Information processing apparatus, control method, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program, and program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, and a program product. The information processing apparatus includes a predetermined application; displaying a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function through a predetermined application program, the predetermined function being a function of saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application program different from the predetermined application program and being a password of an access point external to the information processing apparatus; and transmitting setting information including a predetermined password for connection to the access point to a communication device external to the information processing device through the predetermined application after the predetermined screen is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, and a program product for performing setting of a connection with a communication device. Background Art

[0002] As a method of connecting an information processing device such as a smart phone to a communication device such as a network printer through a communication method such as wireless LAN communication, a method of connecting via an external device such as a wireless LAN router is known. Hereinafter, this connection method will be referred to as infrastructure connection. The information processing device and the communication device can establish an infrastructure connection to, for example, perform two-way communication, and can be connected to the Internet to use services on the Internet. In order to establish an infrastructure connection, it is known that the information processing device sends connection information such as a service set identifier (hereinafter referred to as SSID) and a password for connecting to an external device to the communication device, and the communication device performs connection settings for connecting to the external device based on the connection information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-121342 describes a technique of generating a public key and a private key using biometric information, acquiring the biometric information again when decoding data encrypted by the generated public key, and using it as a passphrase. Summary of the invention

[0004] There is a need to improve convenience by eliminating user's erroneous input of information such as a complicated password or the like with a simpler configuration.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing device, a control method, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, and a program product for improving convenience in connection setting processing using connection information.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a control method for an information processing device, the information processing device including a predetermined application, the control method comprising: displaying, through the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password for an access point outside the information processing device; and after displaying the predetermined screen, sending, through the predetermined application, setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point to a communication device outside the information processing device.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention provides an information processing device, which includes a predetermined application, the information processing device including: a display unit, which is configured to display a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function through the predetermined application, the predetermined function is a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password is a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and is a password for an access point outside the information processing device; and a sending unit, which is configured to send setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point to a communication device outside the information processing device through the predetermined application after displaying the predetermined screen.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a predetermined application including instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of an information processing device, causes the information processing device to perform a method, the method comprising: displaying, through the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password for an access point outside the information processing device; and after displaying the predetermined screen, sending, through the predetermined application, setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point to a communication device outside the information processing device.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a program product storing a predetermined application including instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of an information processing device, causes the information processing device to perform a method, the method comprising: displaying, through the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password for an access point outside the information processing device; and after displaying the predetermined screen, sending, through the predetermined application, setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point to a communication device outside the information processing device.

[0010] According to the present invention, the convenience of connection setting processing using connection information can be improved.

[0011] 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

[0012] Figure 1is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system including an information processing device and a communication device;

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state in which only an information processing device is connected to an AP;

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an information processing device;

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an information processing device;

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an information processing device;

[0017] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a connection setup process;

[0018] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a flowchart illustrating a connection setting process; and

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] 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 the invention requiring all such features is not limited, 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.

[0021] [First embodiment]

[0022] The information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 included in the communication system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a smart phone is exemplified as the information processing device 101, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as the information processing device 101, various types of devices such as a portable terminal, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital camera can be applied. In addition, a printer is exemplified as the communication device 151, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of devices can be applied as long as these devices can wirelessly communicate with the information processing device 101. For example, regarding the printer, an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, etc. can be applied. In addition, not only a printer can be applied, but also a copier, a fax device, a portable terminal, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, etc. can be applied. In addition, a multi-function peripheral having multiple functions such as a copy function, a fax function, and a printing function can be applied.

[0023] First, refer to Figure 1 The block diagram shown in FIG. 1 is used to describe the components of the information processing device 101 of this embodiment and the components of the communication device 151 that can communicate with the information processing device 101 of this embodiment. Although this embodiment will exemplify the following components, the present invention is not limited to the following components. Figure 1 Devices applicable to the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 may appropriately include components corresponding to the executable functions.

