Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for enhancing the convenience of a user when data is exchanged with an external terminal by wireless communication.SOLUTION: Whether an MFP 101 having a wireless network interface 122 uses wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (R) as direct wireless communication via a wireless interface or whether wireless communication not conforming to Wi-Fi Direct is used can be set. The MFP 101 also provide connection information for establishing network communication between an external apparatus and the MFP 101 to the external apparatus in a method different from wireless communication using a wireless interface. The MFP 101 provides different connection information depending on a case in which the wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (R) is used as direct wireless communication and a case in which the wireless communication is not used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of communicating with an external terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, an increasing number of information processing devices are equipped with wireless communication functions conforming to IEEE 802.11. Information processing devices equipped with wireless communication functions conforming to IEEE 802.11 receive data from external devices such as PCs and mobile terminals via access points and execute processing based on the received data.

[0003] Furthermore, some information processing devices are capable of performing wireless communication with external devices without going through a relay device such as an external access point (hereinafter referred to as direct wireless communication).

[0004] Some information processing devices are equipped with a short-distance wireless function such as NFC (Near Field Communication). Short-distance wireless communication is sometimes used for the purpose of handing over to wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11 (Patent Document 1). The information processing device of Patent Document 1 transmits settings (SSID, encryption method, password, etc.) to be used in a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) network to an external terminal. The external terminal that receives the connection settings establishes direct wireless communication with the information processing device and transitions to a state in which it can transmit data to the information processing device using direct wireless communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-69720 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, when establishing direct wireless communication between an information processing device and an external terminal, it is possible to adopt any one of a number of methods. There is a method in which the information processing device operates as a software access point, and the external terminal connects to the software access point to establish direct wireless communication. There is also a method in which direct wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct is established. In Wi-Fi Direct, one of a number of wireless communication devices constituting one group operates as an access point, and the other wireless communication devices perform wireless communication with the access point by P2P. The wireless communication device operating as the access point is called a group owner (GO), and the other wireless communication devices are called clients. The GO is determined by group owner negotiation. It is also possible to make the information processing device behave so as to always be a GO so that multiple communication terminals can be stably connected to the information processing device. It is possible to vary which of these methods is adopted depending on the settings and operation mode of the information processing device.

[0007] In addition, connection information used to establish direct wireless communication by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) LE may be transmitted to an external terminal, and handover to direct wireless communication may be performed. In addition, a QR code (registered trademark) including connection information may be displayed on an operation unit of the information processing device, and the QR code may be read by an external terminal to transmit connection information used to establish direct wireless communication.

[0008] However, conventionally, there has been no consideration of controlling the appropriate rewriting of connection information transmitted to a communication terminal by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth LE depending on the settings or operation mode of the information processing device. Therefore, when an external terminal attempts to establish direct wireless communication using connection information acquired by short-range wireless communication, there is a risk that the connection request transmitted from the communication terminal may not be correctly processed depending on the operation mode of the direct wireless communication of the information processing device.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and has an object to provide a mechanism for improving user convenience when exchanging data with an external terminal via wireless communication.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for appropriately differentiating connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on settings and status related to wireless communication of an information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, the information processing device of the present invention has a wireless network interface, a first setting means for setting whether to use direct wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) as direct wireless communication via the wireless network interface, or to use direct wireless communication not compliant with Wi-Fi Direct, and a providing means for providing connection information for establishing network communication between an external device and the information processing device to an external device in a manner different from wireless communication using the wireless network interface, based at least on the setting by the first setting means, so as to provide different connection information depending on whether to use direct wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct as direct wireless communication or whether to use direct wireless communication not compliant with Wi-Fi Direct. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for improving user convenience when exchanging data with an external terminal via wireless communication.

[0013] Furthermore, as one aspect of the present invention, a mechanism can be provided for appropriately differentiating connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on settings and status related to wireless communication of an information processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP 101. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a communication terminal 102. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP 101. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of network settings of the MFP 101. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP 101. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining data communication using Bluetooth LE. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP 101. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0016] <First embodiment> First, the configuration of a communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The communication system according to the present embodiment includes a communication terminal 102 and an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101.

[0017] The communication terminal 102 functions as a wireless client conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard and can perform wireless communication via an external access point. The communication terminal 102 can also perform direct wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

[0018] The MFP 101 is an information processing apparatus having a printing function for receiving print data via a network and printing it, and a transmission function for transmitting scanned data to a communication terminal on the network. The MFP 101 can communicate with external devices on the LAN 100. The MFP 101 can also establish direct wireless communication with a peripheral communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102). The MFP 101 can perform direct wireless communication that complies with Wi-Fi Direct. The MFP 101 can also perform direct wireless communication that does not comply with Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, the MFP 101 operates as a software access point (hereinafter referred to as a software AP), and the peripheral communication terminals connect to the software AP provided by the MFP 101 to realize direct wireless communication between the devices.

[0019] In this embodiment, the wireless network used in the direct wireless communication is a WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) that complies with IEEE 802.11. That is, the direct wireless communication is a closed wireless communication that is not interconnected with the LAN 100 or the Internet.

[0020] The MFP 101 is also connected to the LAN 100 via an external AP 103. The MFP 101 transmits image data and information to external devices (such as a mail server, a file server, or a PC) on the LAN 100, and receives print data and information from external devices on the LAN 100. In this embodiment, a connection form via an intranet of an organization or company, such as the LAN 100, is called an infrastructure connection.

[0021] The communication system of the present embodiment also includes a mobile link function that provides functions to the user by linking the communication terminal 102 and the MFP 101. For example, the MFP 101 and the communication terminal 102 can link to execute a scan link function that scans a paper document and transmits or saves the document. The MFP 101 can also execute a print function that receives print data from the communication terminal 102 and prints an image on a sheet based on the print data.

[0022] These connections are established after the communication terminal 102 and the MFP 101 establish a communication link for wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11, or after communication between the communication terminal 102 and the MFP 101 via the LAN 100 is established.

[0023] In this embodiment, a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer) is assumed as an example of a communication terminal, but is not limited thereto. A smartphone or a tablet PC is an example of a communication terminal capable of performing short-range wireless communication, and may be another communication terminal such as a wearable device.

