Communication device, method for the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication device and the like that improve convenience in connecting the communication device and an access point to each other.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: detection means that detects access points different from the communication device; display means that displays a list of the detected access points; receiving means that receives selection of an access point from the displayed list; first execution means that executes first communication for establishing wireless connection by a predetermined connection method between the communication device and the access point the selection of which has been received, by at least one of a device provisioning protocol (DPP) and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) between an information processing apparatus and the communication device; and notification means that, when the access point the selection of which has been received by the receiving means is an access point corresponding to the first communication, notifies a user that the first execution means can execute the first communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology in which an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) transmits information about an access point to a communication device such as a printer, and connects the communication device to the access point. Patent Document 1 describes a method for connecting a communication device to an access point. If the communication device and the access point are compatible with a function called WEC (Wi-Fi Easy Connect) (registered trademark) established by the Wi-Fi Alliance, the communication device can be connected to an access point forming a network using DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol). In WEC, QR Code (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC (Near Field Communication), etc. are given as a means of bootstrapping that triggers the transmission and reception of network information, and communication is started by providing a public key to a device that is a communication partner. Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe a method for connecting a communication device to an information processing device using DPP. Patent Document 4 describes a method for receiving information from a communication partner by BLE. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2015-023441 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication 2019-193120 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication 2019-180036 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2020-197419 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a demand for improved convenience when connecting a communication device to an access point.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience when connecting a communication device to an access point. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the communication device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a detection means for detecting an access point different from the communication device, a display means for displaying a list of the access points detected by the detection means, a reception means for accepting a selection of the access point from the list displayed by the display means, a first execution means for executing a first communication for establishing a wireless connection between the access point whose selection has been accepted by the acceptance means and the communication device using a predetermined connection method, between an information processing device and the communication device, using at least one of Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and a notification means for notifying that the first communication can be executed by the first execution means if the access point whose selection has been accepted by the acceptance means is an access point corresponding to the first communication. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience when connecting a communication device to an access point. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of an information processing device and a communication device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a network setup. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a network setup. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a WEC start screen displayed on the information processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network setting UI displayed on the communication device. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network setting UI displayed on the communication device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network setting UI displayed on the communication device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network setting UI displayed on the communication device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of the communication device. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of the communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] First Embodiment The information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 included in the communication system of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing device 101, but is not limited thereto. For example, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), and a digital camera can be applied as the information processing device 101. In addition, in the present embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the communication device 151, but is not limited thereto, and various devices can be applied as long as they are capable of wireless communication with the information processing device 101. For example, the communication device 151 can be applied to an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, and the like as a printer. In addition, the communication device 151 can be applied to not only printers but also copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like. In addition, the communication device 151 can be applied to a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copy function, a FAX function, and a print function.

[0011] In addition, in this embodiment, the information processing device 101 can execute a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark) if the function is supported. WEC is a function that executes network setup of other devices using Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter, DPP) established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Specifically, the network setup of other devices is a process of connecting other devices to an access point that forms a network. In WEC, communication is performed between a device that operates in the role of "Configurator" (hereinafter, Configurator device) and a device that operates in the role of "Enrollee" (hereinafter, Enrollee device). In this embodiment, the Configurator device is an Initiator in the DPP, and the Enrollee device is a Responder in the DPP. The Configurator device acquires Bootstrapping information from the Enrollee device. The Bootstrapping information can be acquired by, for example, a method using a QR code, BLE, NFC, or other communication. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information (such as a MAC address) of the Enrollee device and public key information used for secure communication with the Enrollee device. In this embodiment, the bootstrap information will be described as “WEC-related information.” Note that other information may also be treated as WEC-related information.

[0012] The Configurator device then uses the acquired Bootstrapping information to perform wireless communication with the Enrollee device. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device multiplies the bootstrapping public key Br included in the Bootstrapping information by a temporarily generated ephemeral private key pi to generate a shared secret k1. The Configurator device also transmits a DPP Authentication request including an ephemeral public key Pi, which is a pair of the ephemeral private key pi, to the Enrollee device. The Enrollee device that receives the request multiplies the bootstrapping private key br, which is a pair of the bootstrapping public key Br, by the received ephemeral public key Pi to derive k1. Through this process, the Configurator device and the Enrollee device share the shared secret k1. This process corresponds to sharing an encryption key based on the Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key agreement (ECDH) method.

[0013] The Enrollee device also multiplies the received ephemeral public key Pi by the ephemeral private key pr held by the Enrollee device to derive the shared secret k2. Then, the Enrollee device sends a DPP Authentication Response including the ephemeral public key Pr that pairs with the ephemeral private key pr to the Configurator device. The Configurator device generates the shared secret k2 using the received ephemeral public key Pr and the ephemeral private key pi held by the Configurator device. This process corresponds to key agreement based on the Ephemeral Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key agreement (ECDHE) method, in which encryption keys are shared using public and private keys that are temporarily generated by each party.

[0014] Finally, the Configurator device and Enrollee device, which share k1 and k2, input k1 and k2 as input parameters to a key derivation function to derive a common key ke to be used in DPP communication.

[0015] Thereafter, the DPP Configuration process is executed using the common key ke shared between the two. Specifically, the Enrollee device sends a DPP Configuration request to the Configurator device. The contents of this request are encrypted with the common key ke. The Configurator device that receives this request sends a DPP Configuration response to the Enrollee device that includes information about the access point selected by the user. The access point information is the access point's Service Set Identifier (SSID) (hereinafter referred to as SSID) and the access point's password. Upon receiving the response, the Enrollee device decrypts the contents of the response using ke to obtain the access point information. Finally, the Enrollee device establishes a wireless connection with the access point based on the access point information obtained from the decryption.

[0016] In the network setup process by WEC in this embodiment, the information processing device 101 compatible with WEC operates as a Configurator device, and the communication device 151 compatible with WEC operates as an Enrollee device.

[0017] In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can execute a function called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter, WPS) (registered trademark) if the communication device 151 supports the function. WPS is a function established by the Wi-Fi Alliance that executes network setup using a push button or a PIN code.

[0018] First, the configurations of an information processing device 101 of this embodiment and a communication device 151 capable of communicating with the information processing device 101 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 1. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with the communication device 151 and is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1.

[0019] <Configuration of information processing device> The information processing device 101 is an information processing device of this embodiment. The information processing device 101 has an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, an operation unit 109, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, an image capturing unit 112, etc. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the information processing device 101.

[0020] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user by operating an operation unit 109 such as a keyboard. Note that the operation unit 109 may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or may be a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 108. That is, the input interface 102 may receive input (operation) from the user via the display unit 108. Also, the operation unit 109 may receive input (operation) from the user via the imaging unit 112. That is, the input interface 102 may receive input (operation) from the user via the imaging unit 112.

[0021] The CPU 103 is a system control unit, and controls the entire information processing device 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0022] The RAM 105 is composed of a static random access memory (SRAM) that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing the data. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0023] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter, a setting application) for executing network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is an application program for setting an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected by a WEC or the like. The setting application may have functions other than the network setup function. For example, the setting application may have a function for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function for causing a document set in the communication device 151 to be scanned, a function for checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server, for example, by Internet communication via the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission / reception control program, transmitted / received between the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

[0024] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101.

[0025] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to a device such as the communication device 151 or the access point 131 to execute data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can be connected to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. When the communication unit 110 is connected to the access point in the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may directly communicate with the communication device 151 by wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device that exists outside the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) that exists outside the information processing device 101 and outside the communication device 151, and a device other than the access point 131 that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. The above-mentioned WEC may be executed through communication by the communication unit 110. Furthermore, the access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router.

[0026] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to wirelessly connect to a device such as the communication device 151 at a short distance and execute data communication, and communicates by a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151. Examples of the communication method include Near Field Communication (hereinafter, NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter, BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0027] The photographing unit 112 operates when a photographing function is executed by an application running on the information processing device 101. When the photographing function is executed by the application, for example, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and displayed on the display unit 108 as a live view. Here, when a photographing operation is executed by the application, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and stored in the RAM 105 as a photographed image. Furthermore, when a code acquisition function is executed by the application, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and analyzed as a code, and various information included in the code is acquired. Furthermore, when a gesture recognition function is executed by the application, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and analyzed as a code, and various information included in the code is acquired. The code may be, for example, a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0028] In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 101 executes the WEC using the functions of the OS of the information processing apparatus 101, based on an instruction to execute a network setup process by the setting application.

[0029] <Communication device configuration> The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, and a short-range wireless communication unit 157. The ROM 152, the RAM 153, the CPU 154, and the like form a computer for the communication device 151.

[0030] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0031] The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the communication device 151 and management data for the communication device 151. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and stores various information and a reception buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101 or the like. The communication device 151 may be equipped with a memory such as an external HDD or SD card as an optional device, and the information to be stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0032] The CPU 154 is a system control unit, and controls the entire communication device 151. The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink based on information stored in the RAM 153 and a print job received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs the print result. Generally, since the amount of data of a print job transmitted from the information processing device 101, etc. is large, it is required to use a communication method capable of high-speed communication for communication of the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via a communication unit 156 capable of communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0033] The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to a device such as the information processing device 101 as an access point inside the communication device 151. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. The communication unit 156 enables the access point, so that the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may wirelessly connect directly to the information processing device 101, or may wirelessly connect via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. If the communication device 151 supports WEC, the above-mentioned WEC is executed by communication by the communication unit 156. Furthermore, the communication unit 156 may be provided with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software for functioning as an access point.

[0034] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is a component for wirelessly connecting to a device such as the information processing device 101 at a short distance, and can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the information processing device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0035] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user by operating an operation unit 159 such as a physical button. The operation unit may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 161. That is, the input interface 158 may receive input from the user via the display unit 161. The output interface 160 is an interface for controlling the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151.

[0036] Display unit 161 is configured with an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays data and notifies the status of communication device 151. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which operation unit 159 and display unit 161 are configured as an operation display unit made up of a touch panel display.

