Program, system, and method

Abstract

To provide a program for improving convenience in settings concerning connection of a printer.SOLUTION: A computer of an information processing apparatus which communicates with a communication apparatus functions as: first acquisition means of acquiring information of the communication apparatus from the communication apparatus; display means of displaying, on a display unit, a selection screen for settings concerning connection between the communication apparatus and a device outside the communication apparatus, based on the information of the communication apparatus acquired by the first acquisition means; and processing means of performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen. The selection screen is a screen on which a plurality of connection methods for the settings are selectably displayed, and the plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting an access point serving as the device to the communication apparatus, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing apparatus serving as the device to the communication apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a system, and a method for setting up a connection between devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known technology in which an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) transmits information about an access point to a communication device such as a printer, and connects the communication device to an external device. Patent Document 1 describes that a connection method selection screen is displayed on the printer side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-180038 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, after a connection method selection screen is displayed on the printer side, the terminal side accepts confirmation of the user's intention regarding the connection method, and the user's operations up to the selection and decision are complicated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a program, a system, and a method that improve the convenience of printer connection settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a computer of an information processing device that communicates with a communication device to function as a first acquisition means that acquires information about the communication device from the communication device, a display means that displays a selection screen on a display unit for configuring a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device based on the information about the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means, and a processing means that performs processing in accordance with the selection result on the selection screen, wherein the selection screen is a screen that displays a plurality of connection methods for the configuration, each of which can be selected, and the plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting an access point as the device to the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device as the device to the communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of settings relating to printer connections. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing device, a communication device, and an access point. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an NFC unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram executed between an information processing device and a communication device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the information processing device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the information processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the information processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed in the communication device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram executed between an information processing device and a communication device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a WEC start screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a DPP standby mode start process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the execution process of the WEC. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] An information processing device and a communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example of the information processing device, but this is not a limitation. For example, various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital camera, can be used as the information processing device. In this embodiment, a printer is used as an example of the communication device, but this is not a limitation. Various devices capable of wireless communication with the information processing device can be used. For example, printers can be inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to printers but also to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like. It can also be applied to multifunction peripherals equipped with multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0011] In this embodiment, the information processing device can execute a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark) if it supports this function. WEC is a function that performs network setup of other devices using the Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter, DPP) established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Specifically, network setup of other devices is the process of connecting other devices to access points that form a network. In WEC, communication occurs between a device operating in the role of "Configurator" (hereinafter, Configurator device) and a device operating in the role of "Enrollee" (hereinafter, Enrollee device). The Configurator device acquires bootstrap information from the Enrollee device. The bootstrap information includes, for example, the Enrollee device's identification information (e.g., MAC address) and public key information used for secure communication with the Enrollee device. In this embodiment, the bootstrap information is described as "WEC-related information." Other information may also be treated as WEC-related information. The Configurator device then uses the acquired bootstrap information to perform wireless communication with the Enrollee device. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device encrypts a protocol key using the public key included in the Bootstrapping information and transmits the encrypted protocol key to the Enrollee device. The Configurator device then encrypts a common key based on the encrypted protocol key and transmits information encrypted using the common key to the Enrollee device. The information transmitted here is, for example, connection information for connecting to an access point. The Enrollee device then establishes a wireless connection with the access point using the connection information received from the Configurator device. In the network setup process using WEC in this embodiment, an information processing device compatible with WEC will operate as a Configurator device, and a communication device compatible with WEC will operate as an Enrollee device.

[0012] First, the configuration of an information processing device of this embodiment and a communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 1. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with the communication device, and the functions are not particularly limited to those shown in this diagram.

[0013] The information processing device 101 is an information processing device of this embodiment. The information processing device 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, etc. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the information processing device 101.

[0014] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operational instructions from a user by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may receive input from the user via the display unit 108.

[0015] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire information processing device 101 .

[0016] The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 controls software execution such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0017] The RAM 105 is configured with an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power source. Note that the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so that important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0018] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter, a setting application) for executing network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is an application program for configuring an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected using a WEC or the like. The setting application may have functions other than the network setup function. For example, the setting application may have a function for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function for causing a document placed in the communication device 151 to be scanned, a function for checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server, for example, via Internet communication via the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission / reception control program, transmitted and received between the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110 and the communication device 151, as well as various information used by these programs.

[0019] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101 .

[0020] The display unit 108 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point within the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device located outside the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, and a device other than an access point that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. The above-mentioned WEC is performed through communication by the communication unit 110. The access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. A method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected through an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0022] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 at a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0023] In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 101 executes the WEC using the OS of the information processing apparatus 101 based on an instruction to execute a network setup process by the setting application.

[0024] The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. 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, etc. The ROM 152, the RAM 153, the CPU 154, etc. form a computer of the communication device 151.

[0025] The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101 as an access point within the communication device 151. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. When the communication unit 156 enables the access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may wirelessly connect to the information processing device 101 directly or via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. If the communication device 151 supports WEC, the WEC described above is executed through communication by the communication unit 156. The communication unit 156 may be provided with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes it to function as an access point.

[0026] The communication device 151 of this embodiment is operable in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0027] The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices, such as the information processing device 101, via an external device (e.g., the access point 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, referred to as an infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in the infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 operates as a slave station, and the external access point operates as a master station. In this embodiment, the master station is a device that determines a communication channel to be used in the network to which the master station belongs, and the slave station is a device that does not determine a communication channel to be used in the network to which the slave station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0028] The P2P mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices, such as the information processing device 101, without going through an external device that forms a network. In this embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. The P2P mode may also include, for example, a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of multiple WFD-compatible devices operates as a master station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. The master station may also be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A WFD-compatible device that also serves as a master station is particularly referred to as a Group Owner. A direct connection with another device established by the communication device 151 operating in P2P mode is referred to as a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a master station, and the other devices operate as slave stations.

[0029] In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode, which is a mode for performing network setup of the communication device 151, by receiving a predetermined operation from the user. When operating in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates as a setup access point that is valid while operating in the network setup mode, by using the communication unit 156. The setup access point is an access point that is different from the access point that is enabled in the AP mode. The SSID of the setup access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by the setting application of the information processing device 101. The setup access point is an access point that does not require a password for connection. The communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) to communicate with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specifically, the setup communication protocol is, for example, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). After starting operation in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in the network setup mode and disables the setup access point after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, as mentioned above, the setup access point does not require a password, and if it is enabled for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that an inappropriate device will request connection. The setup access point may also be an access point that requires a password. In that case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (that the user cannot change) that is known in advance by the setting application.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by receiving a predetermined operation from the user, the communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for executing the network setup of the communication device 151 using a communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol. In this embodiment, the communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol is the above-mentioned DPP, and this mode is referred to as the DPP standby mode. When the communication device 151 operates in the DPP standby mode and receives a DPP network setup request from the information processing device 101, the communication device 151 executes the DPP network setup as described below. Therefore, the DPP standby mode is, in other words, a mode in which the communication device 151 waits for a DPP network setup request. The DPP standby mode will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12.

