Electronic device, control method thereof, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving convenience when an STA switches AP as a connection destination.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes receiving means for receiving a request for changing a connection destination from a first access point to a second access point from the first access point to which the electronic device is being connected, control means for controlling the connection to change the connection destination access point from the first access point to the second access point based on the reception of the change request by the receiving means, and notification means for, when the control means changes the connection from the first access point to the second access point based on the change request, giving notice of the connection change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of being connected via a wireless LAN, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

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

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

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

[0005] However, when a STA receives an AP change request and switches its connection AP in accordance with the request, the user may not be aware that the STA's connection AP has been switched. Therefore, it is required to improve the convenience of the STA when switching its connection AP. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a receiving means for receiving a request to change a connection destination from a first access point to a second access point from the first access point to which the electronic device is currently connected, a control means for controlling the connection destination access point to be changed from the first access point to the second access point based on the reception of the change request by the receiving means, and a notification means for notifying the user that the connection has been changed when the control means changes the connection from the first access point to the second access point based on the change request. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience when a STA switches an AP to which it is connected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral (MFP). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation display unit of the MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an access point (AP). [Figure 6] 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process based on a connection destination change request from an AP. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on an operation display unit of an MFP. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the MFP in response to a request to change the connection destination. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the MFP in response to a request to change the connection destination. 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] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can wirelessly communicate with each other. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication devices include a mobile terminal device 104, a multi-function peripheral (MFP) 100, access points AP1 (101) and AP2 (102), a DHCP server 103, and a network 110. The mobile terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function using a wireless LAN or the like. Note that, hereinafter, a wireless LAN may be referred to as a WLAN. The mobile terminal device 104 may be a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0011] The MFP 100 has a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a FAX function, and a telephone function. The MFP 100 of this embodiment has a communication function capable of wirelessly communicating with a mobile terminal device 104. Although the MFP 100 is used as an example in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a printing device, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, and the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral.

[0012] The AP1 (101) is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100, and operates as a base station device of the WLAN. A communication device having a communication function of the WLAN can communicate in infrastructure mode of the WLAN via the AP1 (101). In the following, an access point may be called an "AP." Also, infrastructure mode may be called a "wireless infrastructure mode." The AP1 (101) performs wireless communication with a communication device that has been authorized to connect to the own device (has been authenticated), and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Also, the AP1 (101) is connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and can relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP1 (101).

[0013] AP2 (102) has the same function as AP1 (101), and MFP 100 switches the connection from AP1 (101) to AP2 (102) as necessary. DHCP server 103 connects to MFP 100 via AP1 (101) and network 110, and provides services to MFP 100 by responding to requests from MFP 100. Note that, in FIG. 1, DHCP server 103 is described as being connected as a device separate from AP1 (101) and AP2 (102), but AP1 (101) and AP2 (102) may have a DHCP server function. DNS server 105 is connected to MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104 via AP1 (101) and network 110, and provides services for name resolution by responding to requests from MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104. Here, network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network.

[0014] (External configuration of MFP) FIG. 2A shows an example of the external configuration of the MFP 100. The MFP 100 has, for example, a document table 201, a document cover 202, a print paper insertion port 203, a print paper discharge port 204, and an operation display unit 205. The document table 201 is a table on which a document to be read is placed. The document cover 202 is a cover for holding the document placed on the document table 201 and preventing light from a light source that irradiates the document during reading from leaking to the outside. The print paper insertion port 203 is an insertion port that allows various sizes of paper to be set. The print paper discharge port 204 is a discharge port that discharges paper that has been printed. The paper set in the print paper insertion port 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, and after printing is performed in the printing unit, it is discharged from the print paper discharge port 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, a decision key, and a cancel key, as well as an LED and an LCD, and is configured to be able to accept operations by the user to activate various functions as an MFP and to operate various settings. The operation display unit 205 may also be configured to include a touch panel display. The MFP 100 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for the wireless communication, although this does not necessarily need to be visible from the outside. Like the mobile terminal device 104, the MFP 100 can also perform wireless communication using WLAN in frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0015] (MFP configuration) 2B shows an example of the configuration of the MFP 100. The MFP 100 includes a main board 211 that performs main control of the device itself, and a wireless unit 226 that is one communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. The MFP 100 also includes, for example, a modem 229 for performing wired communication. The main board 211 includes, for example, a CPU 212 (central processing unit), a ROM 213, a RAM 214, a non-volatile memory 215, an image memory 216, a read control unit 217, a data conversion unit 218, a reading unit 219, and an encoding / decoding processing unit 221. The main board 211 also includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feed unit 223, a printing control unit 224, an operation display unit 220, and a FAX control unit 227. These functional units in the main board 211 are connected to each other via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. Furthermore, the main board 211 and the wireless unit 226 are connected via, for example, a dedicated bus 225 , and the main board 211 and the modem 229 are connected via, for example, a bus 228 .

[0016] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire MFP 100. In one example, the processing of the MFP 100 described below is realized by the CPU 212 executing a program stored in the ROM 213. Dedicated hardware for each process may be prepared. The ROM 213 stores a control program and an embedded OS program executed by the CPU 212. In this embodiment, the CPU 212 executes each control program stored in the ROM 213 under the management of an embedded OS also stored in the ROM 213, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0017] The RAM 214 is composed of an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data of the MFP 100. The RAM 214 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The non-volatile memory 215 is composed of a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power of the MFP 100 is turned off. The image memory 216 is composed of a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 accumulates image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the above configuration. The data conversion unit 218 analyzes data of various formats, converts image data into print data, and the like.

[0018] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (for example, a CIS (contact image sensor)) to optically read the document placed on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signals) and outputs the same. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may output the image data after performing various image processes such as binarization and halftoning.

[0019] The operation display unit 220 is the operation display unit 205 described with reference to FIG. 2(a), and performs display on a display based on display control by the CPU 212, generation of a signal in response to reception of a user operation, and the like.

[0020] The encoding / decoding processor 221 performs encoding and decoding processes and enlargement / reduction processes for image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100.

[0021] The paper feed unit 223 holds paper for printing. The paper feed unit 223 can supply the set paper under the control of the print control unit 224. The paper feed unit 223 may include multiple paper feed units in order to hold multiple types of paper in one device, and under the control of the print control unit 224, it can control which paper feed unit to use to feed paper.

[0022] The print control unit 224 performs various image processing such as smoothing, print density correction, and color correction on the image data to be printed, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 is configured to be able to execute, for example, an inkjet printing process, and ejects ink supplied from an ink tank from a print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. The print unit 222 may be configured to execute other printing processes such as an electrophotographic method. The print control unit 224 may also periodically read out information from the print unit 222 and update status information stored in the RAM 214, including the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank and the state of the print head.

[0023] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing a communication function of WLAN, and can provide the same function as that of a combination of the WLAN unit 401 of the mobile terminal device 104, for example. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets according to the WLAN standard and transmits the packets to other devices, and also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs them to the CPU 212. The wireless unit 226 can communicate as a station conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series. In particular, it can communicate as a station conforming to IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. Hereinafter, the station may be referred to as an STA. It can also communicate as an STA compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark).

