Control methods, programs, and information processing devices.

Abstract

To more appropriately execute processing for executing wireless settings of a communication device.SOLUTION: A program operates in an information processing apparatus and has at least a function related to wireless settings of a communication device. When activated, the program operates to search for a communication device in a wireless setting mode, when detecting the communication device in the wireless setting mode, display a screen encouraging execution of the function related to the wireless settings, and when execution of the function related to the wireless settings is instructed through the screen, connect the communication device to a network to which the information processing apparatus is connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, a communication system, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for sharing a communication device such as a printer among a plurality of information processing devices (hereinafter, PCs) via a LAN (local area network) connected to the Internet. In addition, the LAN may be constructed as a wireless network, which has the advantage that the communication device can be installed anywhere, as compared to a wired network. However, it may be difficult for a user to set up the communication device to connect to an access point using information transmitted from the information processing device. Patent Document 1 describes a technology for easily allowing a printer to join a wireless network, in which a PC searches for a printer in wireless setting mode and establishes a Peer to Peer connection (hereinafter, P2P connection) with the detected printer, thereby transmitting a wireless profile stored in the PC to the printer and setting up the printer wirelessly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6635978 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as the practice of executing wireless settings of a communication device based on information transmitted from an information processing device becomes widespread, there is a demand for more appropriately executing processing for executing wireless settings of a communication device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to more appropriately execute processing for executing wireless settings of a communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a program according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: A program that operates on an information processing device and has at least a function related to wireless settings of a communication device, When the program is started, it searches for a communication device that is in wireless setting mode, When a communication device in the wireless setting mode is detected, a screen is displayed prompting the user to execute a function related to the wireless setting, When an instruction to execute a function related to the wireless setting is given via the screen, the communication device is operated to connect to the network to which the information processing device is connected. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to allow a user to execute a wireless setting function included in a program at an appropriate time to perform wireless settings of a communication device.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar features throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system including a PC and a printer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the PC as a result of executing a setup processing program and processing performed by the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]5 is a flowchart for explaining a process at the time of starting up a general-purpose application according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setup-available printer discovery dialog according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen displayed on a display unit of a PC by a general-purpose application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A shows an example of a successful setup screen indicating that the printer's wireless setup has been completed, and FIG. 1B shows an example of a failed setup screen indicating that the printer's wireless setup has failed. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process at the time of starting up a general-purpose application according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setup target printer selection dialog according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a plurality of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0011] An information processing device and a communication device included in the communication system of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing device, but is not limited thereto, and various devices such as a terminal device, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera can be applied. In addition, in the present embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the communication device, but is not limited thereto, and various devices that can perform wireless communication with the information processing device can be applied. For example, if it is a printer, it can be applied to an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, and the like. In addition to printers, it can also be applied to copiers, facsimile machines, terminal devices, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like. In addition, it can also be applied to a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, and a print function.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The system according to the first embodiment includes devices such as a PC and a printer, and one or more access points. In this system, a PC 100 is connected to an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​1 of an access point 102 via wireless LAN. A printer 101 is also connected to the SSID 1 of the access point 102. That is, the PC 100 is in a state in which it can communicate with the printer 101 via the access point 102. Such a method of connecting via an access point is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as infrastructure connection). In infrastructure connection, a network environment can be constructed in which a PC can communicate with two or more devices.

[0014] On the other hand, there is a connection method called wireless direct connection that allows communication only between two devices. The PC 100 and the printer 101 can also connect P2P via wireless direct connection. However, while the wireless direct connection is in effect, both the PC 100 and the printer 101 use a wireless LAN dongle for the wireless direct connection, and therefore cannot communicate with any device other than the other device. For this reason, wireless direct connection is often used as a temporary connection.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a communication system including a PC 100 which is an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment and a printer 101 which is a communication apparatus.

[0016] The PC 100 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 206, a display unit 207, and an input interface (I / F) 208. The PC 100 also includes a USB I / F 205, a wired LAN I / F 209, and a wireless LAN I / F 210. However, the PC 100 only needs to include at least one of the USB I / F 205, the wired LAN I / F 209, and the wireless LAN I / F 210. The ROM 202 stores a general-purpose application 203 and a wireless profile 204, which will be described later. Note that the ROM 202 is not a read-only memory, but a readable and writable non-volatile memory. In response to an instruction to start the general-purpose application 203 via the input I / F 208, the CPU 201 loads the general-purpose application 203 from the ROM 202 into the RAM 206 and starts the general-purpose application 203.

[0017] The PC 100 can perform P2P communication with the printer 101 via a USB cable 220 or via a wireless direct connection 223. The PC 100 can also be connected to a LAN 221 via an Ethernet cable 224. If the printer 101 can also be connected to the LAN 221, the PC 100 and the printer 101 can communicate with each other in the same LAN 221 environment. Furthermore, the PC 100 can connect to an access point 222 via a wireless LAN (infrastructure connection), and the access point 222 can connect to the LAN 221 via an Ethernet cable 225, thereby allowing the PC 100 to connect to the LAN 221. Here, the wireless profile 204 is information including specific information (SSID, etc.) of the access point 222 connected via the wireless LAN I / F 210, authentication information (password, etc.) used in authentication processing, and the like. The wireless profile 204 is stored and managed by the CPU 201 executing an OS (Operating System) (not shown) included in the ROM 202.

[0018] The printer 101 has a CPU 242, a ROM 243, a RAM 247, a display unit 248, an input I / F 249, a printing unit 250, a USB I / F 241, and a wireless LAN I / F 246. The ROM 243 stores a program 244, a wireless profile 245, and the like. The ROM 243 is not a read-only memory, but a readable and writable non-volatile memory. The CPU 242 loads the program 244 from the ROM 243 into the RAM 247 and executes it, thereby executing various controls by the printer 101. The printer 101 does not necessarily have to have the USB I / F 241.

