Electronic apparatus and method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To more appropriately change an access point to be a connection destination.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus comprises: receiving means that can receive a first request for requesting a result of measurement of the quality of signals from access points around the electronic apparatus, and a connection destination change request, which are transmitted from a first access point being connected with the electronic apparatus; measurement means that measures the quality of signals from the access points around the electronic apparatus on the basis of wireless signals received from the access points around the electronic apparatus; and control means that, when the electronic apparatus is in a first operation state when the first request is received, performs control to respond to the first access point with a first content in which the quality of signals from one or more other access points different from the first access point indicates a result of measurement carried out by the measurement means, and when the electronic apparatus is in a second operation state different from the first operation state, performs control to respond to the first access point with a second content indicating that at least part of the quality of signals from the one or more other access points is worse than the result of measurement carried out by the measurement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that can be connected via a wireless LAN, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In an Extended Service Set (ESS) consisting of multiple Access Points (APs), there is a technology that dynamically switches the AP to which the STA (Station) connects in order to efficiently exchange data between the AP and the STA. When it is determined that the AP to which the STA should connect should be switched based on the congestion of the AP to which the STA is connected, the availability of other APs, the radio wave conditions, etc., the currently connected AP sends a request to the STA to change the connected AP. When the STA receives an AP change request, it can connect to the appropriate AP by switching the AP to which it connects in accordance with the request.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following process of requesting a connected wireless slave device to change its connection destination from a router having an AP function. A mobile router (MR1) that can connect to multiple wireless slave devices checks whether the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE802.11v. It is possible to determine whether the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE802.11v from an Association Request frame that the wireless slave device terminal transmits when wirelessly connecting to MR1. If the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE802.11v, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame is transmitted to the corresponding wireless slave device terminal. The BSS Transition Candidate List Entries field of the BTM Request frame specifies the BSSID of the parent router RT2 as the connection destination. This prompts the wireless slave device terminal to switch its connection destination, and the wireless slave device terminal switches its connection destination from MR1 to RT2 in accordance with the received BTM Request frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-175068 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There are two states for a STA: one where no problem occurs when the AP is switched and another where a problem occurs when the AP is switched or the STA is disconnected from the currently connected AP. When a STA receives an AP change request from an AP in the above problem-prone state, and the STA switches the connected AP in response to the request, the problem occurs.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for more appropriately changing a connection destination access point. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electronic device according to the present invention comprises: A receiving means capable of receiving a first request for a measurement result of signal quality from surrounding access points and a request for changing a connection destination, the first request being transmitted from a currently connected first access point; A measuring means for measuring signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from the surrounding access points; When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, the electronic device responds to the first access point with a first content indicating a measurement result by the measuring means of signal quality from one or more other access points different from the first access point; When the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, responding to the first access point with a second content indicating that at least a portion of the signal quality from the one or more other access points is worse than the measurement result by the measuring means. A control means for controlling the The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the access point to be connected can be changed more appropriately. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an MFP. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation display unit of the MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an access point. [Figure 6] 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process in response to a connection destination change request from an AP. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a response transmission control process for a measurement request from an AP. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a portion of a beacon report. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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 number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the 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 descriptions are omitted.

[0011] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can wirelessly communicate with each other. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication devices include a mobile terminal device 104, an MFP 100, access points AP101 and AP102, a server 103, and a network 110. Note that AP101 and AP102 may be illustrated as AP1 and AP2. The mobile terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function using a wireless LAN or the like. Note that, hereinafter, the wireless LAN may be referred to as a WLAN. The mobile terminal device 104 may be a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0012] The MFP100 is a printing device having a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a FAX function, and a telephone function. The MFP100 of this embodiment has a communication function capable of wirelessly communicating with a mobile terminal device 104. Although the MFP100 is used in this embodiment as an example, this is not limiting. For example, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, and the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral.

[0013] The AP101 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP100, and operates as a base station device of the WLAN. A communication device having a communication function of the WLAN can communicate in infrastructure mode of the WLAN via the AP101. In the following, an access point may be referred to as an "AP." Also, infrastructure mode may be referred to as a "wireless infrastructure mode." The AP101 performs wireless communication with a communication device that has been authorized to connect to the own device (has been authenticated), and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Also, the AP101 may be connected to a wired communication network, for example, and relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP101.

[0014] AP 102 has the same functions as AP 101, and MFP 100 switches connection from AP 101 to AP 102 as necessary. Server 103 connects to MFP 100 via AP 101 and network 110, and provides services to MFP 100 by responding to requests from MFP 100. Here, network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or it may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network.

[0015] (External configuration of MFP) FIG. 2A shows an example of the external configuration of the MFP 100. The MFP 100 has, for example, a document table 201, a document cover 202, a print paper insertion port 203, a print paper discharge port 204, and an operation display unit 205. The document table 201 is a table on which a document to be read is placed. The document cover 202 is a cover for holding the document placed on the document table 201 and preventing light from a light source that irradiates the document during reading from leaking to the outside. The print paper insertion port 203 is an insertion port that allows various sizes of paper to be set. The print paper discharge port 204 is a discharge port that discharges paper that has been printed. The paper set in the print paper insertion port 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, and after printing is performed in the printing unit, it is discharged from the print paper discharge port 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, a decision key, and a cancel key, as well as an LED and an LCD, and is configured to be able to accept operations by the user to activate various functions as an MFP and to operate various settings. The operation display unit 205 may also be configured to include a touch panel display. The MFP 100 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for the wireless communication, although it does not necessarily need to be visible from the outside. Like the mobile terminal device 104, the MFP 100 can also perform wireless communication using WLAN in frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0016] (MFP configuration) 2B shows an example of the configuration of the MFP 100. The MFP 100 includes a main board 211 that performs main control of the device itself, and a wireless unit 226 that is one communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. The MFP 100 also includes, for example, a modem 229 for performing wired communication. The main board 211 includes, for example, a CPU 212 (central processing unit), a ROM 213, a RAM 214, a non-volatile memory 215, an image memory 216, a read control unit 217, a data conversion unit 218, a reading unit 219, and an encoding / decoding processing unit 221. The main board 211 also includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feed unit 223, a print control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. These functional units in the main board 211 are connected to each other via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. Furthermore, the main board 211 and the wireless unit 226 are connected via, for example, a dedicated bus 225 , and the main board 211 and the modem 229 are connected via, for example, a bus 228 .