[0024] The wireless unit 226 is compatible with IEEE802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi6 (trademark), and can perform processing compliant with IEEE802.11ax. That is, the MFP 100 can perform either or both of the processing as an STA compatible with (compliant with) OFDMA and the operation (processing) as an STA compatible with (compliant with) TWT. OFDMA stands for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access. TWT stands for Target Wake Time. Since it supports TWT, the timing of data communication from the parent device to the STA is adjusted. The wireless unit 226 (MFP 100) that is an STA transitions the communication function to a sleep state when it is not necessary to wait for signal reception. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption. The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E (trademark). That is, communication in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) is also possible. The band that is in the 5 GHz band and in which Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is performed does not exist in the 6 GHz band. As a result, when communicating in the 6 GHz band, communication interruptions due to DFS waiting times will not occur, and you can expect more smooth communication.

[0025] The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are capable of P2P (WLAN) communication based on the WFD, and the wireless unit 226 has a software access point (soft AP) function or a group owner function. That is, the wireless unit 226 can build a network for P2P communication and determine a channel to be used for P2P communication.

[0026] (MFP operation display section) FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a home screen displayed when the MFP 100 is powered on and an operation such as printing or scanning is not being performed (idle state, standby state). In FIG. 3(a), display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud are displayed. Cloud is a menu item related to a cloud function using Internet communication. When any of the menu items is selected by key operation or touch panel operation, the MFP 100 can start executing the corresponding setting or function. The MFP 100 can seamlessly display a screen different from that shown in FIG. 3(a) by accepting key operation or touch panel operation on the home screen of FIG. 3(a).

[0027] Fig. 3(b) is a display example of another part of the home screen, which is a screen transitioned to by an operation (such as a sliding operation to the left or right) to display another page of the home screen from the state of Fig. 3(a). Fig. 3(b) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, printing, and main unit settings. When any of these menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, i.e., the print function, main unit settings, or communication settings, is executed.

[0028] FIG. 3(c) is an example of a display of a menu screen of communication settings that is displayed when communication settings are selected on the screen of FIG. 3(b). On the menu screen of communication settings, "wireless LAN", "wired LAN", "wireless direct", "Bluetooth", and "common" are displayed as menu items (options). "Wireless LAN", "wired LAN", and "wireless direct" are menu items for performing LAN settings, and from these items, settings such as setting wired connection, enabling / disabling wireless infrastructure mode, and enabling / disabling P2P modes such as WFD and soft AP mode can be performed. When the "wireless LAN" item is selected and wireless LAN is enabled by user operation, wireless infrastructure mode is enabled. When the "wireless direct" item is selected and wireless direct is enabled by user operation, P2P (WLAN) mode is enabled. In addition, on this screen, a common setting menu for each connection form is also displayed. Furthermore, the user can set the frequency band and frequency channel of wireless LAN from this screen.

[0029] (External configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In this embodiment, as an example, the mobile terminal device 104 is a smartphone of a general type. The mobile terminal device 104 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is, for example, a display including a display mechanism of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type. The display unit 402 may display information using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The mobile terminal device 104 may have a function of outputting information by voice in addition to or instead of the display unit 402. The operation unit 403 includes hard keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, and the like for detecting user operations. In this example, the display unit 402 displays information and the operation unit 403 accepts user operations using a common touch panel display, so that the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are realized by one device. In this case, for example, button icons and a software keyboard are displayed using the display function of the display unit 402, and the touch of the user on those points is detected by the operation reception function of the operation unit 403. Note that the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 may be separated, and hardware for display and hardware for operation reception may be prepared separately. The power key 404 is a hardware key for receiving a user operation for turning the power of the mobile terminal device 104 on or off.

[0030] The mobile terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides a communication function of a WLAN, although it is not necessarily visible from the outside. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to execute data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE802.11 standard series (IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). In addition, it is capable of communication as an AP compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). However, it is not limited to this, and the WLAN unit 401 may be capable of executing communication in a WLAN system that complies with other standards. In this example, it is assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication in both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. It is also assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication based on WFD, communication in a soft AP mode, communication in a wireless infrastructure mode, etc. Operations in these modes will be described later.

[0031] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the mobile terminal device 104 has a main board 411 that performs main control of the device itself, and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a non-volatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 104 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units in the main board 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. Furthermore, the main board 411 and the WLAN unit 429 (the above-mentioned WLAN unit 401) are connected via a dedicated bus 426, for example.

[0032] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 104 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Dedicated hardware for each process may be prepared. The ROM 413 stores a control program executed by the CPU 412, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, the CPU 412 executes each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of an embedded OS also stored in the ROM 413, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0033] The RAM 414 is composed of a static RAM (SRAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, settings registered by the user, and management data of the mobile terminal device 104. The RAM 414 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The image memory 415 is composed of a memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the WLAN unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. The non-volatile memory 422 is composed of a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power supply of the mobile terminal device 104 is turned off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 104 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data may be backed up using the data storage unit 423. In the present embodiment, a DRAM is given as an example of the image memory 415, but other storage media such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory may also be used.

[0034] The data conversion unit 416 performs data conversion such as analysis of data in various formats, color conversion, image conversion, etc. The telephone unit 417 controls the telephone line and realizes telephone communication by processing audio data input and output via the speaker unit 424. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites and acquires location information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 104.

[0035] The camera unit 421 has a function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. Image data obtained by imaging with the camera unit 421 is stored in the data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 performs control to realize a function of inputting or outputting voice for a telephone function and other functions such as alarm notification. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery, and controls the power supply to the device. The power supply state includes, for example, a dead battery state in which the battery has no remaining charge, a power-off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, a running state in which the device is normally running, and a power-saving state in which the device is running but is in power-saving mode.

[0036] 4(a) and performs various input operations and displays the operating and status conditions of the MFP 100 based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 is the operation unit 403 described with reference to Fig. 4(a) and, upon receiving a user operation, performs control such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting it to the CPU 412.

[0037] The mobile terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using the WLAN unit 429, and performs data communication with other devices such as the MFP 100. The WLAN unit 429 converts data into packets and transmits the packets to other devices. The WLAN unit 429 also restores packets from other external devices to their original data and outputs the data to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for realizing communication compliant with the WLAN standards. The WLAN unit 429 can operate in parallel in at least two communication modes including a wireless infrastructure mode and a P2P (WLAN) mode. The frequency bands used in these communication modes may be limited by the functions and performance of the hardware.

[0038] (Access point configuration) 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of AP1 (101) having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP1 (101) includes a main board 510 that controls the AP1 (101), a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and an operation button 520.

