JP7686853B2 - Image processing device and method for controlling image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device and a control method for the image processing device.

Communication devices such as smartphones, portable game consoles, and printing devices are equipped with wireless LAN functions. One known wireless LAN function is a direct wireless communication mode that directly connects multiple communication devices without going through an access point. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a printing device and a mobile terminal are directly connected using an access point mode, which is an example of a direct wireless communication mode.

When using the direct wireless communication mode, the user must instruct the communication device to start operation in the direct wireless communication mode. For example, the communication device displays a "start button" for starting operation in the direct wireless communication mode, and the user presses this "start button," causing the communication device to start operation in the direct wireless communication mode. Furthermore, when terminating use of the direct wireless communication mode, the user instructs the communication device to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode. For example, the communication device displays a "stop button" for stopping operation in the direct wireless communication mode, and the user presses this "stop button," causing the communication device to stop operation in the direct wireless communication mode.

JP 2015-023440 A

Conventionally, no consideration has been given to the connection information to be used when a communication device resumes operation in the direct wireless communication mode. It is advisable to manage the connection information to be used with consideration given to usability and security. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for changing the connection information to be used according to settings when operation in the wireless communication mode is resumed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image processing device provided by the present invention is an image processing device that behaves as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function that performs direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and printing it , and has: a setting means for making settings related to an SSID (Service Set Identifier) used to execute the direct wireless communication function; a providing means for providing a setting screen that accepts the settings, the setting screen including an item for logging out of the image processing device; and an execution means for executing the direct wireless communication function based on the settings set via the setting screen, the settings including a first setting for executing the direct wireless communication function with a stored SSID for repeated use, and a second setting for executing direct wireless communication with an SSID including a randomly generated character string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched by a user with administrator authority.

The control method of an image processing device provided by the present invention is a control method executed by an image processing device that behaves as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function that performs direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and performing printing, the control method including: a setting step of making settings related to an SSID (Service Set Identifier) used to execute the direct wireless communication function; a providing step of providing a setting screen that accepts the settings, the setting screen including an item for logging out from the image processing device; and an execution step of executing the direct wireless communication function based on the settings set via the setting screen, the settings including a first setting that executes the direct wireless communication function with a stored SSID for repeated use, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication with an SSID including a randomly generated character string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched by a user having administrator authority.

According to the present invention, when the device resumes operation in the direct wireless communication mode, the connection information used can be changed according to the settings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printing device. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing screens displayed by the printing device 100. FIG. 13 illustrates a user management table. FIG. 13 illustrates a wireless connection screen. 13 is a flowchart showing a process related to user authentication. 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the operation in the access point mode. 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the operation in the access point mode.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

(Embodiment 1)
An overview of the communication system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The communication system of this embodiment is composed of a printing device 100 and a mobile terminal 101.

The printing device 100 has a wireless LAN function. The printing device 100 has a wireless LAN function that has two types of wireless communication modes: infrastructure mode and access point mode. The infrastructure mode is a wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 wirelessly connects to a relay device such as an access point (not shown) and communicates with devices on a network, such as a PC (Personal Computer).

On the other hand, the access point mode is a wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 itself acts as an access point by activating a software access point in the printing device 100. A mobile terminal 101 such as a smartphone establishes a wireless connection with the printing device 100 operating in the access point mode, and transmits print data for printing electronic files such as photographs to the printing device 100. The access point mode allows direct wireless communication between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 without going through a relay device such as an access point. The access point mode is an example of a direct wireless communication mode in which the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101 establish a direct wireless connection. Instead of the access point mode, other wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) may be applied to this embodiment.

As will be explained in more detail later, the printing device 100 has a user authentication function that allows a user to log in to the printing device 100. A user who has logged in to the printing device 100 can use the access point mode. When the user logs out of the printing device 100, the printing device 100 stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user's logout.

Next, the hardware configuration of the printing device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 202 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the printing device 100. The ROM 202 stores the control program. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 201. The HDD 204 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores various data.

In the case of the printing device 100, one CPU 201 executes the processes shown in the flowcharts described below, but other configurations are also possible. For example, multiple CPUs can work together to execute the processes shown in the flowcharts described below. Also, some of the processes in the flowcharts described below can be executed using hardware circuits such as ASICs.

The wireless LAN I/F 205 executes wireless LAN communication between the mobile terminal 101 and external devices such as an access point. The wireless LAN communication executed by the wireless LAN I/F 205 is wireless communication such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The wireless LAN I/F 205 can operate in infrastructure mode and access point mode. The wireless LAN I/F 205 selects and operates in either infrastructure mode or access point mode according to the device settings previously set by the user.

