Communication device, control method of communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

This invention relates to a communication device, a control method for the communication device, and a storage medium. It maintains a connector for establishing a connection to a wireless network using a Device Configuration Protocol (DPP) and information for establishing a connection to the wireless network using a protocol different from DPP. When the maintained connector is provided to other communication devices, if the information for establishing a connection to a wireless network that can be connected using the connector is maintained, the connector and the maintained information are provided to the other communication devices according to DPP.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of the application filed on August 28, 2017, with application number 2017800547284, entitled "Communication Equipment, Control Method for Communication Equipment and Storage Medium".) Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to communication technology. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, wireless communication capabilities have been increasingly incorporated into electronic devices such as digital cameras, printers, mobile phones, and smartphones, and these devices are being used more frequently by connecting to wireless networks.

[0004] To connect an electronic device to a wireless network, various communication parameters, such as encryption methods, encryption keys, authentication methods, and authentication keys, need to be set. As a technology to facilitate the setting of these communication parameters, a communication parameter setting protocol (Wi-Fi Device Configuration Protocol, hereinafter referred to as DPP) using QR codes (registered trademark) has been established (Non-Patent Document 1). According to DPP, a scheme for securely setting communication parameters using public-key encryption methods and for wireless connection processing is specified.

[0005] According to the DPP described in Non-Patent Document 1, the configuration direction for providing communication parameters is provided by the participant receiving the communication parameters, and information called connectors is provided corresponding to the necessary information for establishing a connection with the access point. Furthermore, the participant performs connection processing for generating keys used for authentication and communication with the access point by using the connector provided by the configuration party. Additionally, according to the DPP in Non-Patent Document 1, the configuration party can provide the participant with PSKs or passphrases used in prior art connection processing that do not use DPP.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Non-patent literature

[0008] Non-patent document 1: Wi-Fi Alliance, Wi-Fi Device Configuration Protocol (DPP) draft technical specification v0.0.23 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Consider the following scenario: the configurator maintains both the connector used for DPP and the PSK or passphrase used for non-DPP as communication parameters for establishing a connection with a wireless network formed through a specific access point. According to the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the configurator may only provide the connector used for DPP to the participating party. In this case, if the participating party fails to establish a connection using the connector, the participating party needs to perform the process of setting the communication parameters again to obtain the communication parameters. That is, the process of setting the communication parameters needs to be performed again to obtain the PSK or passphrase used for non-DPP, and there are concerns about the time required until a connection is established and the reduced availability.

[0010] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a technology in which, when a wireless connection to a wireless network is to be established by using DPP, the time until the connection is established is reduced and the availability is improved.

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, a communication device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first holding component for holding a connector for establishing a connection with a wireless network according to a Device Configuration Protocol (DPP); a second holding component for holding information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP; and a providing component for providing the first connector and the first information to other communication devices according to the DPP when the first connector held by the first holding component is provided to other communication devices, and when the second holding component holds the first information for establishing a connection with a wireless network that can be connected using the first connector.

[0012] Additionally, according to another aspect of the communication device of the present invention, it is characterized by comprising: a receiving unit for receiving communication parameters for establishing a connection with a wireless network according to a Device Configuration Protocol (DPP); a first execution unit for performing connection processing according to the DPP using the first connector before performing connection processing according to the protocol different from the DPP using the first information, provided that the communication parameters received by the receiving unit include a first connector for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to the DPP and first information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to the protocol different from the DPP; and a second execution unit for performing connection processing according to the protocol different from the DPP using the first information, provided that the connection processing of the first execution unit fails.

[0013] According to the present invention, a technique can be provided in which, when a wireless connection to an access point is to be established by using DPP, the time until the connection is established is reduced and the availability is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the hardware structure of a communication device.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the software functional structure of a communication device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a sequence diagram of operations between communication devices.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the communication parameters.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication device parameter providing device.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a communication device parameter receiving device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details an example communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example using a wireless LAN system conforming to the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 series will be described below. However, the communication mode is not limited to a wireless LAN conforming to IEEE 802.11.

