Communication device, method for the same, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication device that improves convenience in connecting the communication device and an access point to each other.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: execution means that executes, between an information processing apparatus and the communication device, communication for establishing wireless connection by a predetermined connection method between the communication device and an access point different from the communication device; and specification means that specifies the distance between the information processing apparatus and the communication device. The execution means brings the communication device into a state where it can receive a request for the communication from the information processing apparatus, on the basis of the distance between the information processing apparatus and the communication device specified by the specification means being equal to or less than a predetermined value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

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 method of bootstrapping that triggers the transmission and reception of network information, and communication is started by providing a public key to a device to be a communication partner. Patent Document 4 describes a method for receiving information from a device to be 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 comprises an execution means for executing communication between an information processing device and the communication device for establishing a wireless connection using a predetermined connection method between the communication device and an access point different from the communication device, and an identification means for identifying the distance between the information processing device and the communication device, and the execution means puts the communication device in a state capable of accepting a request for communication from the information processing device based on the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means being equal to or less than a predetermined value. 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. 13 is a diagram showing a WEC start screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the configuration of advertisement information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an antenna configuration of a short-range wireless communication unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting distance and direction. [Figure 7]4 is a flowchart showing a process of the information processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating approach determination. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network setting UI displayed on the communication device. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network setting UI displayed on the communication device. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a network setting screen displayed on the information processing device. [Figure 12] 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] 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. Note that the network setup of other devices is specifically 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). Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that 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. For example, the Bootstrapping information can be acquired by 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 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.

[0017] 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, in this embodiment, the following configuration will be described as an example, 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.

[0018] <Configuration of information processing device> The information processing device 101 is an information processing device of this embodiment. The information processing device 101 includes 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 imaging unit 112, and a sensor unit 113. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, and the like form a computer of the information processing device 101.

[0019] 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. The operation unit 109 may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, or the like, or may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons 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 or the sensor unit 113. That is, the input interface 102 may receive input (operation) from the user via the imaging unit 112 or the sensor unit 113.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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). Furthermore, when the self-position recognition function is executed by the application, the information acquired from the image capturing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 to acquire various pieces of information related to the position and angle of the information processing device 101. As a method for acquiring various pieces of information related to the position and angle, for example, a method such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (hereinafter, SLAM) can be used. For example, SLAM can be used to estimate the position of the information processing device 101 and create a map of the periphery of the information processing device 101.

[0027] The sensor unit 113 may be an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc. Information detected by the sensor unit 113 is processed by the CPU 103, and various information related to the angle, speed, and position of the information processing device 101 is acquired.

[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 may be 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, soft buttons, or the like 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), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the state of communication device 151. Note that 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] In this embodiment, communication device 151 can also 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 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 an authentication information password 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. In that case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (that the user cannot change) 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 can execute communication for establishing a wireless connection between the access point 131 and the communication device 151 by a predetermined connection method. Moreover, the communication device 151 in this embodiment 151 specifies the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. Based on the fact that the specified distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is within a predetermined range, the communication device 151 puts the communication device 151 in a state in which it is possible to start communication for establishing a wireless connection between the access point 131 and the communication device 151 by a predetermined connection method.

[0049] With this configuration, the timing at which communication device 151 starts the above-mentioned communication can be appropriately controlled, and the convenience of connecting communication device 151 and access point 131 can be improved.

[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 Fig. 2. The process of Fig. 2 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] 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 acquired 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 acquire 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 the 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, the method using the setup communication protocol is selected. In the present embodiment, the WEC method is a communication method conforming to the WEC standard. To support WEC means, in other words, to support DPP. Note that security methods conforming to WEC are, for example, WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, WPA2-EAP, WPA3-EAP, etc. Further, security methods not conforming 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 pre-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 the method using the setup communication protocol is selected, the process proceeds to S209.

[0057] <Network Setup in 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 approach of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 to 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 in S204 described later, 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. 3(a) is referred to. FIG. 3(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 the user, the access point set as a setting target by WEC is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. When the area 301 is selected by the 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 been 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 the user, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram. 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 access point connection information to communication device 151 through secure communication without receiving a new password input, which is authentication information, 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 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> In S209, the information processing device 101 starts network setup using a setup communication protocol. See FIG. 3(b). FIG. 3(b) is an example of a network setup start screen displayed by a setting application. Areas 311 to 314 are displayed on a network setup start screen 310. The area 311 is an area for changing an access point set as a setting target by network setup. Note that before the area 311 is operated, the access point set as a setting target by network setup is an 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 an access point selected by the user from the list as a setting target by network setup. Note that the list of access points includes the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 has connected. The area 312 is an area for inputting a password as authentication information of the access point set as a setting target. Note that, when the setting application can use a password held by the OS, the 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 this sequence diagram. When area 314 is pressed, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S210.

[0067] 2 again. In S210, the information processing device 101 transmits connection 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 connection 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 network setting information 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, when 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 for connecting to the access point 131 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] In the above description, a method of bootstrapping using a QR code has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, bootstrapping may be performed by short-distance wireless communication. For example, in S204, the communication device 151 may transmit the WEC-related information to the information processing device 101 by short-distance 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-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth, BLE, or NFC. Furthermore, as a communication protocol for executing bootstrapping, SNMP, HTTP, or the like may be used.

[0074] <Advertisement information configuration> An example of the configuration of advertising information transmitted by the short-range wireless communication unit in short-range wireless communication will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In this embodiment, when power supply to the communication device 151 starts, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 performs an initialization process and enters an advertising state. When the short-range wireless communication unit 157 enters the advertising state, it periodically broadcasts advertising information to the surroundings based on a predetermined advertising interval.

[0075] The timing when the short-range wireless communication unit 157 starts transmitting the advertising information is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and may be, for example, a state in which application software using the information processing device 101 is running. The information processing device 101 can detect the presence of the communication device 151 by receiving the advertising information broadcast.