[0017] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire MFP 100. In one example, the processing of the MFP 100 described below is realized by the CPU 212 executing a program stored in the ROM 213. Dedicated hardware for each process may be prepared. The ROM 213 is an example of a computer-readable storage medium that stores a control program executed by the CPU 212, an embedded OS program, and the like. In this embodiment, the CPU 212 executes each control program stored in the ROM 213 under the management of an embedded OS also stored in the ROM 213, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0018] The RAM 214 is composed of an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, settings registered by a user, and management data of the MFP 100. The RAM 214 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The non-volatile memory 215 is composed of a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power of the MFP 100 is turned off. The image memory 216 is composed of a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 accumulates image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the above configuration. The data conversion unit 218 analyzes data of various formats, converts image data into print data, and the like.

[0019] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (for example, a CIS (contact image sensor)) to optically read the document placed on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signals) and outputs the same. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may output the image data after performing various image processes such as binarization and halftoning.

[0020] The operation display unit 220 is the operation display unit 205 described with reference to FIG. 2(a), and performs display on a display based on display control by the CPU 212, generation of a signal in response to reception of a user operation, and the like.

[0021] The encoding / decoding processor 221 performs encoding and decoding processes and enlargement / reduction processes for image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100.

[0022] The paper feed unit 223 holds paper for printing. The paper feed unit 223 can supply the set paper under the control of the print control unit 224. The paper feed unit 223 may include multiple paper feed units in order to hold multiple types of paper in one device, and under the control of the print control unit 224, it can control which paper feed unit to use to feed paper.

[0023] The print control unit 224 performs various image processing such as smoothing, print density correction, and color correction on the image data to be printed, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 is configured to be able to execute a print process of an inkjet recording method, for example, and ejects ink supplied from an ink tank from a print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. Note that the print unit 222 may be configured to execute other print processes such as an electrophotographic method. The print control unit 224 may also periodically read out information from the print unit 222 and update status information stored in the RAM 214, including the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank and the state of the print head.

[0024] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing a communication function of WLAN, and can provide the same function as that of a combination of the WLAN unit 429 of the mobile terminal device 104, for example. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets according to the WLAN standard and transmits the packets to other devices, and also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs them to the CPU 212. The wireless unit 226 can communicate as a station conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series. In particular, it can communicate as a station conforming to IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. Hereinafter, the station may be referred to as an STA. It can also communicate as an STA compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark).

[0025] The wireless unit 226 supports IEEE802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi6 (trademark), and the MFP100 can also operate as an STA supporting at least one of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) and TWT (Target Wake Time). Supporting TWT adjusts the timing of data communication from the master to the STA. The wireless unit 226 (MFP100) that is an STA transitions its communication function to a sleep state when it is not necessary to wait for signal reception. This can reduce power consumption. The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E (trademark). That is, communication in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) is also possible. The band that is in the 5 GHz band and is subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) does not exist in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, communication in the 6 GHz band does not experience communication interruptions due to DFS standby time, and more comfortable communication can be expected.

[0026] The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are capable of P2P (WLAN) communication based on the WFD, and the wireless unit 226 has a software access point (soft AP) function or a group owner function. That is, the wireless unit 226 can build a network for P2P communication and determine a channel to be used for P2P communication.

[0027] (MFP operation display section) FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a home screen displayed when the MFP 100 is powered on and an operation such as printing or scanning is not being performed (idle state, standby state). In FIG. 3(a), display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud are displayed. Cloud is a menu item related to a cloud function using Internet communication. When any of the menu items is selected by key operation or touch panel operation, the MFP 100 can start executing the corresponding setting or function. The MFP 100 can seamlessly display a screen different from that shown in FIG. 3(a) by accepting key operation or touch panel operation on the home screen of FIG. 3(a).

[0028] Fig. 3(b) is a display example of another part of the home screen, which is a screen transitioned to by an operation (such as a sliding operation to the left or right) to display another page of the home screen from the state of Fig. 3(a). In Fig. 3(b), display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, print, and photo are displayed. When any of these menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, that is, the print function, photo function, or communication settings, is executed.

[0029] FIG. 3(c) is a display example of a communication setting menu screen that is displayed when communication setting is selected on the screen of FIG. 3(b). On the communication setting menu screen, "wireless LAN", "wired LAN", "wireless direct", "Bluetooth", and "common" are displayed as menu items (options). "Wireless LAN", "wired LAN", and "wireless direct" are menu items for performing LAN settings, and from these items, settings such as setting a wired connection, enabling / disabling a wireless infrastructure mode, and enabling / disabling a P2P mode such as WFD and soft AP mode can be performed. When the "wireless LAN" item is selected and wireless LAN is enabled by a user operation, wireless infrastructure mode is enabled. When the "wireless direct" item is selected and wireless direct is enabled by a user operation, P2P (WLAN) mode is enabled. In addition, on this screen, a common setting menu for each connection form is also displayed. Furthermore, the user can set the frequency band and frequency channel of wireless LAN from this screen.

[0030] (External configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In this embodiment, as an example, the mobile terminal device 104 is a smartphone of a general type. The mobile terminal device 104 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is, for example, a display including a display mechanism of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type. The display unit 402 may display information using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The mobile terminal device 104 may have a function of outputting information by voice in addition to or instead of the display unit 402. The operation unit 403 includes hard keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, and the like for detecting user operations. In this example, the display unit 402 displays information and the operation unit 403 accepts user operations using a common touch panel display, so that the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are realized by one device. In this case, for example, button icons and a software keyboard are displayed using the display function of the display unit 402, and the touch of the user on those points is detected by the operation reception function of the operation unit 403. Note that the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 may be separated, and hardware for display and hardware for operation reception may be prepared separately. The power key 404 is a hardware key for receiving a user operation for turning the power of the mobile terminal device 104 on or off.

[0031] The mobile terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides a communication function of a WLAN, although it is not necessarily visible from the outside. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to execute data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE802.11 standard series (IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). In addition, it is capable of communication as an AP compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). However, it is not limited to this, and the WLAN unit 401 may be capable of executing communication in a WLAN system that complies with other standards. In this example, it is assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication in both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. It is also assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication based on WFD, communication in a soft AP mode, communication in a wireless infrastructure mode, etc. Operations in these modes will be described later.