[0031] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with a device such as the information processing device 101, and can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the information processing device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0032] The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the communication device 151, management data for the communication device 151, and the like. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101, etc., as well as various other information.

[0033] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 controls software execution such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0034] The CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151 .

[0035] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium based on information stored in the RAM 153 and a print job received from the information processing device 101 or the like, and outputs the print result. Generally, the amount of data in a print job transmitted from the information processing device 101 or the like is large, so a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for communicating the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0036] Note that the communication device 151 may be equipped with an optional memory such as an external HDD or SD card, and the information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the near-field wireless communication unit 111 and the near-field wireless communication unit 157. The configuration of the NFC unit 200 will be described as an example of the configuration of the near-field wireless communication unit 111 and the near-field wireless communication unit 157. The NFC unit 200 includes an NFC controller unit 201, an antenna unit 202, an RF unit 203, a transmission / reception control unit 204, an NFC memory 205 (comprised of a rewritable nonvolatile memory), a power supply 206, and a device connection unit 207. The antenna unit 202 receives radio waves and carriers from other NFC devices (e.g., the near-field wireless communication unit 111) and transmits radio waves and carriers to other NFC devices. The RF unit 203 has a function of modulating and demodulating analog signals to digital signals. The RF unit 203 includes a synthesizer, identifies band and channel frequencies, and controls bands and channels according to frequency allocation data. The transmission / reception control unit 204 controls transmission and reception, such as assembling and disassembling transmission and reception frames, adding and detecting preambles, and identifying frames. The transmission / reception control unit 204 also controls the NFC memory 205, and reads and writes various data and programs. When operating in active mode, the device receives power via a power supply 206 (the main power supply of a smartphone or MFP), communicates with devices via a device connection unit 207, and communicates with other NFC devices within a communication range by carriers transmitted and received via the antenna unit 202. On the other hand, when operating in passive mode, the device receives a carrier from another NFC device via the antenna unit 202, receives power wirelessly from the other NFC device by electromagnetic induction, and communicates with the other NFC device by modulating the carrier to transmit and receive data.

[0038] 3 is a sequence diagram showing a WEC connection process executed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The sequence shown in FIG. 3 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each device reading out a program stored in the ROM of each device, an external storage device, or the like, into the RAM of each device and executing the program.

[0039] 3 is executed, the information processing device 101 is already connected to the access point 131. The communication device 151 is in a factory default state (shipped state) in which a user first turns on the power. The factory default state corresponds to a state in which the communication device 151 has not yet completed initial settings. For example, the communication device 151 is shipped from the factory without an ink tank, a print head, or the like attached. The communication device 151 performs initial settings such as a process of prompting the user to attach the included ink tank, print head, or the like to the communication device 151, and processes to make the communication device 151 usable, such as registration adjustment and print head cleaning.

[0040] During the initial setting, in S101, initial values ​​are set in the NFC memory 205, and in S202, the NFC unit is started up. At this time, the NFC unit operates as a target and is in a state of waiting for a command from the initiator.

[0041] Whether communication device 151 is in a factory default state is controlled using a flag (initial startup flag) stored in RAM 153, memory, or the like. Communication device 151 changes the state of the initial startup flag in response to completion of the initial setup, and is configured so that the initial setup will not be started even if communication device 151 is powered on after the initial setup is completed. In order to use communication device 151, it is preferable to execute network setup of communication device 151, and therefore in this embodiment, network setup processing is executed during initial setup.

[0042] In S103, CPU 154 causes communication device 151 to start (enable) operation in the network setup mode. Specifically, CPU 154 enables the setup access point. Operation in the network setup mode may be started, for example, by operating a predetermined button on communication device 151. Furthermore, CPU 154 starts a timeout timer for the network setup mode to count the elapsed time since operation in the network setup mode was started, in order to end the network setup mode after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0043] Meanwhile, in the information processing device 101, in S104, the CPU 103 loads a setting application stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, or the like into the RAM 105 and executes it in response to a user operation or the like. At this time, the CPU 103 starts operation with the NFC unit as an initiator. In S105, the CPU 103 displays a screen of the setting application on the display unit 108. An item for connecting to the communication device 151, such as "Connect to printer," is displayed on the screen of the setting application. When the user selects that item, the CPU 103 displays a message, such as "Touch the terminal to the printer," on the display unit 108, prompting the user to bring the information processing device 101 close to the communication device 151. In S106, the user brings the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 close to the NFC unit of the communication device 151 (first touch).

[0044] When the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 and the NFC unit of the communication device 151 come close to each other, data is transmitted between the NFC units. Specifically, in S107, a read request for information in the communication device 151 is transmitted from the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151, and in S108, the information in the communication device 151 is transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101 as a read response.

[0045] The information about the communication device 151 includes, for example, the printer name, identification information, WiFi connection information, information on whether or not setting is possible using each setting method, status information about the communication device 151, timeout information, WEC-related information, and WFD connection information. The printer name is, for example, the name of the communication device 151. The identification information is, for example, the serial number and MAC address of the communication device 151. The WiFi connection information is, for example, information on whether the device is connected to or not connected to an external access point (e.g., access point 131), and whether the device is connected to or not connected to an external infrastructure network.

[0046] Here, a description will be given of the setting methods of the network setup process in this embodiment. The network setup process can be performed using a plurality of setting methods, including the following four types, the first to fourth setting methods. The first setting method is network setup using a network setup protocol. The second setting method is network setup using DPP. The second setting method may be a method using a protocol for transmitting connection information for connecting to an AP to the communication device 151 without the user having to input a password for connecting to the AP into the information processing device 101 after the information processing device 101 and the AP have been connected. For example, the second setting method may be a method using Accessory Setup, which is an iOS function that uses HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). The third setting method is network setup using WiFi Direct. The third setting method may be a setting method for connecting the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 in P2P mode. Therefore, it may be a network setup using the normal WiFi standard, or a setting method for connecting the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 in AP mode. The fourth setting method is network setup using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). The setting methods executed between information processing device 101 and communication device 151 are not limited to the first to fourth setting methods, and the network setup process may be executed using other setting methods. The setting availability information for each setting method included in the information of communication device 151 is information indicating whether communication device 151 has the ability to perform setting using each of the first to fourth setting methods. For example, the setting availability information is based on whether communication device 151 supports each protocol or not.

[0047] The state information of the communication device 151 is information indicating whether the current state of the communication device 151 is capable of executing each setting method. In the case shown in FIG. 3, the communication device 151 is currently in network setup mode. In this case, the state information of the communication device 151 is, for example, "first setting method: possible, second setting method: possible, third setting method: valid, fourth setting method: possible." The state information of the communication device 151 when the communication device 151 is currently in another state will be described later. The state information of the communication device 151 may further include information indicating whether the current state of the communication device 151 has been automatically or manually transitioned. For example, when a user turns on the power for the first time in a factory default state, information indicating an automatic transition is included. Furthermore, for example, when a predetermined button operation on the communication device 151 is performed, information indicating a manual transition is included.

