JP4541066B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which suitably notifies a user of a plurality of information even with a small loading space. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 includes a radio LAN communication functioning part 20 for performing a radio communication between external radio network devices through a radio LAN. The radio LAN communication functioning part 20 has a communication state judging part 23 for judging the communication state relating to the communication to be performed between the radio network devices, and a notifying part 24 for notifying the user of the communication state judged by this communication state judging part 23. The notifying part 24 notifies the user of the predetermined communication state of a plurality of the communication states by combining the flashing operations of a plurality of LEDs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&amp;NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium based on image information received through wireless communication from an external wireless network apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium such as a copying machine or a printer has been widespread, and further development has been advanced (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-227967

  On the other hand, various wireless communication technologies including a wireless local area network (LAN) compliant with so-called IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 have been developed with the recent progress of network technology. Under such circumstances, even in an image forming apparatus that has been connected to an external device such as a computer via a wired network in the past, in order to enjoy the convenience, a wireless network is established with the external device. There is an increasing number of connections through.

  In an image forming apparatus having such a wireless communication function, a notification unit that notifies the user of the communication state is provided. In general, a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that notifies the communication state by a change in the lighting state is used as the notification unit in addition to a display that displays the communication state as visual information.

  However, in an image forming apparatus, when an LED is used as a notification unit, there is only lighting / extinguishing / flashing as a method for expressing the information, and there is much information that can be expressed compared to the case where a display is used. There is a problem that there are few. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, in order to confirm detailed information, a function for printing various apparatus reports, a dedicated utility for accessing the image forming apparatus from another apparatus different from the image forming apparatus, A tool is provided to compensate for the lack of information expression ability by the notification unit.

  Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus, as the size is reduced, the size of the notification unit is also required to be reduced. Therefore, it is difficult to mount a device such as a display having a large display screen as a notification unit in order to display abundant information because of the mounting space. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, it is desirable to use an LED that requires a small mounting space as the notification unit. On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus, the information that is desired to be notified to the user increases every time the number of models increases, and it is difficult to use only LEDs having poor information expression capability. In particular, in recent years, the number of image forming apparatuses having the above-described wireless communication function is increasing. However, because of wireless communication, the communication status and the like are sequentially notified to the user, and a prompt response when a trouble occurs is required. The information to be steadily increasing.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately notifying a user of a plurality of pieces of information while having a small mounting space.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above-described object is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium based on image information received from an external wireless network apparatus via predetermined wireless communication means. A communication state determining means for determining a communication state relating to security strength in a communication path established with the wireless network device; and the communication provided in the wireless communication means and determined by the communication state determining means An informing means for informing a state, wherein the informing means notifies the communication state relating to the security strength by a combination of operations of a plurality of informing elements.

In such an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, since the communication state related to the security strength is notified by a combination of the operations of a plurality of notification elements provided in the wireless communication means, the information expression capability can be achieved even in a small mounting space. Can be improved.

  Here, it is preferable that the notification unit intermittently operates the plurality of notification elements in accordance with the communication state determined by the communication state determination unit in order to make the notification form more impressive for the user.

In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention obtains and holds information indicating a communication state related to security strength in a communication path established with the wireless network device during communication with the wireless network device. State holding means is provided, and the communication state determination means acquires information indicating the communication state from the communication state holding means. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, not only the state before the communication but also the state during the communication can be additionally notified.

  As the notification element, a light emitting element that emits a predetermined color light such as an LED or a transmitter that outputs a predetermined sound can be used.

  In the present invention, the ability to express information can be improved even in a small mounting space, and a plurality of information can be appropriately notified to the user.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  This embodiment is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium based on image information received through wireless communication from an external wireless network apparatus. In particular, this image forming apparatus is provided with a notification unit having a plurality of notification elements in a functional unit having a wireless communication function, and notifies a user of a plurality of information including various communication states related to communication performed with the wireless network device. To do.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, an image forming apparatus configured as a printer and an external device using a wireless local area network (LAN) compliant with so-called IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 will be described. Communicate. In the following description, it is assumed that a notification element in the above-described notification unit is provided with one green LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits green light and one orange LED that emits orange light.

  First, the image forming apparatus shown as the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 stores a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 1 and various programs for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. A program storage area 12, a memory area 13 for storing various information, an image processing section 14 for performing various image processing, a printer engine section 15 for forming an image, and an engine interface section 16 for connecting the printer engine section 15 An operation / display unit 17 that performs various input operations and displays, a protocol processing unit 18 that performs network-related protocol processing, a host interface unit 19 that connects an external device 30, and wireless communication that performs wireless communication via a wireless LAN. A wireless LAN communication function unit 20 that is a communication means, and a wireless LAN that connects the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 And a centers face portion 21.

  The CPU 11 is composed of a microprocessor or the like, and controls the image forming apparatus 1 in an integrated manner by executing a program (firmware) stored in the program storage area 12.

  The program storage area 12 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and the like, and stores various programs (firmware) for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The program stored in the program storage area 12 is read and executed by the CPU 11 as described above. In addition, the program stored in the program storage area 12 can be rewritten under the control of the CPU 11 when stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  The memory area 13 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, etc., and functions as a work area for temporarily storing various information necessary for execution of a program by the CPU 11 Stores various setting information. That is, various information is written into and / or read out from the memory area 13 under the control of the CPU 11.