[0076] Furthermore, the information processing device 101 can establish a BLE connection with the communication device 151 based on the received advertising information. Data can be transmitted and received between terminals by performing GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) communication in the Bluetooth standard. In the advertising information in the Bluetooth standard, second advertising information including further information can be transmitted in response to a scan response request from the terminal side that has received the first advertising information.

[0077] Note that, although the form in which the advertising information is transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The advertising information may be transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 111 of the information processing device 101, for example. The information processing device 101 may broadcast the advertising information in a state in which communication by BLE is possible, for example. Thereby, the communication device 151 can detect the presence of the information processing device 101 by receiving the broadcast-transmitted advertising information.

[0078] 4 shows an example of the configuration of advertising information transmitted by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151. The preamble 401 is data for clock synchronization between devices transmitting and receiving the advertising information. The access-address 402 is data for frame synchronization related to the advertising information. The protocol data unit (PDU) 403 is the actual data portion of the advertising information.

[0079] The CRC 404 is a data error detection code value of the PDU 403. The Constant Tone Extension (CTE) 405 is data used for allowing devices transmitting and receiving advertising information to detect each other's direction.

[0080] The PDU 403 is composed of a header 406 and a payload 407. The header 406 is an area for storing the type of advertisement information, size information of the payload 407, and the like. The payload 407 is composed of a device name 408, connection information 409, TxPower 410, and identification information 411. The device name 408 stores a user-friendly name of the communication device 151. The connection information 409 stores connection information for BLE connection with the communication device 151. The TxPower 410 stores the transmission power of the advertisement information. The terminal side that receives the advertisement information is configured to be able to measure the distance to the communication device 151 by measuring the TxPower 410 and received signal strength indication (RSSI). The identification information 411 stores the MAC address of the communication device 151, service information, connection information for the short-range wireless communication unit 157 and the communication unit 156, and the like.

[0081] <Antenna configuration for short-range wireless communication unit> 5, the antenna configurations provided in the short-range wireless communication units of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 will be described. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the information processing device 101 includes an antenna 502, an antenna 503, and an antenna 504. The short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151 includes an antenna 501.

[0082] The number of antennas provided in the short-range wireless communication unit 111 and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 is not limited to this. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151 may be provided with multiple antennas as described later. The number of antennas provided in the short-range wireless communication unit 111 and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 may be different from each other. In addition, while FIG. 5 shows an example in which the antennas provided in the short-range wireless communication unit 111 and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 are arranged on a straight line, the arrangement of the antennas is not limited to this. In addition, in order for the short-range wireless communication unit of each device to detect the direction of the other device relative to the direction of the own device, multiple antennas are required in at least one of the short-range wireless communication units.

[0083] <How to detect distance and angle of the device> A method for detecting the angle and distance of the direction in which the communication device 151 is located as viewed from the information processing device 101 using short-range wireless communication (BLE) will be described with reference to FIG. 6(a).

[0084] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of acquiring an angle of a direction in which the communication device 151 is located as viewed from the information processing device 101. Advertising information emitted by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151 is received using a plurality of antennas 502 to 503 of the information processing device 101. The short-range wireless communication unit 157 transmits the advertising information including the AoA Radio Signal 603 in the CTE 405 from the antenna 501. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 receives the AoA Radio Signal 603 with a plurality of antennas (both the antenna 502 and the antenna 503). Here, the phase difference of the AoA Radio Signal 603 received by the antenna 502 and the antenna 503 is ψ, and the wavelength is λ. The distance between the antenna 502 and the antenna 503 is the AoA antenna distance d601. Angle of Arrival θ602, which is the direction of the communication device 151 as viewed from the information processing device 101, is obtained by Equation (1).

[0085] θ=arccos((ψλ) / (2πd)) Equation (1)

[0086] In this way, the information processing device 101 that receives advertising information from the communication device 151 can detect the direction of the communication device 151 as seen from the information processing device 101 by calculating the Angle of Arrival θ602.

[0087] At the same time, the information processing device 101 can also calculate the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by using TxPower 410 included in the advertising information transmitted from the communication device 151 and the received radio wave strength RSSI.

[0088] A method for detecting the angle and distance of the direction in which the information processing device 101 is located as seen from the communication device 151 using short-range wireless communication (BLE) will be described with reference to FIG. 6(b). FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing a configuration in which the information processing device 101 receives radio waves emitted by the communication device 151 using multiple antennas (antennas 501 and 505). FIG. 6(b) is also a diagram showing a configuration in which the angle of the direction in which the information processing device 101 is located as seen from the communication device 151 is obtained.

[0089] The short-distance wireless communication unit 157 transmits the AoD radio signal 603 included in the CTE 605 of the advertising information from multiple antennas (both the antenna 501 and the antenna 505). The advertising information is also transmitted with the AoD antenna distance d601 included in the CTE 605. The short-distance wireless communication unit 111 receives the AoD radio signal 603 transmitted by the antenna 501 and the antenna 505 through the antenna 502 by a determined switch pattern. Here, the phase difference of the AoD radio signal 603 transmitted from the antenna 501 and the antenna 505 is ψ, and the wavelength is λ. The AoD antenna distance d601, which is the distance between the antenna 501 and the antenna 505, and the formula (2) are used to calculate the Angle of Departure θ602, which is the direction of the information processing device 101 as seen from the communication device 151.

[0090] θ=arccos((ψλ) / (2πd)) Equation (2)

[0091] In this way, the communication device 151 can detect the direction of the information processing device 101 as seen from the communication device 151 by calculating the Angle of Departure θ 604 from the advertising information transmitted to the information processing device 101 .

[0092] In the above description, the antenna 502 and the antenna 503 are used as the multiple antennas provided in the short-range wireless communication unit 111 of the information processing device 101, but the number and combination of the antennas used are not limited to this. Also, the antenna 501 and the antenna 505 are used as the multiple antennas provided in the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151, but the number and combination of the antennas used are not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to use three or more antennas and calculate the average of the angles obtained from each antenna.