[0048] The timeout information is the timeout period for the network setup process. In the case shown in FIG. 3, when the information about the communication device 151 is transmitted in S108, the communication device 151 is in the network setup mode. In the network setup mode, as described above, the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password. Therefore, a timeout period is set for the network setup process to ensure security. For example, if the mode is automatically switched to the network setup mode, the timeout period is set to 60 minutes from the start of the network setup mode, and if the mode is manually switched to the network setup mode, the timeout period is set to 10 minutes from the start of the network setup mode. The remaining time calculated from these times is then transmitted as the timeout information.

[0049] The WEC-related information is, for example, the above-mentioned bootstrap information. The WEC-related information is transmitted when the communication device 151 is in network setup mode. Note that the WEC-related information does not have to be transmitted in S108, and may be transmitted upon the second touch described below. The WFD connection information is, for example, the SSID and password of the access point of the communication device 151.

[0050] In S109, based on the information of communication device 151 received in S108, CPU 103 generates display data to be displayed on display unit 108. In S110, based on the display data generated in S109, CPU 103 displays on display unit 108 a selection screen on which other setting methods can be selected.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen displayed in S110. The selection screen in FIG. 4 is displayed as a screen for a setting application. Area 401 is displayed based on the printer name, identification information, and WiFi connection information included in the information about the communication device 151. For example, area 401 displays the printer name "ABCPRINTER," the serial number "ABCD1234," and the MAC address "22:33:44:55:66:77." Furthermore, since the current state of the communication device 151 is the network setup mode, the connection status with the external access point "Not connected" is displayed. Area 402 displays information about the information processing device 101. For example, area 402 displays the current WiFi connection destination "AP1" and the MAC address "11:22:33:44:55:66." Furthermore, area 402 may display a message regarding the connection status with the Internet.

[0052] Selection items 403, 404, 406, and 407 indicate setting methods selectable by the user, which are displayed based on the information of communication device 151 received in S108. In the case shown in FIG. 3, communication device 151 is in network setup mode, and therefore the status information of communication device 151 is "first setting method: possible, second setting method: possible, third setting method: enabled, fourth setting method: possible." Therefore, in FIG. 4, selection items 403 and 404 corresponding to the second setting method, selection item 407 corresponding to the third setting method, and selection item 406 corresponding to the fourth setting method are displayed so that setting methods other than the first setting method can be selected. As will be described later, in this embodiment, when both the first setting method and the second setting method are executable, the second setting method is preferentially displayed as a selection item.

[0053] Selection item 403 is pressed when setting the communication device 151 to connect to the current WiFi connection destination (external access point) of the information processing device 101 displayed in area 402. Selection item 404 is pressed when selecting an external access point other than the current WiFi connection destination of the information processing device 101 displayed in area 402. Timeout period 405 is displayed based on timeout information included in the information of the communication device 151. Displaying timeout period 405 allows the user to recognize the remaining time for network setup processing.

[0054] Selection item 406 is pressed when selecting network setup processing using WPS (fourth setup method). Selection item 407 is pressed when the user selects network setup processing using WiFi Direct (third setup method). Selection item 408 is pressed when not performing network setup processing.

[0055] In S111, the CPU 103 accepts a user selection on the selection screen in FIG. 4. Here, the description will be given assuming that selection item 403 or 404 in FIG. 4 is selected. When selection item 403 is pressed, the CPU 103 acquires information about the external access point (hereinafter, "connected AP") to which the information processing device 101 was wirelessly connected via WiFi when the setting operation was performed. The information includes information for connecting to the access point to which the information processing device 101 is wirelessly connected via WiFi (such as an SSID and information indicating an encryption method). The acquired information is saved in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory of the information processing device 101. When selection item 404 is pressed, the CPU 103 instructs the OS of the information processing device 101 to search for access points around the information processing device 101, and acquires the search results using a setting application. The CPU 103 then displays a screen on the display unit 108 that displays the search results in a selectable manner. The CPU 103 acquires information about the access point selected by the user (such as SSID and information indicating the encryption method) and stores the acquired information in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory of the information processing device 101 .

[0056] In S112, the CPU 103 displays a message such as "Please touch the terminal to the printer again" on the display unit 108, which prompts the user to bring the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 close to the NFC unit of the communication device 151. FIG. 8(a) is an example of a screen displayed at that time. In S113, the user brings the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 close to the NFC unit of the communication device 151 (second touch).

[0057] When the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 and the NFC unit of the communication device 151 come close to each other, data is transmitted between the NFC units. Specifically, in S114, a Write request is transmitted from the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151, and in S115, a Write response is transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101. The Write request transmitted in S114 includes information corresponding to the selection result in S111. That is, a value corresponding to the selected setting method is written to the NFC memory of the communication device 151.

[0058] The following description will be given assuming that the selection item 403 is selected on the screen of Fig. 4. That is, in S114, the value corresponding to the selection item 403 is sent as a Write request.

[0059] If the WEC-related information has not been transmitted in S108, a request for WEC-related information is transmitted from the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151 in S116 at the second touch. The WEC-related information is, for example, bootstrap information. The WEC-related information is then transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101. If the WEC-related information has already been transmitted in S108, S116 is not executed.

[0060] In S117, once the value has been written to the NFC memory, CPU 154 causes communication device 151 to start operating in DPP standby mode. DPP standby mode will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. In addition, a timeout timer for DPP standby mode is started, and the time elapsed since operation in DPP standby mode began is counted. Thereafter, in S118, communication device 151 enters DPP standby mode.

[0061] In S119 to S122, CPU 103 executes the WEC using the acquired WEC-related information. In this embodiment, the setting application does not directly execute the WEC, but instead executes a process to launch an OS-standard WEC application program (hereinafter, a WEC application) as a process to execute the WEC. The WEC application then executes an API for the WEC, which requests the OS to execute the WEC, causing the OS to execute the WEC. The setting application may execute an API for the WEC, which requests the OS to execute the WEC, and the process to execute the WEC may be the execution request. Details of the processes in S119 to S122 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the information processing device 101. The processing in Fig. 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, or the like into the RAM 105 and executing the program. The processing in Fig. 5 starts when the setting application is executed in S104 of Fig. 3.

[0063] In S201, the CPU 103 acquires version information of the operating system program (OS) of the information processing device 101. In S202, the CPU 103 displays on the display unit 108 a message that prompts the user to bring the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 close to the NFC unit of the communication device 151. S202 corresponds to S105 in FIG. 3. In S203, the CPU 103 determines whether or not information about the communication device 151 has been acquired from the communication device 151. If it is determined that the information about the communication device 151 has not been acquired, the process of S203 is repeated. If it is determined that the information about the communication device 151 has been acquired, the process proceeds to S204. For example, if the Read response from the communication device 151 in S108 in FIG. 3 includes information about the communication device 151, it is determined that the information about the communication device 151 has been acquired, and the process proceeds to S204.