The network I/F 210 connects to a wired LAN via a LAN cable. The network I/F 210 can communicate with an external device (e.g., a PC) on the wired LAN.

The printer 206 executes printing processing on sheets based on print data received by the wireless LAN I/F 205 or the network I/F 210. The scanner 207 reads an original placed by a user and generates an original image. The original image generated by the scanner 207 is printed by the printer 206 (so-called copy processing) or stored in the HDD 204.

The operation unit 208 includes a liquid crystal display with touch panel functionality and a keyboard, and displays various operation screens. A user can input instructions and information to the printing device 100 via the operation unit 208.

The IC card reader 209 reads user information from the IC card. In this embodiment, the user ID and password are stored as user information on the IC card. The printing device 100 then performs user authentication based on the user information read from the IC card by the IC card reader 209.

Note that the printing device 100 is given as an example of a communication device capable of operating in access point mode. Communication devices to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the printing device 100. The present invention can be applied to various communication devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, smartphones, and portable game consoles, as long as they can operate in access point mode.

Next, we will explain the operation screen provided by the printing device 100 and the operation procedure when a user uses the access point mode.

The login screen 300 in FIG. 3A is a screen displayed by the operation unit 208 of the printing device 100. When the startup of the printing device 100 is complete, the operation unit 208 initially displays the login screen 300. The user holds his or her own IC card over the IC card reader 209.

The user management table 400 in FIG. 4 is information for managing user information (user name, user ID, password) of users who are permitted to log in to the printing device 100, and is stored in the HDD 204 of the printing device 100. Users registered in the user management table 400 can log in to the printing device 100. When a user holds his/her IC card over the IC card reader 209, the IC card reader 209 reads the user information (user ID and password) from the IC card. The CPU 201 then determines whether the user information read from the IC card by the IC card reader 209 is registered in the user management table 400. If the user information read from the IC card is registered in the user management table 400, authentication is OK, and the operation unit 208 displays the menu screen 310 in FIG. 3B. A user who is determined to be authenticated OK is logged in to the printing device 100 and can use the printing device. On the other hand, if the user information read from the IC card is not registered in the user management table 400, the authentication is not successful, the operation unit 208 notifies the user of the failure, and the menu screen 310 is not displayed.

In this embodiment, the user may input a user ID and a password into input field 301 and input field 302, respectively, without using the IC card reader 209. When the user inputs a user ID and a password into input field 301 and input field 302 and then presses login button 303, the printing device 100 performs user authentication.

Also, the user management table 400 may be provided by an external authentication server rather than by the printing device 100. If the authentication server has the user management table 400, the printing device 100 sends user information to the authentication server. Then, the printing device 100 receives the result of the authentication process (authentication OK or authentication NG) from the authentication server, and performs user authentication.

Menu screen 310 in FIG. 3(B) displays buttons that allow the user to use functions provided by the printing device 100. Logout button 315 is a button that allows the user to log in from the printing device 100. When the user presses logout button 315, the currently logged-in user logs out from the printing device 100. Note that a logout screen is also displayed on each screen described below, and the user can input a logout instruction regardless of which screen is displayed on the operation unit 208.

Button 311 is a button that allows the user to use the copy function. When the user presses button 311, the operation unit 208 displays a copy screen (not shown).

Button 312 is a button that allows the user to use the SEND function (a function for sending an original image generated by scanner 207 to an external device). When the user presses button 312, operation unit 208 displays a SEND screen (not shown).

Button 314 is a button that allows the user to configure device settings for the printing device 100. When the user presses button 314, the operation unit 208 displays various setting screens in accordance with the user's operation. Setting screen 320 in FIG. 3(C) is one of the operation screens that the printing device 100 provides to the user, and is displayed by the operation unit 208. The items that can be set on setting screen 320 will be described in detail. Setting screen 320 is a screen that can be accessed by users with special authority, such as a system administrator.

Item 321 sets whether a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID will be used as the SSID (Service Set Identifier) to be used in access point mode. Fixed SSID is a setting that indicates that the same SSID will be used each time the device operates in access point mode. The system administrator inputs the desired SSID into input field 322. When the printing device 100 operates in access point mode, the printing device 100 uses the SSID input into input field 322 as the fixed SSID. On the other hand, one-time SSID is a setting that indicates that a random SSID will be generated and the random SSID will be used.

