printing apparatus 1 returns to the determination of step S501. While printing is being performed, for example, by repeating steps S502 to S504 at predetermined time intervals (periods), the remaining printing time X is shortened step by step. Therefore, the user of the information processing apparatus 2 whose SSID (for example, LP001_Xmin_Wait) corresponding to "printing in progress (remaining printing time: X minutes)" is displayed on the display unit 232 (touch panel display 201) can send the print data to the printer. It is possible to easily grasp the waiting time until it becomes possible to transmit to 1 and print. Further, for example, if the remaining printing time X in the SSID does not change even after the time corresponding to the remaining printing time X included in the SSID has passed, it means that there is a possibility that some kind of error has occurred in the printing apparatus 1 . You can find out early.

If it is determined in step S501 that printing is not in progress (step S501; NO), the printer 1 next determines, for example, whether or not a tape jam error has occurred (step S505). The determination in step S505 is based on, for example, an error detection signal from an error detection unit (not shown in FIG. 2) included in the transport unit 142. ) does. A tape jam error is a state in which the print medium 3 cannot be transported along the transport path, and printing cannot be resumed or the next print cannot be started until the error is resolved. . Therefore, when a tape jam error occurs (step S505; YES), the printing apparatus 1 sets the SSID to be broadcast to an SSID (for example, "LP001_Tape_Jammed") corresponding to "print error (tape jam)" ( Step S506), broadcast the set SSID (step S507). After that, the printing apparatus 1 returns to the determination of step S501. By broadcasting the SSID indicating that a "printing error (tape jam)" has occurred and displaying this SSID on the display unit 232 (touch panel display 201) of the information processing apparatus 2, the user of the information processing apparatus 2 can , it is possible to know at an early stage that a tape jam has occurred in the printer 1 . Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary waiting time caused by not noticing that printing has been interrupted or stopped due to tape jam.

If printing is not in progress and no tape jam has occurred (step S505; NO), the printing apparatus 1 sets the SSID to be broadcast to the SSID (for example, "LP001") corresponding to "standby (printable)". set (step S508), and broadcast the set SSID (step S509). After that, the printing apparatus 1 ends the SSID change processing during printing, and returns to the determination in step S1 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5, for example.

As described above, when the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment cannot perform printing even if print data is received from the information processing apparatus 2, the SSID to be broadcast is changed to the SSID for Wi-Fi connection (first 1 identification information) and includes information indicating that printing cannot be performed. A state in which printing cannot be performed even if print data is received is the first state in which processing is being performed on the print medium 3 based on another (previously received) print data when the print data is received. and a second state in which printing cannot be performed due to factors such as the absence of the print medium 3 in the transport path (tape undetected). When processing based on the print data in the printing device 1 is completed, when the next print data can be sent to the printing device 1 and printing can be performed, the printing device 1 transmits the SSID to be broadcast via Wi-Fi. Change to SSID (first identification information) for connection. Therefore, the user who is trying to transmit the print data from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 via Wi-Fi must confirm that the printing device 1 is using the SSID displayed on the information processing device 2 before transmitting the print data. It is possible to confirm whether or not the printer is ready for printing. For example, if the displayed SSID is "LP001_1min_Wait", the user can know that the printer 1 is printing and will finish printing in about one minute before sending the print data. In addition, when the printing is actually completed, the broadcasted SSID is changed (returned) to "LP001", so that the change in the displayed SSID causes the print data to be sent to the printing apparatus 1 for printing. You can know that it is possible. Therefore, compared to the case where one SSID (first identification information) is broadcast regardless of the state of the print medium 3 in the printing device 1, it is possible to transmit print data from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1. It is possible to reduce the number of operations and save the trouble of confirming whether printing by the printing apparatus 1 is completed, thereby improving user convenience for the user.

Furthermore, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, when a tape jam (conveyance error of the print medium 3) is detected, by broadcasting the SSID including information indicating that the tape jam has occurred, information processing is performed. A user of the apparatus 2 can quickly know that the tape jam has occurred in the printing apparatus 1 . Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary waiting time caused by not noticing that printing has been interrupted or stopped due to tape jam.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display screen of the information processing device when the printing device is not printing. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display screen of the information processing device while the printing device is printing.