[0064] In S204, the CPU 103 determines whether the communication device 151 supports the network setup process based on the acquired information about the communication device 151. The determination in S204 is made, for example, based on the printer name and identification information included in the information about the communication device 151. For example, if it is determined that the printer is not manufactured by the same company, or if the information about the communication device 151 does not include any information about the selection items on the selection screen in FIG. 4, it is determined that the communication device 151 does not support the network setup process, and the process proceeds to S209. In S209, the CPU 103 displays a notification screen on the display unit 108 indicating that the network setup process cannot be executed for the communication device 151, and then ends the processes in FIGS. 3 and 5. On the other hand, if it is determined in S204 that the communication device 151 supports the network setup process, the process proceeds to S205.

[0065] In S205, the CPU 103 extracts items to be displayed as selection items on the selection screen of FIG.

[0066] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of S205. In S301, CPU 103 acquires a setting method supported by the OS of information processing device 101 based on the OS version information acquired in S201. For example, ROM 104, external storage device 106, etc. store OS version information and information on whether each of first to fourth setting methods is supported, in association with each other. CPU 103 references this information to acquire a setting method supported by the OS. In S302, CPU 103 acquires a setting method supported by communication device 151 based on information on whether each setting method is configurable, included in the information on communication device 151 acquired in S108 of FIG. 3. In S303, CPU 103 extracts a matching setting method from the setting method acquired in S301 and the setting method acquired in S302. That is, through S301 to S303, a setting method that both information processing device 101 and communication device 151 have common capabilities is acquired.

[0067] In S304, the CPU 103 acquires a setting method that can be executed in the current state of the communication device 151 based on the state information of the communication device 151 included in the information of the communication device 151 acquired in S108 of FIG.

[0068] In S305, CPU 103 specifies the setting method that matches the setting method extracted in S303 and the setting method acquired in S304 as the selection item to be displayed in S110 of Fig. 3. At that time, if both the first setting method and the second setting method are extracted in S303 and also acquired in S304, CPU 103 specifies the second setting method as the selection item to be displayed. In other words, the first setting method is not specified as the selection item to be displayed. After S305, the processing of Fig. 6 ends.

[0069] Steps S304 and S305 identify a setting method that is a common capability shared by both the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 and that can be executed in the current state of the communication device 151. This configuration can prevent, for example, a situation in which a selection item corresponding to network setup using DPP is displayed on the information processing device 101 side even though the communication device 151 does not support WEC. Furthermore, if both network setup using a network setup protocol and network setup using DPP are possible, network setup using DPP is displayed preferentially as a selection item. This configuration can present a more convenient setting method that does not require the user to enter information such as a password.

[0070] After S305, in S206 of Fig. 5, CPU 103 generates display data to be displayed on display unit 108 based on the information of communication device 151 received in S108, and causes the display data to be displayed on display unit 108. The display data generated here is, for example, data for displaying the selection screen of Fig. 4. S206 of Fig. 5 corresponds to S109 and S110 of Fig. 3.

[0071] In S207, CPU 103 determines whether or not a user selection has been accepted. The selection here refers to, for example, a selection from any of selection items 403, 404, and 406 to 408 in FIG. 4. The process of S207 is repeated until it is determined that a user selection has been accepted. If it is determined that a user selection has been accepted, the process proceeds to S208.

[0072] In S208, the CPU 103 performs processing according to the selection result received in S207. The processing in S208 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. After S208, the processing in Fig. 5 ends.

[0073] 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of S208. In S401, if the selection result received in S207 is any one of network setup using DPP (second setting method), network setup using WiFi Direct (third setting method), and network setup using WPS (fourth setting method), CPU 103 proceeds to S402. For example, if any one of selection items 403, 404, 406, and 407 in FIG. 4 is selected, CPU 103 proceeds to S402. On the other hand, if the selection result received in S207 is an item for not executing network setup, CPU 103 proceeds to S409. For example, if selection item 408 in FIG. 4 is selected, CPU 103 proceeds to S409. In S409, CPU 103 displays a message screen on display unit 108 indicating that network setup processing will not be performed, and then ends the processing of FIG. 7. Note that if selection item 408 is pressed, a screen for performing network setup using a network setup protocol (first setting method) may be displayed. The screen for performing network setup using the network setup protocol is, for example, a screen for selecting an access point to which communication device 151 is to be connected and for inputting information (such as a password) about the access point.

[0074] In S402, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the selection result accepted in S207 as a Write request to be sent to the communication device 151 in S114. In S403, the CPU 103 displays a message screen on the display unit 108, such as "Please touch the terminal to the printer," to prompt the user to bring the information processing device 101 close to the communication device 151. The processing of S403 corresponds to S113 in Fig. 3. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S403.

[0075] In S404, the CPU 103 determines whether the write request to the communication device 151 has been completed. The determination in S404 is made based on, for example, whether a write response has been received from the communication device 151. The processing of S404 is repeated until it is determined that the write request to the communication device 151 has been completed. If it is determined that the write request to the communication device 151 has been completed, the process proceeds to S405.

[0076] In S405, the CPU 103 switches control to execute processing according to the selection result received in S207. If the selection result received in S207 is the second setting method, the process proceeds to S406. In S406, the CPU 103 starts processing to execute WEC using the acquired WEC-related information. Specifically, for example, processing to launch an OS-standard WEC application is performed. At this time, for example, bootstrap information acquired from the communication device 151 is passed to the OS as a URI parameter. After S406, the processing in FIG. 7 ends.

[0077] Also, if the selection result accepted in S207 is the fourth setting method, the process proceeds to S407. In S407, CPU 103 displays a message prompting the user to press the connection button of the access point for which connection settings are to be performed. Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S407. After S407, the process in Fig. 7 ends.

[0078] Also, if the selection result accepted in S207 is the third setting method, the process proceeds to S408. In S408, the CPU 103 starts processing for connecting to the communication device 151 via WiFi Direct. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 disconnects from the access point to which it is currently connected, and connects to the communication device 151 operating in WFD mode via WiFi Direct based on the WFD connection information received in S108 of Fig. 3. Note that a WiFi connection via P2P with the communication device 151 operating in AP mode may also be established. After S408, the process of Fig. 7 ends.

[0079] 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the communication device 151. The processing in FIG. 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 reading a program stored in the ROM 152, an external storage device, or the like into the RAM 153 and executing the program. The processing in FIG. 9 starts after a read response is transmitted to the information processing device 101 in S108 of FIG. 3.

[0080] In S501, the CPU 154 determines whether writing from the information processing device 101 has been completed due to the proximity of the NFC unit of the information processing device 101. For example, the CPU 154 determines that writing from the information processing device 101 has been completed when a Write request is transmitted from the information processing device 101 and a Write response is transmitted to the information processing device 101. The processing of S501 is repeated until it is determined that writing from the information processing device 101 has been completed. If it is determined that writing from the information processing device 101 has been completed, the process proceeds to S502.

[0081] In S502, the CPU 154 switches control to execute processing according to the value written by the information processing device 101 in S501. If the value written in S501 indicates the second setting method, in S603 the CPU 154 transitions the communication device 151 to a mode waiting for a DPP Authentication Request. After S503, the processing in FIG. 9 ends.