[0019] The printer 101 is capable of P2P communication with the PC 100 via a USB cable 220 or via a wireless direct connection 223. The printer 101 is also connected to an access point 222 by a wireless LAN (infrastructure connection), and the access point 222 is connected to the LAN 221 via an Ethernet cable 225, thereby enabling the printer 101 to connect to the LAN 221. Here, the wireless profile 245 is information including settings such as the SSID and authentication information (password, etc.) of the access point 222 connected via the wireless LAN I / F 246. The wireless profile 245 is stored and managed by the CPU 242 executing a program 244 included in the ROM 243.

[0020] The ROM 243 also stores a unique SSID. This unique SSID is the SSID of the network formed by the printer 101 operating in a connection setting mode, which will be described later. This SSID is uniquely determined for each printer manufacturer and printer model, and is a character string that follows a unique naming rule. For example, for a printer model B manufactured by manufacturer AAA, the SSID is, for example, "AAA_PRINTER_B_0123456." By randomly setting the "0123456" at the end of the character string, individual printers from the same manufacturer can be distinguished. The wireless LAN I / F 246 of the printer 101 can operate as an access point corresponding to this unique SSID.

[0021] The modes and connection methods of the printer 101 for performing wireless communication will be described below.

[0022] <About the direct connection method> A direct connection refers to a wireless connection between devices directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) without going through an external device such as an access point 102. A direct connection is also called a peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection). The printer 101 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.

[0023] A mode in which a direct connection is performed by WFD is called a WFD mode. WFD is a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE802.11 series of communication standards. In the WFD mode, after a device to be a communication partner is searched for by a device search command, the roles of the P2P group owner (GO) and the P2P client are determined, and the remaining wireless connection processing is performed. The group owner corresponds to 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 the WFD mode, which is the state before the role determination, the printer 101 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, first, one device issues a device search command between the devices to communicate with each other and searches for a device to connect to in WFD mode. When the other device to be a communication partner is searched for, the two devices confirm information about services and functions that can be provided by each other's devices. Note that this confirmation of device provision information is optional and not required. This device provision information confirmation phase corresponds to, for example, Provision Discovery of P2P. Next, by mutually confirming this device provision information, it is determined which one will be the P2P client and which one will be the P2P group owner as their roles. Next, once the client and group owner are determined, parameters for communication by WFD are exchanged between them. 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 the WFD mode, the printer 101 may always operate as a GO without executing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the printer 101 may operate in a WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. In addition, the state in which the printer 101 operates in the WFD mode is, for example, a state in which the printer 101 operates as a GO even though a WFD connection has not been established, or a state in which a WFD connection has been established and the printer 101 operates as a GO.

[0024] In the software AP mode, between devices that communicate (for example, PC 100 and printer 101), one device (for example, PC 100) becomes a client that requests various services. The other device realizes the function of a Wi-Fi access point by 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 a software AP using a device search command. When the software AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of a wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP is performed, and then IP connection processing (assignment of an IP address, etc.) is performed. Note that commands and parameters that are transmitted and received when realizing a wireless connection between a client and a software AP may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the printer 101 establishes and maintains a direct connection, the printer 101 operates as a parent station in the network to which the printer 101 belongs. The parent station is a device that constructs a wireless network and provides a child station with parameters used for connecting to the wireless network. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the parent station. By receiving the parameters, the child station connects to the wireless network constructed by the parent station using the channel used by the parent station. In the direct connection mode, the printer 101 operates as a parent station, so that the printer 101 can determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. In this embodiment, the printer 101 can 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 direct connection mode.

[0026] <About infrastructure connection method> An infrastructure connection is a connection mode in which devices (for example, the PC 100 and the printer 101) connect to an access point (for example, the access point 102) that manages a network of devices that will communicate with each other via the access point. The printer 101 can also operate in a mode for communicating via an infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode) as one of the connection modes.

[0027] In infrastructure connections, each device searches for an access point using a device search command. Once an access point has been found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of a wireless connection, etc.) between the device and the access point is carried out, and then IP connection processing (assignment of an IP address, etc.) is carried out. Note that commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an access point can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and so a description of these will be omitted here.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the printer 101 operates in the infrastructure connection, the access point 102 operates as a parent station, and the printer 101 operates as a child device. That is, in this embodiment, the infrastructure connection refers to a connection between the printer 101 operating as a child device and a device operating as a parent device. When the printer 101 has established an infrastructure connection and the PC 100 has also established an infrastructure connection with the access point 102, communication between the printer 101 and the PC 100 is possible via the access point 102. Since the channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the access point 102, the printer 101 executes communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the access point 102. In this embodiment, the printer 101 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 printer 101 is also able to use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. In order for the PC 100 to communicate with the printer 101 via the access point 102, the PC 100 must recognize that the printer 101 belongs to the network formed by the access point 102 and to which the PC 100 belongs.

[0029] <About wireless setting mode> Printer 101 can operate in a wireless setting mode. A trigger for printer 101 to start operation in the wireless setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a wireless setting mode button, or printer 101 starting up (powering on) for the first time after arrival. The wireless setting mode button may be a hardware (physical) button provided on printer 101, or may be a software button displayed on display unit 161 by printer 101.

[0030] When the printer 101 starts operating in the wireless setting mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, the printer 101 enables an internal AP (connection setting AP) of the printer 101 that is dedicated to the wireless setting mode as a process for enabling Wi-Fi communication. This puts the printer 101 in a state in which it can establish a direct connection with the PC 100 by Wi-Fi. It is assumed that connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the connection setting AP is held in advance in a setup application installed in the PC 100, and that the PC 100 recognizes in advance the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the AP that is enabled in the direct connection mode, it is assumed that the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that in the wireless setting mode, the printer 101 may connect to the PC 100 by Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) instead of normal Wi-Fi. That is, the printer 101 may operate as a Group Owner and receive a setting command from the PC 100 by communication by WFD. In addition, in the wireless setting mode, the printer 101 may connect to the PC 100 via Bluetooth. Here, Bluetooth includes Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). That is, for example, the printer 101 may operate as a slave device in BLE in the wireless setting mode and receive a setting command from the PC 100 through communication via BLE. In addition, in the wireless setting mode, the printer 101 may be capable of executing both network setup via Wi-Fi and network setup via BLE. That is, when the printer 101 starts operating in the wireless setting mode, it may enable both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. Specifically, when the printer 101 starts operating in the wireless setting mode, it may execute both the enablement of a connection setting AP and the enablement of an advertising state in which advertising information is transmitted via BLE and BLE connection is possible.