[0037] Furthermore, communication device 151 includes a barcode generation control unit. Although not shown, the barcode generation control unit is realized, for example, by CPU 154 executing a program. The barcode generation control unit generates code information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and a QR code, and controls display unit 161 to display the generated code information. The barcode generation control unit causes display unit 161 to display a QR code or the like that encodes information required for setting communication parameters. Display unit 161 may be configured to display soft buttons or the like as an input interface for a user.

[0038] The communication device 151 of this embodiment can operate in an infrastructure mode, a P2P (Peer to Peer) mode, etc., as a mode for performing communication using the communication unit 156. The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 via an external access point (for example, the access point 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in the infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 operates as a child station, and the external access point operates as a parent station. In this embodiment, the parent station is a device that determines a communication channel to be used in a network to which the parent station belongs, and the child station is a device that does not determine a communication channel to be used in a network to which the child station belongs, but uses a communication channel determined by the parent station.

[0039] In infrastructure connection, each device searches for an external access point (e.g., access point 131) using a device search command. When an external access point is searched for, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of a wireless connection, etc.) is performed between the device and the external access point, and then IP connection processing (assignment of an IP address, etc.) is performed. Note that commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an external access point may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0040] When the communication device 151 has established an infrastructure connection and the information processing device 101 has also established an infrastructure connection with the access point 131, communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 via the access point 131 is possible. Since the channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the access point 131, the communication device 151 executes communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the access point 131. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Note that the communication device 151 is also capable of using a channel corresponding to the DFS band of the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Note that, in order to communicate with the communication device 151 via the access point 131, the information processing device 101 needs to recognize that the communication device 151 belongs to a network formed by the access point 131 and to which the information processing device 101 belongs.

[0041] The P2P mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 directly communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 without going through an external device (for example, the access point 131) that forms a network. In this embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point that is enabled in the communication device 151 in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. Note that the P2P mode may include, for example, a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates by Wi-Fi Direct (hereinafter, WFD). Note that which of a plurality of WFD-compatible devices operates as a parent station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. Note that the parent station may be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A device that is a WFD-compatible device and plays the role of a parent station is particularly called a Group Owner. A direct connection with another device established by the communication device 151 operating in the P2P mode is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in the direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a parent station, and the other device operates as a child station. In the direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a parent station, so that the communication device 151 can determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can use a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct connection mode.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode. A trigger for communication device 151 to start operating in the network setup mode may be, for example, a user pressing a network setup mode button. A trigger for communication device 151 to start operating in the network setup mode may be, for example, communication device 151 being started up (powered ON) for the first time after arrival. The network setup mode button may be a hard button provided in communication device 151, or may be a soft button displayed on display unit 161 by communication device 151.

[0043] When the communication device 151 operates in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates as a setup access point that is valid during operation in the network setup mode by using the communication unit 156. The setup access point is an access point that is different from the access point that is enabled in the AP mode described above. The SSID of the setup access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by the setting application of the information processing device 101. The setup access point is an access point that does not require a password as authentication information for connection. The communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. A specific example of the setup communication protocol is Simple Network Management Protocol (hereinafter, SNMP). Another specific example of the setup communication protocol is Hypertext Transfer Protocol (hereinafter, HTTP). After starting operation in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in the network setup mode and disables the setup access point when a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password as described above, and if it is enabled for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that an inappropriate device will request connection. The setup access point may be an access point that requires a password as authentication information. In that case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (that cannot be changed by the user) that is known in advance by the setting application.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for executing network setup of communication device 151 using a communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol. In this embodiment, the communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol is the above-mentioned DPP, and this mode is referred to as a DPP standby mode. When communication device 151 is operating in the DPP standby mode and a network setup request by DPP is received from information processing device 101, network setup by DPP is executed. Therefore, the DPP standby mode is, in other words, a mode in which the communication device waits for a network setup request by DPP.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for executing network setup of communication device 151 in a method other than the method using a setup communication protocol or the method using DPP. In this embodiment, the method other than the method using a setup communication protocol or the method using DPP is the above-mentioned WPS, and this mode is referred to as WPS mode. When communication device 151 is operating in WPS mode, it is possible to execute network setup with an external access point using WPS.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for executing network setup of communication device 151 in a method other than the method using a setup communication protocol, the method using DPP, or the method using WPS. In this embodiment, the method other than the method using a setup communication protocol, the method using DPP, or the method using WPS is a method of inputting a password. This method makes it possible to execute network setup with an external access point (e.g., access point 131) by inputting a password for connecting to the access point into communication device 151.

[0047] However, there is a demand for further improving the convenience when connecting the communication device 151 and the access point 131. In this embodiment, a configuration for improving the convenience when connecting the communication device 151 and the access point 131 will be described.

[0048] The communication device 151 in this embodiment detects an access point other than the communication device 151, and displays a list of the detected access points. The communication device 151 also accepts a user's selection from the displayed list of access points. The communication device 151 is capable of communication with the access point 131 that has accepted the user's selection to establish a wireless connection in a predetermined connection method. If the access point 131 that has accepted the user's selection is an access point that supports communication to establish a wireless connection in a predetermined connection method, the communication device 151 notifies the user that the access point 131 can execute this communication.

[0049] With this configuration, when connecting communication device 151 to access point 131, the user can know the communication method executable by access point 131. This can improve the convenience when connecting communication device 151 to access point 131.

[0050] <Network setup> First, the process of network setup executed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The process of Figures 2 and 3 is realized by the CPU of each device reading out a program stored in the ROM or an external storage device of each device into the RAM of each device and executing the program.

[0051] <Network setting method using network setup mode> First, refer to Fig. 2. In S200, the communication device 151 starts the network setup mode. The trigger for starting the network setup mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or may be reception of a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. The trigger for the information processing device 101 to transmit a specific signal to the communication device 151 may be a user operation via the input interface 102, or may be detection of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 approaching within a specific range. When the network setup mode of the communication device 151 is started, the information processing device 101 connects to a setup access point, and communication by a setup communication protocol becomes possible.

[0052] Next, in S201, the communication device 151 acquires network setup information from the information processing device 101. In this process, the network setup information acquired by the communication device 151 from the information processing device 101 includes at least one of information indicating whether the information processing device 101 supports WEC (WEC compatibility information), information indicating the SSID, authentication method, and encryption method of the access point, and the like.

[0053] Also, in S201, the information processing device 101 acquires network setup information from the communication device 151. The network setup information acquired by the information processing device 101 from the communication device 151 includes information indicating whether the communication device 151 supports WEC, information on a security method supported by the communication device 151, information on a setup method supported by the communication device 151, and the like. For example, the information processing device 101 may acquire the network setup information by requesting the network setup information from the communication device 151 based on a user pressing a setup start button or the like of a setting application. Also, the information processing device 101 may request the network setup information from the communication device 151 using a function of the OS.

[0054] Note that the network setup information obtained by the information processing apparatus 101 from the communication apparatus 151 may include connection information (such as SSID and password) of an access point enabled in the AP mode within the communication apparatus 151. Further, the information processing apparatus 101 may obtain the network setup information from the communication apparatus 151 using short-range wireless communication such as NFC or BLE. Note that the content of the network setup information varies depending on the model, model number, etc. of the communication apparatus 151 and the region.

[0055] Next, in S202, the information processing apparatus 101 selects whether to perform the network setup in the WEC method or in a method using the setup communication protocol, using the network setup information acquired in S201. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 101 selects the WEC method when the security method used in the connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the access point 131 is the WEC method and the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 support WEC. Otherwise, a method using the setup communication protocol is selected. In the present embodiment, the WEC method is a communication method corresponding to the WEC standard. To support WEC is, in other words, to support DPP. Note that security methods corresponding to WEC are, for example, WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, WPA2-EAP, WPA3-EAP, etc. Further, security methods not corresponding to WEC are, for example, WPA-PSK, Open (no encryption), Open (WEP-Open), Shared Key authentication (WEP-Shared), etc. Note that the information processing apparatus 101 may determine whether the communication apparatus 151 supports WEC based on information previously held by the setting application.

[0056] In S202, when the WEC method is selected as the network setup method by the information processing apparatus 101, the process proceeds to S203. On the other hand, when a method using the setup communication protocol is selected, the process proceeds to S209.

[0057] <Network Setup in WEC Method> The network setup of the WEC method will be described below. It is assumed that DPP is used for communication executed in the network setup of the WEC method. In S203, the communication device 151 starts the DPP standby mode. The trigger for starting the DPP standby mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or may be reception of a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. In addition, the trigger for the information processing device 101 to transmit a specific signal to the communication device 151 may be a user operation via the input interface 102, or may be detection of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 approaching within a specific range. Specific examples of receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101 include reception of a specific BLE beacon and reception of a specific wireless LAN communication. When the DPP standby mode is started by the communication device 151, it becomes possible to read WEC-related information. For example, when a QR code is used for Bootstrapping shown in S204, the communication device 151 generates a QR code based on the WEC-related information and displays it on the display unit 161.

[0058] In S204, the information processing device 101 acquires WEC-related information by bootstrapping. For example, when a QR code is used for bootstrapping, the information processing device 101 executes a QR code capturing function in the setting application. In the QR code capturing function, a QR code is captured using the capturing unit 112, and the QR code is analyzed from the captured image. This allows the setting application to acquire the WEC-related information included in the QR code.

[0059] In S205, the information processing device 101 starts WEC using the DPP by using a function of the OS. Specifically, for example, when the information processing device 101 is connected to a setup access point of the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 disconnects the connection and re-establishes a connection with the access point 131. Next, the information processing device 101 starts the WEC application by issuing an instruction to start the WEC application from the setting application to the OS. As a result, the WEC application runs in the foreground and the setting application runs in the background. Note that, for example, the execution of the instruction corresponds to an instruction to run WEC. As a result, the information processing device 101 displays a WEC start screen by the WEC application. Note that the WEC application is a program pre-installed in the information processing device 101 and is provided by the OS vendor of the information processing device 101. In addition, when the WEC application is started, WEC-related information acquired by the setting application is provided to the WEC application.