  Under the control of the CPU 11, the image processing unit 14 performs various image processes such as compression, expansion, and code conversion on the image information handled by the image forming apparatus 1.

  The printer engine unit 15 is configured as an engine that forms an image on a recording medium. Under the control of the CPU 11, the printer engine unit 15 drives and controls various members necessary for image formation, such as a head and other various driving mechanisms. Image formation is performed on the medium.

  The engine interface unit 16 is an interface for connecting the printer engine unit 15, and performs processing for exchanging signals between the CPU 11 and the printer engine unit 15.

  The operation / display unit 17 is provided as an operation control unit that receives an input operation via an operator such as various buttons and switches and supplies the information to the CPU 11. The operation / display unit 17 is provided as a display control unit that displays the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1 and other various information to be presented on the display under the control of the CPU 11.

  The protocol processing unit 18 performs various protocol processes necessary for performing communication via the wireless LAN configured with the external device 30 such as a personal computer under the control of the CPU 11.

  The host interface unit 19 is an interface for connecting an external device 30 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or parallel interface, for example, and performs processing for exchanging signals between the CPU 11 and the external device 30.

  The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 includes a communication unit 22, a communication state determination unit 23, a notification unit 24, and an antenna 25. The communication unit 22 transmits and receives the radio signal SG via the antenna 25 and controls radio communication. In addition, the communication unit 22 uses the strength information of the radio signal SG transmitted / received to / from the wireless network device as information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the wireless network device. It also functions as a communication state holding unit that acquires and holds during communication. Further, the communication state determination unit 23 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM or a flash memory, and stores various programs for controlling the wireless LAN communication function unit 20. In addition, the communication state determination unit 23 temporarily stores various information necessary for executing various programs for controlling the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 and stores various setting information. The communication state determination unit 23 functions as a communication state determination unit that determines a communication state with the wireless network device. Furthermore, the notification unit 24 is a notification unit that notifies the user of the state of the image forming apparatus 1 including at least the communication state. As described above, the notification unit 24 includes one green LED and one orange LED. Configured. Such a wireless LAN communication function unit 20 performs wireless communication via the wireless LAN between the image forming apparatus 1 and an external wireless network device having a wireless LAN function. Note that the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, and may be configured as a unit that is detachably mounted.

  The wireless LAN interface unit 21 is an interface for connecting the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, and performs processing for exchanging signals between the CPU 11 and the wireless LAN communication function unit 20.

  An image forming system including such an image forming apparatus 1 is configured as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Here, a personal computer 40 having a wireless LAN function is used as an external terminal device that transmits print data PD for forming an image on a recording medium, and the image forming apparatus 1 and a wireless network via a wireless LAN are used. Assume that an access point 50 that relays print data PD transmitted from the personal computer 40 to the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a wireless network apparatus that performs communication.

  Similarly to the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 in the image forming apparatus 1, the personal computer 40 includes a wireless LAN communication function unit 42 that transmits and receives a wireless signal SG via the antenna 41. Similarly, the access point 50 includes a wireless LAN communication function unit 52 that transmits and receives the wireless signal SG via the antenna 51. The access point 50 transmits a beacon signal BS including a so-called BSSID (Basic Service Set IDentifier) registered in advance by the user to devices belonging to its own coverage area such as the image forming apparatus 1 and the personal computer 40. It also has a function to broadcast periodically. The access point 50 can be connected only to a wireless LAN terminal in which the same BSSID as the BSSID registered in the access point 50 is registered. The image forming apparatus 1 also has one green LED 26 and one orange LED 27 as the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, and the communication state determination unit in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20. 23, a unique BSSID is registered before wireless communication is started by the user.

  Here, a packet transmitted / received via the wireless LAN has a frame configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the packet is provided in a subsequent stage of the PLCP preamble 61 which is a PLCP (Physical Layer Convergence Protocol) preamble and a physical rate such as a transmission speed in IEEE 802.11 and a subsequent MAC (Media Access Control) frame length. And a PLCP header 62 for storing layer level information. Further, the packet is provided with a so-called MAC (Media Access Control) frame after the PLCP preamble 61 and the PLCP header 62. The MAC defines a frame transmission / reception method, format, error detection method, and the like, which are data transmission / reception units. The MAC frame includes an IEEE802.11 MAC header 63, data 64 of up to 1500 bytes for storing print data, control data, and the like, and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) used for error detection to confirm that the data has been transmitted correctly. ) 65. The beacon signal BS transmitted from the access point 50 is expressed in the IEEE802.11MAC header 63 when the frame type is used for management, and the BSSID is also stored as information in the IEEE802.11MAC header 63.

  In such an image forming system, the following signals are exchanged.

  First, the beacon signal BS is exchanged between the image forming apparatus 1 and the access point 50 as shown in FIG.