[0039] A microprocessor-type CPU 511 arranged on a main board 510 operates according to a control program stored in a ROM-type program memory 513 connected via an internal bus 512 and the contents of a RAM-type data memory 514. The CPU 511 performs wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices by controlling a wireless LAN unit 516 via a wireless LAN communication control unit 515. The CPU 511 also performs wired LAN communication with other communication terminal devices by controlling a wired LAN unit 518 via a wired LAN communication control unit 517. The CPU 511 is capable of accepting operations from a user via an operation button 520 by controlling an operation unit control circuit 519. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0040] The AP1 (101) also includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs processing to detect interference waves when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is performed. If an interference wave is detected when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is performed, the channel change unit 522 performs processing to change the channel to be used when it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel.

[0041] It should be noted that AP2 (102) has the same configuration as AP1 (101).

[0042] (P2P communication method) Next, we will outline a P2P (WLAN) communication method in which devices communicate directly with each other wirelessly without going through an external access point in WLAN communication. P2P (WLAN) communication can be realized using a number of methods, and for example, a communication device can support a number of modes for P2P (WLAN) communication and selectively use one of the multiple modes to execute P2P communication (WLAN).

[0043] The following two P2P modes are envisioned: Soft AP mode Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode A communication device capable of P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes, but a communication device capable of P2P communication does not necessarily have to support all of these modes and may be configured to support only some of them.

[0044] A communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) having a communication function based on WFD calls up a (possibly dedicated) application for implementing the communication function by accepting user operations via its operation unit. The communication device then displays a UI (user interface) screen provided by the application to prompt the user to operate, and can execute WFD communication based on the accepted user operations in response.

[0045] ●Soft AP mode In the soft AP mode, a communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) operates as a client that requests various services. The other communication device (e.g., the MFP 100) operates as a soft AP that can execute the functions of a WLAN AP by software settings. Note that commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between a client and a soft AP are not described here because those specified in the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard are sufficient. In addition, the MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines a frequency band and a frequency channel as a parent station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0046] ●WFD mode The MFP 100 may be configured to start up as a fixed parent station in the WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, GO Negotiation processing for determining the role is not required. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the parent station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0047] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In the wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100) that communicate with each other are connected to an external AP (e.g., AP1 (101)) that manages the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via the AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network built by the external AP. When the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 each find the AP1 (101) and transmit a connection request to the AP1 (101) and connect, communication between these communication devices in the wireless infrastructure mode via the AP1 (101) is possible. Note that multiple communication devices may be connected to separate APs. In this case, data transfer between the APs enables communication between the communication devices. Commands and parameters transmitted and received during communication between each communication device via an access point may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, so description thereof will be omitted here. In this case, the AP1 (101) determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, the AP1 (101) can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0048] (Processing in response to a request from the AP to change the connection destination of the STA) The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support a function disclosed as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables the selection of an optimal environment according to the changing conditions of a Wi-Fi network. Specifically, STAs such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as AP1 (101) exchange information about the network environment using the IEEE802.11 series of communication standards. By such information exchange, when the network is congested, the AP can guide (change the connection destination) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, or even to another cellular service in some cases.

[0049] 6 is a sequence diagram in which the MFP100 switches the AP of the connection destination from AP1 (101) to AP2 (102) in response to a request to change the connection destination from AP1 (101). In this sequence, the processes executed by each device are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM of each device into a RAM and executing the programs.

[0050] In the initial state of the process in Fig. 6, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP1 (101) in wireless infrastructure mode. In addition, when the MFP 100 and the AP1 (101) connect in wireless infrastructure mode, the AP1 (101) acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v. Then, it is assumed that the AP1 (101) performs the following process if it has acquired information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v.

[0051] In S601, the AP1 (101) transmits to the MFP 100 an inquiry (measurement request) regarding the radio wave strength of APs around the MFP 100. This inquiry is transmitted, for example, as a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. That is, this request can use a mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0052] In S602, in response to the request received in S601, the MFP 100 receives frames transmitted from the surrounding APs and measures the radio wave strength, thereby measuring the radio wave strength of each of the multiple APs, including AP1 (101) and AP2 (102).

[0053] In S603, the MFP 100 transmits a list of the radio wave strengths of the APs around the MFP 100 measured in S602 as a response to the request received in S601. Note that the radio wave strength to be responded to may be information stored in the RAM 214 and non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602. This response is transmitted as, for example, a beacon report or measurement reports.

[0054] In S604, the AP1 (101) determines whether or not it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100 based on the congestion status in the network that the AP1 (101) is aware of and the radio wave strength received in S603 from the MFP 100. Factors that the AP1 (101) uses to determine that a connection switch is necessary include a large number of connected STAs, a large amount of communication, other APs are less congested, the presence or absence of radio interference, and AP function stoppage. If it determines that it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100 and determines the Service Set Identifier (hereinafter, SSID), channel, and frequency band of another AP to be specified as the switching destination of the MFP 100, the process proceeds to S605.

[0055] In S605, AP1 (101) transmits an AP change request (connection destination switching request) to the MFP 100. The connection destination change request includes information on the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP to be specified as a switching destination for the MFP 100, as determined in S604. Note that multiple SSIDs may be specified. The connection destination change request is transmitted, for example, as a BTM Request. In other words, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame defined in the IEEE802.11v standard is transmitted. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that AP2 (102) is specified as the switching destination included in the connection destination change request.

[0056] In S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the connection destination change request received in S605, it transmits a response indicating switch approval to the AP1 (101). If the MFP 100 does not comply with the connection destination change request, it may transmit a switch refusal as a response. The response is transmitted as a BTM Response. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a response indicating approval is transmitted.

[0057] In S607, the AP1 (101) and the MFP 100 disconnect the connection in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0058] In S608, the MFP 100 transmits a connection request to the AP2 (102) to connect to the AP2 (102) specified in the connection destination change request received in S605.

[0059] As a result, in S609, a connection between the MFP 100 and the AP2 (102) is established in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0060] With this mechanism, the MFP100, which is an STA, can change the connection destination from AP1 (101) to AP2 (102) based on a connection destination change request from the originally connected AP1 (101). The AP1 (101) and AP2 (102) may be APs installed in different locations. That is, the MFP100 can switch to another AP installed in a different location from the originally connected AP by the process of FIG. 6. Also, the APs may correspond to different frequency bands among multiple frequency bands (any two or three of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provided by the same device. That is, the MFP100 can switch to another frequency band provided by the same device as the originally connected AP by the process of FIG. 6. For example, the connection destination can be changed to an AP in the 6 GHz band based on a connection destination change request.

[0061] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a measurement request and a connection destination change request are transmitted from an AP in a mechanism conforming to Wi-Fi Agile Multiband, and the STA responds to the request, but the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to a case in which the STA responds to a measurement request or a connection destination change request transmitted from an AP using a mechanism different from the above-mentioned example, or changes the connection destination AP (switching, deleting, or adding the AP to be connected).

[0062] There are situations where it is acceptable to change the destination AP based on a change request sent from the currently connected AP, and situations where it is not desirable. In situations where it is not desirable to change the destination AP based on a change request, one or a combination of the following processes can be performed as a process to suppress the change of the connection destination in response to a change request. The following processes are processes that prevent the destination AP from being changed based on a change request, or processes that make it difficult to change the destination AP, respectively.