[0031] The P2P communication by the wireless direct connection 223 according to the first embodiment may be a communication method in which an access point is not used, or a method in which the PC 100 or the printer 101 operates as an access point. For example, the wireless LAN I / F 246 of the printer 101 operates as an access point corresponding to the above-mentioned unique SSID. In this case, the wireless LAN I / F 210 of the PC 100 is connected to the wireless LAN I / F 246 as an access point corresponding to the unique SSID. According to this method, the PC 100 can directly connect to the printer 101 by a connection process similar to that of the external access point 222. Therefore, even if the PC 100 cannot execute a process for a direct connection not via an access point, the P2P communication with the printer 101 is possible.

[0032] In addition, in the printer 101 according to the first embodiment, the user can perform an operation for connecting the printer 101 to a desired access point according to the display on the display unit 248. For example, the user can connect the printer 101 to a desired access point by inputting an SSID and a password corresponding to the desired access point via the display unit 248 of the printer 101.

[0033] However, the display unit 248 of the printer 101 may take various forms, such as a small liquid crystal display or a segmented display liquid crystal, or a blinking LED display, depending on the type of printer 101. For example, if the display unit 248 of the printer 101 only uses a blinking LED display, the operation to connect the printer 101 to a desired access point may be more difficult than if the display unit 248 is a liquid crystal display that is capable of sufficient display.

[0034] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the general-purpose application 203 performs a wireless network setting process (described later) on the printer 101 in order to connect the printer 101 to a predetermined access point 102. This allows, for example, even a user who is unfamiliar with operations on the printer 101 to easily connect the printer 101 to a desired access point 102. In particular, when it is difficult to perform an operation to connect the printer 101 to a desired access point 102 via the display unit 248 of the printer 101 as described above, the user can easily perform the operation by following the display on the display unit 207 of the PC 100.

[0035] In order for the general-purpose application 203 to connect the printer 101 to the access point 102 by the wireless network setting process, the printer 101 must be in a wireless setting mode, which will be described later. Therefore, the printer 101 is configured to be switched to the wireless setting mode when the user issues a predetermined instruction on the display unit 248. The printer 101 may be configured to automatically switch to the wireless setting mode when the printer 101 is turned on for the first time. In general, it is preferable that the operation of connecting the printer 101 to the access point 102 is performed when the printer 101 is installed and used. Therefore, by having the printer automatically switch to the wireless setting mode when the printer is turned on for the first time, it becomes possible to execute the wireless network setting process at an appropriate timing without the need for a user operation.

[0036] Next, the general-purpose application 203 will be described.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen that the general-purpose application 203 according to the first embodiment displays on the display unit 207 of the PC 100. As shown in FIG.

[0038] The general-purpose application 203 provides functions that can be commonly used for a plurality of printers. For example, when a photo print button 601 is pressed, the general-purpose application 203 displays a UI (user interface) on the display unit 207 for receiving an instruction as to which image file to print from among image files (not shown) stored in the ROM 202. The general-purpose application 203 then reads out the image file specified via the UI, and instructs the printer driver of the selected printer to print the image file.

[0039] Furthermore, when the document print button 602 is pressed, the general-purpose application 203 displays on the display unit 207 a UI for receiving an instruction as to which document file (not shown) to print from among the document files stored in the ROM 202. The general-purpose application 203 then reads out the specified document file and instructs the printer driver of the selected printer to print the document file. Here, the general-purpose application 203 displays the selected printer in the area 603. FIG. 6 shows the case where "Printer A" is selected.

[0040] The generic application 203 also holds a list of selectable printers, and switches the selected printer from among the printers included in the list in response to pressing of button 604 or button 605. The list of selectable printers held by the generic application 203 is created, for example, by acquiring a list of print queues managed by the OS, and extracting only printers whose printer driver names assigned to each print queue contain a specific character string. This allows the generic application 203 to create a list that allows selection of only printers manufactured by the developer vendor.

[0041] Furthermore, when the add printer button 606 is pressed, the generic application 203 executes wireless network setting processing for connecting the target printer to the access point 102 to which the PC 100 is connected. The generic application 203 adds the printer connected to the access point 102 to a print queue managed by the OS, thereby making it possible to add the printer to a list of selectable printers. In the first embodiment, the generic application 203 adds the printer 101 as a selectable printer by connecting the printer 101 to the access point 102 and registering the printer 101 in a print queue managed by the OS.

[0042] On the other hand, as described above, in order for the generic application 203 to execute the wireless network setting process, the printer 101 must be in the wireless setting mode. That is, when the printer 101 is switched to the wireless setting mode in response to a specific instruction from the user, or after the printer 101 is switched to the wireless setting mode when the printer 101 is turned on for the first time, the generic application 203 must execute the wireless network setting process. Note that, for users who have purchased a printer, the vendor generally provides installation instructions on a web page or a paper manual on how to install the printer. For this reason, the vendor prompts the user to install the generic application 203 after providing instructions on the operation for switching the printer to the wireless setting mode. Then, the generic application 203 executes the wireless network setting process when the printer is first started, so that the wireless network can be set when the printer is installed.

[0043] However, when the second or subsequent printer is purchased and the general-purpose application 203 has already been installed, the general-purpose application 203 cannot execute the wireless network setting process at the first startup. Therefore, the user needs to start the general-purpose application 203 and press the add printer button 606, but there is a problem that it is difficult to know when to press the add printer button 606. In particular, in the case of software provided from a server for distributing applications provided by OS vendors, such as Microsoft Store (registered trademark) in the Windows (registered trademark) OS, it is not possible to add unique parameters at startup and execute a specific function. In other words, there is a problem that it is not possible to control the execution of the wireless network setting process at the first startup only when it is determined that the installation procedure has been guided on the above-mentioned Web page or paper manual.