  That is, the access point 50 periodically transmits the beacon signal BS storing its own BSSID from the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives this beacon signal BS via the antenna 25, the image forming apparatus 1 stores its BSSID for requesting connection to the access point 50 as a response. The connection request signal is returned from the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 through the antenna 25 as a wireless signal SG. In response to this, the access point 50 receives the wireless signal SG as the connection request signal by the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51, and the image forming apparatus 1 receives the wireless request signal based on the connection request signal. Determine whether you are authorized to connect to yourself. If the access point 50 determines that there is no problem even if the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the access point 50, the access point 50 sends a connection permission signal for permitting the connection to the image forming apparatus 1. The wireless LAN communication function unit 52 returns the wireless signal SG via the antenna 51. As a result, both the image forming apparatus 1 and the access point 50 recognize that they are connected to each other. In the image forming system, the personal computer 40 and the access point 50 are connected to each other by transferring the same beacon signal BS between the personal computer 40 and the access point 50. Is done.

  In the image forming system, when the image forming apparatus 1 and the access point 50, and the personal computer 40 and the access point 50 are connected in this way, as shown in FIG. Signals are exchanged among the apparatus 1, the access point 50, and the personal computer 40.

  First, when printing is started by the user, the personal computer 40 sends a print data transmission request signal for requesting permission to transmit the print data PD to the image forming apparatus 1 from the wireless LAN communication function unit 42 to the antenna. 41 is transmitted as a radio signal SG. In response to this, the access point 50 relays the print data transmission request signal to the image forming apparatus 1 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print data transmission request signal via the antenna 25 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not printing is possible. When the image forming apparatus 1 determines that it is in a printable state, the wireless LAN communication function unit sends a print data transmission permission signal for permitting transmission of the print data PD to the personal computer 40. 20 is sent back as a radio signal SG via the antenna 25. In response to this, the access point 50 relays the print data transmission permission signal to the personal computer 40 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51.

  When the personal computer 40 receives the print data transmission permission signal via the antenna 41 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 42, the personal computer 40 sends the print data PD to the image forming apparatus 1 and the antenna 41 from the wireless LAN communication function unit 42. And transmitted as a radio signal SG. In response to this, the access point 50 relays the print data PD to the image forming apparatus 1 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives the print data PD via the antenna 25, the image forming apparatus 1 starts print processing under the control of the CPU 11. When the transmission of all the print data PD is completed, the personal computer 40 sends a print data transmission end signal indicating that the transmission of the print data PD is completed to the image forming apparatus 1 to the wireless LAN communication function unit 42. Is transmitted as a radio signal SG via the antenna 41. In response to this, the access point 50 relays this print data transmission end signal to the image forming apparatus 1 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives the print data transmission end signal via the antenna 25, the image forming apparatus 1 indicates that the reception of the print data PD is completed for the personal computer 40 as a response. A print data reception completion signal is returned as a wireless signal SG from the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 via the antenna 25. Then, the access point 50 relays this print data reception completion signal to the personal computer 40 by the wireless LAN communication function unit 52 via the antenna 51.

  As described above, in the image forming system, signals are exchanged among the image forming apparatus 1, the access point 50, and the personal computer 40, and print processing of the print data PD by the image forming apparatus 1 is performed.

  More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits and receives signals by the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 through a series of steps as shown in FIG. 5, and prints the print data PD on the recording medium.

  First, in the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in the figure, when the power is turned on in step S1, the control program stored in the program storage area 12 is started under the control of the CPU 11, The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is requested to perform initialization via the wireless LAN interface unit 21. In the image forming apparatus 1, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives this request, the communication state determination unit 23 first initializes the notification unit 24. If the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S2 that the initialization of the notification unit 24 has been completed by the communication state determination unit 23, the communication state determination unit 23 initializes the communication unit 22 in step S3. . When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 completes the initialization of the notification unit 24 and the communication unit 22 in this manner, the program storage area is controlled via the wireless LAN interface unit 21 under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. 12 notifies the control program stored in 12 that the initialization of the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 has been completed.

  Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 starts the search for the access point 50 by the communication state determination unit 23 in step S4. Specifically, the communication state determination unit 23 analyzes a beacon signal BS periodically transmitted from access points existing in the vicinity, and obtains the same BSSID as the BSSID registered in advance in the communication state determination unit 23. The access point 50 that is transmitting the beacon signal BS including it is searched. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 finds the access point 50 that transmits the beacon signal BS including the same BSSID as the BSSID registered in advance in the communication state determination unit 23, in step S5, the communication state Under the control of the determination unit 23, the access point 50 is connected via the communication unit 22.

  When the connection to the access point 50 is completed, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to a standby state in step S6. For example, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives print data PD, powers off the image forming apparatus 1, and the access point 50. Wait until the next event occurs, such as disconnection.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off during standby in step S8, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S10 and controls the communication state determination unit 23. At the same time, all the functions in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 are promptly stopped, and the series of processing ends.

  In addition, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is disconnected from the access point 50 during standby in step S9, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is in a communication state to quickly reconnect to the access point 50. Under the control of the determination unit 23, the processing from step S5 is repeated.