[0082] If the value written in S501 indicates the fourth setting method, in S504, the CPU 154 starts setting using WPS. Specifically, for example, after the screen shown in Fig. 8(b) is displayed, a search is performed for an external access point for which the WPS button has been pressed. After S504, the processing in Fig. 9 ends.

[0083] If the value written in S501 indicates the third setting method, in S505, the CPU 154 sets the communication device 151 to the WiFi Direct mode. Specifically, for example, a beacon signal is transmitted, making the access point of the communication device 151 itself searchable from an external device (for example, the information processing device 101). After S505, the processing in FIG. 9 ends.

[0084] Next, the processing executed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 from S119 onward in Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The sequence shown in Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each device reading out a program stored in the ROM or external storage device of each device into the RAM of each device and executing the program.

[0085] First, in S500, the information processing device 101 starts WEC using DPP through a function of the OS. Specifically, the information processing device 101 starts the WEC app by issuing a command from the setting app to the OS to start the WEC app. As a result, the WEC app runs in the foreground and the setting app runs in the background. Note that, for example, execution of this command corresponds to an instruction to run WEC. As a result, the information processing device 101 displays a WEC start screen by the WEC app. Note that the WEC app is a program pre-installed in the information processing device 101 and is provided by the OS vendor of the information processing device 101. Furthermore, when the WEC app is started, WEC-related information acquired by the setting app is provided to the WEC app. FIG. 11 shows an example of a WEC start screen displayed by the WEC app. A WEC start screen 1100 displays areas 1101, 1102, and 1103. Area 1101 is an area for changing the access point set as the target for WEC configuration. Before area 1101 is operated, the access point set as the target for WEC configuration is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. When area 1101 is selected, the information processing device 101 displays a list of access points and newly sets the access point selected by the user from the list as the target for WEC configuration. The access point list includes, for example, access points discovered by the information processing device 101 through an AP search and access points to which the information processing device 101 has previously connected. Area 1102 is an area for canceling the execution of WEC, and area 1103 is an area for instructing the execution of WEC. When area 1102 is operated, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram. In this case, WEC is considered to have failed. When area 1103 is pressed, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S501. S500 corresponds to S120 in FIG. 3.

[0086] In S501, the WEC application executes a WEC API using WEC-related information and information about an access point set as a target for WEC configuration, thereby instructing the OS to execute WEC. Then, a process called DPP Authentication is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by a function of the OS. In DPP Authentication, authentication information, information used for encrypting information, and the like are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, thereby authenticating communication between the devices. Note that various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 during communication in DPP Authentication is encrypted based on WEC-related information acquired by the information processing device 101. Specifically, in DPP Authentication, the information processing device 101 first transmits an Authentication Request as a network setup request according to DPP. Next, the communication device 151, operating in DPP standby mode, receives the Authentication Request transmitted from the information processing device 101 because it is operating in DPP standby mode, which is a mode for waiting for an Authentication Request. Upon receiving the Authentication Request, the communication device 151 attempts to decrypt the received Request using the decryption key that it currently possesses. If the decryption is successful, the communication device 151 transmits an Authentication response to the information processing device 101 and authenticates communication with the information processing device 101. Note that if the information processing device 101 is unable to acquire accurate WEC-related information and is unable to encrypt the information correctly, decryption in the communication device 151 fails, authentication fails, and an Authentication response is not transmitted. DPP Authentication is completed when the information processing device 101 receives the Authentication response. Furthermore, in DPP Authentication, communication is performed using DPP.

[0087] Next, in S502, a process called DPP Configuration is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by a function of the OS. In DPP Configuration, the information processing device 101 transmits connection information for connecting to an access point set as a target for configuration by WEC to the communication device 151 using WEC. The connection information includes the SSID, password, and encryption method of the access point set as a target for configuration by WEC. The password transmitted at this time is information that was entered by the user on a screen displayed by an application compatible with the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point was established. The password is information that was held by the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point was established. The password is information that is not held by the setting application. The password transmitted at this time is information already held by the OS, and DPP Configuration is a process executed by the OS, so there is no need for the user to newly enter the password on a screen displayed by the setting application. By transmitting connection information by WEC as in this embodiment, it is possible to transmit the password to communication device 151 through secure communication without receiving a new password input from the user on the screen displayed by the setting application. Note that DPP is also used to execute communication in DPP Configuration.

[0088] In this embodiment, communication in DPP Authentication and DPP Configuration is performed by each device transmitting a beacon. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 receives a beacon transmitted from the information processing device 101 in DPP Authentication and DPP Configuration via a network interface for infrastructure connection.

[0089] In S503, the communication device 151 ends the DPP standby mode and transitions to infrastructure mode. Then, using the connection information acquired by WEC, the communication device 151 attempts to connect to an access point corresponding to the connection information. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151 is then able to communicate via the network formed by the connected access point. Note that communication via the network formed by the connected access point is performed using a protocol different from DPP (specifically, for example, Port9100, SNMP, or a protocol unique to the vendor of the communication device 151). Note that the communication device 151 may transmit information indicating whether or not the connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC was successful to the information processing device 101. Furthermore, if the connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC fails, the communication device 151 may transmit information indicating the cause of the failure to the information processing device 101. Note that this information transmission may be performed using DPP. Note that causes of failure in connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC include a communication error in WEC, the access point not being found, or inappropriate WEC-related information acquired from the communication device 151. Another example of the cause is that the encryption method used to connect to the access point set as the setting target by WEC is an encryption method that the communication device 151 does not support. Another example of the cause is that the encryption method used to connect to the access point set as the setting target by WEC is an encryption method that the WEC does not support. Note that the information processing device 101 may display information indicating whether or not the connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC was successful on the display unit 108. Furthermore, if the connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC fails, information indicating the cause of the failure may be displayed on the display unit 108.

[0090] In step S504, the information processing apparatus 101 switches the application running in the foreground from the WEC application to the setting application based on the completion of the WEC execution. The information processing apparatus 101 then searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which the information processing apparatus 101 belongs. This process is implemented by the setting application, which receives a notification from the OS that the WEC execution has completed. When the information processing apparatus 101 finds the communication device 151, the information processing apparatus 101 requests capability information from the communication device 151, and the communication device 151 transmits the capability information to the information processing apparatus 101. This registers information about the communication device 151 in the setting application, enabling subsequent communication with the communication device 151 via the setting application. Specifically, for example, the setting application enables transmission of a print job to the communication device 151. At this time, if the information processing apparatus 101 belongs to a network formed by an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected via the WEC, communication with the communication device 151 becomes possible via the access point. Furthermore, if communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 cannot be executed, for example, if the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, the request for and acquisition of capability information is omitted. Note that the communication in S504 is executed using, for example, a communication protocol different from the DPP and the setup communication protocol (specifically, for example, CHMP). Thereafter, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram.

[0091] In the above description, the WEC start screen is displayed by the WEC app, and the WEC app executes the WEC API to instruct the OS to run WEC. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the WEC start screen may be displayed by a settings app. Alternatively, the settings app may execute the WEC API to instruct the OS to run WEC.

