Program, method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a mechanism to improve convenience in a configuration where a network setup is performed for a device using a predetermined method after a specific signal is transmitted to the device.SOLUTION: Information of an access point different from an information processing device and a communication device is acquired. When the acquired information of the access point satisfies a condition, a signal for making it possible to connect a communication device to the access point is transmitted to the communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a system, and a method for performing settings related to connections between devices.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases where electronic devices such as digital cameras, printers, mobile phones, and smartphones are equipped with a wireless communication function and these devices are connected to a wireless network and used as communication devices. In order to connect an electronic device to a wireless network, it is necessary to set various communication parameters such as an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. Therefore, the setting of communication parameters is complicated and the hurdle is high for users of digital cameras and printers. Therefore, a mechanism for simplifying the setting of communication parameters is used. In addition, in order to prevent information leakage of communication parameters, etc., a mechanism for notifying a user terminal by anonymizing communication parameters using a public key cryptosystem is also used.

[0003] As one of them, a mechanism for transmitting and receiving network information between devices called WEC (Wi-Fi Easy Connect) using DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) by the Wi-Fi Alliance has been standardized. In WEC, examples of the Bootstrapping method that triggers the transmission and reception of network information include QR code, BLE, NFC, etc., and communication is started by providing a public key to a device that becomes a communication partner.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a technique for facilitating the setting of communication parameters in a communication terminal by mediating a QR code (registered trademark) image including information on communication parameters is described. In addition, in Patent Document 2, it is described that a printer outputs a QR code to an output unit after receiving a specific signal from a terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-261938 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-180036 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In a configuration where a predetermined network setup method is performed for a device after a specific signal is transmitted to that device, if the device does not support that predetermined network setup method, the network setup will not be performed even if the signal is transmitted.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that improves convenience in a configuration in which a network setup is performed on a device in a predetermined manner after a specific signal has been transmitted to the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the program according to the present invention causes the computer of an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device to function as a first acquisition means for acquiring information on an access point different from the information processing device and the communication device, and a transmission control means for transmitting a signal to the communication device to enable the execution of a predetermined network setup for connecting the communication device to the access point when the information on the access point acquired by the first acquisition means satisfies certain conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention improves convenience in a configuration where a network setup for a device is performed in a predetermined manner after a specific signal has been transmitted to the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This diagram shows the configuration of a system including an information processing device and a communication device. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by the information processing device and the communication device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the UI screen of an information processing device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the transmission control process for a specific signal in an information processing device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the UI screen of an information processing device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the transmission control process for a specific signal in an information processing device. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the processing in DPP waiting mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] [First Embodiment] This section describes the information processing device and communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment. While a smartphone is used as an example of the information processing device in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, various devices such as mobile terminals, PCs (personal computers), tablet terminals, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and digital cameras can be used as information processing devices. Similarly, while a printer is used as an example of the communication device in this embodiment, it is not limited to this; various devices capable of wireless communication with the information processing device can be used. For example, inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, and monochrome printers can be used. Furthermore, not only printers, but also copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, etc., can be used. In addition, multifunction devices with multiple functions such as copying, faxing, and printing are also applicable.

[0013] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the information processing device supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter referred to as WEC) (registered trademark), it can perform that function. WEC is a function that performs network setup of other devices using the Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter referred to as 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 takes place between a device operating in the role of "Configurator" (hereinafter referred to as the Configurator device) and a device operating in the role of "Enrollee" (hereinafter referred to as the Enrollee device). In this embodiment, the Configurator device is the Initiator in DPP, and the Enrollee device is the Responder in DPP. In bootstrapping, the Configurator device obtains bootstrapping information from the Enrollee device. Methods for obtaining bootstrapping information include, for example, using a QR code, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other communication methods. Bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information of the Enrollee device (such as its MAC address) and public key information used to establish secure communication with the Enrollee device. In this embodiment, Bootstrapping information is described as "WEC-related information." Other information may also be treated as WEC-related information. The Configurator device then uses the acquired Bootstrapping information to perform wireless communication with the Enrollee device. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device communicates with the Enrollee device using the public key contained in the Bootstrapping information. Furthermore, it generates a shared key based on the information obtained from that communication and sends encrypted information using that shared key to the Enrollee device. The information sent here is specifically, 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 this embodiment, the WEC-based network setup process is described as follows: the WEC-compatible information processing device operates as the Configurator device, and the WEC-compatible communication device operates as the Enrollee device.

[0014] First, the configuration of the information processing device of this embodiment and the communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram in Figure 1. Furthermore, although the following configuration is described as an example in this embodiment, this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with a communication device and is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0015] 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, an imaging unit 112, etc. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc. form the computer of the information processing device 101.

[0016] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user when an operation unit such as a keyboard 109 is operated. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard or physical buttons, or it may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may also receive input (operation) from the user via the display unit 108.

[0017] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire information processing apparatus 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 103, data tables, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In the present embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0018] The RAM 105 is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power supply. Since the data in the RAM 105 is held by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without being volatile. In addition, a memory area for storing the setting information of the information processing apparatus 101, the management data of the information processing apparatus 101, etc. is also provided in the RAM 105. Further, the RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and the work memory of the CPU 103.