[0022] Figure 3 The structure of a communication system according to this embodiment is shown. The communication system includes an access point 302, a smartphone 304, a printer 305, and a wireless LAN network 303 (hereinafter referred to as network 303). The following will describe the process when the printer 305 participates in the network 303 formed by the access point 302. The smartphone 304 operates as the configuration party specified by the DPP and provides the printer 305 with information for establishing a connection with the access point 302.

[0023] It should be noted that the following description will be provided: Although the devices in the communication system according to this embodiment are configured as smartphones, access points, and printers, other devices such as mobile phones, cameras, PCs, camcorders, smartwatches, and PDAs can also be used. Furthermore, the following description will be provided: Although the number of devices in the communication system is set to three, two or more devices can also be used.

[0024] Subsequently, it will be used Figure 1 To illustrate according to this embodiment Figure 3 The hardware structure of the communication equipment (access point 302, smartphone 304, and printer 305) in the shown communication system. Figure 1 In this context, 101 represents the entire device. 102 represents a control unit for controlling the entire device by executing the control program stored in storage unit 103. Control unit 102 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). 103 represents a storage unit for storing various information such as the control program executed by control unit 102, image data, and communication parameters. The various operations described later are performed when control unit 102 executes the control program stored in storage unit 103. Storage unit 103 may include, for example, ROM, RAM, HDD, flash memory, or a removable SD card.

[0025] 104 represents a wireless unit configured for wireless LAN communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. Wireless unit 104 includes a chip for wireless communication. 105 represents a display unit for various displays and capable of outputting visually recognizable information, such as an LCD or LED, or sound, such as a speaker. Display unit 105 is provided with functions for outputting at least one of visual and sound information. When displaying visual information, display unit 105 includes a video RAM (VRAM) for holding image data corresponding to the visual information to be displayed. Display unit 105 performs display control for continuously displaying the image data stored in the VRAM on an LCD or LED.

[0026] 106 represents a capturing unit that includes an imaging element and a lens, and is used to capture photos or videos. Capturing unit 106 captures images such as one-dimensional barcodes or two-dimensional codes (such as QR codes). 107 represents an antenna control unit for output control of antenna 108, and 108 represents an antenna capable of communication within the 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz frequency bands for communication via wireless LAN. 109 represents an input unit for user input to operate communication device 101. Input unit 109 stores flags corresponding to the inputs in a memory such as storage unit 103. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The example provided is just one example, and communication devices can include other hardware structures. For instance, in the case where the communication device is a printer, the communication device, in addition to... Figure 1 In addition to the structure shown, a printing unit may also be included. On the other hand, if the communication device 101 is the access point 302, the communication device 101 does not need to include the imaging unit 106 and the display unit 105.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of software function blocks that perform the communication control functions described later. According to this embodiment, the function blocks of each communication device are stored as programs in the storage unit 103, and their functions are implemented when the control unit 102 executes the program. The control unit 102 performs each function by controlling each piece of hardware and performing information calculations and processing according to the control program. It should be noted that some or all of the components included in this function block may be placed in hardware. In this case, some or all of the components included in each function block may include, for example, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0028] exist Figure 2 In this diagram, 201 represents the entire software function block. 202 represents the communication parameter control unit. The communication parameter control unit 202 performs communication parameter sharing processing for sharing communication parameters between devices. In the communication parameter sharing processing, the providing device provides communication parameters for establishing wireless communication with the receiving device. Here, the communication parameters include Service Set Identifier (SSID) as a network identifier, wireless communication parameters such as encryption methods, encryption keys, authentication methods, or authentication keys required for wireless LAN communication, etc. In addition, the communication parameters may also include the connector, MAC address, PSK, passphrase, IP address for communication at the IP layer, and information required for higher-level services as specified by DPP. The communication parameter sharing processing performed by the communication parameter control unit 202 is set to DPP. However, the communication parameter sharing processing performed by the communication parameter control unit 202 can be other processing such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) or Wi-Fi Direct, and is not limited to DPP.