The printer 1, which is powered on and can normally print on the print medium 3, uses the SSID (for Wi-Fi connection), for example, as illustrated in FIG. For example, "LP001") is broadcast. At this time, the Wi-Fi connectable SSID list screen 10 displayed on the touch panel display 201 of the information processing device 2A of the user A and the touch panel display 201 of the information processing device 2B of the user B displays the print SSID (LP001) 11 broadcast from device 1 is included. "ABCD_dcba" and "AP0213-0515" included in the list screens 10 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and FIGS. 1 is an example of an SSID broadcast from a wireless communication terminal (access point) different from the printing apparatus 1. FIG.

After that, for example, when the user A operates the touch panel display 201 of the information processing device 2A to select the SSID 11 of the printing device 1 and transmits the print data, the UDP data including the print data is displayed as illustrated in FIG. gram is transmitted from the information processing device 2A of the user A to the printing device 1. FIG. Upon receiving the print data, the printer 1 performs processing (printing, cutting, etc.) on the print medium 3 based on the print data. At this time, on the touch panel display 201 of the information processing apparatus 2A of the user A, the guide screen 20 indicating that printing is in progress is displayed. The guidance screen 20 includes a button 21 for canceling printing.

The conventional printing device broadcasts the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection even while performing processing such as printing based on the print data received from the information processing device 2A of the user A. . Therefore, when the information processing device 2B of the user B is linked with the conventional printing device, the user B can see that the printing device is printing from the SSID list screen 10 displayed on the information processing device 2B. cannot decide whether or not

On the other hand, as described above, when printing is started, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment derives the remaining printing time X, and broadcasts an SSID that includes information indicating the remaining printing time X (for example, " LP001_Xmin_Wait”). For this reason, the SSID list screen 10 displayed on the information processing device 2B of user B while performing processing based on the print data received from the information processing device 2A of user A shows that the printing device 1 is SSID 12 is included that contains information indicating that printing is in progress and that printing time is X minutes remaining. Since the SSID 12 is displayed, the user B can print while the printing device 1 is printing and in this state before performing an operation to the information processing device 2 to send print data to the printing device 1 . You can know that sending data will result in an error. Therefore, it is possible to prevent user B from deteriorating user convenience due to confirmation of the state of the printing apparatus 1 due to an error after the print data is sent, or an operation to send the print data again. Further, the user B can know the estimated waiting time until the print data is transmitted from the remaining print time X included in the SSID 12 displayed on the information processing device 2B, and the SSID 12 is hidden. By doing so, it is possible to know that printing has ended. Therefore, even when the user is away from the printing apparatus 1, the user can easily know whether or not printing by the printing apparatus 1 is completed, thereby improving the user's convenience.

Furthermore, if the value of X does not change even after the time corresponding to the value of the remaining printing time X included in the SSID 12 has passed, the user may suspect that an error has occurred in the printing apparatus 1 during printing. It is possible to check the status of the printer 1 at an early stage. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary waiting time caused by not noticing that printing has been interrupted or canceled due to some error.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of the information processing device when the print medium is not attached to the printing device.

In the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, for example, by performing the processing described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. can be used to notify (transmit) to the user. For example, when the print medium 3 does not exist on the transport path of the printer 1, as illustrated in FIG. Change to the SSID (eg, "LP001_No_Tape"). Therefore, the SSID list screen 10 displayed on the information processing apparatus 2A of the user A includes the SSID 13 indicating that the print medium 3 does not exist. Since the SSID 13 is displayed, the user A does not attach the media adapter to the printing device 1 before performing an operation on the information processing device 2 for transmitting print data to the printing device 1. Alternatively, it can be known that the print medium 3 of the tape roll 4 housed in the medium adapter has been used up. For this reason, an error occurs after the print data is sent, and the user A has to replenish the print medium 3 (tape roll 4) or resend the print data, thereby reducing user convenience. prevent you from doing

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display screen of the information processing device when a tape jam occurs in the printing device. FIG. 10 shows user A's information processing apparatus 2A and user A's information processing apparatus 2A and user A's information processing apparatus 2A when a tape jam occurs while the printing apparatus 1 is printing based on print data from user A's information processing apparatus 2A. 2B shows an example of the display screen of the information processing device 2B of B. FIG.