[0024] The information processing apparatus 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, and an imaging unit 112. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, and the like form a computer for executing programs of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0025] The input interface 102 is an interface for accepting data input and instruction operations from a user when an operation unit such as a keyboard 109 is operated. Note that the operation unit may include a physical keyboard and physical buttons, or may include a software keyboard and software buttons displayed on the display unit 108. That is, the input interface 102 may accept input from a user via the display unit 108.

[0026] The CPU 103 is a system control unit, and controls the entire information processing device 101, such as the execution of application programs, etc. The ROM 104 stores permanent data such as a control program, a data table, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as an OS) program to be executed by the CPU 103. In the present embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0027] The RAM 105 is formed of a static random access memory (SRAM) or the like that requires a backup power supply. Note that since data is retained by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, the RAM 105 can store important data such as program control variables without volatility. In addition, a storage area for storing setting information of the information processing device 101 and management data of the information processing device 101 is also provided in the RAM 105. Furthermore, the RAM 105 is also used as a main memory and a working memory of the CPU 103.

[0028] The external storage device 106 stores an application (setting application) configured to execute network setup of the communication device 151, a printer management application, and a print information generation program for generating print information that the communication device 151 can interpret, etc. For example, each program is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server (not shown) via Internet communication of the communication unit 110. The service registration application is an application configured to send information acquired from the communication device 151 and personal information of the user acquired by the information processing device 101, etc. to the service management server (not shown). The application (setting application) configured to execute network setup of the communication device 151 is an application configured to set an access point as a connection destination of the communication device 151. The printer management application is an application configured to manage information of the printer. Note that the service registration application, the setting application, the printer management application, and the print information generation program (print application) can be formed as one application.

[0029] The output interface 107 is an interface configured to perform control for causing the display unit 108 to display data or to perform notification related to the state of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 is formed of a light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and displays data or performs notification related to the state of the information processing device 101. The imaging unit 112 is, for example, a camera that captures the outside.

[0030] The communication unit 110 is a component that is connected to a device such as the communication device 151 or the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can be connected to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. The communication unit 110 includes an access point for connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 as an access point in the information processing device 101. The access point is generally referred to as tethering. Note that the communication unit 156 of the communication device 151 can be connected to the access point. When the communication unit 110 enables the access point, the information processing device 101 operates as an access point. When the communication unit 156 is connected to the access point in the communication unit 110, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. If the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101 is connected to the Internet, the communication device 151 can also be connected to the Internet via the information processing device 101. Note that in the present embodiment, the information processing device 101 can communicate with the communication device 151 via an external device that exists outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. Note that examples of the external device include an external access point (access point 131, etc.) existing outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 and a device other than the access point that can relay communication. For example, a device such as a wireless LAN router is used as the access point 131. The method of connecting the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 via an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0031] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is a component that is connected to a device such as the communication device 151 or the like in a short-range wireless manner to perform data communication, and communicates by a communication method different from the communication method of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 may be connected to the short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151. As a communication method, for example, near field communication (NFC), classic Bluetooth Classic), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Wi-Fi Aware, etc.

[0032] The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, and a display unit 158. The ROM 152, the RAM 153, the CPU 154, and the like constitute a computer of the communication device 151 for executing programs.

[0033] The communication unit 156 includes an access point for connecting to an external device such as the information processing device 101 as an access point in the communication device 151. Note that the access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. If the communication unit 156 enables the access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. Note that the communication unit 156 can be directly wirelessly connected to the information processing device 101, or can be wirelessly connected to the information processing device 101 via the access point 131. The wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is, for example, based on the communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series. The communication unit 156 may include a hardware component that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point by software for functioning as an access point.

[0034] A mode and a connection method of performing wireless communication using the communication unit 156 will now be described.