  Furthermore, when the print data PD is transmitted during standby in step S7, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 passes the communication unit 22 under the control of the communication state determination unit 23 in step S11. The print data PD is received and transferred to the image processing unit 14 via the wireless LAN interface unit 21. In response to this, the image processing unit 14 performs various types of image processing such as compression, expansion, and code conversion on the received print data PD, and uses the data obtained by performing the image processing as an engine interface. The data is transferred to the printer engine unit 15 via the unit 16. Then, the printer engine unit 15 prints the received data on the recording medium.

  In step S11, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 monitors the next event while receiving the print data PD. That is, when the reception of the print data PD is completed in step S12, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts the process to step S6 and waits for the next event to occur, while in step S13. If the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off while the print data PD is being received, the process proceeds to step S15, and the wireless LAN is promptly controlled under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. All functions in the communication function unit 20 are stopped, and a series of processes is terminated. In addition, when the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during reception of the print data PD in step S14, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 quickly reconnects to the access point 50. In addition, the processing from step S5 is repeated under the control of the communication state determination unit 23.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can thus operate the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 to print the print data PD on the recording medium.

  Now, in the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is operated to include a plurality of signal strengths in communication performed with the access point 50. This information is notified to the user.

  First, in the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on in step S21, the control program stored in the program storage area 12 is started under the control of the CPU 11, The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is requested to perform initialization via the wireless LAN interface unit 21. In the image forming apparatus 1, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives this request, in step S22, the communication state determination unit 23 initializes the notification unit 24, and when the initialization of the notification unit 24 ends, Initialization of the communication unit 22 is started. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S23 that the initialization of the communication unit 22 has started, in step S24, for example, under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 Are both turned on for 2 seconds and then both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are turned off for 2 seconds. The flashing (intermittent) operation is repeated to indicate that the communication unit 22 is being initialized. Is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed between the two. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while performing the initialization process of the communication unit 22.

  When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 finishes the initialization of the communication unit 22 in step S25, the communication state determination unit 23 starts searching for the access point 50. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S26 that the search for the access point 50 has started, in step S27, for example, the green LED 26 is set for 2 seconds under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. A flashing operation of turning on and turning off the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds and then turning off the green LED 26 for 2 seconds and turning on the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds is repeated to indicate that the access point 50 is being searched. 50 is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed with the terminal 50. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while searching for the access point 50.

  Further, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 searches for the access point 50 and connects to the access point 50 in step S28, the communication state determination unit 23 obtains the strength information of the wireless signal SG from the communication unit 22. Acquire and compare this intensity information with a predetermined threshold. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S29 that the strength of the wireless signal SG is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and is “strong”, the process proceeds to step S30. Then, under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on and the orange LED 27 is turned off to notify the user that the communication state is good. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S29 that the strength of the wireless signal SG is less than a predetermined threshold value and is “weak”, the process proceeds to step S31 to perform communication. Under the control of the state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned off and the orange LED 27 is turned on to notify the user that the communication state is not good.

  Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to a standby state, and for example, the next event such as reception of print data PD, power off of the image forming apparatus 1, or disconnection from the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off during standby in step S33, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S41 and controls the communication state determination unit 23. At the same time, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are immediately turned off, and a series of processing is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S34, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S27 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Furthermore, when the print data PD is received during standby in step S32, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 acquires the strength information of the wireless signal SG from the communication unit 22 by the communication state determination unit 23 again. The intensity information is compared with a predetermined threshold.

  Here, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S35 that the strength of the wireless signal SG is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and is “strong”, the process proceeds to step S36 to determine the communication state. Under the control of the unit 23, for example, a blinking operation of turning off the green LED 26 for 500 milliseconds and then turning off the green LED 26 for 500 milliseconds with the orange LED 27 turned off is repeated in a state where the signal intensity is strong. The user is notified that the print data PD has been received.

  On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S35 that the strength of the wireless signal SG is less than the predetermined threshold value and is “weak”, the process proceeds to step S37, and the communication state determination unit Under the control of No. 23, for example, the blinking operation of turning off the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds and then turning off the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds with the green LED 26 turned off is repeated in a state where the signal intensity is weak. The user is notified that the data PD has been received.

  Then, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to the standby state again, and for example, the next event such as reception of the print data PD, power off of the image forming apparatus 1, or disconnection from the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  Here, if the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off during standby in step S39, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts the process to step S41, and controls the communication state determination unit 23. Based on the above, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are quickly turned off, and the series of processes is completed.

  In addition, when the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S40, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S27 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Furthermore, when the reception of the print data PD is completed in step S38, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats the processing from step S29 again.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, by operating the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 in this way, a plurality of information including signal strength in communication performed with the access point 50 is notified to the user. be able to.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment of the present invention, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided as the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, and the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided. In combination with the lighting operation, the notification unit 24 can be provided in a small mounting space. In addition to the information that the communication unit 22 is being initialized and the access point 50 is being searched, A plurality of pieces of information including signal strength in communication performed with the point 50 can be appropriately notified to the user. Therefore, the user can easily grasp these pieces of information at the same time.

  In this image forming apparatus 1, generally, a green LED 26 that emits green light showing a positive meaning and an orange LED 27 that emits orange light showing a meaning to call attention are used, and only the green LED 26 blinks. Indicates a state where the signal strength is sufficient, while the notification unit 24 is controlled so as to indicate a state where the signal strength is insufficient when only the orange LED 27 is blinking. As a result, the user can immediately determine the current signal strength in a sensitive manner. Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, the green LED 26 and / or the orange LED 27 are blinked to make the user feel more impressed with the state occurring in the image forming apparatus 1 than when performing a simple lighting operation. Can be informed.