[0029] 203 represents a barcode reading control unit. The barcode reading control unit 203 analyzes the image of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code captured by the imaging unit 106, and obtains encoded information. The barcode reading control unit 203 uses the imaging unit 106 to capture code information including the public key used when performing communication parameter sharing processing, and obtains the captured image. It should be noted that the code information can also be a two-dimensional code such as a CP code or QR code, or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. The barcode reading control unit 203 analyzes the image of the code information obtained by the imaging unit 106 and obtains encoded information. According to this embodiment, the code information may include information used in the communication parameter sharing processing. The information used in the communication parameter sharing processing is information such as the public key used in authentication processing or the device identifier. It should be noted that the public key is information used to increase the security of the communication parameter sharing processing, and can also be information such as a certificate or password. Here, the public key is an encryption key used in a public key encryption method.

[0030] 204 represents a barcode generation control unit. This unit controls the generation of one-dimensional barcodes or two-dimensional codes such as QR codes, and displays the generated one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes on the display unit 105. The barcode generation control unit 204 generates code information, including information such as the public key used when performing communication parameter sharing processing or the identifier of the communication device. 205 represents a service control unit in the application layer. Here, the application layer refers to the service provision layer, which is a higher-level layer than or equal to layer 5 in the OSI reference model. That is, the service control unit 205 performs printing processing, image streaming processing, or file transfer processing using wireless communication based on the wireless unit 104.

[0031] 206 represents a packet receiving unit, and 207 represents a packet sending unit, which controls the sending and receiving of any packets, including those from higher-level communication protocols. Additionally, packet receiving unit 206 and packet sending unit 207 control wireless unit 104 to send and receive packets conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard with peer devices.

[0032] 208 represents a station function control unit that provides STA functionality for operating stations (STAs) in the infrastructure mode specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard. The STA function control unit 208 performs authentication / encryption processing, etc., when operating as a STA. Additionally, 209 represents an access point function control unit that provides AP functionality for operating as an access point (AP) in the infrastructure mode specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard. The AP function control unit 209 forms a wireless network and performs authentication / encryption processing and STA management, etc. 210 represents a data storage unit that controls the writing and reading of the software itself and information such as communication parameters and barcode types relative to the storage unit 103. Furthermore, if the communication device 101 is an access point 302, the absence of a barcode reading control unit 203 is sufficient.

[0033] The operation of a communication system including the above structure will be described. Access point 302 establishes network 303, and smartphone 304 maintains communication parameters that allow it to establish a connection with network 303. As a method for obtaining communication parameters in smartphone 304, existing technology protocols such as WPS or AOSS can be used if access point 302 does not comply with DPP. Alternatively, if access point 302 complies with DPP, automatic settings utilizing DPP or similar methods can be used. Optionally, the user can manually input the parameters using input unit 109.

[0034] Figure 4The diagram illustrates the sequence of processing operations performed between access point 302, smartphone 304, and printer 305. Smartphone 304 captures the QR code displayed by printer 305, which has received a processing start instruction from the user, and obtains authentication information (F401) from the QR code. It should be noted that the authentication information obtained in F401 can be a public key. Smartphone 304 uses the authentication information obtained from the QR code to generate identification information to be used in the authentication process described later. Smartphone 304 obtains the identification information by calculating a hash value for the public key included in the QR code. After calculating the identification information, smartphone 304 sends an authentication request signal (F402) to printer 305. Smartphone 304 sends an authentication request signal (F402) including the generated identification information to printer 305. The authentication request signal is a signal used to request authentication processing. Here, the Action frame specified in the 802.11 series is used as the authentication request signal.