[0060] FIG. 4(a) is referred to. FIG. 4(a) is an example of a WEC start screen 300 displayed by a WEC application. Areas 301 to 303 are displayed on the WEC start screen 300. The area 301 is an area for changing an access point set as a setting target by WEC. Note that before the area 301 is operated by a user, the access point set as a setting target by WEC is an access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. When the area 301 is selected by a user, the information processing device 101 displays a list of access points and newly sets the access point selected by the user from the list as a setting target by WEC. Note that the list of access points includes the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 has previously connected. The area 302 is an area for canceling the execution of WEC, and the area 303 is an area for instructing the execution of WEC. When the area 302 is operated by a user, the information processing device 101 ends the processing of FIG. 2. Furthermore, if the area 303 is pressed, the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds to S206.

[0061] Referring again to Fig. 2, in S205, the application for WEC executes the API for WEC using WEC-related information and information about the access point 131 that is set as a target for configuration by WEC, thereby instructing the OS to execute WEC.

[0062] In S206, a process called DPP Authentication is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by a function of the OS. In DPP Authentication, authentication information, information used for encrypting information, and the like are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, thereby authenticating communication between the devices. Note that various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 in communication in DPP Authentication is encrypted based on WEC-related information acquired by the information processing device 101 from the communication device 151. In DPP Authentication, specifically, first, the information processing device 101 transmits an Authentication Request as a network setup request by DPP. Next, the communication device 151 operating in a DPP standby mode receives the Request transmitted from the information processing device 101, since the communication device 151 operates in a DPP standby mode that is a mode for waiting for an Authentication Request. The communication device 151 that has received the Authentication Request attempts to decrypt the received Request using a decryption key that it currently has. If the decryption is successful, the communications device 151 transmits an authentication response to the information processing device 101 and authenticates communication with the information processing device 101. If the information processing device 101 is unable to acquire accurate WEC-related information and is unable to encrypt information accurately, decryption in the communications device 151 fails, authentication fails, and an authentication response is not transmitted. DPP authentication is completed when the information processing device 101 receives the authentication response. In DPP authentication, communication is performed using DPP.

[0063] Next, in S207, a process called DPP Configuration is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by a function of the OS. In the DPP Configuration, the information processing device 101 transmits connection information for connecting to the access point 131 set as a setting target by the WEC to the communication device 151 by the WEC. Note that the connection information includes at least one of information indicating the SSID, password, authentication method, encryption method, and certificate of the access point 131 set as a setting target by the WEC. The password transmitted at this time is information input by the user on a screen displayed by an application compatible with the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point 131 is established. The password is information held by the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point 131 is established. The password is information that is not held by the setting application. The password transmitted at this time is information already held by the OS, and since the DPP Configuration is a process executed by the OS, it is not necessary for the user to newly input the password on the screen displayed by the setting application. By transmitting network setting information by WEC as in this embodiment, it is possible to transmit network setting information for connecting to an access point through secure communication to communication device 151 without receiving a new password input from the user on the screen displayed by the setting application and without receiving a certificate registration from the user to communication device 151. Note that in the DPP Configuration, communication is also performed using DPP.

[0064] In S208, the communication apparatus 151 ends the DPP standby mode in response to the completion of the DPP Configuration, and proceeds to S211.

[0065] In this embodiment, communication in DPP Authentication and DPP Configuration is performed by each device transmitting a beacon. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 receives a beacon transmitted from the information processing device 101 in DPP Authentication and DPP Configuration via a network interface for infrastructure connection.

[0066] <Network setup using setup communication protocol> The network setup of the setup communication protocol method will be described below. It is assumed that the setup communication protocol is used for communication executed in the network setup of the setup communication protocol method. In S209, the information processing device 101 starts the network setup using the setup communication protocol. Refer to FIG. 4(b). FIG. 4(b) is an example of a network setup start screen displayed by a setting application. Areas 311 to 314 are displayed on the network setup start screen 310. The area 311 is an area for changing the access point set as the setting target by the network setup. Note that before the area 311 is operated, the access point set as the setting target by the network setup is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. When the area 311 is selected, the information processing device 101 displays a list of access points and newly sets the access point selected by the user from the list as the setting target by the network setup. It is assumed that the list of access points includes the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 has been connected. The area 312 is an area for inputting the password of the access point set as the setting target. Note that, if the setting application can use a password held by the OS, area 312 does not need to be displayed. Area 313 is an area for canceling the execution of network setup, and area 314 is an area for instructing the execution of network setup. When area 313 is operated, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in Fig. 2. Also, when area 314 is pressed, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S210.

[0067] 2 again. In S210, the information processing device 101 transmits network setting information for connecting to the access point 131 set as a setting target by network setup to the communication device 151 by using a setup communication protocol. The network setting information includes at least one of information indicating the SSID, password, authentication method, and encryption method of the access point set as a setting target by network setup. The password transmitted at this time is information input by the user on a screen displayed by an application compatible with the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point 131 is established. The password is information held by the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point 131 is established. For example, if the password held by the OS cannot be used by the setting application, the user needs to newly input a password on a screen displayed by the setting application.

[0068] In S211, the communication device 151 stops the network setup mode based on the fact that the network setting information has been acquired in S207 or S210, and proceeds to S212.

[0069] In S212, the communication device 151 attempts to change the network settings corresponding to the network setting information acquired in S207 or S210, using the network setting information acquired in S207 or S210. If the network setting information includes connection information of the access point 131, the communication device 151 attempts to connect to the access point 131 corresponding to the connection information. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151 can thereafter perform communication via the network formed by the connected access point 131. Note that the communication via the network formed by the access point 131 is performed by a protocol different from DPP. Examples of protocols different from DPP include Port9100, SNMP, HTTP, and a protocol unique to the vendor of the communication device 151.

[0070] The communication device 151 may transmit to the information processing device 101 information indicating whether or not a connection with the access point 131 corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC has been successful. Furthermore, if the communication device 151 fails to connect to the access point 131 corresponding to the acquired connection information, the communication device 151 may transmit to the information processing device 101 information indicating the cause of the failure. When the communication device 151 transmits this information to the information processing device 101, communication may be performed using DPP. The cause of the failure of the connection with the access point 131 corresponding to the acquired connection information may be, for example, a communication error in WEC, the access point 131 not being found, or the WEC-related information not being appropriate. The cause of the failure of the connection with the access point 131 corresponding to the acquired connection information may be, for example, an authentication method or encryption method used to connect to the access point set as the setting target is a method that the communication device 151 does not support. Furthermore, the cause of failure in connection with the access point 131 corresponding to the acquired connection information is, for example, that the setup method does not support the authentication method or encryption method used in connection with the access point 131 set as the setting target. Note that the information processing device 101 may display information indicating the success or failure of the connection between the access point 131 and the communication device 151 on the display unit 108. Furthermore, if the connection between the access point 131 and the communication device 151 fails, the information processing device 101 may display information indicating the cause of the failure on the display unit 108.

[0071] In S213, when the information processing device 101 performs network setup by WEC in S204 to S208, the application running in the foreground is switched from the application for WEC to the setting application based on the completion of the execution of the network setup. Then, the information processing device 101 searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs. This process is realized by the setting application that receives a notification from the OS that the execution of WEC has ended. Then, when the information processing device 101 finds the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 requests capability information from the communication device 151, and the communication device 151 transmits the capability information to the information processing device 101. As a result, information on the communication device 151 is registered in the setting application, and thereafter, communication with the communication device 151 is made executable by the setting application. Specifically, for example, a print job is made executable to the communication device 151 by the setting application. At this time, if the information processing device 101 belongs to a network formed by the access point 131 to which the communication device 151 is connected by WEC, communication with the communication device 151 can be executed via the access point 131. If communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 cannot be executed, such as when the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 is connected, the request and acquisition of capability information is omitted. Note that the communication in S213 is executed using, for example, a communication protocol different from the DPP and the setup communication protocol. After that, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram.

[0072] In the above description, the WEC start screen 300 is displayed by the WEC application, and the WEC application executes the API for WEC to instruct the OS to execute WEC, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the WEC start screen 300 may be displayed by a setting application. Alternatively, the setting application may execute the API for WEC to instruct the OS to execute WEC.

[0073] Also, in the above description, although Bootstrapping was exemplified by the method using a QR code, it is not limited to this form. For example, Bootstrapping may be performed by short-range wireless communication. For example, in S204, the communication device 151 may transmit the WEC-related information to the information processing device 101 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, NFC, or BLE. The information processing device 101 may acquire the WEC-related information from the communication device 151 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, BLE, or NFC. Also, as the communication protocol for executing Bootstrapping, SNMP, HTTP, or the like may be used.

[0074] <Network setting method by WPS> Using FIG. 3(a), the processing executed by the access point 131 and the communication device 151 in the network setting by WPS will be described.

[0075] In S220, the communication device 151 starts the WPS mode. The trigger for starting the WPS mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101.

[0076] In S221, the access point 131 starts the WPS mode. The trigger for starting the WPS mode may be, for example, a user operation via an operation unit (not shown) of the access point 131, or receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. In S221, when the access point 131 starts the WPS mode, for example, it becomes in a state where it can transmit the network setting information described later.

[0077] In S222, communication device 151 acquires network setting information from access point 131 that started the WPS mode in S221. In this process, the network setting information acquired from access point 131 includes at least one of information indicating the SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc. of access point 131. Note that the information included in the network setting information differs depending on the model, model number, etc. of access point 131.

[0078] In S223, the communication device 151 stops the WPS mode based on the network setting information acquired in S222, and proceeds to S224.

[0079] In S224, the communication device 151 uses the network setting information acquired in S222 to attempt to connect to the access point 131 corresponding to the network setting information.

[0080] In S225, if the connection between communication device 151 and access point 131 in S224 is successful, communication device 151 becomes able to communicate via the network formed by connected access point 131. In other words, the above-mentioned network setting information is also connection information for connecting communication device 151 to the network formed by access point 131.

[0081] After the process of S224, the communication device 151 may display information indicating whether the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 corresponding to the connection information has been successful on the display unit 161. Furthermore, if the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 corresponding to the network setting information acquired in S222 has failed, the communication device 151 may display information indicating the cause of the failure on the display unit 161. The cause of the failure of the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 corresponding to the network setting information acquired by the communication device 151 may be, for example, a communication error in WPS, the access point 131 not being found, multiple communication devices executing WPS at the same time, etc.

