JP7823112B2 - Communication device, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Communication devices such as printers communicate with external devices such as PCs (personal computers) and servers to provide users with various services such as printing and scanning. These services are made possible by the communication devices complying with standards established by the IT vendors that provide the PCs and servers.

If a communication device such as a printer is unable to start up normally due to a malfunction, it may be possible to start up in a "restricted mode" that limits some of its functions, allowing only certain functions to operate, or to run a program update process to resolve the malfunction.

Patent Publication No. 2017-194833

In Patent Document 1, when a predetermined error occurs in an image forming device that communicates with an external device, the image forming device is restarted with the network port that communicates with the external device disabled. However, with the method in Patent Document 1, if a problem occurs with the image forming device due to a change in the operating specifications of an external device such as a PC or server, there is a possibility that the image forming device may become unusable.

The purpose of this disclosure is to enable appropriate update processing in communication devices.

a communication device having an operation unit, the communication device comprising: a control means for operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device ; a communication means capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection; and an update means for performing a program update process using the communication means ; wherein the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode that restricts fewer functions than the first restricted mode; when a first operation is performed on the operation unit to start the communication device in the first restricted mode and to turn on the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed to start the communication device in the second restricted mode and to turn on the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode ; and the update means, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restricted mode, performs a first update process that is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restricted mode, and based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restricted mode, performs a second update process that is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restricted mode and different from the first update process .

This disclosure enables appropriate update processing in communication devices.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication device, an external device (server), and an access point. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when log information is transmitted between a communication device and an external device (server). 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication when printing is performed between a communication device and an external device (server). FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the communication device starts up in a normal mode. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the communication device starts up in a restricted mode. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for updating firmware when the communication device is operating in restricted mode. 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a communication device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a case where the communication device starts up in one of a plurality of restricted modes. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of the communication device. 10 is an example of a firmware update operation screen displayed on the communication device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a case where a communication device executes a firmware update process according to a restriction level.

The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numbers are used to designate identical or similar components, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

(First embodiment)
The external device and communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example of the external device, but this is not limiting. For example, various information processing devices, such as a mobile terminal, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital camera, can be used as the external device. In this embodiment, a printer is used as an example of the communication device, but this is not limiting. Various devices capable of wireless communication with the external device can be used. For example, printers can be inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to information processing devices other than printers, such as copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and smart speakers. In addition, the present invention can be applied to multifunction peripherals, image processing devices, and printing devices that have multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, and printing.

First, the configuration of the external device of this embodiment and a communication device capable of communicating with the external device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram in Figure 1. Furthermore, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to any device capable of communicating with the communication device, and the functions are not particularly limited to those shown in this diagram.

The external device 101 is the external device of this embodiment. The external device 101 has an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, etc. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the external device 101.

The input interface 102 is an interface for accepting data input and operational instructions from the user by operating an operation unit such as the keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard or physical buttons, or a soft keyboard or software buttons (soft buttons) displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may accept input (operations) from the user via the display unit 108.

The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire external device 101.

ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by CPU 103, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 104 controls software execution, such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing, under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 104. Note that firmware, which is the program to be updated in this embodiment, is stored in ROM 104.

RAM 105 is composed of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and other devices that require a backup power source. Because RAM 105 uses a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing external device 101 setting information and external device 101 management data. RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for CPU 103.

The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as a setting app) for performing network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting app is an application program for configuring the access point to which the communication device 151 connects using Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) or the like. The setting app may also have functions other than the network setup function. For example, the setting app may have a function for causing the communication device 151 to print, a function for causing a document placed in the communication device 151 to be scanned, a function for checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting app is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server, for example, via Internet communication via the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission/reception control program, transmitted and received between the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110 and the communication device 151, as well as various information used by these programs.

The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the external device 101.

The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode) or LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the external device 101.

The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point within the communication device 151, the external device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device located outside the external device 101 or the communication device 151. An external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) located outside the external device 101 and the communication device 151, and a device other than an access point that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. The WEC described above is executed through communication by the communication unit 110. Examples of the access point 131 include devices such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the external device 101 and the communication device 151 connect directly without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. A method in which the external device 101 and the communication device 151 connect via an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with devices such as the communication device 151 to perform data communication, and communicates using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 within the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

In this embodiment, the external device 101 executes WEC using the OS of the external device 101 based on an instruction to execute the network setup process from the setting app.

The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 has a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a scan engine 162, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, etc. The ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc. form a computer for the communication device 151.

The communication unit 156 has an access point within the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the external device 101. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the external device 101. When the communication unit 156 activates the access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may connect wirelessly to the external device 101 directly or via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. If the communication device 151 supports WEC, the aforementioned WEC is executed through communication by the communication unit 156. Additionally, the communication unit 156 may be equipped with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes it to function as an access point.

The communication device 151 of this embodiment is capable of operating in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for communicating using the communication unit 156.