[0093] In the above description, the communication device 151 transmits the advertising information, and the information processing device uses an antenna to receive the advertising information, but this is not limited to the above. For example, both devices may use multiple antennas. For example, advertising information emitted by multiple antennas of the information processing device 101 may be received using multiple antennas of the communication device 151 to obtain an angle of the direction in which the information processing device 101 is located as viewed from the communication device 151. Also, for example, advertising information emitted by multiple antennas of the information processing device 101 may be received using multiple antennas of the communication device 151 to obtain an angle of the direction in which the communication device 151 is located as viewed from the information processing device 101.

[0094] A method for calculating an angle of a direction in which the communication device 151 is located and a distance from the information processing device 101 using the imaging unit 112 of the information processing device 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device 101. Note that the processing in Fig. 7 is started based on a user operation such as starting a setting application of the information processing device 101. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 or the like into the RAM 105 and executing the program.

[0095] In S701, the CPU 103 acquires identification information of the communication device 151. The identification information is information used to identify the communication device 151. The identification information may be, for example, a device name or a model name. The identification information is used when detecting the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 and the angle (direction) of the communication device 151 with respect to the information processing device 101. Here, the method of acquiring the identification information of the communication device 151 is, for example, to receive advertising information emitted by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151 using the short-range wireless communication unit 111 of the information processing device 101. The device name 408 included in the advertising information received by the short-range wireless communication unit 111 may be used as the identification information. In addition, a setup access point may be searched for using the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101, and a device name or the like may be acquired as the identification information from information included in the SSID of the setup access point in the search result. In addition, the identification information may be information held in advance by a setting application of the information processing device 101. The CPU 103 may obtain the identification information that is stored in advance in the setting application.

[0096] In S702, feature information of the communication device 151 is acquired based on the identification information of the communication device 151 acquired in S701. The feature information is information used to identify the communication device 151. In other words, the feature information is information used to detect the communication device 151. The feature information is, for example, an image, a color, a shape, a device name, etc. of the communication device 151. Note that the feature information may be information that is held in advance in a setting application of the information processing device 101. The CPU 103 may acquire the feature information that is held in advance in the setting application. Furthermore, the feature information may be acquired from an external server (not shown) using the communication unit 110.

[0097] In S703, the CPU 103 estimates the position and direction of the information processing device 101. A method for estimating the position and direction of the information processing device 101 may be, for example, the above-mentioned method called SLAM. Specifically, for example, the position and direction of the information processing device 101 may be estimated using information acquired using the imaging unit 112. For example, 3D map data of the periphery of the information processing device 101 may be created based on image information captured by the imaging unit 112. This may estimate the position of the information processing device 101. Also, the direction of the information processing device 101 may be estimated based on the 3D map data and image information captured by the imaging unit 112. Note that the estimation of the position and direction of the information processing device 101 may be realized by a function of the OS of the information processing device 101. Also, when estimating the position and direction of the information processing device 101, the estimation may be performed using information acquired by the sensor unit 113 of the information processing device 101 and image information acquired using the imaging unit 112.

[0098] In S704, the CPU 103 calculates the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, and the direction of the communication device 151. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 estimates the position of the communication device 151 based on the characteristic information of the communication device 151 acquired in S702. In addition, the CPU 103 calculates the direction and distance of the communication device 151 as seen from the information processing device 101, using the information on the position and direction of the information processing device 101 estimated in S703.

[0099] In S705, the CPU 103 transmits information on the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 calculated in S704 and information on the direction of the communication device 151 to the communication device 151. This information may be transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit 111 or from the communication unit 110, for example.

[0100] In S706, CPU 103 judges whether or not to end the process in Fig. 7. If CPU 103 judges that the process should be ended, CPU 103 ends the process in Fig. 7. On the other hand, if CPU 103 judges that the process should not be ended, CPU 103 proceeds to S703. Specifically, the process in S706 ends when the setting application is ended by a user operation such as the user pressing a cancel button 1012 in Fig. 11(b) described later. Otherwise, the process returns to S703 and executes the processes from S703 to S705 again.

[0101] <Device approach detection> In this embodiment, the communication device 151 uses the fact that the information processing device 101 has approached within a predetermined range as one of the triggers for starting the DPP standby mode in S203 in FIG. 2 described above. That is, the communication device 151 uses the fact that the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is equal to or less than a predetermined value as one of the triggers for starting the DPP standby mode. In addition, the communication device 151 uses the fact that the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is equal to or less than a predetermined value and that the direction of the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151 is a predetermined direction as one of the triggers for starting the DPP standby mode. Specifically, in S1106 in FIG. 12 described later, the communication device 151 determines whether the information processing device 101 has approached within a predetermined range of the communication device 151. The determination of the approach between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIGS. 8(a) and (b) are tables for explaining the determination of the approach between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 in the process of S1106 in FIG. 12 described later.

[0102] 8(a) is a table showing the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 measured by the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151, and a determination as to whether the measured distance is within a predetermined range. That is, the table shows the measured distance and the approach determination corresponding to the measured distance. Note that the measured distance may be measured using, for example, one or more of the short-range wireless communication unit 111 of the information processing device 101, the imaging unit 112 of the information processing device 101, and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151. As shown in the table, the approach determination also includes the angle (direction) between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151.

[0103] The approach determination will be described with reference to Fig. 8(b). Fig. 8(b) is a schematic diagram showing the approach between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101. Fig. 8(b) describes an example of the approach determination by the communication device 151 based on the distance and angle between the communication device 151 (not shown) measured by the information processing device 101, but is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 151 may perform the approach determination based on the distance and angle between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 measured by the communication device 151.