[0044] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the general-purpose application 203 searches for printers in wireless setting mode in the vicinity of the PC 100, and automatically executes wireless network setting processing when it detects a printer that has switched to wireless setting mode. This makes it possible to execute wireless network setting processing at an appropriate time without the user having to determine whether or not it is necessary for the user to press the add printer button 606.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the process at the time of starting up the general-purpose application 203 according to the first embodiment. In the PC 100, when the user gives a predetermined instruction via the input I / F 208, the CPU 201 loads the general-purpose application 203 from the ROM 202 into the RAM 206 and starts it up. In this way, the general-purpose application 203 starts processing upon being started up by the CPU 201, thereby executing the process shown in Fig. 4. Note that the process shown in Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 201 executing the general-purpose application 203.

[0046] First, in S401, the CPU 201 refers to a list of selectable printers and determines whether one or more printers have been registered. If it is determined that no printers have been registered, the process proceeds to S402, where the CPU 201 starts a setup processing program for executing a wireless network setting process. The wireless network setting process executed by the setup processing program will be described later. The setup processing program may be stored in the ROM 202 as a program separate from the general-purpose application 203, or may be included in the general-purpose application 203 and stored in the ROM 202. In the former case, the general-purpose application 203 reads out the setup processing program from the ROM 202 and starts it when executing S402. When the process of the setup processing program is thus completed, the process proceeds to S403, where, for example, an initial screen of the application as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the start-up process is completed.

[0047] On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S401 that one or more printers have been registered, the process proceeds to S404, where it searches for a printer 101 in a wireless setting mode, which will be described later. Then, the process proceeds to S405, where the CPU 201 determines the search result. Specifically, it searches for an access point corresponding to an SSID that conforms to the unique naming rule described above, and determines whether the search is successful. If the CPU 201 determines in S405 that it has detected a printer in a wireless setting mode (detected one or more access points with an SSID that conforms to the naming rule), the process proceeds to S406. In S406, the CPU 201 determines whether the detected printer is a target printer for wireless network setting processing, based on the detected SSID. This is to prevent the general-purpose application 203 from performing wireless network setting processing for a printer for which wireless settings cannot be properly made, when the target printer is too old or too new.

[0048] Specifically, in S406, CPU 201 determines whether the printer with the detected SSID is included as a target printer in a list of target printers for wireless network setting, which is stored in advance. Here, CPU 201 is assumed to be able to identify the printer name from the unique SSID according to the unique naming rules for SSIDs described above. For example, if the SSID is "AAA_PRINTER_B_0123456," it determines that the printer is a model called Printer B, and determines whether Printer B is included in the list of target printers for wireless network setting. If CPU 201 determines in S406 that the detected printer is a target printer for wireless network setting processing, the process proceeds to S407, where CPU 201 displays a setup-available printer discovery dialog 500, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, on display unit 207.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the setup-available printer discovery dialog according to the first embodiment.

[0050] This printer discovery dialog 500 includes a message indicating that a printer waiting for setup has been found, a "Later" button (first object) 501, and an add printer button (second object) 502. The "Later" button 501 is a button for closing the discovery dialog 500 without executing the setup process. The add printer button 502 is a button for starting a program for the setup process.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to S408, where the CPU 201 determines whether the Add Printer button 502 in the printer discovery dialog 500 has been pressed, and if it determines that the Add Printer button 502 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S409. In S409, the CPU 201 sets the detected SSID as an argument and starts a setup processing program. When the processing of the setup processing program ends in this manner, the process proceeds to S403, where the CPU 201 displays an initial screen of the application as shown in FIG. 6, and ends this process.

[0052] On the other hand, if in S405 CPU 201 does not detect a printer in wireless setting mode, or if in S406 the detected printer is not a target printer for wireless network setting processing, the process proceeds to S403, where an initial screen of the application as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed, and the start-up process ends. Also, if in S408 CPU 201 determines that "Later" button 501 has been pressed in discovery dialog 500, the process also proceeds to S403, where an initial screen is displayed, and the process ends.

[0053] Next, the process executed by the setup processing program and the process executed by the printer 101 based on instructions from the setup processing program will be described.

[0054] 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing performed by the PC 100 according to the first embodiment as a result of execution of a setup processing program, and processing executed by the printer 101. It is assumed here that the PC 100 is already connected to an external access point 102, and the SSID password of the access point 102 is stored in the wireless profile 204. The setup processing program is started from the general-purpose application 203 in S402 or S409 in FIG. 4, thereby starting processing for wireless setting instructions by the PC 100. The processing by the PC 100 shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 executing the setup processing program.

[0055] First, in S301, the CPU 201 disconnects the wireless connection between the PC 100 and the access point 102. Next, the process proceeds to S302, where the CPU 201 searches for the printer 101 in the wireless setting mode described later, and determines the search result in S303. Specifically, the CPU 201 searches for an access point corresponding to an SSID according to the unique naming rule described above, and determines whether the search is successful. If it is determined in S303 that a printer in the wireless setting mode has been detected (an access point with an SSID according to the naming rule has been detected), the process proceeds to S304, where the CPU 201 establishes a wireless direct connection with the printer 101. Specifically, the CPU 201 connects the wireless LAN I / F 210 to the access point with the detected SSID. Note that, if the setup processing program is started in S409 with the SSID passed as an argument from the general-purpose application 203, the processes of S302 and S303 are skipped. That is, when the setup processing program is started in S409, the CPU 201 establishes a direct wireless connection with the printer 101 using the already detected SSID, without searching again for a printer in the wireless setting mode.

[0056] Next, the process proceeds to S305, where the CPU 201 requests the printer 101 to obtain information, and receives an SSID list by obtaining a response from the printer 101. This SSID list indicates the access points searched for by the printer 101. Details will be described later. In S305, the CPU 201 also receives the identification information (MAC address, etc.) of the printer 101 from the printer 101.

[0057] Next, the process proceeds to S306, where the CPU 201 refers to the wireless profile 204 stored in the ROM 202, and acquires a wireless profile including the SSID of the access point 102 that was connected at the start of the process and whose wireless connection was disconnected in S301. The process then proceeds to S307, where the CPU 201 determines whether the SSID of the access point 102 acquired in S306 is included in the SSID list obtained in S305. In the first embodiment, the process in S307 is referred to as a pre-confirmation process.