Infrastructure mode is a mode in which communication device 151 communicates with other devices, such as external device 101, via an external device (e.g., access point 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external access point established by communication device 151 operating in infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, "infra connection"). In this embodiment, in an infrastructure connection, communication device 151 operates as a slave station, and the external access point operates as a master station. In this embodiment, a master station is a device that determines the communication channel to be used in the network to which the master station belongs, and a slave station is a device that does not determine the communication channel to be used in the network to which the slave station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

P2P mode is a mode in which communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices, such as external device 101, without going through an external device that forms a network. In this embodiment, P2P mode includes AP mode, in which communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point enabled within communication device 151 in AP mode can be set by the user. Note that P2P mode may also include, for example, WFD mode, in which communication device 151 communicates via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Note that which of multiple WFD-compatible devices will operate as the parent station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. Note that the parent station may also be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A WFD-compatible device that serves as a parent station is specifically referred to as a Group Owner. A direct connection established with another device by a communication device 151 operating in P2P mode is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a parent station, and the other device operates as a child station.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode, which is a mode for performing network setup of the communication device 151, by receiving a predetermined operation from the user. When operating in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates as a setup access point that is valid while operating in the network setup mode, by using the communication unit 156. The setup access point is an access point that is different from the access point that is enabled in the AP mode described above. Furthermore, the SSID of the setup access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by the setting app of the external device 101. Furthermore, the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password to connect. Furthermore, the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) when communicating with the external device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specific examples of setup communication protocols include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). After a predetermined time has elapsed since starting operation in network setup mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in network setup mode and disables the setup access point. This is because, as described above, the setup access point does not require a password, and leaving it enabled for a long period of time increases the likelihood that an inappropriate device will request connection. Note that the setup access point may require a password. In this case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (which the user cannot change) that is known in advance by the setting app.

The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with a device such as the external device 101, and can connect to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the external device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

RAM 153 is composed of SRAM or the like, which requires a backup power source. Since RAM 153 retains data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for communication device 151 and management data for communication device 151. RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for CPU 154, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from external device 101, etc., as well as various other information.

ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 152 controls software execution, such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing, under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152.

The CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151.

The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium, such as paper, by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium based on information stored in RAM 153 or a print job received from an external device 101 or the like, and outputs the print result. Since the amount of data in a print job sent from an external device 101 or the like is generally large, a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for communicating the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

The scan engine 162 reads image data and document data from a document (original) or the like placed on a platen or ADF (Auto Document Feeder) based on input from the operation unit 159 or a scan job received from an external device 101 or the like. The read data is stored in RAM 153 as the scan result or transmitted to the external device 101 or the like. Generally, the amount of scan result data transmitted from the communication device 151 to the external device 101 or the like is large, so a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for such communication. Therefore, the communication device 151 transmits the scan result via the communication unit 156, which is capable of faster communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

Note that communication device 151 may be equipped with optional memory such as an external HDD or SD card, and the information stored in communication device 151 may be stored in that memory.

The input interface 158 is an interface for accepting data input and operational instructions from the user by operating the operation unit 159, such as physical buttons. The operation unit may also be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 161. In other words, the input interface 158 may accept input from the user via the display unit 161. One embodiment of the operation unit 159 is shown in Figure 9.

The output interface 160 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151.

The display unit 161 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode) or LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151.

Figure 2 shows an example of communication when sending log information between the communication device 151 and the external device 101. In this embodiment, the external device 101 operates as a server for collecting log information, and the communication device 151 transmits user usage status and the operation status of the communication device 151 to the external device 101 as log information. The log information is stored in RAM 153 of the communication device 151 and is used for analysis to improve the specifications of the communication device 151 by transmitting it to the external device 101, which operates as a server that collects log information.

In S200, the communication device 151 determines whether it is time to send log information. The timing for sending log information may be, for example, when the communication device 151 is soft-on. Other examples include when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last time log information was sent, or after the completion of a service operation such as printing. If the communication device 151 determines that it is time to send log information, it automatically sends an authentication ID acquisition request to the external device 101 in S201, regardless of whether the user performed an operation. In this embodiment, the request for the authentication ID is sent using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) communication, and the authentication ID refers to cookie information. The authentication ID is used, for example, to identify a unique communication device 151 in an environment where multiple communication devices 151 and external devices 101 are connected. Therefore, in S202, the external device 101 generates an authentication ID that is unique for each communication device 151. Once the external device 101 generates the authentication ID, it transmits the authentication ID to the communication device 151 in S203.

When the communication device 151 receives the authentication ID from the external device 101 in S203, it stores the authentication ID in RAM 153. Then, in S204, the communication device 151 transmits log information to the external device 101. At this time, data with the acquired authentication ID added to the log information is transmitted to the external device 101. Then, if the external device 101 has successfully received the log information, it transmits information indicating that the information has been successfully received to the communication device 151 in S205.

Using Figure 3, we will explain the communication processing when executing print processing between the communication device 151 and the external device 101. In this embodiment, the external device 101 operates as a server that can register print jobs, and the communication device 151 can execute printing by receiving print jobs from the external device 101. Note that the registration of print jobs to the external device 101 is performed by a device other than the external device 101 (not shown, for example a PC). The processing of this flowchart is started when the communication device 151 is soft-on (powered on, power supplied). Note that in this embodiment, the timing for confirming communication with the external device (the timing when this flowchart starts) is explained as when the communication device 151 is powered on, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be when a certain amount of time has passed since the last communication check, or after the operation of each service, such as printing, has been completed.

In S301, the communication device 151 performs a communication check process with the external device 101 in which a print job is registered, as a preliminary step for checking whether the print job is registered. This communication check process involves the communication device 151 sending a request to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for accessing the external device 101 and checking whether a normal response is received. The URL mentioned above is a value specified by the external device 101. In S301, the communication check with the external device 101 is performed, and if communication is normal, in S302 the external device 101 sends a response to the communication device 151 indicating that communication is normal.

If the communication device 151 has successfully completed the communication confirmation with the external device 101, in S303 it checks with the external device 101 whether a print job has been registered. Here, the check on whether a print job has been registered may be performed automatically after communication confirmation with the external device 101, or may be performed in response to some user operation. Then, if a print job has been registered in the external device 101, in S304 the external device 101 sends information to the communication device 151 indicating that a registered print job exists.