[0082] In S225, if the information processing device 101 belongs to a network formed by the access point 131, the communication device 151 can communicate with the information processing device 101 via the access point 131.

[0083] In the above description, the communication device 151 acquires the network setting information from the access point 131 using WPS as the network setting method, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the network setting information may be acquired using a setting method other than WPS that does not require the input of a password.

[0084] <Network setting method using password input> The process executed by the access point 131 and the communication device 151 in network setup using a password input method will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] In S230, the communication device 151 starts searching for a wireless LAN router (for example, the access point 131). In the following description, an access point may be called a wireless LAN router. The communication device 151 may start the process of S230 based on, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159. Also, the communication device 151 may start the process of S230 based on receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. Specifically, in S230, for example, the communication device 151 may search for a wireless router (access point) by transmitting a device search request (Probe Request). Also, the communication device 151 may search for the access point 131 by receiving a predetermined Beacon periodically transmitted by the access point 131.

[0086] In S231, the communication device 151 acquires information for network setup. In the process of S231, for example, the communication device 151 may receive a response to the device search request (Probe Request) transmitted in S230. For example, when the access point 131 receives the device search request (Probe Request), it transmits a device search response (Probe Response) to the communication device 151. The communication device 151 may receive the device search response (Probe Response) as the information for network setup from the access point 131. In addition, in the process of S231, the communication device 151 may receive a predetermined Beacon periodically transmitted by the access point 131 as the information for network setup. The information for network setup acquired from the access point 131 in the process of S231 includes at least one of the SSID, radio wave intensity, frequency band, MAC address, authentication method, and encryption method of the access point, information indicating whether or not it supports WPS, and information indicating whether or not it supports DPP. The contents of the network setup information differ depending on the model, model number, settings, etc. of the access point 131 .

[0087] In S232, the communication device 151 accepts input of network setting information. The network setting information accepted in the process of S232 includes at least one of the SSID, authentication method, information indicating an encryption method, a password, a MAC address, etc. of the access point 131. In this process, the input of the network setting information may be accepted by, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159 or by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101.

[0088] In S233, the communication device 151 uses the network setting information input in S232 to attempt to connect to the access point 131 corresponding to the network setting information.

[0089] In S234, if the connection to the access point 131 was successful in S233, the communication device 151 becomes able to execute communication via the network formed by the access point 131. Note that, if the information processing device 101 belongs to the network formed by the access point 131 to which the communication device 151 is connected, the communication device 151 becomes able to execute communication with the information processing device 101 via the access point 131 in S234.

[0090] After the process of S233, the communication device 151 may display information indicating whether the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 corresponding to the connection information has been successful on the display unit 161. Furthermore, if the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 corresponding to the acquired connection information has failed, information indicating the cause of the failure may be displayed on the display unit 161. The cause of the failure of the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 corresponding to the connection information acquired by the communication device 151 may be, for example, that the password input in S232 was incorrect or that the access point 131 was not found.

[0091] In the above S230, the communication device 151 searches for a wireless LAN router and acquires the network setup information indicating the SSID, authentication method, encryption method, etc. of the access point 131. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 151 may acquire the network setup information by a user operation via the operation unit 159.

[0092] <UI display during network setup> An example of a User Interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) displayed when a network setting change process is executed by communication device 151 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8. The network setting change process will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of Figs. 9 and 10. In this example, a case is described in which operation unit 159 and display unit 161 are configured as an operation display unit made up of a touch panel display, but the configuration of communication device 151 is not limited to this. Also, the UIs shown in Figs. 5 to 8 are merely examples, and the design, wording, details of the UI configuration, etc. do not necessarily have to match.

[0093] 5(a) shows an example of an idle screen 400. On the idle screen 400, buttons for executing each function of the communication device 151 and buttons for changing various settings of the communication device 151 are displayed. For example, on the idle screen 400, buttons such as copy 401, cloud 402, wireless LAN setting 403, and other settings 404 are displayed. The copy 401 is a button for displaying a menu of the copy function of the communication device 151. The cloud 402 is a button for displaying a menu of the cloud function of the communication device 151. The wireless LAN setting 403 is a button for starting the wireless LAN setting function of the communication device 151. The other settings 404 is a button for displaying a menu of other setting functions of the communication device 151.

[0094] Fig. 5(b) is an example of a screen 410 on which the LAN settings can be changed. The screen 410 is displayed, for example, when the LAN settings 403 is selected by the user on the screen 400 of Fig. 5(a). The screen 410 displays setting buttons such as a wireless LAN setting 411, a wireless direct setting 412, and a common setting 413. When the user presses each of the setting buttons 411 to 413, various LAN settings of the communication device 151 can be made.

[0095] Fig. 5(c) is an example of a screen 420 on which wireless LAN settings can be changed. The screen 420 is displayed, for example, when the wireless LAN setting 411 is selected by the user on the screen 410 of Fig. 5(b). The screen 420 displays setting buttons such as wireless LAN enable / disable 421, wireless LAN setup 422, and wireless LAN setting display 423. The wireless LAN enable / disable 421 is, for example, a button for switching between enable and disable the access point 131 to which the communication device 151 is connected. The wireless LAN setup 422 is, for example, a button for performing network setup between the communication device 151 and the access point 131. The wireless LAN setting display 423 is, for example, a button for displaying the setting of the access point 131.

[0096] FIG. 5(d) is an example of a screen 430 that allows wireless LAN setup. For example, the screen 430 is displayed when the user selects wireless LAN setup 422 on the screen 420 of FIG. 5(c). The screen 430 displays setting buttons such as setup with PC / smartphone 431, setup by entering password 432, and setup with router button 433. Setup with PC / smartphone 431 is a button that starts changing the network settings using the network setup mode. Setup by entering password 432 is a button that starts changing the network settings by entering a password as authentication information. Setup with router button 433 is a button that starts changing the network settings using WPS.

[0097] Fig. 5(e) is an example of a screen 440 that is displayed while the communication device 151 is searching for the access point 131. The screen 430 is displayed, for example, when the user inputs a password and selects setup 432 on the screen 430 of Fig. 5(d). The screen 440 may display a message indicating that the access point 131 is being searched for.

[0098] FIG. 5(f) is an example of a screen 450 that displays the results of the access point search. A list of access points is displayed on the screen 450 as a search result of the access points. The list of access points is displayed, for example, as selection buttons 451 to 453 that can be selected by the user. The selection buttons 451 to 453 display identifiers of the access points searched for by the communication device 151. The identifiers of the access points are, for example, the SSIDs of the searched access points. Note that, for example, when the access points searched for by the communication device 151 include access points that support WEC and access points that do not support WEC, the access points that support WEC may be preferentially displayed on the screen 450 over the access points that do not support WEC. For example, the access points that support DPP may be displayed at the top of the list of access points rather than the access points that do not support DPP. For example, the access points that support DPP may be displayed more emphasized than the access points that do not support DPP.

[0099] Please refer to FIG. 6. FIG. 6(a) is an example of a screen 460 that is displayed based on the security method supported by the selected access point when the access point selection buttons 451 to 453 are selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f). The screen 460 is displayed, for example, when the security method supported by the access point selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) includes the WPA2-PSK method. The screen 460 is a password input screen that allows the password of the access point to be input. The screen 460 may display a password input field 461, an OK button 462, and the like. The password input field 461 is, for example, an interface that accepts the input of a password by the user. The OK button 462 is, for example, a button that confirms the password input in the password input field 461. The screen 460 may also display the number of characters that can be input based on the security method supported by the access point selected by the user.

[0100] FIG. 6(b) is an example of a screen 470 that is displayed according to the security method supported by the selected access point when the selection buttons 451 to 453 are selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f). The screen 470 is displayed, for example, when the security method supported by the access point selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) includes the WPA3-SAE method. The screen 470 is a password input screen that allows the password of the access point to be input. The screen 470 may display a password input field 471, an OK button 472, and the like. The password input field 471 is, for example, an interface that accepts a password input by the user. The OK button 472 is, for example, a button that confirms the password input in the password input field 471. The screen 470 may also display the number of characters that can be input based on the security method supported by the access point selected by the user.

[0101] Fig. 6(c) shows an example of a screen 480 that is displayed when the password input field 461 of the screen 460 of Fig. 6(a) or the password input field 471 of the screen 470 of Fig. 4(h) is selected by the user. The screen 480 is a screen on which the password of the access point can be input using an interface such as a soft keyboard 481. An OK button 480 and the like are also displayed on the screen 480. When the OK button 821 is pressed by the user, the display on the display unit 161 returns to the screen 460 of Fig. 4(g) or the screen 470 of Fig. 4(h).

[0102] Fig. 6(d) is an example of a screen 490 displayed while the communication device 151 is performing a process of connecting to the access point 131. The screen 490 is displayed, for example, when the user selects one of the selection buttons 451 to 453 on the screen 450 in Fig. 5(f), or when the user selects the OK button 462 on the screen 460 in Fig. 6(a), or the OK button 472 on the screen 470 in Fig. 6(b). A message indicating that the communication device 151 is connecting to the access point 131 may be displayed on the screen 490.

[0103] Please refer to Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) is an example of a screen 500 that is displayed when the connection process to the wireless access point is successful on the screen 490 of Fig. 6(d). The screen 500 may display a message indicating that the connection to the access point 131 is successful. In addition, an OK button 501 is displayed on the screen 500.

[0104] Fig. 7(b) is an example of a screen 510 that is displayed when the connection process to the wireless access point fails on the screen 490 of Fig. 6(d). The screen 500 may display a message indicating that the connection to the access point 131 has failed. In addition, an OK button 511 is displayed on the screen 510.