The registration button 323 is a button for reflecting the settings made on the setting screen 320 in the printing device 100. When the system administrator presses the registration button 323, the settings made on the setting screen 320 are stored in the HDD 204, and the settings made on the setting screen 320 are reflected in the printing device 100.

Returning to the explanation of menu screen 310, button 313 is a button for the user to use the access point mode. When the user uses the access point mode, the user first presses button 313. When the user presses button 313, operation unit 208 displays wireless connection screen 500 of FIG. 5(A).

The wireless connection screen 500 displays a start button 501. This start button 501 is a button for the user to instruct the printing device 100 to start operation in the access point mode. When the operation unit 208 displays the wireless connection screen 500, the printing device 100 has not started operation in the access point mode. Therefore, even if the mobile terminal 101 searches for surrounding access points, it cannot find the printing device 100, and a wireless connection cannot be established between the mobile terminal 101 and the printing device 100. In order to establish a wireless connection between the mobile terminal 101 and the printing device 100, the user needs to start operation in the access point mode in the printing device 100. When the user presses the start button 501, the printing device 100 starts operation in the access point mode. Then, the operation unit 208 displays the wireless connection screen 510 of FIG. 5B.

When the printing device 100 starts operation in the access point mode, the printing device 100 generates an SSID and a connection key (e.g., a WEP key). The SSID and connection key generated by the printing device 100 are displayed in area 511 of the wireless connection screen 510. If the setting screen 320 is set to use a fixed SSID, the fixed SSID is generated and displayed in area 511. On the other hand, if the setting screen 320 is set to use a one-time SSID, a random SSID is generated and displayed in area 511.

After checking the content displayed in area 511, the user uses his/her mobile terminal 101 to search for nearby access points and selects an access point with the SSID displayed in area 511 from the list of search results. Then, the user inputs the connection key displayed in area 511 into the mobile terminal 101, and a wireless connection based on the access point mode is established between the printing device 100 and the mobile terminal 101. After wirelessly connecting the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100 using the access point mode, the user selects a photo to be printed on the mobile terminal 101. Then, when the user inputs a print instruction into the mobile terminal 101, the mobile terminal 101 transmits print data for printing the photo selected by the user to the printing device 100 using wireless communication in the access point mode. The printing device 100 that receives the print data executes a print process on a sheet based on the received print data.

When the printing device 100 starts operating in the access point mode, the printing device 100 goes into a standby state to receive a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device such as the mobile terminal 101. When the printing device 100 starts operating in the access point mode, the mobile terminal 101 can find the printing device 100 when searching for surrounding access points. When a request to establish a wireless connection is received from an external device, the printing device 100 establishes a wireless connection with the external device in the access point mode. After the wireless connection is established, actual data communication (e.g., transmission of print data from the mobile terminal 101 to the printing device 100) is performed between the printing device 100 and the external device.

The wireless connection screen 510 also displays a stop button 512. The stop button 512 accepts a stop instruction from the user to stop operation in the access point mode. When the user wants to stop operation in the access point mode of the printing device 100, the user presses the stop button 512. When the user presses the stop button 512, the printing device 100 stops operation in the access point mode. The printing device 100 also stops operation in the access point mode if the user logs out from the printing device 100.

Next, the process executed by the printing device 100 when a user logs in to the printing device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6. Each step shown in the flowchart in FIG. 6 is processed by the CPU 201 expanding a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Note that the printing device 100 may be configured so that at least some of the steps in the flowchart in FIG. 6 are executed by the CPU 201, and the remaining steps are executed by another CPU (not shown) different from the CPU 201.

First, in step S601, the CPU 201 determines whether or not to perform user authentication. When the IC card reader 209 reads user information from the IC, or when the user inputs a user ID and password in the input fields 301 and 302 and presses the login button 303, the CPU 201 determines that user authentication is to be performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S602.

Next, in step S602, the CPU 201 determines whether the user indicated by the user information is a user who is permitted to log in. This determination is made by checking whether the user information is registered in the user management table 400. If the user information is registered in the user management table 400 (determined as authentication OK), the process proceeds to step S603. Then, in step S603, the CPU 201 executes login processing. The CPU 201 controls the operation unit 208 to allow the user determined to be authenticated OK to log in to the printing device 100, and to display the menu screen 310.

On the other hand, if the user information is not registered in the user management table 400 (determined as authentication NG), it is determined in step S602 that the user indicated by the user information is a user who is not permitted to log in. The CPU 201 does not execute the login process, but notifies the user of authentication NG and ends the process.