[0104] When the distance between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined range, the communication device 151 determines that the devices are not in close proximity. For example, the communication device 151 may determine that the devices are not in close proximity if the distance between the devices is equal to or greater than 10 m. In other words, when the devices are 10 m or more apart, the communication device 151 may determine that the devices are not in close proximity.

[0105] The communication device 151 determines that the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are approaching each other when the distance between them is within a predetermined range. For example, the communication device 151 may determine that the communication device 151 is approaching each other when the distance between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is within a range 801 of less than 10 meters and 6 meters or more. Also, for example, the communication device 151 may determine that the communication device 151 is approaching each other when the distance between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is within a range 803 of less than 6 meters and 2 meters or more. Also, for example, the communication device 151 may determine that the communication device 151 is approaching each other when the distance between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is within a range 804 of less than 2 meters.

[0106] The communication device 151 may determine that the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are approaching each other when the distance between them is within a predetermined range and the angle between them is within a predetermined range. That is, the communication device 151 may determine that the communication device 151 is approaching each other when the distance between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is within a predetermined range and in a predetermined direction. For example, the communication device 151 may determine that the communication device 151 is in a second approaching range when the distance between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is within a range 801 of less than 10 meters and 6 meters or more and the angle of the communication device 151 as seen from the information processing device 101 is within a range 802 of 30 degrees to the left and right. In this example, the direction (angle) of the communication device 151 as seen from the information processing device 101 has been described, but the direction (angle) of the information processing device 101 as seen from the communication device 151 may be determined.

[0107] 8(a) and 8(b) are merely examples of approach determinations made by the communication device 151, and are not limited to the values ​​and ranges shown in the drawings. That is, the range of distances and the range of angles within which the communication device 151 determines that the information processing device has approached the communication device 151 may be changed as appropriate.

[0108] <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 the communication device 151 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The network set setting change process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of Figure 11. In this example, a case is described in which the operation unit 159 and the display unit 161 are configured as an operation display unit consisting of a touch panel display, but the configuration of the communication device 151 is not limited to this. Also, the UI shown in Figures 9 and 10 is an example, and the design, wording, details of the UI configuration, etc. do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0109] 9A shows an example of an idle screen 900. On the idle screen 900, 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 900, buttons such as copy 901, network setup 902, wireless LAN setting 903, and other settings 904 are displayed. Copy 901 is a button for displaying a menu of the copy function of the communication device 151. Network setup 902 is a button for starting a network setting change using a network setup mode. Wireless LAN setting 903 is a button for starting a wireless LAN setting function of the communication device 151. Other settings 904 is a button for displaying a menu of other setting functions of the communication device 151.

[0110] Fig. 9(b) shows an example of a screen 910 on which wireless LAN settings can be made. The screen 910 is displayed when wireless LAN settings 903 is selected on the idle screen 900 in Fig. 9(a). The screen 910 displays buttons 911 to 913 from which a wireless LAN setup method can be selected. The button 911 is a button for starting a network setting change that uses a network setup mode. The button 912 is a button for starting a network setting change that uses a method of inputting a password as authentication information. The button 913 is a button for starting a network setting change that uses WPS.

[0111] Fig. 9(c) shows an example of a screen 920 that is displayed when a button 912 is selected on the screen 910 in Fig. 9(b). A message informing the user that a wireless LAN router is being searched for may be displayed on the screen 920. In other words, the screen 920 is displayed when the communication device 151 is searching for an access point.

[0112] 9(d) shows an example of a screen 930 displaying a list of access points. On the screen 930, access point selection buttons 931-933 and the like are displayed as the access point search results. The selection buttons 931-933 display the identifiers of the access points and the like. The identifiers of the access points are, for example, the SSIDs of the searched access points.

[0113] Fig. 9(e) shows an example of a screen 940 that is displayed when access point selection buttons 931 to 933 are selected on the screen 930 of Fig. 9(d). The screen 940 is also a screen on which a password can be input as authentication information for the access point selected on Fig. 9(d). The screen 940 is also displayed when an OK button 971 is selected on a screen 970 of Fig. 10(b) described below. For example, a password character count 941, a password input field 942, a button 943, a button 944, etc. are displayed on the screen 940.

[0114] The password character number 941 displays the number of characters of a password that can be entered according to the security method supported by the access point of the button 931-933 selected on the screen 930 of FIG. 9(d). For example, when the security method supported by the access point includes the WPA2-PSK method, the password character number 941 may display the number of characters of a password that can be entered as "8-64 characters". For example, when the security method supported by the access point includes the WPA3-SAE method, the password character number 941 may display the number of characters of a password that can be entered as "1-127 characters". The password input field 942 is a button for inputting a password as authentication information of the access point. The button 943 is a button for starting a network setting change using the network setup mode. The button 943 is displayed when the security method supported by the access point of the selection button 931-933 selected on the screen 930 of FIG. 9(d) corresponds to a setting method using the network setup mode. The button 944 is a button for starting a network setting change using WPS. The button 944 is displayed when the access point of the selected button 931 to 933 on the screen 930 of FIG. 9(d) supports a method using WPS.

[0115] Fig. 9(f) is an example of a screen 950 that is displayed while a connection process with an access point is being performed. The screen 950 is displayed, for example, when the user selects one of the access point selection buttons 931 to 933 on the screen 930 of Fig. 9(d) or when the user selects the button 943 or button 944 on the screen 940 of Fig. 9(e). For example, a message notifying the user that a connection to a wireless LAN router is being made may be displayed on the screen 950.

[0116] Also refer to Fig. 10. Fig. 10(a) is a screen displayed when the connection process with the wireless access point is successful on screen 950 of Fig. 9(f). For example, a message notifying the user that the connection process with the access point has been successful may be displayed on screen 950.

[0117] Fig. 10(b) is an example of a screen 970 that is displayed when the connection process between the communication device 151 and the wireless access point fails on the screen 950 of Fig. 9(f). For example, a message or the like may be displayed on the screen 970 to inform the user that the connection to the wireless LAN router has failed.

