Electronic device, control method thereof, computer readable storage medium storing program, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic device, a control method thereof, a computer readable storage medium storing a program, and a computer program product. The electronic device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive, from an access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; a setting unit configured to set processing based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and a control unit configured to, in response to the setting unit setting the processing to be disabled, perform control such that a connection to a connected access point is disconnected, the access point being notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and a reconnection to the access point being established.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device connectable to a wireless LAN and a control method thereof, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] In an extended service set (ESS) composed of multiple access points (APs), there is a technology for dynamically switching the connection destination AP to achieve efficient data exchange between the AP and the station (STA). If it is determined that the connection destination AP should be switched based on congestion of the AP to which the STA is connected, availability of other APs, radio wave conditions, etc., the currently connected AP sends a request to the STA to change the connected AP. After receiving the AP change request, the STA switches the connection destination AP according to the request, thereby enabling connection to an appropriate AP.

[0003] Japanese Patent Early Publication No. 2021-175068 discloses a process in which a router with an AP function requests a currently connected wireless sub-device to change the connection destination as described below. A mobile router (MR 1) that can connect to multiple wireless sub-devices checks whether the wireless sub-device terminal supports IEEE 802.11v. Whether the wireless sub-device terminal supports IEEE802.11v can be determined based on an association request frame sent when the wireless sub-device terminal is wirelessly connected to the MR. If the wireless sub-device terminal supports IEEE 802.11v, MR 1 sends a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request frame to the corresponding wireless sub-device terminal. In the BSS transition candidate list entry field of the BTM request frame, the BSSID of the parent router RT 2 is specified as the connection destination. This prompts the wireless sub-device terminal to switch the connection destination, and the wireless sub-device terminal switches the connection destination from MR 1 to RT2 according to the received BTM request frame. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides an electronic device that more appropriately changes an access point serving as a connection destination, a control method thereof, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program, and a computer program product.

[0005] The present invention provides, in its first aspect, an electronic device, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive, from an access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; a setting unit configured to set processing based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and a control unit configured to, in response to the setting unit setting the processing to be disabled, perform control so that a connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and a reconnection to the access point is established.

[0006] The present invention provides an electronic device in its second aspect, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive a change request for an access point used as a connection destination from an access point; a setting unit configured to set a process based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and a control unit configured to, in response to the setting unit setting the process to be enabled, perform control so that a connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and a reconnection to the access point is established.

[0007] The present invention, in its third aspect, provides a method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: receiving a change request for an access point used as a connection destination from an access point; setting a process based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and in response to setting the process to be disabled, performing control so that the electronic device disconnects from the connected access point, notifies the access point of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and reconnects to the access point.

[0008] The present invention, in its fourth aspect, provides a method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: receiving a change request for an access point used as a connection destination from an access point; setting processing based on the change request from the access point to enable or disable; and in response to setting the processing to enable, performing control so that the electronic device disconnects from the connected access point, notifies the access point of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnects to the access point.

[0009] The present invention, in its fifth aspect, provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program being configured to cause a computer to: receive a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination from an access point; set a process based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and in response to setting the process to be disabled, perform control so that a connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and a reconnection to the access point is established.

[0010] The present invention, in its sixth aspect, provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, the program being configured to cause a computer to: receive a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination from an access point; set processing based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and in response to setting the processing to be enabled, perform control so that a connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and a reconnection to the access point is established.

[0011] The present invention provides a computer program product in its seventh aspect, configured to cause a computer to: receive a change request for an access point used as a connection destination from an access point; set processing based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and in response to setting the processing to be disabled, perform control so that the connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

[0012] The present invention, in its eighth aspect, provides a computer program product configured to cause a computer to: receive a change request for an access point used as a connection destination from an access point; set processing based on the change request from the access point to be enabled or disabled; and in response to setting the processing to be enabled, perform control so that the connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately change an access point serving as a connection destination.

[0014] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a diagram showing the configuration of the MFP.

[0017] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C : is a diagram showing an operation display unit of the MFP.

[0018] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a diagram showing the configuration of a portable terminal device.

[0019] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an access point.

[0020] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing processing based on a connection destination change request from an AP.

[0021] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP.

[0022] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing an example of an agile multi-band setting screen of the MFP.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the MFP according to the modification.

[0024] Fig.10 : is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming a change of agile multi-band setting.

[0025] Fig.11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP.

[0026] Fig.12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP.

[0027] Fig.13 : is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming a change of agile multi-band setting.

[0028] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of an association request frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but no limitation is made to the invention requiring all such features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0030] The STA may have a state where no problem occurs even when AP switching is performed and a state where a problem may occur if the STA is disconnected from the currently connected AP due to AP switching. If the STA receives a connection destination change request (a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination) from the AP in a state where a problem may occur and switches the connection destination AP according to the request, a problem may occur in the STA.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to more appropriately change an access point serving as a connection destination.

[0032] (System Configuration)

[0033] Figure 1An example of the configuration of a system according to the present embodiment is shown. In the example, the system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can wirelessly communicate with each other. Figure 1 In the example of , the system includes: a portable terminal device 104 as a communication device; an MFP 100; access points, namely AP 101 and AP 102; a server 103; and a network 110. Note that AP101 and AP 102 can be represented as "AP1" and "AP2", respectively. The portable terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function using a wireless LAN or the like. Note that hereinafter, a wireless LAN may be referred to as a "WLAN". The portable terminal device 104 may be a personal information terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0034] MFP 100 is a printer device having a printing function, and may also have a scanning function (scanner), a FAX (fax) function and / or a telephone function. In addition, the MFP 100 of the present embodiment has a communication function capable of wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal device 104. In addition, the present embodiment will describe an example using MFP 100, but some embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, instead of MFP 100, a device having a communication function such as a scanner device, a projector, a portable terminal, a smart phone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television set, and a smart speaker may be used. Note that MFP is an abbreviation for "multifunction peripheral".

[0035] The AP 101 is provided separately from the portable terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 (from the outside), and is used as a base station device of the WLAN. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can perform communication in a WLAN infrastructure mode via the AP 101. Note that, hereinafter, an access point may be referred to as an "AP". In addition, the infrastructure mode may be referred to as a "wireless infrastructure mode". The AP 101 performs wireless communication with a (certified) communication device that is allowed to connect to the AP 101, and relays wireless communication between the authenticated communication device and other communication devices. In addition, the AP 101 can be connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and can relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and other communication devices wirelessly connected to the AP 101.

[0036] The AP 102 has the same function as that of the AP 101, and the MFP 100 switches the connection from the AP 101 to the AP 102. The server 103 is connected to the MFP 100 via the AP 101 and the network 110, and provides a service to the MFP 100 in response to a request from the MFP 100. Here, the network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network.

[0037] (Appearance and configuration of MFP)

[0038] Figure 2A An example of the appearance configuration of the MFP 100 is shown. The MFP 100 includes, for example, a document platform 201, a document cover 202, a print paper insertion port 203, a print paper ejection port 204, and an operation display unit 205. The document platform 201 is a platform on which a scan target document is to be placed. The document cover 202 is a cover that presses a document placed on the document platform 201 or prevents light from a light source for illuminating the document from leaking to the outside during scanning. The print paper insertion port 203 is an insertion port in which various sizes of paper can be set. The print paper ejection port 204 is an ejection port for ejecting printed paper. The paper set in the print paper insertion port 203 is transferred one by one to the printing unit that performs printing, and then the printed paper is ejected from the print paper ejection port 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, decision keys, and cancel keys, as well as LEDs and LCDs, and can accept activation of various functions of the MFP by the user and operations on various settings. In addition, the operation display unit 205 may include a touch panel display. MFP 100 has a wireless communication function with WLAN and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for wireless communication, although antenna 206 need not be visible externally. Similar to portable terminal device 104, MFP 100 can also perform wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands using WLAN.

