Information processing apparatus, information processing system, communication control method, and program

Abstract

To readily perform a setup of a printer including processing for which an Internet connection of an information processing apparatus and the printer is required even if communication between devices is not permitted.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: a communication unit for connecting to a wireless network to perform communication; and a controller for controlling the communication with the wireless network by the communication unit. The information processing apparatus acquires first connection setting information for connecting to a first network by connecting to the first network accessible to an external network through a first access point by the communication unit; establishes a peer-to-peer connection to a communication device by the communication unit, and acquires, from the communication device, second connection setting information for connecting to a second network capable of communicating with the communication device through the peer-to-peer connection without passing through the first access point; and connects to the first network by the communication unit using the first connection setting information, and connects to the second network by the communication unit using the second connection setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] As a Web service that uses the Internet, there is an automatic consumables ordering system in which a printer notifies a Web server of the remaining amount of consumables such as ink and paper, and the Web server automatically orders consumables from a retailer based on the remaining amount information. In addition, a flat-rate Web service has appeared in which the system lends a printer that can be used to a user and allows the user to replace the consumables for a fixed fee in addition to the usage fee for the printer. Some of these flat-rate Web services restrict the use of the printer if the printer is not registered with the Web service. In this case, in order to use the printer, it is necessary to connect the printer to the Internet and register the printer with the Web service, and these must be done when setting up the printer. These processes are performed by an information processing device such as a PC or smartphone connected to the Internet.

[0003] However, depending on the security settings of the network to which the information processing device is connected, communication between devices connected to the network may not be permitted. For example, when devices are connected to different networks, communication between them is often restricted by the settings of the network equipment. In addition, a wireless LAN access point having a privacy separator function can be set to not permit communication between wireless clients connected to the wireless LAN. If this function is enabled, communication between devices connected to the same network is not permitted.

[0004] In such a case, even if the information processing device and the printer are connected to a network as wireless clients, communication between the information processing device and the printer cannot be performed. Therefore, processing required for setting up the printer, including registration processing for a Web service, and communication processing for using the printer after the printer is set up, such as transmission of print data, cannot be performed. Patent Document 1 describes a method for establishing a connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external device, while maintaining the connection between the communication device and the external device, based on a determination that communication via an access point between the communication device and the information processing device is not possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-193143 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the connection interface (I / F) for connecting the information processing device to the network is only a wireless I / F, the information processing device cannot simultaneously maintain a connection to an external device that provides an Internet connection and a connection to a communication device that does not go through an external device. In such a case, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the Internet connection of the printer is always maintained while the information processing device is connected to the printer, which is a communication device, but the Internet connection of the information processing device is disconnected. On the other hand, in the registration process for the Web service, the information processing device may need to transmit information acquired from the printer to a server for Web service registration, and this process cannot be executed if the Internet connection of the information processing device is disconnected. Therefore, during the setup of the printer, the user who operates the information processing device needs to appropriately switch the connection destination of the information processing device to the external device or the printer, which is cumbersome.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and aims to easily register and set up a printer by selectively using a connection to a network and a direct connection between devices, even when communication between client terminals connected to the network is not permitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration. According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication means for connecting to a wireless network and communicating therewith is provided: A control unit controls communication with a wireless network by the communication unit, The control means connecting to a first network accessible to an external network via a first access point by the communication means, and acquiring first connection setting information for connecting to the first network; establishing a peer-to-peer connection with a communication device by said communication means; acquiring, from the communication device, second connection setting information for connecting to a second network capable of communicating with the communication device without going through the first access point, via the peer-to-peer connection; connecting to the first network by the communication means using the first connection setting information; and connecting to the second network by the communication means using the second connection setting information. The present invention provides an information processing device characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, even if communication between devices connected to a network is not permitted, printer registration and setup can be easily performed by selectively using a connection to a network and a direct connection between devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] A block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a printer. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing an example of a server hardware configuration. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing the process of the setup application according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a network communication process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] A sequence chart showing the flow of processing between a PC, a printer, a management server, and an AP in this embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a modification of the process of the setup application according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments 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 necessarily essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are given to the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, a printer that prints images will be used as an example of the image processing device in this embodiment. Also, a personal computer (PC) will be used as an example of the information processing device that performs wireless setting processing for the image processing device in this embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing device may be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, and the processing of the information processing device in this embodiment may be applied to various devices such as a digital camera.