[0035] <Direct connection method>

[0036] Direct connection indicates a form in which devices are directly (i.e., by peer to peer) wirelessly connected without the intervention of an external device such as AP 131. Direct connection is also called peer to peer connection (P2P connection). As a connection mode, the communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communicating by direct connection (direct connection mode). In Wi-Fi communication, the mode for communicating by direct connection includes multiple modes such as software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0037] The mode of performing direct connection through WFD is called WFD mode. WFD is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is a standard included in the IEEE 802.11 communication standard. In the WFD mode, the device used as a communication partner is searched by a device search command, and then the roles of the P2P group owner (GO) and the P2P client are determined, and the remaining wireless connection processing is performed. The group owner corresponds to the Wi-Fi master station (master unit), and the client corresponds to the Wi-Fi slave station (slave unit). This role formulation corresponds to the Go negotiation in P2P, for example. Note that in the WFD mode in a state before the role formulation is performed, the communication device 151 is neither a master station nor a slave station. More specifically, first, one of the devices to be communicated with each other issues a device search command and searches for devices connected in WFD mode. After discovering other devices used as communication partners, the device confirms information related to the services and functions that can be supplied by each device. Note that device provision information confirmation is optional and not necessary. The device provision information confirmation phase corresponds to P2P provision discovery (P2P ProvisionDiscovery), for example. Then, the device confirms the device provisioning information, and decides which device is used as the P2P client and which device is used as the P2P group owner as roles. After the client and the group owner are determined, the devices exchange parameters for performing WFD communication. Based on the exchanged parameters, the P2P client and the P2P group owner perform the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing. Note that in WFD mode, the communication device 151 can always operate as a GO without performing the above-mentioned GO negotiation. That is, the communication device 151 can operate in WFD mode as an autonomous GO mode. The state in which the communication device 151 operates in WFD mode is, for example, a state in which a WFD connection is not established but the communication device 151 operates as a GO, or a state in which a WFD connection is established and the communication device 151 operates as a GO.

[0038] In the software AP mode, one of the devices to be communicated with each other (e.g., the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151) (e.g., the information processing device 101) acts as a client that plays the role of requesting various services. The other device implements the function of an access point in Wi-Fi through software settings. The software AP corresponds to the Wi-Fi master station, and the client corresponds to the Wi-Fi slave station. In the software AP mode, the client searches for a device used as a software AP through a device search command. After discovering the software AP, the client and the software AP perform the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of a wireless connection, etc.) and then perform IP connection processing (allocation of an IP address, etc.). Note that the commands and parameters sent / received when implementing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP are sufficient to be those defined by the Wi-Fi standard, and their description is omitted here.

[0039] In the present embodiment, in the case where the communication device 151 establishes and maintains a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a master station in the network to which the communication device 151 belongs. Note that the master station is a device that creates a wireless network and is a device that provides parameters used in connection with the wireless network to the slave station. The parameters used in the connection with the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. The slave station receives the parameters and then uses the channel used by the master station to connect to the wireless network created by the master station. In the direct connection mode, the communication device 151 operates as a master station, so the specific frequency band and channel used for communication in the direct connection method can be determined. In the present embodiment, the communication device 151 can use a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band to communicate in the direct connection method.

[0040] <Infrastructure connection method>

[0041] The infrastructure connection is a connection form in which devices (e.g., the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151) that want to communicate with each other are connected to an access point (e.g., AP 131) for controlling a network of the devices, and the devices communicate with each other via the access point. As a connection mode, the communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communicating through an infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode).

[0042] In the infrastructure connection, each device searches for an access point by a device search command. After discovering the access point, the device and the access point perform the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of wireless connection, etc.) and then perform IP connection processing (allocation of IP address, etc.). Note that the commands and parameters sent / received when achieving a wireless connection between a device and an access point are sufficient to be those defined by the Wi-Fi standard, and their description is omitted here.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 operates in the infrastructure connection, the AP 131 operates as a master station, and the communication device 151 operates as a slave unit. That is, in this embodiment, the infrastructure connection refers to the connection between the communication device 151 operating as a slave unit and the device operating as a master unit. In the case where the communication device 151 establishes an infrastructure connection and the information processing device 101 also establishes an infrastructure connection with the AP 131, the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 can communicate with each other via the AP 131. Since the AP 131 determines the channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 uses the channel determined by the AP 131 to perform communication in the infrastructure connection. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can use a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band to communicate in the infrastructure connection. Note that the communication device 151 can also use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band to communicate in the infrastructure connection. Note also that, in order to communicate with the communication device 151 via the AP 131 , the information processing device 101 needs to recognize that the communication device 151 belongs to the network formed by the AP 131 and to which the information processing device 101 belongs.