[0032] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the mobile terminal device 104 has a main board 411 that performs main control of the device itself, and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a non-volatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 104 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units in the main board 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. Furthermore, the main board 411 and the WLAN unit 429 are connected via, for example, a dedicated bus 426 .

[0033] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 104 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Dedicated hardware for each process may be prepared. The ROM 413 stores a control program executed by the CPU 412, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, the CPU 412 executes each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of an embedded OS also stored in the ROM 413, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0034] The RAM 414 is configured by a static RAM (SRAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data of the mobile terminal device 104. The RAM 414 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The image memory 415 is configured by a memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the WLAN unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. The non-volatile memory 422 is configured by a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power supply of the mobile terminal device 104 is turned off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 104 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data may be backed up using the data storage unit 423. In the present embodiment, a DRAM is given as an example of the image memory 415, but other storage media such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory may also be used.

[0035] The data conversion unit 416 performs data conversion such as analysis of data in various formats, color conversion, image conversion, etc. The telephone unit 417 controls the telephone line and realizes telephone communication by processing audio data input and output via the speaker unit 424. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites and acquires location information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 104.

[0036] The camera unit 421 has a function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. Image data obtained by imaging with the camera unit 421 is stored in the data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 performs control to realize a function of inputting or outputting voice for a telephone function and other functions such as alarm notification. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery, and controls the power supply to the device. The power supply state includes, for example, a dead battery state in which the battery has no remaining charge, a power-off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, a running state in which the device is normally running, and a power-saving state in which the device is running but is in power-saving mode.

[0037] The display unit 420 is the display unit 402 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and performs various input operations and displays the operating status and status of the MFP 100 based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 is the operation unit 403 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and upon receiving a user operation, executes control such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting the electrical signal to the CPU 412.

[0038] The mobile terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using the WLAN unit 429, and performs data communication with other devices such as the MFP 100. The WLAN unit 429 converts data into packets and transmits the packets to other devices. The WLAN unit 429 also restores packets from other external devices to their original data and outputs the data to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for realizing communication compliant with the WLAN standards. The WLAN unit 429 can operate in parallel in at least two communication modes including a wireless infrastructure mode and a P2P (WLAN) mode. The frequency bands used in these communication modes may be limited by the functions and performance of the hardware.

[0039] (Access point configuration) 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an AP 101 having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP 101 includes a main board 510 that controls the AP 101, a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and an operation button 520.

[0040] A microprocessor-type CPU 511 arranged on a main board 510 operates according to a control program stored in a ROM-type program memory 513 connected via an internal bus 512 and the contents of a RAM-type data memory 514. The CPU 511 performs wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices by controlling a wireless LAN unit 516 via a wireless LAN communication control unit 515. The CPU 511 also performs wired LAN communication with other communication terminal devices by controlling a wired LAN unit 518 via a wired LAN communication control unit 517. The CPU 511 can accept operations from a user via an operation button 520 by controlling an operation unit control circuit 519. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0041] The AP 101 also includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs processing to detect interference waves when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is performed. If an interference wave is detected when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is performed, the channel change unit 522 performs processing to change the channel to be used when it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel, etc.

[0042] The AP 102 has a similar configuration to the AP 101.

[0043] (P2P communication method) Next, we will outline a P2P (WLAN) communication method in which devices communicate directly with each other wirelessly without going through an external access point in WLAN communication. P2P (WLAN) communication can be realized using a number of methods, and for example, a communication device can support a number of modes for P2P (WLAN) communication and selectively use one of the multiple modes to execute P2P communication (WLAN).

[0044] The following two P2P modes are envisioned:

[0045] Soft AP mode Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode A communication device capable of P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes, but a communication device capable of P2P communication does not necessarily have to support all of these modes and may be configured to support only some of them.

[0046] A communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) having a communication function based on WFD calls up a (possibly dedicated) application for implementing the communication function by accepting a user operation via the operation unit of the communication device. The communication device then displays a UI (user interface) screen provided by the application to prompt the user to operate the device, and can execute WFD communication based on the accepted user operation.

[0047] ●Soft AP mode In the soft AP mode, a communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) operates as a client that requests various services. The other communication device (e.g., the MFP 100) operates as a soft AP that can execute the functions of a WLAN AP by software settings. Note that commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between a client and a soft AP are not described here because those specified in the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard are sufficient. In addition, the MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines a frequency band and a frequency channel as a parent station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0048] ●WFD mode The MFP 100 may be configured to start up as a fixed parent station in the WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, GO Negotiation processing for determining the role is not required. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the parent station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0049] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In the wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100) that communicate with each other are connected to an external AP (e.g., the AP 101) that manages the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via the AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network built by the external AP. When the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 each find the AP 101 and transmit a connection request to the AP 101 to connect, communication between these communication devices in the wireless infrastructure mode via the AP 101 is possible. Note that multiple communication devices may be connected to separate APs. In this case, data transfer is performed between the APs, and communication between the communication devices is possible. Commands and parameters transmitted and received during communication between the communication devices via an access point may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here. In this case, the AP 101 determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, the AP 101 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0050] (Processing in response to a request from the AP to change the connection destination of the STA) The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support a function disclosed as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables the selection of an optimal environment according to the changing conditions of a Wi-Fi network. Specifically, STAs such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as the AP 101 exchange information about the network environment using the IEEE802.11 series of communication standards. By such information exchange, when the network is congested, the AP can guide (change the connection destination) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, or even to another cellular service in some cases.

[0051] 6 is a sequence diagram when MFP 100 switches the AP of the connection destination from AP 101 to AP 102 in response to a connection destination change request from AP 101. In this sequence, the processes executed by each device are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM of each device into a RAM and executing the programs.

[0052] 6, it is assumed that MFP 100 has established a connection in wireless infrastructure mode with AP 101. In addition, when MFP 100 and AP 101 connect in wireless infrastructure mode, AP 101 acquires information on whether MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v, and performs the following processing if the information that MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v has been acquired.

[0053] In S601, the AP 101 transmits to the MFP 100 an inquiry (measurement request) about the signal quality (such as radio wave strength) from the APs around the MFP 100. The measurement request can be transmitted including, for example, a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. That is, this request can use a mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11k standard. In one example, the measurement request may be a measurement instruction that instructs the MFP 100 to measure the received signal strength or signal-to-noise ratio of a predetermined wireless signal, such as a beacon signal, transmitted from the APs around the MFP 100. In other words, the wireless unit 226 of the MFP 100 functions as a receiver that can receive a measurement request.