Next, the process executed by the printing device 100 when a user uses the access point mode and the printing device 100 automatically stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7. Each step shown in the flowchart in FIG. 7 is processed by the CPU 201 expanding a control program stored in a memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Note that the printing device 100 may be configured so that at least some of the steps in the flowchart in FIG. 7 are executed by the CPU 201, and the remaining steps are executed by another CPU (not shown) different from the CPU 201.

First, in step S701, the CPU 201 determines whether the start button 501 has been pressed by the user. When the CPU 201 detects that the start button 501 has been pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S702. Then, in step S702, the CPU 201 controls the wireless LAN I/F 205 to start operation in the access point mode. The wireless LAN I/F 205 generates a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID according to the results of the settings made on the setting screen 320, and starts operation in the access point mode.

Next, in step S703, the CPU 201 sets the value of variable N to 0. The variable N is a variable for managing the number of devices that have established wireless connections in access point mode with the printing device 100. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 can simultaneously establish wireless connections in access point mode with up to five devices. The value of five is an example of the maximum number of simultaneous connections, and other values may be used. Also, in this embodiment, the maximum number of simultaneous connections is the same regardless of whether a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID is used, but the maximum number of simultaneous connections may be different values when a fixed SSID is used and when a one-time SSID is used.

Next, in step S704, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a request to establish a wireless connection has been received from an external device. If the wireless LAN I/F 205 receives a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device, the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN I/F 205 has not received a request to establish a wireless connection from an external device, the process proceeds to step S709.

Next, step S705 will be described. In step S705, the CPU 201 determines whether the value of the variable N is less than the maximum number of simultaneous connections. If the value of the variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing a wireless connection in the access point mode, is less than the maximum number of simultaneous connections, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the CPU 201 controls the wireless LAN I/F 205 to establish a wireless connection with the device that requested the establishment of a wireless connection. The wireless LAN I/F 205 establishes a wireless connection in the access point mode with the device that requested the establishment of a wireless connection. Then, in step S707, the CPU 201 increases the value of the variable N by 1. On the other hand, if the value of the variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing a wireless connection in the access point mode, is equal to the maximum number of simultaneous connections, the process proceeds to step S708. Then, in step S708, the CPU 201 rejects the request to establish a wireless connection. From the perspective of the device that requested the establishment of a wireless connection, the establishment of a wireless connection in access point mode with the printing device 100 will fail.

Next, step S709 will be described. In step S709, the CPU 201 determines whether the user currently logged in to the printing device 100 has logged out from the printing device 100. In this embodiment, a user is logged out when the user presses the logout button or when a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) has elapsed without any user operation. When the currently logged in user logs out from the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S709 that the currently logged in user has not logged out from the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S711.

Next, step S710 will be described. In step S710, the CPU 201 determines whether the value of the variable N is 1 or less. If the value of the variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in the access point mode, is 1 or less, the process proceeds to step S712. Then, in step S712, the CPU 201 controls the wireless LAN I/F 205 to stop the operation in the access point mode. The wireless LAN I/F 205 stops the operation in the access point mode according to the control of the CPU 201. On the other hand, if the value of the variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing wireless connections in the access point mode, is 2 or more, the wireless LAN I/F 205 does not stop the operation in the access point mode, and the process shown in the flowchart ends. The printing device 100 is characterized in that it determines whether to stop the operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user's logout based on the number of wireless connections established in the access point mode.

If the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing a wireless connection in access point mode, is 0, step S710 is determined to be Yes, and wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in access point mode. If the value of variable N is 0, it can be determined that there is no user using access point mode. Therefore, if the value of variable N is 0, wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

Also, if the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing a wireless connection in access point mode, is 1, step S710 is determined to be Yes, and wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in access point mode. If the value of variable N is 1, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that only the logged-in user is using access point mode, and other users are not using access point mode. Therefore, if the value of variable N is 1, wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

Also, if the value of variable N, that is, the number of devices currently establishing a wireless connection in access point mode, is two or more (multiple), step S710 is determined to be No, and wireless LAN I/F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode. If the value of variable N is multiple, it can be determined that other users are likely to be using access point mode in addition to the logged-in user. If the operation of access point mode were to be stopped in conjunction with the user logging out in this state, other users would not be able to use access point mode. Therefore, if the value of variable N is multiple, wireless LAN I/F 205 does not stop operation in access point mode even if the user logs out.