[0012] <First embodiment> <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of this embodiment. The information processing system of this embodiment includes a personal computer (PC) 101 which is an information processing device, a printer 102 which is an image processing device, and a management server 103. The PC 101 executes a communication control method having the procedures shown in FIGS. 5 and 8.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the PC 101 and the printer 102 are connected to an access point (AP) 104 via a wireless local area network (LAN). A wireless LAN is sometimes called a wireless network. Although omitted in FIG. 1, a router or a gateway is connected between the AP 104 and the Internet 100. A network connected to the wireless LAN via a router or a gateway is sometimes called an external network. The PC 101 and the printer 102 can be connected to the Internet 100 via the AP 104. In this case, the network that can be connected to the Internet 100 to which the PC 101 and the printer 102 are connected is called a first network in this embodiment. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, the first network is a network constructed by devices that connect to the AP 104 via a wireless LAN. The management server 103 is connected to the Internet 100. The management server 103 manages information transmitted from the PC 101 and the printer 102. Each communication is controlled through a protocol such as HTTP or XMPP.

[0014] Also, the PC 101 and the printer 102 are in a state where they can communicate with each other via the AP 104. Such a method of connecting via an AP is called infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as infrastructure connection) or infrastructure mode. Some APs 104 have a function for blocking communication between devices connected to the AP 104 as a security setting. This security setting is called a privacy separator function, and can be enabled or disabled by changing the settings of the AP 104. When the privacy separator function is enabled, even if the PC 101 and the printer 102 are connected to the AP 104, the PC 101 and the printer 102 can each access the Internet via the AP 104, but cannot communicate with each other. In other words, in a wireless network with an enabled privacy separator function, communication between wireless clients connected to one wireless network is not possible.

[0015] On the other hand, there is a connection method called wireless Ad-hoc connection or ad-hoc mode that allows communication only between two devices without going through an AP. The PC 101 and the printer 102 can also establish a peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection) via a wireless Ad-hoc connection. However, while the wireless Ad-hoc connection is in place, both the PC 101 and the printer 102 are using their respective wireless LAN interfaces for the wireless Ad-hoc connection, and therefore cannot communicate with any device other than the other device. For this reason, wireless Ad-hoc connections are often used as temporary connections.

[0016] Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark, hereinafter referred to as direct connection) is another method for wirelessly connecting the PC 101 and the printer 102 directly without going through a network. The direct connection is a method for realizing a direct connection by giving a terminal an AP function by a software AP. The direct connection in this embodiment refers to a direct connection in which the printer 102 functions as an AP. In this case, the network in which the PC 101 and the printer 102 are directly connected (i.e., P2P) and can communicate with each other is referred to as a second network in this embodiment. Also, when the printer 102 is directly connected to the PC 101, the printer 102 can also be connected to the AP 104 at the same time (i.e., in parallel). Such an operation is called a simultaneous operation. In other words, the simultaneous operation is an operation in which the printer 102 performs an operation as a parent device (group owner or access point) and an operation as a child device in parallel.

[0017] <Computer hardware configuration> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the PC 101. The PC 101 includes a processor (CPU) 201, a disk device 202, an external disk reader 203, a memory 204, a display unit 205, and an operation unit 206. The PC 101 also includes a network communication unit 207, a network connection unit 208, a USB communication unit 210, and a USB connection unit 211.

[0018] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit for controlling each part of the PC 101. The disk device 202 stores various files such as an application 212 read by the CPU 201, an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) not shown, and wireless profile information 213 (described later). The application 212 includes a setup application for setting the printer 102. The external disk reader 203 is a device for reading data such as files stored in an external storage medium such as an SD card. The memory 204 is composed of a RAM or the like, and the CPU 201 temporarily stores and buffers data as necessary. The display unit 205 is composed of, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 206 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like for the user to perform various input operations.

[0019] The network communication unit 207 connects to the AP 104 via the network connection unit 208. That is, the network communication unit 207 is connected to a network such as the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 208 and performs various communications. The network communication unit 207 supports wired LAN and wireless LAN. When the network communication unit 207 supports wired LAN, the network connection unit 208 is a connector for connecting a cable of a wired LAN, and when the network communication unit 207 supports wireless LAN, the network connection unit 208 is an antenna. The USB communication unit 210 is connected to various peripheral devices (e.g., the printer 102) via a USB connection unit 211 and performs various communications. The above-mentioned units (201 to 207, 210) are connected to each other via a bus 209.

[0020] Here, the wireless profile information 213 indicates connection setting information for an AP to which the PC 101 has previously connected, and is information including AP identification information (SSID, etc.), authentication information (password, etc.) used in authentication processing at the time of connection, etc. The wireless profile information 213 is stored in and managed by the disk device 202 as a result of the CPU 201 executing the OS included in the disk device 202.

