Information processing apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve, as an object, convenience of an information processing apparatus that simultaneously belongs to a plurality of networks.SOLUTION: In order to solve the problem, a program is provided for executing a predetermined process for a second network to be used for communication by a predetermined program, on the basis that an information processing apparatus belongs to a first network and the second network in parallel, the first network being formed by an external apparatus and on the basis of a predetermined wireless communication standard, the information processing apparatus functioning as a station in the first network, the second network being formed by the printing apparatus, not connected to the Internet, and on the basis of the predetermined wireless communication standard, the information processing apparatus functioning as a station in the second network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A configuration is known in which an information processing device such as a smartphone and a communication device such as a printer are connected via a network (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-127545 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, information processing devices having a function that allows them to belong to multiple networks simultaneously, such as a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function (STA / STA function), are becoming widespread. Therefore, there is a demand for improving the convenience of information processing devices that belong to multiple networks simultaneously. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of information processing devices that belong to multiple networks simultaneously when connected to multiple communication paths using the same communication method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A predetermined program for causing a printing device to execute printing, The computer of the information processing device, an execution means for executing a predetermined process for utilizing the second network for communication by the predetermined program, based on the information processing device belonging to a first network formed by an external device, based on a predetermined wireless communication standard, and in which the information processing device functions as a station, and a second network formed by the printing device, not connected to the Internet, based on the predetermined wireless communication standard, and in which the information processing device functions as a station, in parallel; a communication unit that communicates with the printing device using the second network after the predetermined process has been executed; The present invention is characterized in that it functions as a [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of an information processing device that simultaneously belongs to a plurality of networks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device and a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when a printing application is started. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a connection setting process executed by the information processing device. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a setting process related to a network used for communication. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a password entry screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention also includes appropriate modifications and improvements to the embodiments described below based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, provided that the modifications and improvements do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0009] (First embodiment) 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 limited thereto. Various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera, can be used. In this embodiment, a printer is used as an example of the communication device, but this is not limited thereto. 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. In addition to printers, the system can also be used for copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and the like. In addition, the system can also be used for multifunction peripherals with multiple functions, such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The information processing device 101 according to this embodiment 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 111, and the like.

[0012] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user by operating the mouse 110 and keyboard 109 .

[0013] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire information processing device 101 .

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (a printing application described later) that provides a print execution function, a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission / reception control program that is transmitted and received between the external storage device 106 and the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 111, and various information used by these programs.

[0017] 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 .

[0018] The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Note that by providing operation units such as numeric input keys, mode setting keys, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key on the display unit 108, input from the user may be accepted via the display unit 108.

[0019] The communication unit 111 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 111 can connect to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. When the communication unit 111 connects to the access point in the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 111 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. Examples of wireless communication methods include Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Examples of the access point 131 include 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, and 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.

[0020] The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment and includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, an alarm sound generating unit 157, and the like.

[0021] The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101 as an access point inside the communication device 151. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 111 of the information processing device 101. The communication unit 156 may communicate directly with the information processing device 101 by wireless communication, or may communicate via the access point 131. An example of a communication method is Wi-Fi (registered trademark). 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 the communication unit 156 to function as an access point.

[0022] The notification sound generating unit 157 is configured to notify the state of the communication device 151 and the result of function execution by generating a sound.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151 .

[0026] Based on the information stored in the print engine 155 and RAM 153 and the print job received from the information processing device 101, etc., an image is formed on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium, and the print result is output.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In addition, the communication device of this embodiment has a connection mode set by a connection setting process described below, and communicates with the information processing device in a connection form based on the set connection mode. When communicating via infrastructure connection, the communication device of this embodiment sets infrastructure connection mode as the connection mode, and when communicating via direct connection, the communication device sets direct connection mode as the connection mode.

[0029] <Direct connection method> A direct connection refers to a form in which devices are wirelessly connected directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) without going through an external device such as the access point 131. The communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communicating via a direct connection (direct connection mode) as one of the connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communicating via a direct connection, such as a software AP mode and a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0030] The mode in which a direct connection is established using WFD is called WFD mode. WFD is a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards (Wi-Fi communication standards). In WFD mode, after a device to be a communication partner is discovered using a device discovery command, the roles of P2P group owner (GO) and P2P client are determined, and the remaining wireless connection processing is carried out. The group owner corresponds to a Wi-Fi parent station (parent device), and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi child station (child device). This role determination corresponds to, for example, GO Negotiation in P2P. Note that in WFD mode, before the role determination is made, the communication device 151 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, one device first issues a device discovery command to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode with another device to communicate with. Once the other device to be a communication partner is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that each device can provide. Note that this device provisioning information confirmation is optional and not required. This device provisioning information confirmation phase corresponds to, for example, P2P Provision Discovery. Next, by mutually confirming this device provisioning information, it is determined which one will be the P2P client and which one will be the P2P group owner. Next, once the client and group owner are determined, they exchange parameters for WFD communication. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are performed between the P2P client and group owner. Note that in WFD mode, the communication device 151 may always operate as the GO without performing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the communication device 151 may operate in WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. Furthermore, the state in which the communication device 151 operates in WFD mode refers to, for example, a state in which a WFD connection is not established but the communication device 151 operates as the GO, or a state in which a WFD connection is established and the communication device 151 operates as the GO.