[0058] The process then proceeds to S308, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not to connect the printer 101 to a specified access point based on the results of the advance confirmation process in S307. In S308, if it is determined in S307 that the SSID of the access point 102 exists in the SSID list, the CPU 201 determines to connect the printer 101 to the specified access point. If the CPU 201 determines in S308 to connect the printer 101 to the specified access point, the process proceeds to S309, where the CPU 201 transmits information instructing the printer 101 to perform wireless settings. Specifically, in S309, the CPU 201 transmits the wireless profile (including the SSID and password) of the access point 102 to the printer 101. The process then proceeds to S310, where the CPU 201 disconnects the wireless direct connection with the printer 101 and reconnects to the access point 102. Here, since the wireless profile 204 of the access point 102 is stored in the ROM 202 of the PC 100, the CPU 201 can reconnect to the access point 102 in S310 without requiring the user to re-enter a password or the like.

[0059] Next, the process proceeds to S311, where the CPU 201 deletes a wireless profile that has temporarily remained in the wireless direct connection, if any. This process in S311 is performed to prevent a wireless profile of a connection unintended by the user from remaining. Then, the process proceeds to S312, where the CPU 201 searches for the printer 101 in an infrastructure connection via the access point 102, and the process proceeds to S313 to determine whether the printer 101 has been detected. Specifically, in S312, the CPU 201 receives identification information (such as a MAC address) from a device connected to the access point 102. Then, the process proceeds to S312 to determine whether the received identification information includes identification information that matches the identification information acquired from the printer 101 in S305. Thus, the process proceeds to S313, and if the CPU 201 determines that the printer 101 has been detected, the process proceeds to S314, where the display unit 207 displays a setting success screen 700, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0060] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a successful setting screen 700 indicating that the wireless settings of the printer have been completed.

[0061] The setting success screen 700 has a message indicating that the printer's wireless settings have been completed, and a "Next" button 701. The "Next" button 701 is a button for closing the setting success screen 700. When the user presses the "Next" button 701 on the setting success screen 700, the CPU 201 closes the setting success screen 700 and ends the wireless setting instruction process. Note that the CPU 201 may connect to the printer 101 when it is determined in S313 that the printer 101 has been detected, or may connect to the printer 101 when the "Next" button 701 is pressed.

[0062] On the other hand, if the result of any of the processes in S303, S308, and S313 is No, i.e., if it is determined that the wireless settings in the printer 101 have failed, the process proceeds to S315, and the CPU 201 displays an error message, such as the setting failure screen 710 shown in FIG. 7B.

[0063] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a setting failure screen 710 indicating that the wireless settings of the printer have failed.

[0064] This setting failure screen 710 includes a message indicating that the printer's wireless settings have failed, and a "Next" button 711. The "Next" button 711 is a button for closing the setting failure screen 710. When the user presses the "Next" button 711 on this setting failure screen 710, the CPU 201 closes this setting failure screen 710 and ends the wireless setting instruction process.

[0065] Next, a description will be given of the wireless setting process of the printer 101 shown in S351 to S360. This wireless setting process is started when the user gives a predetermined instruction on the display unit 248 of the printer 101. This process is achieved by the CPU 242 of the printer 101 executing a setup process program.

[0066] When the wireless setting process starts, the printer 101 goes into the wireless setting mode. As described above, the printer 101 may be configured to automatically enter this mode when it is first started up. The wireless setting mode of the printer 101 will now be described.

[0067] When the printer 101 transitions to the wireless setting mode, the printer 101 reads out a unique SSID from the ROM 243 and operates the wireless LAN I / F 246 as an access point having the unique SSID. At this time, the printer 101 also controls so as not to operate other functions such as printing. In other words, when data is input from the USB I / F 241 or when an instruction to execute another function is given via the input I / F 249, the printer 101 ignores the input and does not operate the function.

[0068] First, in S351, the CPU 242 searches for nearby SSIDs (passive scan) before switching to the wireless setting mode, and creates an SSID list including the detected SSID. Then, in S352, the CPU 242 switches to the wireless setting mode and completes preparation for wireless direct connection. Specifically, the wireless LAN I / F 246 is operated as an access point for the unique SSID. In this state, when the processes of S302 to S304 are executed by the setup processing program in the PC 100, the printer 101 starts P2P communication in response to a connection request from the setup processing program. Then, in S353, the CPU 242 checks whether there is a request to obtain information from the setup processing program. If it is determined in S354 that there is a request, the CPU 242 proceeds to S355, executes information transmission processing to transmit the requested information to the PC 100, and returns to S353. In S355, the CPU 242 of the printer 101 transmits the SSID list and the identification information (MAC address, etc.) of the printer 101 to the PC 100. As a result, as described above, the PC 100 receives the identification information and SSID list of the printer 101 in S305.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined in S354 that there is no information acquisition request, the process proceeds to S356, where the CPU 242 checks whether or not there is a wireless setting instruction from the setup processing program being executed by the PC 100. As described above, this is the case where the PC 100 transmits the wireless profile (including the SSID and password) of the access point 102 to the printer 101 in S309 to instruct the wireless setting. If it is determined in S357 that there is no wireless setting instruction, the process returns to S353. On the other hand, if the CPU 242 determines in S357 that there is a wireless setting instruction, the process proceeds to S358, where the CPU 242 executes a connection process to the access point 102 specified by the PC 100. Specifically, in S358, the CPU 242 executes a connection process to the access point 102 using the SSID and password included in the wireless profile received from the PC 100. Then, the process proceeds to S359, where the CPU 242 determines whether or not the connection process has been successful, and if it is determined that the connection process has failed, the process proceeds to S360, where the CPU 242 displays a setting failure error (not shown) on the display unit 248 of the printer 101. Then, when the user performs an operation to clear the setting error (not shown) displayed on the display unit 248 of the printer 101, the printer 101 ends this wireless setting process. On the other hand, if the CPU 242 determines in S359 that the connection process has been successful, the printer 101 ends this wireless setting process.