[0021] <Printer hardware configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 102. The printer 102 includes a printer unit 301, a scanner unit 302, a memory card mounting unit 303, and a memory card 304. The printer 102 also includes a CPU 305, a program memory 306, a work memory 307, a display unit 308, an operation unit 309, a network communication unit 310, a network connection unit 311, a flash memory 312, a USB communication unit 313, and a USB connection unit 314. In this embodiment, the printer 102, which is a multifunction machine, is described as an example of an image processing device, but it may be a copier or a facsimile. It may also be a printer without a scanner function. In the printer 102, the printing function is realized by the printer unit 301, the scanner function is realized by the scanner unit 302, and the storage function is realized by the memory card mounting unit 303 and the memory card 304. The printer unit 301 prints image data received from outside and image data stored in a memory card 304 on printing paper by a recording method such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. The printer unit 301 also manages ink information including the remaining amount of ink and paper information including the number of loaded sheets of paper.

[0022] The scanner unit 302 optically reads an original placed on a platen (not shown) and converts it into electronic data, and further converts the image data into a specified file format, and transmits the image data to an external device via a network or stores it in a storage area (not shown) such as a HDD. Furthermore, copying is realized by transferring image data generated by reading an original placed on the platen with the scanner unit 302 to the printer unit 301, which then prints the image data on printing paper. Various file data are stored in a memory card 304 mounted in a memory card mounting unit 303. This file data can be read and edited from an external device via a network. Furthermore, file data can also be stored in the memory card 304 from an external device.

[0023] The CPU 305 is a central processing unit for controlling each section in the printer 102. The program memory 306 is composed of a ROM or the like, and stores various program codes and an application 316 for communicating with the server device. The application 316 includes a program for realizing a direct connection, which also includes a software AP program. The application 316 also includes a program for accessing the printer section 301 to obtain information on consumables such as ink and paper. The work memory 307 is composed of a RAM or the like, and temporarily stores and buffers image data and job logs when each Web service is executed.

[0024] The display unit 308 is, for example, an LCD, and displays various information. The operation unit 309 is composed of switches and the like for the user to perform various input operations. The network communication unit 310 connects to the AP 104 via the network connection unit 311. That is, the network communication unit 310 connects to a network such as the Internet 100 via the network connection unit 311 and performs various communications. Each communication is controlled through a protocol such as HTTP or XMPP. The network communication unit 310 supports wired LAN and wireless LAN. When the network communication unit 310 supports wired LAN, the network connection unit 311 is a connector for connecting a cable of the wired LAN, and when the network communication unit 310 supports wireless LAN, the network connection unit 311 is an antenna. The flash memory 312 is a non-volatile memory for storing image data and the like received by the network communication unit 310. The USB communication unit 313 is connected to various peripheral devices (for example, the PC 101) via the USB connection unit 314 and performs various communications. The above-mentioned units are mutually connected by a bus 315.

[0025] A unique SSID is also stored in the program memory 306. This unique SSID is uniquely determined for, for example, the printer manufacturer or printer model. The network connection unit 311 of the printer 102 can operate as an AP corresponding to this unique SSID.

[0026] The P2P communication by wireless Ad-hoc connection in this embodiment may be a communication method that does not use an AP, or may be a method in which the PC 101 or the printer 102 operates as an AP. For example, the network connection unit 311 operates as an AP corresponding to a unique SSID stored in the program memory 306. In this case, the network connection unit 208 of the PC 101 is connected to the network connection unit 311 of the printer 102 functioning as an AP corresponding to a unique SSID. According to this method, the PC 101 can connect (directly connect) to the printer 102 by a connection process similar to that of the external AP 104. Therefore, even if the PC 101 cannot execute a process for an Ad-hoc connection not via an AP, P2P communication with the printer 102 is possible. In addition, the printer 102 functioning as an AP for a direct connection can simultaneously connect to the AP 104 as a child device in parallel with the direct connection to the PC 101.

[0027] <Server hardware configuration> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 103. The same components as those of the PC 101 shown in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The disk device 402 of the management server 103 stores various files, as well as an application 412, a database 413, and an OS, which are read by the CPU 201. The application 412 also performs processing for ordering consumables in an automatic consumables ordering system, which will be described later, and processing for registering users and printers to a Web service.

[0028] <Sequence> Next, a process from the start of the setup of the printer 102 to registration with the Web service and completion of the setup of the printer 102 will be described.