When a tape jam occurs during printing, the printing apparatus 1, for example, suspends printing and sends an error notification UDP datagram containing information indicating that a tape jam has occurred to user A, who is wirelessly connected. It is transmitted to the information processing device 2A. At this time, the error notification screen 25 based on the received error notification is displayed on the touch panel display 201 of the information processing device 2A of the user A. FIG. Therefore, by viewing the error notification screen 25 displayed on the information processing device 2A, the user A can quickly know that an error (tape jam) has occurred in the printing device 1 and needs to be dealt with. . However, the user A of the wirelessly connected information processing device 2A, for example, after transmitting the print data and confirming that the printing process has started, looks away from the screen of the information processing device 2A. You may be late in noticing that an error has occurred. Also, in the conventional printing apparatus, an error notification is sent to the information processing apparatus 2A wirelessly connected. It is difficult for users of other information processing apparatuses that are not aware of the occurrence of an error.

Further, when an error (tape jam) occurs, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment changes the broadcast SSID to an SSID that includes information indicating that a tape jam has occurred (for example, "LP001_Tape_Jammed"). For this reason, the user B has added the SSID 14 including the information indicating that the tape jam has occurred to the SSID list screen 10 displayed on the touch panel display 201 of the information processing apparatus 2B. It is possible to know at an early stage that an error (tape jam) has occurred and needs to be dealt with. Furthermore, since the SSID list screen 10 continues to include the SSID 14, the user B is unaware of the tape jam error by another user (for example, the user A of the information processing device 2A). can know. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the waiting time for printing from being prolonged due to the error state of the printing apparatus 1 being prolonged.

As described above, when the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment transmits the SSID, the printing apparatus 1 performs processing on the printing medium based on the print data based on the information regarding the printing medium 3 in the apparatus itself. If it is determined that the process is being performed on the print medium based on the print data, or if it is determined that the process cannot be performed on the print medium, the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection is set to the print medium 3. SSID (second identification information) including Therefore, based on the SSID displayed on the information processing device 2, the user of the information processing device 2 determines whether or not it is necessary to confirm the status of the printing device 1 before transmitting the print data. can be done. For example, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs processing (printing, cutting, etc.) on the printing medium 3 based on print data, and time information ( Remaining print time X) is derived, the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection is changed to SSID (second identification information) including the derived time information, and the changed SSID is broadcast. Therefore, the user of the information processing device 2 can confirm whether or not the printing device 1 is printing based on the SSID displayed on the information processing device 2, and determine the timing for transmitting the print data. can. Therefore, before sending the print data, it is necessary to move to the position where the printing apparatus 1 is installed to check whether printing is in progress, or to perform an operation to resend the print data due to a connection error. It is possible to save labor and improve user convenience for the user.

Further, when the printer 1 of the present embodiment detects a predetermined state other than the above-described time information in the printer 1, the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection is detected. is changed to an SSID that includes information about the print medium 3 derived from , and broadcasted. The predetermined state includes a state that needs to be dealt with before sending the print data, such as a state where the print medium 3 is not present on the transport path, and a state in which a transport error of the print medium 3 has occurred. By changing the SSID and broadcasting when such a state is detected, it is possible to confirm the state of the printing device 1 by moving to the position where the printing device 1 is installed before sending the print data, or to check the status of the error. By saving the trouble of performing an operation for resending the print data, the user's convenience can be improved.

Further, wireless communication with the printer 1 is possible by broadcasting the SSID obtained by adding the remaining print time X and other information to the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection from the printer 1. The status of the printing device 1 can be notified to more than one information processing device 2 at the same time. For this reason, when one printing device 1 is shared by a plurality of users, the presence or absence of the information processing device 2 wirelessly connected to the printing device 1 and the printing device 1 can be checked without communicating with other users. operation status, etc. can be easily confirmed.

Furthermore, by broadcasting the SSID obtained by adding the remaining print time X and other information to the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection as the second identification information, the SSID is broadcast as the second identification information. A user who sees the SSID will know from the first identification information included in the SSID that the printer 1, which is the destination of the print data, is printing, or that an error such as a tape jam has occurred. can be easily recognized. Therefore, even if a plurality of wireless communication terminals capable of performing wireless communication in the same wireless communication standard (for example, Wi-Fi) as the printing device 1 are around the information processing device 2 of the user, the status of the printing device 1 can be easily grasped. Further, for example, even when a plurality of printing apparatuses 1 are installed around the information processing apparatus 2, the first identification information is included in the SSID broadcast as the second identification information, so that the user can It is possible to easily know which printer 1 is printing or which printer 1 has an error such as a tape jam. Therefore, for example, when there are a plurality of Wi-Fi connectable printers 1 around a certain user, the user can select which printer 1 to print to based on the SSID displayed on the information processing device 2. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the data can be printed as soon as it is sent.