[0035] Upon receiving an authentication request signal, printer 305 performs authentication processing based on the identification information calculated using printer 305's public key and the identification information included in the signal. Printer 305 determines whether the identification information included in the received authentication request signal matches the calculated identification information. Printer 305 sends an authentication response signal indicating whether the authentication processing was successful. Note that the successful authentication process will be described here. If the identification information included in the received authentication request signal matches the calculated identification information, printer 305 sends an authentication response signal (F403) indicating successful authentication to smartphone 304. Note that the authentication response signal is configured to include information required to perform authentication processing at the source of the authentication request signal. For example, the authentication response signal includes the identification information calculated at the source of the authentication response signal.

[0036] Upon receiving an authentication response signal, the smartphone 304 performs authentication processing based on the information included in the authentication response signal. The smartphone 304 can also perform authentication by determining whether the identification information included in the received authentication response signal matches the identification information generated based on information obtained from the QR code. Additionally, the smartphone 304 generates a common key based on the information included in the authentication response signal, or obtains a common key from the authentication response signal.

[0037] Upon successful authentication, smartphone 304 sends an authentication confirmation signal (F404) to printer 305 indicating successful authentication. Upon receiving the authentication confirmation signal, printer 305 sends a setting request signal (F405) to smartphone 304 requesting communication parameters. Upon receiving the setting request signal, smartphone 304 sends a setting response signal (F406) including the communication parameters to printer 305. Here, the communication parameters are communicated in an encrypted state using the common key shared during the authentication process. It should be noted that the setting response signal can be a DPP configuration response frame as defined by DPP.

[0038] When using DPP, the communication parameters sent in F406 are based on non-patent literature 1, such as Figure 5 As shown. The overall structure known as a DPP certificate includes AKM, Classic PSK / Password, Connector, and Expiry. AKM is an abbreviation for Authentication and Key Management Type and indicates which authentication protocol or key exchange algorithm to use during communication. The Classic PSK / Password is the encryption key used when implementing authentication or key exchange based on existing technologies such as WPA or IEEE 802.11. In other words, the Classic PSK / Password is information used to establish a connection with a wireless network formed through an access point according to a protocol different from DPP. Additionally, the Connector contains various information used in the authentication protocol and key exchange algorithm specified by DPP. The Connector is information used to establish a connection with a wireless network formed through an access point according to DPP.

[0039] Upon receiving a setup response signal, printer 305 sends a connection request signal (F407) for network 303 to access point 302 based on the communication parameters included in the setup response signal. It should be noted that the printer sends a connection request signal according to DPP to access point 302 if the received setup response signal includes information indicating that the connector is valid, or if the received setup response signal does not include information indicating that the connector is invalid.

[0040] The connection request signal according to DPP includes a connector. The connector at least includes management device information indicating that the device (configurer) that has provided communication parameters is the smartphone 304. Upon receiving the connection request signal, access point 302 compares the management device information in the signal with its stored list of management devices and confirms whether the same device (smartphone 304) is registered. If the same device is confirmed to be registered, access point 302 sends a connection permission signal (F408) to printer 305 to authorize the connection of printer 305. It should be noted that printer 305 may also include communication parameters obtained from smartphone 304, such as the encryption key in the connection request signal. Additionally, access point 302 may confirm whether the encryption key included in the connection request signal matches the encryption key required for communication in network 303, and send a connection permission signal if the encryption keys match.

[0041] Upon receiving a connection permission signal, printer 305 performs necessary connection processing, such as a four-way handshake with access point 302, and joins network 303 (F409).

[0042] Next, it will be used by Figure 6 This explains the processing flow executed in the 304 error message of a smartphone. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed in the smartphone 304, and each step of this flowchart is executed when the control unit 102 executes the control program stored in the storage unit 103 of the smartphone 304. It should be noted that the following structure can also be used: Figure 6 Some or all of the steps in the flowchart shown are implemented by hardware such as ASICs.