[0029] The Web service in this embodiment will be described by taking as an example a flat-rate Web service in which the printer 102 is lent to the user and consumables can be replaced for a fixed amount in addition to the usage fee for the printer. In this Web service, the printer 102 notifies the management server 103 of the remaining amount of consumables such as ink and paper, and the management server 103 uses an automatic consumables ordering system in which the printer 102 notifies the management server 103 of the remaining amount of consumables, and the management server 103 automatically orders the consumables from a retailer based on the remaining amount information of the consumables. In this Web service, in order to use the printer's functions such as printing and scanning, registration with the Web service is essential, and the user cannot start using the printer 102 without registering with the Web service. In addition, the printer 102 periodically communicates with the management server 103 and notifies the remaining amount of consumables such as ink and paper. Depending on the contract contents at the time of registration for this Web service, the management server 103 automatically orders consumables, instructs the printer 102 to stop functioning when the usage limit is reached, or bills the user for an additional fee. If regular communication between the printer 102 and the management server 103 is not performed due to, for example, the printer 102 being disconnected from the network, the printer 102 may stop functioning to prevent unauthorized use.

[0030] When a user who has been loaned the printer 102 uses the printer 102, the user first sets up the printer 102. During the setup, settings for communication between the printer 102 and the management server 103 and between the printer 102 and the PC 101, registration of the printer 102 to the PC 101, etc. are performed, followed by registration of the printer 102 to a Web service. After the setup, print data can be sent from the PC 101 to the printer 102 to cause printing, and the printer 102 can perform the necessary communication with the management server 103.

[0031] An example of the process from the start of setup to registration with the Web service and completion of setup of the printer 102 will be described in detail. At the start of setup, the PC 101 is connected to the AP 104 via the network connection unit 208 and is in a state where it can connect to the Internet 100 via the AP 104. The printer 102 operates in a wireless setting mode, and causes the network connection unit 311 to operate as an AP with a unique SSID that has been stored in advance.

[0032] The wireless setting mode may be started on the condition that a user issues an instruction to switch to the wireless setting mode, or on the condition of other conditions. For example, the wireless setting mode may be temporarily switched to on the condition that the printer 103 is not connected wirelessly when it is turned on, or the printer is turned on for the first time after purchase. The AP 104 has a privacy separator function enabled as a security setting, and devices connected to the AP 104 cannot communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the acquisition and installation of the printer driver, the network connection process of the printer, and the registration process to the Web service are performed by a setup application. The setup application is one of the applications 212 stored in the disk device 202 of the PC 101.

[0033] ● Setup process 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the setup application in this embodiment. The setup application is provided to the user together with the printer 102, for example, and is installed and ready to run. In addition, the unique SSID assigned to the printer 102 may be stored in the PC 101 when the setup application is installed.

[0034] A setup application included in application 212 of PC 101 displays a predetermined screen on display unit 205. When a user issues a predetermined instruction on the predetermined screen, such as pressing a button for starting processing for setup, the setup application starts processing for setting up printer 102. Although the execution subject of this is CPU 201 in terms of hardware, the following description will be given with the setup application executed by CPU 201 as the subject.

[0035] In S501, the setup application acquires wireless connection setting information of the AP 104 to which the PC 101 is connected. Specifically, the setup application acquires wireless profile information 213 including the SSID of the AP 104 from the PC 101.

[0036] In S502, the setup application searches for the printer 102 in the wireless setting mode. Specifically, the printer 102 operating in the wireless setting mode periodically broadcasts a beacon including a unique SSID. The setup application causes the PC 101 to detect the beacon corresponding to the unique SSID, thereby searching for the printer 102 operating as an AP.

[0037] As a result of S502, if a printer in wireless setting mode is detected (YES in S503), in S504, the setup application disconnects the PC 101 from the AP 104 and establishes a wireless Ad-hoc connection between the PC 101 and the printer 102. When the wireless Ad-hoc connection between the PC 101 and the printer 102 is established, the PC 101 and the printer 102 become able to communicate with each other.

[0038] In S505, the setup application refers to the wireless profile information 213 and transmits to the printer 102 information instructing the printer 102 to wirelessly connect to the AP 104, the information including wireless connection setting information such as the SSID of the AP 104. The printer 102 receives this information and connects to the AP 104 using the wireless connection setting information for the AP 104 included in the received information.

[0039] In S506, the setup application acquires direct connection setting information from the printer 102. This direct connection setting information includes setting information for directly connecting to the printer 102, including the SSID.

[0040] In S507, the setup application directly connects the PC 101 to the printer 102 using the direct connection setting information acquired in S506.

[0041] In S508, the setup application wirelessly communicates with the printer 102 and acquires model information and identification information of the printer 102, such as a serial number. The acquired model information and identification information are necessary to identify the printer 102 and provide services. Hereinafter, processing that requires communication with the first network or the second network and that is performed by the setup application is referred to as network communication processing.

