Electronic device, control method for electronic device, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To perform more suitable control in response to a connection destination change request from an AP.SOLUTION: An electronic device has changing means for changing a connection destination AP on the basis of a connection destination AP change request received from an access point (AP) to which the device is connected and control means for controlling to suppress the connection destination AP from being changed by the changing means as a connection destination after the change of a second AP connected by using a second authentication method that differs from a first authentication method used to connect to the first AP connected to the connection destination before the change among the candidate APs which are candidates for the changed destination based on the change requests.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of changing an access point (AP) to be a connection destination based on a connection destination change request from the AP, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] In an Extended Service Set (ESS) composed of a plurality of access points (APs), there is a technology for dynamically switching the connection destination AP in order for the AP and the station (STA) to efficiently exchange data. When it is determined that the connection destination AP should be switched based on the congestion of the AP to which the STA is connected, the availability of other APs, the radio wave condition, etc., the connected AP transmits a connection AP change request to the STA. When the STA receives the AP change request, it can connect to an appropriate AP by switching the connection destination AP according to the request.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following as a process of requesting a change in the connection destination from a router having the function of an AP to a connected wireless slave device. A mobile router (MR1) that can be connected to a plurality of wireless slave devices checks whether the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE 802.11v. Whether the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE 802.11v can be determined from the Association Request frame transmitted when the wireless slave device terminal makes a wireless connection to the MR1. When the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE 802.11v, 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 designates the BSSID of the parent router RT2 as the connection destination. This prompts the connection destination switch of the slave device terminal, and the wireless slave device terminal switches the connection destination from the MR1 to the RT2 according to the received BTM Request frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, among the candidate APs for switching the connection destination in response to a request to change the connection destination AP from the AP, there may be an AP that is not preferable as the connection destination of the STA. Therefore, a device for switching the STA to an appropriate AP is required. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of performing more suitable control in response to a request to change the connection destination from the AP.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a changing means for changing the connection destination AP based on a request to change the connection destination AP received from the currently connected access point (AP); control means for controlling so as to suppress the changing means from changing the connection destination AP to a second AP that is connected using a second authentication method different in type from the first authentication method used for the connection with the first AP that was connected before the change of the connection destination among the candidate APs for the change destination based on the change request; and is characterized by having the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, more suitable control can be performed in response to a request to change the connection destination from the AP.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, all of these plurality of features are not necessarily essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0010] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the system according to the present embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication devices include a portable terminal device 104, an MFP 100, an AP 1 (101) and an AP 2 (102) which are access points, a DHCP server 103, and a network 110. The portable terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Hereinafter, the wireless LAN may be referred to as a WLAN. The portable terminal device 104 can 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 is a type of electronic device and a type of information processing device. Further, the MFP 100 is a printing device having a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a FAX function, and a telephone function. Also, the MFP 100 of the present embodiment has a communication function capable of wireless communication with the portable terminal device 104. In the present embodiment, the case where the MFP 100 is used as an example is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a scanner device, a projector, a portable terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, etc., each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral (multifunctional peripheral device).

[0012] AP1 (101) is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP100 and operates as a WLAN base station device. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can communicate in the infrastructure mode of the WLAN via AP1 (101). Hereinafter, the access point may be referred to as "AP". Also, the infrastructure mode may be referred to as the "wireless infrastructure mode". AP1 (101) performs wireless communication with a communication device that has permitted (authenticated) connection to itself and relays wireless communication between that communication device and other communication devices. Further, AP1 (101) is connected to, for example, a wired communication network and can relay communication between a communication device connected to that wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to AP1 (101).

[0013] AP2 (102) has the same functions as AP1 (101), and the MFP100 switches the connection from AP1 (101) to AP2 (102) as necessary. The DHCP server 103 is connected to the MFP100 via AP1 (101) and the network 110 and provides services to the MFP100 by responding to requests from the MFP100. In FIG. 1, the 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. The DNS server 105 is connected to the MFP100 and the mobile terminal device 104 via AP1 (101) and the network 110 and provides a name resolution service by responding to requests from the MFP100 and the mobile terminal device 104. Here, the network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network.