[0070] In this way, the setup processing program executed on the PC 100 sends the wireless profile of the already connected access point 102 to the printer 101, thereby making it possible to connect the printer 101 and the access point 102 without the need to input a password or other information on the printer 101.

[0071] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the general-purpose application 203 can prompt the user to execute the wireless network setting process at an appropriate timing. Then, the general-purpose application 203 can execute the wireless settings of the printer when the user instructs to execute the wireless network setting process.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the general-purpose application 203 executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 at the timing of startup. In this case, if the printer 101 transitions to the wireless setting mode while the general-purpose application 203 is running, the user cannot be prompted to execute the wireless network setting process. Therefore, if the general-purpose application 203 has a different UI screen different from the initial screen shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to execute the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 at the timing of transition from the different UI screen to the initial screen in addition to the timing of startup. For example, when the photo print button 601 is pressed, the general-purpose application 203 displays a different UI screen for designating an image file to be printed, and executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 at the timing of transition to the initial screen after printing. As a result, even if the printer 101 transitions to the wireless setting mode while the general-purpose application 203 is running, it is possible to prompt the user to execute the wireless network setting process without restarting the general-purpose application 203.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the detection of a printer waiting for setup may be notified by the OS notification function (toast). That is, when a general-purpose application is started or a specific screen is displayed, an SSID scan is performed, and if the SSID of the target printer is detected, a toast is displayed. When the toast is tapped, the setup module of the printer may be started.

[0074] 4 at a time other than startup as described above, there is a concern that the printer may be prompted to execute the wireless network setting process multiple times even if the printer has already skipped the wireless network setting process once. That is, when the "Later" button 501 in the discovery dialog 500 is pressed to skip the wireless network setting process, the discovery dialog 500 is displayed again when the initial screen is displayed again, which is annoying for the user.

[0075] Therefore, the generic application 203 holds the SSID of the detected printer, and when the "Later" button 501 of the discovery dialog 500 is pressed, saves this SSID as a printer that is not a target for wireless network setting. Then, when determining the SSID of the detected printer the next time in S405, the generic application 203 determines whether it matches the SSID of the saved non-target printer, and if it matches, determines that the printer is not a target printer in S406. This prevents the generic application 203 from repeatedly urging the printer to perform wireless network setting processing for a printer that has skipped the setting processing once, even if the generic application 203 executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 at a timing other than startup.

[0076] In addition, when the generic application 203 determines that one or more printers have been registered in S401 of FIG. 4 and displays the discovery dialog 500 in S407, it may be time to install a second or subsequent printer due to a printer replacement or the like. In that case, it is not preferable for the generic application 203 to display an old printer that the user has previously used in the area 603 of the initial screen as a printer selectable by the generic application 203. Therefore, the generic application 203 may execute a process to delete the old registered printer after the process of S409 of FIG. 4. Specifically, the selected printer that was displayed in the area 603 of the initial screen is deleted from the selectable printer list held by the generic application 203. This makes it possible to control the generic application 203 not to display an old printer that the user no longer uses due to a printer replacement or the like as a selectable printer.

[0077] Furthermore, in the case of replacing a printer as described above, it is conceivable that the newly installed printer can provide new functions and services that were not available on the previous printer. For example, it is conceivable that a decorative printing function using special ink or an automatic delivery service for consumables may be newly available. It is preferable that information on these new functions and services be presented to the user when the user starts using the printer. Therefore, after the process of S409 in FIG. 4, the general-purpose application 203 communicates with an information management server (not shown) and displays information on the new functions and services provided by the printer to be set up on the display unit 207 of the PC 100.

[0078] Specifically, the general-purpose application 203 transmits the name of the printer to be set up to the information management server, and acquires the URL of a Web page that contains content related to functions and services corresponding to the printer name.The acquired URL is then specified and a browser is started.This makes it possible to present to the user information on functions and services that will become newly available on the printer being set up at the timing when the user starts using the printer.

[0079] [Embodiment 2] In the above-described first embodiment, the general-purpose application 203 executes the wireless network setting process for one printer in wireless setting mode detected in S404. On the other hand, when there are multiple printers in an office or the like, it is possible that multiple printers that have switched to wireless setting mode are detected. In that case, the general-purpose application 203 may select, for example, the first printer detected as the printer to be processed. However, there is a possibility that the printer that the general-purpose application 203 detects first is different from the printer for which the user originally wants to execute the wireless network setting.

[0080] Therefore, in the second embodiment, a technique is described that enables the general-purpose application 203 to execute wireless network setting processing for an appropriate printer even when the general-purpose application 203 detects a plurality of printers that have switched to the wireless setting mode. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing at the time of starting the general-purpose application 203 according to the second embodiment. In the PC 100, when a user gives a predetermined instruction through the input I / F 208, the CPU 201 loads the general-purpose application 203 from the ROM 202 to the RAM 206 and starts the application. In this way, the general-purpose application 203 starts processing based on being started by the CPU 201, and the processing shown in FIG. 8 is executed. The processing shown in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU 201 executing the general-purpose application 203. The processing of S801 to S804 and S811 in FIG. 8 is equivalent to S401 to S404 and S409 in FIG. 4 described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0081] In S805, the CPU 201 creates and holds the detected printers in the wireless setting mode as a set-up available printer list. Specifically, the access point corresponding to the SSID according to the unique naming rule described above is searched for, and all detected access points are determined as printers that have switched to the wireless setting mode, and are registered in the list and held. Next, the process proceeds to S806, where the CPU 201 determines whether one or more printers are registered in the list. If it is determined that one or more printers are registered in the list, the process proceeds to S807, where the CPU 201 displays the set-up available printer discovery dialog 500 shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 207. Then, the process proceeds to S808, where the CPU 201 determines whether the Add Printer button 502 has been pressed in the discovery dialog 500. If it is determined that the Add Printer button 502 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S809, where the CPU 201 determines whether two or more printers are registered in the list. If it is determined that two or more printers are registered in the list, the process proceeds to step S810, where the CPU 201 displays a setup target printer selection dialog shown in FIG. 9, and accepts the selection of the printer to be set up.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setup target printer selection dialog according to the second embodiment.