[0019] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as a setting app) for executing the network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information interpretable by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting app is an application program for setting the access point of the connection destination of the communication device 151 using a WEC or the like. Note that the setting app may have other functions than the network setup function. For example, the setting app may have a function to cause the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function to scan the original document set in the communication device 151, a function to check the state of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting app is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server via Internet communication through the communication unit 110, for example. Further, the external storage device 106 stores various programs such as an information transmission / reception control program for transmitting and receiving information to and from the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

[0020] The output interface 107 is an interface for the display unit 108 to perform control for data display and notification of the state of the information processing apparatus 101. The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and performs data display and notification of the state of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 and execute data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can be connected to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 and the access point in the communication device 151, the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. Note that the communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 by wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device existing outside the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) existing outside the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication device 151, and a device capable of relaying communication other than the access point. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is assumed to be Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) that complies with the IEEE802.11 series communication standard. And the above-mentioned WEC is executed by the communication by the communication unit 110. Also, examples of the access point 131 include devices such as a wireless LAN router. In the present embodiment, a method in which the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without passing through an external access point is called a direct connection method. Also, a method in which the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0022] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the communication device 151 at short range and perform data communication, and communicates using a different communication method than the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can connect to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 within the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0023] The imaging unit 112 operates when an imaging function is executed by an application running on the information processing device 101. When an imaging function is executed by an application, for example, information acquired from the imaging unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and displayed on the display unit 108 as a live view. When an imaging operation is executed by the application, the information acquired from the imaging unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and saved as an image in the RAM 105. Furthermore, when a QR code acquisition function is executed by the application, the information acquired from the imaging unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103, analyzed as a QR code, and various information contained in the QR code is acquired. Information contained in the QR code includes, for example, WEC-related information. In this embodiment, a QR code is used as an example of a two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 executes WEC using the OS of the information processing device 101 based on an instruction to execute a network setup process by a setting application.

[0024] The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, print engine 155, scan engine 162, communication unit 156, short-range wireless communication unit 157, etc. The computer of the communication device 151 is formed by the ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc.

[0025] The communication unit 156 has an access point within the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101. This access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. When the communication unit 156 activates this access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may connect wirelessly to the information processing device 101 directly, or it may connect wirelessly via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) refers to a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. Furthermore, if the communication device 151 supports WEC, the aforementioned WEC will be executed by communication via the communication unit 156. Furthermore, the communication unit 156 may be equipped with hardware that functions as an access point, or it may operate as an access point through software that enables it to function as an access point.

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

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

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

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in 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 the communication device 151 operates in network setup mode, it operates as a setup access point that is valid during operation in network setup mode by using the communication unit 156. This setup access point is a different access point from the access point that is enabled in AP mode as described above. The SSID of this setup access point shall contain a predetermined string that can be recognized by the setting application of the information processing device 101. Also, this setup access point shall be an access point that does not require a password for connection. Furthermore, the communication device 151 operating in network setup mode shall use a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specifically, the setup communication protocol is, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Other specific examples of the setup communication protocol include HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). After the communication device 151 starts operating in network setup mode, it stops operating in 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 is an access point that does not require a password, and if it is enabled for a long time, the possibility of connection requests from inappropriate devices increases. The setup access point may be an access point that requires a password. In that case, the password used to connect to the setup access point shall be a fixed (user-unchangeable) password that the configuration application has known in advance.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for performing network setup using a communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol. In this embodiment, the communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol is assumed to be the DPP described above, and this mode is referred to as the DPP waiting mode. When the communication device 151 is operating in the DPP waiting mode and receives a DPP network setup request from the information processing device 101, it performs the DPP network setup. Therefore, the DPP waiting mode is, in other words, a mode in which the device is waiting for a DPP network setup request.

[0031] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the information processing device 101 at short range, and can, for example, connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the information processing device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0032] The CPU 154 is the system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151. The RAM 153 is composed of SRAM or the like, which requires a backup power supply. Since the RAM 153's data is held by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information and management data for the communication device 151. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 154, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily saving print information received from the information processing device 101, etc., and various other information. 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 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0033] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by adding a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium based on the information stored in the RAM 153 and the print job received from the information processing device 101, and outputs the print result. Generally, the amount of data for print jobs transmitted from the information processing device 101, etc. is large, so it is necessary to use a communication method that enables high-speed communication for the communication of print jobs. For this reason, the communication device 151 receives print jobs via the communication unit 156, which is capable of high-speed communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0034] The scan engine 162 reads image data and document data from the set document based on input from the operation unit 159 and scan jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc. The read data is either stored in the RAM 153 as a scan result or transmitted to the information processing device 101, etc. Generally, the amount of scan result data transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101, etc. is large, so it is necessary to use a communication method that enables high-speed communication for this communication. Therefore, the communication device 151 transmits the scan results via the communication unit 156, which is capable of high-speed communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0035] Furthermore, the communication device 151 may be equipped with an external HDD or SD card as an optional memory device, and the information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in such memory.

[0036] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user when an operation unit 159, such as a physical button, is operated. The operation unit 159 may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 161. In other words, the input interface 158 may also receive input from the user via the display unit 161. The output interface 160 is an interface for controlling the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151. The display unit 161 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the operation unit 159 and the display unit 161 are configured as an operation display unit consisting of a touch panel display.