[0031] In the software AP mode, between devices that communicate (for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151), one device (for example, the information processing device 101) serves as a client that requests various services. The other device realizes the function of a Wi-Fi access point through software settings. The software AP corresponds to a Wi-Fi parent station, and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi child station. In the software AP mode, the client searches for a device that will become the software AP using a device search command. Once the software AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP is performed, and then IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is performed. Note that commands and parameters that are transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a master station in the network to which the communication device 151 belongs. The master station is a device that constructs a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the slave stations. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving the parameters, the slave stations connect to the wireless network constructed by the master station using the channel used by the master station.

[0033] <About infrastructure connection methods> An infrastructure connection is a connection mode in which devices that communicate (for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151) are connected to an access point (for example, the access point 131) that manages a network of the devices, and the devices communicate with each other via the access point. The communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for communicating via an infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode) as one of the connection modes. In this embodiment, the infrastructure connection is realized by the IEEE802.11 series of communication standards.

[0034] In an infrastructure connection, each device searches for an access point using a device search command. Once an access point is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) is carried out between the device and the access point, and then the IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is carried out. Note that the commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an access point can be those specified in the IEEE802.11 series of communication standards, and so a description of them will be omitted here.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 operates in an infrastructure connection, the access point 131 serves as a master station, and the communication device 151 serves as a slave station. That is, in this embodiment, the infrastructure connection refers to a connection between the communication device 151 operating as a slave station and a device operating as a master station. When the communication device 151 has established an infrastructure connection and the information processing device 101 has also established an infrastructure connection with the access point 131, communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible via the access point 131. The channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the access point 131, and the communication device 151 performs communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the access point 131. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is assumed to be able to use a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Note that the communication device 151 can also use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. In order for the information processing device 101 to communicate with the communication device 151 via the access point 131, the information processing device 101 needs to recognize that the communication device 151 belongs to the network formed by the access point 131 and to which the information processing device 101 belongs.

[0036] In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can establish a direct connection and an infrastructure connection in parallel. In other words, the communication device 151 can establish a Wi-Fi connection in which it serves as a client device and a Wi-Fi connection in which it serves as a master device in parallel. Operating with the above-mentioned two connections established in parallel is called simultaneous operation.

[0037] <Connection setup process> In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 performs connection settings (network settings) for operating the communication device 151 using at least one of an infrastructure connection and a direct connection, using wireless communication with the communication device 151. The connection setting process in this embodiment is also called cableless setup (CLS) because it is performed by wireless communication. Note that the connection setting process may also be performed by wired communication.

[0038] When a predetermined application stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, or the like is running, the information processing device 101 performs a connection setup process for the communication device 151. The predetermined application is an application for setting an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected and for printing image data, document data, and the like stored in the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151, and is hereinafter referred to as a printing application. Note that the printing application may have other functions in addition to the function of setting an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected and the printing function. For example, if the communication device 151 has a scanning function, the printing application may have a function of scanning a document placed in the communication device 151, a function of configuring other settings for the communication device 151, a function of checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 108 when the printing application is running. Via a startup screen 200, a user can use functions provided by the communication device, such as printing a desired image and configuring the communication device. When the information processing device 101 detects that the print button 201 has been pressed, it executes processing to have the communication device 151 execute printing. This processing includes processing to accept the selection of an image to be printed and processing to send a print job to have the communication device 151 execute printing. Furthermore, when the information processing device 101 detects that the scan button 202 has been pressed, it executes processing to have the communication device 151 execute scanning. This processing includes processing to send a scan job to have the communication device 151 execute scanning, and processing to receive an image obtained by scanning executed based on the scan job. Furthermore, when the information processing device 101 detects that the printer setup button 203 has been pressed, it starts connection setting processing.

[0039] The communication device 151 can operate in a connection setup mode (connection setup state) which is a mode for executing a connection setup process, and executes the connection setup process while operating in the connection setup mode. The connection setup mode will be described in detail later.

[0040] When the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode, the information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits infrastructure setting information, which is setting information for operating the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode, to the communication device 151. The infrastructure setting information includes information about the access point 131. The information about the access point 131 includes, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a password, and information about a frequency band.

[0041] On the other hand, when the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode, the information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits direct setting information, which is setting information for operating the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode, to the communication device 151. The direct setting information includes instructions for enabling the WFD function to operate the communication device 151 as a Group Owner and for enabling the access point setting of the communication device 151. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 acquires connection information required for directly connecting to the communication device 151 from the communication device 151. The connection information for directly connecting to the communication device 151 includes, for example, information such as the SSID and password of the communication device 151.

[0042] In this embodiment, in the connection setting process, a direct connection for connection setting between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is used to transmit infrastructure setting information and direct setting information and to obtain information for a direct connection with the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the connection setting process is performed using Wi-Fi as the direct connection for connection setting, but a wireless communication standard other than Wi-Fi, such as Bluetooth, may be used, or a wired communication standard such as a wired LAN or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used.