If the communication device 151 receives information indicating that a registered print job exists in S304, it sends a request to send print data from the communication device 151 to the external device 101 in S305. The external device 101 then receives the request to send print data from the communication device 151, and if transmission is possible without any problems, it sends information indicating that transmission is possible without any problems in S306. The external device 101 then sends a print job to the communication device 151 in S307. The print job includes not only the data to be printed, but also print setting information such as paper information, quality, single-sided/double-sided, paper feed slot, etc. If the communication device 151 successfully receives the print job, it sends information indicating successful reception to the external device 101 in S308, and executes the print process.

Note that both the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 2 and the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are executed in response to a power-on operation of the communication device 151, but the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed after the processing in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is executed. However, the order in which the processing in the flowcharts is executed does not matter.

Here, we will explain what happens when a problem occurs with communication device 151.

In FIG. 2, for example, when the external device 101 sends an authentication ID to the communication device 151 in S203, a case can be considered in which the authentication ID sent exceeds the specified size. The communication device 151 reserves an area in RAM 153 in advance with the specified upper limit size for the authentication ID in order to save the authentication ID. However, if an authentication ID that exceeds the specified size is sent from the external device 101, memory corruption occurs when the authentication ID is mistakenly saved beyond the reserved area. If memory corruption occurs, the operation of the communication device 151 becomes unstable (indeterminate), which may result in a serious problem such as the communication device 151 automatically shutting down. In this embodiment, when the user soft-switches on the power of the communication device 151, the communication device 151 automatically starts acquiring the authentication ID. Therefore, if an authentication ID that exceeds the specified size is sent from the external device 101, the communication device 151 may automatically shut down.

Also, in Figure 3, an example is given of a case in which a problem occurs when communication device 151 and external device 101 check communication in S301 and S302. Communication device 151 sends a request to a URL specified by external device 101 in S301. Here, if the request destination URL has changed due to a change in the operating specifications of external device 101, for example, external device 101 sends the new request destination URL to communication device 151 in S302. Communication device 151 reserves an area in RAM 153 in advance to store the received new request destination URL. However, if the new URL sent exceeds the specified size, memory corruption will occur if communication device 151 stores the URL in RAM 153 beyond the area previously reserved. Memory corruption can cause unstable operation of communication device 151, potentially resulting in a serious problem such as automatic shutdown of communication device 151. In this embodiment, when a user soft-switches on the power of the communication device 151, the communication device 151 automatically checks connectivity with the external device 101. Therefore, if a new request destination URL is received from the external device 101, there is a possibility that the communication device 151 will automatically shut down.

In this embodiment, even in cases where the above-described problems occur in the communication device 151, the situation in which the user is unable to use the communication device 151 is mitigated by operating the communication device 151 in a restricted mode in which some of the functions of the communication device 151 are restricted. In other words, even in cases where the above-described problems occur, the situation in which the user is unable to use the communication device 151 is mitigated by operating the communication device 151 in a restricted mode in which some of the functions of the communication device 151 are available.

Furthermore, in the communication device 151, if more restrictions are placed on functions that use network communication, the amount of information communicated over the network connection will decrease, increasing the likelihood that the firmware update process will be successful. However, fewer functions will be available. Furthermore, if fewer restrictions are placed on functions that use network communication, more functions will be available. However, the amount of information communicated over the network connection will increase, increasing the likelihood that the firmware update process will fail.

In this embodiment, a communication device 151 having multiple restriction modes will be described. The first restriction mode restricts more functions than the second restriction mode described below, while the second restriction mode restricts fewer functions than the second restriction mode. Specifically, the first restriction mode restricts all network communication via a network connection with any server other than the external server on which the latest firmware is stored (having the latest firmware). The second restriction mode allows communication with the external server on which the latest firmware is stored, as well as with a management server that manages firmware update information. More specifically, the first restriction mode allows firmware update processing to be performed without checking the current firmware version information (without communicating with the management server that manages firmware update information). The second restriction mode allows firmware update processing to be performed without checking the current firmware version information, and if the current version information does not match the latest version information, the firmware update processing can be performed. In other words, the second restriction mode allows communication with the management server that manages firmware update information, and if the current version information does not match the latest version information, the firmware update processing can be performed. As a result, the first restricted mode reduces the amount of information transmitted over the network when performing the confirmation process to check the latest version information and the current version information, increasing the likelihood that the firmware update process will be successful. Furthermore, the second restricted mode performs the process to check the current version information, making it possible to perform an appropriate firmware update process.

Furthermore, the user can switch between the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode. Specifically, whether to start the communication device 151 in the first restriction mode or the second restriction mode is determined based on the operation method used to start the communication device 151. Specifically, when a first operation is performed to start the first restriction mode, the communication device is started in the first restriction mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation is performed to start the second restriction mode, the communication device 151 is started in the second restriction mode. In other words, it becomes easy to select between a firmware update process based on the first restriction mode (first update process) and a firmware update process based on the second restriction mode (second update process). This makes it easy to select a restriction mode and to select either firmware update for the communication device 151 operating in either restriction mode, improving user convenience.