[0037] In this embodiment, communication units 110 and 156 perform communication parameter sharing processing to share communication parameters between devices. Communication parameter sharing processing is the process by which the providing device provides communication parameters for wireless communication to the receiving device, and can be performed in both infrastructure mode and P2P mode. Here, communication parameters include, for example, wireless communication parameters necessary for wireless LAN communication, such as SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​as a network identifier, encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, and authentication key. They also include identification information such as MAC address, password, IP address for communication at the IP layer, and information necessary for higher-level services. The communication parameter sharing processing performed by communication units 110 and 156 may be, for example, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) as defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Furthermore, the communication parameter sharing processing performed by communication units 110 and 156 may use a method that securely transfers communication parameters using public-key cryptography.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication device 151 includes a barcode generation control unit. Although not shown in Figure 1, the barcode generation control unit is implemented, for example, by the CPU 154 executing a program. The barcode generation control unit generates code information such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and QR codes, and controls the display unit 161 to display the generated code information. The barcode generation control unit causes the display unit 161 to display a QR code or the like that encodes the information necessary for setting communication parameters. The display unit 161 may also be configured to display soft buttons or the like as an input interface for the user.

[0039] The operation of the communication system having the above configuration will be explained. In the following explanation, as an example, the process starts with the information processing device 101 not connected to an external access point, the information processing device 101 captures a QR code displayed on the display unit 161 by the communication device 151 using the imaging unit 112, and the network setup is performed using WEC with the information from the captured QR code.

[0040] First, using Figures 2 and 3, we will explain the processing performed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in a WEC using DPP. The sequence shown in Figure 2 is realized, for example, when the CPU of each device reads a program stored in the ROM or external storage device of each device into the RAM of each device and executes it.

[0041] First, in S200, the communication device 151 starts DPP standby mode. The trigger for starting DPP standby mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or it may be receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. Specific examples of receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101 include receiving a specific BLE beacon or receiving a specific wireless LAN communication. Once DPP standby mode is started, WEC-related information becomes available for reading. For example, if a QR code is used for the Bootstrapping shown in S201, the communication device 151 generates a QR code based on the WEC-related information and displays it on the display unit 161.

[0042] When S200 starts the DPP waiting mode, the communication device 151 may be operating in parallel in another mode. For example, it may be operating in parallel as the network setup mode described above.

[0043] Here, using Figure 7, we will explain the DPP waiting mode processing performed by the communication device 151 in a WEC using DPP. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 is realized, for example, when the CPU 154 of the communication device 151 reads a program stored in ROM 152 or the like into RAM 153 and executes it.

[0044] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process for starting the DPP standby mode. The flowchart in Figure 7 starts, for example, when the communication device 151 starts the DPP standby mode in S200.

[0045] In S601, the CPU 154 determines the listening channel for DPP communication. The listening channel for DPP communication is the channel that listens for network setup requests via DPP transmitted from the information processing device 101. The same channel is also used for DPP configuration processing. Note that the channel used for DPP communication listening may be set by the user, for example, from the operation screen of the communication device 151.

[0046] In S602, the CPU 154 generates public key information used to perform secure communication with the information processing device 101 as described above.

[0047] In S603, the CPU 154 generates the Bootstrapping information described above. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, the identification information of the communication device 151 (such as its MAC address), information about the listening channel for DPP communication, and the public key information generated in S602.

[0048] In S604, the CPU 154 starts DPP waiting mode. Once DPP waiting mode is started, communication for DPP Authentication becomes possible between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101.

[0049] In S605, CPU 154 starts the DPP waiting mode timeout timer. After a predetermined time has elapsed since CPU 154 started operating in DPP waiting mode, it stops operating in DPP waiting mode. By stopping the DPP waiting mode operation, the system transitions to, for example, network setup processing using the network setup protocol.

[0050] Refer to Figure 2 again. In S201, the information processing device 101 acquires WEC-related information as Bootstrapping information. For example, if a QR code is used to acquire Bootstrapping information, the information processing device 101 executes a QR code scanning function in the settings application. The QR code scanning function uses the scanning unit 112 to scan the QR code and analyzes the QR code from the captured image. As a result, the settings application acquires the WEC-related information contained in the QR code.

[0051] In S202, the information processing device 101 initiates WEC using DPP through the OS's functions. Specifically, the information processing device 101 first launches the WEC application by instructing the OS from the configuration application to launch the WEC application. As a result, the WEC application runs in the foreground and the configuration application runs in the background. For example, the execution of this instruction corresponds to the instruction to run WEC. As a result, the information processing device 101 displays the WEC start screen via the WEC application. The WEC application is a program pre-installed on the information processing device 101 and is provided by the OS vendor of the information processing device 101. When the WEC application is launched, WEC-related information acquired by the configuration application is provided to the WEC application.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an example of the WEC start screen displayed by the WEC application. The WEC start screen 300 displays areas 301, 302, and 303. Area 301 is for changing the access point set as the target for WEC configuration. Before area 301 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, for example, access point 131. When area 301 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 list of access points includes access points to which the information processing device 101 has previously connected. Area 302 is for receiving instructions to cancel the execution of WEC, and area 303 is for receiving instructions to execute WEC. When area 302 is operated, the information processing device 101 terminates the processing in this sequence diagram. Also, when area 303 is pressed, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S203. In this embodiment, as another configuration example, the screen shown in Figure 3 may not be displayed, meaning that the system may proceed to S203 even if area 303 is not pressed.

