Communication device, processing method, and program product

Abstract

This invention provides a communication apparatus, processing method, and program product. The objective is to reduce power and frequency consumption required for reconnection when the connection is interrupted in a communication apparatus using Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) to connect to an access point. The communication apparatus 100 disclosed herein includes a connection unit, a notification unit, an instruction receiving unit, and a reconnection unit. The connection unit connects to an access point (AP) via Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). The notification unit provides a notification related to reconnection when the connection to the access point (AP) connected via DPP is interrupted. The instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to select whether to reconnect. If reconnection is selected, the reconnection unit reconnects to the access point (AP) via DPP.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a communication device, processing method, and program. Background Technology

[0002] Various wireless setup methods have been proposed for establishing wireless communication connections between communication devices and access points. Examples of such wireless setup methods include AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System) (registered trademark, hereinafter the same) or WPS-PBC (Wi-Fi Protected Setup-Push Button Configuration). Here, Wi-Fi is a registered trademark, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0003] However, in recent years, the Wi-Fi Alliance has developed a wireless setup method called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (a registered trademark) for establishing wireless communication connections between communication devices and access points. This feature involves a device called a Configurator providing access point information to a device called an Enrollee according to the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). This allows the Enrollee, having obtained the access point information, to establish a wireless connection with the access point.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for sending a DPP Reconfiguration Announcement message from the joiner device to the configurator device as a process for DPP Reconfiguration.

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the communication device automatically starts transmitting the DPPReconfiguration Announcement, the power consumption and frequency band consumption for communication may increase.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a technology that reduces the power and frequency consumption required for reconnection when a connection is lost in a communication device that uses DPP to connect to an access point.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-523957 Summary of the Invention The communication apparatus disclosed herein includes: a connection unit that connects to an access point via a device configuration protocol; a notification unit that, when the connection with the access point connected via the device configuration protocol is severed, performs a notification related to reconnection; an instruction receiving unit that receives a selection instruction to choose whether to perform the reconnection; and a reconnection unit that, when the reconnection is selected, performs the reconnection with the access point via the device configuration protocol.

[0008] In the processing method disclosed herein, the communication device performs the following processing: connecting to an access point via a device configuration protocol; in the event that the connection to the access point connected via the device configuration protocol is severed, issuing a notification related to reconnection; accepting a selection instruction to choose whether to implement the reconnection; and, if the reconnection is selected, implementing the reconnection with the access point via the device configuration protocol.

[0009] The program disclosed herein causes a computer of a communication device to perform the following processes: connect to an access point via a device configuration protocol; if the connection to the access point connected via the device configuration protocol is terminated, implement a notification related to reconnection; accept a selection instruction to choose whether to implement the reconnection; and if the reconnection is selected, implement the reconnection with the access point via the device configuration protocol. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of an information processing system that includes communication devices.

[0011] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication device.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the process of wireless setup and connection termination implemented according to the wireless setup method specified by DPP.

[0013] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a series of user interface images displayed by a communication device.

[0014] Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal device.

[0015] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an access point.

[0016] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer in a communication device, terminal device, or access point. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using the accompanying drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same elements are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed. Additionally, for the purpose of explaining exemplary embodiments, not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessarily necessary, and some features or steps may be omitted. Moreover, the order of steps described in any drawing may be appropriately changed.

[0018] Implementation Method 1 Implementation method 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an information processing system 1 that includes the communication device 100 according to the embodiments. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 1 may further include a terminal device 200 and an access point (AP). As described later, the communication device 100 is a device corresponding to multiple different wireless configuration methods or a single wireless configuration method for establishing a wireless communication connection with the access point (AP).

[0019] The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment reconnects after the wireless communication connection established between the communication device 100 and the access point AP is cut off, but it has features in the processing used to perform this reconnection. Hereinafter, together with the structural example of the information processing system 1, the processing from the state where the wireless communication connection has not been established, including the processing that can also be used during the reconnection, will also be described.

[0020] When the communication device 100 has not yet established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the access point AP through any wireless configuration method selected by the user U. Although the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the access point AP through only one wireless configuration method, this example can be described by describing one of the many different wireless configuration methods, so it is omitted. Specifically, the access point AP is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router.

[0021] In this embodiment, the communication device 100 is a printer that prints information on a medium such as paper. However, the communication device 100 only needs to be a device with communication function, and it does not necessarily have to be a printer.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the communication device 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the communication device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a printing unit 120, a UI (user interface) unit 130, and a control unit 150.

[0023] The communication unit 110 is a hardware circuit for wireless communication with other devices based on a predetermined communication standard, and may also include firmware or other programs. The communication unit 110 includes a WF wireless communication unit 111 and a BT wireless communication unit 112.

[0024] The WF wireless communication unit 111 is a circuit that implements communication according to a first wireless communication standard. That is, the WF wireless communication unit 111 transmits information or receives information according to the first wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 111 implements wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0025] The BT wireless communication unit 112 is a circuit that implements communication according to a second wireless communication standard. That is, the BT wireless communication unit 112 transmits information or receives information according to the second wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 112 implements Bluetooth communication as communication implemented according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark, hereinafter the same) standard. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 112 implements wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, which is a power-saving standard for Bluetooth.