[0024] In the present embodiment, an MFP is exemplified as an example of an information processing device that cooperates with a communication terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device may be a single-function scanner, printer, 3D printer, etc. In addition, the present invention may be applied to, for example, a terminal of a remote conference system, a car navigation device, an interactive whiteboard, a digital signage, a content delivery terminal, and other home appliances.

[0025] <mfp> Next, the MFP 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 has a reading function for reading an image and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet.

[0026] A control unit 110 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads out a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 or a storage 114, and performs various controls such as print control and read control. The ROM 112 stores a control program executable by the CPU 111. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 is the main memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for expanding instructions of various control programs. The storage 114 stores print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information. Each element of the control unit 110, such as the CPU 111, the RAM 113, the ROM 112, and the storage 114, operates as a computer.

[0027] In the MFP 101 of this embodiment, one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described later using one memory (RAM 113), but other configurations are also possible. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described later can be executed by using multiple processors, RAM, ROM, and storage in cooperation with each other. Also, some of the processes can be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0028] An operation unit I / F (interface) 115 connects an operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, various hard keys, and the like, and functions as a display unit that displays information and a reception unit that receives instructions from a user.

[0029] A scanner I / F 117 connects a scanner 118 to the control unit 110. The scanner 118 reads an original and generates a read image. The generated read image is sent to an external device or used for printing.

[0030] A printer I / F 119 connects a printer 120 to the control unit 110. The printer 120 prints an image on a sheet based on print data received from an external source.

[0031] In addition, the control unit 110 can also be connected to a network such as the LAN 100 via a wired LAN I / F 121 .

[0032] Furthermore, the control unit 110 includes a wireless LAN I / F 122. The wireless LAN I / F 122 is a wireless network interface for performing wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11. The CPU 111 cooperates with the wireless LAN I / F 122 to provide a wireless client function for connecting to an external AP (e.g., AP 103) and performing wireless communication. The CPU 111 also cooperates with the wireless LAN I / F 122 to provide a direct wireless communication function for realizing wireless communication with a surrounding communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102) without going through a relay device such as an external AP. In this embodiment, the MFP 101 can operate in either a direct wireless communication mode conforming to Wi-Fi Direct or a direct wireless communication mode not conforming to Wi-Fi Direct. Hereinafter, the direct wireless communication mode conforming to Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as a Wi-Fi Direct mode, and the direct wireless communication mode not conforming to Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as an access point mode.

[0033] The Bluetooth I / F 123 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from various peripheral devices through short-range wireless communication. The MFP 101 of this embodiment can communicate with the communication terminal 102 using short-range wireless communication compliant with Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as Bluetooth LE). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP 101 can notify an external terminal with which Bluetooth LE communication has been established of connection information for handing over to wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11 via Bluetooth LE communication. It is also assumed that the MFP 101 can notify the external terminal of its status information, etc. via Bluetooth LE communication.

[0034] The NFC (Near Field Communication) I / F 124 connects the NFC tag 125 and the control unit 110. The NFC tag 125 can perform short-distance wireless communication with a communication terminal having an NFC reader / writer based on the international standard of ISO / IEC21481 or ISO / IEC18092. The NFC tag 125 includes a nonvolatile memory, and tag data to be read by the communication terminal is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Tag data including a record of connection information for handing over to wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11 and a record of startup information for starting a cooperative application is written in the nonvolatile memory. The control unit 110 can rewrite the tag data stored in the NFC tag 125 via the NFC I / F 124.

[0035] <Communication terminal> Next, a hardware configuration of the communication terminal 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. A CPU 131 included in the control unit 130 reads out a control program stored in a ROM 132 or a storage 134, and controls the communication terminal 102.

[0036] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a storage 134, an operation unit I / F 135, and a camera I / F 137, all of which are connected to a bus. The control unit 130 also has a wireless LAN I / F 142, a Bluetooth I / F 143, and an NFC I / F 144 as communication interfaces for communicating with external devices.

[0037] The CPU 131 is a central processing unit (processor) that controls the overall operation of the control unit 130. The RAM 133 is a volatile memory, and is used as a work area, and a temporary storage area for loading various control programs stored in the ROM 132 and the storage 134.

[0038] The ROM 132 is a non-volatile memory and stores a boot program and the like of the communication terminal 102. The storage 134 is a non-volatile flash memory having a larger capacity than the RAM 133. The storage 134 stores a control program for the communication terminal 102. The storage 134 also stores an OS (Operating System) and a cooperative application.

[0039] When the communications terminal is started up, the CPU 131 executes a boot program stored in the ROM 132. This boot program is for reading out the OS program stored in the storage 134 and expanding it on the RAM 133. After executing the boot program, the CPU 131 subsequently executes the OS program expanded on the RAM 133 and controls the communications terminal 102. The CPU 131 also stores data used for operations according to the control program on the RAM 133 and reads and writes it.

[0040] In addition, in the communication terminal 102, one CPU 131 executes the control described below, but other configurations are also possible. For example, a plurality of processors may cooperate to execute the control described below.

[0041] The operation unit I / F 135 connects the operation unit 136 and the control unit 130. The operation unit 136 includes a touch panel capable of detecting a user's touch operation, and a display panel for displaying various screens. The operation unit 136 functions as a display unit for displaying information and a reception unit for receiving instructions from the user. Various screens provided by cooperative applications and the OS are displayed on the operation unit 136.

[0042] The camera I / F 137 connects the control unit 130 and the camera 138. The camera 138 captures an image in response to an image capture instruction from a user. The photograph captured by the camera 138 is stored in the storage 134.

[0043] The wireless LAN I / F 142 provides a wireless client function for performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard. The wireless LAN I / F 142 also connects to an external AP to perform wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard. The external AP may be the MFP 101 operating in an access point mode or the AP 103.

[0044] Furthermore, CPU 131 can cooperate with wireless LAN I / F 142 to establish communication with a nearby communication terminal (for example, MFP 101) through direct wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct.