[0039] (MFP Configuration)

[0040] Figure 2BAn example of the configuration of the MFP 100 is shown. The MFP 100 includes a main unit 211 that performs main control of the MFP 100 and a wireless unit 226 that is a communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. The main unit 211 indicates only a block including functional blocks other than a modem 229 and a wireless unit 266. Moreover, the MFP 100 includes a modem 229 for performing, for example, wired communication. The main unit 211 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 212, a ROM 213, a RAM 214, a nonvolatile memory 215, an image memory 216, a scan control unit 217, a data conversion unit 218, a scan unit 219, and an encoding / decoding processing unit 221. In addition, the main unit 211 includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feeding unit 223, a print control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. The functional units within the main unit 211 are connected to each other via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. Furthermore, the main unit 211 and the wireless unit 226 are connected to each other via, for example, a dedicated bus 225 , and the main unit 211 and the modem 229 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus 228 .

[0041] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor and performs overall control of the MFP 100. In the example, the processing of the MFP 100 described later is implemented by the CPU 212 executing the program stored in the ROM 213. Note that dedicated hardware can be provided for each processing. The ROM 213 stores the control program executed by the CPU 212 and the embedded OS program, etc. In the present embodiment, the CPU 212 executes the control program also stored in the ROM 213 under the control of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 213 to perform software control such as scheduling, task switching, etc.

[0042] The RAM 214 is composed of an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, and data such as setting values ​​registered by a user and management data of the MFP 100. Moreover, the RAM 214 can be used as a buffer for various jobs. The nonvolatile memory 215 is composed of, for example, a memory (e.g., a flash memory), and continues to store data even when the MFP 100 is turned off. The image memory 216 is composed of a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 stores image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the above configuration. The data conversion unit 218, for example, analyzes data in various formats and converts the image data into print data.

[0043] The scanning control unit 217 controls the scanning unit 219 (e.g., a contact image sensor (CIS)) to optically read the document placed on the document platform 201. The scanning control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically scanning the document into electrical image data (image signal) and outputs the converted image data. At this time, the scanning control unit 217 can output image data that has been subjected to various image processing such as binarization and halftone processing.

[0044] The operation display unit 220 corresponds to the reference Figure 2A The operation display unit 205 described above is configured to perform display on the display according to display control performed by the CPU 212 and generate a signal in response to acceptance of a user operation, for example.

[0045] The encoding / decoding processing unit 221 performs encoding processing and decoding processing and scaling processing on image data (such as JPEG and PNG) handled by the MFP 100 .

[0046] The paper feeding unit 223 holds paper for printing. The paper feeding unit 223 can feed the set paper under the control of the print control unit 224. The paper feeding unit 223 may include a plurality of paper feeding units to hold a plurality of types of paper in one device, and may perform control as to which paper feeding unit to feed the paper from under the control of the print control unit 224.

[0047] The print control unit 224 performs various image processing such as smoothing processing, print density correction processing, and color correction on the image data to be printed, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 can perform, for example, an inkjet recording print process in which ink supplied from an ink tank is ejected from a print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. Note that the print unit 222 can also be configured to perform other types of print processing, such as an electrophotographic print process. In addition, the print control unit 224 can periodically read information about the print unit 222, and can update status information stored in the RAM 214, the status information including the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank, the status of the print head, and the like.

[0048] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing a WLAN communication function, and can provide, for example, the same function as a mixture of the wireless unit 226 and the WLAN unit 429 of the portable terminal device 104. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets that comply with the WLAN standard, and sends the generated packets to other devices or decodes packets from other external devices into original data, and outputs the generated data to the CPU 212. The wireless unit 226 can perform communication as a station compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Specifically, the wireless unit 226 can perform communication as a station compatible with IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. In the following, the station may also be referred to as a "STA". In addition, the wireless unit 226 can perform communication as a STA supporting Wi-Fi Agile Multiband.

[0049] The wireless unit 226 supports IEEE 802.11ax, i.e. Wi-Fi 6, and the MFP 100 can also operate as a STA supporting orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) and target wake-up time (TWT). Since the wireless unit 226 supports TWT, the data communication timing from the parent device to the STA is adjusted. When there is no need to wait for signal reception, the wireless unit 226 (MFP100) as a STA switches the communication function to sleep mode. Thus, power consumption can be suppressed. The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E. That is, communication in the 6GHz band (5.925GHz to 7.125GHz) is also possible. The target band that exists in the 5GHz band and for which dynamic frequency selection (DFS) is performed does not exist in the 6GHz band. Therefore, communication in the 6GHz band is expected to be more comfortable because communication disconnection due to DFS waiting time does not occur.

[0050] Note that the portable terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 can perform P2P (WLAN) communication based on WFD, and the wireless unit 226 has a software access point (soft AP) function or a group owner function. That is, the wireless unit 226 can establish a network for P2P communication and can determine a channel to be used in P2P communication.

[0051] (Operation display unit of MFP)

[0052] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C An example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 is schematically shown. Figure 3A An example of a home screen displayed during a state (idle state or standby state) in which the MFP 100 is turned on but no operation such as printing or scanning is performed is shown. Figure 3A In the display, display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud are displayed. Cloud is a menu item related to a cloud function using Internet communication. When one of the menu items is selected by key operation or touch panel operation, MFP 100 can start executing the corresponding setting or function. Figure 3A The main screen shown in the figure accepts key operations or touch panel operations, and the MFP 100 can display the Figure 3A The pictures in the picture are different.

[0053] Figure 3B An example of display of other parts of the home screen is shown, and a screen that is transitioned from the state of FIG. 3 to display other pages of the home screen by an operation such as a left or right slide operation is shown. Figure 3B In the display, display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, printing and photos are displayed. When one of the menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, that is, the printing function, the photo function or the communication settings is executed.

[0054] Figure 3C Shows that when Figure 3B An example of a display of a menu screen for communication settings that is displayed when communication settings are selected on a screen. On the menu screen for communication settings, "Wireless LAN", "Wired LAN", "Wireless Direct", "Bluetooth", and "Shared" are displayed as menu items (options). "Wireless LAN", "Wired LAN", and "Wireless Direct" are menu items used when configuring LAN settings, and according to these items, settings for wired connection, settings for enabling / disabling wireless infrastructure mode, settings for enabling / disabling P2P modes such as WFD or soft AP mode, etc. are configured. When the item "Wireless LAN" is selected and the wireless LAN is set to enable by a user operation, the wireless infrastructure mode is enabled. When the item "Wireless Direct" is selected and the wireless direct connection is set to enable by a user operation, the P2P (WLAN) mode is enabled. A common setting menu regarding the connection format is also displayed on the screen. In addition, the user can configure settings for frequency bands and frequency channels for wireless LAN, etc. on the screen.