[0026] The printing unit 120 includes a printing engine as a mechanical structure for printing on a medium. Although this embodiment describes an inkjet printing structure as the structure of the printing unit 120, the printing unit 120 may also include a printing engine configured to perform printing using color materials (toners) in an electrophotographic manner. Furthermore, while the medium may be, for example, paper, it could also be fabric or the like.

[0027] In this embodiment, the printing unit 120, as a printing engine, includes, for example, a print head that ejects color material onto the medium. The print head uses the supplied color material (specifically, ink) to perform inkjet printing. In addition to the print head, the printing engine may also include a medium receiver for storing the medium, a transport mechanism for conveying the medium from the medium receiver to a position opposite the print head, and a drive mechanism for driving a carriage including the print head. In this case, the printing unit 120 prints information such as images onto the medium by ejecting color material from the print head onto the medium transported by the transport mechanism.

[0028] The UI unit 130 is a component that functions as a user interface. In this embodiment, the UI unit 130 includes a display. The UI unit 130 may also include an input device such as a button or indicator device that accepts input operations from the user U. Alternatively, the UI unit 130 may be a touch panel in which the input device and the display are integrated. In this embodiment, the UI unit 130, as an input device, includes a button 131 for the user U to input instructions such as a setting start instruction (described later) to the communication device 100. This button 131 may be a physical button or a virtual button displayed on the touch panel.

[0029] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the communication device 100. Specifically, the control unit 150 functions as a means to establish a wireless communication connection between the external access point (AP) of the communication device 100 and the WF wireless communication unit 111. Figure 2 As shown, it includes an instruction receiving unit 151 and a wireless setting unit 152.

[0030] The instruction receiving unit 151 can also receive input instructing the communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP when the wireless communication connection has not been established. Hereinafter, this instruction will also be referred to as a setup start instruction.

[0031] Furthermore, when the wireless communication connection with the access point AP is interrupted, the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a selection instruction on whether to implement the reconnection, that is, it receives an input that instructs the communication device 100 to select whether to implement the reconnection.

[0032] User U inputs a setting start instruction or a selection instruction to the communication device 100 by operating the button 131 described above. The button that handles various operations such as selection instructions and setting start instructions can be a single, shared button 131, or multiple buttons. When using a shared button 131, the timing or number of times it is judged to have been pressed can be varied according to the operation content. Here, "operating the button 131" includes pressing the button if it is a physical button. When the button 131 is operated, the instruction receiving unit 151 accepts the input of a setting start instruction or a selection instruction, etc., according to the operation content.

[0033] The wireless setting unit 152 performs the wireless setting process in the communication device 100. That is, the wireless setting unit 152 performs the process for establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point (AP) and the WF wireless communication unit 111. In the processing example described in this embodiment, the wireless setting unit 152 starts DPP waiting processing and non-DPP waiting processing in response to the input of the setting start instruction received by the instruction receiving unit 151, but it may also start either one.

[0034] Here, the DPP waiting process involves waiting for signals from other devices to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP, as well as signals generated according to the wireless setting method specified by the DPP. Further details regarding the DPP waiting process will be described later. Thus, the communication device 100 corresponds to the wireless setting method specified by the DPP.

[0035] Furthermore, non-DPP waiting processing involves waiting for signals such as signals from other devices used to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP, and signals generated according to a predetermined wireless setting method other than DPP. Non-DPP waiting processing only requires processing using a wireless setting method other than DPP. For example, the communication device 100 only needs to correspond to at least one wireless setting method other than DPP. Here, the four types of wireless setting methods—first non-DPP method, second non-DPP method, third non-DPP method, and fourth non-DPP method—will be briefly described.

[0036] The first non-DPP method is omitted in detail, but it is a wireless setup method specified by WPS-PBC. WPS-PBC is a wireless setup method using a button layout as defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The second non-DPP method is also omitted in detail, but it is a wireless setup method specified by AOSS. AOSS is a wireless setup method using a button layout as defined by Buffalo. The third and fourth non-DPP methods both involve using a terminal device 200 equipped with, for example, a setup application (application program) provided by the supplier of the communication device 100 to perform wireless setup of the communication device 100. This setup application is equivalent to the setup assistance unit 251 described later. The terminal device 200 is a device that has access point information. The terminal device 200 can be a terminal that has already established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, that is, a terminal that has joined the wireless LAN provided by the access point AP. In the third and fourth non-DPP methods, the access point information of the terminal device 200 is sent to the communication device 100, and the communication device 100 uses the received access point information to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point (AP). Hereinafter, the third non-DPP method will also be referred to as WAC (Wi-Fi Auto Connect). Furthermore, the fourth non-DPP method will also be referred to as BLE-WAC.

[0037] Furthermore, when the communication device 100 receives a signal generated according to the wireless setting method specified by DPP from another device, the wireless setting unit 152 stops the DPP waiting process and non-DPP waiting process, and performs DPP setting process. The part of the wireless setting unit 152 that performs DPP setting process will be described as the connection processing unit 153. The communication unit 110 and the connection processing unit 153 are an example of a connection unit that connects to the access point AP via DPP. The connection processing unit 153 performs this connection via the communication unit 110. Also, not limited to the signal described above, the transmission and reception of signals between devices refers to the transmission and reception of radio waves representing the signal between devices. That is, in this case, in order to implement the wireless setting of the communication device 100, the connection processing unit 153 starts communication with the device that is the source of the signal, implemented according to DPP. Here, the DPP setting process is a predetermined setting process for establishing a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, and specifically a setting process implemented according to the wireless setting method specified by DPP.