Note that the SSID different from the Wi-Fi connection SSID (first identification information) broadcast by the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to, for example, the information described above with reference to FIG. may include For example, an SSID different from the Wi-Fi connection SSID broadcast by the printing apparatus 1 may include information on at least one of the width and color of the print medium 3 present on the transport path.

In addition, the printing apparatus 1 receives, for example, information indicating that it is waiting for completion of printing from an information processing apparatus 2 other than the information processing apparatus 2 that is wirelessly connected (that is, is associated with printing that is currently being performed). It may be possible to receive the information and report (notify) the information to the information processing device 2 that is wirelessly connected.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display screen of the information processing device while the printing device is printing. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of displaying end wait information on an information processing apparatus associated with printing being executed by the printing apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the printing device 1 is performing processing (printing, cutting, etc.) on the printing medium 3 based on the print data included in the UDP datagram received from the information processing device 2A of the user A. An example of a display screen of user A's information processing device 2A and user B's information processing device 2B is shown. The information processing device 2A of the user A is wirelessly connected to the printing device 1, and the printing device 1 prints on the touch panel display 201 of the information processing device 2A based on the print data transmitted from the information processing device 2A. A guide screen 20 is displayed to indicate that the

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 during printing selects the SSID to be broadcast from the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection to the SSID (second identification information) including information indicating the remaining printing time X. change to At this time, the changed SSID (second identification information) may include, for example, width and color information of the print medium 3 present on the transport path, in addition to the information indicating the remaining print time X. FIG. 11 shows, as an example of SSID (second identification information) broadcast during printing, information indicating that the width of the print medium 3 is 24 mm and that the color of the print medium 3 is white. "LP001_Xmin_W24tape" containing the information shown. In the illustrated SSID, "W" indicates the color (white) of the print medium 3, and "24" indicates the width (24 mm) of the print medium 3. FIG. The width of the print medium 3 can be obtained, for example, by detecting the width of the print medium 3 accommodated in the medium adapter by the tape detection unit 140 . The color of the print medium 3 can be obtained by identifying (detecting) using a known color sensor or the like as the tape detection unit 140, for example. The color of the print medium 3 may be obtained from information included in the print data transmitted from the information processing device 2A to the printing device 1, for example.

When the SSID "LP001_Xmin_W24tape" is broadcast from the printing apparatus 1, this SSID 15 is added to the SSID list screen 10 displayed on the information processing apparatus 2B of the user B. FIG. Therefore, the user B can confirm that the printing device 1 is printing from the SSID 15 included in the SSID list screen 10 displayed on the information processing device 2B, and that the print medium 3 supplied from the media adapter is It can be seen that it is white and the tape width is 24 mm. By broadcasting the SSID including at least one of the width and color information of the print medium 3, the print medium 3 can be changed (replaced) before the print data is transmitted after the printing device 1 finishes printing. ), you can check whether it is necessary to

Although the information processing device 2B described above only notifies the user B of the state of the printing device 1 using the detected SSID, the information processing device 2B is not limited to this, and for example, when the user B In response to a predetermined operation such as an operation of touching the SSID 15 on the list screen 10 , a UDP datagram including information indicating waiting for the end of printing (end waiting information) may be transmitted to the printing device 1 .

The printing device 1 that has received the completion waiting information from the information processing device 2B (second external device), for example, is the information processing device of the user A that is wirelessly connected (that is, is associated with printing that is currently being performed). A UDP datagram containing information indicating that there is a user waiting for the end of printing (on standby) is transmitted to 2A (first external device). The information processing apparatus 2A that receives this UDP datagram adds information indicating that there is a user waiting for printing to the guidance screen 20 indicating that printing is in progress, as shown in FIG. 12, for example. By performing such a display, for example, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience for other users due to one specific user continuing to use the printing apparatus 1 for a long period of time.

Further, for example, after the processing (printing, cutting, etc.) based on the print data from the information processing device 2A of the user A is completed, the printing device 1 performs the information processing of the user B who has transmitted the end waiting information described above. The device 2B may preferentially establish a wireless connection with the printing device 1 and transmit print data.