[0053] In S202, the WEC application on the information processing device 101 instructs the OS to execute WEC by executing a WEC API using WEC-related information and information about access points configured as targets for WEC configuration. Then, in S203, the OS performs a process called DPP Authentication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In DPP Authentication, authentication information and information used for information encryption are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 to authenticate communication between the devices. In DPP Authentication, various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 is encrypted by the information processing device 101 based on WEC-related information obtained from the communication device 151. Specifically, in DPP Authentication, first the information processing device 101 sends an Authentication Request as a DPP network setup request. Next, the communication device 151, which is operating in DPP waiting mode, receives the Authentication Request sent from the information processing device 101. Upon receiving an Authentication Request, the communication device 151 attempts to decrypt the received Authentication Request using its currently held decryption key. If the decryption is successful, the communication device 151 sends an Authentication response to the information processing device 101, thereby authenticating communication with the information processing device 101. However, if the information processing device 101 has not been able to obtain accurate WEC-related information and has not been able to encrypt the information accurately, the decryption by the communication device 151 will fail, authentication will fail, and the Authentication response will not be sent. DPP Authentication is completed when the Authentication response is received by the information processing device 101. Furthermore, DPP is used to execute communication during DPP Authentication.

[0054] Next, in S204, the OS of the information processing device 101 performs a process called DPP Configuration between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In DPP Configuration, the information processing device 101 sends connection information to the communication device 151 via WEC for connecting to the access point that has been set as a target for WEC configuration. The connection information includes at least one piece of information such as the SSID, password, and encryption method of the access point that has been set as a target for WEC configuration. The password sent at this time is the information that the user entered on the screen displayed by the OS-compatible application when the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point was established. It is also information that the OS has held when the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point was established. Furthermore, the password is information that the configuration application does not hold. Moreover, since the password sent at this time is information that the OS already holds, and DPP Configuration is a process performed by the OS, it does not need to be newly entered by the user on the screen displayed by the configuration application. In this embodiment, by transmitting connection information via WEC, the password can be sent to the communication device 151 via secure communication without requiring the user to enter a password again on the screen displayed by the configuration application. In DPP Configuration, DPP is also used for communication.

[0055] In S205, the communication device 151 terminates the DPP waiting mode when the DPP configuration is completed. The termination of the DPP waiting mode is performed, for example, by ending the display of the QR code.

[0056] In S206, the communication device 151 transitions to infrastructure mode after obtaining connection information via DPP Configuration. If the communication device 151 was operating in network setup mode at this time, it terminates network setup mode. The communication device 151 attempts to connect to the access point corresponding to the acquired connection information. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151 can then perform communication 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, HTTP, or a vendor-specific protocol for the communication device 151). The communication device 151 may also send information to the information processing device 101 indicating whether the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC was successful or not. Furthermore, if the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC fails, the communication device 151 may also send information indicating the cause of the failure to the information processing device 101. These information transmissions may be performed using DPP. The reasons for failure to connect to the access point corresponding to the acquired connection information include communication errors in WEC, the access point not being found, or the WEC-related information acquired from the communication device 151 not being appropriate. For example, the encryption method used for connecting to the access point set as a target for WEC configuration may be an encryption method not supported by the communication device 151. For example, the encryption method used for connecting to the access point set as a target for WEC configuration may be an encryption method not supported by WEC. The communication device 101 may also display information on the display unit 108 indicating whether the connection between the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC and the communication device 151 was successful or not. Furthermore, if the connection between the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC and the communication device 151 fails, the display unit 108 may also display information indicating the reason for the failure.

[0057] In S207, based on the completion of WEC execution, the information processing device 101 switches the application running in the foreground from the WEC application to the configuration application. The information processing device 101 then searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which it belongs. This process is carried out by the configuration application, which has received notification from the OS that WEC execution has completed. When the information processing device 101 finds the communication device 151, it requests capability information from the communication device 151, and the communication device 151 sends the capability information to the information processing device 101. This registers the information of the communication device 151 in the configuration application, and thereafter enables communication between the configuration application and the communication device 151. Specifically, for example, the configuration application can send print jobs to the communication device 151. At this time, if the information processing device 101 belongs to the network formed by the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected, communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 becomes possible via that access point. Furthermore, if communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is not possible, for example, if the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the same access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, the request and acquisition of capability information are omitted. Note that the communication in S207 is performed using a communication protocol different from, for example, DPP or the setup communication protocol. After that, the information processing device 101 terminates the processing in this sequence diagram.

[0058] The above description assumes that a WEC application displays the WEC start screen and instructs the OS to run WEC by executing a WEC API. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration application may display the WEC start screen. Alternatively, a configuration application may execute a WEC API to instruct the OS to run WEC.

[0059] Furthermore, while the above example illustrates the use of QR codes for obtaining Bootstrapping information, the method is not limited to this form. For example, near-field communication such as NFC or BLE may be used to obtain Bootstrapping information. Alternatively, communication using communication protocols such as SNMP or HTTP via a setup access point running in DPP standby mode may be used.

[0060] Next, using Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, we will explain the sequence for controlling the process of sending a specific signal to the communication device 151 to perform network setup using WEC, and the process of not sending a specific signal to the communication device 151, when the information processing device 101 is not connected to an external access point.

[0061] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling the transmission of a specific signal in this embodiment. The process in Figure 4 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing it.