Using Figure 4, we will explain the operational flow when communication device 151 starts up in normal mode. First, in S400, the user's operation to turn on communication device 151 (power-on operation (soft-on operation)) is accepted. Then, in S401, communication device 151 determines whether the user's operation to turn on communication device 151 in S400 is an operation for starting up in normal mode. Here, normal mode is a mode in which all functions of communication device 151 are available. Modes other than normal mode include, for example, a restricted mode in which some functions of communication device 151 are restricted, and an inspection mode used only at the production site of communication device 151. In this embodiment, the restricted mode specifically refers to a mode in which all network communications with devices other than an external server containing the latest firmware are restricted in the first restricted mode. However, functions other than network communications may also be restricted. In addition, in the second restricted mode, communication with a management server that manages firmware update information is permitted in addition to the external server containing the latest firmware. The restricted mode refers to a mode in which the communication device 151 operates with network communication restricted, but functions other than the network communication function may also be restricted. An operation for starting up in the normal mode is, for example, a user pressing a power button located on the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151. For example, the power button is the power button 902 for power control, which will be described later in FIG. 9 . An operation for starting up in the restricted mode is a user operation different from that for starting up in the normal mode. For example, an operation for pressing a button other than the power button while the power button is pressed. For example, the button other than the power button is the HOME button 903 or the STOP button 907, which will be described later in FIG. 9 . If the communication device 151 determines in S401 that the operation for turning on the communication device 151 is not an operation for starting up in the normal mode, the communication device 151 performs a startup process dedicated to each mode in S402. If the communication device 151 determines in S401 that the operation to turn on the communication device 151 is an operation to start up in normal mode, then in S403 it starts startup processing in normal mode. Startup processing in normal mode is processing necessary for the communication device 151 to operate normally, such as initialization processing of variables and areas in the software control of the communication device 151, and initialization processing related to hardware such as the print engine 155 of the communication device 151.

Then, in S404, the communication device 151 starts its network communication processing based on the network settings set by the user. Network settings include, for example, enabling settings for whether to establish a wireless infrastructure connection with the access point 131, and enabling settings for whether to establish a P2P connection with the external device 101. Note that when establishing a wireless infrastructure connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131, the user must set the SSID and password of the access point 131 to be connected to.

When the processing required to start up the communication device 151 is completed, in S405 the communication device 151 displays a menu screen (home screen) on the display unit 161, allowing the user to issue operational instructions to the communication device 151 via the operation unit 159. Specifically, screen 1006 in FIG. 10(b) is displayed. Details of the menu screen will be explained later with reference to FIG. 10.

After displaying a menu screen on the display unit 161 in S405, it is determined in S406 whether the network settings allow communication with an external server, regardless of whether a user operation is performed. Note that a network setting that allows communication with an external server refers to a setting that allows an infrastructure connection to the access point 131. If it is determined in S406 that the network settings allow communication with an external server, then in S407 the communication device 151 communicates with the external server and terminates the processing of this flowchart. In this embodiment, communication with an external server refers to communication with the external device 101 described in Figures 2 and 3, and therefore will not be described here. Note that although S406 and S407 describe communication with an external server, this external server may also be communication with the external device 101 operating as a PC. On the other hand, if it is determined in S406 that the network settings do not allow communication with an external server, the processing of this flowchart terminates.

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the operational flow when communication device 151 is started up in restricted mode. The processing in this flowchart corresponds to the processing in S402 in Figure 4. In S500, communication device 151 performs a determination process to determine whether the user operation to turn on communication device 151 in S400 is an operation to start up in restricted mode. This determination process will be described later in Figure 8.

In S501, the communication device 151 determines whether startup in restricted mode has been instructed. If it is determined in S807 or S808 of FIG. 8 that startup will be in either the first restricted mode or the second restricted mode, a YES determination is made in S501. On the other hand, if a NO determination is made in S803 of FIG. 8 or a NO determination is made in S806, a NO determination is made in S501. Specific processing in FIG. 8 will be described later.

At S502, the communication device 151 initiates startup processing in a mode other than normal mode and restricted mode, and at S503 displays a menu screen on the display unit 161. For example, the mode other than normal mode and restricted mode is a test mode, and startup processing for the test mode is performed at S502, and a menu screen for the test is displayed on the display unit 161 at S503 (not shown). Then, at S501, if the communication device 151 determines that the user operation of turning on the communication device 151 in S400 is an operation for starting up in restricted mode, it performs startup processing to operate the communication device 151 in restricted mode at S504. In this embodiment, the restricted mode operates with network communication restricted, but the startup processing in restricted mode at S504 is the same as the startup processing for normal mode at S403 in FIG. 4. However, for example, if the scanner function of the communication device 151 is restricted in restricted mode, the initialization process for the scan engine 162 does not need to be performed in the restricted mode startup process of S504, and therefore startup process different from the startup process in normal mode may be performed.

When the communication device 151 starts startup processing in restricted mode in S504, the network settings of the communication device 151 set by the user in S505 are saved in non-volatile memory. Here, the network settings refer to the enabled settings for infrastructure connection and P2P connection.

Then, in S506, the communication device 151 automatically changes the aforementioned network settings to disabled settings in order to restrict the network communication of the communication device 151. In this embodiment, since only the network settings are disabled in restricted mode, it is possible to communicate with the external device 101 via methods other than network communication such as USB.

Because communication device 151 has automatically changed its network settings to disabled, in S507 a confirmation screen (Figure 7) is displayed on display unit 161 to ask the user whether or not it is OK for communication device 151 to operate in restricted mode. This confirmation screen is displayed to reduce the risk of communication device 151 operating in restricted mode by mistake, even though the user intended communication device 151 to operate in normal mode. Figure 7 shows a confirmation screen that asks the user whether or not to start communication device 151 with the network restricted when communication device 151 starts operating in restricted mode. Display screen 700 includes areas 701 and 702.

In S508, the communication device 151 determines whether the user has selected not to start the communication device 151 in a state where network communication is restricted. Specifically, if area 701 is selected, it is determined that the user has selected not to start the communication device 151 in a state where network communication is restricted, and the process proceeds to S510. On the other hand, if area 718 is pressed, the process proceeds to S509, and processing is performed to turn off the power to the communication device 151 (soft power-off processing, shutdown processing).