[0042] The network communication process is executed in steps S509, S511, and S512. In these steps, the communication process to be performed and the network to be connected are specified by separate parameters, and then the procedure in Fig. 6 is called. Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of the network communication process in this embodiment. Before calling the network communication process in Fig. 6, a combination of information indicating the content of the communication process to be performed by the setup application and the network to be connected is stored in a volatile storage area (e.g., memory 204) accessible by the setup application.

[0043] In S601, the setup application identifies a target network for the network communication process to be executed. In this identification, the setup application refers to information indicating the target network recorded before the network communication process is called, and identifies either the first network or the second network as the target network.

[0044] In S602, the setup application identifies the network to which PC 101 is connected. In this identification, either the first network or the second network is identified as the currently connected network from identification information such as the SSID of the network to which PC 101 is wirelessly connected. In the case of a wireless connection with AP 104, the first network is identified as the connected network, and in the case of a direct connection with printer 102, the second network is identified as the connected network.

[0045] In S603, the setup application determines whether the connection target network identified in S601 and S602 is the same network as the network to which PC 101 is connected.

[0046] If it is determined in S603 that the networks are the same, in S604, the setup application executes the network communication process to be executed. The network communication process to be executed is specified based on the information indicating the content of the communication process stored in the memory.

[0047] If it is determined in S603 that the networks are different, then in S605 the setup application determines whether the connection target network identified in step 601 corresponds to the first network or the second network.

[0048] If it is determined in S605 that the network to be connected is the first network, in S606 the setup application disconnects PC101 from the currently connected network and connects PC101 to the second network. Specifically, PC101 is wirelessly connected to AP104 using wireless connection setting information such as the SSID of AP104 included in wireless profile information 213. Thereafter, in S604, the setup application executes the network communication process to be executed.

[0049] If it is determined in S605 that the network to be connected is the second network, in S607 the setup application disconnects the PC 101 from the currently connected network and connects it to the first network. Specifically, using the direct connection setting information acquired in S506, the setup application directly connects the PC 101 to the printer 102. Thereafter, in S604, the setup application executes the network communication process to be executed.

[0050] In this manner, in this embodiment, each determination process is performed in S601 and S602, and if the network to be connected is different from the currently connected network, PC 101 is connected to the appropriate network in S607 and S608. This allows connection to the appropriate network at the appropriate time depending on the process to be performed.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Fig. 5, in S509, the setup application performs a series of processes for acquiring an appropriate printer driver based on the model information of the printer 102 acquired in S508 as the first network communication process. This is an application of the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 to the printer driver acquisition process. The network to be connected is the first network, and the process to be executed is the acquisition of a driver for the printer 102. Information indicating these is stored in memory 204, and then the process in Fig. 6 is executed.

[0052] As a result of identifying the connection target network in S509 (S601), the printer connection target network is identified as the first network.

[0053] As a result of identifying the currently connected network (S602) in S509, the currently connected network is identified as the second network.

[0054] The network to be connected in S509 is different from the currently connected network (NO in S603), and the network to be connected is the first network (first NW in S605). Therefore, PC 101 is disconnected from the direct connection with printer 102, and PC 101 is wirelessly connected to AP 104 using wireless connection setting information such as the SSID of AP 104 included in wireless profile information 213 (S606).

[0055] As the network communication process in S509, the setup application downloads a printer driver having model information matching that of the printer 102 from a Web server via the Internet 100 (S604).

[0056] In S510, the setup application installs the printer driver acquired in S509 in the PC 101. After the installation of the printer driver is completed, the setup application creates a print queue linked to the printer driver. The PC 101 can send image data and a print instruction to the printer 102 via the created print queue.

[0057] In S511, the setup application starts a series of processes for Web service registration to register the printer 102 in the management server 103 as a second network communication process. This is an application of the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 to Web service registration processing. The network to be connected is the first network, and the process to be executed is registration of the printer 102 in the Web service. Information indicating this is stored in memory 204, and then the process of Fig. 6 is executed.

[0058] As a result of identifying the connection target network in S511 (S601), the printer connection target network is identified as the first network.

[0059] As a result of identifying the currently connected network in S511 (S602), the currently connected network is identified as the first network.

[0060] Since the network to be connected in S511 is the same as the currently connected network, it is determined that there is no need to change the connection destination of PC 101 (YES in S603).

[0061] As the network communication process in S511, the setup application performs a Web service registration process (S604). Specifically, the setup application communicates with the management server 103 and transmits the identification information of the printer 102, such as the serial number, acquired in S508. The identification information of the printer 102 is recorded in a database 413 of the management server 103, and the printer 102 is recorded in the database 413 as being in a Web service registration preparation state. Depending on the type of Web service, additional information required to use the Web service, such as the user's address and credit card information, is also recorded in the database 413 in a state linked to the identification state of the printer 102. This additional information may be input when the printer is purchased, or may be input after the process of the setup application in this embodiment is completed. The registration process by the management server 103 may be performed by the management server 103 alone, or may be performed by the entire system configured by multiple servers.