[0038] Furthermore, as a component for handling situations where an established wireless communication connection is severed, the wireless setting unit 152 includes a notification processing unit 154 and a reconnection processing unit 155. Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as the interruption handling.

[0039] When the connection with the access point AP connected via DPP is cut off, the notification processing unit 154 uses the UI unit 130 to implement a notification related to reconnection. This notification can be implemented by displaying a UI image (not shown) on the UI unit 130. The notification processing unit 154 and the UI unit 130 are an example of a notification unit that implements a notification related to reconnection when the connection with the access point AP connected via DPP is cut off.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to perform disconnection processing, the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a selection instruction via the UI unit 130 to choose whether to reconnect. While the example of using button 131 is given, it could also be a separately provided button, or a virtual button provided in the aforementioned UI image displayed on the UI unit 130 as a notification. The instruction receiving unit 151 and the UI unit 130 are an example of an instruction receiving unit that receives a selection instruction to choose whether to reconnect. This instruction receiving unit can also be described as an acquisition unit for obtaining such a selection.

[0041] When reconnection processing unit 155 is selected to perform reconnection, it reconnects to the access point AP via DPP through communication unit 110. Reconnection processing unit 155 and communication unit 110 are examples of reconnection units that reconnect to the access point AP via DPP when reconnection is selected.

[0042] On the other hand, when the communication device 100 receives a signal from another device that is set as a waiting target in the non-DPP waiting process, the wireless setting unit 152 stops the DPP waiting process and the non-DPP waiting process, and executes the non-DPP setting process. That is, in this case, in order to implement the wireless setting of the communication device 100, the wireless setting unit 152 starts communication with the device that transmits the signal according to the wireless setting method corresponding to the signal. Here, the non-DPP setting process is a predetermined setting process for establishing a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, and in particular, it is a setting process implemented according to a predetermined wireless setting method other than DPP. Furthermore, the signal that is set as a waiting target in the non-DPP waiting process refers to a signal generated according to a predetermined wireless setting method other than DPP, and in this embodiment, it is a signal generated according to any one of the four types of wireless setting methods mentioned above.

[0043] Additionally, when a setup start instruction is received, the wireless setup unit 152 can switch the UI image displayed on the UI unit 130 to a UI image for wireless setup (hereinafter referred to as the wireless setup image). During the execution of the DPP waiting process described later, an image of the QR code described later is displayed in the wireless setup image. Furthermore, during the execution of DPP setup processing or non-DPP setup processing, an image notifying the user U that setup is in progress is displayed in the wireless setup image. Thus, when a setup start instruction is received, the wireless setup unit 152 displays an image corresponding to the progress of the establishment of the wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the access point AP on the UI unit 130 of the communication device 100.

[0044] Furthermore, the disconnection processing can also be performed when a wireless communication connection that was connected using non-DPP settings is disconnected. In this case, reconnection with the access point (AP) is also performed via DPP after the disconnection.

[0045] Next, the wireless setup method specified by DPP will be explained. DPP is a wireless setup method standardized by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and the function of performing wireless setup using this wireless setup method is called Wi-Fi EasyConnect. In this embodiment, at least the communication device 100 is a device that has the Wi-Fi Easy Connect function. That is, the communication device 100 is a device capable of performing processing according to DPP. In addition, the terminal device 200 and the access point AP may also have the Wi-Fi Easy Connect function. When not only the communication device 100 but also the terminal device 200 and the access point AP have the Wi-Fi Easy Connect function, the communication device 100 can obtain access point information from the terminal device 200 through the wireless setup method specified by DPP to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP.

[0046] Here, the terminal device 200 is a device that has access point information used in establishing a wireless communication connection between the access point AP and the WF wireless communication unit 111. The terminal device 200 may also be a terminal that has already established a wireless communication connection with the access point AP. In contrast, the communication device 100 is a device that does not yet have access point information. In the wireless configuration method specified by DPP, the access point information transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the communication device 100 is specifically information called a Configuration Object in DPP. The access point information transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the communication device 100 using DPP may, for example, include at least one of the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the network provided by the access point AP. However, this access point information only needs to be the information required to establish a wireless communication connection with the access point AP, and may replace the SSID or password, or include other information along with the SSID or password.

[0047] In the wireless setup method specified by DPP, access point information is sent from terminal device 200 to communication device 100 according to the process determined by DPP. Thus, communication device 100 can establish a wireless communication connection with the access point (AP). In the wireless setup method specified by DPP, terminal device 200 acts as a configurator as specified by DPP, and communication device 100 acts as an enrollee as specified by DPP.

[0048] Thus, when wireless settings are implemented using the wireless setting method specified by DPP, the wireless setting unit 152 establishes a wireless communication connection between the access point AP and the WF wireless communication unit 111 according to the process specified by DPP (Wi-Fi Easy Connect).

[0049] In DPP, the process of obtaining access point information consists of three stages. Specifically, the process by which a device acting as a joiner obtains access point information, i.e., the Configuration Object, from a device acting as a configurator includes three stages: Bootstrapping, Authentication, and Configuration.