In S510, if the determination process of S500 determines that startup is to be in the first restricted mode, the communication device 151 displays screen 1001 in FIG. 10(a), and if startup is to be in the second restricted mode, the communication device 151 displays screen 1006 in FIG. 10(b). Details of the menu screen in FIG. 10 will be described later.

Using Figure 6, we will explain the operational flow when a user changes settings or updates firmware while communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode. The processing in this flowchart is executed after communication device 151 starts operating in restricted mode at S504 described in Figure 5 and displays a menu screen on display unit 161 at S510. Specifically, at S510, communication device 151 is displaying the menu screen on display unit 161, and is therefore ready to receive operations from the user. Then, at S601, the user performs a predetermined operation via operation unit 159 of communication device 151, and communication device 151 starts the processing in this flowchart based on the reception of a predetermined operation instruction.

In S602, the communication device 151 determines whether the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation to turn off the power of the communication device 151 (power-off operation). If the communication device 151 determines that the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation to turn off the power of the communication device 151, in S603 it executes processing to turn off the power of the communication device 151. The communication device 151 then ends operation in the restricted mode and ends the processing of this flowchart.

In S604, the communication device 151 determines whether the specified operation received in S601 is an operation for updating the firmware of the communication device 151. Details of the screen display for updating the firmware of the communication device 151 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. If it is determined that the specified operation received in S601 is an operation for updating the firmware of the communication device 151, in S605 the communication device 151 transitions to firmware update mode. This firmware update mode is a mode in which network communication is performed with an external server on which the latest firmware is stored in order to update the firmware of the communication device 151, and printing operations using the print engine 155, etc., are unavailable. Note that if the communication device 151 receives a firmware update instruction while operating in normal mode or the second restricted mode of the restricted mode, the current firmware version information is compared with the firmware version information stored on the external server, and the communication device 151 transitions to firmware update mode only if there is a difference in the version information. On the other hand, if the communication device 151 receives a firmware update instruction while operating in the first restricted mode of the restricted modes, it will transition to firmware update mode without comparing firmware versions.

However, when the firmware update mode is entered in S605, the network settings of the communication device 151, which had been operating in restricted mode until immediately before, remain disabled, and therefore network communication is not possible. Therefore, in S606, the communication device 151 changes the network settings of the communication device 151 so that it operates using the previous network settings that were saved in non-volatile memory in S505 of Figure 5. Then, network communication is performed with an external server that contains the latest firmware, and the firmware of the communication device 151 is updated. Note that the firmware update method differs depending on the type of restricted mode, and is described in detail in Figures 10 and 11.

In S607, the communication device 151 determines whether the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation for changing the network settings of the communication device 151. If it is determined in S601 that the predetermined operation received is not an operation for changing the network settings, in S608 the communication device 151 is caused to execute processing based on the predetermined operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined operation received in S601 is an operation for changing the network settings, in S609 a screen indicating that the setting change cannot be made because network use is restricted is displayed on the display unit 161. Details of this screen will be described later in Figure 10.

Next, using Figure 8, we will explain the operational flow when the communication device 151 determines whether an operation is being performed to activate in restricted mode. The processing in this flowchart corresponds to the processing in S501 in Figure 5.

First, in S801, the communication device 151 determines whether the power button has been pressed. If the determination in S801 is YES, the process proceeds to S802; if the determination is NO, the process of S801 is repeated. Note that the power button is the power button 902 for power control, which will be described later in FIG. 9.

In S802, the communication device 151 determines whether the power button 902 has been released (the user has stopped pressing the power button). If the determination in S802 is YES, the process proceeds to S803; if the determination is NO, the process of S802 is repeated.

In S803, the communication device 151 determines whether at least one button other than the power button (in this embodiment, this is the HOME button 903 and the STOP button 907) has been operated. If the determination in S803 is YES, the process proceeds to S805; if the determination is NO, the process of this flowchart ends.

In S805, it is determined whether a pattern 1 operation has been performed. Here, a pattern 1 operation refers to, for example, an operation on the HOME button 903. Therefore, it is determined that a pattern 1 operation has been performed if only the HOME button 903 has been operated. If the determination in S805 is YES, the process proceeds to S807; if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to S806.

In S807, the communication device 151 sets (decides) to start up in the first restricted mode and ends the processing of this flowchart.

In S806, the communication device 151 determines whether a pattern 2 operation has been performed. Here, a pattern 2 operation is, for example, an operation of pressing both the HOME button 903 and the STOP button 907. Therefore, if it is determined that an operation of simultaneously pressing both the HOME button 903 and the STOP button 907 has been performed, it is determined that a pattern 2 operation has been performed. If it is determined in S806 that a pattern 2 operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S808; if it is determined that a pattern 2 operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S804.

In S808, the communication device 151 sets the device to start in the second restricted mode and ends the processing of this flowchart.

Note that in this embodiment, the power button, HOME button, and STOP button have been described as examples of buttons used in the operation to activate the restricted mode, but this is not limiting. For example, the buttons 902-907 shown in FIG. 9 (described later) or other buttons may be operated. Furthermore, the operation to activate the first restricted mode and the operation to activate the second restricted mode may be different operations on the same button. For example, the operation to activate the first restricted mode may be an operation to select the HOME button 903 once, and the operation to activate the second restricted mode may be an operation to select the HOME button 903 twice. Furthermore, the operation to activate the restricted mode may be accepted not only by a physical button, but also by touch information such as touching a specific area on the touch panel of the display unit 161. In other words, the operation to activate the first restricted mode and the operation to activate the second restricted mode may each be an operation on a specific soft button. Furthermore, one of the operations to activate the first restricted mode and the second restricted mode may be an operation on a hardware button and the other on a soft button.