[0014] (Appearance Configuration of MFP) Fig. 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of the MFP100. The MFP100 has, for example, a document table 201, a document cover 202, a printing paper insertion port 203, a printing 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 pressing the document placed on the document table 201 and preventing light from a light source that irradiates the document during reading from leaking outside. The printing paper insertion port 203 is an insertion port into which papers of various sizes can be set. The printing paper discharge port 204 is a discharge port for discharging the printed paper. The paper set in the printing paper insertion port 203 is conveyed one by one to the printing unit, and after printing is performed in the printing unit, it is discharged from the printing paper discharge port 204. The operation display unit 205 is composed of keys such as a character input key, a cursor key, a decision key, and a cancel key, and includes LEDs, LCDs, etc., and is configured to be able to receive activation of various functions as an MFP by the user and operations of various settings. Further, the operation display unit 205 may be composed of a touch panel display. The MFP100 has a wireless communication function by WLAN, and although it does not necessarily need to be visually recognizable from the outside, it is composed of an antenna 206 for wireless communication for the wireless communication. The MFP100 can also perform wireless communication in the frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz by WLAN, similar to the mobile terminal device 104.

[0015] (Configuration of MFP) Figure 2(b) shows a configuration example of the MFP100. The MFP100 includes a main board 211 that performs main control of the device itself, and a wireless unit 226 that is a single communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. Also, the MFP100 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 reading control unit 217, a data conversion unit 218, a reading unit 219, and a coding / decoding processing unit 221. Also, the main board 211 includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feeding unit 223, a printing control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. These functional units within the main board 211 are interconnected via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. Also, 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 that includes at least one processor and controls the entire MFP100. In one example, the processing of the MFP100 described below is realized by the CPU 212 executing a program stored in the ROM 213. Note that dedicated hardware for each process may be provided. The ROM 213 stores control programs, embedded OS programs, etc. that are executed by the CPU 212. In the present embodiment, the CPU 212 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching by executing each control program stored in the ROM 213 under the management of the embedded OS also stored in the ROM 213.

[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. Also, the RAM 214 can be used as various work buffers. 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 stores image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the code decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The data conversion unit 218 performs analysis of various types of data, conversion from image data to 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 a document placed on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts an image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signal) and outputs it. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may perform various image processes such as binarization processing and halftone processing and then output the image data.

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

[0020] The code decoding processing unit 221 performs encoding processing, decoding processing, and enlargement / reduction processing of image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100.

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

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

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

[0024] The wireless unit 226 is compatible with IEEE802.11ax, that is, Wi-Fi6 (registered trademark), and can perform processing compliant with IEEE802.11ax. That is, the MFP100 can perform one or both of the processing as a STA compliant with OFDMA and the operation (processing) as a STA compliant with TWT. OFDMA is the abbreviation of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access. TWT is the abbreviation of Target Wake Time. Since it is compatible with TWT, the data communication timing from the master device to the STA is adjusted. The wireless unit 226 (MFP100) as a STA shifts the communication function to the sleep state when there is no need to wait for signal reception. Thereby, power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, the wireless unit 226 is also compatible with Wi-Fi 6E (registered trademark). That is, communication in the 6GHz band (5.925GHz to 7.125GHz) is also possible. The band subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) existing in the 5GHz band does not exist in the 6GHz band. Therefore, in communication in the 6GHz band, communication disconnection due to the DFS waiting time does not occur, and more comfortable communication can be expected.

[0025] Note that the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP100 can perform P2P (WLAN) communication based on 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 construct a network for P2P communication and determine a channel used for P2P communication.

[0026] (Operation display unit of MFP) Fig. 3 schematically shows an example of a screen display on the display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100. Fig. 3(a) is an example of a home screen displayed while the power of the MFP 100 is turned on and operations such as printing and scanning are not being performed (idle state, Standby state). In Fig. 3(a), display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud are displayed respectively. Cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions using Internet communication. By selecting any of the menu items through key operations or touch panel operations, the MFP 100 can start executing the corresponding settings and functions. The MFP 100 can seamlessly display a screen different from Fig. 3(a) by accepting key operations or touch panel operations on the home screen in Fig. 3(a).

[0027] Fig. 3(b) is an example of the display of other parts of the home screen, and it is a screen that transitions from the state of Fig. 3(a) by an operation (such as a slide operation to the left or right) to display other pages of the home screen. In Fig. 3(b), display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, print, and photo are displayed respectively. When any of these menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, that is, either the print function, the photo function, or the communication settings, is executed.

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

[0029] Figure 3(d) is an example of the display of the wireless LAN settings menu screen that is displayed when the wireless LAN is selected on the screen of Figure 3(c). On the wireless LAN settings menu screen, as menu items (options), "Enable / Disable Wireless LAN", "Wireless LAN Setup", "Display Wireless LAN Information", and "Advanced Wireless LAN Settings" are displayed. From these items, settings such as the enabling / disabling of the wireless infrastructure mode, wireless LAN setup, display of wireless LAN information, and advanced wireless LAN settings can be performed. Also, these items are displayed as an interface capable of receiving a selection instruction by the user.