[0092] The process in S118 in FIG. 3 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the DPP standby mode start process. The flowchart shown in Fig. 12 is realized, for example, by CPU 154 reading a setting application stored in ROM 152, memory, etc. into RAM 153 and executing it. The process in Fig. 12 starts when the value of the second setting method is written to the NFC memory in S114 and S117 of Fig. 3.

[0094] In S601, the CPU 154 determines a standby channel for DPP communication. The standby channel for DPP communication is a channel that waits for a DPP network setup request transmitted from the information processing device 101. The same channel is also used for DPP configuration processing. Note that the channel to be used as the standby channel for DPP communication may be set by the user, for example, from an operation screen of the communication device 151.

[0095] In S602, the CPU 154 generates the public key information used for secure communication with the information processing device 101 described above.

[0096] In S603, CPU 154 generates the above-mentioned Bootstrapping information. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information (such as a MAC address) of communication device 151, information related to the standby channel for DPP communication, and the public key information generated in S602.

[0097] Note that Fig. 12 describes the case where the bootstrapping information is transmitted in S116 in Fig. 3. When the bootstrapping information is transmitted in S108, the processes of S601 to S603 may be executed, for example, when the network setup mode is entered in S103 in Fig. 3.

[0098] In S604, the CPU 154 starts the DPP standby mode. When the DPP standby mode starts, communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 becomes possible using DPP authentication.

[0099] In S605, CPU 154 starts a DPP standby mode timeout timer. After starting operation in DPP standby mode, CPU 154 stops operation in DPP standby mode when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0100] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the execution process of network setup (WEC) using DPP, and corresponds to the operation of communication device 151 in the sequence of Fig. 10. The flowchart shown in Fig. 13 is realized, for example, by CPU 154 reading a setting application stored in ROM 152, memory, etc. into RAM 153 and executing it. The flowchart in Fig. 13 is started when communication device 151 receives a WEC execution request in DPP Authentication processing from information processing device 101.

[0101] In S701, the CPU 154 executes DPP authentication processing. As described above, in the DPP authentication processing, authentication information, information used for encrypting information, and the like are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, thereby authenticating communication between the devices. Note that in the DPP authentication, communication is executed using the DPP.

[0102] In S702, the CPU 154 determines whether the DPP authentication process with the information processing device 101 was successful. As described above, various pieces of information transmitted from the information processing device 101 during communication in DPP authentication are encrypted based on WEC-related information acquired by the information processing device 101. If the CPU 154 successfully decrypts the information received from the information processing device 101 using a decryption key stored in advance, the CPU 154 authenticates communication with the information processing device 101. Note that if the information processing device 101 is unable to acquire accurate WEC-related information and therefore is unable to accurately encrypt the information, decryption in the communication device 151 fails, and authentication fails. Therefore, if authentication of communication with the information processing device 101 is successful, the CPU 154 determines that the DPP authentication process is successful; if authentication fails, the CPU 154 determines that the DPP authentication process is unsuccessful. If the determination in S702 is NO, the CPU 154 ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the determination in S702 is YES, the CPU 154 proceeds to S703.

[0103] In S703, the CPU 154 executes DPP Configuration processing. In the DPP Configuration processing, the CPU 154 receives, via the WEC, connection information for connecting to an access point that has been set as a configuration target by the WEC from the information processing device 101. The connection information includes the SSID, password, encryption method, and other information for the access point that has been set as a configuration target by the WEC.

[0104] In S704, the CPU 154 determines whether the DPP Configuration process with the information processing device 101 was successful. Specifically, if the CPU 154 receives, via WEC, connection information for connecting to an access point set as a configuration target by WEC from the information processing device 101, it determines that the process was successful; if the connection information is not received, it determines that the process was unsuccessful. If the determination in S704 is NO, the CPU 154 ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the determination in S704 is YES, the CPU 154 proceeds to S705. If the DPP Configuration process is successful, the CPU 154 acquires the SSID, encryption method, and password of the access point.

[0105] In S705, the CPU 154 determines whether an SSID is included in the information about the access point that is set as a setting target by WEC and that is received from the information processing device 101. If the determination in S705 is NO, the CPU 154 ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the determination in S705 is YES, the CPU 154 proceeds to S706.

[0106] In S706, the CPU 154 determines whether or not an encryption method is included in the information about the access point that is set as a setting target by WEC and that is received from the information processing device 101. If the determination in S706 is NO, the CPU 154 ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the determination in S706 is YES, the CPU 154 proceeds to S707.

[0107] In S707, the CPU 154 determines whether or not a password is included in the information about the access point that is set as a setting target by WEC and that is received from the information processing device 101. Note that when connecting to an access point using DPP communication, the CPU 154 may determine whether or not public key information is included instead of a password. If the determination in S707 is NO, the CPU 154 ends this flowchart. On the other hand, if the determination in S707 is YES, the CPU 154 ends the DPP standby mode. Once the CPU 154 ends the DPP standby mode, it will be unable to respond to a request for DPP Authentication processing from the information processing device 101.

[0108] In S708, the CPU 154 connects to the access point set as the setting target by WEC using the various information (SSID, password, encryption method) of the access point received from the information processing device 101. Then, the CPU 154 ends this flowchart.

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, when the communication device 151 is in network setup mode, if a setting method other than the network setup protocol is executable, a selection screen that allows the user to select the other setting method is displayed on the information processing device 101. Specifically, for example, a selection screen that allows the user to select between network setup using DPP and network setup using WiFi Direct is displayed. Then, when a selection is accepted on the selection screen, processing corresponding to the selected setting method is started. With such a configuration, the user does not need to operate the screen on the communication device 151, thereby improving convenience.

[0110] In this embodiment, the configuration has been described for the case where the communication device 151 is in the network setup mode, as shown in Fig. 3. Below, the case where the communication device 151 is in another state will be described.

[0111] First, a case will be described in which the information processing device 101 is already connected to the access point 131 (referred to as access point A) and the communication device 151 is already connected to another access point (referred to as access point B).

[0112] 3 is performed in the information processing device 101. Then, in S108, information about the communication device 151 is transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101 as a Read response. Since the communication device 151 is currently connected to access point B, the status information of the communication device 151 is "first setting method: not possible, second setting method: not possible, third setting method: enabled, fourth setting method: not possible." In this case, in S110, the screen of FIG. 14 is displayed on the information processing device 101. As shown in FIG. 14, in this case, the connection status with the external access point in area 1401 of the selection screen is "connected to AP2." Also, as shown in FIG. 14, a selection item 1404 corresponding to the third setting method is displayed on the selection screen. On the other hand, since the communication device 151 is already connected to access point B, the items corresponding to selection items 403, 404, and 406 of FIG. 4 are not displayed. Also, a selection item 1403 for connecting the communication device 151 to the access point A is displayed.