[0054] In S602, MFP 100 receives frames transmitted by surrounding APs in response to the request received in S601 and measures the received signal strength. This measures the received signal strength of each of a plurality of APs, including AP 101 and AP 102. In one example, MFP 100 may store the measurement results of frames transmitted by surrounding APs in a storage device such as RAM 214 or non-volatile memory 215. For this reason, CPU 212 of MFP 100 functions as a measurement unit that controls wireless unit 226 to measure signal quality from surrounding access points.

[0055] In S603, the MFP 100 transmits a list of the received signal strengths of the APs around the MFP 100 measured in S602 as a response to the request received in S601. Note that the received signal strength to be responded to may be information stored in the RAM 214 and non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602. This response is transmitted including, for example, a beacon report or measurement reports.

[0056] In S604, the AP 101 determines whether or not it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100 based on the congestion status in the network that the AP 101 is aware of and the received signal strength of the frame received in S603 from the MFP 100. Factors that the AP 101 uses to determine that a connection switch is necessary include a large number of connected STAs, a large amount of communication, other APs are less congested, the presence or absence of radio interference, and AP function stoppage. When it determines that a switch of the connection destination of the MFP 100 is necessary and determines the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP to be specified as the switching destination of the MFP 100, the process proceeds to S605.

[0057] In S605, the AP 101 transmits an AP change request (connection destination switch request) to the MFP 100. The connection destination change request includes information on the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP to be specified as a switch destination to the MFP 100, as determined in S604. Note that multiple SSIDs may be specified. The connection destination change request is transmitted, for example, as a BTM Request. That is, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame defined in the IEEE802.11v standard is transmitted. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the AP 102 is specified as the switch destination included in the connection destination change request. For this reason, the wireless unit 226 of the MFP 100 functions as a receiver capable of receiving a connection destination change request.

[0058] In S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the connection destination change request received in S605, the MFP 100 transmits a response indicating switch approval to the AP 101. If the MFP 100 does not comply with the connection destination change request, the MFP 100 may transmit a switch refusal as a response. The response is transmitted as a BTM Response. In the example of FIG. 6, the response indicating switch approval is transmitted.

[0059] In S607, the AP 101 and the MFP 100 disconnect the connection in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0060] In S608, the MFP 100 transmits a connection request to the AP 102 so as to connect to the AP 102 specified in the connection destination change request received in S605.

[0061] As a result, in S609, a connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 is established in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0062] With this mechanism, the MFP100, which is an STA, can change the connection destination from the AP101 to the AP102 based on a connection destination change request from the AP101 to which it was originally connected. The AP101 and the AP102 may be APs installed at different locations. That is, the MFP100 can switch to another AP installed at a location different from the AP to which it was originally connected by the process of FIG. 6. Also, the APs may correspond to different frequency bands among a plurality of frequency bands (any two or three of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provided by the same device. That is, the MFP100 can switch to another frequency band provided by the same device as the AP to which it was originally connected by the process of FIG. 6. For example, the connection destination can be changed to an AP in the 6 GHz band based on a connection destination change request.

[0063] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a measurement request and a connection destination change request are transmitted from an AP in a mechanism conforming to Wi-Fi Agile Multiband, and the STA responds to the request, but the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to a case in which the STA responds to a measurement request or a connection destination change request transmitted from an AP using a mechanism different from the above-mentioned example, or changes the connection destination AP (switching, deleting, or adding the AP to be connected).

[0064] (Beacon Report) The beacon report (described above in S603) will be described in detail. The MFP 100 searches for surrounding APs, or creates and transmits a beacon report to the AP 101 using information already searched. If the MFP 100 does not find an AP, it can create a beacon report that does not include information about the AP, and if multiple APs are found, it can create a beacon report that includes information about multiple APs. The beacon report may include, as the signal quality, the received signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio) of a predetermined wireless signal including a beacon signal transmitted from the AP. In one example, the signal quality included in the beacon report may be associated with other parameters such as the time of measurement. In addition to the received signal strength and S / N ratio, the beacon report may include any parameter indicating signal quality, such as a delay profile. In addition, the beacon report may include additional information, such as a flag indicating that the connection is in progress, as information about the currently connected AP.

[0065] Fig. 8(a) shows an example of the measurement result for each AP included in the beacon report. The beacon report includes, for each AP, a channel number 801, a received signal strength 802, an S / N ratio 803, and a BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​804. Therefore, if there are multiple APs around MFP 100, the beacon report may include multiple measurement results 800 shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0066] A channel number 801 indicates the frequency band in which the AP was detected, a received signal strength 802 indicates the received signal strength of the beacon signal received by the MFP 100 from the AP 101, and an S / N ratio 803 indicates the signal-to-noise ratio of the beacon signal received by the MFP 100 from the AP 101. The BSSID is an identifier of the AP 101 encoded in the beacon signal received by the MFP 100 from the AP 101.

[0067] (Measurement status transmission control in response to measurement requests from APs) Next, the control of MFP 100 in response to a connection destination change request from AP 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. Each step shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7 is processed by CPU 212 expanding a control program stored in a memory such as ROM 213 into RAM 214 and executing it.

[0068] In S701, the CPU 212 establishes a wireless connection in infrastructure mode with the AP 101. The wireless connection here is not a change based on a connection destination change request, but a connection using pre-stored connection information (SSID and password) of the AP 101.

[0069] In S702, the CPU 212 judges whether or not the operation state will be affected if the AP is switched to another AP. If it is judged that the operation state will be affected if the AP is switched to another AP (Yes in S702), the process proceeds to S703, and if it is judged that the operation state is not affected if the AP is switched to another AP (first operation state) (No in S702), the process proceeds to S719. The first operation state is an operation state that allows the AP of the connection destination to be switched based on a request to change the connection destination. An operation state that will be affected if the AP is switched to another AP is an operation state in which it is not desirable to switch the AP of the connection destination based on a request to change the connection destination. An operation state that will be affected if the AP is switched includes, for example, an operation state in which a firmware update process is being performed by downloading firmware from the server 103. An operation state that will be affected if the AP is switched includes an operation state in which a print process is being performed by receiving a print job from the mobile terminal device 104.

[0070] In S703, the CPU 212 checks whether or not a measurement request (corresponding to S601 in FIG. 6 described above) has been received from the AP 101. If a measurement request has been received from the AP 101 (Yes in S703), the MFP 100 advances the process to S704, and if a measurement request has not been received (No in S703), the MFP 100 advances the process to S708.