[0050] Bootstrapping is the process by which a participant provides predetermined information to the configurator. This predetermined information is required for the configurator to initiate communication with the participant during the subsequent authentication phase. Specifically, it includes the Bootstrapping Key defined by the DPP. The Bootstrapping Key is the participant's public key. In other words, the predetermined information is required to be provided by the terminal device 200 (acting as the configurator) to the communication device 100 for initiating communication according to a predetermined communication process. This predetermined communication process is for the WF wireless communication unit 111 of the communication device 100 (acting as the participant) to receive access point information from the terminal device 200. In other words, the predetermined information can be said to be required by the communication device 100 to be provided to the terminal device 200 to enable the execution of the predetermined communication exemplified in the authentication phase described later by the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the predetermined information may also include information such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the communication device 100. The aforementioned predefined information provided by the participant to the configurator during the Bootstrapping phase as specified by DPP will be referred to as Bootstrapping information.

[0051] In this embodiment, the provision of predetermined information in Bootstrapping is implemented using a QR code (registered trademark, hereinafter the same). In this embodiment, the QR code is provided by displaying it to the UI unit 130, but it can also be provided by printing the QR code by the printing unit 120, either in addition to displaying the QR code or together with it. On the other hand, communication between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 during the Authentication and Configuration phases is implemented according to the Wi-Fi standard. That is, during the Authentication and Configuration phases, the communication device 100 uses the Wi-Fi wireless communication unit 111 to communicate with the terminal device 200.

[0052] Authentication is the process by which the terminal device 200, acting as a configurator, and the communication device 100, acting as a participant, mutually authenticate each other and generate a shared key used for encryption in the transmission of the Configuration Object. Specifically, in this phase, a key is generated for encrypting access point information. The wireless setting unit 152 of both the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100 generate the shared key based on, for example, ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman). In the Authentication phase, the terminal device 200, acting as a configurator, first sends a signal called a DPP Authentication Request to the communication device 100, acting as a participant. This signal contains a message generated using predetermined information obtained from the communication device 100 during the Bootstrapping phase. Therefore, as described above, the predetermined information can be said to be information that the terminal device 200 needs to provide to the communication device 100 to initiate communication according to a predetermined communication process (DPP Authentication Request). Additionally, during the Authentication phase, after the DPP Authentication Request is sent, a signal called the DPP Authentication Response is sent from the joiner to the configurator. Finally, a signal called the DPP Authentication Confirm is sent from the configurator to the joiner.

[0053] Configuration refers to the process of sending access point information (Configuration Object) from the configurator to the joiner through encrypted communication using a shared key generated during the Authentication phase. Specifically, during the Configuration phase, the joiner's communication device 100 first sends a signal called a DPP Configuration Request to the configurator's terminal device 200. In response, the configurator sends a signal called a DPP Configuration Response to the joiner. This DPP Configuration Response contains the access point information (Configuration Object).

[0054] After bootstrapping is implemented, when the WF wireless communication unit 111 of the communication device 100 receives the Authentication phase signal from the terminal device 200, the wireless setting unit 152 performs the Authentication and Configuration phase processing according to the procedure specified by DPP. As a result, the wireless setting unit 152 obtains access point information from the terminal device 200. Upon obtaining the access point information, the wireless setting unit 152 uses the obtained access point information to perform the process of establishing a wireless communication connection with the access point (AP).

[0055] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the wireless setup and connection termination process implemented according to the wireless setup method specified by DPP. The following uses... Figure 3 This section explains the wireless setup process implemented according to the wireless setup method specified by DPP, and the subsequent connection disconnection process. Figure 3 In this context, the terminal device 200 may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer, but is not limited to these.

[0056] In step S30, user U inputs a start instruction for setup implemented according to DPP to terminal device 200. That is, user U inputs an instruction to implement wireless setup according to DPP. The start instruction from user U can also be input via an application such as the setup application described above, which operates in terminal device 200. Thus, the setup assistance unit 251 of terminal device 200, described later, accepts the start instruction for setup.

[0057] Next, in step S31, user U operates the aforementioned button 131 on communication device 100. As a result, instruction receiving unit 151 of communication device 100 receives the setting start instruction, and wireless setting unit 152 begins DPP waiting processing and non-DPP waiting processing. Therefore, in step S32, as DPP waiting processing, wireless setting unit 152 of communication device 100 performs the Bootstrapping phase processing of DPP and provides Bootstrapping information from communication device 100 to terminal device 200. Specifically, wireless setting unit 152 generates an image of a QR code or other two-dimensional code that encodes the Bootstrapping information and displays the image on UI unit 130. Thus, in this embodiment, DPP waiting processing includes displaying an image of a code containing information provided from the user to the configurator during the Bootstrapping phase defined by DPP on UI unit 130 of communication device 100. Additionally, wireless setting unit 152 may also cause printing unit 120 to print the generated QR code image. On the other hand, the terminal device 200 obtains Bootstrapping information provided by the communication device 100. In addition, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 waits for a DPP Authentication Request signal from the terminal device 200.

[0058] Next, in step S33, the terminal device 200, having obtained the Bootstrapping information, sends a DPP Authentication Request to the communication device 100 using the WF wireless communication unit 211 (described later). The WF wireless communication unit 111 of the communication device 100 receives this signal, thus initiating the authentication phase. Therefore, in this embodiment, the DPP waiting process includes waiting for the DPP Authentication Request from the terminal device 200. Subsequently, the DPP authentication phase process is implemented between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100. As a result, a key for transmitting access point information via encrypted communication is generated.