[0043] The smartphone 304 begins processing communication parameter sharing upon receiving instructions from the user via the input unit 109. Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates this process. Smartphone 304 obtains a public key (F401, S601) corresponding to the authentication information of printer 305, which serves as the peer device, by scanning a QR code. It should be noted that the method of obtaining authentication information is not limited to the QR code described here; other methods such as NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, or user-entered strings can also be used. Furthermore, according to DPP, the acquisition of authentication information is specified by the name of the bootstrap.

[0044] Next, the smartphone went to 304. Figure 4The authentication process described in F402 to F404 (S602) is as follows. It should be noted that smartphone 304 terminates the process if the authentication process fails. If the authentication process is successful, smartphone 304 determines whether a setup request signal has been received from printer 305 (S603, F405). Smartphone 304 terminates the process if no setup request signal has been received from printer 305.

[0045] Upon receiving a setup request signal from printer 305, smartphone 304 determines whether the parameters required for DPP have been retained (S604). As a result of the determination in S604, if the parameters for DPP are available, the process proceeds to S612.

[0046] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in S604, if the parameters for DPP are not retained, since parameter settings for the access point have not been performed, the smartphone 304 generates new parameters for DPP to be retained in memory (S615). It should be noted that the newly generated parameters for DPP can be generated based on user input information or be a randomly generated string.

[0047] Smartphone 304 determines whether it retains WPA or IEEE 802.11 compliant parameters (referred to as legacy) used to establish a connection to a wireless network that can be established through the provided DPP (S612).

[0048] Based on the judgment result of S612, without maintaining the traditional parameters, the smartphone 304 sets the parameter information used for DPP in the area of ​​the connector where the setting response signal to be sent is to be stored (S613). In addition, the smartphone 304 sets the value representing DPP in the area of ​​the AKM where the setting response signal to be sent is to be stored (S614).

[0049] On the other hand, based on the judgment result of S612, if the conventional communication parameters are still available, the communication parameters for DPP are set in the area of ​​the connector where the setting response signal to be sent is to be stored (S609). Furthermore, the smartphone 304 sets the available conventional communication parameters in the area of ​​the conventional PSK / password where the setting response signal to be sent is to be stored (S610). The smartphone 304 sets values ​​in the AKM to indicate the availability of both conventional and DPP parameters (S611). The smartphone 304 sends the setting response signal generated after the processing in S611 or S614 to the printer 305, and the processing ends (S608, S406).

[0050] According to this embodiment, the setting in the setting response signal sent by the smartphone 304 in F406 is... Figure 5 The connector information and conventional information in the DPP certificate shown are used to establish a connection with the same wireless network. This structure improves availability at the destination of the communication parameters. For example, if printer 305 fails to connect using the connector corresponding to the destination of the communication parameters, printer 305 can attempt to connect using conventional communication parameters. Therefore, even if the user avoids the effort of re-scanning the QR code of printer 305 using a smartphone 304, printer 305 can re-attempt to connect using conventional communication parameters.

[0051] It should be noted that when smartphone 304 provides information to another device for establishing connections with multiple wireless networks, it is assumed that a setup response signal with multiple DPP certificates set is sent.

[0052] Subsequently, it will be used Figure 7 This section explains the processing flow performed in printer 305, which operates as a communication parameter receiving device. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed in printer 305, and each step of this flowchart is executed when control unit 102 executes the control program stored in storage unit 103 of printer 305. It should be noted that the following structure can also be used: Figure 7 Some or all of the steps in the flowchart shown are implemented by hardware such as ASICs.

[0053] The printer 305 begins processing after receiving an instruction from the user via the input unit 109 to perform communication parameter sharing. Figure 7 The flowchart shows that printer 305 sends a public key (F401, S701) corresponding to the authentication information used in the communication parameter sharing process to smartphone 304, which is used as a peer device. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The description already illustrates the following example: Printer 305 sends a public key by displaying a QR code, which is a public key corresponding to the authentication information used in the communication parameter sharing process. However, as a method of sending the public key, wireless communication such as NFC, Bluetooth, or USB can be used to send it to the peer device.