[0030] (Appearance Configuration of the Mobile Terminal Device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In the present embodiment, as an example, the case where the mobile terminal device 104 is a general type of smartphone is shown. Note that 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 a display including, for example, a display mechanism of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) system. Note that the display unit 402 may display information using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. In addition to or instead of the display unit 402, the mobile terminal device 104 may have a function of outputting information by voice. The operation unit 403 includes hardware keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, etc. for detecting user operations. In this example, since the information display on the display unit 402 and the reception of user operations by the operation unit 403 are performed using a common touch panel display, 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 fact that the user touches those locations 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 on or off the power of the mobile terminal device 104.

[0031] The mobile terminal device 104 has a WLAN unit 401 that provides a WLAN communication function, although it does not necessarily have to be visually recognizable from the outside. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be capable of performing data (packet) communication in a WLAN system compliant with, for example, the IEEE802.11 standard series (IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). Also, it can communicate as an AP corresponding to Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (registered trademark). However, it is not limited to this, and the WLAN unit 401 may be capable of performing communication in a WLAN system compliant with other standards. In this example, it is assumed that the WLAN unit 401 can communicate in both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. Also, it is assumed that the WLAN unit 401 can perform communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure mode, etc. The operations in these modes will be described later.

[0032] (Configuration of the mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows a configuration example 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 the initialism of Central Processing Unit, ROM is the initialism of Read Only Memory, RAM is the initialism of Random Access Memory, and GPS is the initialism of Global Positioning System. Also, the mobile terminal device 104 includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units within the main board 411 are interconnected via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. Also, the main board 411 and the WLAN unit 429 (the above-mentioned WLAN unit 401) are connected via, for example, a dedicated bus 426.

[0033] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire portable terminal device 104. In an example, the processing of the portable terminal device 104 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Note that 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 the present embodiment, the CPU 412 executes each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of the embedded OS also stored in the ROM 413, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0034] The RAM 414 is composed of an SRAM (Static RAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as variables for program control, set values registered by the user, and management data of the portable terminal device 104. Further, the RAM 414 can be used as various work buffers. The image memory 415 is composed of a memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the WLAN unit 429 or 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 of the portable terminal device 104 is turned off. Note that the memory configuration of the portable terminal device 104 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data backup or the like may be performed using the data storage unit 423. Further, in the present embodiment, a DRAM is cited as an example of the image memory 415, but other storage media such as a hard disk and a non-volatile memory may be used.

[0035] The data conversion unit 416 performs analysis of various forms of data and data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls the telephone line and realizes communication by telephone by processing the voice data input and output via the speaker unit 424. The GPS 419 receives the radio waves transmitted from the satellite and acquires the position information such as the current latitude and longitude of the portable terminal device 104.

[0036] The camera unit 421 has a function of electronically recording and encoding the image input via the lens. The image data obtained by imaging with the camera unit 421 is stored in the data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 performs functions of inputting or outputting voice for the telephone function and controls for realizing 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 battery exhausted state where there is no remaining amount in the battery, a power off state where the power key 404 is not pressed, a startup state where it is normally started, and a power saving state where it is started but in a power saving mode.

[0037] The display unit 420 is the display unit 402 described with reference to FIG. 4(a), and performs various input operations, displays the operation status of the MFP 100, the status status, etc. 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 executes controls such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting it to the CPU 412 when a user operation is received.

[0038] The mobile terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using the WLAN unit 429 and conducts 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. Also, the WLAN unit 429 restores the packets from external other devices into original data and outputs it to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for realizing communication compliant with the WLAN standard respectively. The WLAN unit 429 can operate in parallel in at least two communication modes including the wireless infrastructure mode and the P2P (WLAN) mode. Note that the frequency bands used in these communication modes can be restricted by the functions and performance of the hardware.

[0039] (Configuration of Access Point) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the AP1 (101) having a wireless LAN access point function. It 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.

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

[0041] In addition, the AP1 (101) includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs interference wave detection processing when wireless communication is being executed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is carried out. The channel change unit 522 performs channel change processing for use when, for example, when wireless communication is being executed in a band where DFS is carried out and an interference wave is detected, the channel must be immediately changed to an available channel.