[0045] The Bluetooth I / F 143 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from various peripheral devices through short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, it is assumed that data can be transmitted and received to and from an external device using Bluetooth LE communication.

[0046] The NFC I / F 144 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from various peripheral devices through short-distance wireless communication, and operates as an NFC reader / writer. For example, the communication terminal 102 can read tag data stored in the NFC tag 125 of the MFP 101. When the user brings the communication terminal 102 close to the NFC tag 125 and the communication terminal 102 is within the communication range of NFC communication, the communication terminal 102 reads the tag data from the NFC tag 125. This allows the communication terminal 102 to obtain connection information for handing over to wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11 and startup information for starting an associated application.

[0047] <Direct wireless communication mode> Next, a description will be given of the direct wireless communication modes in the MFP 101. In this embodiment, the MFP 101 is configured to use a plurality of methods when using direct wireless communication between surrounding communication terminals. Specifically, the MFP 101 is configured to be able to operate in either the Wi-Fi Direct mode or the access point mode described in FIG. 1.

[0048] Furthermore, when operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, the operation settings for the Wi-Fi Direct mode can be further configured. Specifically, it can be configured whether to turn ON the Autonomous Go mode, in which the MFP 101 operates preferentially as a Wi-Fi Direct group owner (GO). When the Autonomous Go mode is ON, the MFP 101 becomes a Wi-Fi Direct GO and starts the software AP. A communication terminal that finds the MFP 101 operating in the Autonomous GO mode becomes a client and transmits a connection request to the software AP to establish direct wireless communication. On the other hand, when the Autonomous Go mode is set to OFF, whether the MFP 101 or a surrounding communication terminal acts as the AP is determined by group owner negotiation.

[0049] In this embodiment, the MFP 101 supports both the Autonomous Go mode and the negotiation mode of Wi-Fi Direct, but is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to an MFP 101 that supports only one of the modes of Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication or a QR code may be different between the access point mode and the Wi-Fi Direct mode.

[0050] Here, there are cases where connection information used to establish direct wireless communication by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth LE is transmitted to an external terminal such as communication terminal 102, and handover to direct wireless communication is performed. Also, there are cases where a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) including connection information is displayed on operation unit 116 of MFP 101, and the QR code is read by the external terminal to transmit the connection information used to establish direct wireless communication.

[0051] However, in the past, there was no consideration of controlling the appropriate rewriting of connection information used in short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bleetooth LE according to the settings and mode of the MFP 101. Therefore, when an external terminal attempts to establish direct wireless communication using connection information acquired by short-range wireless communication, there was a risk that the connection request transmitted from the communication terminal could not be correctly processed depending on the operation mode of the direct wireless communication of the information processing device. In other words, there was a concern that the connection information transmitted by short-range wireless communication and the method for establishing direct wireless communication would not match, and the wireless direct connection would not be correctly established.

[0052] In this embodiment, in consideration of at least one of the above concerns, a mechanism for improving user convenience when exchanging data with an external terminal via wireless communication is provided. Also, a mechanism for appropriately differentiating connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication is provided based on the settings and operation mode of wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11 of the MFP 101.

[0053] First, the network settings of the MFP 101 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The user can configure network settings as one of the settings for controlling the operation of the MFP 101. Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) show examples of screens displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101, and illustrate screens for configuring the network settings of the MFP. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the network settings, which are settings for controlling the operation of the MFP 101. A user such as an administrator can change each setting shown in Fig. 5 via the setting screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101. These network settings are stored in a non-volatile storage area such as the storage 114, and are referred to as appropriate in the control in the flowchart described later.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 4, a screen 400 in Fig. 4(a) shows an example of a screen for setting a mode of direct wireless communication. A user such as an administrator can select either an access point mode key 401 or a Wi-Fi Direct mode key 402 as the mode of direct wireless communication.

[0055] In this embodiment, the keys 401 and 402 are set to be exclusive, and it is possible to turn either one of the keys ON. It is also possible to turn both the keys 401 and 402 OFF. When both the keys 401 and 402 are set to OFF, the MFP 101 goes into a mode that prohibits direct wireless communication. On the other hand, when either the key 401 or the key 402 is set to ON, the MFP 101 goes into a mode that permits direct wireless communication.

[0056] When the MFP 101 detects that the key 402 is selected, the screen transitions to a screen for setting the operation mode in the Wi-Fi Direct mode. A screen 410 in Fig. 4(b) is an example of a screen for setting the operation mode in the Wi-Fi Direct mode.

[0057] A user such as an administrator can set whether or not to turn on the Autonomous GO mode. Key 411 and key 412 are mutually exclusive, and it is possible to turn on either one of the keys. When it is detected that OK key 413 has been selected, MFP 101 stores the setting related to the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct set via screen 410 as a network setting, and returns the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to screen 400.

[0058] When the Autonomous GO mode is changed to ON via key 411, the Autonomous GO mode is set as the operation mode of the Wi-Fi Direct mode. When the Autonomous GO mode is changed to OFF via key 412, the negotiation mode is set as the operation mode of the Wi-Fi Direct mode.

[0059] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4(a), cancel key 403 is a key used to discard the settings made via screen 400 and end the settings. OK key 404 is a key used to apply the settings made via screen 400. When it is detected that OK key 404 has been selected, MFP 101 stores the settings related to the direct wireless communication mode made via screen 400 as network settings, and transitions the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to a screen one layer above. The screen one layer above is, for example, a network setting screen not shown.

[0060] 4(a) and (b) are stored in a non-volatile storage area such as the storage 114 and are referred to as appropriate in the control in the flowchart described later. In addition, other network settings can also be set by an administrator or the like via the operation unit 116.

[0061] Next, the network setting according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the items that can be changed in the MFP 101 include a setting 501 as a wireless client. In the present embodiment, the wireless LAN I / F 122 is set to ON, and connection information (such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a password, and an IP address) for connecting to an external AP is set. The setting made via FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) is stored as a setting 502. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the administrator can also set a setting 503, which is an operation setting at power-on, as a setting related to direct wireless communication. When the setting 503 is set to turn on direct wireless communication, the CPU 111 controls the MFP 101 to start up with the direct wireless communication function turned on. On the other hand, when the setting 503 is set to turn off direct wireless communication, the CPU 111 controls the MFP 101 to start up with the direct wireless communication function turned off.