[0083] The selection dialog 900 includes a message prompting the user to select a printer to be set up for wireless LAN configuration, a printer display area 901, a selected printer display 902, and a "Next" button 903. The printer display area 901 displays a list of printers registered in a list of printers that can be set up. The selected printer display 902 is a UI display showing the printer currently selected from among the printers displayed in the printer display area 901. The "Next" button 903 is a button for confirming the target printer and closing the selection dialog 900. In this way, the setup target printer selection dialog 900 accepts the specification of a printer to be set up by a user operation, and the printer selected in the selected printer display 902 can be specified as the printer to be set up.

[0084] Then, based on pressing of the "Next" button 903 in the setup target printer selection dialog 900, the printer to be set up is confirmed, and the process proceeds to S811. If it is determined in S809 that only one printer is registered in the list, the general-purpose application 203 confirms the one registered printer as the printer to be set up, skips the process of S810, and proceeds to S811. In S811, the CPU 201 sets the SSID of the printer to be set up as an argument, and starts the setup process program. Note that the process of the setup process module in S811 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] In the second embodiment, in step S805, the general-purpose application 203 registers all detected access points in the list as printers that can be set up, but the general-purpose application 203 may determine whether or not to register the access points in the list. For example, the general-purpose application 203 may determine the radio wave strength of the detected access points, and register in the list only those access points that meet a predetermined condition, for example, a certain strength or higher. This makes it possible to prevent cases in which a printer in a neighboring house is mistakenly detected in an apartment building or the like.

[0086] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the information processing apparatus detects multiple printers that have switched to the wireless setting mode, it is possible to execute the wireless network setting process for the appropriate printer.

[0087] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a 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 implements one or more of the functions.

[0088] This specification and drawings disclose the following program, information processing device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0089] [Item 1] A program that operates on an information processing device and has at least a function related to wireless settings of a communication device, When the program is started, it searches for a communication device that is in wireless setting mode, When a communication device in the wireless setting mode is detected, a screen is displayed prompting the user to execute a function related to the wireless setting, a program that operates to connect the communication device to a network to which the information processing device is connected when execution of a function related to the wireless setting is instructed via the screen;

[0090] [Item 2] 2. The program according to item 1, wherein the search for the communication device includes searching for an access point corresponding to an SSID that complies with a unique naming rule.

[0091] [Item 3] The program described in item 2 is characterized in that when a communication device in the wireless setting mode is detected, the program determines whether the communication device is a communication device that is a target of the wireless setting, and displays the screen if it determines that the communication device is a communication device that is a target of the wireless setting.

[0092] [Item 4] The program described in any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the screen includes a first object that instructs the execution of a function related to the wireless settings, and a second object that instructs the execution of a function related to the wireless settings.

[0093] [Item 5] 5. The program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, in executing a function related to the wireless setting, the function is started by setting an SSID of the detected communication device as an argument.

[0094] [Item 6] The program according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that, in executing a function related to the wireless settings, information is obtained from the communication device, and the communication device is connected to a specified access point based on whether the information includes a wireless profile stored in the information processing device.

[0095] [Item 7] The program described in item 6, characterized in that when acquiring information from the communication device, the information is acquired via a wireless direct connection with the communication device, and a process is executed to connect the communication device to a predetermined access point, after which the wireless direct connection with the communication device is disconnected and the wireless profile of the wireless direct connection is deleted.

[0096] [Item 8] The program according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising searching for a communication device that is in the wireless setting mode when a specific screen is displayed.

[0097] [Item 9] The program described in item 8, characterized in that when a second object is instructed on the screen to not execute a function related to the wireless settings, information about the detected communication device is stored, and in subsequent searches for communication devices, the communication device corresponding to the stored information is excluded from the wireless settings.

[0098] [Item 10] The program described in any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that when multiple communication devices are detected in searching for the communication device, a screen is displayed that allows the user to select a communication device for which the wireless settings are to be configured from the multiple communication devices.

[0099] [Item 11] 11. The program according to item 10, wherein, when a plurality of communication devices are detected in the search for the communication device, the program further targets a communication device that satisfies a predetermined condition for the wireless setting.

[0100] [Item 12] 12. The program according to item 11, wherein the predetermined condition is that the radio wave strength of the communication device is equal to or greater than a certain strength.

[0101] [Item 13] The program described in any one of items 1 to 12, further characterized in that after wireless settings of the communication device are completed, if there is an already registered communication device, the communication device is deleted from the communication devices available to the program.

[0102] [Item 14] The program according to any one of items 1 to 13, further comprising the step of presenting to a user functions or services that become available on the communication device after wireless settings of the communication device are completed.

[0103] [Item 15] The program described in item 8, characterized in that when the program is started or when the specific screen is displayed, if a communication device in the wireless setting mode is detected, a notification function of the OS is used to notify the user, and an instruction to the notification function is given to execute a function related to the wireless setting.

[0104] [Item 16] 16. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the program is provided from a server for distributing applications provided by an OS vendor.

[0105] [Item 17] 17. An information processing device that executes the program according to any one of items 1 to 16.

[0106] [Item 18] An information processing device, A searching means for searching for a communication device in a wireless setting mode; a display means for displaying a screen prompting execution of a function related to wireless setting when the communication device in the wireless setting mode is detected; a control means for controlling the communication device to connect to a network to which the information processing device is connected when execution of a function related to the wireless setting is instructed via the screen; 13. An information processing device comprising:

[0107] [Item 19] A communication system including the information processing device according to item 17 or 18 and a communication device, The communication device includes: a receiving means for receiving an information acquisition request from the information processing device in a wireless setting mode; a transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the communication device to the information processing device in response to the acquisition request; a means for executing a connection process to an access point in response to a wireless setting instruction including a wireless profile from the information processing device; A communication system comprising:

[0108] [Item 20] 20. The communication system according to item 19, wherein in the wireless setting mode, the communication device operates as an access point with an SSID unique to the communication device.