[0055] (Appearance and configuration of portable terminal equipment)

[0056] Figure 4A4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance configuration of the portable terminal device 104. This embodiment is described by taking the case where the portable terminal device 104 is a general type of smart phone as an example. Note that the portable terminal device 104 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) type display mechanism. Note that the display unit 402 can display information using, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). In addition to or instead of the display unit 402, the portable terminal device 104 may also have a function of outputting information by voice. The operation unit 403 includes physical keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, etc. for detecting user operations. Note that in this example, since the information display of the display unit 402 and the user operation reception of the operation unit 403 are performed using a common touch panel display, the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are implemented by a single device. In this case, the display function of the display unit 402 is used to display button icons and a software keyboard, and the user's touch on these areas is detected by the operation unit 403 through the operation reception function. Note that a configuration in which the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are separate is also possible, and separate hardware for display and for operation reception is provided. The power key 404 is a physical key for accepting a user operation to turn the portable terminal device 104 on or off.

[0057] The portable terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides a WLAN communication function, although it does not necessarily need to be visible in appearance. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system compatible with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax). The WLAN unit 401 can also perform communication as an AP supporting Wi-Fi Agile Multiband. However, some embodiments are not limited to this, and the WLAN unit 401 is also capable of performing communication in WLAN systems compatible with other standards. Note that in this example, the WLAN unit 401 can perform communication in both the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band. In addition, the WLAN unit 401 can perform communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure mode, etc. The operations in these modes will be described later.

[0058] (Configuration of portable terminal equipment)

[0059] Figure 4BAn example of the configuration of the portable terminal device 104 is shown. In the example, the portable terminal device 104 includes a main unit 411 that performs main control on the portable terminal device 104 and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication in the example. The main unit 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a nonvolatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, "CPU" is an abbreviation for a central processing unit, "ROM" is an abbreviation for a read-only memory, "RAM" is an abbreviation for a random access memory, and "GPS" is an abbreviation for a global positioning system. The portable terminal device 104 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. The functional units within the main unit 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. In addition, the main unit 411 and the WLAN unit 429 are connected to each other via, for example, a dedicated bus 426.

[0060] The CPU 412 is a system control unit that includes at least one processor and performs overall control of the portable terminal device 104. In the example, the processing of the portable terminal device 104 described later is implemented by the CPU 412 executing the program stored in the ROM 413. Note that hardware dedicated to each processing can be provided. The ROM 413 stores a control program and an embedded (OS) program executed by the CPU 412, etc. In the present embodiment, the CPU 412 performs software control of scheduling, task switching, etc. by executing the control program also stored in the ROM 413 under the control of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 413.

[0061] The RAM 414 is composed of a static RAM (SRAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables and data such as setting values ​​registered by the user and management data of the portable terminal device 104. Moreover, the RAM 414 can be used as a buffer for various jobs. The image memory 415 is composed of a memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the WLAN unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. The nonvolatile memory 422 is composed of a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the portable terminal device 104 is turned off. Note that the memory configuration of the portable terminal device 104 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data backup or the like may be performed using the data storage unit 423. In addition, in the present embodiment, DRAM is exemplified as the image memory 415, but other storage media such as a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory may also be used.

[0062] The data conversion unit 416 performs data analysis of various formats and data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls the telephone line and processes voice data input and output via the speaker unit 424 to achieve telephone communication. The GPS 419 receives radio waves emitted from satellites and obtains position information such as the current latitude and longitude of the portable terminal device 104.

[0063] The camera unit 421 has a function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. Image data obtained by image capture by the camera unit 421 is stored in the data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 performs control to realize a function of inputting or outputting a voice for a telephone function and other functions such as an alarm notification. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery, and performs control for supplying power to the device. The power supply state includes, for example, a battery exhaust state in which no power is retained in the battery, a power-off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, an activation state in which the device is activated, and a power saving state in which the device is activated but saves power.

[0064] The display unit 420 corresponds to the reference Figure 4A The display unit 402 described above performs various input operations, display of the operation state and status of the MFP 100, and the like based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 corresponds to the display unit 402 described above. Figure 4A The operating unit 403 described above performs control such as generating an electric signal corresponding to the operation and outputting the generated electric signal to the CPU 412, for example, upon receiving a user operation.

[0065] The portable terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using the WLAN unit 429 to transmit data with other devices such as the MFP 100. The WLAN unit 429 converts the data into packets and sends the packets to other devices. In addition, the WLAN unit 429 decodes the packets from other external devices into original data and outputs the original data to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for implementing communication that complies with the WLAN standard. The WLAN unit 429 can operate in at least two communication modes in parallel, including a wireless infrastructure mode and a P2P (WLAN) mode. Note that the frequency bands used in these communication modes may be limited by the functions and performance of the hardware.

[0066] (Access Point Configuration)

[0067] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the AP 101 having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP 101 includes a main unit 510 that controls the AP 101 , a wireless LAN unit 516 , a wired LAN unit 518 , and an operation button 520 .

[0068] A CPU 511 in the form of a microprocessor provided on the main unit 510 operates according to a control program stored in a program memory 513 in the form of a ROM connected to the CPU 511 via an internal bus 512 and the contents of a data memory 514 in the form of a RAM. The CPU 511 controls a wireless LAN unit 516 through a wireless LAN communication control unit 515 to perform wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. In addition, the CPU 511 controls a wired LAN unit 518 through a wired LAN communication control unit 517 to perform wired LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. By controlling an operation unit control circuit 519, the CPU 511 can accept a user operation performed through an operation button 520. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0069] In addition, the AP 101 includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs interference wave detection processing when performing wireless communication in a frequency band in which dynamic frequency selection (DFS) is performed. When wireless communication is performed in a frequency band in which DFS is performed, for example, when an interference wave is detected or when it is necessary to immediately change to an idle channel, the channel change unit 522 performs processing for changing a channel to be used.

[0070] Note that AP 102 also has the same configuration as AP 101 .

[0071] (P2P communication method)

[0072] Subsequently, WLAN communication in which devices communicate with each other directly and wirelessly without any intervention of an external access point, that is, a P2P (WLAN) communication mode, will be schematically described. P2P (WLAN) communication can be implemented by various methods, and for example, a communication device that can support multiple modes for P2P (WLAN) communication can selectively use any one of the multiple modes to perform P2P communication (WLAN).

[0073] The following two modes can be thought of as P2P modes:

[0074] -Soft AP mode; and

[0075] -Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0076] A communication device capable of performing P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes. On the other hand, even a communication device capable of performing P2P communication does not need to support all of these modes, but may be configured to support only some of them.

[0077] A communication device having a WFD communication function (e.g., a portable terminal device 104) calls an application for implementing (in some cases, dedicated to) the communication function when accepting a user operation via its operation unit. The communication device then displays a screen of a user interface (UI) provided by the application to prompt the user to operate, and the communication device can perform WFD communication based on the user operation accepted in response thereto.

[0078] -Soft AP mode

[0079] In the soft AP mode, a communication device (e.g., portable terminal device 104) operates in the role of a client that requests various services. Other communication devices (e.g., MFP 100) operate as a soft AP that can perform the function of a WLAN AP through software settings. Note that the commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a client and a soft AP only need to be Those specified in the standard, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here. In addition, the MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines the frequency band and the frequency channel as a master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and can select which frequency channel to use in the selected frequency band.

[0080] -WFD mode

[0081] The MFP 100 may be configured to be activated in a fixed manner as a master station in the WFD mode (autonomous group owner). In this case, the GO negotiation process for determining the role is not required. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and the frequency channel as a master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use in the selected frequency band.