[0062] In S400, the information processing device 101 launches a configuration application via user input. In S401, the configuration application displays a screen to receive instructions on whether or not to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The configuration application then determines whether or not to start the connection with the communication device 151. Note that the connection with the communication device 151 at this time refers to a connection for performing network setup on the communication device 151. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the screen for starting the connection with the communication device 151 displayed by the configuration application. The connection start screen 500 displays areas 501 and 502. Area 501 is for receiving instructions to start the connection with the communication device 151. Area 502 is for receiving instructions not to start the connection with the communication device 151. In S401, if the configuration application detects that area 502 has been pressed, it determines not to start the connection with the communication device 151. The process in Figure 4 then ends without sending a specific signal from the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151. On the other hand, if the system detects that area 501 has been pressed, the settings application determines to start a connection with the communication device 151 and proceeds to S402.

[0063] In S402, the configuration application performs an access point search to find access points present around the information processing device 101. Here, the access point search may be performed by a passive scan that receives beacons at regular intervals, or by an active scan that sends a Probe Request and receives a Probe Response.

[0064] Next, in S403, the configuration application determines whether the signal strength of the detected access point is above a threshold as a result of the access point search. Specifically, the signal strength is represented by SNR (Signal Noise Ratio) as an example. If it is determined in S403 that the signal strength is not above the threshold, the configuration application does not transmit the specific signal. Then, in S410, the configuration application performs network setup of the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC. Here, the network setup method other than WEC may be, for example, a direct connection in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected, or a connection using BLE, etc. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent network setup from failing due to weak signal strength.

[0065] On the other hand, if the access point's signal strength is determined to be above a threshold, in S404 the configuration application determines whether or not a WEC-compatible access point has been detected. For example, the determination in S404 may be based on whether or not the beacon advertised by the access point in S402, or the AKM of the ProveResponse, contains information indicating DPP. AKM stands for Authentication and Key Management. If the detected access point is determined to be not WEC-compatible in S404, the configuration application does not transmit the specific signal. Then, in S410, the configuration application performs network setup of the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the information processing device 101 from transmitting the specific signal and failing to perform network setup even though the detected access point is not WEC-compatible.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that an access point compatible with WEC has been detected, in S405 the configuration application determines whether or not the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device. Here, an example of how to determine whether or not the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device will be explained.

[0067] For example, it may be determined that communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device based on the fact that the SSID of the access point discovered in S402 contains a specific string that indicates that it is communication device 151 and is WEC compatible.

[0068] Alternatively, for example, if the SSID of the access point discovered in S402 contains a specific string indicating that it is communication device 151, and the beacon or ProveResponse contains a string indicating WEC compatibility, it may be determined that communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, in order to determine whether the communication device 151 is WEC-compatible, communication not shown in Figure 4 may be performed. For example, a direct connection may be made between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 may acquire the capabilities of the communication device 151, and from the acquired capabilities, it may be determined whether or not the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device.

[0070] Alternatively, for example, it may be determined whether the first external device 151 is a WEC-compatible device based on information stored in the non-volatile memory of the communication device 101. For example, suppose that when the information processing device 101 connected to the communication device 151 in the past, the information processing device 101 stored the capabilities of the communication device 151 in its non-volatile memory. Then, in S402, the information processing device 101 detects that the communication device 151 is in the vicinity of the information processing device 101 from the SSID discovered. Then, in S405, the information processing device 101 may use the capabilities of the communication device 151 stored in its non-volatile memory to determine whether the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device.

[0071] If, in S405, it is determined that the communication device 151 is not compatible with WEC, the configuration application will not transmit the specific signal. Then, in S410, the configuration application will perform network setup of the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC. In this way, according to this embodiment, even if the communication device 151 is not compatible with WEC, the information processing device 101 will transmit the specific signal, preventing the communication device from displaying QR codes or performing other actions unintended by the user.

[0072] On the other hand, if the communication device 151 is determined to be a WEC-compatible device, in S406 the configuration application displays a screen showing a list of access points. Figure 5(b) shows an example of the access point list screen displayed by the configuration application. The access point list screen 600 displays areas 601 and 602. Area 601 is an area for accepting the selection of an access point to perform connection processing, and displays a list of access point SSIDs. When the configuration application accepts the selection of any SSID in area 601, it starts the connection process between that access point and the information processing device 101.

[0073] Here, to make it easier for users to select WEC-compatible access points, WEC-compatible access points may be displayed preferentially. For example, a WEC-compatible access point may be displayed at the top SSID of area 601 (SSID:XXXXYYYYZZZZ1). Alternatively, the SSID of a WEC-compatible access point may be labeled with a phrase such as "Recommended," or its SSID string may be colored to make it identifiable. Such a configuration makes it easier for users to select a WEC-compatible access point. In other words, it prevents users from unintentionally selecting an access point that does not support WEC. Furthermore, when area 602 is pressed, it becomes possible to specify an access point that is not displayed in the list of area 601. For example, access points not displayed in the list of area 601 may be displayed, or an access point search may be performed again and the search results displayed.

[0074] Furthermore, to make it easier to select an access point that supports WEC, the access point connection confirmation screen 700 shown in Figure 5(c) may be displayed instead of the screen shown in Figure 5(b). The access point connection confirmation screen 700 displays the SSIDs of access points that support WEC. Area 701 is for receiving instructions to connect to the access point with the displayed SSID. When Area 701 is pressed, the connection process between the access point with the displayed SSID and the information processing device 101 is started. Area 702 is for receiving instructions to specify other access points that are not displayed. When Area 702 is pressed, other access points that are not displayed may be displayed, or other access points that support WEC may be displayed. Alternatively, an access point search may be performed again to display WEC-compatible access points that are different from the displayed access points. In this example, the access point of the communication device 151 is not included in the display in S406.