[0054] Next, printer 305 communicates with the peer device. Figure 4 The authentication process described in F402 to F404 is then performed. If the authentication process is successful, the printer 305 sends the setup request signal described in F405. The printer 305 then receives a DPP certificate corresponding to the communication parameters included in the received setup response signal, which is a response to the setup request signal.

[0055] Printer 305 checks the AKM information from the received DPP certificate (S703). See reference... Figure 5 As mentioned in the description, AKM is an abbreviation for Authentication and Key Management Type, and it is a value indicating which authentication protocol or key exchange algorithm should be used during communication. Printer 305 determines whether the AKM information includes a value indicating DPP (S704).

[0056] As a result of the judgment in S704, if the AKM information does not include a value representing DPP, printer 305 continues to determine whether the AKM information includes a value representing conventional (S705). As a result of the judgment in S705, if the AKM information does not include a value representing conventional, printer 305 terminates the process due to an error (S706). That is, it does not execute. Figure 4 The sequence F407 and subsequent sequences are processed, and an error notification is displayed on the display unit 105 to terminate the process.

[0057] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in S705, if the AKM information includes a value representing a conventional one, the printer 305 refers to the conventional PSK / password in the DPP certificate and sets it as its own device's encryption key (S707). Thereafter, the printer 305 performs connection processing with the access point using the existing WPA / WPA2 protocol to implement communication (S708).

[0058] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in S704, if the AKM information includes a value representing DPP, the connector information in the DPP certificate is referenced, and the printer 305 attempts to perform connection processing using the connector based on the DPP (S709). As a result of the connection processing attempt in S709, it is determined whether the connection is complete based on the connector information in the DPP certificate (S710). As a result of the judgment in S710, if the connection is completed normally, the processing ends.

[0059] On the other hand, in S710, if the connection is not completed normally and communication with the access point cannot be established, printer 305 checks the AKM information from the received DPP certificate. Then, printer 305 confirms whether the AKM information includes a value representing a legacy (S711). As a result of the judgment in S711, if the information representing a legacy is not included, printer 305 terminates the process due to an error (S714). On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in S711, if the AKM information includes a value representing a legacy, printer 305 refers to the legacy PSK / password in the DPP certificate and sets it as its own device's encryption key (S712). Thereafter, printer 305 establishes communication by using the existing WPA / WPA2 protocol to connect with the access point (S713).

[0060] In this way, when a DPP connector and a non-DPP PSK or passphrase are provided via a sequence of DPP steps, printer 305 first uses the connector to perform connection processing. Therefore, printer 305 can more securely attempt to establish a wireless connection based on DPP. Then, even if DPP connection processing fails, printer 305 can attempt to connect using conventional communication parameters.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a wireless connection to a wireless network needs to be established using DPP, the time until the connection is established is reduced and the availability is improved.

[0062] (Other embodiments)

[0063] According to the above embodiments, a structure for exchanging information for setting communication parameters between devices by using an image of a QR code has been described. However, instead of capturing a QR code, wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth can also be used. Additionally, wireless communication such as IEEE 802.11ad or TransferJet (registered trademark) can also be used.

[0064] It should be noted that the QR code to be read can be not only the QR code displayed on the display unit, but also the QR code affixed to the casing of the communication device in the form of a label or the like. Furthermore, the QR code to be read can be the QR code affixed to a user manual or packaging such as cardboard when the communication device is sold. In addition, one-dimensional barcodes or two-dimensional barcodes other than QR codes can be used instead of QR codes. Furthermore, information in a user-readable format can be used instead of machine-readable information such as QR codes.

[0065] Furthermore, while the embodiments have described communication between devices via IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless LAN communication, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, communication can be implemented using wireless communication media such as wireless USB, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or NFC. Here, UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, or WINET, etc.