[0082] (Wireless Infrastructure Mode)

[0083] In the wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices (e.g., portable terminal device 104 and MFP100) that communicate with each other are connected to an external AP (e.g., AP 101) that performs overall control over the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via the AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network established by an external AP. As a result of the portable terminal device 104 and MFP 100 detecting AP 101 and each sending a connection request to the AP 101, communication in the wireless infrastructure mode between the communication devices via AP 101 is possible. Note that multiple communication devices can be connected to individual APs. In this case, data transmission between APs enables communication between communication devices. The commands and parameters sent and received during communication between communication devices only need to be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore their description is omitted here. In addition, in this case, AP 101 determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, AP 101 can select which frequency band to use from 5GHz, 2.4GHz, and 6GHz, and can select which frequency channel to use in the selected frequency band.

[0084] (Processing in Response to Connection Destination Change Request from AP to STA)

[0085] The portable terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support the Wi-Fi Agile Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables selection of the best environment according to the changing conditions of the Wi-Fi network. Specifically, STAs such as the portable terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as the AP 101 exchange information related to the network environment using the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. With this information exchange, if there is congestion in the network, the AP can guide the STA to other APs, frequency bands or channels, or even other cellular services in some cases (the AP can cause the STA to change the connection destination).

[0086] Figure 61 is a sequence diagram when the MFP 100 changes the connection destination AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 in response to a connection destination change request (a change request for the access point serving as the connection destination) from the AP 101. The processing performed by each of the devices in the sequence is realized by the CPU of the device reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM included in the device onto the RAM and executing the programs.

[0087] Assume that Figure 6 In the initial state of the processing in , the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP 101 in the wireless infrastructure mode. It is also assumed that when the MFP 100 has been connected to the AP 101 in the wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 has acquired information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v, and when the information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v has been acquired, the AP 101 performs the following processing.

[0088] In step S601, AP 101 transmits an inquiry (measurement request) about the radio wave strength of APs located around MFP 100 to MFP 100. The inquiry may be transmitted together with, for example, a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. That is, the request may use a mechanism specified by the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0089] In step S602, in response to the request received in step S601, the MFP 100 receives frames transmitted by APs located around it and measures the radio wave strength of the APs. Thus, the radio wave strength of a plurality of APs including the AP 101 and the AP 102 is measured.

[0090] In step S603, the MFP 100 transmits a list of radio wave strengths of APs located around the MFP 100 measured in step S602 as a response to the request received in step S601. Note that the radio wave strengths to be responded to may be information stored in, for example, the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in step S602. For example, the response is transmitted together with a beacon report or a measurement report.

[0091] In step S604, the AP 101 determines whether it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100 based on the congestion situation in the network recognized by the AP 101 and the radio wave strength received from the MFP 100 in step S603. Factors based on which the AP 101 determines that it is necessary to switch the connection destination include the following items: many connected STAs, large communication volume, other APs are less congested, presence or absence of interference signals, AP function disabled, etc. If it is determined that it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100, and the SSID, channel, and frequency band of the other AP designated as the switching destination of the MFP 100 are determined, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0092] In step S605, AP 101 sends an AP change request (connection destination switching request) to MFP 100. The connection destination switching request includes information about the SSID, channel, and frequency band of the other AP designated as the switching destination of MFP 100 determined in step S604. Note that there may be a case where multiple SSIDs are designated. The connection destination change request is sent as, for example, a BTM request. That is, a BSS transition management (BTM) request frame specified by the IEEE 802.11v standard is sent. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the AP 102 is designated as the switching destination included in the connection destination change request.

[0093] In step S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the connection destination change request received in step S605, the MFP 100 sends a response indicating approval of switching to the AP 101. If the MFP 100 does not comply with the connection destination change request, the MFP 100 may send a rejection of switching as a response. The response is sent as a BTM response. Figure 6 In the example of , it is assumed that a response indicating consent to the handover is sent.

[0094] In step S607, the AP 101 and the MFP 100 are disconnected from each other in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0095] In step S608 , the MFP 100 transmits to the AP 102 a connection request requesting the AP 102 specified by the connection destination change request received in step S605 to connect to the MFP 100 .

[0096] Thus, in step S609, the connection of the MFP 100 and the AP 102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is established.

[0097] By this mechanism, the MFP 100 as the STA can change the connection destination from the AP 101 to the AP 102 according to the connection destination change request from the AP 101 to which the MFP 100 is initially connected. The AP 101 and the AP 102 may be APs located at different locations. Figure 6 By the processing in , the MFP 100 can switch the connection destination to another AP located at a position different from the position where the originally connected AP is located. In addition, the original AP and the other AP may be APs that support different frequency bands among a plurality of frequency bands (two or three of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provided by the same device. That is, by Figure 6 By the process in the connection destination change request, the MFP 100 can switch the frequency band to another frequency band provided by the same device as the originally connected AP. For example, the connection destination can be changed to an AP in the 6 GHz frequency band according to the connection destination change request.

[0098] Note that this embodiment describes an example in which a measurement request and a connection destination change request are sent from an AP using a mechanism compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband and the STA responds to these requests, but is not limited thereto. This embodiment is also applicable to a case in which a measurement request and a connection destination change request are sent from an AP using a mechanism different from that in the above example and the STA responds to these requests and changes the connection destination AP (switches, deletes, or adds a connection destination AP).

[0099] An embodiment is described. Hereinafter, an access point is represented as "AP", a station is represented as "STA", and Wi-Fi AgileMultiband (registered trademark) is represented as "Agile Multiband". When the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is set to accept a connection destination change request from the AP 101, the MFP 100 operates so as not to accept a connection destination change request from the AP 101 if the setting or state of the MFP 100 satisfies a predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, the case where the MFP 100 is set to accept a connection destination change request refers to a state where the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v and the AP 101 has recognized that the agile multiband function is enabled.

[0100] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing an operation of causing the MFP 100 not to accept a connection destination change request from the AP 101 when the setting or status of the MFP 100 satisfies a predetermined condition. Note that the processing shown in the flowchart can be implemented by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 included in the MFP 100 onto the RAM 214 and executing the programs. Figure 7 The illustrated process is executed in a repetitive manner during operation of the MFP 100 .

[0101] As the Agile Multi-Band setting, the MFP 100 internally has a setting value indicating whether Agile Multi-Band is enabled or disabled. When the setting value indicates that Agile Multi-Band is enabled, the AP can be changed based on Agile Multi-Band, and when the setting value indicates that Agile Multi-Band is disabled, the change of the AP based on Agile Multi-Band is not performed. Note that the setting value is stored in the nonvolatile memory 215 and can be rewritten and read out by the CPU 212 as needed.

[0102] exist Figure 7 When the processing starts, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a wireless connection with the AP 101 in the wireless infrastructure mode. First, in step S700, the CPU 212 determines whether the agile multi-band setting is enabled. When the agile multi-band setting is enabled, the MFP 100 sends information that it supports IEEE 802.11v to the AP 101 when establishing the wireless connection. As a result, the AP 101 recognizes that the MFP 100 can perform the function corresponding to the agile multi-band. If it is determined by the CPU 212 that the agile multi-band setting is enabled (yes in step S700), the processing proceeds to step S701, and if it is determined that the agile multi-band setting is disabled (no in step S700), the processing proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the CPU 212 performs the enabling processing. This will be referenced later. Fig.12 Note that in the case where it is determined in step S700 that the Agile Multi-Band setting is enabled, it is assumed that the connection destination AP 101 has recognized that the MFP 100 can execute the function corresponding to Agile Multi-Band, and then the AP 101 and the MFP 100 are connected to each other.