[0118] FIG. 10(c) is an example of a screen 980 displayed while network setup is being performed in the network setup mode. The screen 980 is displayed when, for example, the network setup 902 on the idle screen 900 in FIG. 9(a), the button 911 on the screen 910 in FIG. 9(b), or the button 943 on the screen 940 in FIG. 9(e) is selected by the user. The screen 980 may display, for example, a message that prompts the user to proceed with the operation according to the display contents of an information processing device such as a PC or a smartphone. In addition, the screen 980 may display, for example, a cancel button 982. When the cancel button 982 is pressed by the user, the network setup mode is disabled, and the display of the display unit 161 may return to the idle screen 900.

[0119] 10(d) is an example of a screen 990 that is displayed when the DPP standby mode is enabled. The screen 990 displays an area 991, a cancel button 992, and the like. An area 911 displays WEC-related information using a two-dimensional code or the like. This makes it possible to perform network setup using WEC that utilizes DPP by scanning the two-dimensional code with the information processing device 101. The two-dimensional code may be, for example, a QR code. When the cancel button 992 is pressed by the user, the network setup mode is disabled, and the display on the display unit 161 returns to the idle screen 900.

[0120] An example of a screen displayed by a setting application running on the information processing device 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Screens 1000 to 1030 shown in Figs. 11(a) to (d) are examples of the UI of the information processing device 101. In this example, a case is described in which the operation unit 109 and the display unit 108 are configured as an operation display unit made up of a touch panel display, but the configuration of the information processing device 101 is not limited to this. In addition, the UIs shown in Figs. 11(a) to (d) are only examples, and the UI design, wording, details of the UI configuration, and the like do not necessarily need to match.

[0121] 11A shows an example of an idle screen 1000 of the information processing device 101. The idle screen 1000 displays a setting application 1001. The setting application 1001 is an icon for starting the setting application of the information processing device 101.

[0122] FIG. 11(b) shows an example of a setting application screen 1010. The setting application screen 1010 is displayed when the setting application 1001 in FIG. 11(a) is selected by the user. The setting application screen 1010 may be displayed when the information processing device 101 searches for the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode. For example, the setting application screen 1010 may be displayed when the position of the communication device 151 as viewed from the information processing device 101 is detected within the first approach range 801 in FIG. 8. For example, the setting application screen 1010 may be displayed when the position of the communication device 151 as viewed from the information processing device 101 is not detected within any of the first approach range 801 to the fourth approach range 804 in FIG. 8.

[0123] The setting application screen 1010 displays a message area 1011, a cancel button 1012, and the like. The setting application screen 1010 may display a message indicating to the user that the information processing device 101 is searching for the communication device 151. The message area 1011 is an area for displaying a message according to the distance or angle between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. For example, a message urging the user to bring the information processing device 101 closer to the communication device 151 or a message urging the user to press a button for starting network setup of the communication device 151 may be displayed in the message area 1011. For example, when the information processing device 101 has succeeded in searching for the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode or when the communication device 151 has been detected in the vicinity of the information processing device 101, screens such as those shown in Figs. 11(c) to 11(d) described later are displayed according to an executable setting method or an approach range detected by the information processing device 101. When the user presses the cancel button 1012, the search for the communication device 151 by the information processing device 101 and the detection of the communication device 151 within the approach range are stopped. When the user presses the cancel button 1012, the display on the display unit 108 may return to the idle screen 1000.

[0124] FIG. 11(c) shows an example of the setting application screen 1020. The setting application screen 1020 is a screen that is displayed when the search for the communication device 151 that operates in the network setup mode is successful. The setting application screen 1020 is displayed when the communication device is detected in the second approach range 802 or the third approach range 803. For example, an area 1021 and a connection button 1022 are displayed on the setting application screen 1020. A message that indicates to the user that the communication device 151 has been found may be displayed on the setting application screen 1020. The area 1021 is an area that displays a message according to an executable setting method and the distance or angle between the information processing device 101 and the communication device. The area 1021 is displayed when the communication device 151 or the information processing device 101 supports communication of the WEC method using the DPP protocol. For example, a message that prompts the user to bring the information processing device 101 closer to the communication device 151 may be displayed on the area 1021. Furthermore, the area 1021 may display a message or the like that prompts the user to scan a two-dimensional code or the like displayed on the communication device 151 using the imaging unit 112 of the information processing device 101. When the connect button 1022 is selected by the user, a screen 310 shown in Fig. 3(b) is displayed, and setting using a method that uses a setup protocol is started.

[0125] FIG. 11(d) shows an example of the setting application screen 1030. The setting application screen 1030 is a screen that is displayed when the information processing device 101 has successfully searched for the communication device 151 that operates in the DPP standby mode. The setting application screen 1030 is also displayed when the information processing device 101 has detected a communication device in the fourth approach range 804. The setting application screen 1030 displays an easy setting start button 1031, a connection button 1032, and the like. The setting application screen 1040 may display a message that indicates to the user that the communication device 151 has been found, or whether to start easy setting, and the like. Easy setting is, in other words, a setting that does not require the user to input a password as authentication information for an access point. When the easy setting start button 1031 is selected by the user, the screen shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed, and setting by the WEC method using the DPP protocol is started. The easy setting start button 1031 is displayed when the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are compatible with the WEC method using the DPP protocol. When the connect button 1032 is selected by the user, a screen 310 shown in FIG. 3(b) is displayed, and configuration using a method that uses a setup protocol is started.