[0105] FIG. 7(c) shows an example of a screen 520 on which the password of the access point can be input. The screen 520 is displayed, for example, when the OK button 511 is selected by the user on the screen 510 of FIG. 7(b). That is, the screen 520 is a password input screen displayed when the connection process between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 fails. Also, the screen 520 is displayed, for example, when the security method supported by the access point of the selection buttons 451 to 453 selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) includes the WPA2-PSK method, and the security method supports a setting method using a network setup mode. For example, a password input field 521, a button 522, and the like are displayed on the screen 520. Also, the screen 520 may display the number of characters of the password that can be input according to the security method supported by the access point. The password input field 521 is a button for inputting a password as authentication information of the access point. The button 522 is a button for starting a network setting change using the network setup mode.

[0106] FIG. 7(d) shows an example of a screen 530 on which the password of the access point can be input. The screen 530 is displayed, for example, when the OK button 511 is selected by the user on the screen 510 of FIG. 7(b). That is, the screen 530 is a password input screen displayed when the connection process between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 fails. The screen 530 is displayed, for example, when the security method supported by the access point of the selection buttons 451 to 453 selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) includes the WPA3-SAE method, and the security method supports a setting method using a network setup mode. For example, a password input field 530, a button 532, and the like are displayed on the screen 530. In addition, the number of characters of the password that can be input may be displayed on the screen 530 according to the security method supported by the access point. The password input field 531 is a button for inputting a password as authentication information of the access point. The button 532 is a button for starting a network setting change using the network setup mode.

[0107] FIG. 7(e) shows an example of a screen 540 on which the password of the access point can be input. The screen 540 is displayed, for example, when the OK button 511 is selected by the user on the screen 510 of FIG. 7(b). That is, the screen 540 is a password input screen displayed when the connection process between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 fails. The screen 540 is displayed, for example, when the security method supported by the access point of the selection buttons 451 to 453 selected by the user on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) includes the WPA2-PSK method, and the security method supports a setting method using a network setup mode and a method using WPS. For example, a password input field 541, buttons 542 to 543, etc. are displayed on the screen 540. In addition, the number of characters of the password that can be input may be displayed on the screen 540 according to the security method supported by the access point. The password input field 541 is a button for inputting a password as authentication information of the access point. The button 542 is a button for starting a network setting change using the network setup mode. Button 543 is a button for starting a network setting change using WPS. Button 543 displays, for example, a notification that a network setting change using WPS is possible.

[0108] FIG. 7(f) shows an example of a screen 550 on which the password of the access point can be input. The screen 550 is displayed, for example, when the OK button 511 is selected by the user on the screen 510 of FIG. 7(b). That is, the screen 550 is a password input screen displayed when the connection process between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 fails. The screen 550 is displayed, for example, on the screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) when the security methods supported by the access point selected by the user include the WPA3-SAE method and the security method supports a setting method using the network setup mode and a method using the DPP. For example, a password input field 551, buttons 552 to 553, etc. are displayed on the screen 550. In addition, the number of characters of the password that can be input may be displayed on the screen 550 according to the security method supported by the access point. The password input field 551 is a button for inputting a password as authentication information of the access point. The button 552 is a button for starting a network setting change using the network setup mode. Button 553 is a button for starting a network setting change using DPP. Button 553 displays, for example, a notification that a network setting change using DPP is possible.

[0109] FIG. 8(a) is an example of a screen 560 displayed while network setup by WPS is being performed. For example, the screen 560 is displayed when the user presses the router button 433 on the screen 430 of FIG. 5(d). Alternatively, the screen 560 is displayed when the button 543 on the screen 540 of FIG. 7(e) is selected. A cancel button 561 is displayed on the screen 560. When the cancel button 541 is pressed by the user, the implementation of network setup by WPS is canceled. When the cancel button 561 is pressed by the user, the display on the display unit 161 returns to the idle screen 400. Also, for example, a message urging the user to press the WPS button on the access point 131 may be displayed on the screen 560.

[0110] FIG. 8(b) is an example of a screen 570 displayed while performing network setup in the network setup mode. The screen 570 is displayed, for example, when the user presses the PC / smartphone setup 431 on the screen 430 of FIG. 5(d). The screen 570 is also displayed, for example, when the user presses the button 522 on the screen 520 of FIG. 7(c), the button 532 on the screen 530 of FIG. 7(d), the button 542 on the screen 540 of FIG. 7(e), or the button 552 on the screen 550 of FIG. 7(f). The screen 570 also displays a cancel button 571. When the cancel button 571 is pressed by the user, the network setup mode is disabled. When the cancel button 571 is pressed by the user, the display of the display unit 161 returns to the idle screen 400. The screen 570 may also display a message or the like that prompts the user to perform an operation related to network setup according to a guide displayed on the information processing device 101 such as a PC or smartphone.

[0111] FIG. 8(c) is an example of a screen 580 displayed while network setup is being performed by WEC using DPP. That is, the screen 580 is displayed when the DPP standby mode is enabled. The screen 580 is displayed, for example, when the button 553 on the screen 550 in FIG. 7(f) is pressed by the user. A cancel button 581 is displayed on the screen 580. When the cancel button 581 is pressed by the user, the DPP standby mode and the network setup mode are disabled. When the cancel button 561 is pressed by the user, the display on the display unit 161 returns to the idle screen 400. Furthermore, the screen 580 displays WEC-related information using a two-dimensional code or the like. By scanning the two-dimensional code with the information processing device 101, network setup by WEC using DPP becomes possible. The two-dimensional code may be, for example, a QR code. Furthermore, a message for prompting the user to scan the two-dimensional code with the information processing device 101 such as a smartphone may be displayed on the screen 580.

[0112] <Switching network setting method and changing screen display> With reference to Fig. 9, an example of the switching of the network setting method executed by the communication device 151 in this embodiment and the above-mentioned change operation of the screen display of the communication device 151 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the communication device 151. The processing of Fig. 9 is started, for example, when the user inputs a password and presses SETUP 432 on the wireless LAN setup screen 430 of the communication device 151. Also, the processing of Fig. 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 of the communication device 151 reading a program stored in the ROM 152 or the like into the RAM 153 and executing it.

[0113] The processing from S601 to S611 is processing executed by a setting application running on communication device 151 when a user inputs a password to connect communication device 151 to access point 131, and also corresponds to the processing in FIG. 3(b).

[0114] In S601, the CPU 154 searches for the access point 131. In other words, the process of S601 is a process in which the CPU 154 detects the access point 131. In this process, the CPU 154 acquires information for network setup to connect to the access point 131. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 acquires the information for network setup from the access point 131. The information for network setup acquired from the access point 131 includes at least one of the SSID, radio wave intensity, frequency band, MAC address, authentication method, and encryption method of the access point 131, information indicating whether or not WPS is supported, and information indicating whether or not DPP is supported. Furthermore, the CPU 154 displays the screen 440 of FIG. 5(e) on the display unit 161 in S601 to S603. Note that S601 corresponds to S231 of FIG. 3(b).

[0115] In S602, the CPU 154 stores the search results of the access point 131 in the RAM 153. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 stores in the RAM 153 the network setup information acquired from the access point 131 in S601.

[0116] In S603, CPU 154 performs grouping and sorting on the search results of access points 131 stored in S602 based on predetermined conditions. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the network setup information stored in RAM 153 in S602 and groups access points with overlapping SSIDs into one group. CPU 154 also sorts the access points, for example, in descending order of radio wave strength. CPU 154 also deletes network setup information that does not allow communication device 151 to connect to an access point due to corrupted information or other reasons. In addition, in S603, for example, CPU 154 may perform a process of sorting access points that support DPP from among the access points detected in S601, to a higher position than access points that do not support DPP.

[0117] In S604, CPU 154 displays the search results for access points 131 on display unit 161 and accepts the selection of access points 131 by the user. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 displays screen 450 of FIG. 5(f) on display unit 161. Screen 450 is a screen that displays a list of identification information such as the SSID of access points as selection buttons 451 to 453 selectable by the user, as described above. Note that in S604, for example, CPU 154 may display access points that support DPP with priority over access points that do not support DPP. For example, CPU 154 may display access points that support DPP at the top of the list of access points rather than access points that do not support DPP. For example, access points that support DPP may be highlighted.

[0118] In S605, CPU 154 determines the network setup method supported by the access point selected in S604, and stores the determination result in RAM 153. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the network setup information stored in S602 and determines the security method of the access point selected in S604. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 determines, based on the network setup information, whether the access point selected in S604 supports WPS and whether it supports DPP. Also, CPU 154 determines, based on the network setup information, whether the access point selected in S604 supports network setup using a setup communication protocol and whether it supports a network setup method using a password input method.

[0119] In addition, examples of security methods that support DPP include WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, WPA2-EAP, and WPA3-EAP. In addition, examples of security methods that do not support DPP include WPA-PSK, Open (no encryption), Open (WEP-Open), and Shared Key authentication (WEP-Shared). In addition, examples of security methods that support network setup using a setup communication protocol include WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, and Open (no encryption). In addition, examples of security methods that do not support network setup using a setup communication protocol include Open (WEP-Open), Shared Key authentication (WEP-Shared), WPA-EAP, WPA2-EAP, and WPA3-EAP. In addition, examples of security methods that support a network setting method using a password input method include WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA3-SAE. Furthermore, examples of security methods that do not support a network setting method that involves inputting a password include Open (no encryption), WPA-EAP, WPA2-EAP, and WPA3-EAP.

[0120] In S606, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected by the user in S604 supports the network setting method by inputting a password. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, it proceeds to S607. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point does not support the network setting method, it proceeds to S608. Specifically, CPU 154 makes the determination based on the determination result stored in S605.

[0121] In S607, CPU 154 accepts input of a password, which is authentication information of the access point. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 displays an interface that allows input of a password corresponding to the security method of the access point selected in S604. For example, when the security methods supported by the access point selected in S604 include the WPA2-PSK method, CPU 154 displays screen 460 of FIG. 6(a) on display unit 161. Also, when the security methods supported by the access point selected in S604 include the WPA3-SAE method, CPU 154 displays screen 470 of FIG. 6(b) on display unit 161. Note that S607 corresponds to S232 of FIG. 3(b).