[0044] In this embodiment, the state in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are simply connected to the same AP is regarded as the infrastructure connection state. That is, in the infrastructure connection state, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 only need to be connected to the same AP, and do not need to recognize that the partner device belongs to the network to which the own device belongs.

[0045] <Network Setting Mode>

[0046] The communication device 151 may operate in a network setting mode. The trigger for the communication device 151 to start operation in the network setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a network setting mode button, or the communication device 151 being started (powered on) for the first time after delivery. The network setting mode button may be a hardware (physical) button of the communication device 151 or a software button displayed on the display unit 158 ​​by the communication device 151.

[0047] When the communication device 151 starts the operation in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 enables Wi-Fi communication. More specifically, as a Wi-Fi communication enabling process, the communication device 151 enables the internal AP (connection setting AP) dedicated to the network setting mode of the communication device 151. Then, the communication device 151 can establish a Wi-Fi direct connection with the information processing device 101. It is assumed that the connection information (service set identifier (SSID) and password) for connecting to the connection setting AP is previously maintained in the setting application installed in the information processing device 101, and the information processing device 101 recognizes the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP in advance. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the AP enabled in the direct connection mode, the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 can be connected to the information processing device 101 not through ordinary Wi-Fi but through Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). That is, the communication device 151 can operate as a group owner and can receive a setting command from the information processing device 101 through WFD communication. Alternatively, the communication device 151 can be connected to the information processing device 101 via Bluetooth in the network setting mode. Bluetooth includes classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). That is, for example, the communication device 151 can operate as a slave device in BLE in the network setting mode, and can receive setting commands from the information processing device 101 via BLE communication. In addition, in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 is able to perform both network settings via Wi-Fi and network settings via BLE. That is, when the communication device 151 starts the operation in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 can enable both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. More specifically, when the communication device 151 starts the operation in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 can enable both the connection setting AP and the advertising state, in which the BLE connection is enabled by sending advertising information via BLE.

[0048] When the communication device 151 operates in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 controls the communication unit 156 to operate as a setting access point (connection setting AP) that is enabled only during the operation in the network setting mode. The setting access point is an access point different from the access point enabled in the above-mentioned software AP mode. It is assumed that the SSID of the setting access point includes a predetermined character string that the setting application of the information processing device 101 can recognize.

[0049] Assume that the communication device 151 operating in the network setting mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setting communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setting access point. More specifically, the setting communication protocol is, for example, the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

[0050] If a predetermined time has passed after the communication device 151 starts the operation in the network setting mode, the communication device 151 stops the operation in the network setting mode and disables the access point for setting. In addition, even in the case where the connection information for connecting to the AP 131 and the change instruction of the wireless communication operation mode are received from the information processing device 101 in the network setting mode, the access point for setting is disabled. It is assumed that the access point for setting is an access point that does not require a password for connection. Note that the access point for setting may be an access point that requires a password. In this case, the password used to connect to the access point for setting is a fixed password (not changeable by the user) that is pre-mastered by the setting application.

[0051] The communication unit 156 is assigned a media access control address (MAC address). The MAC address is an identifier used to identify the communication unit, and is uniquely assigned to each communication unit in all devices including communication devices and information processing devices. Therefore, the MAC address is generally used to identify individual devices. In the present embodiment, the identifier used to identify the device will be referred to as device identification information hereinafter. That is, the MAC address is an example of device identification information. In the present embodiment, the MAC address is used as device identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the manufacturing number (serial number) assigned to the communication device 151 can be used.