[0103] In steps S701 to S704, the MFP 100 determines whether the condition for disabling the agile multi-band setting is satisfied. In this embodiment, if any one of the following conditions (1) to (4) is satisfied, it is determined that the agile multi-band setting is set to disabled:

[0104] (1) If the MFP 100 performs a specific function that presupposes a continuous wireless connection;

[0105] (2) If it is detected that the MFP 100 is installed in a specific installation environment;

[0106] (3) if it is detected that the MFP 100 is in a state ready to shift to the energy saving state; and

[0107] (4) If user instructions to disable Agile Multi-Band Settings are accepted.

[0108] Here, conditions (1) to (4) are described. The specific function indicated by condition (1) is a function of performing data-related processing when receiving or sending data via an AP, and this function is adversely affected by the disconnection of the wireless connection with the AP. For example, it is a printing function of printing a print job (print data) received via wireless communication through an AP among the printing functions of the MFP 100. In such a printing function, if AP switching of Agile Multiband occurs, the reception of the print job may be temporarily interrupted, which may adversely affect the printing operation. In addition, if the MFP 100 simply ignores the connection destination change request of Agile Multiband, the wireless connection with the currently connected AP may be disconnected. In this case, the print job being received will end in printing failure. Therefore, when such a printing function is executed, a more reliable printing operation can be guaranteed by changing the setting to a setting that does not perform the change of the connection destination by means of Agile Multiband.

[0109] Note that examples of printing functions corresponding to the specific functions described above include a printing function that receives a print job via the cloud (such as cloud printing). Of course, a printing function that performs printing after receiving a print job from an external device such as a PC or a mobile terminal via a network (AP) (such as AirPrint) may be included in the specific functions. In addition, the specific functions are not limited to the printing function. An example of a specific function is a scanning function that scans a document while sending the scan data via an AP. If the buffer becomes full of scan data when communication stops due to AP switching, the scanning operation needs to be temporarily interrupted. Therefore, it may be desirable to make setting changes so that changes in the connection destination with the aid of the agile multi-band function are not allowed when such a scanning function is to be stably performed.

[0110] Examples of the specific installation environment of condition (2) include the following items: (a) an installation environment in which the number of APs that can be connected to the MFP 100 is a predetermined number or less; and (b) an installation environment in which the number of electronic devices connected to the AP 101 is a predetermined number or less. For example, if the predetermined number in condition (a) is defined as 2, an installation environment in which there are no other APs used as connection candidates will be determined as a specific installation environment. In addition, in the installation environment of condition (b), it is estimated that the number of STAs is small, and congestion that causes AP switching is rare. Representative examples of the specific installation environment described above include an in-home installation environment, such as a home office environment. When the STA is used in a house, it is unlikely that there are multiple APs in the house, and it is expected that the AP connection destination change by means of agile multi-band will hardly occur, but unnecessary power will be consumed to wait for the connection destination change request. Therefore, if such a specific installation environment is detected, it is desirable to make a setting change so that the connection destination change by means of the agile multi-band function is not allowed. Note that the installation environment can be set by the user via, for example, the operation screen of the MFP 100. In addition, the installation environment can also be automatically set based on the operation environment obtained by the MFP 100. In the present embodiment, the setting value of the installation environment indicates, for example, home (HOME) or office (OFFICE), and when the setting indicates home, the installation environment is determined to be a specific installation environment (condition (2)).

[0111] The power saving state of condition (3) is an operating state to which the STA transitions to reduce power consumption. When an operation such as printing is not performed for a predetermined period of time, the STA (in this example, the MFP 100) detects that it has entered a state ready to transition to the power saving state. Even in the power saving state, the STA can maintain a wireless connection, but communication is hardly performed in the power saving state, so the benefit of obtaining a better communication state by changing the AP is small. If a connection destination change request is received from the AP in this power saving state, the STA will have to return from the power saving state to change the AP, resulting in additional power consumption. Therefore, if it is detected that the STA has entered a state ready to transition to the power saving state, it is desirable to make a setting change before the STA actually transitions to the power saving state so that the connection destination change with the aid of Agile Multi-Band is not allowed.

[0112] Condition (4) refers to a case where the agile multi-band setting is set to disabled in response to a user operation via a predetermined setting screen of the MFP 100 or a user operation from an external device. For example, this is a case where the user sets “disable” on the setting screen of the MFP 100 (refer to Figure 8 describe).

[0113] exist Figure 7In step S701 of , the CPU 212 checks whether a specific function that is premised on a constant connection to the network is enabled (condition (1)). If it is determined by the CPU 212 that the specific function is enabled (yes in step S701), the process proceeds to step S705, and if it is determined that the specific function is disabled (no in step S701), the process proceeds to step S702. Note that the state of "specific function enabled" is a state after an instruction to start the specific function has been given but before data communication for executing the specific function via the AP has started. For example, it is a state after a print start instruction has been received from an external device or a user instruction for printing has been accepted from an operation screen but before print data has been obtained via the AP.

[0114] In step S702, the CPU 212 checks whether the installation environment of the MFP 100 is set to a specific installation environment (a home environment in this example) (condition (2)). If it is confirmed by the CPU 212 that the installation environment is set to the home environment (Yes in step S702), the process proceeds to step S705, and if it is confirmed that the installation environment is not set to the home environment (No in step S702), the process proceeds to step S703. As described above, the installation environment is set by the user via the operation screen or automatically set by the MFP 100.

[0115] In step S703, the CPU 212 checks whether the MFP 100 has entered a state ready to transition to the power saving state (condition (3)). If it is detected by the CPU 212 that the MFP 100 has entered a state ready to transition to the power saving state (Yes in step S703), the process proceeds to step S705, and if it is determined that the MFP 100 is not in a state ready to transition to the power saving state (No in step S703), the process proceeds to step S704.

[0116] In step S704 , the CPU 212 checks whether the user has given an instruction to disable the agile multi-band setting via the setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 . Figure 8701 to 704. It is a diagram showing an example of an agile multi-band setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100. There are buttons for setting the agile multi-band setting to enable and disable, and the user can set the agile multi-band setting to enable or disable. If it is confirmed by the CPU 212 that the agile multi-band setting is disabled (Yes in step S704), the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the agile multi-band setting is enabled (No in step S704), the process ends because the setting is basically not changed. Note that the conditions for determining whether to disable the agile multi-band illustrated by steps S701 to S704 mainly involve recommending that the state or setting of the AP connection destination not be changed. Of course, the determination conditions are not limited to the illustrated conditions, and other conditions may be added to the illustrated conditions, or, for example, any of the illustrated conditions may be excluded or replaced with other conditions.

[0117] In step S705, CPU 212 sets Agile Multi-Band to be disabled. That is, the setting state recorded in non-volatile memory 215 is updated. Then, through the processing in steps S706 to S708, CPU 212 causes AP 101 to recognize that MFP 100 does not support Agile Multi-Band. At the beginning of the wireless connection with the STA, the AP supporting IEEE 802.11v sets whether the STA supports IEEE 802.11v (Agile Multi-Band) based on the notification from the STA and does not change the setting after the wireless connection is established. Therefore, in the processing of steps S706 to S708, the wireless connection between MFP 100 and AP 101 is disconnected for a time, and the MFP 100 serving the device that does not support Agile Multi-Band is reconnected to AP 101. As a result, AP 101 recognizes MFP 100 as a STA that does not support Agile Multi-Band, and Agile Multi-Band in MFP 100 is disabled. First, in step S706, the CPU 212 disconnects the wireless connection with the AP 101. Then, in step S707, the CPU 212 creates data of an association request frame including information indicating that the MFP 100 does not support IEEE 802.11v as preparation for wireless reconnection. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B Description of the Association Request Frame Thereafter, in step S708 , the CPU 212 performs processing for wirelessly reconnecting to the AP 101 using the data of the association request frame created in step S707 .