[0063] (Suppression process 1) Even if the change request described in S605 is received, the connection destination AP is not changed based on the received connection request, and a response to the change request is not returned, or a response indicating refusal (not to change the connection destination AP) is sent to the currently connected AP. If a refusal response is sent, the priority of the change of the connection destination of other STAs connected to the currently connected AP increases, and the priority of the change of the connection destination of the MFP 100 that returned the refusal response is lowered, and as a result, the connection with the previously connected AP may be maintained. Also, if no response is returned (ignored), the currently connected AP is considered to maintain the connection with the MFP 100 in order to wait for a response until the response waiting time times out. Therefore, if the situation is such that the connection is immediately cut off in response to the arrival of some kind of response from the MFP 100 in response to the change request, not responding can extend the time during which the connection with the currently connected AP can be maintained, rather than returning some kind of response. Therefore, for example, different processing can be performed according to the reason for the change, such as responding with refusal if the reason is weak and ignoring if the reason is strong, based on the information on the reason for the change included in the change request. The reason for the change can be determined based on information on which of several reasons is included in the Request Mode included in the BTM Request. For example, if the Disassociation Imminent bit or the BSS Termination Included bit in the Request mode is 1, it can be determined that the reason for the change is a strong reason for the change request. If not, it can be determined that the reason for the change is a weak reason.

[0064] (Suppression process 2) In response to the measurement request described in S601, the AP responds with information indicating that the radio wave reception status (signal reception status) of the non-connected AP other than the connected AP is worse than the actual measured status (worse signal quality) (fake response). In this case, the AP may respond by actually performing measurement in response to the reception of the measurement request, or may respond without actually performing measurement. Specifically, in the response (beacon report, etc.) described in S603, the AP responds with a value obtained by subtracting the received signal strength from the signal quality measured as the signal received from the non-connected AP, and / or with a value obtained by increasing the noise (signal-to-noise ratio). Alternatively, the AP may respond with content that does not include at least one piece of information about the non-connected AP. In addition, the AP may respond with a significantly lower received signal strength or a significantly increased noise value based on information previously measured about the non-connected AP. In addition, the AP may respond with a substantially good received signal strength and noise status only about the connected AP without actually performing measurement (AP search) even when the measurement request is received, without including information about the non-connected AP. A response to a measurement request without including information about the non-connected AP corresponds to an AP search not finding other non-connected APs. In other words, a response without including information about the non-connected AP indicates that at least some of the signal quality from the non-connected AP is worse than the signal quality obtained by an actual AP search. This is expected to prevent a connected AP from sending a connection change request to another AP, and therefore prevents a change in connection destination in response to a connection change request.

[0065] (Suppression process 3) The currently connected AP is once disconnected, information that the change request is not supported is notified, and reconnection to the same AP is performed. Specifically, the wireless connection to the currently connected AP is once disconnected, and in preparation for wireless connection again, data of an Association Request frame including information that IEEE802.11v is not supported is created. Then, connection processing with the AP is performed using the data of the created Association Request frame. As a result, if an Association Request frame including information that IEEE802.11v is not supported is created, the MFP 100 is connected to the AP as an electronic device that does not support (is not compatible with) the Agile Multiband function. As a result, the currently connected AP recognizes that the MFP 100 is not compatible with IEEE802.11v, and does not transmit a request to change the wireless connection destination to the MFP 100. In this way, a request to change the wireless connection to the MFP 100 is no longer made, and the wireless connection between the MFP 100 and the currently connected AP is easily maintained. Furthermore, when the connected AP recognizes that the MFP 100 is not IEEE802.11v compatible, the transmission of the measurement request (the request described in S601) from the connected AP to the MFP 100 is also suppressed. Therefore, the measurement (AP search) in response to the measurement request in the MFP 100 and the response to the measurement request (processing of S603) can also be suppressed. This reduces the processing load and power consumption, and allows resources to be allocated to other processes.

[0066] For example, a state in which it is not desirable to change the connection destination AP based on a change request is when print data is being received. When the MFP 100 is receiving print data, part of the print data of an image to be printed has already been received from the mobile terminal device 104, which is the counterpart device, and reception of the remaining part of the print data has not been completed. The MFP 100 does not store all of the print data to be printed on one sheet of paper. Therefore, when the MFP 100 receives part of the print data, it prints only the received part (for example, receives and prints one line), and when it receives the subsequent data, it prints only that part again, and repeats this process to perform printing. If the connection destination AP is changed based on a change request for the connection destination while receiving this print data, a time lag occurs due to the process of switching the connection destination, which may lead to a decrease in print quality, such as uneven printing. In addition, after switching the connection destination, communication with the mobile terminal device 104, which is the counterpart device, may not go well, and the subsequent data may not be received, resulting in failure of printing. Therefore, while receiving print data, at least one of the above-mentioned (suppression process 1) and (suppression process 2) is performed to suppress a change of the connection destination in response to a change request, or the above-mentioned (suppression process 3) is performed before starting to receive print data.

[0067] (Screen display when the connected AP is switched) Fig. 7 shows an example of a screen display on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 when the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected is switched. Fig. 7(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a status notification displayed on the home screen shown in Fig. 3(a) based on the fact that the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected has been switched.

[0068] 7(a), a status notification display section 700 is displayed based on the fact that the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected has been switched. A status notification 701, an OK button 702, a details button 703, and the like are displayed in the status notification display section 700. In this embodiment, the status notification display section 700 is displayed in the lower part of the home screen, but is not limited to this. The status notification display section 700 may be displayed in the upper part or center of the home screen, for example.

[0069] Status notification 701 is a notification indicating that the AP to which MFP 100 is connected has been switched. By receiving status notification 701, the user can recognize that the AP to which MFP 100 is connected has been switched.

[0070] Furthermore, the status notification 701 displays a message indicating that the connection destination has been changed to an AP with an improved communication environment compared to the AP originally connected. In this example, the status notification 701 displays a message indicating that the connection has been switched to the most suitable AP, but the message notified by the status notification 701 is not limited to this. For example, the status notification 701 may display a message indicating that the connection has been switched to an AP with better radio wave conditions, or a message indicating that the connection has been switched to an AP with a more stable connection state of the MFP 100. By displaying the status notification 701 in this manner, the user can recognize that the connection has been changed to a more useful AP.

[0071] OK button 702 is an interface that accepts an instruction to stop displaying status notification display section 700. For example, when a user checks status notification 701 and presses OK button 702, MFP 100 accepts the instruction to stop displaying status notification display section 700, and performs control to return the display of operation display section 220 to the home screen shown in Fig. 3(a). In other words, when the user presses OK button 702, MFP 100 performs display control to hide status notification display section 700.