[0059] Next, in step S34, the Configuration phase of DPP is processed between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100. As a result, access point information is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the communication device 100, and the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 obtains the access point information.

[0060] Subsequently, in step S35, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 uses the access point information obtained from the terminal device 200 to establish a wireless communication connection implemented according to the Wi-Fi standard, as a wireless connection between the access point AP and the WF wireless communication unit 111 of the communication device 100. In other words, in step S35, the communication device 100 uses the access point information to participate in the wireless LAN provided by the access point AP. Furthermore, the series of processes from steps S33 to S35 is an example of DPP setting processing.

[0061] Thus, after performing wireless setup according to the wireless setup method specified by DPP, if the wireless connection is cut off, the following disconnection process will be performed.

[0062] In step S36, the notification processing unit 154 or the connection processing unit 153 monitors whether the wireless communication connection has been cut off. Then, the notification processing unit 154 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the cut-off if the connection was cut off. Then, the notification processing unit 154 does not proceed to the next step if the predetermined time has not elapsed. However, it is also possible to proceed to the next step without determining the elapsed time.

[0063] If the predetermined time has elapsed, in step S37, the processing unit 154 is notified that if... Figure 4 As illustrated in UI image 400, UI unit 130 displays a UI image containing a string 401, which asks whether to use DPP to reconnect due to a disconnection. The UI image can be a pop-up or a display other than a pop-up. UI image 400 can include a selection area 402 for "yes" when reconnection is performed and a selection area 403 for "no" when reconnection is not performed. Here, the case where UI unit 130 has a touch panel will be described. As mentioned above, selection instructions can be received via button 131; in this case, the pressing time or number of times button 131 is pressed can be different for reconnection and non-reconnection, or multiple buttons can be included. Not limited to this example, notification processing unit 154 uses UI unit 130 to issue a notification related to reconnection when the connection to the access point AP connected via DPP is disconnected. Instruction receiving unit 151 receives selection instructions on whether to perform reconnection via UI unit 130.

[0064] When reconnection processing unit 155 is selected to perform reconnection, i.e., when selection area 402 is selected, it reconnects with access point AP via DPP through communication unit 110. In this case, since a connection may not be established immediately, notification processing unit 154 can reconnect as if... Figure 4 As illustrated in UI image 500, a UI image is displayed that includes a string 501 indicating that the device is in DPP standby mode and a selection area 502 for accepting the interruption option. The selection of selection area 502 is not limited to the example of acceptance on a touch panel; it can also be accepted using button 131. As illustrated by string 501, notification processing unit 154 can also use UI unit 131 to notify the device of standby mode information during the period until reconnection is established after instruction acceptance unit 151 receives a selection instruction indicating reconnection. Furthermore, as illustrated by selection area 502, instruction acceptance unit 151 receives an interruption selection instruction to choose whether to interrupt the reconnection during reconnection using reconnection processing unit 155, and reconnection processing unit 155 can also interrupt the reconnection if it receives an interruption selection instruction to interrupt the reconnection.

[0065] Here, as a reconnection implemented based on a selection instruction, the reconnection processing unit 155 transmits a radio wave indicating a DPP Reconfiguration Announcement (step S38) and performs DPP Reconfiguration processing (step S39). The DPP Reconfiguration processing is the process in steps S33 to S34, and the process in step S32 is not required and is therefore omitted.

[0066] Furthermore, in the event of a disconnection, as a reconnection based on a selection instruction, the communication device 100 can also transmit a radio wave indicating a DPP Reconfiguration Announcement to the terminal device 200, i.e., to the configurator, via the communication unit 110 through the reconnection processing unit 155. The terminal device 200 can receive this radio wave and issue a notification related to the reconnection. Then, when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a selection instruction indicating reconnection from the terminal device 200, reconnection can be established with the access point AP via DPP.

[0067] On the other hand, when the reconnection processing unit 155 is selected not to reconnect, that is, when the selection area 403 is selected, it reconnects to the access point AP via DPP instead of the communication unit 110. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the notification processing unit 154 can also notify the access point AP via the UI unit 131 when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a selection instruction indicating that reconnection is not to be performed.

[0068] However, as by Figure 4 As illustrated in UI image 600, a UI image can be displayed that includes a selection area 601 for reconnecting using a manual method, a selection area 602 for reconnecting using another semi-automatic method, and a selection area 603 for accepting the option to terminate. When selection area 601 is selected, reconnection is performed by selecting from the list of SSIDs and entering a password. When selection area 602 is selected, reconnection is performed, for example, using any of the first to fourth non-DPP methods, or a method selected from among them. As illustrated by selection areas 601 and 602, the notification processing unit 154 can also use the UI unit 131 to notify the user of information indicating that a DPP connection method is not being used when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a selection instruction indicating that reconnection should not be performed.

[0069] Furthermore, as at least part of the notification, the notification processing unit 154 may also utilize the UI unit 131 to notify the user of a first message prompting a selection on whether to reconnect as illustrated by the UI image 400, and a second message prompting a selection on whether to implement the first message at the next time or after the next time, although not illustrated. If the user selects not to implement the first message in the selection related to the second message, the notification of the first message at the next time or after the next time will not be implemented.