[0062] Moreover, in the setting 504, whether or not to use external cooperation via NFC is set, and in the setting 505, whether or not to use external cooperation via Bluetooth LE is set.

[0063] Next, starting or stopping direct wireless communication will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101 and a transition of the screen.

[0064] A user of the MFP 101 can use each function of the MFP by selecting a key (display item) for using a copy function or a scan function provided in the MFP 101 via a main menu screen (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 116. The main menu provides a mobile link key to be used when linking with a communication terminal 102 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. When the user selects the mobile link key, the MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to a mobile portal screen shown in FIG. 6.

[0065] A user can check, via the mobile portal screen, information when communication terminal 102 and MFP 101 are connected by direct wireless communication. CPU 111 also transitions MFP 101 from a state in which direct wireless communication is stopped to a state in which it is running, or transitions MFP 101 from a state in which it is running to a state in which it is stopped, based on a user operation via operation unit 116.

[0066] A screen 600 in FIG. 6 shows an example of a mobile portal screen displayed on the operation unit 116 in a state where direct wireless communication is stopped. When direct wireless communication is stopped, direct wireless communication cannot be performed, but communication can be performed via the LAN 100 to which the MFP 101 is connected. Information 601 is displayed on the screen 600 as connection information used in communication via the LAN 100. Also, a QR code 603 including connection information such as an IP address for accessing the MFP 101 from the LAN 100 is displayed on the screen 600. A cooperative application installed on the communication terminal 102 reads the QR code 603 using the camera 138 of the communication terminal 102 to acquire the connection information. The cooperative application can communicate with the MFP 101 via the LAN 100 using the acquired connection information. Also, in a state where direct wireless communication is stopped, the MFP 101 controls the connection information provided to an external terminal by NFC or Bluetooth LE so that the connection information includes an IP address for accessing the MFP 101 from the LAN 100. This process enables the MFP 101 to appropriately notify the communication terminal 102 of connection information for accessing the MFP 101 via the LAN 100 using short-range wireless communication.

[0067] Start key 602 is a key used when switching to a state in which direct wireless communication is being executed. MFP 101 can also display the start key in a grayed-out state and disable the start key based on the network settings. Specifically, CPU 111 refers to settings 502 stored in storage 114, and displays start key 602 in a grayed-out state when use of direct connection is prohibited. When CPU 111 detects that start key 602 displayed in a grayed-out state has been selected, it displays a pop-up message such as "Direct wireless communication cannot be used with the current settings. Contact your administrator."

[0068] On the other hand, when the start key 602 is enabled, the CPU 111 starts control related to direct wireless communication based on the network setting described in FIG. 5, based on the user's selection of the start key 602. When the mode of direct wireless communication is set to the "access point mode", the MFP 101 controls the wireless LAN I / F 122 to start the software AP for direct wireless communication. Also, the MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to a confirmation screen for the access point mode. A screen 610 illustrates an example of the confirmation screen for the access point mode. The screen 610 displays information 611 related to the currently activated software AP. The screen 610 also displays a QR code 613 including connection information such as an SSID, a network key, and an IP address. The end key 612 is a key used when stopping the software AP. Based on the user's selection of the end key 612, the MFP 101 stops the activated software AP and transitions to a state in which the direct wireless communication is stopped. When the stop process is completed, the MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to the screen 600.

[0069] The cooperative application installed in the communication terminal 102 reads the QR code 613 using the camera 138 of the communication terminal 102 and acquires connection information. The cooperative application uses the acquired connection information to connect to the software AP and participate in the wireless network provided by the software AP. The cooperative application can also connect to the software AP by having the user input an SSID or a network key. The user can see the information 611 and understand the connection information to be input to the print application. In addition, when the access point mode is started, the CPU 111 also rewrites the NFC connection information and the Bluetooth LE connection information to information for connecting to the software AP for direct wireless communication that is activated by the MFP 101. This process enables the MFP 101 to appropriately notify the communication terminal 102 of the connection information for direct wireless communication by various types of close proximity wireless communication.

[0070] Furthermore, when the direct wireless communication mode is set to "Wi-Fi Direct mode", MFP 101 also differs in control depending on the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct. Specifically, when "Wi-Fi Direct mode" is set and the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct is set to "negotiation mode", MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to screen 620. Furthermore, MFP 101 transitions to an operation mode in which it waits for a Wi-Fi Direct connection request from an external device and searches for surrounding devices compatible with Wi-Fi Direct via operation unit 116.

[0071] Here, when the operation mode is set to the "negotiation mode", whether the MFP 101 becomes GO or the external device becomes GO is determined after the group owner negotiation. Therefore, at the timing of transition to the screen 620, the MFP 101 does not start up the software AP. Therefore, as the connection information displayed on the screen 620, only information 621 indicating a direct name for identifying a device in Wi-Fi Direct is displayed. In this embodiment, the direct name for identifying a device is also called a device name. In addition, the screen 620 displays information 624 indicating that a connection can be started from a device compatible with WiFi Direct and that a search key can be pressed to search for a compatible device in the vicinity from the MFP 101. The direct search key 623 is a key used when the MFP 101 searches for a device compatible with Wi-Fi Direct in the vicinity. When the MFP 101 accepts a connection request for Wi-Fi Direct from an external terminal (for example, the communication terminal 102), the MFP 101 proceeds to group owner negotiation and establishes a communication link for wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct with the external terminal. Moreover, the MFP 101 can transmit a Wi-Fi Direct connection request to an external terminal found by the search, and establish wireless communication.

[0072] Furthermore, when the negotiation mode starts, the CPU 111 also rewrites the NFC connection information and the Bluetooth LE connection information to information indicating the direct name. This process enables the MFP 101 to appropriately notify the communication terminal 102 of the connection information for direct wireless communication by various types of close proximity wireless communication.