[0071] In S704, the CPU 212 judges whether the reason why it is not desirable to switch the connection destination (reason why switching is not possible), which is the cause of Yes in S702, is strong. If the reason why the connection destination cannot be switched is strong (Yes in S704), the process proceeds to S705, and if the reason why switching is weak (No in S704), the process proceeds to S706. The reason why the connection destination cannot be switched is that the operating state of the MFP 100 is in a specific operating state. For example, when the MFP 100 is in an operating state in which a print process is being executed, a problem such as uneven printing occurs when communication is temporarily interrupted by switching the AP and printing on a paper medium continues in a state in which data cannot be received. A weak reason why the connection destination cannot be switched is, for example, a firmware update process, etc., a process that can be completed normally by resuming communication after the AP is switched, even if communication is temporarily interrupted by switching the AP. In other words, the operating states of MFP 100 that are affected by AP switching may include operating states in which the reason for not being able to switch the connection destination is strong, and operating states in which the reason for not being able to switch the connection destination is weak.

[0072] In this embodiment, a state in which the MFP 100 is executing a print process is described as an operation state in which the reason for not being able to switch the connection destination is strong, and a state in which the MFP 100 is executing a firmware update is described as an operation state in which the reason for not being able to switch the connection destination is weak. However, which operation state is classified as an operation state in which the reason for not being able to switch the connection destination is strong or a operation state in which the reason for not being able to switch the connection destination is weak is not limited to this example.

[0073] In S705, the CPU 212 transmits a beacon report to the AP 101 as a response to the measurement request, the content of which indicates that no APs other than the connected AP 101 are visible in the vicinity. Specifically, a beacon report that does not include measurement results of signal quality from APs other than the connected AP 101 is transmitted to the AP 101. Alternatively, a beacon report that does not include information on measurement results of signal quality from the connected AP 101 and other APs is generated and transmitted to the AP 101. That is, the response transmitted in S705 does not include information on other access points, regardless of the signal quality that can be measured when an AP search is actually performed for the other access points. This corresponds to the content that no other APs are found even when an AP search is performed, and therefore indicates that at least a part of the signal quality from other access points is worse than when an AP search is actually performed.

[0074] As in S705, by transmitting to AP 101 a beacon report that does not include measurement results of signal quality from APs other than the currently connected AP 101, it is possible to make AP 101 recognize that when the connection with AP 101 is disconnected, there is no other AP to which MFP 100 can be connected. Therefore, it is expected that transmission of a connection change request from AP 101 is strongly suppressed, and that forcible disconnection from AP 101 is also suppressed.

[0075] In S705, the beacon report may be transmitted by detecting a beacon signal transmitted from a surrounding AP (AP search process), or the beacon report may be transmitted without performing the AP search process. For example, if the MFP 100 transmits a beacon report including only the measurement result of the currently connected AP 101, the possibility of the MFP 100 accepting the AP switching request is low. Also, since the BSSID 804 of the currently connected AP 101 is necessary for connection with the AP 101, it is stored in a memory such as the RAM 214. For this reason, the parameters other than the BSSID 804 may be set to a predetermined default value and the beacon report may be transmitted. Alternatively, if the MFP 100 has stored the measurement result of the previous AP search process in a storage device, the beacon report may be transmitted using the measurement result stored in the storage device before receiving the measurement request as the measurement result of the currently connected AP 101.

[0076] In S706, CPU 212 transmits a beacon report indicating that at least a part of the signal quality of another AP other than connected AP 101 is worse than the measurement result of the AP search process as a response to the measurement request. For example, MFP 100 transmits a beacon report in which at least one of the received signal strength (radio field strength) and the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio) of the beacon signal received from the AP found by the AP search is changed to a lower value as a response to the measurement request. That is, the response transmitted in S706 is information indicating the signal quality from the other AP, and includes information indicating a signal quality worse than the measurement result actually obtained by the AP search. This information indicates that the other AP has been found by the AP search (measurement has been performed), but the signal quality is not good.

[0077] As in S706, by transmitting a beacon report to the AP 101 indicating that another AP has been found (measured) but the signal quality is not good, the MFP 100 can recognize that there is another AP to which it can connect even if the connection with the AP 101 is disconnected. Therefore, it is expected that the transmission of a connection destination change request from the AP is suppressed to some extent (suppressed if the connection status between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 is better than the conditions between the other AP that has responded pseudo and the MFP 100). Therefore, the connection between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 can be maintained unless the connection between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 is disconnected or in a very bad state. Furthermore, it is expected that a connection destination change request is transmitted when the connection between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 is disconnected or in a very bad state. Therefore, if the connection between the AP 101 and the MFP 100 is cut off or in an extremely bad state, it is possible to switch the connection destination to a recommended AP that is expected to provide a more stable connection.

[0078] FIG. 8(b) shows an example of the measurement result of another AP (not currently connected AP) included in the beacon report transmitted in S706 when the measurement result shown in FIG. 8(a) is obtained as a result of the AP search. As described above, in S706, the received signal strength 802 and the S / N ratio 803 for the wireless signal transmitted from an AP other than the AP 101 are set lower than those in FIG. 8(a). In the example shown in FIG. 8(b), the received signal strength 805 is set to "1" and the S / N ratio 806 is set to "1". In this way, by transmitting a beacon report assuming that the signal quality from an AP other than the currently connected AP 101 is poor, it is possible to prevent the connection from being switched from the currently connected AP 101.

[0079] The values ​​set in Fig. 8(b) may be based on the measurement results shown in Fig. 8(a). For example, the received signal strength 805 in Fig. 8(b) may be set from "200" to "50" by subtracting a predetermined number, for example, 150, from the received signal strength 802 in Fig. 8(a). Similarly, the S / N ratio 806 in Fig. 8(b) may be set from "65" to "15" by subtracting a predetermined number, for example, 50, from the S / N ratio 803 in Fig. 8(a). Also, at least one of the received signal strength and S / N ratio set in Fig. 8(b) may be set to 0 or a negative value.

[0080] Note that, for some of the multiple APs found by the AP search, a beacon report may be created using measured information, thereby changing the priority of the AP to which AP 101 is to connect. For example, MFP 100 can store the BSSID of an AP to which it has previously connected and the IP address assigned at that time in RAM 214 or non-volatile memory 215. In this case, when MFP 100 finds an AP that matches the current IP address, it is also possible to perform control so that a beacon report is created using measured information and the AP is switched to with priority.