[0126] <Switching network setting method and changing screen display> With reference to FIG. 12, an example of the switching of the network setting method executed by the communication device 151 and the above-mentioned change operation of the screen display of the communication device 151 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the communication device 151. This process may be started based on a user operation such as turning on the power of the communication device 151, initializing the network setting of the communication device 151, or starting the network setup mode from the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151. Furthermore, this process may be started when the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151 detects that the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 have approached each other within a predetermined range based on information on the distance and direction between the devices received from the information processing device 101. Note that the predetermined range for starting the network setup mode is, for example, the second approach range 802 to the fourth approach range 804 shown in FIG. 8. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 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.

[0127] The processing from S1101 to S1111 is processing executed by a setting application running on communication device 151, and corresponds to the processing executed by communication device 151 in FIG.

[0128] In S1101, the CPU 154 starts the network setup mode. S1101 is, for example, processing for enabling the network setup mode of the communication device 151, and corresponds to the processing executed by the communication device 151 in S200 of FIG.

[0129] In S1102, the CPU 154 judges whether the network setup mode has been started manually. If the CPU 154 judges that the network setup mode has been started manually, the process proceeds to S1103. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 judges that the network setup mode has been started automatically, the process proceeds to S1106. Here, it is judged that the network setup mode has been started manually when, for example, the user has started the network setup mode directly from the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151. Specifically, for example, this is the case when the user selects the network setup 902 on the screen 900 of FIG. 9(a) of the communication device 151, the button 911 on the screen 910 of FIG. 9(b), or the button 943 on the screen 940 of FIG. 9(e). In addition, for example, when the user turns on the power of the communication device 151 or initializes the network settings of the communication device 151, the network setup mode is judged to have been started automatically. In addition, for example, when the network setup mode is started based on the detection that the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 have approached within a specific range based on information on the distance and direction between the devices received by the communication device 151 from the information processing device 101, it is determined that the network setup mode has been started automatically.

[0130] In S1103, CPU 154 displays a standby message for the network setup mode. For example, CPU 154 displays a message indicating that network setting changes can be made in the network setup mode. Specifically, CPU 154 displays screen 980 of FIG. 10(c) on display unit 161. If it is determined in S1102 that the network setup mode has been started automatically, the screen displayed on display unit 161 is not switched. For example, if the network setup mode has been started automatically, CPU 154 displays idle screen 900 of FIG. 9(a) on display unit 154. If the network setup mode is enabled, the idle screen 900 shown in FIG. 9(a) may display an icon (not shown) indicating that the network setup mode is enabled in a part of the idle screen 900.

[0131] In S1104, the CPU 154 starts the DPP standby mode. That is, the CPU 154 enables the DPP standby mode. This process corresponds to the process of S203 in FIG. 2A. That is, in S1104, for example, the CPU 154 makes it possible to accept an Authentication Request from the information processing device 101. Also, in S1104, for example, if a QR code is used for bootstrapping, the CPU 154 makes it possible to display the WEC-related information as a QR code on the display unit 156 or the like. Also, in S1104, for example, if the bootstrapping is performed by short-range wireless communication such as NFC, Bluetooth Classic, or BLE, the CPU 154 makes it possible to transmit the WEC-related information by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 using these communication methods.

[0132] In S1105, the CPU 154 displays a DPP standby message on the display unit 161. The DPP standby message is a message indicating that the communication device 151 can change the network settings by the DPP. Specifically, a screen 990 in FIG. 10(d) is displayed. In S1105, the QR code displayed on the display unit 161 by the CPU 154 includes, for example, bootstrapping information for executing the network settings by the WEC. 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. This allows the information processing device 101 to capture a QR code using the photographing unit 112 in the setting application and acquire the bootstrapping information by analyzing the QR code from the captured image. That is, the process of S204 is performed. Note that, as a method for the information processing device 101 to acquire the bootstrapping information, short-distance wireless communication such as NFC or BLE may be used. Alternatively, communication using a communication protocol such as SNMP or HTTP via a setup access point activated in DPP standby mode may be used. This allows the information processing device 101 to request DPP Authentication from the communication device 151. That is, the process of S206 is performed.

[0133] In S1106, the CPU 154 determines whether the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are close to each other within a specific range. When the CPU 154 determines that the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are close to each other within a predetermined range, the CPU 154 proceeds to the process of S1103 described above. On the other hand, when the CPU 154 determines that the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are not close to each other within the predetermined range, the CPU 154 proceeds to the process of S1107. That is, in the process of S1106, the CPU 154 proceeds to S1103 when the determination result indicates that the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 are close to each other within a predetermined range. Specifically, in the process of S1106, for example, the CPU 154 may specify the distance and direction between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 based on the information on the distance and direction between the devices measured by the method of FIG. 6(a) or FIG. 6(b) described above. Specifically, in the process of S1106, for example, the CPU 154 may specify the distance or direction between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 based on the distance information or direction information transmitted from the information processing device in S705 of FIG. 7 described above. Based on the distance or direction between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 specified in this way, the CPU 154 may perform the determination as described in FIG. 8 described above. For example, the CPU 154 may determine whether or not the distance between the devices is within the fourth approach range 804. That is, in S1106, the CPU 154 may proceed to the process of S1103 when the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Also, the CPU 154 may proceed to the process of S1103 when the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the direction of the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151 is equal to a predetermined direction.

[0134] In S1107, the CPU 154 determines whether or not a network setup request has been received from the information processing device 101. If the CPU 154 determines that a network setup request has been received, the process proceeds to S1108. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines that a network setup request has not been received, the process proceeds to S1110. Specifically, for example, the CPU 154 determines whether or not a setup request by WEC using DPP has been received as a network setup request from the information processing device 101. That is, the CPU 154 determines whether or not connection information for connecting to the access point 131 has been received from the information processing device 101. The connection information for connecting to the access point 131 corresponds to, for example, the DPP Configuration in S207 of FIG. 2. The CPU 154 may also receive a setup request by a method using a setup protocol corresponding to S210.

[0135] In S1108, CPU 154 ends the DPP standby mode and the network setup mode. That is, CPU 154 disables the DPP and the network setup mode. This process corresponds to S208 and S211 in FIG.