[0073] Furthermore, an end key 622 is a key used to stop direct wireless communication that complies with Wi-Fi Direct. When the end key 622 is selected by the user, the MFP 101 stops waiting for Wi-Fi Direct and transitions to a state in which direct wireless communication is stopped.

[0074] Finally, when the "Wi-Fi Direct mode" is set and the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct is set to "Autonomous GO mode", MFP 101 changes the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to screen 630. Furthermore, MFP 101 changes to a mode in which it waits for a Wi-Fi Direct connection request from an external device, and starts up an access point to be used with Wi-Fi Direct.

[0075] Also displayed on screen 630 is information 631 including connection information to the currently running software AP and information indicating a direct name for identifying a device in Wi-Fi Direct. Also displayed on screen 630 is a QR code 633 including connection information such as an SSID, a network key, and a direct name. Also, an end key 632 is a key used when stopping direct wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct.

[0076] The OS of the communication terminal 102 reads the QR code 633 using the camera 138 of the communication terminal 102, and acquires connection information for wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct. The OS uses the acquired connection information to connect to the software AP and participate in the wireless network provided by the software AP. The OS can also establish wireless communication with the software AP found in the search by having the user select a software AP of Wi-Fi Direct found in the search. The user can see the information 631 and know which software AP to select. In addition, when the GO mode is started, the CPU 111 rewrites the NFC connection information and the Bluetooth LE connection information to connection information for connecting to the software AP of Wi-Fi Direct and information including the direct name. This process enables the MFP 101 to appropriately notify the communication terminal 102 of the connection information for direct wireless communication by various types of close proximity wireless communication.

[0077] A specific control method for appropriately differentiating the connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 8 and 10 to 11.

[0078] 7 to 8 and 10 to 11 are flowcharts showing the control of MFP 101. Each operation (step) shown in the flowcharts of Fig. 7 to 8 and 10 to 11 is realized by CPU 111 reading into RAM 113 a program for implementing each control module stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 and executing the program. Note that some of the processing is realized in cooperation with interfaces such as wireless LAN I / F 122, Bluetooth I / F 123, and NFC I / F 124.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of MFP 101 that is executed when power is supplied to MFP 101 and MFP 101 starts up.

[0080] In S701, the CPU 111 executes a startup process. When the startup process of the scanner 118 or the printer 120 progresses to a stage where network settings are made, the CPU 111 advances the process to S702. In S702, the CPU 111 refers to whether or not a setting has been made to turn on direct wireless communication when the power is turned on. The CPU 111 refers to the setting 502 stored in the storage 114, and if a setting has been made to turn on direct wireless communication as the operation setting when the power is turned on, the CPU 111 advances the process to S705. On the other hand, if a setting has been made to turn on direct wireless communication as the operation setting when the power is turned on, the CPU 111 advances the process to S703.

[0081] In step S703, the CPU 111 performs processing for setting cooperation information for infrastructure wireless communication. Specific processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0082] In S801, the CPU 111 acquires connection information for infrastructure connection. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the setting 501 as a wireless client stored in the storage 114, and acquires an IP address as connection information used by the MFP 101 for infrastructure connection. Note that, in the present embodiment, as an example, a case is illustrated in which the wireless client function of the wireless LAN I / F 122 is used to connect to the LAN 100 via an external AP, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case in which the MFP 101 is connected to the LAN 100 via the wired LAN I / F 121. In this case, the CPU 111 acquires the IP address of the MFP 101, which is stored as a setting for the wired LAN (not shown), as connection information.

[0083] In S802, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using NFC has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 504 for whether or not to use external cooperation via NFC, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 504 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S803, and if the setting 504 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S804.

[0084] In S803, the CPU 111 writes tag data to the NFC tag 125 based on the connection information of the infrastructure connection acquired in S801. The CPU 111 writes the connection information of the infrastructure connection to a record of the connection information for handing over to wireless communication. Note that the tag data written here also includes a record of identification information for starting a cooperative application.

[0085] In step S804, the CPU 111 writes blank data to the NFC tag. This process is an exception process performed when a setting is made not to use external cooperation via NFC.

[0086] In S805, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using Bluetooth LE has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 505 for whether or not to use external cooperation via Bluetooth LE, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 505 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S806, and if the setting 505 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S808.

[0087] Next, in S806, the CPU 111 sets a characteristic to be used in GATT (Generic Attributes) communication of Bluetooth LE based on the connection information of the infrastructure connection.

[0088] Here, GATT communication will be described. The MFP 101 of this embodiment includes a GATT server in which a GATT profile for transmitting and receiving data with an external terminal via Bluetooth LE is defined. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining GATT communication, showing an example of a GATT server published by the MFP 101. A status notification service 910 and a Wi-Fi connection information notification service 911 are published in the GATT server.

[0089] Each service has a characteristic defined in a GATT profile. In GATT, a profile and a characteristic have a relationship similar to that of an object-oriented class and a member variable. A status notification service 910 is a service that notifies the status of the MFP. When there is a change in the status of the MFP 101, the CPU 111 writes the status in the value of the characteristic, Status. For example, the state of the MFP, such as whether it is in a sleep state or a normal mode, is written in the characteristic. The communication terminal 102 can read the characteristic of Status to obtain the status of the MFP 101.

[0090] A Wi-Fi connection information notification service 911 is a service for notifying a communication terminal of connection information to the MFP. These services are used as appropriate when wireless communication used between devices is handed over from Bluetooth LE communication to wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11.

[0091] 8, in the process of S806, the CPU 111 appropriately rewrites the characteristic of the Wi-Fi connection information notification service 911 of the GATT server. Specifically, the CPU 111 sets the IP address of the infrastructure connection to the characteristic of the IP address, and sets the other characteristics to NULL. This process enables the communication terminal 102 to set the connection information that can be acquired by Bluetooth LE communication to the IP address of the infrastructure connection.

[0092] Subsequently, in S807, the CPU 111 starts transmitting Bluetooth LE advertising packets in cooperation with the Bluetooth I / F 123. The advertising packets are assumed to be transmitted at intervals of several tens of msec, for example.