[0081] Also, for APs among the multiple APs found by AP search, the received radio wave intensity and S / N ratio may not be set low for APs with signal quality better than the currently connected AP 101 by a predetermined value or more. For example, when the MFP 100 is performing downloading in firmware update processing, if the connection with the currently connected AP 101 is terminated, the firmware download needs to be resumed, which increases the time required for downloading. However, if the signal quality from the currently connected AP 101 is poor and the packet loss rate is high, and there is another AP with better signal quality than the currently connected AP 101, the download time may be shortened by switching the connection and performing the download again. For this reason, for the measurement result of an AP among the multiple APs found by AP search, which has signal quality better than the currently connected AP 101 by a predetermined value or more, a response may be sent to the AP 101 without worsening the signal quality. As a result, if there is an AP with signal quality better than the currently connected AP 101 by a predetermined value or more and which may complete the firmware download sooner even if the connection is switched, the measurement result may be changed to accept only a request to switch the connection to that AP.

[0082] Also, in S706, for example, if the response is made by setting the received signal strength and S / N ratio of the measurement result for an AP other than the currently connected AP 101 to predefined values ​​in S706, the AP search may not be performed. For example, MFP 100 may store the measurement result before receiving the measurement request in a storage device such as RAM 214 or non-volatile memory 215. In such a case, MFP 100 may identify the BSSID of an AP other than the currently connected AP 101 based on the stored measurement result, and may set the received signal strength and S / N ratio for the AP to predefined values ​​and transmit a response.

[0083] In S707, the CPU 212 sets the pseudo response flag stored in the RAM 214 to 1 in order to store the fact that the measurement situation was changed and transmitted in S705 and S706 (a response with content different from the content that will actually be measured).

[0084] In S708, the CPU 212 checks whether a connection destination change request (BTM Request) has been received. This is a determination as to whether a request corresponding to S605 in Fig. 6 has been received. If it has been received (Yes in S708), the process proceeds to S709, and if it has not been received (No in S708), the process proceeds to S716.

[0085] In S709, the CPU 212 checks whether the pseudo response flag is set to 1, and if 1 is not set (No in S709), the process proceeds to S710, and if 1 is set (Yes in S709), the process proceeds to S711.

[0086] In S710, CPU 212 ignores the connection destination change request (does not return a response to the connection destination change request) and returns the process to S703. That is, in an operating state where switching the AP has an effect (a state determined as Yes in S702), the connection destination AP is not changed even if there is a change request before a pseudo response is made to the measurement request to suppress a connection destination change based on a connection destination change request (before processing of S705 or S706 is performed). In this way, careless change of the connection destination is suppressed even if there is no strong reason to change the connection destination (a situation where the connection destination is forcibly disconnected from AP 101). Note that if a change rejection response is sent to the connection destination change request in S710, there is a possibility that AP 101 will not send a measurement request or a connection destination change request to MFP 100 that once responded with a rejection. However, as explained in S706, if the AP 101 continues to send measurement requests thereafter and a response such as that in S706 is made to the measurement requests, in an extremely bad situation in which the connection with the AP 101 is cut off, it is preferable to send a connection destination change request. Therefore, in order to send a measurement request even in an operating state in which switching the AP would have an effect (a state in which the answer in S702 is Yes), control is performed in S710 not to respond with a refusal but to not respond.

[0087] In S711, the CPU 212 checks the reason for AP switching impossibility as in S704, and if the reason for switching impossibility is strong (Yes in S711), the process proceeds to S712, and if the reason for switching impossibility is weak (No in S711), the process proceeds to S713.

[0088] In S712, the CPU 212 responds with a refusal to the connection destination change request and returns the process to S703. If the reason for not being able to switch is strong, it is desirable to maintain the connection with AP 101 as much as possible without changing the connection destination, even in a very bad situation where the connection with AP 101 may be cut off. Therefore, in this situation, there is no problem even if AP 101 no longer transmits measurement requests or change requests. Therefore, a refusal is responded in S712.

[0089] In S713, the CPU 212 responds to the connection destination change request by indicating that it has been accepted. In S714, the CPU 212 switches the connection to the AP designated in the connection destination change request. The processes of S713 and S714 correspond to the processes of S606 to S608 in FIG. 6 described above. A situation in which the AP 101 transmits a change request despite a pseudo response in S705 or S706 is assumed to be an extremely bad situation in which the connection with the AP 101 may be disconnected. In such a case, if the MFP 100 does not have a strong reason to reject the change of the connection destination, the MFP 100 changes the connection destination to the recommended AP by the processes of S713 and S714. In this way, in an extremely bad situation, the MFP 100 prioritizes switching the connection destination to the recommended AP over maintaining the connection destination as the AP 101, and enables communication in a stable connection state.

[0090] In S715, the CPU 212 sets the pseudo response flag to 0 and returns the process to S703.

[0091] In S716, the CPU 212 checks whether there is any change from the operation state in which the processing that would be affected if the AP was switched to another AP checked in S702. If there is no change (No in S716), the MFP 100 returns the process to S703, and if there is a change (Yes in S716, i.e., the first operation state has been reached), the MFP 100 proceeds to S717. In S717, the CPU 212 sets the pseudo response flag to 0 and proceeds to S718.

[0092] In S718, CPU 212 checks whether or not the termination conditions are met, such as turning off wireless communication, turning off the power, etc. If the termination conditions are not met (No in S718), MFP 100 returns the process to S702, and if the termination conditions are met (Yes in S718), MFP 100 ends the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0093] In S719, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a measurement request has been received from the connected AP, similarly to S703. If a measurement request has been received, the process proceeds to S720, and if not, the process proceeds to S721.

[0094] In S720, the CPU 212 searches for surrounding APs, or creates a measurement result using already searched information, and transmits the result to the AP 101. This process corresponds to S603 in Fig. 6. In this way, in the first state (the state determined as No in S702) in which there is no problem in changing the connection destination based on a request to change the connection destination, the measurement request is responded to with the contents that are actually measured (contents that are the same as the measurement result) (a correct response is made).

[0095] In S721, similarly to S708, CPU 212 judges whether or not a connection destination change request has been received. If it has been received, the process proceeds to S722, and if it has not been received, the process proceeds to S718. In S722, CPU 212 responds to the connection destination change request by indicating that it has been accepted. In S723, CPU 212 switches the connection to the AP specified in the connection destination change request. The processes of S722 and S723 correspond to the processes of S606 to S608 in FIG. 6 described above.