[0075] In S407, the configuration application establishes a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point selected in S406. To establish this connection between the access point and the information processing device 101, the user may be prompted to enter the access point's password into the communication device 101.

[0076] In S408, the configuration application determines whether an access point compatible with WEC was selected in S406. While this description explains a configuration where the determination is based on the access point selected in S406, other configurations may be used. For example, a configuration where the determination is based on the connected access point in S407 is also possible. That is, S407 could determine whether the connected access point is WEC compatible.

[0077] If S408 determines that no access point compatible with WEC has been selected, the configuration application will not transmit the specific signal. Then, in S410, the configuration application will perform network setup of the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined that an access point compatible with WEC has been selected, in S409 the configuration application displays a connection confirmation screen between the communication device 151 and the access point. Figure 5(d) shows an example of the connection confirmation screen displayed by the configuration application. The connection confirmation screen 800 displays the SSID of the communication device 151 and the serial number of the communication device 151.

[0079] Area 801 is an area for receiving instructions not to perform the connection process between the access point and the communication device 151 using the WEC network setup method. If area 801 is pressed, in S410, the configuration application performs the network setup of the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC. The SSID of the communication device 151 displayed on the connection confirmation screen 800 is, for example, the SSID of the communication device 151 that was discovered in S402 and determined to be a WEC-compatible device in S405. The serial number of the communication device 151 displayed is, for example, the serial number included in the capabilities of the communication device 151 acquired by the information processing device 101 as described above. Alternatively, it may be a MAC address instead of a serial number. If it is a MAC address, it may be obtained, for example, from the BSSID included in the beacon or ProveResponse acquired in the access point search in S402. By displaying the serial number, the user can be made aware that a specific signal is being sent to the device the user intended. Also, although the serial number is displayed on the connection confirmation screen 800, it is not necessary to display it.

[0080] Area 802 is an area for receiving instructions to perform connection processing between the access point and the communication device 151 using the WEC network setup method. When area 802 is pressed, in S411, the configuration application starts the WEC network setup processing for the communication device 151. First, the configuration application sends a specific signal to the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the specific signal is, for example, a WFD-type ServiceDiscoveryRequest or ProveRequest (specifying the SSID of the communication device 151).

[0081] In S412, as explained in Figure 2, network setup by WEC is performed for the communication device 151. The processing in S412 corresponds to the processing in Figure 2. That is, as explained in Figure 2, the communication device 151 starts DPP waiting mode upon receiving a specific signal and displays a QR code, etc. After that, the information processing device 101 terminates the processing in Figure 4. In S401, S403, S404, S405, S408, and S409, a sequence was described in which a judgment process is performed and whether or not to transmit a specific signal is determined according to the judgment result, but some of the judgment processes do not need to be performed. Also, although each process in Figure 4 was described as being executed by instructions from the configuration application, it may also be executed by instructions from the WEC application or by instructions from the OS.

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met, the information processing device 101 transmits a specific signal to the communication device 151 to initiate DPP waiting mode. For example, if the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device and the access point connected to the communication device 151 is also WEC-compatible, the information processing device 101 transmits a specific signal to the communication device 151 to initiate DPP waiting mode. In other words, if network setup using WEC is not possible, the information processing device 101 does not transmit the specific signal. Therefore, the information processing device 101 can be controlled not to use resources (CPU) to transmit the specific signal when network setup using WEC is not possible. According to this embodiment, even if a user unintentionally attempts to establish a WEC connection with a WEC-incompatible device in a situation where WEC-compatible and non-WEC-compatible external devices are mixed around the information processing device 101, the information processing device 101 does not transmit the specific signal. Such a configuration prevents other WEC-compatible devices, which the user did not intend to use, from reacting to specific signals and displaying QR codes.

[0083] [Second Embodiment] The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the process shown in Figure 4 started when the information processing device 101 was not connected to an external access point, and the process controlled to switch between sending a specific signal to the communication device 151 to perform network setup using WEC and not sending a specific signal. In this embodiment, the process controlled to switch between the above two processes started when the information processing device 101 was connected to an external access point.

[0084] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling the transmission of a specific signal in this embodiment. The process in Figure 6 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing it.

[0085] In S900, the information processing device 101 launches a setting application based on user input. In S901, the setting application displays a screen to receive instructions on whether or not to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In S900, the connection start screen 500 shown in Figure 5(a) is displayed, similar to the first embodiment. The setting application then determines whether or not to start the connection with the communication device 151. If the setting application detects that area 502 has been pressed in S901, it determines not to start the connection with the communication device 151. The process shown in Figure 6 then ends without the transmission of a specific signal from the information processing device 101. On the other hand, if the setting application detects that area 501 has been pressed, it determines to start the connection with the communication device 151 and proceeds to S902.

[0086] In S902, the configuration application determines whether the access point currently connected to the information processing device 101 is a WEC-compatible access point. For example, the determination in S902 may be based on whether the connected access point previously advertised a beacon or whether the ProveResponse AKM contained DPP. Alternatively, the determination in S902 may use information stored in the non-volatile memory of the information processing device 101. Although not shown in Figure 6, the determination in S902 may also be based on communication with the connected access point to obtain the AKM, and the information obtained.