The above-described embodiments are specific examples for easy understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The printing apparatus, control method, and program can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, wireless communication (connection) by Wi-Fi is taken as an example. The SSID is used as identification information including information about 3. However, the wireless communication between the printing device 1 and the external device (information processing device 2) is not limited to Wi-Fi, and may conform to other wireless communication standards. and conforming to wireless communication standards. In addition, the printing apparatus 1 can be connected to an external device by wireless communication (wireless connection), and can be connected to an external device by wired communication via a transmission cable such as a LAN cable or a USB cable (wired connection). may be The printing device 1 capable of wireless connection and wired connection may be in a state in which wireless communication such as SSID broadcasting is possible while the printing device 1 and the information processing device 2 are connected by wire, for example. Wireless communication may be disabled. For example, when the wired connection with the information processing apparatus 2 is canceled, the printing apparatus 1, which disables the wireless communication when connected to the information processing apparatus 2 by wire, enables the wireless communication and broadcasts the SSID. Wireless communication may be performed. For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is not performing processing based on print data from the information processing apparatus 2 connected by a transmission cable, the printing apparatus 1 accepts print data from another information processing apparatus 2 through wireless communication. It may be wirelessly connected to the other information processing device 2 . When wirelessly connected to another information processing device 2, the printing device 1 notifies the information processing device 2 connected via a transmission cable that printing is in progress (wireless connection to the other information processing device is in progress). may notify you.

Further, the SSID broadcast by the printing apparatus 1 when performing print processing on the print medium 3 is not limited to information such as the remaining print time X and the width and color of the print medium 3 as described above. It may also include information identifying the information processing device 2 that is wirelessly or wiredly connected (that is, associated with the printing process that is currently being performed). The information that identifies the information processing device 2 may be information that identifies the user of the information processing device 2, for example.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the SSID is changed when a certain information processing apparatus 2 is connected wirelessly or by wire, and the print medium cannot be processed based on print data from another information processing apparatus. are doing. However, the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to this, and for example, the SSID (first identification information) for Wi-Fi connection may be used for at least an arbitrary period immediately after the power is turned on or immediately after the media adapter is replaced. The SSID (third identification information) including information indicating the width and color of the print medium 3 may be changed and broadcast. As a result, for example, it is possible to save the trouble of checking whether the print medium 3 loaded in the printing apparatus 1 has the desired width and color before turning on the power. Further, a user who is away from the printing apparatus 1 can, for example, use the SSID displayed on the information processing apparatus 2 even when the printing apparatus 1 is not printing. It is possible to know that the medium 3) has been replaced.

Moreover, the printing apparatus 1 capable of wireless communication is not limited to the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and may have another configuration. For example, the printing apparatus 1 may have a configuration in which the cutting section 146 is omitted, or the cutting section 146 may be of a manual type. Further, the printing (printing) method of the printer 1 is not limited to the thermal method described above, and may be a thermal transfer method, an inkjet method, an electrophotographic method, or the like. The printing apparatus 1 capable of wireless communication has a keyboard device that can be used for editing the print layout and inputting various settings related to printing. It may be a printing device capable of performing print processing, etc. on the print medium 3 . In the printing apparatus 1 of this type, the first state in which the printing medium 3 is processed based on the print data includes the state in which the printing process is performed based on the print data created by the apparatus itself.

Also, the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration described with reference to FIG. 2, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, one or both of the storage unit 120 and the communication unit 150 may be integrated together with the control unit 110 into one integrated circuit device. Moreover, the print control unit 111, the determination unit 112, and the SSID change unit 113 are limited to functional configurations realized within a single hardware element as functional blocks corresponding to predetermined processing when executing a program. may be implemented as separate hardware elements.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the time of filing of the present application will be additionally described below.
[Appendix 1]
a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device;
When causing the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the external device, derive information about the print medium in the device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the device converts the print data or a state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data, the first a control unit that changes the identification information of to second identification information including information about the derived print medium, and causes the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device;
A printing device comprising:
[Appendix 2]
The control unit derives time information related to the processing while performing processing on the print medium based on the print data, and converts the first identification information into the first identification information including the derived time information. 2. The printing apparatus according to appendix 1, characterized in that the identification information is changed to the identification information of No. 2.
[Appendix 3]
Further comprising a medium detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the print medium on the transport path of the print medium,
When the medium detection unit detects that the print medium is not present on the transport path, the control unit transmits the first identification information and information indicating that the print medium is not present on the transport path. changing to the second identification information comprising
The printing apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized by:
[Appendix 4]
The medium detection unit further detects at least one of width and color of the print medium,
The control unit includes information on at least one of width and color of the detected print medium in the second identification information.
The printing apparatus according to appendix 3, characterized by:
[Appendix 5]
further comprising an error detection unit that detects a conveyance error of the print medium,
When the error detection unit detects a conveyance error of the print medium, the control unit changes the first identification information to the second identification information including information indicating a conveyance error of the print medium. ,
The printing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, characterized by:
[Appendix 6]
The control unit receives information indicating that it is waiting for the completion of the process from the second external device while the process is being performed on the print medium based on the print data from the first external device. 6. The printing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein, when receiving the information, information indicating that there is a waiting user is transmitted to the first external apparatus.
[Appendix 7]
The communication unit is capable of wireless communication with the external device via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the first identification information and the second identification information are Service Set Identifiers (SSID), and 7. The printing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the SSID as the second identification information includes the first identification information.
[Appendix 8]
The control unit further controls a process of conveying the print medium, a process of printing on the print medium, and a process of cutting the print medium based on the print data. The printing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, characterized by:
[Appendix 9]
When the control unit determines that the self-device can process the print medium based on the print data from the external device, the control unit stores the first identification information for at least an arbitrary period of time, The third identification information includes information on at least one of the width and color of the print medium, and causes the communication unit to transmit the third identification information to the external device. The printing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 4-8.
[Appendix 10]
A printing device having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device,
When causing the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the external device, derive information about the print medium in the device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the device converts the print data or a state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data, the first is changed to second identification information including information related to the derived print medium, and executing a process of causing the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device Characterized control method.
[Appendix 11]
A printing device having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device,
When causing the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the external device, derive information about the print medium in the device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the device converts the print data or a state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data, the first is changed to second identification information including information about the derived print medium, and a process of causing the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device is executed. Program characterized.