[0042] Note that the AP2 (102) also has the same configuration as the AP1 (101).

[0043] (P2P communication method) Subsequently, in WLAN communication, a P2P (WLAN) communication method in which devices communicate directly wirelessly without going through an external access point will be outlined. P2P (WLAN) communication can be realized using a plurality of methods. For example, a communication device can support a plurality of modes for P2P (WLAN) communication and selectively use any one of the plurality of modes to execute P2P communication (WLAN).

[0044] As P2P modes, the following two modes are assumed. · Soft AP mode · Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode A communication device capable of executing P2P communication can be configured to support at least one of these modes. On the other hand, even a communication device capable of executing P2P communication does not necessarily have to support all of these modes, and it may be configured to support only a part of them.

[0045] In a communication device having a communication function by WFD (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104), by receiving a user operation via its operation unit, an (in some cases, dedicated) application for realizing the communication function is called. Then, this communication device displays the screen of the UI (user interface) provided by the application to prompt the user operation, and based on the user operation received accordingly, can execute WFD communication.

[0046] ● 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. And the other communication device (e.g., the MFP 100) operates as a soft AP capable of executing the function of a WLAN AP through software settings. Note that for the commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the soft AP, those defined by the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard are sufficient, so the description here is omitted. Also, the MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. For this reason, the MFP 100 can select which of the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands to use, and which frequency channel to use in that frequency band.

[0047] ● WFD mode The MFP 100 may be fixedly activated as the master station in the WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, the GO Negotiation process for determining the role becomes unnecessary. Also, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. For this reason, the MFP 100 can select which of the 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequency bands to use, and which frequency channel to use in that frequency band.

[0048] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In the wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices that communicate with each other (e.g., each of the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100) are connected to an external AP (e.g., AP1(101)) that manages the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via that AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is executed via the network constructed by the external AP. When the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 each discover AP1(101) and send a connection request to this AP1(101) and connect, wireless infrastructure mode communication via AP1(101) of these communication devices becomes possible. Note that a plurality of communication devices may be connected to separate APs. In this case, data transfer is performed between the APs, enabling communication between the communication devices. Regarding the commands and parameters transmitted and received during communication between each communication device via the access point, those defined by the Wi-Fi standard are sufficient, so the description here is omitted. Also, in this case, AP1(101) determines the frequency band and frequency channel. For this reason, AP1(101) can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use in that frequency band.

[0049] (Processing in response to a connection destination change request from the AP to the STA) The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support a function published as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (registered trademark). Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables selection of an optimal environment according to the changing situation of the Wi-Fi network. Specifically, STAs such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as AP1(101) exchange information regarding the network environment using the communication standards of the IEEE 802.11 series. Through such information exchange, when the network is congested, the AP can induce (change the connection destination of) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, and in some cases, even to another cellular service.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP from AP1(101) to AP2(102) in accordance with a connection destination change request from AP1(101). The processes executed by each device in this sequence are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM provided in each device into the RAM and executing them.

[0051] In the initial state of the process of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with AP1(101) in the wireless infrastructure mode. Also, when the MFP 100 and AP1(101) are connected in the wireless infrastructure mode, AP1(101) acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v. And when AP1(101) can acquire information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE 802.11v, the following processes are performed.

[0052] In S601, AP1(101) sends a query (measurement requests) for the radio wave intensity of the APs around the MFP 100 to the MFP 100. This query is sent, for example, as a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. That is, this request can use the mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0053] In S602, the MFP 100 receives the frames transmitted by the surrounding APs in response to the request received in S601 and measures the radio wave intensity. As a result, the radio wave intensity of each of a plurality of APs including AP1(101) and AP2(102) is measured. This process is referred to as AP search.

[0054] In S603, the MFP100 transmits, as a response to the request received in S601, a list of the radio wave intensities of the APs around the MFP100 measured in S602. Note that, as the radio wave intensities to be responded, in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602, the information stored in the RAM214 and the non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP100 and the like may be used. This response is transmitted, for example, as a Beacon Report or measurement reports.