[0066] The present invention can also be implemented through a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions in the above embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Alternatively, the present invention can be implemented using circuitry (e.g., an ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0067] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

[0068] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application 2016-173744, filed on September 6, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: The first retaining component is used to retain the connector used to establish a connection with the wireless network according to the Device Configuration Protocol, i.e., DPP; The second holding component is used to hold information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from that of the DPP; as well as Provides components for providing communication parameters, including both the connector and the information, to other communication devices based on the DPP.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The information used to establish a connection to the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP is a pre-shared key, i.e., a PSK or passphrase, used for connection processing based on Wireless Fidelity Protected Access (WPA) or IEEE 802.

11.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The information used to establish a connection to the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP is obtained through Wireless Fidelity Protection Settings (WPS), One-Click Security System (AOSS), or user input.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: The camera component is used to capture images. If the authentication of other communication devices based on authentication information obtained from the captured image is successful, communication parameters including both the connector and the information are provided to the other communication devices.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: A receiving component is used to receive instructions from the user to begin processing related to the DPP.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: Printing component, used for printing images.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The providing component, based on the DPP, utilizes an authentication and key management type, namely AKM, to provide communication parameters to the other communication devices, including both the connector and the information, wherein the AKM conforms to the DPP and indicates that the communication parameters include both parameters conforming to the DPP and parameters different from those conforming to the DPP.

8. A communication device, comprising: The receiving component is used to receive communication parameters for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to the Device Configuration Protocol (DPP). as well as An execution unit is configured to perform at least one of the following processes when the received communication parameters include both a connector for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to the DPP and information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein, The information used to establish a connection to the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP is a pre-shared key, i.e., a PSK or passphrase, used for connection processing based on Wireless Fidelity Protected Access (WPA) or IEEE 802.

11.

10. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein, The Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the wireless network that can be connected through the connector is the same as the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the wireless network that can be connected through the information.

11. The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising: Display component, used to display images. In the event that authentication is successful on other communication devices based on authentication information obtained from the displayed image, communication parameters including both the connector and the information are received from the other communication devices.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein, The image shown is an image of a Quick Response Code, or QR code.

13. The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising: A notification component is used to notify the user of an error if the processing related to the DPP is unsuccessful.

14. The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising: Printing component, used for printing images.

15. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein, Before performing connection processing using the information according to a protocol different from the DPP, the execution unit performs connection processing using the connector according to the DPP, and if the connection processing using the connector fails, it performs connection processing using the information according to a protocol different from the DPP.

16. The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising: A receiving component is used to receive instructions from the user to begin processing related to the DPP.

17. A communication device, comprising: The first retaining component is used to retain the connector used to establish a connection with the wireless network according to the Device Configuration Protocol, i.e., DPP; The second holding component is used to hold information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from that of the DPP; A receiving component for accepting from the user an instruction to begin processing related to the DPP; and Provides components for providing communication parameters, including both the connector and the information, to other communication devices based on the DPP.

18. A control method for a communication device, the control method comprising: The first holding step is used to hold the connector used to establish a connection with the wireless network according to the Device Configuration Protocol, i.e., DPP. The second holding step is used to hold information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP; as well as The method provides steps for providing communication parameters, including both the connector and the information, to other communication devices based on the DPP.

19. A control method for a communication device, the control method comprising: The receiving step is used to receive communication parameters for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to the Device Configuration Protocol (DPP). as well as The execution step is to perform at least one of the following processes when the received communication parameters include both a connector for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to the DPP and information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP.

20. A control method for a communication device, the control method comprising: The first holding step is used to hold the connector used to establish a connection with the wireless network according to the Device Configuration Protocol, i.e., DPP. The second holding step is used to hold information for establishing a connection with the wireless network according to a protocol different from the DPP; The acceptance step is used to receive instructions from the user to begin processing related to the DPP; as well as The method provides steps for providing communication parameters, including both the connector and the information, to other communication devices based on the DPP.

21. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a communication device according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to perform a control method for a communication device according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

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