  Next, an image forming apparatus shown as the second embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus shown as the second embodiment has a communication path established with the access point 50 instead of the signal strength notified by the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment. Is provided with a function of notifying the security strength. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The image forming apparatus shown as the second embodiment is referred to as an image forming apparatus 200 in order to distinguish it from the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 200 shown as the second embodiment includes the same units as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Among these, the communication unit 22 uses the security strength information in the communication path established with the access point 50 as the information indicating the communication state related to the communication performed with the access point 50. Acquired and held during communication with the point 50.

  In such an image forming apparatus 200, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the security strength in the communication path established with the access point 50 is activated by operating the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20. Is notified to the user.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, in the image forming apparatus 200, when the power is turned on in step S51, the control program stored in the program storage area 12 is activated under the control of the CPU 11. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is requested to perform initialization via the wireless LAN interface unit 21. In the image forming apparatus 200, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives this request, in step S52, the communication state determination unit 23 initializes the notification unit 24. When the initialization of the notification unit 24 ends, Initialization of the communication unit 22 is started. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S53 that the initialization of the communication unit 22 has started, in step S54, for example, under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 Are both turned on for 2 seconds and then both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are turned off for 2 seconds. The flashing (intermittent) operation is repeated to indicate that the communication unit 22 is being initialized. Is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed between the two. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while performing the initialization process of the communication unit 22.

  When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 finishes the initialization of the communication unit 22 in step S55, the communication state determination unit 23 starts searching for the access point 50. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S56 that the search for the access point 50 has started, in step S57, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. A flashing operation of turning on and turning off the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds and then turning off the green LED 26 for 2 seconds and turning on the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds is repeated to indicate that the access point 50 is being searched. 50 is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed with the terminal 50. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while searching for the access point 50.

  Further, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 searches for the access point 50 and connects to the access point 50 in step S58, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 communicates with the access point 50 from the communication unit 22 by the communication state determination unit 23. Security strength information on the communication path established between the two is acquired, and this security strength information is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S59 that the security strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and is “strong”, the process proceeds to step S60. Under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on and the orange LED 27 is turned off to notify the user that the security state is sufficient. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S59 that the security strength is less than the predetermined threshold value and is “weak”, the process proceeds to step S61, and the communication state determination unit Under the control of 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned off and the orange LED 27 is turned on to notify the user that the security state is not sufficient.

  Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to a standby state. For example, an event that occurs next such as reception of print data PD, power-off of the image forming apparatus 200, or disconnection from the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 200 is turned off during standby in step S63, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S71 and controls the communication state determination unit 23. At the same time, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are immediately turned off, and a series of processing is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S64, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S57 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Further, when the print data PD is received during standby in step S62, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 acquires security strength information from the communication unit 22 by the communication state determination unit 23 again. Is compared with a predetermined threshold.

  Here, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S65 that the security strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and is “strong”, the process proceeds to step S66, where the communication state determination unit 23 Under the control, for example, with the orange LED 27 turned off, the green LED 26 is turned on for 500 milliseconds, and then the green LED 26 is turned off for 500 milliseconds. Is notified to the user.

  On the other hand, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S65 that the security strength is less than the predetermined threshold value and is “weak”, the process proceeds to step S67 and the control of the communication state determination unit 23 is performed. For example, after the green LED 26 is turned off, the blinking operation of turning on the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds and then turning off the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds is repeated. Informs the user that it has been received.

  Then, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to the standby state again, and for example, the next event such as reception of the print data PD, power off of the image forming apparatus 200, or disconnection from the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  Here, if the image forming apparatus 200 is powered off during standby in step S69, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S71 to control the communication state determination unit 23. Based on the above, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are quickly turned off, and the series of processes is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S70, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S57 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Furthermore, when the reception of the print data PD is completed in step S68, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats the processing from step S59 again.

  In the image forming apparatus 200, by operating the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 in this way, a plurality of information including the security strength in the communication path established with the access point 50 is given to the user. Can be notified.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 200 shown as the second embodiment of the present invention, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided as the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, and the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided. In combination with the lighting operation, the notification unit 24 can be provided in a small mounting space. In addition to the information that the communication unit 22 is being initialized and the access point 50 is being searched, A plurality of information including the security strength in the communication path established with the point 50 can be appropriately notified to the user. Therefore, the user can easily grasp these pieces of information at the same time.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus 200, like the image forming apparatus 1, generally, a green LED 26 that emits green light showing a positive meaning and an orange LED 27 that emits orange light showing a meaning to call attention are used. In the case where only the green LED 26 blinks, the notification unit 24 is controlled so that the security strength is sufficient, while in the case where only the orange LED 27 blinks, the security strength is insufficient. is doing. As a result, the user can immediately determine the current security level in a sensitive manner. Further, in the image forming apparatus 200, similar to the image forming apparatus 1, the green LED 26 and / or the orange LED 27 are caused to blink, so that the image forming apparatus 200 generates the light rather than the simple lighting operation. The state can be notified to the user more impressively.