[0043] After a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection or a direct connection is established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 through the connection setting process, communication becomes possible between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 can transmit, to the communication device 151, a print job for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing or a scan job for causing the communication device 151 to execute scanning, via the established connection.

[0044] In this embodiment, the connection setup process can cause communication device 151 to operate in either infrastructure connection mode or direct connection mode, but is not limited to this. For example, the connection setup process may be configured to only cause communication device 151 to operate in infrastructure connection mode (i.e., communication device 151 cannot operate in direct connection mode).

[0045] <About connection setting mode> As described above, the communication device 151 can operate in the connection setting mode. A trigger for the communication device 151 to start operating in the connection setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a connection setting mode button, or the communication device 151 starting up (transitioning to a soft-on state). The connection setting mode button may be a hardware button provided in the communication device 151, or may be a software button displayed on the operation display unit 160 by the communication device 151. When the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, it operates the communication device 151 as an AP dedicated to the connection setting mode. This puts the communication device 151 in a state where it can establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi with the information processing device 101. Connection information (such as an SSID) for connecting to an AP dedicated to the connection setting mode is stored in advance in a setup program for the communication device 151 installed in the information processing device 101, and the information processing device 101 is assumed to recognize in advance the connection information for connecting to a soft AP dedicated to the connection setting mode. Therefore, unlike the connection information of an access point enabled in direct connection mode, at least a part of the connection information (such as at least a part of the SSID) for connecting to a soft AP mode dedicated to the connection setting mode cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no password for connecting to a soft AP dedicated to the connection setting mode, and as long as the information processing device 101 recognizes the SSID, it can connect to the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode without a password. This is not a limitation. For example, the password for connecting to the soft AP dedicated to the connection setting mode may also be stored in advance in a setup program for the communication device 151, and the password may be used to connect to the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode.

[0046] In the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may be connected to the information processing device 101 by WFD instead of ordinary Wi-Fi. That is, the communication device 151 may operate as a Group Owner and receive setting information from the information processing device 101 through communication by WFD. Also, in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may be connected to the information processing device 101 by Bluetooth. That is, the communication device 151 may operate as a slave device in Bluetooth and receive setting information from the information processing device 101 through communication by Bluetooth (communication via a Bluetooth connection). Note that Bluetooth may be Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). When BLE is used, when the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it starts transmitting advertisement information based on the BLE standard, and enables a BLE connection with the information processing device 101 that has received the advertisement information. Also, the connection setting mode may be a state where both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available. That is, when the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode receives a connection request from the information processing device 101 via Wi-Fi, it may receive setting information via a Wi-Fi connection, and when it receives a connection request from the information processing device 101 via Bluetooth, it may receive setting information via a Bluetooth connection.

[0047] Here, as an example, the processing分担 between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is shown as above, but it is not particularly limited to this sharing form and may be other forms.

[0048] <Regarding the STA / STA function> Wi-Fi-enabled devices that can run printing apps and perform connection setup processes may support the Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency feature (hereinafter referred to as the STA / STA feature). The STA / STA feature, introduced in Android 12, allows a Wi-Fi-enabled device to simultaneously establish multiple Wi-Fi network connections, each acting as a client. Here, a client is a station (STA). In other words, the STA / STA feature allows a Wi-Fi-enabled device to simultaneously maintain connections with multiple access points. To use the STA / STA feature, not only the OS version but also the hardware of the information processing device running the OS must support the STA / STA feature. Even if a Wi-Fi-enabled device simultaneously establishes multiple Wi-Fi network connections using the STA / STA feature, it cannot simultaneously communicate with multiple Wi-Fi networks using a single app. In other words, when a Wi-Fi-enabled device has established multiple connections to Wi-Fi networks simultaneously using the STA / STA function, it can use one of the multiple Wi-Fi networks for communication with a single app, but the Wi-Fi-enabled device operates in a state where it cannot use other Wi-Fi networks. Note that a state in which a Wi-Fi-enabled device has established multiple connections to Wi-Fi networks simultaneously is equivalent to a state in which the Wi-Fi-enabled device belongs to multiple Wi-Fi networks simultaneously.

[0049] Incidentally, the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode is a network that is not connected to the Internet. A network that is not connected to the Internet is hereinafter referred to as a local network. In other words, the information processing device 101 cannot perform Internet communication via the local network.

[0050] When multiple Wi-Fi networks are established simultaneously using the STA / STA function, the OS determines which network to use for communication by a given app. When multiple Wi-Fi networks are established simultaneously using the STA / STA function, the network determined by the OS as the network to be used for communication by a given app is called the primary network. When the OS has not received an instruction from an app to set the primary network, it sets a network connected to the Internet as the primary network for that app, giving priority to networks not connected to the Internet. In other words, the default primary network set by the OS is the network connected to the Internet. Therefore, when multiple Wi-Fi networks are established simultaneously using the STA / STA function and an instruction from a print app to set the primary network has not been received, the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode is not set as the primary network for the print app. In other words, when multiple Wi-Fi networks are established simultaneously using the STA / STA function and an instruction from the print app to set the primary network has not been received, there is a problem in that communication by the print app cannot be performed via the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a Wi-Fi compatible terminal simultaneously establishes multiple Wi-Fi networks using the STA / STA function, the Wi-Fi network used for communication is appropriately controlled.