[0118] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a state where it is recommended not to perform a destination change of the wireless connection with the AP 101, the MFP 100 disconnects the wireless communication with the AP 101, gives a notification that it does not support IEEE 802.11v, and reconnects to the AP 101. As a result, the AP 101 recognizes that the MFP 100 does not support IEEE 802.11v, and does not send a request for changing the wireless connection destination to the MFP 100. In this way, the MFP 100 does not need to change the wireless connection, so the wireless connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 101 is no longer disconnected. For example, if the disconnection of the wireless connection with the AP 101 and the reconnection to other APs are performed by Agile Multi-Band while the MFP 100 is performing printing, the printing will be interrupted and restarted, resulting in an increase in the time to complete the printing. By the present embodiment, such AP switching is prevented, and a reliable printing operation is guaranteed. If the AP 101 recognizes that the MFP 100 does not support IEEE 802.11v, the AP 101 is also prevented from sending a measurement request (the request described in step S601) to the MFP 100. Therefore, in the MFP 100, the measurement (AP search) in response to the measurement request and the response to the measurement request (the process in step S603) can also be prevented. This achieves the effect of being able to reduce the processing load, the power consumption can be reduced, and the resources can be allocated to other processes.

[0119] The conditions for setting the agile multi-band setting to disabled are not limited to the above conditions (1) to (4), and not all of these conditions are required. The user may also be able to select the condition for setting the agile multi-band setting to disabled from a plurality of conditions (in the above description, conditions (1) to (4)). In the above description, when the environment setting is set to home, the agile multi-band setting is set to disabled, but some embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, it is known that an AP acts as two APs, i.e., one at 2.4 GHz and the other at 5 GHz, even in an installation environment in a home. In this case, it may be desirable to maintain the function of changing the connection destination to enable switching to communication using a recommended band in the frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0120] (Variation Example)

[0121] For the above-mentioned conditions for changing the setting of the agile multi-band function to disabled in steps S701 to S703, a condition that the user agrees to disable the function may be added. For example, if any one of the conditions in steps S701 to S703 is satisfied (if it is recommended not to change the wireless connection), a confirmation screen (e.g., Fig.10Then, when the user selects "disable" on the confirmation screen, the CPU 212 executes the above-described processing in steps S705 to S708 and disables Agile Multi-Band.

[0122] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation for preventing acceptance of a connection destination change request according to a modification example. Fig. 9 In the process shown in FIG. 1 , a process for asking the user whether to disable the agile multi-band setting using the operation unit is added. Figure 7 Processing shown. Fig. 9 The processing from step S700 to step S710 is the same as Figure 7 The processing from step S700 to step S710 is the same.

[0123] In the modified example, if the determination of the conditions (conditions (1) to (3)) of steps S701 to S703 is performed as in the above-described embodiment and any one of the determination results shows "yes", the process proceeds to step S901. However, if the determination result shows "yes" in step S704, it is clear that the user wants to disable Agile Multi-Band, so the process proceeds to step S705, where the Agile Multi-Band setting is immediately set to disabled. In step S901, the CPU 212 displays a message as shown in FIG. Fig.10 A confirmation screen is displayed to obtain user consent to set the Agile Multi-Band Setting to Disable. Fig.10 An example of a confirmation screen displayed when it is determined that a specific function premised on a continuous connection to a network is enabled (Yes in step S701) is shown. This screen may notify the user of the fact that it is recommended to disable Agile Multi-Band and allow the user to select whether to set the Agile Multi-Band setting to disabled. On the screen, guidance showing what disadvantages exist if the Agile Multi-Band setting is left enabled is also displayed.

[0124] Note that in the above description, when the agile multi-band setting is determined to be disabled based on the condition determination in steps S701 to S703, the process of waiting for user consent according to step S901 must be performed, but some embodiments are not limited thereto. If the agile multi-band setting is determined to be disabled based on a specific condition determination, the agile multi-band setting may be disabled without waiting for user consent. For example, when the MFP 100 transitions to the power saving state (yes in step S703), the process of setting the agile multi-band setting to disabled (step S704) may also be performed without waiting for user consent. In addition, even in the case of the same condition determination, whether to wait for user consent may be switched between the case where an instruction is received from the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 and the case where an instruction is received from an external device. For example, in step S701, if an instruction to execute the print function is received via the operation display unit 220, the agile multi-band setting is set to disabled after obtaining user consent, and if an instruction is received from an external device, the agile multi-band setting is set to disabled without waiting for user consent. A configuration is also possible. A configuration is also possible in which the user can select and set a condition for disabling the agile multi-band setting after obtaining the user's consent (or a condition for disabling the agile multi-band setting without waiting for the user's consent) on the operation display unit 220. In addition, in step S901, a user instruction to set the agile multi-band setting to disable or enable may be accepted from an external device. In this case, a predetermined application running on the external device displays an indication on the external device such as Fig.10 The confirmation screen shown is displayed, and the MFP 100 is notified of the user's instruction.

[0125] In S902, the CPU 212 determines whether the user has selected to disable the agile multi-band setting on the confirmation screen displayed in step S901. If it is determined by the CPU 212 that the user has selected to disable the agile multi-band setting (Yes in step S902), the process proceeds to step S705 because the user has agreed to set the agile multi-band setting to disabled. The operation after step S705 is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the agile multi-band setting is set to disabled, and the MFP 100, i.e., the electronic device, which does not support IEEE 802.11v, performs the wireless reconnection process. If it is determined in step S902 that the user has not selected to disable the agile multi-band setting (No in step S902), i.e., the user has not given consent, the process ends.

[0126] Note that in step S902, execution of a specific function and transition to a power saving state are stopped until the user completes the selection on the confirmation screen, so if the user does not notice the confirmation screen, the user may not be able to execute the function of MFP100 for a long time. Therefore, if the user does not give a setting instruction even after a predetermined time has passed after the confirmation screen is displayed, it can be assumed that disable is not selected (No in step S902), and the process can be ended. In this case, the user can be allowed to recognize the passage of a predetermined time period by, for example, displaying the remaining time or displaying a progress bar. If disable is not selected on the confirmation screen (No in step S902), each execution of the process is completed as long as any one of the conditions of steps S701 to S703 is met. Fig. 9 To prevent this, you can start the process of disabling the confirmation screen at a predetermined time interval after determining that you have not selected disable on the confirmation screen. Fig. 9 In addition, the determination condition based on which step S901 is executed (the condition determined as YES in steps S701 to S703) may not be used for a predetermined period of time. For example, if the confirmation screen is displayed because a specific function is enabled (YES in step S701), step S701 may be skipped for a predetermined period of time after it is determined that disable has not been selected on the confirmation screen or until the enabled specific function is completed.

[0127] As described above, according to the present embodiment and its modified examples, control can be performed so that the AP used as the connection destination is appropriately changed. Note that the above embodiment has described a specific function premised on continuous connection to the network and a power saving state (sleep) as examples where AP switching is suppressed. However, the technology of the present embodiment can be applied to a case other than these cases where it is determined that the MFP 100 should not disconnect the connection to the AP to perform AP switching.