[0070] As explained above, the reconnection processing unit 155 can begin transmitting reconnection signals when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives an instruction to perform a reconnection, and will not transmit reconnection signals when the instruction receiving unit 151 receives an instruction not to perform a reconnection. Here, the reconnection signals can be set to represent the aforementioned DPP Reconfiguration Announcement, i.e., signals representing a DPP reconfiguration announcement.

[0071] Alternatively, if the connection is severed, the reconnection processing unit 155 begins transmitting radio waves for reconnection. Furthermore, the reconnection processing unit 155 may continue transmitting radio waves for reconnection even after the instruction receiving unit 151 receives a selection instruction indicating reconnection. In this case, the transmission of the radio waves is performed at least in advance before the selection instruction is received when the connection is severed. Moreover, if the reconnection processing unit 155 receives a selection instruction from the instruction receiving unit 151 indicating not to reconnect, it only needs to stop transmitting radio waves for reconnection.

[0072] Next, the terminal device 200 will be described. The terminal device 200 is a device carried and operated by the user U, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer. Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the terminal device 200. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device 200 includes a communication unit 210, a UI unit 220, a code reading unit 230, and a control unit 250.

[0073] The communication unit 210 is a hardware circuit for implementing wireless communication with other devices based on a predetermined communication standard, and may also include firmware or other programs. The communication unit 210 includes a WF wireless communication unit 211 and a BT wireless communication unit 212.

[0074] The WF wireless communication unit 211 is a circuit that implements communication according to the first wireless communication standard described above. Specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 211 implements wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0075] The BT wireless communication unit 212 is a circuit that implements communication according to the second wireless communication standard described above. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 212 implements Bluetooth communication as communication implemented according to the Bluetooth standard. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 212 implements wireless communication implemented according to the BLE standard.

[0076] UI unit 220 is a component that functions as a user interface. Specifically, UI unit 220 is a user interface device that includes an input device such as a button or indicator device that accepts input operations from the user U and a display. Alternatively, UI unit 220 may be a touch panel in which the input device and the display are integrated.

[0077] The code reading unit 230 is a reader for reading code images such as QR codes. While the code reading unit 230 may include, for example, a camera as hardware for reading, it may also include a scanner. The code reading unit 230 decodes the captured or scanned code image to read the information represented by the code image. Therefore, the code reading unit 230 is capable of reading code images of bootstrapping information displayed or printed on the communication device 100.

[0078] The control unit 250 controls the operation of the terminal device 200. In particular, as a structure for setting wireless communication of the communication device 100, the control unit 250 includes a setting assistance unit 251. The setting assistance unit 251 can also be implemented, for example, by a setting application installed in the terminal device 200.

[0079] When the setting assistance unit 251 receives a setting start instruction input from the user U, it performs processing to assist in setting up wireless communication in the communication device 100. Specifically, the setting assistance unit 251 performs processing for wireless setting according to the third non-DPP method (WAC), processing for wireless setting according to the fourth non-DPP method (BLE-WAC), or processing for wireless setting according to the wireless setting method specified by DPP. Furthermore, the setting assistance unit 251 can correspond to all three types of wireless setting methods, or only one or two types of wireless setting methods. When the setting assistance unit 251 corresponds to multiple wireless setting methods, it can also use the wireless setting method selected by the user U through input.

[0080] As described above, when an input indicating the start of setup according to WAC is received, the setup assist unit 251 begins searching (scanning) for the WAC-specific SSID using the WF wireless communication unit 211. Furthermore, when the WF wireless communication unit 211 receives the WAC-specific SSID, the setup assist unit 251 causes the WF wireless communication unit 211 to send a WAC request signal to the communication device 100. Moreover, when a temporary wireless communication connection with the communication device 100 is initiated, the setup assist unit 251 uses the WF wireless communication unit 211 to send access point information to the communication device 100.

[0081] Furthermore, when the setup assistance unit 251 receives an input indicating the start of setup according to BLE-WAC, it uses the BT wireless communication unit 212 to begin searching (scanning) for BLE beacons from the communication device 100. Additionally, when the BT wireless communication unit 212 receives a BLE beacon from the communication device 100, the setup assistance unit 251 causes the BT wireless communication unit 212 to send a BLE-WAC request signal to the communication device 100. Moreover, when a temporary wireless communication connection with the communication device 100 is initiated, the setup assistance unit 251 uses the BT wireless communication unit 212 to send access point information to the communication device 100.

[0082] Furthermore, when an input indicating the start of setup according to DPP is received, the setup assist unit 251 causes the UI unit 220 to display an image requesting the user U to read the code image (Bootstrapping information) provided by the communication device 100. Moreover, in response to the code reading unit 230 reading the code image containing the Bootstrapping information, the setup assist unit 251 begins predetermined processing for sending access point information to the communication device 100. That is, when the terminal device 200 obtains the Bootstrapping information provided by the communication device 100, the setup assist unit 251 causes the WF wireless communication unit 211 to send a DPP Authentication Request and begins the DPP Authentication phase processing. Thereafter, the setup assist unit 251 performs the DPP Configuration phase processing. Thus, the WF wireless communication unit 211 uses the WF wireless communication unit 211 to send access point information to the communication device 100.