[0093] When the communications terminal 102 receives the advertising packet, it transmits a Bluetooth LE connection request to the MFP 101 based on the information included in the advertising packet. The processing of the connection request will be described later with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 11. When Bluetooth LE communication is established by the connection request, it becomes possible for the communications terminal 102 to read and write the characteristics of the GATT server described in Fig. 10. When the transmission of the advertising packet is started, the CPU 111 advances the processing to step S808.

[0094] In S808, the CPU 111 generates a QR code to be used in the infrastructure connection based on the connection information acquired in S801. The generated QR code is displayed, for example, on the screen 600 illustrated in Fig. 6. When the QR code generation process is completed, the process proceeds to S704 in Fig. 7. By the series of processes described in Fig. 8, in a situation where direct wireless communication is not used, the IP address of the infrastructure connection can be set as handover information for various short-range wireless communication.

[0095] 7, in S704, CPU 111 determines whether or not a direct wireless communication start instruction from the user has been received. If a direct wireless communication start instruction from the user has been received, the process proceeds to S705, and if a direct wireless communication start instruction from the user has not been received, the process proceeds to S708. Note that the direct wireless communication start instruction from the user is, for example, pressing direct connection start key 602 on screen 600.

[0096] In S705, CPU 111 performs a process of setting cooperation information for direct wireless communication. A specific process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. In S1001, CPU 111 determines the type of direct wireless communication mode. Specifically, CPU 111 refers to direct wireless communication settings 502 stored in storage 114, and if access point mode is set as the direct wireless communication mode, the process proceeds to S1002. On the other hand, if Wi-Fi Direct mode is set as the direct wireless communication mode, the process proceeds to S1003.

[0097] In S1002, CPU 111 generates connection information including the SSID of the software AP used in the access point mode, a network key, and an IP address for connecting to MFP 101, and proceeds to the process of S1006.

[0098] On the other hand, in S1003, the CPU 111 determines the type of the Wi-Fi Direct mode. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the direct wireless communication setting 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the negotiation mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1004. On the other hand, if the Autonomous GO mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0099] In step S1004, the CPU 111 generates connection information that includes a Wi-Fi Direct name but does not include an SSID or a network key. When operating in the negotiation mode, it is not determined whether the MFP 101 or the peripheral terminal will be the access point for Wi-Fi Direct, so the connection information does not include an SSID or a network key.

[0100] In S1005, the CPU 111 generates connection information including an SSID, a network key, and a direct name. When operating in the Autonomous GO mode, the MFP 101 starts up a software AP as a group owner of Wi-Fi Direct. Therefore, the connection information includes an SSID, a network key, and a direct name for connecting to the software AP.

[0101] In S1006, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using NFC has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 504 for whether or not to use external cooperation via NFC, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 504 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S1007, and if the setting 504 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0102] In S1007, the CPU 111 writes tag data to the NFC tag based on the generated connection information. The CPU 111 writes the generated connection information to a record of the connection information for handing over to wireless communication. Note that the tag data written here includes a record of startup information for starting a cooperative application.

[0103] On the other hand, in step S1008, the CPU 111 writes blank data to the NFC tag. This process is an exception process when a setting is made not to use external cooperation via NFC.

[0104] Next, in S1009, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using Bluetooth LE has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 505 for whether or not to use external cooperation via Bluetooth LE, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 505 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S1010, and if the setting 505 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0105] In S1010, the CPU 111 sets a characteristic to be used in the Bluetooth LE GATT communication based on the generated connection information.

[0106] For example, in the access point mode, the characteristics SSID, KEY, and Direct IP Address are set based on the connection information generated in S1002, and other characteristics are set to NULL. Also, for example, in the Autonomous GO mode, the characteristics SSID, KEY, and Direct Name are set based on the connection information generated in S1005, and other characteristics are set to NULL. Also, for example, in the negotiation mode, the characteristic Direct Name is set based on the connection information generated in S1004, and other characteristics are set to NULL. By the process of S1010, it is possible to provide appropriate connection information according to the operation mode and settings of the direct wireless connection.

[0107] Returning to the description of FIG. 10, in S1011, the CPU 111 cooperates with the Bluetooth I / F 123 to start transmitting a Bluetooth LE advertising packet.

[0108] In S1012, CPU 111 generates a QR code based on the generated connection information. The generated QR code is displayed, for example, on the screen shown in Fig. 6. By the process in Fig. 10, in a situation where direct wireless communication is used, appropriate connection information can be provided according to the settings and operation mode of the direct wireless communication. When the generation of the QR code is completed, CPU 111 advances the process to S706 in Fig. 7.

[0109] Returning to the description of Fig. 7, in S706, CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to start direct wireless communication has been issued by a user operation. If an instruction to start direct wireless communication has been issued by a user operation, the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if an instruction to start direct wireless communication has not been issued by a user operation (for example, if the process proceeds to S705 during startup processing), the process skips S707 and proceeds to S704.

[0110] In S707, CPU 111 displays a connection confirmation screen based on the settings for direct wireless communication. For example, in the case of access point mode, screen 610 described in Fig. 6 is displayed. In the case of Autonomous GO mode, screen 630 described in Fig. 6 is displayed. In the case of negotiation mode, screen 620 described in Fig. 6 is displayed. When the display process is completed, CPU 111 advances the process to S704.

[0111] On the other hand, in S708, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to end direct wireless communication has been received. If an instruction to end direct wireless communication has been received, the process proceeds to S703, and if an instruction to end direct wireless communication has not been received, the process proceeds to S709. In a case where direct wireless communication is stopped by the determination process in S708, it becomes possible to appropriately switch the connection information used in NFC or Bluetooth LE to that for infrastructure connection.

[0112] In S709, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a wireless communication connection request has been received from the communication terminal. If a wireless communication connection request has been received from the external terminal, the process proceeds to S710. If a wireless communication connection request has not been received from the external terminal, the process proceeds to S711.