[0072] The details button 702 is an interface that accepts an instruction to switch to a details notification screen. For example, when the details button 702 is pressed by a user, the MFP 100 accepts the instruction to switch to a details notification screen and performs display control to display a details notification screen of FIG. 7B described later on the operation display unit 220.

[0073] In this way, MFP 100 accepts touch operations or key operations on OK button 702 or operation button 703 displayed in the status notification of FIG. 7(a), and executes display control according to the operations. Furthermore, MFP 100 stops displaying status notification display section 700 when a predetermined time has elapsed since displaying status notification display section 700. For example, MFP 100 stops displaying status notification display section 700 when the user does not operate OK button 702 or detail button 703 within a predetermined time since displaying status notification display section 700. Furthermore, MFP 100 may update and display status notification display section 700 when a connection switch to another AP is further performed. Alternatively, MFP 100 may control not to change the connection destination based on the connection change request when a connection destination change request is received from the currently connected AP while displaying status notification display section 700 on the home screen. For example, when MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from a connected AP while status notification display unit 700 is displayed on the home screen, MFP 100 may perform control not to respond to acknowledge the switch. That is, when MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from a connected AP while status notification display unit 700 is displayed on the home screen, MFP 100 may send a response to the connected AP indicating refusal to the connection destination change request. Alternatively, MFP 100 may perform control to ignore the connection destination change request.

[0074] Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a detailed notification screen displayed on the operation display unit 220. The detailed notification screen is displayed on the operation display unit 220 when, for example, the user operates a details button 703 on the home screen of Fig. 7(a). The detailed notification screen is a screen for displaying information such as the communication environment and identification information of the AP before switching and the AP after switching, and for setting related to switching, as described later. The detailed notification screen displays a switching confirmation section 704, an AgileMultiband setting section 710, a switching notification setting section 711, an OK button 712, and the like.

[0075] The switching confirmation section 704 is an item that displays APs before and after switching, detailed information and settings related to switching candidate APs, etc. The switching confirmation section 704 displays AP information before switching 705, AP information after switching 706, switching candidate AP information 707, switching settings 708, a confirmed button 709a, a connect to AP before switching button 709b, etc.

[0076] Each of the AP information 705 to 707 displays information corresponding to APs before and after switching and APs that are candidates for switching. Information corresponding to APs before and after switching and APs that are candidates for switching includes, for example, identification information such as SSID and Media Access Control address (hereinafter, MAC address), and information related to the communication environment. Moreover, APs that are candidates for switching are APs that may be switched to as AgileMultiband. For example, a connection destination change request that the MFP 100 receives from an AP (101) may include multiple APs that are candidates for switching. The MFP 100 may determine the AP to be the destination from among the multiple APs for switching, based on information such as radio wave strength, frequency band, and radio wave congestion. The MFP 100 may set an AP other than the AP that is the destination for switching as an AP to be the candidate for switching.

[0077] The information on the communication environment is information indicating radio wave intensity as seen from MFP 100, information indicating the frequency band supported by the AP, etc. The information on the communication environment may also be information indicating the communication band, information indicating the radio wave congestion state in the communication channel (not shown), etc. In this way, by displaying information on the communication environment of each AP as pre-switching AP information 705 and post-switching AP information 706, the user can check in detail whether or not MFP 100 has performed a beneficial AP switch.

[0078] The information indicating the radio wave strength may be displayed, for example, by measuring the radio wave strength of the AP before switching, the AP after switching, and the switching candidate AP by MFP 100. For example, when MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP or when the user presses the details button 703, MFP 100 may measure the radio wave strength of each AP by a process similar to S601. The frequency band supported by the AP may be acquired by MFP 100 measuring the radio wave strength of each AP.

[0079] The switching setting 708 is a setting item that can set whether to enable or disable the AgileMultiband switching setting for the APs before and after switching and for the APs that are switching candidates. The switching setting 708 displays an interface (enable button 708a) that can accept an instruction to enable the switching setting for each AP, and an interface (disable button 708b) that can accept an instruction to disable the switching setting for each AP. This allows the user to individually set the switching setting for the APs before and after switching and for the APs that are switching candidates. For example, the user can disable the APs that the user does not want to be switched to, among the APs before and after switching and for the APs that are switching candidates.

[0080] The Confirmed button 709a is an interface capable of receiving an instruction that the user has confirmed each AP information 705 to 707. The Connect to Previous AP button 709b is an interface capable of receiving an instruction to change the connection of the MFP 100 from the switched AP to the previous AP. That is, the Connect to Previous AP button 709b is an interface capable of receiving an instruction to return the connection of the MFP 100 to the AP before switching. The MFP 100 may store, for example, identification information such as the SSID and MAC address of an AP that has been connected in a memory such as the ROM 203 or the non-volatile memory 215. When the MFP 100 receives that the Connect to Previous AP 709b has been pressed by the user, the MFP 100 disconnects the connection to the switched AP by a process described later. The MFP 100 reads out the identification information of the previous AP stored in the memory, and performs control to connect to the previous AP. In this way, by displaying interface 709b capable of accepting an instruction to reconnect to the previous AP, even if the AP to which MFP100 is connected is switched to an AP not intended by the user, the connection destination of MFP100 can be changed to the original AP.

[0081] The Agile Multiband setting section 710 is a setting item for setting Agile Multiband to be enabled or disabled. The Agile Multiband setting section 710 displays an interface (enable button 710a) capable of receiving an instruction to enable Agile Multiband, and an interface (disable button 710b) capable of receiving an instruction to disable Agile Multiband. That is, these interfaces 710a to 710b are interfaces capable of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to execute a function to switch from a connected access point to another access point. For example, when the disable button 710b is pressed by a user, the MFP 100 sets Agile Multiband to be disabled. That is, even if the MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from the connected AP, it does not respond to the effect that it accepts the switching. For example, by setting Agile Multiband to be disabled, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the MFP 100.

[0082] Switching notification setting section 711 is a setting item for setting whether or not to notify a status notification based on switching of the AP to which MFP 100 is connected. Switching notification setting section 711 displays an interface that can accept an instruction to notify a status notification when switching APs (Notify button 711a) and an interface that accepts an instruction not to notify (Do not notify button 711b). For example, when the user presses Do not notify button 711b, MFP 100 performs control so as not to notify a status notification even when the AP to which MFP 100 is connected is switched.

[0083] 7(b) is pressed by the user, and the settings of the setting items 708 to 711 that have been accepted are reflected by the OK button 712. This enables the MFP 100 to perform operations according to each setting. The process executed by the MFP 100 when the OK button 712 is pressed by the user will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the interfaces of the setting items 704 to 711 are displayed on the detailed notification screen in a button format, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the interfaces may be displayed in a display selection format such as a radio box, or may be displayed in an input format or other format.