[0128] In reference Figure 7 and Fig. 9 In the described process, if a predetermined condition is satisfied when the Agile Multi-Band setting of the MFP 100 is enabled, the MFP 100 is brought into a state where IEEE 802.11v is no longer supported and reconnects to the AP, thereby disabling Agile Multi-Band. The following will describe a process for determining whether a connection destination change request from the AP 101 can be accepted based on whether the Agile Multi-Band setting is enabled or disabled when the MFP 100 is activated.

[0129] Fig.112 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether to accept a connection destination change request from the AP 101 using the agile multi-band setting when the MFP 100 is activated. The process shown in the flowchart is implemented by the CPU 212 included in the MFP 100, which reads various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 included in the MFP 100 onto the RAM 214 and executes the programs. The ROM 213, the RAM 214, and the like are examples of computer-readable storage media.

[0130] First, in step S1101, CPU 212 determines whether the wireless setting of MFP 100 is enabled. If the wireless setting is enabled, MFP 100 establishes a connection to the wireless network via AP. If it is determined by CPU 212 that the wireless setting is enabled (yes in step S1101), the process proceeds to step S1102, and if it is determined that the wireless setting is disabled (no in step S1101), the process ends. In step S1102, CPU 212 determines whether the agile multi-band setting of MFP 100 is disabled. Specifically, CPU 212 performs determination in step S1102 by reading a setting value indicating whether the agile multi-band setting is enabled or disabled, which setting value is stored in non-volatile memory 215. If it is determined by the CPU 212 that the agile multi-band setting is disabled (YES in step S1102 ), the process proceeds to step S1103 , and if it is determined that the agile multi-band setting is enabled (NO in S1102 ), the process proceeds to step S1104 .

[0131] In step S1103, similar to step S707, the CPU 212 creates data of an association request frame including information indicating that the MFP 100 does not support IEEE802.11v as preparation for wireless reconnection. On the other hand, in step S1104, the CPU 212 creates data of an association request frame including information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v as preparation for wireless reconnection. Then, in step S1105, the CPU 212 uses the data of the association request frame created in step S1103 or step S1104 to perform processing for connecting to the AP. Therefore, if an association request frame including information indicating that the MFP 100 does not support IEEE 802.11v is created in step S1103, the electronic device MFP 100 that does not support (is not compatible with) the agile multi-band function will be connected to the AP. On the other hand, if an association request frame including information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v is created in step S1104, the electronic device having the Agile Multi-Band function will be connected to the AP. After the processing in step S1105, the processing proceeds to Figure 7 or Fig. 9 Step S700 in which execution Figure 7 or Fig. 9 The corresponding processing in .

[0132] As described above, when the MFP 100 is activated, the current setting state as to whether the Agile Multi-Band setting is enabled or disabled is checked. This prevents the MFP 100 set in a home environment, for example, from unnecessarily enabling the Agile Multi-Band function.

[0133] In the present embodiment, a process is described in which the MFP 100 set not to accept a connection destination change request from the AP 101 starts accepting a connection destination change request from the AP 101 in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied.

[0134] Fig.12 A flowchart realizing the processing described above in step S710 is shown. This processing is processing for causing the MFP 100 to start accepting a connection destination change request from the AP 101 in response to the settings and status of the MFP 100 satisfying predetermined conditions. Fig.12 The illustrated processing is realized by the CPU 212 included in the MFP 100 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 included in the MFP 100 onto the RAM 214 and executing the programs.

[0135] In steps S1201 to S1204, the MFP 100 determines whether a predetermined condition for changing the agile multi-band setting from disabled to enabled is satisfied. In this example, based on the determination results regarding the above-mentioned conditions (1) to (4), it is determined that the predetermined condition for changing the agile multi-band setting from disabled to enabled is satisfied. In step S1201, the CPU 212 checks whether the user has operated the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 to give an instruction to change the agile multi-band setting to enabled. For example, the CPU 212 displays on the operation display unit 220 an instruction to change the agile multi-band setting to enabled. Figure 8 The setting screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, and the user is prompted to select enable or disable for the agile multi-band setting. If it is determined by the CPU 212 that an instruction to enable the agile multi-band setting has been given (Yes in step S1201), the process proceeds to step S1207, and the agile multi-band setting is immediately switched to enable. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to enable the agile multi-band setting has not been given (No in step S1201), the process proceeds to step S1202.

[0136] In step S1202, CPU 212 checks whether a specific function that is premised on a continuous connection to a network is disabled (condition (1)). If it is determined by CPU 212 that the specific function is disabled (yes in step S1202), the process proceeds to step S1203, and if it is determined that the specific function is enabled (no in S1202), the process ends. In step S1203, CPU 212 checks whether the installation environment of MFP 100 is set to an environment other than the specific installation environment (other than the home environment in this example). If it is determined by CPU 212 that the installation environment is set to an environment other than the home environment (yes in step S1203), the process proceeds to step S1204, and if it is determined that the installation environment is set to the home environment (no in step S1203), the process ends. In step S1204, CPU 212 checks whether the power state of MFP 100 is a power saving state. Here, the case where the power state is the power saving state includes the state where the MFP 100 is detected as ready to transition to the power saving state. If it is detected by the CPU 212 that the MFP 100 is in the non-power saving state (Yes in step S1204), the process proceeds to step S1205, and if it is determined that the MFP 100 is in the power saving state (No in step S1204), the process ends.

[0137] The condition determination performed in the above steps S1201 to S1204 is mainly a determination related to a state and setting that does not cause any problem even if the AP is switched. Of course, the determination condition for enabling agile multi-band setting is not limited to the above conditions, and other conditions may be added to these conditions, or any one of them may be omitted. In addition, it is also possible that a user can select a configuration of the determination condition for enabling agile multi-band setting from a plurality of conditions.

[0138] In step S1205, the CPU 212 displays on the operation display unit 220 Fig.13 The confirmation screen is shown. Fig.13The screen shown in is an example of a confirmation screen displayed when the condition determination results in "yes" being shown in steps S1202 to S1204 and the function affected by AP switching of agile multi-band is disabled. The confirmation screen notifies the user of the fact that it is recommended to enable the agile multi-band setting, and prompts the user to select whether to enable the agile multi-band setting. The confirmation screen also displays guidance showing the disadvantages caused when the agile multi-band setting is left disabled and / or the advantages brought when the agile multi-band setting is enabled. In step S1206, the CPU 212 determines whether the user has selected to enable the agile multi-band setting on the displayed confirmation screen. If it is determined by the CPU 212 that the user has selected (agreed to) enable the agile multi-band setting (yes in step S1206), the process proceeds to step S1207. If it is determined by the CPU 212 that the user has selected not to enable the agile multi-band setting, that is, the user has not yet agreed to enable the agile multi-band setting (no in step S1206), the process ends.

[0139] In step S1207, the CPU 212 enables the agile multi-band setting. That is, the setting status recorded in the nonvolatile memory 215 is updated.

[0140] In step S1208, the CPU 212 disconnects the wireless connection to the AP 101. The CPU 212 creates data of an association request frame including information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v. Then, in step S1210, the CPU 212 uses the data of the association request frame created in step S1209 to perform processing for wirelessly reconnecting to the AP 101. In this way, the MFP 100 serving as a device supporting IEEE 802.11v is wirelessly connected to the AP 101, and the agile multi-band in the MFP 100 is enabled. Note that when the consent is confirmed in step S1205, a configuration in which a time limit is provided, for example, until the consent is confirmed, similar to that in step S902 is also applicable. A configuration in which the processing automatically advances to step S1207 in which the processing for enabling the agile multi-band is performed without performing the display in step S1205 and without obtaining the user's confirmation is also possible.