[0113] In step S710, the CPU 111 executes a connection establishment process based on a connection request from the communication terminal. Specific control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0114] In S1101, CPU 111 determines whether or not a Bluetooth LE connection request has been received from an external terminal. If a communication terminal (for example, communication terminal 102) determines that it has approached (communicated close to) MFP 101 that transmits an advertising packet, it transmits a Bluetooth LE connection request to MFP 101. If CPU 111 has received a Bluetooth LE connection request from an external terminal, it advances the process to S1102, and if it has not received a Bluetooth LE connection request from an external terminal, it advances the process to S1105.

[0115] In S1102, the CPU 111 establishes Bluetooth LE communication with the communication terminal. The communication terminal that has established Bluetooth LE communication with the MFP 101 becomes able to appropriately read and write the characteristics of the GATT server described in FIG.

[0116] In S1103, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a request for wireless LAN connection information has been received from the communication terminal. Specifically, if the CPU 111 receives a request to acquire each characteristic of the Wi-Fi connection information notification service from the communication terminal through GATT communication, the process proceeds to S1104. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 has not received a request to acquire each characteristic of the Wi-Fi connection information notification service from the communication terminal through GATT communication, the process waits for a request from the communication terminal.

[0117] In S1104, the CPU 111 notifies the connection information using GATT communication as a response to the request received in S1103. The communication terminal (e.g., the communication terminal 102) that has received the connection information attempts handover to a wireless LAN (wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11) based on the received connection information.

[0118] Next, a connection request for direct wireless communication will be described. In S1105, the CPU 111 judges whether or not a connection request for establishing direct wireless communication has been received from the communication terminal. If a connection request for establishing direct wireless communication has been received from the communication terminal, the process proceeds to S1106. If a connection request for establishing direct wireless communication has not been received from the communication terminal, the series of establishment processes is terminated and the process returns to S704 in FIG. 7.

[0119] In S1106, the CPU 111 determines the type of the direct wireless communication mode. If the direct wireless communication mode is the access point mode, the process proceeds to S1108, and if the direct wireless communication mode is the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1109.

[0120] In S1108, the CPU 111 establishes direct wireless communication with the communication terminal that transmitted the connection request, and assigns an IP address to the communication terminal. When the assignment is complete, the series of connection establishment processes ends, and the process returns to S704.

[0121] In S1109, the CPU 111 determines the type of the Wi-Fi Direct mode. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the direct wireless communication setting 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the negotiation mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1110. On the other hand, if the Autonomous GO mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1112.

[0122] In S1110, based on the received connection request for establishing direct wireless communication, CPU 111 performs group owner negotiation with the communication terminal that received the connection request to determine which one will act as the GO. If it is determined that MFP 101 will act as the GO, CPU 111 starts the software AP. On the other hand, if it is determined that a communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102) will act as the GO, CPU 111 transmits connection information to the communication terminal.

[0123] In S1111, CPU 111 establishes direct wireless communication with the communication terminal using Wi-Fi Direct. When MFP 101 operates as a GO, it establishes communication with the communication terminal and assigns an IP address to the communication terminal. On the other hand, when the communication terminal operates as a GO, CPU 111 transmits a connection request to the communication terminal based on the connection information received from the communication terminal. The communication terminal that receives the connection request establishes direct wireless communication with MFP 101 and assigns an IP address to MFP 101. When direct wireless communication is established between MFP 101 and the communication terminal, the series of connection establishment processes ends, and the process returns to S704.

[0124] In S1112, the CPU 111 establishes direct wireless communication with the communication terminal by Wi-Fi Direct, and assigns an IP address to the communication terminal. When the assignment is completed, the series of connection establishment processes ends, and the process returns to S704.

[0125] 7, in S711, the CPU 111 determines whether or not other instructions or data have been received. If other instructions or data have been received, the process proceeds to S712, and if other instructions or data have not been received, the process proceeds to S713.

[0126] In S712, the CPU 111 executes processing based on other instructions and data. For example, it executes processing of a copy function for printing an image obtained by reading an original on a sheet. Also, when print data is received, it executes printing for printing an image on a sheet based on the print data. Note that the other processing is performed based on a user operation via the operation unit 116, or based on an instruction received from a cooperative application or the like. When the other processing is completed, it returns to S704.

[0127] In S713, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to turn off the power has been received. If an instruction to turn off the power has been received, the process proceeds to S714, and if an instruction to turn off the power has not been received, the process returns to S704. In S714, the CPU 111 performs a shutdown process of the MFP 101, and ends the series of processes.

[0128] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately vary the connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on the settings and status related to wireless communication of the MFP 101.

[0129] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication is appropriately changed based on the settings and operation mode related to wireless communication of the MFP 101. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, when the MFP 101 is operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, the connection information provided to an external device using short-range wireless communication is set to the connection information of an infrastructure connection.

[0130] When establishing direct wireless communication in the Wi-Fi Direct mode, a screen for selecting whether or not to permit direct connection may be displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101 or the operation unit 136 of the communication terminal 102. There are cases where it is troublesome for the user to permit from these screens. In addition, if the user mistakenly selects connection refusal on the screen or is unable to connect due to a timeout, the user must retry the connection request, which is troublesome. In view of this, in this embodiment, when operating in the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the connection information provided to the external device using short-range wireless communication is set as connection information of infrastructure connection. As a result, if the communication terminal 102 or the like is in a state where it can access the LAN 100, it becomes possible to receive the connection information by short-range wireless communication and communicate with the MFP 101 via the LAN 100.

[0131] In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the device that is the premise is the same as that of the first embodiment, and detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0132] The CPU 111 executes the flowchart of Fig. 12 instead of the process of S705 of Fig. 7 in the first embodiment. The processes of S1201 to S1203 and S1205 are similar to the processes of S1001 to S1003 and S1005 of Fig. 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] If the Wi-Fi Direct mode is the negotiation mode, in S1204, the CPU 111 generates connection information including an IP address of the infrastructure connection, and the process proceeds to S1006 in Fig. 10. Note that the control from S1006 onwards is the same as the process in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] This process enables the connection information provided to the external device using short-range wireless communication to be infrastructure connection information in the negotiation mode. As a result, if the communication terminal 102 or the like is in a state where it can access the LAN 100, it becomes possible to receive the connection information by short-range wireless communication and communicate with the MFP 101 via the LAN 100.