[0062] Thereafter, as a result of a series of communications carried out between the management server 103 and the printer 102 (to be described later), the printer 102 becomes available for use with Web services.

[0063] In S512, the setup application starts, as a third network communication process, a series of processes for test printing that allows the user to confirm that the setup of the printer 102 has been completed. This is an application of the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 to test printing process. The network to be connected to is the second network, and the process to be executed is test printing by the printer 102. Information indicating this is stored in the memory 204, and then the process of Fig. 6 is executed.

[0064] As a result of identifying the connection target network in S512 (S601), the printer connection target network is identified as the second network.

[0065] As a result of identifying the currently connected network (S602) in S512, the currently connected network is identified as the first network.

[0066] The network to be connected in S512 is different from the currently connected network (NO in S603), and the network to be connected is the second network (S605-second NW). Therefore, PC 101 is disconnected from the wireless connection with AP 104, and directly connected to printer 102 using the direct connection setting information acquired in S506 (S607).

[0067] As part of the network communication process in S512, the setup application transmits print data for a test print to the printer 102 (S604). The printer 102 prints based on the received print data. This allows the user to confirm that the setup of the printer 102 has been completed and that the printer 102 is ready to print.

[0068] The above is a series of processes of the setup application from the start of the setup of the printer 102 to registration with the Web service and completion of the setup of the printer 102. According to this embodiment, even if the PC and the printer are not connected via a network, the setup of the printer, including the network connection of the printer and registration of a specific Web service, can be easily performed.

[0069] <Setup sequence example> Fig. 7 is a sequence chart showing the flow of processing among the PC 101, the printer 102, the management server 103, and the AP 104 when the setup application in this embodiment performs the operation shown in Fig. 5. In each device, the CPU of the respective device takes the lead in executing the processing.

[0070] The processes in S701 to S707, S714 to S725, and S729 to S734 correspond to S501 to S512 in the flowchart of Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described. Here, processes corresponding to S501 to S506 in Fig. 5 are executed in S701 to S707. Then, in S708 and S709, the printer 102 wirelessly connects to the AP 104. A series of processes from when the printer 102 is able to connect to the Internet 100 until it transitions to a state in which Web services can be used will be described.

[0071] In S710, the printer 102 transmits a Web service start instruction to the management server 103. Specifically, the printer 102 communicates with the management server 103 via the AP 104, and transmits information necessary for registering the Web service of the printer 102, including identification information of the printer 102 such as a serial number.

[0072] In S711, the printer 102 transitions to a state of waiting for a Web service start notification.

[0073] In S712, the management server 103 performs registration processing for the first Web service. Specifically, the management server 103 compares the identification information acquired from the printer 102 in S710 with the identification information of multiple printers recorded in the database 413, and determines whether matching identification information is registered.

[0074] If it is determined in S712 that matching identification information is not registered, in S713, the management server 103 waits for the identification information of the printer 102 to be registered in the database 413 as a second Web service registration process. For example, in the case of a new registration, S713 is executed.

[0075] S714 to S725 correspond to S507 to S511 in Fig. 5. In S724, the PC 101 transmits identification information of the printer 102, such as a serial number, as a Web service registration instruction to the management server 103 via the AP 104. In S725, the PC 101 receives a response from the management server 103 via the AP 104 indicating that the Web service registration instruction has been accepted.

[0076] In S726, after receiving the Web service registration instruction in S724, the management server 103 performs a second Web service registration process. Specifically, the management server 103 records the identification information of the printer 102 in the database 413.

[0077] In S727, the management server 103 transmits information including an instruction to start the Web service to the printer 102 via the AP 104. This information may include contract information for the Web service to be started.

[0078] In S728, the printer 102 becomes available for use with the Web service after acquiring the information including the Web service start instruction in S727. Either the timing at which the identification information of the printer 102 is recorded in the database 413 or the timing at which the information required for Web service registration is transmitted from the printer 102 to the management server 103 may occur first. For example, if matching identification information has already been registered in S712, the management server 103 immediately transmits information including an instruction to start the Web service to the printer 102. S729 to S734 correspond to S512 in FIG. 5. In this way, even if communication between the printer and the information processing device is limited to communication via P2P connection, the information processing device can configure the printer, install a driver, and register the printer with a support service.