[0096] 7, when it is determined that there is an influence due to switching from the connected AP 101 to another AP (Yes in S702), whether to perform the process of S705 or the process of S706 in response to the measurement request is switched depending on the strength of the reason why the switching is not possible. However, the process of S704 may be omitted, and in this case, when the measurement request is received in S703, either the process of S705 or the process of S706 may be executed without determining the reason why the switching of the connection destination is not possible.

[0097] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a situation where it is not desirable to change the connection destination based on a change request of the connection destination, a false response is made to the measurement request received from the connected AP with contents indicating a worse situation than the situation actually measured for the surrounding APs other than the connected AP. In this way, it is possible to suppress the connection destination change request from the connected AP requesting to change the connection destination to another AP. In this way, in a situation where it is not desirable to change the connection destination based on a change request of the connection destination, it is possible to suppress the change of the connection destination based on the change request of the connection destination. That is, it is possible to suppress the change of an inappropriate access point of the connection destination and to more appropriately change the access point to be the connection destination. Note that the above-mentioned various controls described as being performed by the CPU 212 may be performed by one hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0098] In addition, although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined.

[0099] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to the MFP100 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any wireless device that functions as a STA capable of processing in response to a request to change the connection destination from an AP. That is, the present invention can be applied to various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as personal computers, PDAs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, electronic book readers, smart watches, thermometers, and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected to USB terminals or LAN cable terminals. The video output device includes, for example, a device that acquires (downloads) a video on the Internet specified by a URL instructed from an electronic device and outputs it to a display device connected via a video output terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark), thereby realizing streaming playback on the display device or realizing mirroring display (display in which the content displayed on the electronic device is also displayed on the display device). Furthermore, the video output device includes media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors), signage devices, etc. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to Wi-Fi-connectable devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting equipment, heating equipment, and cooling equipment.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following electronic device, its control method, program, and storage medium.

[0102] (Item 1) An electronic device, A receiving means capable of receiving a first request for a measurement result of signal quality from surrounding access points and a request for changing a connection destination, the first request being transmitted from a currently connected first access point; A measuring means for measuring signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from the surrounding access points; When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, the electronic device responds to the first access point with a first content indicating a measurement result by the measuring means of signal quality from one or more other access points different from the first access point; When the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, responding to the first access point with a second content indicating that at least a portion of the signal quality from the one or more other access points is worse than the measurement result by the measuring means. A control means for controlling the An electronic device comprising:

[0103] (Item 2) The electronic device described in item 1, characterized in that the second content is content indicating that the received signal strength of the wireless signal received by the electronic device from the one or more other access points is weaker than the measurement result by the measurement means.

[0104] (Item 3) The electronic device described in item 1 or 2, characterized in that the second content is content indicating that the signal-to-noise ratio of the wireless signal received by the electronic device from the one or more other access points is lower than the signal-to-noise ratio measured by the measurement means.

[0105] (Item 4) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the second content is content that does not include measurement results of signal quality from the one or more other access points, regardless of the signal quality measurable by the measurement means for the one or more other access points.

[0106] (Item 5) the one or more other access points include a second access point and a third access point different from the first access point; When the electronic device is in the second operating state, the second content is indicating that the signal quality from the second access point is worse than the measurement result by the measuring means; The signal quality from the third access point indicates a measurement result by the measuring means. 5. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 4,

[0107] (Item 6) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control means receives the change request after the electronic device has entered the second operating state and before receiving the first request, the control means controls the electronic device so that it does not change the connection destination in response to the change request and does not respond to the change request.

[0108] (Item 7) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that when the control means receives the change request after responding to the first request with the second content, the control means controls the device to change the connection destination in accordance with the change request.

[0109] (Item 8) Further comprising a storage means for storing the measurement results by the measurement means, The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that when the first request is received and the electronic device is in the second operating state, the control means controls the electronic device to respond using the measurement result stored in the storage means without performing measurement by the measurement means.

[0110] (Item 9) Further comprising a printing means capable of executing a printing process, 9. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the second operating state includes a state in which the printing unit is executing a printing process.

[0111] (Item 10) 10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second operating state includes a firmware update process being performed on the electronic device.

[0112] (Item 11) 11. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that when the electronic device receives the first request while in a first operating state, the control means measures signal quality with surrounding access points using the measurement means, and then responds to the first access point.

[0113] (Item 12) the second content includes information indicating a signal quality from the one or more other access points, the information indicating a signal quality worse than a measurement result by the measurement means; When the electronic device is in a third operating state different from the first and second operating states, the control means controls the electronic device to respond to the first request with third content that does not include a measurement result of a wireless signal transmitted from the one or more other access points, regardless of a signal quality measurable by the measurement means for the one or more other access points. 12. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 11,

[0114] (Item 13) Further comprising a printing means capable of executing a printing process, the second operating state includes a state in which a firmware update process of the electronic device is being performed, The third operating state includes a state in which the printing means is executing a printing process. Item 13. The electronic device according to item 12.

[0115] (Item 14) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that the electronic device is capable of operating in accordance with at least one of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) and TWT (Target Wake Time).

[0116] (Item 15) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 14, characterized in that the electronic device is an apparatus capable of operating in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax.

[0117] (Item 16) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that when the control means controls to change the connection destination in response to the change request, the control means controls to change to an access point with a frequency band of 6 GHz.

[0118] (Item 17) An electronic device, A receiving means capable of receiving a first request for a measurement result of signal quality from surrounding access points and a request for changing a connection destination from a currently connected first access point; A measuring means for measuring signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from the surrounding access points; When the first request is received, responding to the first access point with a first content including signal quality measurements from one or more other access points different from the first access point when the electronic device is in a first operating state; When the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, regardless of the signal quality measurable by the measuring means for the one or more other access points, respond to the first access point with a second content that does not include a measurement result of the signal quality from the one or more other access points. A control means for controlling the An electronic device comprising:

[0119] (Item 18) Item 18. The electronic device described in item 17, characterized in that when the first request is received and the electronic device is in the second operating state, the control means controls the electronic device to respond to the first access point without performing measurement by the measurement means.