Figure 9 shows one embodiment of the operation unit 159 connected to the communication device 151. The LCD unit 901 is an LCD panel that displays the status of the communication device 151 and the details of operations. The screens in Figures 7 and 10 are displayed on the LCD unit 901. Buttons 902-907 are hardware buttons (hardware keys) mounted on the communication device 151. Note that buttons 902-907 may also be soft buttons (soft keys) displayed on the LCD unit 901. Button 902 is a power button that can turn the power on and off, and button 903 is a HOME button that can clear all operations and display the initial screen (menu screen, HOME state screen). Button 904 is a back button that can return to the screen that was displayed immediately before the currently displayed screen, button 905 is a start button for a monochrome job, and button 906 is a start button for a color job. When a job such as copying or scanning is executed, pressing button 905 executes the job in monochrome, and pressing button 906 executes the job in color. Button 907 is a STOP button that stops the processing currently being performed by the communication device 151.

Figure 11 is a flowchart for executing firmware update processing corresponding to the first restriction mode based on the selection operation of "Start Update" (firmware update operation) being performed on screen 1004 in Figure 10(a) described below. Alternatively, it is a flowchart for executing firmware update processing corresponding to the second restriction mode based on the selection operation of "Start Update" (firmware update operation) being performed on screen 1013 in Figure 10(b). The processing in this flowchart corresponds to the processing in S606 in Figure 6.

In S1101, the communication device 151 determines whether the restriction mode completed in S605 of FIG. 6 is the first restriction mode. The restriction mode is the first or second restriction mode set in S807 or S808 of FIG. 8 described above. If the restriction mode is determined to be the first restriction mode, in S1102, the communication device 151 executes firmware update processing for restriction level 1. The firmware update processing for restriction level 1 is specifically the processing executed in the flow of screens 1000 to 1004 in FIG. 10(a). Details will be described later in FIG. 10(a). If the restriction mode is determined to be the second restriction mode, in S1103, the communication device 151 executes firmware update processing for restriction level 2. The firmware update processing for restriction level 2 is specifically the processing executed in the flow of screens 1006 to 1014 in FIG. 10(b). Details will be described later in FIG. 10(b).

The screen displayed on the display unit 161 of the communication device 151 will be described using Figure 10. Note that in this embodiment, the display unit 161 is assumed to be a touch panel.

Figure 10(a) shows a screen flow displayed when the communication device 151 is started in the first restriction mode (when it was operating in the first restriction mode before the firmware update), and is a firmware update flow for a high restriction level. In this embodiment, this flow is displayed when the communication device 151 is started with the network setting disabled. Specifically, this flow shows a flow when all network communication with the communication unit 156 of the communication device 151 is restricted except for the external server where the latest firmware is stored when communicating. This flow restricts all network communication except for the minimum necessary for the firmware update operation, thereby controlling network communication so that only the minimum necessary network communication is performed. In this way, it is possible to avoid network communication problems and perform the firmware update. Note that Figure 10(a) may also be a screen flow displayed when login is successful through login authentication processing based on user information after the communication device 151 is started in the first restriction mode. In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 is started in the normal mode in Figure 4, the display screen 1006 is displayed in S405.

Display screen 1000 displays an area showing a scan application, an area showing a maintenance application, and an area showing a setting application. Note that the areas displayed on display screen 1000 are not limited to these, and may also include areas showing other functions or applications. When the area showing the setting application is selected, communication device 151 displays display screen 1001. Display screen 1001 includes at least a LAN setting area where the network settings of communication device 151 can be changed, and an area for performing a firmware update ("Firmware Update" area). Here, when the area for performing a firmware update is selected, communication device 151 displays display screen 1002. Display screen 1002 includes areas 10021, 10022, and 10023. Area 10021 displays a message indicating that a firmware update of communication device 151 will be performed. When area 10021 is selected, communication device 151 forcibly transitions to firmware update mode without comparing the firmware versions of communication device 151 and the external server. Area 10022 is an area where settings related to a proxy server can be configured when the communication device 151 updates firmware. When area 10022 is selected, if the communication device 151 is operating in normal mode, the screen transitions to a proxy server settings screen. However, if the communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, display screen 1017 of FIG. 10(d) is displayed, indicating that settings cannot be changed. Area 10023 is an area where settings related to a DNS server can be configured when the communication device 151 updates firmware. When area 10023 is pressed, if the communication device 151 is operating in normal mode, the screen transitions to a DNS server settings screen. However, if the communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, display screen 1017 of FIG. 10(d) is displayed, indicating that settings cannot be changed. When area 10021 is selected, the communication device 151 displays display screen 1003. When communication device 151 receives an instruction to perform a firmware update on display screen 1003 (an instruction to select the "Yes" area), it displays display screen 1004, which includes an area for starting the firmware update. If the "No" area is selected on display screen 1003, it returns to display screen 1002. If the area for starting the firmware update is selected on display screen 1004, communication device 151 is restarted to execute the firmware update. Display screen 1004 includes information related to the firmware update (for example, information such as precautions regarding the firmware update). In this embodiment, 1005 is described for the sake of explanation and is not an actual screen that is displayed; however, a screen including information such as 1005 may be displayed to prompt the user to restart communication device 151.