[0122] In S608, CPU 154 performs a process of connecting to the access point selected in S604. Specifically, CPU 154 attempts to connect to the access point selected in S604 using the password inputted in S607. The connection process is performed, for example, in a security method corresponding to the access point selected in S604. This process corresponds to S233 in FIG. 3(b). Also, in S608, CPU 154 displays a screen indicating that connection process is being performed to the access point selected in S604. For example, CPU 154 displays screen 490 in FIG. 6(d) on display unit 161.

[0123] In S609, CPU 154 determines whether or not connection to the access point has been successful. If CPU 154 determines that connection has been successful, the process proceeds to S610. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that connection has failed, the process proceeds to S611. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 may determine in the connection process of S608 whether or not authentication using the security method corresponding to the access point selected in S604 has been successful.

[0124] In S610, CPU 154 displays a screen indicating that the connection between communication device 151 and access point 131 has been completed on display unit 161. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 displays screen 510 of Fig. 7(a) on display unit 161. In other words, screen 510 is a screen indicating that the connection between communication device 151 and access point 131 has been successful.

[0125] In S611, the CPU 154 displays on the display unit 161 a screen indicating that an error has occurred in the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 displays the screen 520 of Fig. 7(b) on the display unit 161. In other words, the screen 520 is a screen indicating that the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 has failed.

[0126] In S612, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected in S604 supports a network setting method that requires input of a password. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S613. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point does not support the network setting method, the process proceeds to S604. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S604. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S607 when OK button 511 in FIG. 7(b) is pressed by the user to display a password entry screen (screen 460 in FIG. 6(a) or screen 470 in FIG. 6(b)) that supports the security method of the access point selected in S604.

[0127] In S613, the CPU 154 enables the network setup mode. This process corresponds to S200 in Fig. 2. That is, the CPU 154 starts the network setup mode.

[0128] In S614, CPU 154 displays a notification on the password input screen that network setting changes can be made in the network setup mode. Specifically, CPU 154 displays screen 520 in Fig. 7(c) when the security methods supported by the access point selected in S604 include the WPA2-PSK method. Furthermore, CPU 154 displays screen 530 in Fig. 7(d) when the security methods supported by the access point selected in S604 include the WPA3-SAE method. Furthermore, the notification that network setting changes can be made in the network setup mode is displayed as a button that can be operated by the user, such as button 522 on screen 520 or button 532 on screen 530.

[0129] In S615, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected in S604 supports the network setting method using WPS. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method using WPS, the process proceeds to S616. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point does not support the network setting method, the process proceeds to S617. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the determination result stored in RAM 153 in S605 and determines whether or not the access point selected in S604 supports the network setting method using WPS.

[0130] In S616, the CPU 154 enables the WPS mode. This process corresponds to S220 in Fig. 3A. That is, the CPU 154 starts the WPS mode. The CPU 154 starts the WPS mode, and starts obtaining information for network setup from the access point 131.

[0131] In S617, CPU 154 displays a notification that network setting change by WPS is possible on the password entry screen. Specifically, CPU 154 displays screen 540 in Fig. 7(e). The notification that network setting change by WPS is possible is displayed as a button selectable by the user, such as button 543 on screen 540.

[0132] In S618, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected in S604 supports the network setting method by DPP. If CPU 154 determines that the access point is supported, the process proceeds to S619. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point is not supported, the process proceeds to S621. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the determination result stored in RAM 153 in S605 and determines whether or not the access point selected in S604 supports the network setting method by DPP.

[0133] In S619, the CPU 154 enables the DPP standby mode. This process corresponds to S203 in Fig. 2. That is, the CPU 154 starts the DPP standby mode.

[0134] In S620, CPU 154 displays a notification on the password entry screen that network settings can be changed using DPP. Specifically, CPU 154 displays screen 550 in Fig. 7(f). The notification that network settings can be changed using DPP is displayed as a button that can be selected by the user, such as button 553 on screen 550.

[0135] Next, CPU 154 starts the setting process according to the setting method selected on the password input screen (FIG. 6(a), FIG. 6(b), FIG. 5(c), FIG. 7(d), FIG. 7(e), FIG. 7(f)).

[0136] In S621, CPU 154 determines whether the network setting method selected by the user is a method for inputting a password. If CPU 154 determines that the method is a method for inputting a password, the process proceeds to S622. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the method is not a method for inputting a password, the process proceeds to S625. Specifically, if CPU 154 receives a password input by the user in a password input field on a password input screen (screen 460, screen 470, screen 520, screen 530, screen 540, screen 550), it determines that the method is a method for inputting a password. Otherwise, CPU 154 determines that the method is not a method for inputting a password.

[0137] In S622, CPU 154 disables the WPS mode, the DPP standby mode, and the network setup mode. Specifically, CPU 154 stops the network setup mode started in S613. This process corresponds to S211 in FIG. 2. CPU 154 also stops the WPS mode started in S616. This process corresponds to S223 in FIG. 3(a). CPU 154 also stops the DPP mode started in S619. This process corresponds to S208 in FIG. 2.

[0138] In S623, CPU 154 accepts input of the password for the access point selected by the user in S604. Specifically, screen 480 in Fig. 6(c) is displayed, and when OK button 482 is pressed by the user, input of the password is accepted. This process corresponds to S232 in Fig. 3(b).

[0139] In S624, CPU 154 hides the messages displayed on the password entry screen in S614, S617, and S620. Specifically, if the security methods supported by the access point selected in S604 include the WPA2-PSK method, CPU 154 displays screen 460 in Fig. 6(a). Also, if the security methods supported by the access point selected by the user in S604 include the WPA3-SAE method, CPU 154 displays screen 470 in Fig. 6(b).

[0140] In S625, CPU 154 determines whether or not the network setting method selected by the user on the password entry screen is a method that uses WPS. If CPU 154 determines that the method uses WPS, the process proceeds to S626. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the method does not use WPS, the process proceeds to S629. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 determines that the method uses WPS when button 543 is pressed by the user on screen 540 in Fig. 7(e). In other cases, CPU 154 determines that the method does not use WPS.

[0141] In S626, the CPU 154 disables the network setup mode enabled in S613. This process corresponds to S221 in Fig. 2. Furthermore, if the WPS mode enabled in S616 has been disabled due to a timeout or the like, the CPU 154 may enable the WPS mode.

[0142] In S627, the CPU 154 acquires network setting information by a method using WPS from the access point 131. This process corresponds to S222 in FIG.

[0143] In S628, the CPU 154 disables the WPS mode. This process corresponds to S223 in FIG.

[0144] In S629, the CPU 154 judges whether the network setting method selected by the user on the password input screen is a method using the network setup mode. If the CPU 154 judges that the method is a method using the network setup mode, the process proceeds to S626. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 judges that the method is not a method using the network setup mode, the process of FIG. 9 ends. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 judges that the method is a method using a predetermined button network setup mode by the user on the password input screen. In other cases, the CPU 154 judges that the method is not a method using the network setup mode. Here, the password input screen is, for example, the screen 520, the screen 530, the screen 540, or the screen 550. Also, the predetermined button is, for example, the button 522, the button 532, the button 542, the button 552, or the button 553.

[0145] In S630, the CPU 154 disables the WPS mode. If the WPS mode was enabled in S616, the CPU 154 disables the WPS mode. This process corresponds to S223 in Fig. 3(a). Furthermore, in S630, the CPU 154 enables the DPP standby mode. Specifically, if the DPP standby mode enabled in S619 has been disabled due to a timeout or the like, the CPU 154 enables the DPP standby mode.

[0146] In S631, the CPU 154 acquires network setting information by the WEC method or a method using a setup communication protocol. Details of this process correspond to S204 to S207 or S210 in FIG.

[0147] In S632, the CPU 154 disables the DPP standby mode and the network setup mode. This process corresponds to S208 and S211 in FIG.

[0148] As described above, according to this embodiment, the communication device 151 can participate in a wireless infrastructure network formed by the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 is connected. The communication device 151 detects an access point different from the communication device 151 and displays a list of the detected access points. The communication device 151 also accepts a user's selection from the displayed list of access points. The communication device 151 is capable of communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 by DPP in order to establish a wireless connection in a predetermined connection method with the access point 131 for which the communication device 151 has accepted the user's selection. When the access point 131 for which the communication device 151 has accepted the user's selection is an access point compatible with WEC in order to establish a wireless connection in a predetermined connection method, a notification that the access point 131 can execute communication by DPP is displayed on the display unit 161.

[0149] With this configuration, when connecting communication device 151 and access point 131, the user can know that access point 131 is capable of executing communication by DPP. In other words, the user can connect communication device 151 to access point 131 without the user having to input a password himself / herself. This can improve the convenience when connecting communication device 151 and access point 131.

[0150] Furthermore, if access point 131 also supports the WPS mode, the communication device displays a notification that communication in the WPS mode is possible on display unit 161. In this way, a notification that communication in the DPP mode is possible and a notification that communication in the WPS mode is possible are displayed on display unit 161, allowing the user to select a network setup method. In this way, it is possible to improve convenience when connecting communication device 151 and access point 131.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification that communication by DPP is possible is displayed when the password for access point 131 is input by the user and the connection process between communication device 151 and access point 131 fails. In this way, by displaying the above-mentioned message when the password is input by the user and the connection process between communication device 151 and access point 131 fails, it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to input the password again, and it is possible to improve convenience when connecting communication device 151 and access point 131.

[0152] In the present embodiment, when network setup is performed using a method using a setup communication protocol, the communication device 151 is made to participate in a wireless infrastructure network formed by the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 is connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when network setup is performed using a method using a setup communication protocol, the information processing device 101 may participate in an access point operating in a P2P mode of the communication device 151. Also, for example, the information processing device 101 may participate in an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point, or in a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates by WFD. In such a case, the information processing device 101 may acquire network setting information (SSID and password) of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 from the communication device 151 in S201 or S210 of FIG. 2.

[0153] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a form was described in which a notification that DPP communication is possible is displayed when the password for access point 131 is input by the user and the connection process between communication device 151 and access point 131 fails. In this embodiment, a form will be described in which a notification that DPP communication is possible is displayed before the connection process is executed.