[0083] Next, the access point (AP) will be described. In this embodiment, the access point (AP) constitutes a wireless LAN implemented according to the Wi-Fi standard. Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an access point (AP). Figure 6 As shown, the access point (AP) includes a communication unit 310, a button 320, and a control unit 350.

[0084] As described above, button 320 is either a WPS button (for inputting instructions on implementing wireless settings according to WPS-PBC) or an AOSS button (for inputting instructions on implementing wireless settings according to AOSS) to the access point AP. Alternatively, the access point AP may have either a WPS button or an AOSS button, or both.

[0085] The communication unit 310 is a hardware circuit for wireless communication with other devices based on a predetermined communication standard, and may also include firmware or other programs. The communication unit 310 includes a WF wireless communication unit 311.

[0086] The WF wireless communication unit 311 is a circuit that implements communication according to the first wireless communication standard described above. Specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 311 implements wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0087] The control unit 350 controls the operation of the access point (AP). In particular, as a structure for setting up wireless communication between the access point (AP) and the communication device 100, the control unit 350 includes a wireless setting unit 351.

[0088] When user U operates button 320 (which functions as a WPS button), wireless setting unit 351 performs wireless setting processing according to the first non-DPP method (WPS-PBC). Furthermore, when user U operates button 320 (which functions as an AOSS button), wireless setting unit 351 performs wireless setting processing according to the second non-DPP method (AOSS). Specifically, as described above, when user U operates button 320, wireless setting unit 351 causes WF wireless communication unit 311 to transmit a WPS-specific SSID or AOSS-specific SSID for temporary connection with communication device 100. Furthermore, when wireless setting unit 351 receives a temporary connection request from communication device 100 that has received the WPS-specific SSID or AOSS-specific SSID, it initiates a temporary wireless communication connection with communication device 100. Then, wireless setting unit 351 uses WF wireless communication unit 311 to transmit access point information to communication device 100.

[0089] Furthermore, the wireless setting unit 351 performs a process to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 100 based on a request from the communication device 100 that has obtained access point information through any one of the five wireless setting methods formed by the wireless setting method specified by DPP and four other types of wireless setting methods.

[0090] The implementation method has been described above. As described above, the communication device 100 according to this embodiment uses DPP to establish a wireless communication connection with an access point (AP), and provides a notification if the connection is lost, for example, due to the replacement or purchase of the access point AP or deterioration of the radio wave environment. This notification is a notification to confirm whether to implement reconnection using DPP. Upon receiving this notification, if the user selects to implement reconnection using DPP, the transmission of radio waves for reconnection is started or continued; otherwise, the transmission of radio waves for reconnection is not carried out or is stopped.

[0091] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the communication device 100 that uses DPP to connect to the access point, the power and frequency consumption required for reconnection caused by connection interruption can be reduced. For example, in this embodiment, since the reconfiguration announcement can be not started when the user does not intend to reconfigurate, the power and frequency consumption can be reduced.

[0092] Variations Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the process of providing a code image containing Bootstrapping information is implemented during DPP waiting processing. However, if the communication device 100 has the Push Button Onboarding function defined by DPP, as a variation, the following processing may also be implemented during DPP waiting processing: That is, in this case, the process of sending a Push Button Presence Announcement may be implemented instead of, or together with, the code image provisioning process during DPP waiting processing. The Push Button Presence Announcement is a signal defined by DPP, and it is a signal from the joiner to the configurator notifying them that they can obtain Bootstrapping information generated by Push Button Onboarding.

[0093] In Push Button Onboarding, firstly, the communication device 100, acting as the participant, transmits the aforementioned signal known as Push Button Presence Announcement. Specifically, the wireless setting unit 152 of the communication device 100 causes the WF wireless communication unit 111 to transmit this signal. Conversely, the setting assistance unit 251 of the terminal device 200, acting as the configurator receiving the setup start instruction implemented according to DPP, uses the WF wireless communication unit 211 to begin searching for the Push Button Presence Announcement signal. Furthermore, when the setting assistance unit 251 detects this signal, it uses the WF wireless communication unit 211 to transmit a signal defined by DPP as Push Button Presence Announcement Response. The WF wireless communication unit 111 of the communication device 100 receives this signal, thereby initiating subsequent processing in Push Button Onboarding. Thus, in a modified example, DPP waiting processing includes waiting for a Push Button Presence Announcement Response from the terminal device 200. When the communication device 100 receives a DPP signal (Push Button Presence Announcement Response), i.e., a temporary connection based on DPP is requested from the terminal device 200, the wireless setting unit 152 determines the wireless setting method to be used in the settings as DPP.

[0094] In a modified example, when the DPP wait-and-go processing is stopped, the transmission of the Push Button Presence Announcement is terminated. That is, in this case, the wireless setting unit 152 stops transmitting the Push Button Presence Announcement using the WF wireless communication unit 111. Furthermore, when the DPP wait-and-go processing is stopped, the wireless setting unit 152 does not respond to the received Push Button Presence Announcement Response signal even if it receives the signal from another device.

[0095] Furthermore, after the communication device 100, acting as the joiner, receives the Push Button Presence Announcement Response, the terminal device 200 communicates with the communication device 100 via Wi-Fi during the subsequent processing of Push Button Onboarding. As a result, the terminal device 200 obtains the bootstrapping information (public key) of the communication device 100. This acquisition process utilizes PKEX (Public Key Exchange) technology as defined by DPP. Additionally, after the Push Button Onboarding communication between the joiner and the configurator concludes, the aforementioned Authentication and Configuration phases are performed.