[0113] Here, if selection item 1403 is selected, in S114 of FIG. 3, information corresponding to selection item 1403 is transmitted to communication device 151 as a Write request. Furthermore, if selection item 1403 is selected, a screen prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation on communication device 151 and bring the NFC unit of information processing device 101 close to the NFC unit of communication device 151 is displayed on information processing device 101. FIG. 15 shows an example of the screen displayed at that time. When the screen of FIG. 15 is displayed, a warning message such as "The connection between the printer and access point B will be disconnected" may also be displayed. When the user performs a predetermined operation, communication device 151 disconnects from access point B and transitions to network setup mode.

[0114] Thereafter, the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 is brought into proximity with the NFC unit of the communication device 151, and data transmission of S107 and S108 in Fig. 3 is performed. The status information of the communication device 151 transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101 is then "first setting method: possible, second setting method: possible, third setting method: valid, fourth setting method: possible." Then, in S110, the selection screen of Fig. 16 is displayed on the information processing device 101. As shown in Fig. 16, the selection items similar to those in Fig. 4 are displayed on the selection screen. The screen of Fig. 16 differs from the screen of Fig. 14 in that the connection status with the external access point in area 1601 is "not connected."

[0115] Next, a case where the information processing device 101 has already been connected to the communication device 151 via WiFi Direct will be described.

[0116] 3 is performed in the information processing device 101. Then, in S108, information about the communication device 151 is transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101 as a Read response. Since the communication device 151 is currently connected to the information processing device 101 via WiFi Direct, the status information about the communication device 151 is "First setting method: Not possible, Second setting method: Not possible, Third setting method: Enabled, Fourth setting method: Not possible." In this case, in S110, the screen of FIG. 17 is displayed on the information processing device 101. In this case, since the communication device 151 is already connected to the information processing device 101 via WiFi Direct, as shown in FIG. 17, items corresponding to the selection items 403, 404, 406, and 407 in FIG. 4 are not displayed. Furthermore, information about the information processing device 101 connected via WiFi Direct, such as "WFD connection: SmartPhone1," is displayed in an area 1701. Additionally, information about communication device 151 connected via WiFi Direct as the current WiFi connection destination is displayed in area 1702. Also, a selection item 1703 for connecting communication device 151 to access point A is displayed.

[0117] Here, if selection item 1703 is selected, in S114, information corresponding to the selection item is transmitted as a Write request to the communication device 151. Furthermore, if selection item 1703 is selected, the screen of FIG. 15 prompting the user to perform a predetermined operation of the communication device 151 is displayed on the information processing device 101. When the screen of FIG. 15 is displayed, a warning message such as "The connection to the printer currently connected in direct mode will be disconnected" may be displayed. When the user performs the predetermined operation, the communication device 151 disconnects the connection to the information processing device 101 via WiFi Direct and transitions to network setup mode.

[0118] Thereafter, the NFC unit of the information processing device 101 is brought into proximity with the NFC unit of the communication device 151, and data transmission of S107 and S108 in FIG. 3 is performed. The status information of the communication device 151 transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101 is "First setting method: Available, Second setting method: Available, Third setting method: Enabled, Fourth setting method: Available." In this case, in S110, the screen of FIG. 18 is displayed on the information processing device 101. As shown in FIG. 18, the selection screen displays selection items similar to selection items 406 and 407 in FIG. 4, but does not display an item corresponding to selection item 403 in FIG. 4. This is because there is no external access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. The screen of FIG. 18 differs from the screen of FIG. 17 in that area 1801 displays "WFD connection: Not connected" and area 1802 displays "WiFi: Not connected." When selection item 1803 is selected, a request is made to the OS to search for an external access point, and an AP search is performed. After the AP search, when the user selects an external access point, the same processing as when selection item 404 in FIG. 4 is selected is performed.

[0119] In this way, even in other cases, a selection screen that allows selection of multiple setting methods for the network setup process can be displayed on the information processing device 101. Furthermore, since the user does not need to operate the screen on the communication device 151, convenience can be improved.

[0120] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0121] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following programs, systems, and methods. (Item 1) A computer of an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, a first acquisition means for acquiring information about the communication device from the communication device; a display means for displaying on a display unit a selection screen for setting a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device, based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means; a processing means for performing processing in accordance with a selection result on the selection screen; It functions as the selection screen is a screen that displays a plurality of connection methods for the setting in a selectable manner, the plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the access point as the device and the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device as the device and the communication device; A program characterized by: (Item 2) causing the computer to further function as a second acquisition unit that acquires information about the information processing device; The program described in item 1, characterized in that the display means displays the selection screen based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means and the information of the information processing device acquired by the second acquisition means. (Item 3) 3. The program according to item 2, wherein the information about the communication device and the information about the information processing device includes whether each of the plurality of connection methods can be implemented. (Item 4) 4. The program according to item 2 or 3, wherein the information on the information processing device includes version information of the operating system. (Item 5) 5. The program according to item 3 or 4, further causing the computer to function as an extraction unit that extracts connection methods executable by the communication device and the information processing device based on the information about the communication device acquired by the first acquisition unit and the information about the information processing device acquired by the second acquisition unit. (Item 6) 6. The program according to item 5, wherein the display means displays the connection methods acquired by the extraction means on the selection screen in a selectable manner. (Item 7) The program described in item 5, characterized in that the first connection method includes a method of communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using a first protocol as communication for connecting the access point and the communication device, and a method of communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using a second protocol different from the first protocol as communication for connecting the access point and the communication device. (Item 8) 8. The program according to item 7, wherein the second protocol is DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol). (Item 9) When the extraction means extracts both a method of performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device using the first protocol and a method of performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device using the second protocol as connection methods executable by the communication device and the information processing device, The program described in item 7 or 8, characterized in that the display means does not display on the selection screen a method for communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using the first protocol, but displays on the selection screen a method for communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using the second protocol. (Item 10) The program described in any one of items 7 to 9, characterized in that when the first connection method is selected on the selection screen, the processing means starts communication between the communication device and the information processing device using the second protocol. (Item 11) Item 10 is a program characterized in that, when the second connection method is selected on the selection screen, the processing means starts communication between the communication device and the information processing device using a third protocol different from the first protocol and the second protocol. (Item 12) Item 12. The program according to item 11, wherein the third protocol is WiFi Direct. (Item 13) 13. The program according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the first acquisition means acquires the information about the communication device from the communication device by short-range wireless communication. (Item 14) Item 14. The program according to item 13, further causing the computer to function as a transmitting means for transmitting a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device via the short-range wireless communication. (Item 15) the display means displays, on the display unit, a screen that prompts the user to bring the information processing device close to the communication device after the selection is made on the selection screen; Item 15. The program according to item 14, wherein the transmitting means transmits a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device when the information processing device approaches the communication device. (Item 16) 16. The program according to any one of items 13 to 15, wherein the short-distance wireless communication is NFC (Near Field Communication). (Item 17) A system including an information processing device and a communication device capable of wireless communication with the information processing device, The information processing device includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring information about the communication device from the communication device; a display means for displaying on a display unit a selection screen for setting a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means; a first transmission means for transmitting a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device; a first processing means for performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen; Equipped with The communication device a second transmitting means for transmitting information of the communication device to the information processing device; a receiving means for receiving a selection result on the selection screen from the information processing device; a second processing means for performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen; Equipped with the selection screen is a screen that displays a plurality of connection methods for the setting in a selectable manner, the plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the access point as the device and the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device as the device and the communication device; A system characterized by: (Item 18) The system described in item 17 is characterized in that the first connection method is a method of communication between the information processing device and the communication device using DPP as communication for connecting the access point and the communication device. (Item 19) 19. The system according to item 17 or 18, wherein the first processing means and the second processing means initiate communication between the communication device and the information processing device using DPP. (Item 20) 20. The system described in item 19, wherein the first processing means sends a DPP Authentication request to the communication device. (Item 21) 21. The system according to item 20, wherein the second processing means sets the communication device to a mode in which it waits for the request. (Item 22) A method executed in an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, a first acquisition step of acquiring information about the communication device from the communication device; a display step of displaying on a display unit a selection screen for setting a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device based on the information of the communication device acquired in the first acquisition step; a processing step of performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen; and the selection screen is a screen that displays a plurality of connection methods for the setting in a selectable manner, the plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the access point as the device and the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device as the device and the communication device; A method characterized by: (Item 23) A method executed in a system including an information processing device and a communication device capable of wireless communication with the information processing device, The information processing device, a first acquisition step of acquiring information about the communication device from the communication device; a display step of displaying on a display unit a selection screen for setting a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device based on the information of the communication device acquired in the first acquisition step; a first transmission step of transmitting a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device; a first processing step of performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen; The communication device a second transmission step of transmitting information of the communication device to the information processing device; a receiving step of receiving a selection result on the selection screen from the information processing device; a second processing step of performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen; and the selection screen is a screen that displays a plurality of connection methods for the setting in a selectable manner, the plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the access point as the device and the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device as the device and the communication device; A method characterized by:

[0122] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 101 Information processing device: 103 CPU: 151 Communication device

Claims

1. A computer of an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, A first acquisition means for acquiring information of the communication device from the communication device; a display means for displaying on a display unit a selection screen for making settings related to a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device, based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means; a processing means for performing processing in accordance with a selection result on the selection screen; Function as a the selection screen is a screen in which a plurality of connection methods for the setting are displayed in a selectable manner, The plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the communication device to an access point external to the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device to the communication device without going through the access point. A program characterized by:

2. causing the computer to further function as a second acquisition unit for acquiring information of the information processing device; The program according to claim 1 , characterized in that the display means displays the selection screen based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means and the information of the information processing device acquired by the second acquisition means.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the information about the communication device and the information about the information processing device include whether each of the plurality of connection methods can be executed.

4. 4. The program according to claim 2, wherein the information about the information processing device includes version information about an operating system.

5. The program according to claim 3, further causing the computer to function as an extraction means for extracting a connection method executable by the communication device and the information processing device based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means and the information of the information processing device acquired by the second acquisition means.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the display means displays the connection methods acquired by the extraction means in a selectable manner on the selection screen.

7. The program according to claim 5, characterized in that the first connection method includes a method of communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using a first protocol as communication for connecting the access point and the communication device, and a method of communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using a second protocol different from the first protocol as communication for connecting the access point and the communication device.

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the second protocol is a Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP).

9. When the extraction means extracts both a method of performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device using the first protocol and a method of performing communication between the information processing device and the communication device using the second protocol as connection methods executable by the communication device and the information processing device, The program described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the display means does not display on the selection screen a method of communication between the information processing device and the communication device using the first protocol, but displays on the selection screen a method of communication between the information processing device and the communication device using the second protocol.

10. The program according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that when the first connection method is selected on the selection screen, the processing means starts communication between the communication device and the information processing device using the second protocol.

11. The program described in claim 10, characterized in that when the second connection method is selected on the selection screen, the processing means starts communication between the communication device and the information processing device using a third protocol different from the first protocol and the second protocol.

12. The computer-implemented program product according to claim 11, wherein the third protocol is WiFi Direct.

13. 2 . The program according to claim 1 , wherein the first acquisition means acquires the information about the communication device from the communication device through short-range wireless communication.

14. 14. The program according to claim 13, further causing the computer to function as a transmission unit that transmits a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device by the short-range wireless communication.

15. The display means displays, on the display unit, a screen prompting a user to bring the information processing device close to the communication device after a selection is made on the selection screen; 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the transmitting means transmits a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device when the information processing device approaches the communication device.

16. 16. The program according to claim 13, wherein the short-range wireless communication is NFC (Near Field Communication).

17. A system including an information processing device and a communication device capable of wireless communication with the information processing device, The information processing device includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring information of the communication device from the communication device; a display means for displaying on a display unit a selection screen for making settings related to a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device based on the information of the communication device acquired by the first acquisition means; a first transmission means for transmitting a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device; a first processing means for performing a process according to a selection result on the selection screen; Equipped with The communication device includes: A second transmitting means for transmitting information of the communication device to the information processing device; a receiving means for receiving a selection result on the selection screen from the information processing device; A second processing means for performing a process according to a selection result on the selection screen; Equipped with the selection screen is a screen in which a plurality of connection methods for the setting are displayed in a selectable manner, The plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the communication device to an access point external to the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device to the communication device without going through the access point. A system characterized by:

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the first connection method is a method of communicating between the information processing device and the communication device using DPP as communication for connecting the access point and the communication device.

19. 19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the first processing means and the second processing means initiate communication between the communication device and the information processing device according to DPP.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first processing means transmits a DPP Authentication request to the communication device.

21. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein said second processing means places said communication device in a mode in which it waits for said request.

22. A method executed in an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, a first acquisition step of acquiring information of the communication device from the communication device; a display step of displaying, on a display unit, a selection screen for making settings related to a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device, based on the information of the communication device acquired in the first acquisition step; a processing step of performing processing according to a selection result on the selection screen; having the selection screen is a screen in which a plurality of connection methods for the setting are displayed in a selectable manner, The plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the communication device to an access point external to the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device to the communication device without going through the access point. A method comprising:

23. A method executed in a system including an information processing device and a communication device capable of wireless communication with the information processing device, The information processing device, a first acquisition step of acquiring information of the communication device from the communication device; a display step of displaying, on a display unit, a selection screen for making settings related to a connection between the communication device and an external device of the communication device, based on the information of the communication device acquired in the first acquisition step; a first transmission step of transmitting a selection result on the selection screen to the communication device; a first processing step of performing a process according to a selection result on the selection screen; The communication device, a second transmission step of transmitting information of the communication device to the information processing device; a receiving step of receiving a selection result on the selection screen from the information processing device; a second processing step of performing a process according to a selection result on the selection screen; having the selection screen is a screen in which a plurality of connection methods for the setting are displayed in a selectable manner, The plurality of connection methods include a first connection method for connecting the communication device to an access point external to the communication device, and a second connection method for connecting the information processing device to the communication device without going through the access point. A method comprising:

Images