[0052] Note that the primary network setting for the print app applies only to the print app. Each of the other apps included in the information processing device 101 communicates based on the primary network setting for that app and the default primary network setting set by the OS. Therefore, if, for example, a first network is set as the primary network for the print app, only the first network can be used for communication by the print app. However, if a second network is set as the primary network for another app, or if a primary network for another app is not set by an instruction from the other app and the default primary network set by the OS is the second network, the second network can be used for communication by the other app. Note that this is not limited to this configuration, and the primary network set by the print app may be applied to all apps included in the information processing device 101.

[0053] In this embodiment, the number of networks that can maintain a connection simultaneously using the STA / STA function is assumed to be two. Furthermore, the networks that can maintain a connection simultaneously using the STA / STA function are assumed to be a combination of a local network and a local network, or a local network and a network connected to the Internet. In other words, a combination of a network connected to the Internet and a network connected to the Internet cannot maintain a connection simultaneously using the STA / STA function. However, this is not limited to this. The number of networks that can maintain a connection simultaneously using the STA / STA function may be two or more, and a combination of a network connected to the Internet and a network connected to the Internet may also be maintained simultaneously.

[0054] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of connection setting processing performed by the information processing device 101. The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is implemented, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, etc. into the RAM 105 and executing it. Specifically, for example, the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is implemented by a printing application. The processing shown in the flowchart in Fig. 3 is assumed to start when the printer setup button 203 is pressed. At this time, the communication device 151 is assumed to have transitioned to connection setting mode.

[0055] First, in S301, CPU 103 detects that a user has instructed to execute connection setup processing. Then, CPU 103 acquires, from the OS installed in information processing device 101, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the network to which communication unit 111 belongs (participates), which is formed by access point 131 to which communication unit 111 is connected. Information about the network to which communication unit 111 belongs is, in other words, information about access point 131 to which communication unit 111 is connected. Note that the information about the network to which communication unit 111 belongs is acquired by the OS from access point 131 before communication is started. The information about the network to which communication unit 111 belongs may be acquired, for example, from a beacon of the Wi-Fi standard emitted by access point 131. Alternatively, the information about the network to which communication unit 111 belongs may be acquired by inquiring of access point 131 after the beacon is acquired and a Wi-Fi connection is established. Note that the information on the network to which the communication unit 111 belongs is not limited to being acquired from the OS, and may be acquired, for example, by the CPU 103 making an inquiry to the access point 131 in S301. Furthermore, if the communication unit 111 is not connected to any access point, this process is omitted.

[0056] Next, in step S302, the CPU 103 attempts to establish a connection between the communication unit 111 and the communication device 151 that is the target of the connection setup process. For example, there is a communication device that can execute the connection setup process via Wi-Fi. When such a communication device is in connection setup mode, for example, an internal access point that is valid only in connection setup mode is enabled. Therefore, the CPU 103 can discover a communication device that is in connection setup mode by detecting a beacon transmitted by the internal access point in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard, and can connect the communication device to the communication unit 111. Note that in this embodiment, the connection between the communication device and the communication unit 111 corresponds to the connection between the internal access point of the communication device and the communication unit 111. Note that if the information processing device 101 supports the STA / STA function and is connected to the access point 131, the CPU 103 attempts to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 while maintaining the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point 131. If the information processing device 101 does not support the STA / STA function and is connected to the access point 131, the CPU 103 disconnects the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point 131 and attempts to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151.

[0057] Next, in S303, the CPU 103 executes settings related to the network to be used for communication. The processing of S303 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process flow of S303.

[0059] In S401, the CPU 103 determines whether the OS of the information processing device 101 is Android. If it is determined that the OS of the information processing device 101 is Android, the CPU 103 then determines whether the version of the OS of the information processing device 101 is 12 or higher. Note that if the printing app used for this determination is an Android-specific app, the determination of whether the OS of the information processing device 101 is Android may be omitted. If the OS of the information processing device 101 is Android and the version of the OS of the information processing device 101 is 12 or higher, the CPU 103 performs the process of S402; otherwise, the CPU 103 performs the process of S412.

[0060] In S402, the CPU 103 determines whether the hardware of the information processing device 101 supports the STA / STA function. If the hardware of the information processing device 101 supports the STA / STA function, the CPU 103 performs the process of S403, and if not, the CPU 103 performs the process of S412.

[0061] In this embodiment, the determinations in S401 and S402 are separate, but they may be performed simultaneously as one determination process.

[0062] In S403, the CPU 103 acquires network information related to all networks to which the information processing device 101 is connected. The network information includes the IP addresses, SSIDs, MAC addresses, etc. of the access points that constitute the networks to which the information processing device 101 is connected. If the information processing device 101 is connected to multiple networks, multiple pieces of network information corresponding to the respective networks are acquired.