[0052] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is a component that is wirelessly connected to a device such as the information processing device 101 in a short range, and can be connected to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the information processing device 101, for example. As a communication method, for example, NFC, classic Bluetooth, BLE, or Wi-Fi sense is used.

[0053] The RAM 153 is formed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power supply. Note that since data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, the RAM 153 can store important data such as program control variables without being volatile. In addition, a storage area for storing setting information of the communication device 151 and management data of the communication device 151 is also provided in the RAM 153. In addition, the RAM 153 is used as a main memory and a working memory of the CPU 154 and a receiving buffer to temporarily store print information received from the information processing device 101 or the like or to store various types of information.

[0054] ROM 152 stores permanent data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs to be executed by CPU 154. In the present embodiment, the control programs stored in ROM 152 perform software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152. ROM 152 also stores a serial number used to identify the communication device 151. The serial number is uniquely assigned by the manufacturer of the communication device 151 to identify the communication device 151. The serial number can also be used as device identification information that can be used to identify the communication device 151. In the case where the communication device 151 is a printer, the use status and remaining amount of ink are collected from the print engine 155 and stored in ROM 152. CPU 154 is a system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151.

[0055] Based on the information stored in the RAM 153 or the print job received from the information processing device 101 or the like, the print engine 155 forms an image on a print medium by applying a print material such as ink or the like to the print medium such as a paper sheet or the like, and outputs a print result. Note that, generally, the data volume of the print job sent from the information processing device 101 or the like is large, and therefore it is necessary to use a communication method that allows high-speed communication to communicate the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156, which can communicate at a higher speed than the speed of the short-range wireless communication unit 157. The display unit 158 ​​is, for example, a panel, and displays data or makes a notification related to the status of the communication device 151.

[0056] Note that a memory such as an external HDD or SD card may be attached to the communication device 151 as an optional device, and information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0057] After a P2P connection or an infrastructure connection through Wi-Fi is established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 through the connection setting process in the above-mentioned network setting mode, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other via the established connection. More specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 can send a print job for causing the communication device 151 to perform printing or a scan job for causing the communication device 151 to perform scanning to the communication device 151 via the established connection.

[0058] Figure 2The state in which only the information processing device 101 is connected to the AP 131 in the network 132 created by the access point 131 in the infrastructure connection mode is shown. The communication device 151 is a device that has not yet joined the network 132 and needs to undergo a connection setting process for joining the network 132. For example, the present embodiment assumes a case where an authentication process using a password is required in the connection setting process. If the user enters an incorrect password when manually entering the password, the connection setting process fails, and the connection setting process is re-executed. Therefore, it is important to prevent the erroneous input of the password.

[0059] In this embodiment, the setup application operating on the information processing device 101 performs a guidance display for the use of the password copy function of the AP, which is a function of the OS. Then, the setup application causes the information processing device 101 to perform connection setting processing using the password acquired by the password copy function.

[0060] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart illustrating the connection setting process of the setting application operating on the information processing device 101. For example, when the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executes the program, the connection setting process is realized. Figure 6 For example, when the setting application is started in the information processing device 101 and accepts the user's instruction for network setting, the process starts. Figure 6 Processing shown.

[0061] In step S601, CPU 103 connects to communication device 151 in network setting mode. Network setting mode is a mode in which communication device 151 operates as a setting AP using a predetermined SSID and password. Communication device 151 can be automatically started as a setting AP at the time of initial setting (upon arrival, etc.). In the present embodiment, communication device 151 automatically operates as a setting AP at the time of initial setting. However, the user can operate on the main body panel of communication device 151 or perform main body button operation to make communication device 151 operate in network setting mode. CPU 103 detects a predetermined SSID to connect to communication device 151 in network setting mode.

[0062] In step S602, the CPU 103 sends an instruction to perform a search for access points around the communication device 151 connected in step S601. Then, the CPU 103 acquires a search result list of access points from the communication device 151. Note that the acquired list is a list of one or more access points that are found by the communication device 151 performing an AP search and that can be connected to the communication device 151. For example, the instruction to perform a search for access points is executed by specifying a management information base (MIB) for executing instructions for access points using a communication protocol such as a simple network management protocol (SNMP). The process for acquiring a search result list of access points is also performed through SNMP and MIB from the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151. Note that SNMP and MIB are used in the present embodiment, but other communication protocols and other data formats may be used.