[0154] With reference to Fig. 10, an example of the switching of the network setting method executed by the communication device 151 in this embodiment and the above-mentioned screen display change operation of the communication device 151 will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the communication device 151. The processing of Fig. 10 is started, for example, when the user presses the button of the wireless LAN setup 422 on the wireless LAN setup screen 420 of the communication device 151. The processing of Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 of the communication device 151 reading a program stored in the ROM 152 or the like into the RAM 153 and executing it. S701 to S703 in Fig. 10 are the same processing as S601 to S603 in Fig. 9, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] In S704, the CPU 154 enables the network setup mode. This process corresponds to S200 in Fig. 2. That is, the CPU 154 starts the network setup mode.

[0156] In S705, CPU 154 displays the search results for access points 131 on display unit 161 and accepts the user's selection of access point 131. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 displays screen 450 of Fig. 5(f) on display unit 161. As described above, screen 450 is a screen that displays a list of identification information such as the SSID of the access points as selection buttons 451 to 453 that can be selected by the user.

[0157] In S706, CPU 154 determines the network setup method supported by the access point selected in S705, and stores the determination result in RAM 153. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the network setup information stored in S602 and determines the security method of the access point selected in S604. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 determines whether the access point selected in S705 supports WPS and whether it supports DPP based on the network setup information. CPU 154 also determines whether the access point selected in S604 supports network setup using a setup communication protocol and supports a network setup method using a password input method based on the network setup information.

[0158] In addition, examples of security methods that support DPP include WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, WPA2-EAP, and WPA3-EAP. In addition, examples of security methods that do not support DPP include WPA-PSK, Open (no encryption), Open (WEP-Open), and Shared Key authentication (WEP-Shared). In addition, examples of security methods that support network setup using a setup communication protocol include WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, and Open (no encryption). In addition, examples of security methods that do not support network setup using a setup communication protocol include Open (WEP-Open), Shared Key authentication (WEP-Shared), WPA-EAP, WPA2-EAP, and WPA3-EAP. In addition, examples of security methods that support a network setting method using a password input method include WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA3-SAE. Furthermore, examples of security methods that do not support a network setting method that involves inputting a password include Open (no encryption), WPA-EAP, WPA2-EAP, and WPA3-EAP.

[0159] In S707, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected in S705 supports a network setting method that requires input of a password. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S708. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point does not support the network setting method, the process proceeds to S727. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S727. In S612, when CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S727. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S727. In S612, the process proceeds to S607, when OK button 511 in FIG. 7B is pressed by the user, and a password input screen (screen 460 in FIG. 6A or screen 470 in FIG. 6B) corresponding to the security method of the access point selected in S604 is displayed.

[0160] In S708, the CPU 154 displays a notification on the password input screen that the network setting change in the network setup mode is executable. Specifically, if the security methods supported by the access point selected in S705 include the WPA2-PSK method, the CPU 154 displays the screen 520 of FIG. 7(c). Also, if the security methods supported by the access point selected in S604 include the WPA3-SAE method, the CPU 154 displays the screen 530 of FIG. 7(d). S708 is a process corresponding to S232 of FIG. 3(b), and is also a process of accepting an input of the access point password by the user on the screen 520 or the screen 530.

[0161] In S709, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected in S705 supports the network setting method using WPS. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method using WPS, the process proceeds to S710. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point does not support the network setting method, the process proceeds to S712. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the determination result stored in RAM 153 in S706 and determines whether or not the access point selected in S705 supports the network setting method using WPS.

[0162] In S710, the CPU 154 enables the WPS mode. This process corresponds to S220 in Fig. 3(a). That is, the CPU 154 starts the WPS mode. The CPU 154 starts the WPS mode, and starts obtaining network setting information from the access point 131.

[0163] In S711, the CPU 154 displays a notice on the password entry screen that the network settings can be changed by WPS. Specifically, the CPU 154 displays the screen 540 in FIG.

[0164] In S712, CPU 154 determines whether or not the access point selected in S705 supports the network setting method by DPP. If CPU 154 determines that the access point supports the network setting method by DPP, the process proceeds to S713. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the access point does not support the network setting method, the process proceeds to S715. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 refers to the determination result stored in RAM 153 in S706 and determines whether or not the access point selected in S705 supports the network setting method by DPP.

[0165] In S713, the CPU 154 enables the DPP standby mode. This process corresponds to S203 in Fig. 2. That is, the CPU 154 starts the DPP standby mode.

[0166] In S714, the CPU 154 displays a message on the password entry screen indicating that the network settings can be changed using the DPP. Specifically, the CPU 154 displays the screen 550 in FIG.

[0167] The processing of S704 to S714 is processing for switching the network setting method executed by communication device 151 and controlling the display contents of the password entry screen.

[0168] Next, the CPU 154 starts the setting process according to the setting method selected by the user on the password entry screen displayed in S708, S711, or S714.

[0169] In S715, CPU 154 determines whether the network setting method selected by the user is a method for inputting a password. If CPU 154 determines that the method is a method for inputting a password, the process proceeds to S716. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the method is not a method for inputting a password, the process proceeds to S719. Specifically, if CPU 154 receives a password input by the user in a password input field on a password input screen (screen 460, screen 470, screen 520, screen 530, screen 540, screen 550), CPU 154 determines that the method is a method for inputting a password. Otherwise, CPU 154 determines that the method is not a method for inputting a password.

[0170] In S716, CPU 154 disables the WPS mode, the DPP standby mode, and the network setup mode. Specifically, CPU 154 stops the network setup mode started in S704. This process corresponds to S211 in FIG. 2. CPU 154 also stops the WPS mode started in S710. This process corresponds to S223 in FIG. 3(a). CPU 154 also stops the DPP mode started in S713. This process corresponds to S208 in FIG. 2.

[0171] In S717, CPU 154 accepts input of the password for the access point selected in S705. Specifically, screen 480 in Fig. 6(c) is displayed, and when OK button 482 is pressed by the user, input of the password is accepted. This process corresponds to S232 in Fig. 3(b).

[0172] In S718, CPU 154 hides the messages displayed on the password entry screen in S711 and S714. Specifically, CPU 154 displays screen 460 in Fig. 6(a) if the security methods supported by the access point whose selection was accepted in S705 include the WPA2-PSK method. Also, CPU 154 displays screen 470 in Fig. 6(b) if the security methods supported by the access point whose selection was accepted in S705 include the WPA3-SAE method.

[0173] In S719, CPU 154 determines whether or not the network setting method selected by the user on the password entry screen is a method that uses WPS. If CPU 154 determines that the method uses WPS, the process proceeds to S720. On the other hand, if CPU 154 determines that the method does not use WPS, the process proceeds to S723. Specifically, for example, CPU 154 determines that the method uses WPS when button 543 is pressed by the user on screen 540 of FIG. 7(e). In other cases, CPU 154 determines that the method does not use WPS.

[0174] In S720, the CPU 154 disables the network setup mode enabled in S704. This process corresponds to S221 in Fig. 2. Furthermore, if the WPS mode enabled in S710 has been disabled due to a timeout or the like, the CPU 154 may enable the WPS mode.

[0175] In S721, the CPU 154 acquires network setting information from the access point 131 using a method that uses WPS. This process corresponds to S222 in FIG.

[0176] In S722, the CPU 154 disables the WPS mode. This process corresponds to S223 in FIG.

[0177] In S723, the CPU 154 judges whether or not the network setting method selected by the user on the password input screen is a method using the network setup mode. If the CPU 154 judges that the method is a method using the network setup mode, the process proceeds to S724. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 judges that the method is not a method using the network setup mode, the process of FIG. 10 ends. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 judges that the method is a method using a predetermined button network setup mode by the user on the password input screen. In other cases, the CPU 154 judges that the method is not a method using the network setup mode. Here, the password input screen is, for example, the screen 520, the screen 530, the screen 540, or the screen 550. Also, the predetermined button is, for example, the button 522, the button 532, the button 542, the button 552, or the button 553.

[0178] In S724, the CPU 154 disables the WPS mode. If WPS mode was enabled in S710, CPU 154 disables WPS mode. This process corresponds to S223 in Fig. 3(a). Furthermore, in S724, CPU 154 enables DPP standby mode. Specifically, if the DPP standby mode enabled in S713 has been disabled due to a timeout or the like, CPU 154 enables the DPP standby mode.

[0179] In S725, the CPU 154 acquires network setting information by the WEC method or a method using a setup communication protocol. Details of this process correspond to S204 to S207 or S210 in FIG.

[0180] In S726, the CPU 154 disables the DPP standby mode and the network setup mode. This process corresponds to S208 and S211 in FIG.

[0181] In S727, the CPU 154 performs a connection process to the access point selected in S705. Specifically, the CPU 154 attempts to connect to the access point selected in S705 by using the password inputted in S717. This process corresponds to S233 in FIG. 3B. Alternatively, the CPU 154 attempts to connect to the access point selected in S705 by using the network setting information acquired in S721. This process corresponds to S212 in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the CPU 154 attempts to connect to the access point selected in S705 by using the network setting information acquired in S725. This process corresponds to S223 in FIG. 3A. Also, in S608, the CPU 154 displays the screen 490 in FIG. 6D on the display unit 161.

[0182] In S728, the CPU 154 determines whether or not the connection to the access point was successful. If the CPU 154 determines that the connection was successful, the process proceeds to S729. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines that the connection was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S730.

[0183] In S729, the CPU 154 displays on the display unit 161 a screen indicating that the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 has been completed. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 displays on the display unit 161 a screen 510 in FIG.

[0184] In S730, the CPU 154 displays on the display unit 161 a screen indicating that an error has occurred in the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 displays on the display unit 161 a screen 520 of FIG.

[0185] In S731, CPU 154 judges whether or not the access point selected by the user in S705 supports the network setting method by the password input method. If CPU 154 judges that the access point supports the network setting method, the process proceeds to S732. On the other hand, if CPU 154 judges that the access point does not support the network setting method, the process proceeds to S707. Specifically, CPU 154 makes the judgment based on the judgment result stored in S706.

[0186] In S732, the CPU 154 enables the network setup mode. This process corresponds to S200 in Fig. 2. That is, the CPU 154 starts the network setup mode.