[0063] In S404, the CPU 103 determines whether the information processing device 101 is connected to multiple networks based on the network information acquired in S403. If the information processing device 101 is connected to multiple networks, the CPU 103 performs the processing of S405. If the information processing device 101 is connected to only one network, the CPU 103 performs the processing of S402. Note that the case where the information processing device 101 is connected to multiple networks corresponds to the case where the information processing device 101 maintains a connection with the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode and a connection with another access point. Furthermore, the case where the information processing device 101 is connected to only one network corresponds to the case where the information processing device 101 maintains only a connection with the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode.

[0064] In S405, CPU 103 selects (specifies) one of the acquired network information. At this time, CPU 103 may preferentially select network information corresponding to the network currently set as primary. Alternatively, CPU 103 may preferentially select network information acquired earlier, or network information corresponding to the network established earlier.

[0065] In S406, CPU 103 determines whether the selected network information corresponds to a local network. As described above, a network formed by communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode is a local network. Also, even if a network is formed by an access point external to communication device 151, it is determined to be a local network if it is not connected to the Internet. This determination can be realized, for example, by using an API provided to Android developers. If CPU 103 determines that the selected network information corresponds to a local network, it performs the process of S407; otherwise, it performs the process of S409.

[0066] In S407, CPU 103 determines whether the selected network information corresponds to the network formed by communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode. Specifically, for example, CPU 103 determines whether the IP address included in the selected network information matches predetermined information corresponding to the network formed by communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode. The predetermined information is, for example, an IP address, an SSID, or a MAC address. The predetermined information is assumed to be stored in advance by the printing application without being acquired from communication device 151. Note that in this embodiment, an IP address is used as the predetermined information. In this case, communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode sets, as the IP address of the network it forms, a fixed IP address that is the same as the IP address stored in the printing application and cannot be changed arbitrarily by the user.

[0067] If the selected network information is network information corresponding to the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode, the CPU 103 performs the process of S408, and if not, performs the process of S409.

[0068] Note that, if the selected network information corresponds to a network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode, the determination in S406 does not need to be executed. However, the determination in S406 can be completed earlier than the determination in S407. Therefore, if the selected network information does not correspond to a local network, the presence of the determination in S406 allows the processing to proceed more quickly. Therefore, in this embodiment, both the determination in S406 and the determination in S407 are executed. However, this is not limited to this embodiment. The determination in S406 may be omitted, and the determination in S407 may be executed after S405 or S411. In S408, the CPU 103 executes processing to set the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode as the primary network for the printing app. That is, the CPU 103 operates the information processing device 101 using the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode, which is the network corresponding to the selected network information, for communication by the printing app, without using other networks. It is assumed that this process is executed while multiple Wi-Fi networks are simultaneously established using the STA / STA function. Specifically, in this process, for example, CPU 103 instructs the OS, via a print app, to set the network formed by communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode as the primary network. For example, CPU 103 may instruct the OS, via the print app, to perform binding processing on the network currently set by the OS as the primary network for the print app, thereby setting the network formed by communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode as the primary network for the print app. Thereafter, the process of this flowchart ends, and step S304 is executed.

[0069] In S409, CPU 103 determines whether all of the networks corresponding to the acquired network information have been selected in S405 or S411. If all of the networks have been selected, CPU 103 performs the process of S410, and if not, performs the process of S411.

[0070] In S410, the CPU 103 executes a process for setting one of the networks corresponding to the acquired network information as the primary network. The process proceeds to S410, for example, when the connection attempt in S302 fails and a connection between the communication device and the communication unit 111 is not established. Specifically, in this process, the CPU 103 instructs the OS to set one of the networks as the primary network using a printing application. The network set as the primary network in this process may be any of the networks corresponding to the acquired network information, or may be a network identified based on some priority. Alternatively, this process may be omitted, leaving the current primary network setting unchanged. The CPU 103 then terminates the process of this flowchart and executes S304. After completing the process of this flowchart, the CPU 103 may also terminate the process of the flowchart in FIG. 3 and interrupt the connection setup process. At this time, the CPU 103 may notify the user that communication with the communication device 151 operating in the connection setup mode is not possible. Furthermore, the CPU 103 may execute a notification to prompt the user to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode.

[0071] In S411, the CPU 103 selects one of the networks corresponding to the acquired network information that has not been selected in S405 or S411. Then, the CPU 103 performs the processes from S406 onward based on the selection made in S411.

[0072] In S304, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the establishment of a connection between the communication unit 111 and the communication device 151 has been completed in S302. The connection between the communication unit 111 and the communication device 151 corresponds to the connection between the communication unit 111 and the internal access point of the communication device 151. Specifically, in this process, the CPU 103 acquires the SSID of the network to which the communication unit 111 belongs from the OS of the information processing device 101, and determines whether or not the SSID includes a character string indicating that the network is formed by the internal access point of the communication device 151.