  Next, an image forming apparatus shown as a third embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus shown as the third embodiment performs communication in communication performed with the access point 50 instead of the signal strength notified by the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment. A function for notifying the speed is provided. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The image forming apparatus shown as the third embodiment is distinguished from the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment and the image forming apparatus 200 shown as the second embodiment. It is assumed to be called an image forming apparatus 300.

  An image forming apparatus 300 shown as the third embodiment includes the same units as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Among these, the communication unit 22 uses communication speed information in communication performed with the access point 50 as information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50. Acquired and retained during communication with.

  In such an image forming apparatus 300, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is operated, and the communication speed in communication performed with the access point 50 is included. A plurality of information is notified to the user.

  First, in the image forming apparatus 300, as shown in FIG. 10, when the power is turned on in step S81, the control program stored in the program storage area 12 is activated under the control of the CPU 11. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is requested to perform initialization via the wireless LAN interface unit 21. In the image forming apparatus 300, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives this request, in step S82, the communication state determination unit 23 initializes the notification unit 24, and when the initialization of the notification unit 24 ends, Initialization of the communication unit 22 is started. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S83 that the initialization of the communication unit 22 has been started, in step S84, for example, under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 Are both turned on for 2 seconds and then both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are turned off for 2 seconds. The flashing (intermittent) operation is repeated to indicate that the communication unit 22 is being initialized. Is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed between the two. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while performing the initialization process of the communication unit 22.

  When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 finishes the initialization of the communication unit 22 in step S85, the communication state determination unit 23 starts searching for the access point 50. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S86 that the search for the access point 50 has started, in step S87, for example, the green LED 26 is set for 2 seconds under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. A flashing operation of turning on and turning off the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds and then turning off the green LED 26 for 2 seconds and turning on the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds is repeated to indicate that the access point 50 is being searched. 50 is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed with the terminal 50. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while searching for the access point 50.

  Further, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 searches for the access point 50 and connects to the access point 50 in step S88, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 communicates with the access point 50 from the communication unit 22 by the communication state determination unit 23. Communication speed information in communication performed between the two is acquired, and the communication speed information is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S89 that the communication speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and is “fast”, the process proceeds to step S90. Under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on and the orange LED 27 is turned off to notify the user that the communication speed is high. On the other hand, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S89 that the communication speed is less than the predetermined threshold and is “slow”, the process proceeds to step S91, and the communication state determination unit Under the control of 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned off and the orange LED 27 is turned on to notify the user that the communication speed is low.

  Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to a standby state, and for example, an event that occurs next such as reception of print data PD, power off of the image forming apparatus 300, or disconnection from the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 300 is turned off during standby in step S93, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S101 and controls the communication state determination unit 23. At the same time, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are immediately turned off, and a series of processing is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S94, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S87 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Furthermore, when the print data PD is received during standby in step S92, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 acquires communication speed information from the communication unit 22 by the communication state determination unit 23 again, and this communication speed information Is compared with a predetermined threshold.

  Here, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S95 that the communication speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and is “fast”, the process proceeds to step S96, where the communication state determination unit 23 Under the control, for example, with the orange LED 27 turned off, the green LED 26 is turned on for 500 milliseconds and then the green LED 26 is turned off for 500 milliseconds. Is notified to the user.

  On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S95 that the communication speed is less than the predetermined threshold value and is “slow”, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S97 to control the communication state determination unit 23. For example, after the green LED 26 is turned off, the blinking operation of turning on the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds and then turning off the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds is repeated. Informs the user that it has been received.

  Then, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to the standby state again, and for example, the next event such as reception of the print data PD, power off of the image forming apparatus 300, or disconnection from the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  Here, if the image forming apparatus 300 is turned off during standby in step S99, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts the processing to step S101 and performs control of the communication state determination unit 23. Based on the above, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are quickly turned off, and the series of processes is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S100, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S87 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Furthermore, when the reception of the print data PD is completed in step S98, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats the processing from step S89 again.

  In the image forming apparatus 300, by operating the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 in this manner, a plurality of information including communication speeds in communication performed with the access point 50 is notified to the user. be able to.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 300 shown as the third embodiment of the present invention, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided as the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, and the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided. In combination with the lighting operation, the notification unit 24 can be provided in a small mounting space. In addition to the information that the communication unit 22 is being initialized and the access point 50 is being searched, A plurality of pieces of information including the communication speed in communication performed with the point 50 can be appropriately notified to the user. Therefore, the user can easily grasp these pieces of information at the same time.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 300, as in the image forming apparatuses 1 and 200, the green LED 26 that emits green light that generally indicates a positive meaning and the orange LED 27 that emits orange light that indicates a meaning to call attention are provided. When the blinking operation of only the green LED 26 is used, the notification unit 24 is displayed so that the communication speed is high, while the blinking operation of only the orange LED 27 is low. I have control. As a result, the user can immediately determine the current communication speed in a sensitive manner. Further, in the image forming apparatus 300, similar to the image forming apparatuses 1 and 200, by causing the green LED 26 and / or the orange LED 27 to blink, the image forming apparatus 300 generates the light rather than performing a simple lighting operation. The user can be notified more impressively to the user.