[0087] If, in S902, it is determined that the access point connected to the information processing device 101 does not support WEC, the configuration application does not transmit the specific signal. Then, in S907, the configuration application performs network setup for the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the information processing device 101 from transmitting the specific signal and failing to perform network setup even though the access point connected to the information processing device 101 does not support WEC. In S907, an infrastructure connection via an access point is assumed as an example, but a direct connection without an access point may also be used. Alternatively, the process from S402 onwards in Figure 4 may be executed to search for a WEC-compatible access point other than the access point currently connected to the information processing device 101. In other words, network setup using WEC may be prioritized over other network setup methods.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in S902 that the access point connected to the information processing device 101 is WEC compatible, then in S903, the configuration application determines whether the communication device 151 is a WEC compatible device, similar to S405 in Figure 4. Note that in Figure 4, an access point search was performed before processing S405, but before processing S903, an access point search is not performed because there is an access point connected to the information processing device 101. However, in this embodiment as well, an access point search may be performed before processing S903, and the determination in S903 may be made using the search results. If it is determined in S903 that the communication device 151 is not a WEC compatible device, the configuration application does not transmit a specific signal. Then, in S907, the configuration application performs network setup for the communication device 151 using a network setup method other than WEC.

[0089] On the other hand, if S903 determines that the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device, in S904 the configuration application displays a connection confirmation screen between the communication device 151 and the access point. In S904, as in the first embodiment, the connection start screen 800 shown in Figure 5(d) is displayed. Hereafter, S905 and S906 are the same as the explanations in S411 and S412 in Figure 4, so their explanations are omitted.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 101 transmits a specific signal when the communication device 151 is a WEC-compatible device and the access point connected to the information processing device 101 is WEC-compatible. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the information processing device 101 from transmitting a specific signal even when network setup by WEC is not possible.

[0091] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0092] This embodiment includes the following programs, systems, and methods. (Item 1) A computer for a communication device and an information processing device capable of wireless communication, A first acquisition means for acquiring information on an access point different from the information processing device and the communication device, A transmission control means transmits to the communication device a signal that enables the execution of a predetermined network setup for connecting the communication device to the access point when the information of the access point obtained by the first acquisition means satisfies the conditions. A program designed to function as such. (Item 2) The program according to item 1, characterized in that the transmission control means does not transmit the signal to the communication device if the information of the access point acquired by the first acquisition means does not satisfy the conditions. (Item 3) The program according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the case where the above conditions are met includes the access point indicated by the information acquired by the first acquisition means corresponding to the predetermined method. (Item 4) It is further configured to function as a second acquisition means for acquiring information from the aforementioned communication device, The program according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission control means transmits the signal to the communication device when the information of the access point acquired by the first acquisition means and the information of the communication device acquired by the second acquisition means satisfy the conditions. (Item 5) The program according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the condition being met includes the fact that the radio wave strength of the access point indicated by the information acquired by the first acquisition means is equal to or greater than a threshold. (Item 6) A program according to any one of items 1 to 5 for further functioning as a connection means for connecting the access point and the information processing device indicated by the information acquired by the first acquisition means. (Item 7) The program according to item 6, characterized in that the connection means connects the access point indicated by the information acquired by the first acquisition means to the information processing device when it is determined that the information of the communication device acquired by the second acquisition means satisfies the conditions. (Item 8) The program according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the first acquisition means acquires information of the access point connected to the information processing device. (Item 9) The program described in any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the network setup by the predetermined method is a network setup using WEC (Wi-Fi Easy Connect). (Item 10) The program according to item 9, characterized in that the signal for enabling the network setup according to the predetermined method is a signal for putting the communication device into DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) standby mode. (Item 11) The program described in item 10 for further functioning as a communication means that performs communication using DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) after the transmission of the signal by the transmission control means. (Item 12) A method performed in an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, A first acquisition step of acquiring information of an access point different from the information processing device and the communication device, A transmission control step which, if the information of the access point acquired in the first acquisition step satisfies the conditions, transmits a signal to the communication device to enable the execution of a network setup in a predetermined manner for connecting the communication device to the access point, A method characterized by having the following: (Item 13) A system including a communication device and an information processing device capable of wireless communication with the communication device, The aforementioned information processing device is A first acquisition means for acquiring information on an access point different from the aforementioned information processing device and communication device, The system includes a transmission control means that, when the information of the access point acquired by the first acquisition means satisfies the conditions, transmits a signal to the communication device to enable the execution of a predetermined network setup for connecting the communication device to the access point, The aforementioned communication device is A receiving means for receiving the signal transmitted by the transmission control means, The communication device includes a control means that, based on the reception of the signal by the receiving means, puts the communication device into a state where it can perform network setup according to the predetermined method, A system characterized by the following features. (Item 14) The system described in item 13 is characterized in that the network setup by the predetermined method is a network setup using WEC (Wi-Fi Easy Connect). (Item 15) The system according to item 14, characterized in that the signal for enabling the network setup by the predetermined method is a signal for putting the communication device into DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) standby mode. (Item 16) The system according to item 15, characterized in that the control means is in a state in which information for communicating with the information processing device using DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) is displayed on the display unit.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 101 Information Processing Equipment: 103 CPU: 151 Communication Equipment