[0085] Further, the home screen of FIG. 7(a) and the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b) described above have been shown to be displayed on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100, but are not limited thereto. For example, the MFP 100 may display the screen of FIG. 7(a) or FIG. 7(b) on the display unit of an external device such as the mobile terminal device 104 using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) communication or the like by using a remote UI function or the like. For example, by displaying the screen of FIG. 7(a) or FIG. 7(b) on the display unit of the external device in this way, even if the MFP 100 does not have the operation display unit 220, the user can recognize that the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected has been switched. Furthermore, the user can perform settings related to the switching as described above.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the status notification 701 is displayed on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. The status notification 701 may be notified by voice, for example, using a speaker unit (not shown) of the MFP 100 or the speaker 424 of the mobile terminal device 104. This allows the user to recognize that the connection destination AP of the MFP 100 has been switched even when the user is not looking at the MFP 100. For example, the status notification 701 may be notified by a report printed by the printing unit 222 of the MFP 100. The printing unit 222 of the MFP 100 may print a report of AP information before and after switching of the access point on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7B. Even in this form, the user can recognize that the connection destination AP of the MFP 100 has been switched.

[0087] (AP switching process by MFP100) Next, an example of processing executed by MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. In this flowchart, the processing executed by MFP 100 is realized by CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as ROM 213 into RAM 214 and executing the programs.

[0088] In the initial state of the process in Fig. 8, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP1 (101) in wireless infrastructure mode. In addition, when the MFP 100 and the AP1 (101) connect in wireless infrastructure mode, the AP1 (101) acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE902.11v. Here, it is assumed that the AP1 (101) has acquired information that the MFP 100 supports IEEE902.11v, and inquires of the MFP 100 about the radio wave strength and requests a change in the connected AP.

[0089] In S801, the CPU 212 determines whether or not an inquiry (measurement request) about the radio wave strength of APs around the MFP 100 has been received from the AP1 (101). This inquiry is transmitted as a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. The inquiry about radio wave strength whose reception is confirmed in this step corresponds to the one transmitted by the AP1 (101) in S601 in FIG. 6. If the CPU 212 determines that the inquiry about radio wave strength has been received (YES in S801), the process proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 determines that the inquiry about radio wave strength has not been received (NO in S801), the process proceeds to S806.

[0090] In S802, CPU 212 creates an AP search result list. Specifically, as described in S602 of Fig. 6, CPU 212 measures the radio wave strength of APs around MFP 100 to search for APs around MFP 100 and creates a list of radio wave strength of APs. In other words, the AP search result list is a list of radio wave strength of APs.

[0091] In S803, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the AP search result list includes an AP with switching disabled. If the CPU 212 determines that the AP search result list includes an AP with switching disabled (YES in S803), the process proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 determines that the AP search result list does not include an AP with switching disabled (NO in S803), the process proceeds to S805. Specifically, the CPU 212 refers to the list of radio wave intensities of APs created in S802 and determines whether or not there is an AP with switching settings set to disabled. For example, based on the user pressing the disable button 708b on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b), the AP corresponding to the disable button 708b may be stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 or the non-volatile memory 215 as an AP with switching disabled. The CPU 212 may read information on the AP with switching settings disabled stored in the memory and perform the above-mentioned determination.

[0092] In S804, the CPU 212 deletes the APs for which switching is disabled from the search result list of APs. Specifically, the CPU 212 deletes the APs for which the switching setting is set to disabled as determined in S803 from the radio wave strength list created in S802.

[0093] In S805, the CPU 212 transmits the AP search result list created in S802 or the search result list of APs from which the switched and disabled APs have been deleted in S804 as a Beacon report to the AP1 (101).

[0094] In S806, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a connection destination AP change request transmitted by AP1 (101) has been received. This change request corresponds to the one transmitted by AP1 (101) in S605 in Fig. 6. If the CPU 212 determines that a change request has been received (YES in S806), the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 determines that a change request has not been received (NO in S806), the process in Fig. 8 ends.

[0095] In S807, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the AP of the switching destination included in the received change request of the connection destination AP is an AP with a valid switching setting. If the CPU 212 determines that the AP is an AP with a valid switching setting (YES in S807), the process proceeds to S809. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 determines that the AP is not an AP with a valid switching setting (NO in S806), the process proceeds to S808. For example, when the user presses the Enable button 708a on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b), the CPU 212 may store the AP corresponding to the Enable button 708a in a memory such as the ROM 203 or the non-volatile memory 215 as an AP with a valid switching setting. For example, the CPU 212 may read information on the AP with a valid switching setting from the memory and determine whether or not the AP of the switching destination included in the change request of the connection destination AP is an AP with a valid switching setting.

[0096] In S808, the CPU 212 performs control so as not to change the connection based on the change request. Specifically, the CPU 212 transmits a response to the change request to the AP1 (101) to the effect that the change is rejected, and proceeds to S911. This process corresponds to the rejection response transmission in S606 of Fig. 6, and corresponds to the suppression process 1 described above. Note that in S808, the CPU 212 may perform control so as not to respond to the change request. In other words, the CPU 212 may perform control so as to ignore the change request.

[0097] In S809, the CPU 212 transmits to the AP1 (101) a response indicating that it will comply with the connection destination change request received from the AP1 (101). S809 corresponds to the process of S606 in FIG.

[0098] In S810, the CPU 212 disconnects the connection with AP1 (101) and executes a process of connecting to the destination AP included in the connection destination change request. S810 corresponds to the processes of S607, S608, and S609.

[0099] In S811, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the switching notification setting is valid. When the CPU 212 determines that the switching notification setting is valid (YES in S811), the process proceeds to S812. On the other hand, when the CPU 212 determines that the switching notification setting is not valid (NO in S811), the process of FIG. 8 ends. For example, the CPU 212 may store information related to the switching notification setting. For example, based on the user pressing the "Notify" button 711a on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b), the CPU 212 may store the switching notification as a valid setting in a memory such as the ROM 203 or the non-volatile memory 215. The CPU 212 may read out information related to the switching notification setting stored in the memory and make the above-mentioned determination. Furthermore, when the user presses the "Do not notify" button 711b on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b), the CPU 212 determines that the switching notification setting is not valid.

[0100] In S812, the CPU 212 performs a process of displaying the switching notification. The process of displaying the switching notification will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 9. After performing the process of displaying the switching notification, the CPU 212 ends the process of Fig. 8.

[0101] (AP switching notification) 9 shows an example of a switching notification process (S812) executed by MFP 100. In this flowchart, the process executed by MFP 100 is realized by CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as ROM 213 into RAM 214 and executing the programs.

[0102] In S901, CPU 212 displays a status notification on operation display unit 220. Specifically, CPU 212 performs control to display a status notification display section on the home screen of operation display unit 220 of MFP 100. That is, CPU 212 displays status notification 701, which is a notification indicating that the connection destination AP has been switched, OK button 702, and details button 703.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the status notification display unit 700 is displayed on the home screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 212 may display a notification indicating that the AP to be connected has been switched on the entire surface of the operation display unit 220 using a pop-up screen or the like.

[0104] Furthermore, when the MFP 100 has transitioned to a power saving state and the home screen is not displayed on the operation display unit 220, in S901, the CPU 212 may perform control to transition the MFP 100 to a power state in which the home screen can be displayed on the operation unit 220. This makes it easier for the user to recognize that the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected has been switched.