[0135] Fig. 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 116 in the second embodiment, instead of the screens 620 and 630 in Fig. 6 described in the first embodiment. A screen 1320 in Fig. 13(a) shows an example of a screen displayed in place of the screen 620 that displays connection information in the negotiation mode. Also, a screen 1330 in Fig. 13(b) shows an example of a screen displayed in place of the screen 620 that displays connection information in the Autonomous Go mode.

[0136] In addition to the display items of screen 620, screen 1320 displays information 1325 indicating that a device participating in the same network can connect to MFP 101 using NFC or Bluetooth LE. Also, information 1326 indicating an IP address for accessing MFP 101 via LAN 100 is displayed as connection information related to infrastructure connection. Also, screen 1330 displays information 1335 which is similar to information 1325, and information 1336 which is similar to information 1326. These displays make it possible to properly notify the user that communication terminal 102 needs to participate in the same network in order to perform handover by short-range wireless communication when MFP 101 is operating in Wi-Fi Directo mode.

[0137] <Modification> In the second embodiment, the case where the connection information of the infrastructure connection is provided by short-range wireless communication in the Wi-Fi Direct mode is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, even when operating in the Autonomous GO mode of Wi-Fi Direct, the connection information (SSID, key) for accessing the software AP may be provided by short-range wireless communication without including the direct name. This is based on the fact that the software AP started for Wi-Fi Direct can be connected without using the connection procedure of Wi-Fi Direct. If the communication terminal 102 can know the SSID and key for connecting to the software AP started by the MFP 101, it can also connect to the Wi-Fi Direct access point by the procedure for connecting to a normal access point. In this case, even when operating in the Wi-Fi Direct mode, if the CPU 111 operates in the Autonomous GO mode, it is sufficient to provide the external terminal with the same connection information as in S1202 by short-range wireless communication. Specifically, if it is determined in S1203 that the mode is the Autonomous GO mode, the process proceeds to S1202. In this case, information such as "You can connect directly to the MFP 101 using NFC and Bluetooth LE" is displayed instead of information 1335 on the screen 1330. Also, infrastructure connection information shown as information 1336 is not displayed because it is not necessary for connecting to the software AP of the MFP 101.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the GATT communication is used as an example of a method for notifying an external terminal of connection information using Bluetooth LE, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, connection information for handover may be included in a Bluetooth LE advertising packet.

[0139] <Other embodiments> In this embodiment, the access point mode and the Wi-Fi Direct mode are exemplified as examples of the direct wireless communication mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, consider a case where the MFP 101 supports a direct wireless communication mode (for the sake of explanation, the Wi-Fi Aware mode) that complies with Wi-Fi Aware (registered trademark). In this case, when the MFP 101 operates in the Wi-Fi Aware mode, connection information required for connection in the Wi-Fi Aware mode may be set as connection information to be notified by short-range wireless communication.

[0140] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of each of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC or FPGA) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 101 MFP 102 Communication terminal 111 CPU 114 Storage 123 Bluetooth I / F 124 NFC Interface< / mfp>

Claims

1. An information processing device having a direct wireless communication function for directly wirelessly communicating with a counterpart device without going through an external access point, a first display control means for displaying a first screen including a first two-dimensional code including an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device; a second display control means for displaying a second screen, which is a screen including a second two-dimensional code including an IP address and a predetermined area which is an area related to the first two-dimensional code but is controlled so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed, and which is a screen different from the first screen; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. The second screen, which is a screen including the predetermined area, is displayed based on the contents of a network setting of the information processing device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. Depending on an area related to the first two-dimensional code that is not controlled so as to disable direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code, the area is controlled so as to enable direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. When an area relating to the first two-dimensional code that is not controlled so as to prevent direct wireless communication with the information processing device via the first two-dimensional code is selected, the first screen including the first two-dimensional code is displayed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. Even if the predetermined area controlled so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed is selected, the first screen including the first two-dimensional code is not displayed.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

6. When the specified area controlled so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed is selected, a pop-up is displayed indicating that direct wireless communication with the information processing device cannot be performed.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

7. The predetermined area is controlled to be grayed out so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

8. An operating means for operating a function as an access point corresponding to the SSID and the network key while the first screen is displayed; Further comprising 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

9. An information processing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that the first screen is displayed and the function as the access point is operated based on an operation on a screen displayed on the information processing device.

10. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first screen is being displayed, the display is switched from the first screen to the second screen.

11. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that when a user operation on the display screen is accepted while the second screen is being displayed, the display is switched from the second screen to the first screen.

12. A third display control means for displaying a third screen, the third screen being different from the first screen and the second screen and on which an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device are displayed; 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

13. The information processing device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first screen and the third screen include different wording, and the different wording is different from the SSID and the network key.

14. An information processing device as described in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the third screen includes a message prompting the user to perform a connection operation from a corresponding device.

15. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the third screen includes a message prompting a connection operation on the other device.

16. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the direct wireless communication is communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

17. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the direct wireless communication is communication that does not comply with Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

18. An information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the direct wireless communication is wireless LAN communication.

19. The information processing device according to claim 18, characterized in that the information processing device communicates image data with a partner device via the wireless LAN communication.

20. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the first screen and the second screen contains a message prompting a connection operation on the other device.

21. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at least one of the first screen and the second screen includes a message prompting the user to perform a connection operation from a corresponding device.

22. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the information processing device performs direct wireless communication with the other device based on information contained in the first screen or the second screen.

23. The information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the information processing device is any one of a scanner, a printer, a 3D printer, a terminal of a remote conferencing system, a car navigation device, an interactive whiteboard, a digital signage, a content delivery terminal, and a home appliance device.

24. A method for controlling an information processing device having a direct wireless communication function for directly wirelessly communicating with a counterpart device without going through an external access point, comprising: a first display control step of displaying a first screen including a first two-dimensional code including an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device; a second display control step of displaying a second screen, which is a screen including a second two-dimensional code including an IP address and a predetermined area which is an area related to the first two-dimensional code but is controlled so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed, and which is a screen different from the first screen; A control method comprising the steps of:

25. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of an information processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

Images