  Finally, an image forming apparatus shown as the fourth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus shown as the fourth embodiment uses the quality of the radio signal SG received from the access point 50 instead of the signal strength notified by the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment. A function for notifying is provided. Therefore, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the description of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The image forming apparatus shown as the fourth embodiment includes the image forming apparatus 1 shown as the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 shown as the second embodiment, and the third embodiment. In order to distinguish it from the image forming apparatus 300 shown in FIG.

  An image forming apparatus 400 shown as the fourth embodiment includes the same units as those of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Among these, the communication unit 22 uses the quality information of the radio signal SG received from the access point 50 as information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50 to the access point 50. Obtain and retain during communication.

  In such an image forming apparatus 400, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a plurality of information including the quality of the radio signal SG received from the access point 50 by operating the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20. Information is notified to the user.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, in the image forming apparatus 400, when the power is turned on in step S111, the control program stored in the program storage area 12 is activated under the control of the CPU 11, The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 is requested to perform initialization via the wireless LAN interface unit 21. In the image forming apparatus 400, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 receives this request, the communication state determination unit 23 initializes the notification unit 24 in step S112, and when the initialization of the notification unit 24 ends, Initialization of the communication unit 22 is started. If the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S113 that the initialization of the communication unit 22 has started, in step S114, for example, under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 Are both turned on for 2 seconds and then both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are turned off for 2 seconds. The flashing (intermittent) operation is repeated to indicate that the communication unit 22 is being initialized. Is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed between the two. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while performing the initialization process of the communication unit 22.

  When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 finishes the initialization of the communication unit 22 in step S115, the communication state determination unit 23 starts searching for the access point 50. When the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S116 that the search for the access point 50 has started, in step S117, for example, the green LED 26 is set for 2 seconds under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. A flashing operation of turning on and turning off the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds and then turning off the green LED 26 for 2 seconds and turning on the orange LED 27 for 2 seconds is repeated to indicate that the access point 50 is being searched. 50 is notified to the user as one piece of information indicating a communication state relating to communication performed with the terminal 50. The wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats such an operation of the notification unit 24 while searching for the access point 50.

  Further, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 searches for the access point 50 and connects to the access point 50 in step S118, the communication state determination unit 23 receives from the access unit 50 from the communication unit 22. The quality information of the received radio signal SG is acquired, and this signal quality information is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, when the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S119 that the signal quality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and is “good”, the process proceeds to step S120. Under the control of the communication state determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on and the orange LED 27 is turned off to notify the user that the signal quality is good. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S119 that the signal quality is less than the predetermined threshold and is “poor”, the process proceeds to step S121, and the communication state Under the control of the determination unit 23, for example, the green LED 26 is turned off and the orange LED 27 is turned on to notify the user that the signal quality is poor.

  Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to a standby state. For example, the next event such as reception of print data PD, power off of the image forming apparatus 400, or disconnection of the access point 50 occurs. Wait until there is.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 400 is turned off during standby in step S123, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S131 to control the communication state determination unit 23. At the same time, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are immediately turned off, and a series of processing is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S124, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S117 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Further, when the print data PD is received during standby in step S122, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 acquires the signal quality information from the communication unit 22 by the communication state determination unit 23 again. Is compared with a predetermined threshold.

  Here, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S125 that the signal quality is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold and is “good”, the process proceeds to step S126, and the communication state determination unit Under the control of No. 23, for example, the blinking operation of turning off the green LED 26 for 500 milliseconds and then turning off the green LED 26 for 500 milliseconds with the orange LED 27 turned off is repeated in a good signal quality state. The user is notified that the print data PD has been received.

  On the other hand, if the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 determines in step S125 that the signal quality is less than the predetermined threshold value and is “poor”, the process proceeds to step S127, and the communication state determination unit 23 Under the control of, for example, the green LED 26 is turned off, the blinking operation of turning on the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds and then turning off the orange LED 27 for 500 milliseconds is repeated, and printing is performed with poor signal quality. The user is notified that the data PD has been received.

  Then, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 shifts to a standby state again, and for example, the next event such as reception of print data PD, power-off of the image forming apparatus 400, disconnection from the access point 50, or the like occurs. Wait until there is.

  Here, if the image forming apparatus 400 is turned off during standby in step S129, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S131 to control the communication state determination unit 23. Based on the above, both the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are quickly turned off, and the series of processes is completed.

  If the connection with the access point 50 is disconnected during standby in step S130, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 proceeds to step S117 in FIG. In order to reconnect, for example, the green LED 26 is turned on for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned off for 2 seconds, then the green LED 26 is turned off for 2 seconds and the orange LED 27 is turned on under the control of the communication state determination unit 23. The flashing operation of lighting for 2 seconds is repeated to notify the user that the search for the access point 50 is being performed as one piece of information indicating a communication state related to communication performed with the access point 50.

  Furthermore, when the reception of the print data PD is completed in step S128, the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 repeats the processing from step S119 again.