Next, step S711 will be described. In step S711, CPU 201 determines whether or not the user has pressed stop button 512. If CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed stop button 512, processing proceeds to step S712. Then, in step S712, CPU 201 controls wireless LAN I/F 205 to stop operation in the access point mode, and wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in the access point mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S711 that the user has not pressed stop button 512, processing returns to step 704.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the printing device 100 can stop the operation of the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out of the printing device 100. In the case of the printing device 100, the wireless LAN I/F 205 operates in either infrastructure mode or access point mode, and cannot operate in infrastructure mode and access point mode simultaneously. Therefore, while the wireless LAN I/F 205 is operating in the access point mode, the wireless LAN I/F 205 cannot operate in infrastructure mode, and cannot receive print data from a PC via an external access point. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless LAN I/F 205 automatically stops the operation of the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out. By automatically stopping the operation of the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out, the operation mode of the wireless LAN I/F 205 can be switched from the access point mode to the infrastructure mode.

(Embodiment 2)
A second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a process for switching whether or not to stop the operation in the access point mode in conjunction with a user logout based on the type of SSID used in the access point mode will be described. The configuration of the printing device 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The printing device 100 uses the setting screen 320 to set either a fixed SSID or a one-time SSID as the SSID to be used in the access point mode. In this embodiment, the maximum number of simultaneous connections when using a fixed SSID is multiple (e.g., 5 devices), and the maximum number of simultaneous connections when using a one-time SSID is 1. When the setting is to use a one-time SSID, the wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out. On the other hand, when the setting is to use a fixed SSID, the wireless LAN I/F 205 does not stop operation in the access point mode even if the user logs out.

This process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8. Each step shown in the flowchart in FIG. 8 is processed by CPU 201 expanding a control program stored in a memory such as ROM 202 into RAM 203 and executing it. Note that printing device 100 may be configured so that CPU 201 executes at least some of the steps in the flowchart in FIG. 8, and another CPU (not shown) different from CPU 201 executes the remaining steps.

In step S801, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the user currently logged in to the printing device 100 has logged out of the printing device 100. In this embodiment, a user is logged out when the user presses the logout button or when a predetermined time (e.g., five minutes) has elapsed without any user operation. When the currently logged in user logs out of the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S802. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the currently logged in user has not logged out of the printing device 100, processing proceeds to step S803.

Step S802 will be described. In step S802, the CPU 201 determines whether the setting for the access point mode set in the printing device 100 is a setting to use a one-time SSID. This determination is made by checking the result of the setting on the setting screen 320. If the setting for the access point mode is a setting to use a one-time SSID, the process proceeds to step S804. Then, in step S804, the CPU 201 controls the wireless LAN I/F 205 to stop the operation of the access point mode. The wireless LAN I/F 205 stops the operation of the access point mode according to the control of the CPU 201. On the other hand, if the setting for the access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the wireless LAN I/F 205 ends the process shown in the flowchart without stopping the operation of the access point mode.

If the setting for the access point mode is to use a one-time SSID, the answer in step S802 is Yes, and the wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in the access point mode. If the setting for the access point mode is to use a one-time SSID, the maximum number of simultaneous wireless connections in the access point mode is 1. The fact that the maximum number of simultaneous connections is 1 means that the access point mode is intended to be used only by the logged-in user, and it can be determined that use of the access point mode has ended when the user logs out. Therefore, if the setting is to use a one-time SSID, the wireless LAN I/F 205 stops operation in the access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

Also, if the setting for the access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, step S802 is determined to be No, and the wireless LAN I/F 205 does not stop the operation of the access point mode. If the setting for the access point mode is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the maximum number of simultaneous wireless connections in the access point mode is multiple (e.g., 5). The fact that the maximum number of simultaneous connections is multiple means that multiple users are expected to use the access point mode at their own desired timing, so it is preferable not to stop the operation of the access point mode. Therefore, if the setting is a setting to use a fixed SSID, the wireless LAN I/F 205 continues the operation of the access point mode without stopping the operation of the access point mode even if a user logs in from the printing device 100.

As described above, the printing device 100 is characterized in that it determines whether or not to stop operation in access point mode in conjunction with user logout, based on the setting of the SSID used in access point mode. If the SSID used in access point mode is a one-time SSID, the printing device 100 stops operation in access point mode in conjunction with user logout. On the other hand, if the SSID used in access point mode is a fixed SSID, the printing device 100 does not stop operation in access point mode even if the user logs out.