[0120] (Item 19) A method for controlling an electronic device executed in an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step for receiving a first request for a measurement result of signal quality from surrounding access points and a request for changing a connection destination, the first request being transmitted from a currently connected first access point; a measurement step of measuring signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from the surrounding access points; When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, the electronic device responds to the first access point with a first content indicating a measurement result of the signal quality from one or more other access points different from the first access point in the measuring step; When the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, responding to the first access point with a second content indicating that at least a portion of the signal quality from the one or more other access points is worse than a measurement result in the measuring step. A control step of controlling the 13. A method for controlling an electronic device comprising:

[0121] (Item 20) A method for controlling an electronic device executed in an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step for receiving a first request for a measurement result of signal quality from surrounding access points and a request for changing a connection destination from the currently connected first access point; a measurement step of measuring signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from the surrounding access points; When the first request is received, responding to the first access point with a first content including signal quality measurements from one or more other access points different from the first access point when the electronic device is in a first operating state; When the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, regardless of the signal quality measurable in the measuring step for the one or more other access points, respond to the first access point with a second content that does not include a measurement result of the signal quality from the one or more other access points. A control step of controlling the 13. A method for controlling an electronic device comprising:

[0122] (Item 21) 19. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 18.

[0123] (Item 22) 22. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to item 21.

[0124] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 100 MFP: 101 AP1: 102 AP2: 103 Server: 104 Mobile terminal device: 212 CPU: 213 ROM: 214 RAM

Claims

1. An electronic device that is wirelessly connected to a wireless LAN access point, A receiving means capable of receiving a first request, transmitted from a connected first access point, requesting the results of signal quality measurement from surrounding access points, and a request for a change of connection destination. A measuring means for measuring the signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from surrounding access points, When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, the signal quality from one or more other access points different from the first access point responds to the first access point in a first manner that indicates the measurement result by the measuring means. If the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, it responds to the first access point with a second content indicating that at least a portion of the signal quality from one or more other access points is worse than the measurement result by the measuring means. A control means that controls in this manner, An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second content indicates that the received signal strength of the wireless signal received by the electronic device from one or more other access points is weaker than the measured result by the measuring means.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second content indicates that the signal-to-noise ratio of the wireless signal received by the electronic device from one or more other access points is lower than the measurement result obtained by the measurement means.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second content does not include the measurement results of the signal quality from the one or more other access points, regardless of the signal quality that can be measured by the measuring means with respect to the one or more other access points.

5. The one or more other access points include a second access point and a third access point that are different from the first access point. When the electronic device is in the second operating state, the second content is: The signal quality from the second access point is worse than the measurement result obtained by the measurement means. The signal quality from the third access point is the result of the measurement by the measurement means. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that...

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the control means receives the change request after the electronic device has entered a second operating state but before receiving the first request, it does not change the connection destination in accordance with the change request and does not respond to the change request.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means, upon receiving the change request after responding to the first request with the second content, controls to change the connection destination in accordance with the change request.

8. The system further includes a storage means for storing the measurement results obtained by the aforementioned measuring means. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control means receives the first request, if the electronic device is in the second operating state, it is controlled to respond using the measurement result stored in the storage means without performing a measurement by the measuring means.

9. Further comprising printing means capable of performing printing operations, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating state includes a state in which the printing means is performing a printing process.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating state includes a state in which the firmware update process of the electronic device is being performed.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the electronic device is in a first operating state and receives the first request, the control means measures the signal quality from the surrounding access point using the measuring means and then responds to the first access point.

12. The second content is information indicating the signal quality from one or more other access points, and includes information indicating a signal quality worse than the measurement result by the measurement means. The control means controls the electronic device to respond to the first request with a third content that does not include the measurement results of radio signals transmitted from the one or more other access points, regardless of the signal quality that can be measured by the measuring means with respect to the one or more other access points, if the electronic device is in a third operating state different from the first and second operating states. The electronic device according to feature 1.

13. Further comprising printing means capable of performing printing operations, The second operating state includes the state in which the firmware update process of the electronic device is being performed. The third operating state includes a state in which the printing means is performing a printing process. The electronic device according to feature 12.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a device capable of operating in accordance with at least one of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) or TWT (Target Wake Time).

15. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device is capable of operating in accordance with IEEE 802.11ax.

16. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control means controls to change the connection destination in response to the change request, it controls to change to an access point with a frequency band of 6 GHz.

17. An electronic device that is wirelessly connected to a wireless LAN access point, A receiving means capable of receiving a first request for the measurement results of signal quality from surrounding access points and a request for a change of connection destination from the first access point to which it is connected, A measuring means for measuring the signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from surrounding access points, When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, it responds to the first access point with a first content including the results of signal quality measurements from one or more other access points different from the first access point. If the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, it responds to the first access point with a second content that does not include the measurement results of the signal quality from the one or more other access points, regardless of the signal quality that can be measured by the measuring means with respect to the one or more other access points. A control means that controls in this manner, An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, characterized in that, when the electronic device is in the second operating state upon receiving the first request, the control means controls the electronic device to respond to the first access point without performing a measurement by the measuring means.

19. A method for controlling an electronic device that is wirelessly connected to a wireless LAN access point, A receiving process capable of receiving a first request, transmitted from a connected first access point, requesting the results of signal quality measurement from surrounding access points, and a request for a change of connection destination. A measurement process that measures the signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from surrounding access points, When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, the signal quality from one or more other access points different from the first access point responds to the first access point in a first manner that indicates the measurement result in the measurement process. If the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, it responds to the first access point with a second content indicating that at least a portion of the signal quality from one or more other access points is worse than the measurement result in the measurement step. A control process that controls in this manner, A method for controlling electronic equipment, characterized by including the following:

20. A method for controlling an electronic device that is wirelessly connected to a wireless LAN access point, A first request for measurement results of signal quality from surrounding access points, a request for a change of connection destination, and a receiving process that can receive these from the first access point to which the connection is made. A measurement process that measures the signal quality from surrounding access points based on wireless signals received from surrounding access points, When the first request is received, When the electronic device is in a first operating state, it responds to the first access point with a first content including the results of signal quality measurements from one or more other access points different from the first access point. If the electronic device is in a second operating state different from the first operating state, the first access point responds with a second content that does not include the measurement results of the signal quality from the one or more other access points, regardless of the signal quality that can be measured in the measurement step with respect to the one or more other access points. A control process that controls in this manner, A method for controlling electronic equipment, characterized by including the following:

21. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

22. A computer-readable storage medium for storing the program described in claim 21.

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