[0136] In S1109, the CPU 154 changes the network settings. Specifically, the CPU 154 attempts to connect to the access point 131 by using information required for network settings (connection information for connecting to the access point 131) acquired from the information processing device 101. Note that in S1109, the CPU 154 may transmit, for example, information indicating a result of the connection to the access point 131 to the information processing device 101. Specifically, when the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 is successful, the CPU 154 may transmit information indicating the success of the connection to the information processing device 101. Also, when the connection between the communication device 151 and the access point 131 fails, the CPU 154 may transmit information indicating the failure of the connection to the information processing device 101.

[0137] As described above, according to the present embodiment, communication device 151 can execute communication using DPP in order to establish a wireless connection between access point 131 and communication device 151 by a predetermined connection method. Communication device 151 identifies information on the distance between information processing device 101 and communication device 151. Communication device 151 sets communication device 151 to a DPP standby mode based on the identified distance between information processing device 101 and communication device 151 being within a predetermined range. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately control the timing at which communication device 151 starts communication using DPP, and it is possible to improve convenience when connecting communication device 151 and access point 131.

[0138] Also, according to the present embodiment, the communication device 151 switches the setup method for the access point and the screen display depending on the method by which the network setup mode is started and the positional relationship between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. This makes it possible to realize a simple setup that omits the user's operation of selecting the setup method when connecting the communication device 151 and the access point 131.

[0139] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a screen for performing network setup by WEC using DPP is displayed according to the relative positions of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. For example, the information processing device 101 displays the screen 1020 in Fig. 11(c) or the screen 1030 in Fig. 11(d). Furthermore, the communication device 151 displays the screen 990 in Fig. 10(d). By displaying such a screen, the user can easily operate the network settings even if the network setup mode of the communication device 151 is automatically started.

[0140] In the present embodiment, information on the distance to the information processing device 101 and information on the direction of the information processing device 101 are acquired based on communication with the information processing device 101 by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 of the communication device 151. A form in which the communication device 151 dynamically switches the setup method and the screen display of the display unit 161 when it is determined that the information processing device 101 has approached within a specific approach range based on the acquired distance and direction information has been described. Note that this form is not limited to this. For example, a setting application running on the information processing device 101 may calculate the distance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 and the angle (direction) of the communication device 151. When it is determined that the information processing device 101 has approached within a specific approach range based on the information on the distance and angle calculated by the setting application, the information processing device 101 may transmit a specific signal to the communication device 151. The communication device 151 may receive the specific signal transmitted from the information processing device 101 in this manner, and dynamically switch the setup method and screen display of the communication device 151. The calculation of the distance (position) and angle to the communication device 151 by the setting app of the information processing device 101 may be performed based on advertising information received by the short-range wireless communication unit 111 of the information processing device 101 (for example, FIG. 6(a)). Alternatively, the calculation may be performed by a method using the imaging unit 112 (for example, FIG. 7). Based on the calculated distance (position) and angle to the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 may superimpose and display the device name and SSID of the communication device 151, executable setup methods, setup results, error information, and the like, in the live view of the display unit 108.

[0141] In the present embodiment, when network setup is performed using a method that does not use WEC (a method that uses a setup communication protocol), the information processing 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, this is not limited to this method. For example, when network setup is performed using a method that does not use WEC (a method that uses a setup communication protocol), the information processing device 101 may be set to participate in an access point that operates in the P2P mode of the communication device 151. For example, the information processing device 101 may be set to participate in an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point, or a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates using Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). When performing such a setting, the information processing device 101 may acquire connection 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following communication device, method, and program. (Item 1) A communication device, comprising: an execution means for executing communication between an information processing device and the communication device for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and an access point different from the communication device by a predetermined connection method; a determination unit that determines a distance between the information processing device and the communication device, The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting a request for communication from the information processing device, based on the fact that the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means is equal to or less than a predetermined value; A communication device comprising: (Item 2) A first communication means for performing short-distance wireless communication between the information processing device and the communication device, The identification means is determining a distance between the information processing device and the communication device based on information acquired through the short-range wireless communication with the information processing device by the first communication means; 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 3) the distance between the information processing device and the communication device is measured by the information processing device; The identification means is acquiring information on the measured distance by the first communication means via the short-range wireless communication, and specifying a distance between the information processing device and the communication device based on the acquired information on the distance; 3. The communication device according to item 2, (Item 4) a direction of the information processing device relative to the communication device is measured by the information processing device; The identification means is acquiring information on the measured direction by the first communication means via the short-range wireless communication, and identifying a direction of the information processing device relative to the communication device based on the acquired information on the direction; The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting a request for communication from the information processing device, based on the fact that a distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the direction of the information processing device identified by the identification means with respect to the communication device is a predetermined direction; 4. The communication device according to item 2 or 3, (Item 5) The communication device includes: a measuring means for measuring a distance between the communication device and the information processing device based on the short-range wireless communication with the information processing device by the first communication means, The identification means is determining a distance between the communication device and the information processing device based on a result of the measurement by the measuring means; 3. The communication device according to item 2, (Item 6) The measuring means is measuring a direction of the communication device with respect to the information processing device based on the short-range wireless communication with the information processing device by the first communication means; The identification means is determining a distance between the communication device and the information processing device and a direction of the communication device relative to the information processing device based on a result of the measurement by the measuring means; The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state in which it is possible to receive the request for communication from the information processing device, based on the fact that the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the direction of the communication device with respect to the information processing device is a predetermined direction; 6. The communication device according to item 5, (Item 7) The short-range wireless communication by the first communication means is communication according to at least one of Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). 7. The communication device according to any one of items 2 to 6, (Item 8) a determination unit that determines whether a distance between the information processing device identified by the identification unit and the communication device is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state in which it is able to accept the communication request from the information processing device based on a result of the determination by the determination means; 8. The communication device according to any one of items 2 to 7, (Item 9) The execution means includes: when the determination means determines that the distance between the information processing device identified by the identification means and the communication device is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the communication device is put into a state capable of accepting a request for communication by a first communication method from the information processing device; When the determination means determines that the distance between the information processing device identified by the identification means and the communication device is not equal to or less than a predetermined value, the communication device is capable of communicating with the information processing device by a second communication method different from the first communication method. 9. The communication device according to item 8, characterized in that (Item 10) a display unit that displays predetermined information for performing authentication processing between the communication device and the information processing device in the communication according to the first communication method, The state in which the communication request 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. 10. The communication device according to item 9, (Item 11) The first communication means includes: The communication device may transmit, to the information processing device, predetermined information for performing authentication processing between the communication device and the information processing device in the communication according to the first communication method; The state in which the communication request can be accepted is The predetermined information can be transmitted by the first communication means. 11. The communication device according to item 9 or 10, (Item 12) The communication in the first communication method is communication performed by Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). 12. A communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, (Item 13) the communication by the second communication method is communication that requires a user to input authentication information in order to establish a wireless connection between the access point and the communication device by the predetermined connection method; 13. A communication device according to any one of items 9 to 12, characterized in that (Item 14) A second communication means for performing wireless communication between the information processing device and the communication device according to a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series, The identification means is determining a distance between the information processing device and the communication device based on information acquired from the information processing device via wireless communication according to a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series; 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 15) 1. A method implemented in a communications device, comprising: an execution step of executing communication between an information processing device and the communication device for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and an access point different from the communication device by a predetermined connection method; and determining a distance between the information processing device and the communication device, The execution step includes: putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting the communication request from the information processing device based on the fact that the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified in the identification step is equal to or less than a predetermined value; A method comprising: (Item 16) 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 14.