Figure 10(b) shows the screen flow displayed when communication device 151 is started in the second restricted mode (when it was operating in the second restricted mode before the firmware update), and is the operation flow when the restriction level is lower than that of the first restricted mode. In this embodiment, this restricted mode allows communication with the external server where the latest firmware is located (holding the latest firmware information) as shown in Figure 10(a), as well as communication with the management server that manages firmware update information. Note that Figure 10(b) may also be the screen displayed when login is successful through login authentication processing based on user information after communication device 151 is started in the second restricted mode. Display screens 1006-1008 and 1012-1013 are similar to display screens 1000-1002 and 1003-1004, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

When area 10021 is selected on display screen 1008, communication device 151 begins communication with the external server on which the firmware is located. Communication device 151 also displays screen 1009, which includes information indicating that communication with the external server is in progress. Communication device 151 then compares the firmware version of communication device 151 with the latest firmware version on the external server, and if they differ (there is a discrepancy), transitions communication device 151 to firmware update mode. Specifically, display screen 1011 is displayed, which includes information indicating that the latest firmware information is available, and when selection of the "Next" area is accepted, display screen 1012 is displayed.

On the other hand, if the comparison of the firmware versions of communication device 151 and the external server shows that they are the same version, display screen 1010 is displayed. Specifically, display screen 1010 is displayed containing information indicating that the current firmware version information of communication device 151 satisfies (matches) the latest firmware information of the external server, and therefore a firmware update is not necessary. If the "OK" area is selected on display screen 1010, the display returns to display screen 1008.

Here, if the LAN settings area is selected on display screen 1001, the screen transitions to a screen where wireless connection settings can be changed, such as enabling/disabling wireless infrastructure connections and enabling/disabling communication protocols used for network communication. However, the above-mentioned setting changes are only possible when communication device 151 is operating in normal mode. If the LAN settings area is selected when communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, display screen 1017 in Figure 10(d) is displayed. Display screen 1017 displays information indicating that network communication settings cannot be changed because network communication operations are restricted. If a predetermined time has passed while display screen 1017 is displayed, display screen 1016 in Figure 10(c) is displayed again.

As described above, in this embodiment, even if a problem such as that described in FIGS. 2 and 3 occurs in the communication device 151, the device operates in the restricted mode in which some of the functions are restricted, as described in FIGS. 5 and 6. This can mitigate situations in which the user is unable to use the communication device 151 at all. Furthermore, even if the problem described above is a firmware problem in the communication device 151, by storing previous network settings in non-volatile memory as described in FIG. 6, firmware updates can be performed using network communication with an external server even after transitioning to firmware update mode. Furthermore, the communication device 151 has multiple restricted modes (first restricted mode and second restricted mode), and the control of the firmware update process in the first restricted mode is different from the control of the firmware update process in the second restricted mode. This makes it possible to gradually improve the success rate of the firmware update process. Specifically, in the first restricted mode, the communication process for comparing the current firmware version information with the latest firmware version information, which is included in the firmware update process in the second restricted mode, is omitted. By omitting this communication process, it is possible to avoid problems that may occur during the communication process, such as the inability to acquire or display firmware information, and thereby increase the success rate of the firmware update process. In the second restricted mode, a communication process is executed to compare the current firmware version information with the latest firmware version information, thereby reducing the risk of executing a firmware update process with incorrect version information. The differences between the firmware update processes in the first restricted mode and the second restricted mode are shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b). Which firmware update process is executed is determined by a predetermined operation performed by the user in response to a startup instruction for the communication device 151 received at startup. This makes it easy for the user to select either the firmware update process in the first restricted mode or the firmware update process in the second restricted mode.

In the embodiment described above, there are two types of restriction modes: a first restriction mode and a second restriction mode. However, if two types of restriction modes are not enough, it is possible to increase the number of restriction modes. By increasing the number of restriction modes in FIG. 11 and increasing the restriction levels to be determined in the same way as in S805 and S806 in FIG. 8, and setting the restriction modes, it is possible to increase the number of restriction modes. Therefore, although there are two types of restriction modes in this embodiment, the number of restriction modes is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, while the communication device 151 is operating in restricted mode, the settings for the wireless infrastructure connection and the wireless P2P connection are disabled, and communication with the external device 101 using USB is possible; however, USB communication may also be disabled. Alternatively, the communication device 151 may operate with only the infrastructure connection disabled, while the wireless P2P connection and USB connection are enabled. In this embodiment, when network communication is disabled and USB communication is enabled, it is possible to change the settings of the communication device 151 from the external device 101 using USB communication. At this time, settings other than the network settings can be changed, but the network settings cannot be changed. Examples of settings other than the network settings include the resolution setting, paper feed slot setting, and power saving setting when the communication device 151 performs printing.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination of whether to activate normal mode or restricted mode is made based on a user operation, but the specified user operation for activating normal mode and the specified user operation for activating restricted mode may be the same operation. In this case, the determination of whether to activate normal mode or restricted mode may be made based on error information, such as whether a problem recently occurred in communication device 151 and caused it to shut down. In other words, if error information is present, the device may start in restricted mode, and if no error information is present, the device may start in normal mode. Furthermore, the specified user operation for activating normal mode or restricted mode may be arbitrarily set by the user. Specifically, for example, when in normal mode, the specified operation for activating the first restricted mode and the specified operation for activating the second restricted mode may be set on display unit 161.

Furthermore, while the firmware update process in the above-described embodiment has been described as a process for updating firmware, it is not limited to this and may also be a process for updating at least one program in the communication device 151. For example, the above-described embodiment may also be applied to a process for updating software such as an OS, processor, or application program.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer or by multiple computers working in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, it is not necessary to implement all of the above-described processes using software; some or all of the processes may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processes using a single CPU; multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

Furthermore, the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are not only realized by a computer executing program code that has been read. This also includes cases where an operating system running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, and the functions of the aforementioned embodiments are realized through this processing.