[0063] In step S603 , the CPU 103 displays, on the display unit 108 , a connection destination selection screen for accepting selection of a setting target access point.

[0064] Figure 3 : is a diagram showing an example of a connection destination selection screen. Figure 3 The connection destination selection screen shown is a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. List 301 is a list of access points, and the CPU 103 displays the access point list acquired in step S602 and accepts the selection of SSID from the user. This embodiment will exemplify the case where SSID1 is selected.

[0065] If the user selects an SSID on the connection destination selection screen, in step S604, the CPU 103 uses the application program interface (API) of the OS to obtain the version information of the OS. In step S605, the CPU 103 determines whether the acquired OS version is an OS version that supports the password copy function. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that iOS16 (predetermined version) or higher than iOS16 supports the password copy function. The password copy function indicates a function of selecting a desired SSID and copying a password on the system screen of the OS, which is a screen for executing the Wi-Fi setting function of iOS. The password that has undergone the copy operation is saved in a clipboard that is a storage area for temporarily saving data. Note that the system screen of the OS is a screen displayed by the system setting application of the OS standard. The system setting application of the OS standard is an application having a function of controlling the wireless connection between the information processing device 101 and other devices. More specifically, the system setting application of the OS standard has a function of establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the information processing device 101 and an access point and a function of managing various types of information related to the Wi-Fi connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point. Various types of information related to Wi-Fi connection include, for example, the SSID, password, encryption method, and authentication method of the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected via Wi-Fi. In the present embodiment, the system setting application of the OS standard can display various types of information related to Wi-Fi connection by accepting operations from the user. The information processing device 101 including an OS that supports the password copy function and whose version is equal to or higher than the predetermined version can copy the password displayed on the system screen of the OS as described above and save the password in the clipboard. However, the information processing device 101 including an OS that does not support the password copy function and whose version is lower than the predetermined version cannot copy the password displayed on the system screen of the OS as described above and save the password in the clipboard. Therefore, if it is determined in step S605 that the OS version is not a version that supports the password copy function, the CPU 103 proceeds to step S612 and displays a password input screen on the display unit 108.

[0066] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a password input screen. The password input screen is a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. The password input screen includes a display of SSID1 as SSID information selected by the user, a display area 401 including a text field for accepting a password input, a confirmation (OK) button 402, and a cancel button 403. Upon accepting a password input from the user and pressing of the confirmation button 402, the process proceeds to step S611. Alternatively, upon accepting pressing of the cancel button 403 from the user, Figure 6 The shown processing ends.

[0067] If it is determined in step S605 that the OS version is a version that supports the password copy function, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the CPU 103 uses the API of the OS to acquire the state of the clipboard, which is an area for temporarily saving data when a copy operation is performed on the information processing device 101. That is, a state acquisition process for acquiring the state of the clipboard before displaying the guide screen to the user is performed.

[0068] In step S607, the CPU 103 displays a guidance screen for prompting the user to use the password copy function.

[0069] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a boot screen. The boot screen is a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. The boot screen includes instructions for copying a password from the system screen of the OS, an area 501 displaying a link 504 for switching to manual password input, a confirmation button 502, and a cancel button 503. More specifically, on the boot screen, a message for prompting the user to start the OS standard system setting application can be displayed. The message corresponds to the message for prompting the user to open (display) the system screen of the OS. On the boot screen, a message for explaining an operating method for causing the OS standard system setting application to display various types of information related to Wi-Fi connection, which operating method is performed on the screen displayed by the OS standard system setting application. On the boot screen, after causing the OS standard system setting application to display various types of information related to Wi-Fi connection, a message for prompting the user to copy the password of the access point can be displayed. When the user copies the password of the access point by performing the operation prompted by the boot, the copied password is saved in the clipboard. Note that when link 504 is pressed, the process returns to the process for displaying the system setting application. Figure 4 In addition, the boot screen may include a button for displaying the system screen of the OS. Then, when the button is pressed, the CPU 103 may start the system setting application of the OS standard and cause the system setting application of the OS standard to display the screen.