[0073] If CPU 103 determines that the establishment of the connection between communication unit 111 and communication device 151 has been completed, it performs the process of S306. On the other hand, if CPU 103 determines in S302 that the establishment of the connection between communication unit 111 and communication device 151 has not been completed, it performs the process of S305 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the connection setting process (whether a timeout has occurred). If CPU 103 determines that a timeout has not occurred, it performs the process of S303 again. On the other hand, if CPU 103 determines that a timeout has occurred, it ends the process. At this time, CPU 103 may display a screen on display unit 108 to notify the user that a timeout has occurred.

[0074] In S306, the CPU 103 requests, via communication unit 111, from the communication device 151, list information regarding a list of networks discovered by the communication device 151 through a search using the communication unit 156. Note that communication via the communication unit 111 refers to communication via a network formed by the communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode, and communication via a direct connection between the communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode and the information processing device 101. The list information is a list of identification information for identifying networks discovered by the search using the communication unit 156. The identification information may be, for example, an SSID. Note that the discovered network is a network formed by an external access point, and the network is discovered when the communication device 151 acquires a beacon emitted by the external access point. The CPU 103 acquires, via communication unit 111, the list information transmitted from the communication device 151 in response to the request. Note that the communication device 151 may search for networks and create the list information based on the request received from the information processing device 101. Alternatively, the communication device 151 may search for networks and create list information based on the occurrence of a trigger that causes the communication device 151 to start operating in the connection setting mode.

[0075] In S307, CPU 103 determines whether or not there is a network corresponding to the information acquired in S301 in the list of networks acquired in S306. If CPU 103 determines that there is a network corresponding to the information acquired in S301, it performs processing of S308. On the other hand, if CPU 103 determines that there is no network corresponding to the information acquired in S301, it performs processing of S315.

[0076] In S308, the CPU 103 displays the SSID acquired from the OS in S301, and displays on the display unit 108 a password entry screen for using the network corresponding to the SSID (here, the network formed by the access point 131). At this time, for example, a screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed as the password entry screen. Note that if the information processing device 101 supports the STA / STA function, the information processing device 101 has established both a connection with the access point 131 and a connection with the communication device 151 at this time. Therefore, the access point corresponding to the SSID displayed here is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected.

[0077] In S309, the CPU 103 accepts input of a password from the user for using the access point 131. At this time, the CPU 103 acquires password information input to the input unit 501 by the user.

[0078] Next, in S310, the CPU 103 transmits connection setting information for connecting the communication device 151 to the network corresponding to the information acquired in S301 to the communication device 151 via communication via the network formed by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode. In other words, the connection setting information is information for connecting the communication device 151 to the access point 131, and is information about the access point 131. The connection setting information stores the SSID acquired in S301, the password acquired in S314, and a command for setting the connection mode of the communication device 151. Note that in this embodiment, the command for setting the connection mode of the communication device 151 is a command for setting the communication device 151 to infrastructure connection mode. Upon receiving the connection setting information, the communication device 151 joins the network corresponding to the connection setting information and connects to the access point 131. In this way, by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 connecting to the same access point, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are infrastructure connected, enabling high-speed communication via wireless LAN. Therefore, thereafter, for example, when the information processing apparatus 101 receives an instruction from the user to perform a process such as transmitting a print job, wireless LAN communication is executed between the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication device 151 .

[0079] After transmitting the connection setting information in S311, the CPU 103 determines in S316 whether the connection setting of the communication device 151 was successful or not based on the transmitted connection setting information. Specifically, for example, at this time, the CPU 103 first transmits a broadcast to receive a notification from the communication device 151 on the network to which the information processing device 101 is connected, and waits for the notification to be received from the communication device 151. If the notification is received (notification received), the CPU 103 determines that the connection setting of the communication device 151 was successful, and if the notification is not received, the CPU 103 determines that the connection setting of the communication device 151 was not successful. Note that this method is not limited to this, and for example, the communication device 151 may transmit information regarding the success or failure of the connection setting to the information processing device 101 via Bluetooth or the like, and the information processing device 101 may perform this determination based on that information.

[0080] If the connection setup of communication device 151 has failed, CPU 103 displays a screen on display unit 108 in S312 to ask the user whether or not to retry the connection setup of communication device 151. Then, in S313, CPU 103 determines whether or not to retry the connection setup of communication device 151 based on the user's input on the screen. If the connection setup of communication device 151 is to be retried, CPU 103 performs the processes from S308 onwards again, and if the connection setup of communication device 151 is not to be retried, CPU 103 terminates the process. Note that if it is determined in S311 that the connection setup of communication device 151 has not been successful, the process may be terminated by notifying the user that the connection setup has failed without executing the processes of S312 and S313.