[0109] [Item 21] A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to any one of items 1 to 16.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100...PC, 101...printer, 102...access point, 201...CPU of PC, 203...general-purpose application, 204, 245...wireless profile, 207...display unit of PC, 242...CPU of printer

Claims

1. A control method for an information processing device having a predetermined application program for communicating with a communication device, A first execution step in which, upon activation of the predetermined application program, a first process is performed to transmit information about an external access point to the communication device based on predetermined user operations on a screen displayed by the predetermined application program, A second execution step is performed, after the first process is executed, in which information indicating the communication device to which the information of the external access point was transmitted is registered as information held by the predetermined application program. The system includes a third execution step in which, when the predetermined application program is started while information indicating one of the communication devices is registered as information held by the predetermined application program as a result of the execution of the second process, the system executes a third process to transmit information of an external access point to the communication device based on the fact that the predetermined application program has been started and without accepting any predetermined user operation. A control method characterized by the following:

2. The third process is: The fourth process includes searching for the communication device operating in a predetermined mode for receiving information from the external access point, Information about the external access point is transmitted to the communication device operating in the predetermined mode, as detected by the execution of the fourth process. The control method according to feature 1.

3. If the communication device operating in the predetermined mode is detected as a result of the execution of the fourth process, a predetermined notification area is displayed to notify the user that the communication device operating in the predetermined mode has been detected, and if the communication device operating in the predetermined mode is not detected as a result of the execution of the fourth process, the predetermined notification area is not displayed. The control method according to feature 2.

4. The predetermined notification area is The system includes a first button for executing the process of transmitting information about the external access point to the communication device, and a second button for not executing the process of transmitting information about the external access point to the communication device. If the first button is selected, the process of sending information about the external access point to the communication device is executed; if the second button is selected, the process of sending information about the external access point to the communication device is not executed. The control method according to feature 3.

5. When the first button is selected, a connection is established between the communication device operating in the predetermined mode and the information processing device, Information of the external access point is transmitted via the connection between the communication device and the information processing device, which are operating in the predetermined mode. The control method according to feature 4.

6. When the first button is selected, the communication device operating in the predetermined mode is not searched for again by the predetermined application program, and a connection is established between the communication device operating in the predetermined mode and the information processing device. The control method according to feature 5.

7. The predetermined mode is The communication device operates in a mode in which it has an SSID that conforms to a predetermined naming convention. The control method according to feature 2.

8. When a plurality of communication devices operating in the predetermined mode are detected as a result of the execution of the fourth process, the information of the external access point is transmitted to the first communication device detected among the plurality of communication devices operating in the predetermined mode. The control method according to feature 2.

9. When a plurality of communication devices operating in the predetermined mode are detected as a result of the execution of the fourth process, the further step includes receiving a selection from the user for one of the plurality of communication devices operating in the predetermined mode, Information about the external access point is transmitted to a communication device selected from among the multiple communication devices operating in the predetermined mode. The control method according to feature 2.

10. The third process is: This includes a fifth process for establishing a connection between the communication device and the information processing device, Information of the external access point is transmitted via the connection between the communication device and the information processing device. The control method according to feature 1.

11. Even when the predetermined application program is started while no information indicating any of the communication devices is registered as information held by the predetermined application program, the third process is executed based on the fact that the predetermined application program has been started and without accepting any predetermined user operation. The control method according to feature 1.

12. The external access point corresponding to the information transmitted to the communication device by the execution of the third process is the external access point to which the information processing device is already connected before the execution of the third process. The control method according to feature 1.

13. The external access point corresponding to the information transmitted to the communication device as a result of the execution of the third process is one of the access points searched by the communication device. The control method according to feature 1.

14. The communication device corresponding to the information registered as information held by the predetermined application program as a result of the execution of the second process is the first communication device, The communication device that receives the information of the external access point transmitted by the execution of the third process is a second communication device. The control method according to feature 1.

15. The information held by the predetermined application program is a list of communication devices that can be selected by the predetermined application program, When the predetermined application program receives a predetermined operation, the communication device selected in the list is switched. The communication device selected in the aforementioned list is displayed by the predetermined application program. The control method according to feature 1.

16. After the third process is performed and information of the external access point is transmitted to the communication device, a search step is performed to search for the communication device via the external access point, The system further includes a display step of displaying a first screen based on the detection of the communication device via the external access point if the communication device is detected via the external access point, and displaying a second screen based on the detection of the communication device via the external access point if the communication device is not detected via the external access point. The control method according to feature 1.

17. The information of the external access point is transmitted via a connection between the communication device and the information processing device that does not go through the external access point. After the information of the external access point is transmitted, a connection is established between the information processing device and the external access point. After the connection between the information processing device and the external access point is established, the communication device is searched for via the external access point. The control method according to feature 16.

18. The invention further comprises a printing step of instructing the communication device to print information that is registered as information held by the predetermined application program, The control method according to feature 1.

19. An information processing device having a predetermined application program for communicating with a communication device, A first execution means that, upon activation of the predetermined application program, performs a first process for transmitting information about an external access point to the communication device based on predetermined user operations on a screen displayed by the predetermined application program, After the first process is executed, a second execution means executes a second process which registers information indicating the communication device that became the destination for the information of the external access point as information held by the predetermined application program, The system includes a third execution means that, when the predetermined application program is started while information indicating any of the communication devices is registered as information held by the predetermined application program as a result of the execution of the second process, executes a third process for transmitting information of an external access point to the communication device based on the fact that the predetermined application program has been started and without accepting any predetermined user operation, An information processing device characterized by the following:

20. A predetermined application program for communicating with a communication device, wherein the predetermined application is configured on the computer of the information processing device. A first execution step in which, upon activation of the predetermined application program, a first process is performed to transmit information about an external access point to the communication device based on predetermined user operations on a screen displayed by the predetermined application program, A second execution step is performed, after the first process is executed, in which information indicating the communication device to which the information of the external access point was transmitted is registered as information held by the predetermined application program. If, as a result of the execution of the second process, information indicating one of the communication devices is registered as information held by the predetermined application program, and the predetermined application program is started, a third execution step is performed to execute a third process for transmitting information of an external access point to the communication device, based on the fact that the predetermined application program has been started and without accepting any predetermined user operation. A program characterized by the following features.

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