1 printing device 101 device housing 102 lid 103 discharge port 104 input button 105 display lamp 110 control unit 111 print control unit 112 determination unit 113 SSID change unit 120 storage unit 130 input unit 132 display unit 140 tape detection unit 142 transport unit 144 printing Section 146 Cut section 150 Communication section 2, 2A, 2B Information processing device 201 Touch panel display 210 Control section 220 Storage section 230 Input section 232 Display section 250 Communication section 3 Print medium 4 Tape roll 5 Table 10 List screens 11, 12, 13 , 14, 15 SSIDs
20 Guidance screen 21 Stop button 25 Error notification screen

Claims (11)

a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device;
When causing the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the external device, derive information about the print medium in the device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the device converts the print data or a state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data, the first a control unit that changes the identification information of to second identification information including information about the derived print medium, and causes the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device;
A printing device comprising: The control unit derives time information related to the processing while performing processing on the print medium based on the print data, and converts the first identification information into the first identification information including the derived time information. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is changed to No. 2 identification information. Further comprising a medium detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the print medium on the transport path of the print medium,
When the medium detection unit detects that the print medium is not present on the transport path, the control unit transmits the first identification information and information indicating that the print medium is not present on the transport path. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second identification information includes the second identification information. The medium detection unit further detects at least one of width and color of the print medium,
The control unit includes information on at least one of width and color of the detected print medium in the second identification information.
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: further comprising an error detection unit that detects a conveyance error of the print medium,
When the error detection unit detects a conveyance error of the print medium, the control unit changes the first identification information to the second identification information including information indicating a conveyance error of the print medium. ,
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The control unit receives information indicating that it is waiting for the completion of the process from the second external device while the process is being performed on the print medium based on the print data from the first external device. 6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when receiving the information, information indicating that there is a waiting user is transmitted to the first external apparatus. The communication unit is capable of wireless communication with the external device via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the first identification information and the second identification information are Service Set Identifiers (SSID), and 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said SSID as second identification information includes said first identification information. The control unit further controls a process of conveying the print medium, a process of printing on the print medium, and a process of cutting the print medium, based on the print data.
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When the control unit determines that the self-device can process the print medium based on the print data from the external device, the control unit stores the first identification information for at least an arbitrary period of time, The third identification information includes information on at least one of the width and color of the print medium, and causes the communication unit to transmit the third identification information to the external device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 4-8. A printing device having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device,
When causing the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the external device, derive information about the print medium in the device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the device converts the print data or a state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data, the first is changed to second identification information including information related to the derived print medium, and executing a process of causing the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device Characterized control method. A printing device having a communication unit capable of wireless communication with at least one external device,
When causing the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the external device, derive information about the print medium in the device, and based on the derived information about the print medium, the device converts the print data or a state in which the print medium cannot be processed based on the print data, the first is changed to second identification information including information about the derived print medium, and a process of causing the communication unit to transmit the second identification information to the external device is executed. Program characterized.

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