[0096] According to a variation, the communication device 100 can also handle wireless setup methods implemented using Push Button Onboarding. Therefore, usability can be improved.

[0097] Other variations Although the implementation methods and variations have been described above, the processing of the communication device 100, the terminal device 200, and the access point AP can also be performed by the computer provided by each device. Furthermore, the computer can also be configured as a SoC (System on a Chip). Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer 900 included in a communication device 100, a terminal device 200, or an access point (AP). For example... Figure 7 As shown, the computer 900 includes, for example, an input / output interface 901, a memory 902, and a processor 903.

[0098] The input / output interface 901 is used to communicate with any circuit or device. The memory 902 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory 902 is used to store programs executed by the processor 903 and data used in various processes. The processor 903 reads the program from the memory 902 and executes it, thereby implementing the various processes described in the above embodiments or variations. The processor 903 may also be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Furthermore, the processor 903 may include multiple processors.

[0099] The program described above includes a set of commands (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the implementation when read into the computer. The program may also be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As a non-limiting example, a computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted via a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As a non-limiting example, a temporary computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagation signals.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0101] Symbol Explanation 1…Information processing system; 100…Communication device; 110…Communication unit; 111…WF wireless communication unit; 112…BT wireless communication unit; 120…Printing unit; 130…UI unit; 131…Button; 150…Control unit; 151…Instruction receiving unit; 152…Wireless setting unit; 153…Connection processing unit; 154…Notification processing unit; 155…Reconnection processing unit; 200…Terminal device; 210…Communication unit; 211…WF wireless communication unit; 212…BT wireless communication unit; 220…UI unit; 230…Code reading unit; 250…Control unit; 251…Setting Auxiliary Unit; 310…Communication Unit; 311…WF Wireless Communication Unit; 320…Button; 350…Control Unit; 351…Wireless Setting Unit; 400…UI Image; 401…String; 402…Selection Area; 402…Selection Area; 500…UI Image; 501…String; 502…Selection Area; 600…UI Image; 601…Selection Area; 602…Selection Area; 603…Selection Area; 900…Computer; 901…Input / Output Interface; 902…Memory; 903…Processor; AP…Access Point; U…User.

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: The connection unit connects to the access point via a device configuration protocol; The notification department, in the event that the connection with the access point connected via the device configuration protocol is severed, implements a notification related to reconnection; The receiving department is instructed to decide whether to implement the reconnection selection instruction. The reconnection unit, when selected to implement the reconnection, implements the reconnection with the access point via a device configuration protocol.

2. The communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction indicating that the reconnection should be implemented, the reconnection unit begins to transmit radio waves for reconnection; when the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction indicating that the reconnection should not be implemented, the reconnection unit does not transmit radio waves for reconnection.

3. The communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction indicating that the reconnection should be implemented, the reconnection unit continues to transmit radio waves for reconnection; when the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction indicating that the reconnection should not be implemented, the reconnection unit stops transmitting radio waves for reconnection.

4. The communication device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The radio waves used for reconnection are radio waves that indicate a device configuration protocol reconfiguration announcement.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction indicating the implementation of the reconnection, the reconnection unit transmits a radio wave indicating a device configuration protocol reconfiguration announcement and performs device configuration protocol reconfiguration processing.

6. The communication device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, If the connection is severed, The reconnection unit sends a radio wave to the terminal device indicating a device configuration protocol reconfiguration announcement. When the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction from the terminal device indicating the implementation of the reconnection, the reconnection is implemented with the access point via DPP.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The notification unit will issue the notification if a predetermined time has elapsed since the connection with the access point connected via DPP was severed.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, As at least part of the notification, the notification unit provides first information prompting the selection of whether to implement the reconnection, and second information prompting the selection of whether to implement the first information at the next time or after the next time.

9. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the instruction receiving unit receives a selection instruction indicating that the reconnection will be implemented, the notification unit will notify the user of information indicating that the device is in standby mode during the period until the reconnection is established.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, During the reconnection process using the reconnection unit, the instruction receiving unit receives an interruption selection instruction to choose whether to interrupt the reconnection. The reconnection unit interrupts the reconnection upon receiving an interruption selection instruction to interrupt the reconnection.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the notification unit receives a selection instruction from the instruction receiving unit indicating that the reconnection will not be implemented, it notifies the unit of information indicating that the DPP connection method will not be used.

12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the notification unit receives a selection instruction from the instruction receiving unit indicating that the reconnection will not be implemented, it notifies the access point that communication with the access point is impossible.

13. A processing method, wherein, The communication device performs the following processing: Connect to the access point via a device configuration protocol. If the connection to the access point connected via the device configuration protocol is severed, a notification related to reconnection will be issued. Accept the option to choose whether to implement the aforementioned reconnection, and If the reconnection is selected, the reconnection is performed with the access point via a device configuration protocol.

14. A program product comprising a program, wherein, The program causes the computer of the communication device to perform the following processing: Connect to the access point via a device configuration protocol. If the connection to the access point connected via the device configuration protocol is severed, a notification related to reconnection will be issued. Accept the option to choose whether to implement the aforementioned reconnection, and If the reconnection is selected, the reconnection is performed with the access point via a device configuration protocol.

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