[0079] In this embodiment, the determination of the target network in S601 to S603 may be performed based on the response of the target network communication process performed on the currently connected network. For example, if there is a response indicating that the communication has been successful, it may be determined that the currently connected network is the target network expected by each communication process. In this case, it may be determined that the network communication process to be performed has also been successfully performed. If a response indicating success is not obtained, the connection may be switched to the one that is not currently connected, either the direct connection with the printer 102 or the wireless connection with the AP 104, and the network communication process to be performed again may be performed. In this case, if a response indicating that the communication has been successful cannot be obtained for a certain period of time, it may be determined that there is no response indicating success, and the currently connected network is determined to be not the target network for communication. In this method, it is possible to prevent the trouble of adding combinations of the contents of the communication process and the information on the target network to be connected due to an increase in the types of the network communication processes performed during setup.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, the target network may be specified in S601 by acquiring a combination of the contents of the communication process performed by the setup application and the information on the target network via the Internet. In this method, even if the number of types of network communication processes performed during setup increases, it is possible to add a combination of the contents of the network communication process and the information on the target network by updating the online file. Therefore, it is possible to respond without changing the setup application.

[0081] Variations In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a client terminal and a printer are connected to the same network via an access point, and communication is restricted by a so-called privacy separator function. This is not the only example, and communication between devices connected to different wireless networks is often restricted. Even in such a configuration, by applying the invention according to this embodiment, it is possible to register and configure a printer connected to a network different from the wireless network to which the information processing device is connected, from an information processing device.

[0082] As an example, the first embodiment can be applied even when the printer is connected to a wired LAN and the information processing device does not have a wired LAN interface. In such a configuration, the wired LAN and the wireless LAN are separate networks, and communication between devices in each network is often restricted. In this case, since the printer is connected to the wired LAN, there is no need to transmit connection setting information to the AP to the printer, but other procedures may be the same as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this case, the wireless network to which the printer is connected may be only the second network. Therefore, since the printer does not need to be connected simultaneously, the wireless network between the information processing device and the printer does not need to be directly connected, and may be an ad-hoc connection.

[0083] Also, if the information processing device is a smartphone or a tablet terminal, it is not necessary to install a printer driver. Also, if the information processing device has, for example, a general-purpose printer driver and uses that, it is not necessary to install a printer driver. In such a case, the procedure of acquiring the printer driver from the server and installing it is not necessary. The other procedures may be the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0084] In this way, even if a printer having a wireless LAN function is connected to a wired LAN, by applying the invention according to the first embodiment, the printer can be registered and configured by the information processing device.

[0085] <Other embodiments> In FIG. 5, the order of network communication processes to be performed is determined as S509, S511, and S512, so that the network to which PC101 is connected and the network to which it is to be connected are both determined before each step is executed. Therefore, the specific processes in S601 and S602 and the determination processes in S603 and S605 in FIG. 6 may not be performed, and PC101 may be appropriately connected to an appropriate network in a predetermined order. This makes it possible to reduce redundant processes and to switch the network to be connected as necessary to perform the process. The procedure is shown in FIG. 8. In the flow of FIG. 8, the steps common to FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. The configuration of the system and each device is the same as that of the previous embodiment.

[0086] Following S508, in S801, the PC 101 establishes a wireless connection with the AP 104. Then, via the AP 104, the PC 101 requests a printer driver compatible with the printer 102 from the management server 103, and acquires it in S802. S801 and S802 constitute a first network communication process.

[0087] Then, after the acquired printer driver is installed in S510, in S803 the printer 102 is registered in the Web service provided by the management server 103. S803 is the second network communication process.

[0088] When the registration is complete, the PC 101 establishes a direct connection with the printer 102 in S804, and performs test printing in S805. S805 is the third network communication process.