[0105] In S902, CPU 212 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the status notification display section was displayed on operation display section 220 in S901. CPU 212 measures the time since the status notification display section was displayed on operation display section 220 in the process of S901. If CPU 212 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S902), the process proceeds to S912. On the other hand, if CPU 212 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S902), the process proceeds to S903.

[0106] In S903, the CPU 212 determines a user operation on the status notification display section 700 of the operation display section 220 displayed in S901. The CPU 212 monitors the user operation on the operation display section 220, and if the CPU 212 determines that the OK button 702 has been operated (OK button in S903), the process proceeds to S912. Alternatively, if the CPU 212 determines that the details button 703 has been operated (Details button in S903), the process proceeds to S903. Alternatively, if the CPU 212 determines that no operation has been performed (No operation in S903), the process proceeds to S902.

[0107] In S904, CPU 212 displays a detail notification screen on operation display unit 220. For example, based on the user pressing detail button 703, CPU 212 displays the detail notification screen of Fig. 7(b) on operation display unit 220. That is, CPU 212 may perform display control to switch the display screen from the home screen to the detail notification screen, may perform display control to display the detail notification screen as a pop-up, or may perform display control to display the detail notification screen on the home screen.

[0108] In S905, the CPU 212 determines a user operation on the detailed notification screen displayed on the operation display unit 220 in S904. Specifically, the CPU 212 monitors the user operation on the operation display unit 220 in the processing of S904. If the CPU 212 determines that the OK button 712 has been operated (YES in S905), the processing proceeds to S906. Alternatively, if the CPU 212 determines that the OK button 712 has not been operated (NO in S905), the processing repeats S905.

[0109] In S906, CPU 212 performs display control to stop displaying the detail notification screen (FIG. 7(b)). In other words, CPU 212 performs display control to hide the detail notification screen. Also, in the process of S906, CPU 212 stores all user operations on the detail notification screen based on operation of OK button 712 on the detail notification screen. For example, CPU 212 stores instructions received by each button on the detail notification screen.

[0110] In S907, CPU 212 updates the switching notification setting. Specifically, for example, when the user presses "Notify" button 711a on the detailed notification screen displayed in S904, CPU 212 stores the switching notification setting as a valid setting in a memory such as non-volatile memory 215 or RAM 214. Also, when the "Do not notify" button 711b is pressed, CPU 212 stores the switching notification setting as an invalid setting in a memory such as non-volatile memory 215 or RAM 214.

[0111] In S908, the CPU 212 updates the switching setting for each AP. Specifically, for example, when the user presses the enable button 708a on the detailed notification screen displayed in S904, the CPU 212 stores the APs (706 to 708) corresponding to the enable button 708a as a switching enabled setting in a memory such as the non-volatile memory 215 or the RAM 214. Also, when the user presses the disable button 708b, the CPU 212 stores the APs (705 to 707) corresponding to the disable button 708a as a switching disabled setting in a memory such as the non-volatile memory 215 or the RAM 214.

[0112] In S909, the CPU 212 updates the Agile Multiband switching setting. Specifically, for example, when the user presses the Enable button 710a on the detailed notification screen displayed in S904, the CPU 212 stores the Agile Multiband as a switching enabled setting in a memory such as the nonvolatile memory 215 or the RAM 214. Also, when the user presses the Disable button 710b, the CPU 212 stores the Agile Multiband as a switching disabled setting in a memory such as the nonvolatile memory 215 or the RAM 214.

[0113] In S910, the CPU 212 determines whether to connect to the AP before switching, or whether the AP after switching has been set as an invalid AP. Specifically, if the user presses the Connect to AP before switching button 709b on the detailed notification screen displayed on the operation display unit 220 in S904, the CPU 212 proceeds to processing of S911. Furthermore, the CPU 212 refers to the switching setting updated in S907, and if the switching setting of the AP after switching is set to invalid, the CPU 212 proceeds to processing of S911. On the other hand, if the user presses the Confirmed button 709a and the switching setting of the AP after switching is set to valid, the CPU 212 proceeds to processing of S912.

[0114] In S911, the CPU 212 establishes a connection to the AP before switching. Specifically, the CPU 212 disconnects the connection to the AP after switching and reconnects to the AP before switching.

[0115] In S912, the CPU 212 stops displaying the status notification display section displayed on the home screen. That is, the CPU 212 performs display control to switch the display on the operation display section 220 from the screen in Fig. 7(a) to the screen in Fig. 3(a).

[0116] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the connection destination AP of the MFP100 is switched by the function of AgileMultiband, a notification is given indicating that the connection destination AP has been switched. This allows the user to recognize that the connection destination AP of the MFP100 has been switched. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience when the STA switches the connection destination AP.

[0117] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the CPU 212 proceeds to the process of S807 when it receives a connection destination change request in S806, but this is not limiting. Hereinafter, another example will be described in which the CPU 212 determines in S806 that it has received a connection destination change request.

[0118] For example, when the CPU 212 determines in step S806 that a connection destination change request has been received, the CPU 212 may determine whether or not the Agile Multiband setting is valid before proceeding to the process of step S807. When the CPU 212 determines that the Agile Multiband setting is valid, the CPU 212 may proceed to the process of step S807, and when the CPU 212 determines that the Agile Multiband setting is not valid, the CPU 212 may proceed to the process of step S808. Specifically, the CPU 212 may determine that the Agile Multiband setting is valid when the user presses the Enable button 710a on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b). Also, the CPU 212 may determine that the Agile Multiband setting is not valid when the user presses the Disable button 711b on the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b).

[0119] Also, for example, when the CPU 212 determines in the determination of S806 that a connection destination change request has been received, it may determine whether or not a setting has been made on the detailed notification screen before proceeding to the process of S807. When the CPU 212 determines that a setting has not been made on the detailed notification screen, it may proceed to the process of S807, and when it determines that a setting has been made on the detailed notification screen, it may proceed to the process of S808. Specifically, when the CPU 212 is executing the process of FIG. 9 (for example, S904 to S911), it may determine that a setting has been made on the detailed notification screen. On the other hand, when the CPU 212 is not executing the process of FIG. 9 (for example, S904 to S911), it may determine that a setting has not been made on the detailed notification screen. That is, when the CPU 212 receives a new connection destination change request from the connected AP in a state in which the detailed notification screen of FIG. 7(b) is displayed, it may perform control such that a refusal is responded to. This makes it possible to reliably execute the setting related to AgileMultiband set by the user.

[0120] In addition, although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined.

[0121] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to an MFP as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this example and can be applied to any electronic device that is a wireless device that connects to an AP and functions as a STA and that can set security. That is, the present invention can be applied to various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as personal computers, PDAs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, electronic book readers, smart watches, thermometers, and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected to USB terminals or LAN cable terminals. The video output device includes, for example, a device that acquires (downloads) a video on the Internet specified by a URL instructed from an electronic device and outputs it to a display device connected via a video output terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark), thereby realizing streaming playback on the display device or realizing mirroring display (display in which the content displayed on the electronic device is also displayed on the display device). Furthermore, the video output device includes media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors), signage devices, etc. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to Wi-Fi-connectable devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting equipment, heating equipment, and cooling equipment.