  In the image forming apparatus 400, by operating the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20 as described above, a plurality of information including the quality of the wireless signal SG received from the access point 50 can be notified to the user. it can.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 400 shown as the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided as the notification unit 24 in the wireless LAN communication function unit 20, and the green LED 26 and the orange LED 27 are provided. In combination with the lighting operation, the notification unit 24 can be provided in a small mounting space. In addition to the information that the communication unit 22 is being initialized and the access point 50 is being searched, A plurality of information including the quality of the radio signal SG received from the point 50 can be appropriately notified to the user. Therefore, the user can easily grasp these pieces of information at the same time.

  In the image forming apparatus 400, as in the image forming apparatuses 1, 200, and 300, the green LED 26 that generally emits green light that indicates a positive meaning and the orange LED 27 that emits orange light that indicates a meaning that calls attention. In the case of the blinking operation of only the green LED 26, the informing unit shows the state that the signal quality is good, while in the case of the blinking operation of only the orange LED 27, the state of the signal quality is poor. 24 is controlled. As a result, the user can immediately determine the current signal quality in a sensitive manner. Further, in the image forming apparatus 400, as in the case of the image forming apparatuses 1, 200, and 300, the green LED 26 and / or the orange LED 27 are caused to blink so that the image forming apparatus 400 has a more lightening operation than the simple lighting operation. The occurring state can be notified more impressively to the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a printer is used as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is an apparatus that forms an image, such as a facsimile machine, an MFP (Multi Function Printer), a scanner, or a copier. Any device can be applied as long as the device is connected or mounted with the wireless LAN communication function unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wireless LAN conforming to IEEE 802.11 has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to any network that performs wireless communication.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as the communication state, the strength of the radio signal transmitted / received to / from the access point, the security strength in the communication path established with the access point, and the access point In the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, the present invention has been described as reporting either the communication speed in the communication performed in the above or the quality of the radio signal received from the access point. Arbitrary forms may be combined and such information may be notified simultaneously. Further, in the present invention, information other than these may be notified as long as the information indicates at least the communication state.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time length of the blinking operation of the green LED and the orange LED is also mentioned. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention can be arbitrarily set as long as information to be notified can be distinguished. A notification form can be adopted.

  Moreover, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated as what uses a total of 2 LED, one green LED and one orange LED, as an alerting | reporting part, this invention uses light emitting elements other than LED. Also good. In the present invention, any number of light-emitting elements may be provided as long as there are a plurality of light-emitting elements, and the light emission color is not limited.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the LED is used as the notification unit. However, the present invention is not limited to such a light-emitting element, and an arbitrary notification element such as a transmitter that transmits sound is used. be able to. In particular, in an image forming apparatus, such a transmitter is used as a notification element, and a predetermined communication state is notified from among a plurality of communication states by a combination of intermittent sound output operations of these transmitters. There is no need to visually recognize the notification unit for confirmation. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, the operation / display unit for performing an input operation and display and the wireless LAN communication function unit are provided on different surfaces of the casing that forms the appearance of the image forming apparatus. In addition, the user can check the communication state while visually checking the operation / display unit.

  Thus, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus shown as a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure explaining the frame structure of the packet transmitted / received via wireless LAN. It is a figure explaining the procedure which transmits / receives a beacon signal between the image forming apparatus and an access point. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for exchanging signals among the image forming apparatus, an access point, and a personal computer. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a series of processes when signals are transmitted / received by a wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus and print data is printed on a recording medium. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus, and explaining a step following the step shown in FIG. 6. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus shown as the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus, and explaining steps following the step shown in FIG. 8. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in an image forming apparatus shown as a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus, and explaining steps following the step shown in FIG. 10. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps when notifying a user of information by a wireless LAN communication function unit in an image forming apparatus shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps when notifying the user of information by the wireless LAN communication function unit in the image forming apparatus, and is a diagram illustrating a step following the step illustrated in FIG. 12.

Explanation of symbols

1,200,300,400 Image forming apparatus 11 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Program storage area 13 Memory area 14 Image processing part 15 Printer engine part 16 Engine interface part 17 Operation / display part 18 Protocol processing part 19 Host interface part 20, 42, 52 Wireless LAN communication function part 21 Wireless LAN interface part 22 Communication part 23 Communication state determination unit 24 Notification unit 25, 41, 51 Antenna 26 Green LED
27 Orange LED
30 External device 40 Personal computer 50 Access point BS Beacon signal PD Print data SG Wireless signal

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium based on image information received from an external wireless network device via a predetermined wireless communication unit,
Communication state determining means for determining a communication state related to security strength in a communication path established with the wireless network device;
Provided in the wireless communication means, and a notification means for notifying the communication state determined by the communication state determination means,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the notification unit notifies a communication state related to the security strength by a combination of operations of a plurality of notification elements. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit intermittently operates the plurality of notification elements according to the communication state determined by the communication state determination unit. Comprising communication state holding means for acquiring and holding information indicating a communication state relating to security strength in a communication path established with the wireless network device during communication with the wireless network device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication state determination unit acquires information indicating the communication state from the communication state holding unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification element is a light emitting element that emits light of a predetermined color. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification element is a transmitter that outputs a predetermined sound.