[0144] 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]

[0145] 101 information processing device, 103 CPU, 104 ROM, 105 RAM, 106 external storage device, 110 communication unit, 111 short-range wireless communication unit, 112 imaging unit, 113 sensor 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: an execution means for executing communication between an information processing device and the communication device for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and an access point different from the communication device by a predetermined connection method; a determination unit that determines a distance between the information processing device and the communication device, The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting a request for communication from the information processing device, based on the fact that the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means is equal to or less than a predetermined value; A communication device comprising:

2. A first communication means for performing short-distance wireless communication between the information processing device and the communication device, The identification means is determining a distance between the information processing device and the communication device based on information acquired through the short-range wireless communication with the information processing device by the first communication means; 2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the distance between the information processing device and the communication device is measured by the information processing device; The identification means is acquiring information on the measured distance by the first communication means via the short-range wireless communication, and specifying a distance between the information processing device and the communication device based on the acquired information on the distance; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. a direction of the information processing device relative to the communication device is measured by the information processing device; The identification means is acquiring information on the measured direction by the first communication means via the short-range wireless communication, and identifying a direction of the information processing device relative to the communication device based on the acquired information on the direction; The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting a request for communication from the information processing device, based on the fact that a distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the direction of the information processing device identified by the identification means with respect to the communication device is a predetermined direction; 4. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. The communication device includes: a measuring unit that measures a distance between the communication device and the information processing device based on the short-range wireless communication with the information processing device by the first communication unit, The identification means is determining a distance between the communication device and the information processing device based on a result of the measurement by the measuring means; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

6. The measuring means is measuring a direction of the communication device with respect to the information processing device based on the short-range wireless communication with the information processing device by the first communication means; The identification means is determining a distance between the communication device and the information processing device and a direction of the communication device relative to the information processing device based on a result of the measurement by the measuring means; The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state in which it is possible to receive the request for communication from the information processing device, based on the fact that the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified by the identification means is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the direction of the communication device with respect to the information processing device is a predetermined direction; 6. The communication device according to claim 5,

7. The short-range wireless communication by the first communication means is communication conforming to at least one of Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

8. a determination unit that determines whether a distance between the information processing device identified by the identification unit and the communication device is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, The execution means includes: putting the communication device into a state in which it is able to accept the communication request from the information processing device based on a result of the determination by the determination means; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

9. The execution means includes: when the determination means determines that the distance between the information processing device identified by the identification means and the communication device is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the communication device is put into a state capable of accepting a request for communication by a first communication method from the information processing device; when the determination means determines that the distance between the information processing device identified by the identification means and the communication device is not equal to or less than a predetermined value, the communication device is capable of communicating with the information processing device by a second communication method different from the first communication method; 9. The communication device according to claim 8.

10. a display unit that displays predetermined information for performing an authentication process between the communication device and the information processing device in the communication according to the first communication method, The state in which the communication request 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.

10. The communication device according to claim 9 .

11. The first communication means includes: The communication device may transmit, to the information processing device, predetermined information for performing authentication processing between the communication device and the information processing device in the communication according to the first communication method; The state in which the communication request can be accepted is The predetermined information can be transmitted by the first communication means.

10. The communication device according to claim 9 .

12. The communication in the first communication method is communication performed by Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP).

10. The communication device according to claim 9 .

13. the communication by the second communication method is communication that requires a user to input authentication information in order to establish a wireless connection between the access point and the communication device by the predetermined connection method; 10. The communication device according to claim 9 .

14. A second communication means for performing wireless communication between the information processing device and the communication device according to a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series, The identification means is determining a distance between the information processing device and the communication device based on information acquired from the information processing device through wireless communication according to a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series; 2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

15. 1. A method implemented in a communications device, comprising: an execution step of executing communication between an information processing device and the communication device for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and an access point different from the communication device by a predetermined connection method; and determining a distance between the information processing device and the communication device, The execution step includes: putting the communication device into a state capable of accepting the communication request from the information processing device based on the fact that the distance between the information processing device and the communication device identified in the identification step is equal to or less than a predetermined value; A method comprising:

16. 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 14.

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