Claims

1. A computer of an information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with a communication apparatus, determination means for determining, before receiving Bootstrapping information from the communication apparatus, whether a predetermined access point different from the information processing apparatus and different from the communication apparatus corresponds to network setup by a predetermined protocol that is DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol); transmission control means for, based on a determination that the predetermined access point corresponds to network setup by the predetermined protocol, executing transmission control to transmit, to the communication apparatus, a signal for causing the communication apparatus to start a predetermined operation for network setup by the predetermined protocol, by means of a Service Discovery Request in Wi-Fi Direct mode or a Probe Request specifying identification information of the communication apparatus, before receiving the Bootstrapping information from the communication apparatus; receiving means for receiving the Bootstrapping information from the communication apparatus after the transmission control is executed; execution means for executing a process for executing network setup by the predetermined protocol in the information processing apparatus based on the Bootstrapping information received from the communication apparatus; A program for causing the above to function.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined access point does not correspond to network setup by the predetermined protocol, the transmission control is not executed.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the transmission control is executed based on the fact that the predetermined access point corresponds to network setup by the predetermined protocol and the communication apparatus corresponds to network setup by the predetermined protocol.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined access point is an access point to which the information processing apparatus is connected.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation in a state where communication between the communication apparatus and the information processing apparatus for network setup by the predetermined protocol can be executed.

6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the communication between the communication device and the information processing device for network setup according to the predetermined protocol is communication in DPP Authentication.

7. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation of displaying a two-dimensional code for causing the information processing device to acquire information for network setup according to the predetermined protocol.

8. The program according to claim 7, further functioning as acquisition means for acquiring information for network setup according to the predetermined protocol based on the two-dimensional code photographed by the information processing device.

9. The program according to claim 7, wherein the information for network setup according to the predetermined protocol is Bootstrapping information.

10. The program according to claim 1, wherein the process for executing network setup according to the predetermined protocol in the information processing device is a process for transmitting, by DPP, information for connecting to the predetermined access point to the communication device.

11. The program according to claim 1, wherein the process for executing network setup according to the predetermined protocol in the information processing device is a process for starting an application program for network setup according to the predetermined protocol.

12. The program according to claim 1, further functioning as second execution means for executing a process for executing network setup according to another protocol different from the predetermined protocol in the information processing device based on a determination that the predetermined access point does not correspond to network setup according to the predetermined protocol.

13. The program according to claim 12, wherein, even when it is determined that the predetermined access point supports network setup using the predetermined protocol, a process for causing the information processing apparatus to execute network setup using the other protocol is executed based on the fact that the communication apparatus does not support network setup using the predetermined protocol.

14. The program according to claim 12, wherein the other protocol is any one of Port 9100, SNMP, HTTP, and a protocol unique to the vendor of the communication apparatus.

15. The network setup using the other protocol includes a process of transmitting, from the information processing apparatus to the communication apparatus, information for connecting to the predetermined access point by using the other protocol. The program according to claim 12, wherein when the network setup using the other protocol is executed, the communication apparatus connects to the predetermined access point based on the information for connecting to the predetermined access point.

16. The network setup using the predetermined protocol includes a process of transmitting, from the information processing apparatus to the communication apparatus, information for connecting to the predetermined access point by using the predetermined protocol. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the network setup using the predetermined protocol is executed, the communication apparatus connects to the predetermined access point based on the information for connecting to the predetermined access point.

17. The program according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the predetermined access point supports network setup using the predetermined protocol based on a beacon or Probe Response received from the predetermined access point.

18. The program according to claim 1, further functioning as transmission means for transmitting a print job for causing the communication apparatus to execute printing.

19. The program according to claim 1, further functioning as transmission means for transmitting a scan job for causing the communication apparatus to execute scanning.

20. A method executed in an information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with a communication device, a determination step of determining, before receiving Bootstrapping information from the communication device, whether a predetermined access point different from the information processing device and different from the communication device corresponds to network setup by a predetermined protocol that is DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol); a transmission control step of performing transmission control to transmit, before receiving the Bootstrapping information from the communication device, a signal for causing the communication device to start a predetermined operation for network setup by the predetermined protocol, by a Service Discovery Request in Wi-Fi Direct mode or a Probe Request specifying identification information of the communication device; a reception step of receiving the Bootstrapping information from the communication device after the transmission control is performed; an execution step of executing a process for performing network setup by the predetermined protocol in the information processing device based on the Bootstrapping information received from the communication device; characterized by comprising the above. **Claim 21** An information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with a communication device, determination means for determining, before receiving Bootstrapping information from the communication device, whether a predetermined access point different from the information processing device and different from the communication device corresponds to network setup by a predetermined protocol that is DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol); Based on the determination that the predetermined access point corresponds to network setup according to the predetermined protocol, a signal for causing the communication device to start a predetermined operation for network setup according to the predetermined protocol is transmitted to the communication device by a Service Discovery Request in the Wi-Fi Direct mode or a Probe Request specifying the identification information of the communication device. Transmission control means for executing the transmission control before receiving the Bootstrapping information from the communication device, Receiving means for receiving the Bootstrapping information from the communication device after the transmission control is executed; Execution means for executing a process for executing network setup according to the predetermined protocol in the information processing device based on the Bootstrapping information received from the communication device; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.