[0089] In the above procedure, the versatility realized in Fig. 6 is lost, but the procedure is simpler and faster processing can be realized, and the effects of the above embodiment are also maintained.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0092] Summary of embodiments The above embodiments can be summarized as follows: (Item 1) A communication means for connecting to and communicating with a wireless network; A control unit controls communication with a wireless network by the communication unit, The control means connecting to a first network accessible to an external network via a first access point by the communication means, and acquiring first connection setting information for connecting to the first network; establishing a peer-to-peer connection with a communication device by said communication means; acquiring, from the communication device, second connection setting information for connecting to a second network capable of communicating with the communication device without going through the first access point, via the peer-to-peer connection; connecting to the first network by the communication means using the first connection setting information; and connecting to the second network by the communication means using the second connection setting information. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 2) Item 1. The information processing device according to item 1, and transmitting the first connection setting information to the communication device via the peer-to-peer connection. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 3) 3. The information processing device according to item 1 or 2, The second network is a wireless network in which the communication device functions as a second access point. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 4) 4. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 3, The second network is a wireless network that provides a peer-to-peer connection between the information processing device and the communication device. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 5) An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 4, The first network is an infrastructure mode wireless network, and the peer-to-peer connection is an ad-hoc mode wireless network connection. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, The control means connecting to the second network and acquiring, from the communication device, information for identifying the communication device; connecting to the first network and transmitting the acquired information for identifying the communication device to a predetermined server connected to the external network. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 7) 7. The information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 6, the communication device is a printer; The control means and connecting to the first network and obtaining and installing a driver for the communication device from the external network. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 8) Item 7. The information processing device according to item 7, The control means After the driver is installed, a connection is made to the second network and a test print is performed by the communication device. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 9) An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 8, connecting to the first network includes disconnecting from the second network before connecting to the first network; Connecting to the second network includes disconnecting from the first network before connecting to the second network. The information processing device is characterized by: (Item 10) An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9, The first access point is configured to not allow communication between devices accessing the first access point. The information processing device is characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 101: PC, 102: Printer, 103: Management server, 104: AP

Claims

1. A first communication control means for controlling a communication device to communicate wirelessly using a first communication method that does not involve an external access point, An acquisition means for acquiring specific information for identifying the communication device from the communication device through communication using the first communication method described above, A second communication control means controls the system to initiate wireless communication using a second communication method, which is a communication method via an external access point, after acquiring the specific information using the acquisition means. A first transmission control means controls the transmission of the specific information acquired by the acquisition means to a specific server system connected to an external network, via communication using the second communication method initiated by the control of the second communication control means. A program that makes a computer function.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first communication method is a communication method that performs communication via a wireless LAN interface.

3. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first communication method is Wi-Fi Direct.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first communication method is a communication method in which the communication device functions as a group owner or access point.

5. The program according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second communication control means controls the program to start wireless communication using the second communication method even without a user switching operation after acquiring the specific information with the acquisition means.

6. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the second communication control means controls the disconnection of communication using the first communication method and the commencement of communication using the second communication method.

7. The communication device is a printer, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer is further made to function as a control means for controlling the computer to acquire and install the driver for the communication device by communication in the second communication method initiated by the control of the second communication control means.

8. A third communication control means that controls the communication device to start communication using the first communication method after the specific information has been transmitted to the specific server system by control of the first transmission control means, A second transmission control means controls the communication device to transmit data to the communication device for causing it to perform a specific process, through communication using the first communication method initiated by the control of the third communication control means. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that it further enables the computer to function.

9. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that the communication device is a printer, the specific process is a test print, and the data is print data.

10. The program according to claim 8, characterized in that the third communication control means controls the disconnection of communication using the second communication method and the commencement of communication using the first communication method.

11. The first communication control means controls the communication device to start wireless communication using the first communication method, from a state in which it was connected to the communication device using a third communication method which is a wireless Ad-hoc connection. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device can perform connections using the first communication method and connections using the second communication method in parallel.

12. The program according to claim 11, characterized in that the first communication control means controls the communication device to start wireless communication with the communication device using the first communication method, using connection information received from the communication device by communication using the third communication method.

13. The computer further functions as a third transmission control means that controls the communication device to transmit setting information for connecting to an external access point to the communication device by a communication method that communicates without going through an external access point, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the control by the second communication control means is performed after the control by the third transmission control means.

14. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the control by the second communication control means and the control by the first transmission control means are performed in a restricted state in which communication between the communication device and the computer via the external access point is restricted.

15. The program according to claim 14, characterized in that the restriction state is a state in which the privacy separator function is enabled at the external access point.

16. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the control by the second communication control means and the control by the first transmission control means are performed as part of a series of processes for setting up the communication device.

17. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the control by the first transmission control means is a control for registering the communication device with a specific Web service.

18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the communication device is a printer, and at least one of printing and scanning on the communication device is unavailable when the printer is not registered with the specific Web service.

19. A communication control method using an information processing device comprising a first communication control means, an acquisition means, a second communication control means, and a first transmission control means, The first communication control means controls the communication device to communicate wirelessly using a first communication method that does not involve an external access point, in a first communication control step, The acquisition means includes an acquisition step of acquiring specific information for identifying the communication device from the communication device by communication using the first communication method, The second communication control means controls the second communication control means to start wireless communication using a second communication method, which is a communication method via an external access point, after the acquisition means has acquired the specific information, A first transmission control step in which the first transmission control means controls the transmission of the specific information acquired by the acquisition means to a specific server system connected to an external network by communication using the second communication method initiated by the control of the second communication control means. A communication control method characterized by including [something].

20. An information processing apparatus characterized by having each of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium characterized by storing a program described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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