[0081] Furthermore, if the connection setting for the communication device 151 is successful, the CPU 103 registers the communication device as a communication destination of the information processing device 101 in S314. Specifically, for example, a screen (registration screen) for registering any communication device as a communication destination of the information processing device 101 is displayed on the display unit 108. The registration screen displays a list of communication devices operating as access points and communication devices connected to the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, which are detected by executing a discovery process. The discovery process includes, for example, a process of transmitting a broadcast to receive a notification from the communication device 151 on the network to which the information processing device 101 is connected, and discovering the communication device 151 that sent a notification in response to the broadcast. By selecting any communication device from the list displayed on the registration screen (a list of registrable communication devices), the selected communication device is registered as a communication destination of the information processing device 101. Note that at this time, the communication device 151 that is the target of the connection setting may be automatically registered as a communication destination of the information processing device 101 without displaying a list of communication devices or performing user input. Thereafter, the CPU 103 proceeds to S323.

[0082] In S315, the CPU 103 displays on the display unit 108 a list of networks corresponding to the list information acquired from the communication device 151 in S306, and accepts the user's selection of one of the networks in the list.

[0083] In S316, the CPU 103 displays the SSID of the network selected in S317, and displays a password entry screen for using the network corresponding to the SSID on the display unit 108. At this time, for example, a screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed as the password entry screen.

[0084] In S317, the input of a password for using the network selected in S317 is accepted from the user. At this time, the CPU 103 acquires the password information input by the user to the input unit 501.

[0085] In S318, the CPU 103 transmits, via communication, to the communication device 151, connection setting information for connecting the communication device 151 to the network selected in S315.

[0086] The processes of S319 to S321 are the same as those of S311 to S313. After the determination of S321, if connection setup is to be retried, the processes from S315 may be executed again, or the processes from S317 may be executed again. The process of S323 is the same as that of S314.

[0087] In S323, CPU 103 changes the connection destination of communication unit 111 based on the completion of communication for connection setup. Specifically, first, CPU 103 disconnects the connection between communication unit 111 and communication device 151. Thereafter, if the communication device 151 does not support the STA / STA function and communication unit 111 was not connected to another access point when the connection between communication unit 111 and communication device 151 was established, CPU 103 establishes a new connection between communication unit 111 and another access point. At this time, the access point to which communication unit 111 connects is, for example, the access point corresponding to the information acquired in S301. Note that in S323, which is executed after S322, the access point to which communication unit 111 connects may be, for example, the access point corresponding to the information selected in S315. Furthermore, even if the communication device 151 supports the STA / STA function and communication unit 111 was connected to another access point when the connection between communication unit 111 and communication device 151 was established, the connection destination of communication unit 111 may be changed. For example, the connection destination of the communication unit 111 may be changed from the access point corresponding to the information acquired in S301 to the access point corresponding to the information selected in S315. After disconnecting the connection between the communication unit 111 and the communication device 151, the CPU 103 may maintain the current state of other connections.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the process of acquiring information about the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs from the OS is executed after communication with the communication device is started, but this is not limiting. The process of acquiring information about the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs from the OS may also be executed before communication with the communication device is started.

[0089] As described above, according to this embodiment, even when multiple communication paths are established using the same communication standard, it is possible to determine the connection to the target communication device and perform communication correctly. Therefore, the communication is automatically switched without the user having to manually select the communication they want to use, improving usability.

[0090] (Other embodiments) In the above description, the Android OS is assumed to support the STA / STA function, but other OSs may also support the STA / STA function. In this case, it is sufficient that in S401 it is determined whether the OS of the information processing device 101 supports the STA / STA function. In the above description, whether or not to display the list of access points is switched depending on the determination result of S307, but this is not limiting. The determination of S307 may be omitted, and S315 may be performed after S306.

[0091] In the above description, the determination in S409 is executed when the determination result in S406 or S407 is NO, but this is not limiting. If the determination result in S406 or S407 is NO, the network corresponding to the information not currently selected may be set as the primary network. This is because, if the determination result in S406 or S407 is NO, the network corresponding to the information not currently selected is likely to be a network formed by communication device 151.

[0092] In the above description, when multiple Wi-Fi networks are established simultaneously using the STA / STA function, the network set as the primary network by the printing app is assumed to be the network used for connection configuration of the communication device 151. Furthermore, the primary network configuration executed by the printing app is assumed to be performed when a user instructs the printing app to execute a connection configuration process. However, this is not limited to this. When multiple Wi-Fi networks are established simultaneously using the STA / STA function, the network set as the primary network by the printing app may be a local network formed by the communication device 151. In other words, the use of the network set as the primary network by the printing app is not particularly limited. For example, the network set as the primary network by the printing app may be a network used to send print jobs or scan jobs to the communication device 151. Therefore, the network set as the primary network by the printing app may not be a network formed by the communication device 151 operating in connection configuration mode, but may be a network formed by the communication device 151 operating in software AP mode or WFD mode, for example. 4, the execution trigger for the network setting process used for communication by the printing application is not limited to a user instruction to execute the connection setting process by the printing application. For example, the execution trigger may be a user instruction to execute the print job transmission by the printing application by pressing the print button 201, or a user instruction to execute the scan job transmission by pressing the scan button 202.