[0070] In step S608, the CPU 103 branches the process according to the user operation accepted on the guidance screen. That is, if the press of the confirmation button 502 is accepted on the guidance screen, the process proceeds to step S609. If the press of the cancel button 503 is accepted on the guidance screen, the process proceeds to step S612, and the CPU 103 displays the result on the display unit 108. Figure 4 The password input screen is shown.

[0071] In step S609, the CPU 103 uses the API of the OS to obtain the information in the clipboard. That is, a state acquisition process is performed to obtain the state of the clipboard after the guide screen is displayed to the user. In step S610, the CPU 103 determines whether there is a difference between the clipboard information acquired in step S606 and the clipboard information acquired in step S609. If it is determined that there is a difference, the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no difference, the process from step S607 is repeated.

[0072] As described above, according to the present embodiment, if the information saved in the clipboard changes, it is determined that the user has executed the password copy function according to the guidance. Therefore, the process of steps S606 to S610 may indicate a process for determining whether the password copy function has been executed.

[0073] If the process advances from step S610 to step S611, the CPU 103 acquires the password information copied by the user by performing the operation displayed on the guide screen from the clipboard, and transmits the password information as connection setting information of the network setting to the communication device 151. For example, the connection setting information is transmitted using SNMP and MIB.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from inputting a password by mistake. In addition, for example, the user does not need to check the password attached to the back of the router, etc. As a result, the convenience of network setting can be improved.

[0075] [Second embodiment]

[0076] The second embodiment will be described below with regard to points different from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, as an example of network setting, when network setting in the information processing device 101 fails, the user is prompted again to perform setting using the password copy function (reconnection setting).

[0077] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 1 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the setting application operating on the information processing device 101 according to the present embodiment. For example, when the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executes the program, the setting application is realized. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B For example, when the setting application is started in the information processing device 101 and accepts the user's instruction for network setting, the process starts. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Processing shown. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Steps S601 to S611 are Figure 6 are the same, and their description is omitted.

[0078] After sending the connection setting information to the communication device 151 in step S611, the CPU 103 returns the connection to the access point 131 in step S701. In step S702, the CPU 103 performs a search process for the communication device 151 in the network of the access point 131. For example, the search process is performed using SNMP and MIB. For example, the information processing device 101 sends a search packet to the network of the access point 131 by broadcasting, and confirms whether a response is returned within a predetermined time. Note that an example using SNMP and MIB has been described, but other communication protocols and other data formats may be used.

[0079] In step S703, the CPU 103 determines whether the communication device 151 is detected. If it is determined that the communication device 151 is detected, then Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The processing shown ends. Thereafter, communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is performed via the access point 131. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication device 151 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S704. In step S704, the CPU 103 displays a guidance screen for prompting the user to perform a reconnection setting process.

[0080] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen for prompting a user to perform a reconnection setting process. Figure 8 8 shows a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. The guidance screen for prompting the user to perform the reconnection setting process includes an area 801 for displaying information indicating setting failure and a message for prompting the user to confirm the password, a confirmation button 802, and a cancel button 803. When the confirmation button 802 is pressed, the process from step S601 is repeated. When the cancel button 803 is pressed, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The shown processing ends.

[0081] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the connection with the access point corresponding to the selected SSID has failed as a result of the network setting and the user is prompted to perform the reconnection setting process, the user can be prompted to perform the setting again using the password copy function of the OS. This can prevent the user from inputting the password by mistake and improve the convenience of the network setting.

[0082] Other embodiments

[0083] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by the following method, namely, providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or installation via a network or various storage media, and the system or installed computer or central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU) reading and executing the program.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is 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. A control method for an information processing device, the information processing device comprising a predetermined application, the control method comprising: displaying, by the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password of an access point outside the information processing device; as well as After the predetermined screen is displayed, setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point is transmitted to a communication device outside the information processing device through the predetermined application.

2. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining whether the operating system (OS) of the information processing device is an OS that supports the predetermined function, Here, based on the fact that the OS of the information processing device is an OS that supports the predetermined function, the predetermined screen is displayed by the predetermined application.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: Based on the fact that the OS of the information processing apparatus is not an OS supporting the predetermined function, control is performed so that the predetermined screen is not displayed by the predetermined application program.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein: Based on the fact that the OS of the information processing apparatus is not an OS supporting the predetermined function, control is performed so that an input screen for accepting a password input from the user is displayed by the predetermined application without displaying the predetermined screen by the predetermined application.

5. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The OS that supports the predetermined function is iOS with a version no lower than iOS16.

6. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: accepting a selection of an access point from a plurality of access points from the user, wherein, when the selection is accepted from the user, the predetermined screen is displayed, and The setting information transmitted to the communication device is information for connecting to the selected access point.

7. The control method according to claim 6, further comprising: acquiring, from the communication device, information of a list of access points discovered by a search performed by the communication device, The selection is a selection of an access point from a list of access points discovered by a search performed by the communication device.

8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: Based on the fact that the user performs a predetermined operation after the predetermined screen is displayed, control is performed so that an input screen for accepting a password input from the user is displayed through the predetermined application.

9. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: After displaying the predetermined screen, obtaining the predetermined password stored in the clipboard, The setting information sent to the communication device includes the acquired predetermined password.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein: Based on the fact that the predetermined password is saved in the clipboard by the predetermined function after the predetermined screen is displayed, the predetermined password saved in the clipboard is acquired.

11. The control method according to claim 9, wherein: Based on the fact that there is a difference between the state of the clipboard at a first timing and the state of the clipboard at a second timing after the first timing and after the predetermined screen is displayed, the predetermined password saved in the clipboard is acquired.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein: The first timing is a timing before the predetermined screen is displayed.

13. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined screen is a screen for displaying an operation method for executing the predetermined function, and the operation method is performed on the screen displayed by the other application.

14. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined screen includes a button for starting the other application.

15. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: After the setting information is sent to the communication device, establishing a connection between the access point and the information processing device; Searching for the communication device on the network of the access point; as well as By the predetermined application, based on the fact that the communication device is not found on the network of the access point, a screen corresponding to the fact that the communication device is not found on the network of the access point is displayed.

16. The control method according to claim 15, wherein: The screen corresponding to the fact that the communication device is not found on the network of the access point includes an area for prompting the user to execute the predetermined function.

17. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: Through communication between the information processing device and the communication device via the connection established by transmitting the setting information, one of a print job for causing the communication device to execute printing and a scan job for causing the communication device to execute scanning is transmitted to the communication device.

18. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The other application is a system setting application in accordance with an operating system (OS) standard of the information processing device.

19. An information processing device, comprising a predetermined application program, the information processing device comprising: a display unit configured to display, through the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password of an access point outside the information processing device; as well as A transmitting unit is configured to transmit setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point to a communication device outside the information processing device through the predetermined application after the predetermined screen is displayed.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a predetermined application program including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of an information processing device, cause the information processing device to perform a method comprising: displaying, by the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password of an access point outside the information processing device; as well as After the predetermined screen is displayed, setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point is transmitted to a communication device outside the information processing device through the predetermined application.

21. A program product storing a predetermined application program including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of an information processing device, cause the information processing device to perform a method comprising: displaying, by the predetermined application, a predetermined screen for prompting a user to execute a predetermined function, the predetermined function being a function for saving a predetermined password in a clipboard, the predetermined password being a password managed by another application different from the predetermined application and being a password of an access point outside the information processing device; as well as After the predetermined screen is displayed, setting information including the predetermined password for connecting to the access point is transmitted to a communication device outside the information processing device through the predetermined application.

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