In addition, in this embodiment, a one-time SSID is given as an example of an SSID with a maximum number of simultaneous connections of 1, but the present invention may be applied to other types of SSIDs with a maximum number of simultaneous connections of 1 instead of a one-time SSID. As another type of SSID, for example, a setting in which an SSID corresponding to a user is generated and used in access point mode is conceivable. When using an SSID corresponding to a user, the printing device 100 switches the SSID to be used depending on the logged-in user. For example, if user A is logged in, the printing device 100 uses a user SSID dedicated to user A, and if user B is logged in, the printing device 100 uses a user SSID dedicated to user B. When using an SSID corresponding to such a user in access point mode, it is desirable to set the maximum number of simultaneous connections to 1, and it is also desirable to automatically stop the operation in access point mode in conjunction with the user logging out.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of each of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for realizing one or more functions.

100 Printing device 201 CPU
205 Wireless LAN I/F
208 Operation unit 209 IC card reader

Claims (22)

An image processing device that acts as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function for performing direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and performing printing,
A setting unit for setting an SSID (Service Set Identifier) used for executing the direct wireless communication function;
a providing means for providing a setting screen for accepting the setting, the setting screen including an item for logging out from the image processing device;
and an execution means for executing a direct wireless communication function based on the setting set via the setting screen,
The image processing device is characterized in that the settings include a first setting that executes a direct wireless communication function using a stored SSID for repeated use, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication using an SSID that includes a randomly generated string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched between by a user with administrator authority. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting screen is provided to a user having administrator authority. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a display means for displaying a confirmation screen including a display item indicating an SSID based on the settings, the SSID being used for the direct wireless communication function. The image processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the confirmation screen displayed by the display means can be displayed to users who do not have the administrator authority. The image processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the confirmation screen displayed by the display means displays a display item indicating a passkey to be used for the direct wireless communication function. The image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the setting screen is displayed after a function related to the setting of the direct wireless communication is selected, unlike a function that displays a screen for starting the direct wireless communication from a screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions including a copy function possessed by the image processing device. An image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first setting and the second setting are alternatively selectable on the setting screen. An image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the setting screen is an independent screen for performing only the setting. The image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the setting screen displays a message indicating that the setting screen is for configuring settings related to the SSID. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when the image processing device executes a new direct wireless communication function after stopping the direct wireless communication function, the execution means executes the direct wireless communication function using the same first SSID as when the direct wireless communication function was executed before the stop based on the first setting, and executes the direct wireless communication function using a new second SSID based on the second setting. The image processing device according to claim 10, wherein the direct wireless communication function is stopped by the image processing device stopping its operation as an access point. The image processing device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the new second SSID is a newly generated SSID when a new direct wireless communication function is executed. The image processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first SSID is an SSID set by a user via an input screen. The image processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the execution means executes a direct wireless communication function using the first SSID stored in the image processing device. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the setting means is capable of setting either the first setting in which the execution means executes the direct wireless communication function using the same SSID as when the execution means executed the direct wireless communication function last time, or the second setting in which the execution means executes the direct wireless communication function using a new SSID. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first setting is a setting for executing a direct wireless communication function using the same SSID every time the image processing device operates as an access point, and the second setting is a setting for executing a direct wireless communication function using a new SSID every time the image processing device operates as an access point. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the execution means starts execution of the direct wireless communication function based on an instruction from a user who has logged in to the image processing device, and the execution means stops execution of the started direct wireless communication function on at least one condition that the user has logged out of the image processing device. The image processing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the logout of the user logged in to the image processing device is executed based on the absence of user operations on the image processing device for a predetermined period of time. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the image processing device is configured to be able to receive print data from a communication terminal using the direct wireless communication and perform printing, regardless of the setting by the setting means. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that an instruction to execute the direct wireless communication function using the SSID based on the setting can be received from a user who does not have the administrator authority. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the stored SSID for repeated use is an SSID input by a user in an input field provided on the setting screen. A control method executed by an image processing device that acts as an access point to which a communication terminal can be connected, has a direct wireless communication function for performing direct wireless communication with the communication terminal without going through an external access point, and is capable of receiving print data from the communication terminal via the direct wireless communication and printing the print data, the method comprising:
A setting process for setting an SSID (Service Set Identifier) used for executing the direct wireless communication function;
providing a setting screen for accepting the settings, the setting screen including an item for logging out from the image processing device;
and executing a direct wireless communication function based on the setting set via the setting screen ,
The control method is characterized in that the settings include a first setting that executes a direct wireless communication function with a stored SSID for repeated use, and a second setting that executes direct wireless communication with an SSID that includes a randomly generated character string, and the first setting and the second setting can be switched between by a user with administrator authority.

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