[0093] In the above description, the application that configures the primary network is a printing application, but the present invention is not limited to this. The application that configures the primary network may be, for example, a scanning application that sends a scan job to a communication device that is a scanner to perform a scan. It may also be, for example, a camera application that sends a photography job to a communication device that is a camera to perform a photo shoot, or a remote control application that remotely controls a communication device.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the connection between the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode and the information processing device 101 is disconnected based on the completion of the connection setting. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and the connection may be maintained. Alternatively, after the connection between the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode and the information processing device 101 is disconnected, a new connection may be established between the communication device 151 operating in a mode for communicating via a direct connection and the information processing device 101. In these configurations, even after the connection setting is completed, connections to two networks are established and maintained by the STA / STA function. At this time, the primary network for the printing app is not particularly limited, and may be either network. Furthermore, the primary network may be switched as appropriate depending on the function executed by the printing app.

[0095] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 101 Information processing equipment 151 Communication equipment

Claims

1. A predetermined application program for communicating with a communication device, The computer of the information processing device an execution step of executing, by the predetermined application program, a predetermined process for utilizing the second network for communication by the predetermined application program, based on a first wireless connection between a first network formed by an external device based on a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series and the information processing device functioning as a station, and a second wireless connection between a second network formed by the communication device based on a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series and not connected to the Internet and the information processing device functioning as a station, being maintained in parallel by a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function; After the predetermined process is executed, executing a process for transmitting information for connecting to an external access point to the communication device using the second network by the predetermined application program; A program characterized by executing the following.

2. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified processing is executed based on the fact that the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection are maintained in parallel and the second network is a network corresponding to specified information that the specified application program has previously stored without obtaining it from the communication device.

3. The program described in Claim 2, characterized in that the specified information is at least one of an IP address, an SSID, and a MAC address.

4. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified processing is processing that allows the second network to be used for communication by the specified application program without using the first network.

5. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified processing is a processing that instructs the operating system of the information processing device to use the second network for communication by the specified application program.

6. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that, when the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection are maintained in parallel by a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function and the first network is a network connected to the Internet, before the specified processing is executed, the program is controlled by an operating system of the information processing device so that the first network is used for communication by the specified application program.

7. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the operating system of the information processing device that supports the Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function controls the network connected to the Internet to be used preferentially for communication by the specified application program before the specified processing is executed.

8. The predetermined application program is an application program having a function of transmitting a print job to the communication device, 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a printing device.

9. The predetermined application program is an application program having a function of transmitting a scan job to the communication device, 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a scanner that executes a scan process to scan a document set in the communication device and acquire an image.

10. The information for connecting to the external access point is information for connecting to an access point forming the first network.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

11. A display step of displaying a list of networks by the predetermined application program is further executed, the information for connecting to the external access point is information for connecting to an access point forming one of the networks included in the list; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

12. The communication with the communication device using the second network includes communication for obtaining a list of networks discovered by the communication device through a search, After the list is obtained, the list is displayed by the predetermined application program; the information for connecting to the external access point is information for connecting to an access point forming a network selected by the user from the list; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

13. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that communication with the communication device using the second network includes communication for sending a print job to the communication device to perform printing.

14. A determination step of determining whether an operating system of the information processing device is a predetermined version that supports a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function; Then run 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is executed when it is determined that the operating system of the information processing device is of the predetermined version.

15. The program described in Claim 14, characterized in that the specified version of the operating system is Android OS 12.

16. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the operating system of the information processing device is Android OS.

17. The program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing is executed while the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection are maintained in parallel by a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function.

18. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that it further executes a disconnection step of disconnecting the second wireless connection based on the completion of communication with the communication device using the second network.

19. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified processing is processing for setting the primary network for the specified application program to the second network.

20. An execution step of executing a process for establishing the second wireless connection by the predetermined application program; Then run the process for establishing the second wireless connection is executed by the predetermined application program, whereby the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection are maintained in parallel.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

21. The second wireless connection is established based on detection of the communication device operating in a predetermined mode that can be connected using connection information including information previously recognized by the predetermined application program.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

22. An information processing device having a predetermined application program for communicating with a communication device, a first execution means for executing, by a predetermined application program, a predetermined process for utilizing the second network for communication by the predetermined application program, based on a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function, on the basis that a first wireless connection between a first network formed by an external device based on a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series and the information processing device functioning as a station, and a second wireless connection between a second network formed by the communication device based on a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series and not connected to the Internet and the information processing device functioning as a station; a second execution means for executing, by the predetermined application program, a process for transmitting information for connecting to an external access point to the communication device using the second network after the predetermined process has been executed; An information processing device comprising:

23. A method for controlling an information processing device having a predetermined application program for communicating with a communication device, comprising: an execution step of executing, by the predetermined application program, a predetermined process for utilizing the second network for communication by the predetermined application program, based on a first wireless connection between a first network formed by an external device based on a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series and the information processing device functioning as a station, and a second wireless connection between a second network formed by the communication device based on a communication standard of the IEEE 802.11 series and not connected to the Internet and the information processing device functioning as a station, being maintained in parallel by a Wi-Fi STA / STA Concurrency function; After the predetermined process is executed, executing a process for transmitting information for connecting to an external access point to the communication device using the second network by the predetermined application program; A control method comprising:

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