[0141] Therefore, according to the MFP 100 of this embodiment, when there is no problem with AP switching, the fact that it supports IEEE 802.11v (the wireless connection can be changed) can be notified to the AP 101. Therefore, when the AP 101 sends a connection destination change request to the MFP 100, the MFP 100 can change the wireless connection and can automatically connect to the appropriate AP with the help of Agile Multi-Band.

[0142] Note that, as an example, the above embodiment has described a specific function that is premised on a continuous connection to a network and a power saving state (sleep) as an example of a case where AP switching is enabled. However, the technology of this embodiment can be applied to a case other than these cases where it is determined that the MFP 100 can preferably disconnect the connection to the AP to perform AP switching.

[0143] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B An example of the body of the association request frame data created and sent during wireless connection to the AP in an embodiment is shown. The value of the BSS transition included in the extended capability is set according to whether IEEE 802.11v is supported. In addition, in addition to the parameters, the frame data also includes various parameters for starting wireless communication. Fig.14A An example of association request frame data when IEEE 802.11v is not supported is shown. The IEEE 802.11 communication parameter includes data of a value of 0 for BSS transition. This indicates that IEEE 802.11v is not supported. Fig. 14B An example of association request frame data when IEEE 802.11v is supported is shown. The IEEE 802.11 communication parameter includes data of a BSS transition value of 1. This indicates that IEEE 802.11v is supported.

[0144] Other embodiments

[0145] The various controls described above as being performed by the MFP 100 may be performed by a single hardware or by a plurality of hardware (eg, a plurality of processors or circuits) that share processing to control the entire apparatus.

[0146] Although some embodiments have been described in detail based on their suitable embodiments, some embodiments are not limited to these specific embodiments, and in some embodiments, various forms are also included to the extent that they do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, each of the above-mentioned embodiments is only one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0147] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the present disclosure is applied to MFP 100 is taken as an example, but some embodiments are not limited to this example and may be applied to any device suitable for acting as any wireless device that can perform processing according to a connection destination change request from an AP. In other words, the present disclosure is applicable to personal computers, PDAs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smart watches, and various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. The present disclosure is also applicable to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, web cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present disclosure is also applicable to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN sub-devices (adapters) that can be connected to a USB terminal or a LAN cable terminal. The video output device, for example, includes obtaining (downloading) a video on the Internet identified by a URL indicated from an electronic device and outputting it to a computer via a network such as a wireless network. The present invention also relates to a display device connected to a video output terminal such as a display device to realize stream playback on the display device and realize mirror display (where the content displayed on the electronic device is also displayed on the display device). Video output devices also include media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors) and signage devices. The present disclosure is also applicable to Wi-Fi connectable devices, so-called smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting fixtures, heating devices and cooling devices.

[0148] Other embodiments

[0149] The (one or more) embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments, and by a method executed by a computer of a system or device, for example, by reading out and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute computer executable instructions. Computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)) TM ), flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0150] Other embodiments

[0151] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0152] Although the present disclosure has described exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that some embodiments are not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit configured to receive, from an access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; a setting unit configured to set a process based on a change request from an access point to enable or disable; as well as The control unit is configured to, in response to the setting unit setting the process to disable, perform control so that the connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, According to an instruction from a user, the setting unit sets the process based on the change request to be disabled.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the setting unit sets the process based on the change request from the access point to be disabled.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, in, The predetermined condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a condition that a specific function premised on continuous connection to a network is enabled, a condition that the electronic device is installed in a specific installation environment, and a condition that a state of transition to a power saving state is reached, and The setting unit sets the process based on the change request from the access point to be disabled if at least one of the conditions included in the predetermined conditions is satisfied.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, in, The specific function includes a printing function of printing print data received via an access point.

6. The electronic device according to claim 4, in, The specific function includes a scanning function of scanning a document while transmitting scan data via an access point.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4, in, The specific installation environment includes an installation environment in which the number of access points connectable to the electronic device is a predetermined number or less or an installation environment in which the number of devices connected to the access point is a predetermined number or less.

8. The electronic device according to claim 4, in, The operation screen of the electronic device is used to set the specific installation environment.

9. The electronic device according to claim 3, in, If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the setting unit sets the process based on the change request to be disabled after obtaining consent from the user.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, in, If the consent from the user is not obtained even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the process based on the change request is not set to be disabled.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit configured to store the disable setting made by the setting unit, Wherein, when establishing communication with the access point, the control unit performs control so that if the disabling setting is stored in the storage unit, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request and the connection to the access point is established, and if the disabling setting is not stored in the storage unit, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request and the connection to the access point is established.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, In response to the setting unit setting the process to enable, the control unit performs control so that connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, in, According to an instruction from a user, the setting unit sets a process based on the change request to be enabled.

14. The electronic device according to claim 12, in, If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the setting unit sets the process based on the change request to be enabled.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, in, The predetermined condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a condition that a specific function premised on a continuous connection to a network is not enabled, a condition that the electronic device is not installed in a specific installation environment, and a condition that a state for transition to a power saving state is not reached, and If all conditions included in the predetermined conditions are satisfied, the setting unit sets the process based on the change request to be enabled.

16. The electronic device according to claim 14, in, If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the setting unit sets the process based on the change request to be enabled after obtaining consent from the user.

17. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, When the setting unit sets the process to enable and a change request is received by the receiving unit from the connected access point, the control unit performs control so that the connection destination is changed to another access point indicated by the information included in the change request.

18. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The electronic device is a device capable of performing an operation compatible with at least one of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT).

19. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The electronic device is a device capable of performing operations compatible with IEEE 802.11ax.

20. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, When control is performed to change the connection destination according to the change request, the control unit performs control so that the connection destination is changed to an access point whose frequency band is the 6 GHz band.

21. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit configured to receive, from an access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; a setting unit configured to set a process based on a change request from an access point to enable or disable; as well as The control unit is configured to, in response to the setting unit setting the process to enable, perform control so that the connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

22. A method for controlling an electronic device, characterized in that: include: receiving, from the access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; setting processing based on a change request from an access point to enabled or disabled; as well as In response to setting the process to disable, control is performed so that the electronic device disconnects from the connected access point, notifies the access point of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and reconnects to the access point.

23. A method for controlling an electronic device, characterized in that: include: receiving, from the access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; setting processing based on a change request from an access point to enabled or disabled; as well as In response to setting the process to be enabled, control is performed so that the electronic device disconnects from the connected access point, notifies the access point of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnects to the access point.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, characterized in that: The program is configured to cause the computer to: receiving, from the access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; setting processing based on a change request from an access point to enabled or disabled; as well as In response to setting the process to disable, control is performed so that connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, characterized in that: The program is configured to cause the computer to: receiving, from the access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; setting processing based on a change request from an access point to enabled or disabled; as well as In response to setting the process to enable, control is performed so that connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that is configured so that the computer: receiving, from the access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; setting processing based on a change request from an access point to enabled or disabled; as well as In response to setting the process to disable, control is performed so that connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device does not support the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that is configured so that the computer: receiving, from the access point, a change request for an access point serving as a connection destination; setting processing based on a change request from an access point to enabled or disabled; as well as In response to setting the process to enable, control is performed so that connection to the connected access point is disconnected, the access point is notified of information indicating that the electronic device supports the change request, and reconnection to the access point is established.

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