[0122] (Other embodiments) 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. (Item 1) a receiving means for receiving a request to change a connection destination from a first access point to a second access point from the first access point currently connected; a control means for controlling a connection destination access point to be changed from the first access point to the second access point based on the change request received by the receiving means; a notification means for notifying, when the control means changes the connection from the first access point to the second access point based on the change request, that the connection has been changed. 1. An electronic device comprising: (Item 2) The display control means further includes a display control means for displaying the notification by the notification means on a predetermined screen. 2. The electronic device according to item 1, (Item 3) The notification by the notification means is The notification indicates that the connection destination has been changed to the second access point, which has a better communication environment than the first access point. 3. The electronic device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The display control means controlling the notification by the notification means to display at least one of identification information of the first access point and the second access point and information on the communication environment; 4. The electronic device according to item 3, (Item 5) The information on the communication environment is At least one of information indicating radio wave strength, information indicating a communication band, and information indicating a congestion state. 5. The electronic device according to item 4, (Item 6) The identification information is At least one of information indicating an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and information indicating a MAC address (Media Access Control address). 6. The electronic device according to item 4 or 5, (Item 7) The display control unit further includes a setting unit for setting whether or not to display the notification by the display control unit. The display control means When the setting means has set not to display the notification, even if the control means changes the connection destination, the notification is not displayed. 7. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 6, (Item 8) The display control means Controlling to hide the notification based on the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined operation performed by the user. 8. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 7. (Item 9) The control means When the notification is being displayed by the display control means, even if the change request is received, control is performed so that the connection is not changed based on the change request. 9. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 8, (Item 10) The display control means displaying a first interface capable of receiving an instruction to change a connection destination access point from the second access point to the first access point before the change of connection based on the display of the notification; The control means when the instruction is received via the first interface, controlling a connection destination access point to change the connection from the second access point to the first access point; 10. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 9. (Item 11) The display control means displaying a second interface capable of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to change from the currently connected access point to another access point; The control means when receiving an instruction not to change the connection from the currently connected access point to the other access point via the second interface, performing control not to change the connection based on the change request; 11. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 10. (Item 12) The control means when an instruction not to change the connection from the currently connected access point to the other access point is received via the second interface, even if the change request is received, a response to the change request indicating a change refusal is transmitted to the first access point, thereby controlling not to change the connection based on the change request; 12. The electronic device according to item 11, (Item 13) the instruction as to whether or not to change from the currently connected access point to the other access point is an instruction as to whether or not to execute a function of switching from the currently connected access point to the other access point by the control means. 13. The electronic device according to item 11 or 12. (Item 14) the second interface is an interface capable of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to execute the function for each access point connectable to the electronic device; 14. The electronic device according to any one of items 11 to 13. (Item 15) The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the electronic device and the access point perform connection and processing in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. (Item 16) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 15 is characterized in that the electronic device can perform at least one of processing compliant with Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and processing compliant with Target Wake Time (TWT). (Item 17) 17. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the electronic device can change its connection destination to an AP in the 6 GHz band by changing the connection destination based on the change request. (Item 18) 18. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 17, further comprising a printing means for printing an image on a printing medium. (Item 19) 1. A method implemented in an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving, from a first access point to which the first access point is currently connected, a request to change a connection destination to another second access point; a control step of controlling a connection destination access point to change the connection from the first access point to the other second access point based on the change request received in the receiving step; and a notification step of notifying that the connection destination has been changed when the connection from the first access point to the other second access point has been changed based on the change request by the control step. A method comprising: (Item 20) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 18. (Item 21) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 18.

[0123] The disclosure of this specification includes the following electronic device, control method for an electronic device, program, and storage medium.

[0124] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 104: mobile terminal device, 100: MFP, 101: AP1, 102: AP2, 110: network

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving a request to change a connection destination from a first access point to a second access point from the first access point currently connected; a control means for controlling a connection destination access point to be changed from the first access point to the second access point based on the change request received by the receiving means; a notification means for notifying a user that a change in connection has been made from the first access point to the second access point based on the change request by the control means, 1. An electronic device comprising:

2. The display control means further includes a display control means for displaying the notification by the notification means on a predetermined screen.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification by the notification means is The notification indicates that the connection destination has been changed to the second access point, which has a better communication environment than the first access point.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The display control means controlling the notification by the notification means to display at least one of identification information of the first access point and the second access point and information on the communication environment; 4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The information on the communication environment is At least one of information indicating radio wave strength, information indicating a communication band, and information indicating a congestion state.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The identification information is At least one of information indicating a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and information indicating a Media Access Control address (MAC address); 5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

7. The display control unit further includes a setting unit for setting whether or not to display the notification by the display control unit. The display control means When the setting means has set not to display the notification, even if the control means changes the connection destination, the notification is not displayed.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

8. The display control means Controlling to hide the notification based on the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined operation performed by the user.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

9. The control means When the notification is being displayed by the display control means, even if the change request is received, control is performed so that the connection is not changed based on the change request.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

10. The display control means displaying a first interface capable of receiving an instruction to change a connection destination access point from the second access point to the first access point before the change of connection based on the display of the notification; The control means when the instruction is received via the first interface, controlling a connection destination access point to be changed from the second access point to the first access point; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

11. The display control means displaying a second interface capable of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to change from the currently connected access point to another access point; The control means when an instruction not to change the connection from the currently connected access point to the other access point is received via the second interface, control is performed so as not to change the connection based on the change request.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

12. The control means when an instruction not to change the connection from the currently connected access point to the other access point is received via the second interface, even if the change request is received, a response to the change request indicating a change refusal is transmitted to the first access point, thereby controlling not to change the connection based on the change request.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11 .

13. the instruction as to whether or not to change from the currently connected access point to the other access point is an instruction as to whether or not to execute a function of switching from the currently connected access point to the other access point by the control means.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12.

14. the second interface is an interface capable of receiving an instruction as to whether or not to execute the function for each access point connectable to the electronic device; 14. The electronic device according to claim 13.

15. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic device performs connection and processing with an access point in compliance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

16. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is capable of performing at least one of a process conforming to Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and a process conforming to Target Wake Time (TWT).

17. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is capable of changing a connection destination to an AP in a 6 GHz band by changing the connection destination based on the change request.

18. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit for printing an image on a recording medium.

19. 1. A method implemented in an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving, from a first access point currently connected, a request to change a connection destination to another second access point; a control step of controlling a connection destination access point to be changed from the first access point to the other second access point based on the change request received in the receiving step; a notification step of notifying that a connection destination has been changed when a connection from the first access point to the other second access point based on the change request is changed by the control step, A method comprising:

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

21. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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