The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program.

(Configuration 1)
A communication device having an operation unit,
a control means for operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device;
the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode;
A communication device characterized in that when a first operation is performed on the operation unit to activate the first restriction mode, the communication device starts up in the first restriction mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation and to activate the second restriction mode is performed, the communication device starts up in the second restriction mode.

(Configuration 2)
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first operation and the second operation are operations on hardware keys provided on the operation unit.

(Configuration 3)
a communication means capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection;
and an update unit that executes a program update process using the communication unit.
A communication device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restricted mode, a first update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restricted mode, and, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restricted mode, a second update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restricted mode and is different from the first update process.

(Configuration 4)
The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when an instruction to execute the second update process is received, information indicating whether program update processing is necessary in the communication device is notified, and, when an instruction to execute the first update process is received, a screen is displayed to select whether or not to execute program update processing in the communication device.

(Configuration 5)
A communication device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that when an instruction to execute the second update process is received, a confirmation process is executed to confirm information regarding the program on the server which is the external device and information regarding the program of the communication device, and the confirmation process is not executed in the first update process.

(Configuration 6)
6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the device determines whether to execute the update process based on version information of the program on the server and version information of the program on the communication device confirmed in the confirmation process.

(Configuration 7)
The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, in the confirmation process, if the version information of the program on the server matches the version information of the program on the communication device, the update process is not executed, and if the version information of the program on the server does not match the version information of the program on the communication device, the update process is executed.

(Configuration 8)
8. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the second update process is greater than the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the first update process.

(Configuration 9)
9. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the first update process involves a smaller amount of information communication over a network connection with the external device than the second update process.

(Configuration 10)
10. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the number of servers connectable in the second update process is greater than the number of servers connectable in the first update process.

(Configuration 11)
The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that in the first update process, it is possible to connect to a server that has the latest program, and in the second update process, it is possible to connect to the server that has the latest program and a server that manages information about the program of the communication device.

(Method 1)
A control method for a communication device having an operation unit,
a control step of operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device,
the control step operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode;
A control method characterized in that, when a first operation is performed on the operation unit to activate the first restriction mode, the communication device starts up in the first restriction mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation and to activate the second restriction mode is performed, the communication device starts up in the second restriction mode.

(Program 1)
A program for a communication device having an operation unit,
a control step of causing a computer of the communication device to operate in a restricted mode in which execution of functions of the communication device is restricted;
the control step operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode;
A program characterized in that, when a first operation is performed on the operation unit to activate the first restriction mode, the communication device starts up in the first restriction mode, and when a second operation different from the first operation and to activate the second restriction mode is performed, the communication device starts up in the second restriction mode.

101 External device 151 Communication device 159 Operation section 161 Display section

Claims (12)

A communication device having an operation unit,
control means for operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device ;
a communication means capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection;
an update unit that executes a program update process using the communication unit;
Equipped with
the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode;
When a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode ;
The update means executes a first update process, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restriction mode, and executes a second update process, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restriction mode . The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation and the second operation are operations on hardware keys provided on the operation unit, and are operations of pressing a hardware key other than the power button while the power button is pressed. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when an instruction to execute the second update process is received, information indicating whether a program update process is necessary is notified in the communication device, and, when an instruction to execute the first update process is received, a screen is displayed to select whether or not to execute a program update process in the communication device. A communication device as described in claim 1, characterized in that when an instruction to execute the second update process is received, a confirmation process is executed to confirm information regarding the program on the server which is the external device and information regarding the program of the communication device, and the confirmation process is not executed in the first update process. 5. The communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the device determines whether to execute the update process based on version information of the program on the server and version information of the program on the communication device confirmed in the confirmation process. The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the confirmation process, if the version information of the program on the server matches the version information of the program on the communication device, the update process is not executed, and if the version information of the program on the server does not match the version information of the program on the communication device , the update process is executed. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the second update process is greater than the number of screens displayed on the display unit of the communication device in the first update process. 2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first update process involves a smaller amount of information communication over a network connection with the external device than the second update process. 2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of servers connectable in the second update process is greater than the number of servers connectable in the first update process. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that in the first update process, it is possible to connect to a server that has the latest program, and in the second update process, it is possible to connect to the server that has the latest program and a server that manages information about the program of the communication device. A control method for a communication device having an operation unit,
a control step in which a control means of the communication device operates the communication device in a restricted mode in which execution of functions of the communication device is restricted ;
a communication step capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection;
an updating step of executing a program update process in the communication step;
and
In the control step, the control means operates the communication device in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode;
When a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode ;
A control method characterized in that, in the update step, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restriction mode, a first update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, and based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restriction mode, a second update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process . A program for a communication device having an operation unit,
a control step of operating the communication device in a restricted mode that restricts execution of functions of the communication device ;
a communication step capable of communicating with an external device via a network connection;
an updating step of executing a program update process in the communication step;
causing a computer of the communication device to execute the
In the control step, the communication device is operated in one of a first restricted mode and a second restricted mode in which fewer functions are restricted than in the first restricted mode;
When a first operation is performed on the operation unit, the first operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the first restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the first restricted mode; when a second operation different from the first operation is performed, the second operation is an operation for starting the communication device in the second restricted mode and is an operation for turning on a power source of the communication device, the communication device starts up in the second restricted mode ;
A program characterized in that, in the update step, based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the first restriction mode, a first update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the first restriction mode, and based on the fact that the communication device was operating in the second restriction mode, a second update process is executed, which is an update process of the program corresponding to the second restriction mode and is different from the first update process .