[0187] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the detected access point 131 supports communication by DPP, communication device 151 displays a notification that communication by DPP is possible on display unit 161 before executing a process for connecting to access point 131. In this way, by displaying a notification that communication by DPP is possible on display unit 161, the user can proceed with the operation when connecting communication device 151 to access point 131 without inputting a password.

[0188] The process described above as the process executed using DPP or the process determined with respect to DPP may be a process executed using HTTP or a process determined with respect to HTTP. That is, the setup described as the WEC-type network setup may be executed by communication using HTTP instead of DPP. The information processing device 101 may acquire a password without receiving a password input by a setting application through communication using HTTP and transmit the password to the communication device 151. In addition, in S618, the CPU 154 may execute a process of determining whether or not the access point selected in S604 supports the network setting method using HTTP. In addition, in a form in which HTTP is used instead of DPP, SNMP may be used as the setup communication protocol.

[0189] 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.

[0190] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following communication device, method, and program. (Item 1) A communication device, comprising: A detection means for detecting an access point different from the communication device; a display means for displaying a list of the access points detected by the detection means; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the access point from the list displayed by the display means; a first execution means for executing a first communication for establishing a wireless connection between the access point, the selection of which has been accepted by the acceptance means, and the communication device by a predetermined connection method, between an information processing device and the communication device, by at least one of a Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) and a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP); a notification means for notifying that the first communication can be executed by the first execution means when the access point selected by the reception means is an access point compatible with the first communication. A communication device comprising: (Item 2) The display means includes: displaying a notification by said notification means that an instruction to execute said first communication can be accepted as a first interface operable by a user; The first execution means is putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting a request for the first communication from the information processing device based on a user's operation of the first interface displayed by the display means; 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 3) The state in which a request for the first communication can be accepted is a state in which predetermined information for performing authentication processing between the communication device and the information processing device is displayed by the display means; 3. The communication device according to item 2, (Item 4) The first communication includes: The communication device described in item 2 or 3, characterized in that the communication is for the communication device to obtain, from the information processing device, authentication information for establishing the wireless connection between the access point whose selection has been accepted by the acceptance means and the communication device using the specified connection method. (Item 5) a second execution means for executing a second communication different from the first communication, between the access point, the selection of which is accepted by the acceptance means, and the communication device, the second communication being for establishing the wireless connection by the predetermined connection method between the access point and the communication device; The notification means is when the access point selected by the receiving means is an access point compatible with the second communication, notifying the access point that the access point is capable of receiving an instruction to execute the second communication from the second execution means; 5. The communication device according to any one of items 2 to 4, (Item 6) The second communication includes: the communication is for the communication device to obtain, from the access point, the authentication information for establishing the wireless connection by the predetermined connection method between the access point, the selection of which has been accepted by the accepting means, and the communication device. 6. The communication device according to item 5, (Item 7) The second communication includes: Including communications conforming to the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) standard. 7. The communication device according to item 5 or 6, (Item 8) The display means includes: displaying a notification by said notification means that an instruction to execute said second communication can be accepted as a second interface operable by a user; The second execution means is making the second communication executable based on a user's operation of the second interface displayed by the display means; 8. The communication device according to any one of items 5 to 7, (Item 9) a determination unit that determines a communication method supported by the access point that has received the selection by the reception unit, The notification means is when the determining means determines that the access point is an access point compatible with the first communication, notifying that the access point is available to receive an instruction to execute the first communication from the first execution means; when the determination means determines that the access point is an access point compatible with the second communication, notifying the access point that an instruction to execute the second communication by the second execution means is acceptable; 9. The communication device according to item 8, characterized in that (Item 10) The determination means is 10. The communication device according to item 8 or 9, further comprising: determining the communication method supported by the access point based on the security method of the access point whose selection has been accepted by the acceptance means. (Item 11) The display means includes: when a first access point compatible with the first communication and a second access point incompatible with the first communication are detected by the detection means, the first access point is displayed in the list with priority over the second access point. 11. A communication device according to any one of items 8 to 10, characterized in that (Item 12) a connection unit that establishes the wireless connection between the communication device and the access point selected by the reception unit based on the authentication information. 12. A communication device according to any one of items 9 to 11. (Item 13) The display means includes: displaying, based on the reception of the selection of the access point by the reception means, a third interface into which a user can input authentication information for establishing the wireless connection between the communication device and the access point, the selection of which is received by the reception means, by the predetermined connection method, which is different from the first communication and the second communication; 13. The communication device according to item 12, (Item 14) The display means includes: displaying the third interface and the first interface when the notification means notifies that an instruction to execute the first communication is available, and displaying the third interface and the second interface when the notification means notifies that the second execution means is available to execute the second communication. Item 14. The communication device according to item 13, (Item 15) A second determination means for determining whether the wireless connection by the connection means is successful, The display means includes: when the second determination means determines that the wireless connection has failed and the notification means notifies that an instruction to execute the first communication can be accepted, the third interface and the first interface are displayed, and when the second execution means notifies that the second communication can be executed, the third interface and the second interface are displayed. Item 14. The communication device according to item 13, (Item 16) 1. A method implemented in a communications device, comprising: a detection step of detecting an access point different from the communication device; a display step of displaying a list of the access points detected by the detection step; a receiving step of receiving a selection of the access point from the list displayed by the display step; a first execution step of executing a first communication for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and the access point, the selection of which has been accepted in the acceptance step, by a predetermined connection method between the information processing device and the communication device, using at least one of a Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) and a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP); and a notification step of notifying that the first communication can be executed by the first execution step when the access point selected by the reception step is an access point compatible with the first communication. A method comprising: (Item 17) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to any one of items 1 to 15.

[0191] 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]

[0192] 101 information processing device, 103 CPU, 104 ROM, 105 RAM, 106 external storage device, 110 communication unit, 111 short-range wireless communication unit, 112 photographing unit, 131 access point, 151 communication device, 152 ROM, 153 RAM, 154 CPU, 156 communication unit, 157 short-range wireless communication unit

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: A detection means for detecting an access point different from the communication device; a display means for displaying a list of the access points detected by the detection means; a receiving means for receiving a selection of the access point from the list displayed by the display means; a first execution means for executing a first communication for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and the access point, the selection of which has been accepted by the acceptance means, by at least one of a Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) and a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) between an information processing device and the communication device; a notification means for notifying that the first execution means is capable of executing the first communication when the access point selected by the reception means is an access point compatible with the first communication. A communication device comprising:

2. The display means is displaying a notification by said notification means that an instruction to execute said first communication can be accepted as a first interface operable by a user; The first execution means is putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting a request for the first communication from the information processing device based on a user's operation of the first interface displayed by the display means; 2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The state in which a request for the first communication can be accepted is a state in which predetermined information for performing authentication processing between the communication device and the information processing device is displayed by the display means; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. The first communication includes: The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication is for the communication device to obtain, from the information processing device, authentication information for establishing the wireless connection using the specified connection method between the access point whose selection has been accepted by the acceptance means and the communication device.

5. a second execution means for executing, between the access point and the communication device, the second communication being different from the first communication, for establishing the wireless connection between the access point and the communication device, the selection of which has been accepted by the acceptance means, in the predetermined connection method; The notification means is when the access point selected by the receiving means is an access point compatible with the second communication, notifying the access point that the access point is available to receive an instruction to execute the second communication from the second execution means; 5. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The second communication includes: the communication is for the communication device to obtain, from the access point, the authentication information for establishing the wireless connection by the predetermined connection method between the access point, the selection of which has been accepted by the accepting means, and the communication device.

6. The communication device according to claim 5,

7. The second communication includes: Including communications conforming to the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) standard.

7. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. The display means is displaying a notification by said notification means that an instruction to execute said second communication can be accepted as a second interface operable by a user; The second execution means is putting the second communication into an executable state based on a user's operation of the second interface displayed by the display means; 8. The communication device according to claim 7,

9. a determination unit that determines a communication method supported by the access point that has received the selection by the reception unit, The notification means is when the determining means determines that the access point is an access point compatible with the first communication, notifying that an instruction to execute the first communication by the first execution means is acceptable; when the determination means determines that the access point is an access point compatible with the second communication, notifying the access point that an instruction to execute the second communication by the second execution means is acceptable; 9. The communication device according to claim 8.

10. The determination means is 10. The communication device according to claim 9, further comprising: determining the communication method supported by the access point based on a security method of the access point selected by the receiving means.

11. The display means is when a first access point compatible with the first communication and a second access point incompatible with the first communication are detected by the detection means, the first access point is displayed in the list with priority over the second access point; 11. The communication device according to claim 10.

12. a connection unit that establishes the wireless connection between the communication device and the access point selected by the reception unit based on the authentication information.

11. The communication device according to claim 10.

13. The display means is based on the reception of the selection of the access point by the reception means, displaying a third interface into which a user can input authentication information for establishing the wireless connection between the communication device and the access point, the selection of which has been received by the reception means, by the predetermined connection method, which is different from the first communication and the second communication; 13. The communication device according to claim 12.

14. The display means is displaying the third interface and the first interface when the notification means notifies that an instruction to execute the first communication is available, and displaying the third interface and the second interface when the notification means notifies that the second execution means is available to execute the second communication.

14. The communication device according to claim 13 .

15. a second determination unit that determines whether the wireless connection by the connection unit is successful, The display means is when the second determination means determines that the wireless connection has failed and the notification means notifies that an instruction to execute the first communication can be accepted, the third interface and the first interface are displayed, and when the second execution means notifies that the second communication can be executed, the third interface and the second interface are displayed.

14. The communication device according to claim 13 .

16. 1. A method implemented in a communications device, comprising: a detection step of detecting an access point different from the communication device; a display step of displaying a list of the access points detected by the detection step; a receiving step of receiving a selection of the access point from the list displayed by the display step; a first execution step of executing a first communication for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and the access point, the selection of which has been accepted in the acceptance step, by at least one of Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) between an information processing device and the communication device; a notification step of notifying that the first communication can be executed by the first execution step when the access point selected by the reception step is an access point compatible with the first communication. A method comprising:

17. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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