[0055] In S604, the AP1(101) determines whether it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP100 based on the congestion status in the network grasped by the AP1(101) and the radio wave intensity received from the MFP100 in S603. The factors for the AP1(101) to determine that the connection switch is necessary are as follows. · There are many STAs connected to the AP1(101) (equal to or more than the threshold value) · There is a large amount of traffic between the STAs connected to the AP1(101) and the AP101 (equal to or more than the threshold value) · The presence or absence of interfering radio waves determined based on the SN ratio or the like · AP function stop Also, based on the congestion levels (the number of STA connections, traffic volume) of each AP determined by using the communication between APs, it may be determined whether it is necessary to switch the connection destination. If it is determined that it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP100 and the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP designated as the switching destination of the MFP100 are determined, the process proceeds to S605. Note that, in this embodiment, the ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) of another AP designated (recommended) as the switching destination is assumed to be the same ESSID as the ESSID of the AP before switching (the BSSID is different for each AP). However, it may be recommended to use an AP with an ESSID different from that of the AP before switching as the switching destination. The BSSID is an abbreviation of Basic Service Set Identifier and is the same value as the MAC address of the AP (that is, the identification information of the AP).

[0056] In S605, AP1 (101) sends a request to change the AP (connection destination switching request) to MFP100. The connection destination change request includes the BSSID, channel, and frequency band information of another AP (hereinafter referred to as the recommended AP) specified as the switching destination for MFP100, which was determined in S604. Note that multiple BSSIDs may be specified. That is, multiple APs may be recommended as the switching destination as the recommended AP. The connection destination change request is sent as, for example, a BTM Request. That is, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame defined in the IEEE802.11v standard is sent. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that AP2 (102) is specified as the switching destination (recommended AP) included in the connection destination change request.

[0057] In S606, when MFP100 follows the connection destination change request received in S605, it sends a response indicating acceptance of the switch to AP1 (101). If it does not follow the connection destination change request, it may send a rejection of the switch as a response. The response is sent as a BTM Response. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a response indicating acceptance is sent.

[0058] In S607, AP1 (101) and MFP100 disconnect the connection in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0059] In S608, MFP100 sends a connection request to AP2 (102) so as to connect to AP2 (102) specified in the connection destination change request received in S605.

[0060] As a result, in S609, a connection in the wireless infrastructure mode between MFP100 and AP2 (102) is established.

[0061] With such a mechanism, the MFP100, which is a STA, can change its connection destination from the originally connected AP1(101) (the AP before the connection destination change) to AP2(102) based on a connection destination change request from AP1(101). AP1(101) and AP2(102) may be APs installed in different locations. That is, through the process shown in FIG. 6, the MFP100 can switch to another AP installed at a position different from the originally connected AP. Also, among the multiple frequency bands (any two or three of the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands) provided by the same device, the APs may correspond to different frequency bands. That is, through the process shown in FIG. 6, the MFP100 can switch to another frequency band provided by the same device as the originally connected AP. For example, based on a connection destination change request, the connection destination can be changed to an AP in the 6GHz band.

[0062] Note that in this embodiment, an example is described in which a measurement request and a connection destination change request are transmitted from an AP in accordance with the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband mechanism and the STA responds thereto, but it is not limited to this. This embodiment is also applicable when the STA responds to a measurement request and a connection destination change request transmitted from an AP using a mechanism different from the above example, and changes the connection destination AP (switching, deleting, or adding the AP to be the connection destination).

[0063] There are situations where it is not a problem to change the connection destination AP based on a connection destination change request transmitted from the currently connected AP, and situations where it is not preferable. In a situation where it is not preferable to change the connection destination AP based on the change request, as a process for suppressing the change of the connection destination according to the change request, one or a combination of the following processes can be performed. Each of the following processes is a process for not performing or making it difficult to perform the change of the connection destination AP based on the change request.

[0064] (Suppression Process 1) Even if a change request described in S605 is received, the connection destination AP is not changed based on the received connection request, no response is returned to the change request, or a response indicating rejection (indicating that the connection destination AP will not be changed) is sent to the AP in connection. When a rejection response is sent, the priority of connection destination change for other STAs connected to the AP connected to the MFP100 increases, and the priority of connection destination change for the MFP100 that has returned the rejection response decreases, so that the connection to the AP that was originally connected may be maintained. Also, when no response is returned (ignored), it is considered that the AP in connection maintains the connection with the MFP100 while waiting for a response until the response waiting time times out. Therefore, if it were a situation where the connection would be immediately disconnected in response to any response from the MFP100 to the change request, not returning a response rather than returning some response could extend the time for maintaining the connection with the AP in connection. Therefore, for example, different processing can be performed according to the reason, such as responding with rejection for a weak reason and ignoring it for a strong reason, based on the information on which of several reasons the reason for change included in the change request corresponds to. The reason for change can be determined based on, for example, information on which of several reasons the Request Mode included in the BTM Request corresponds to. For example, when the Disassociation Imminent bit or the BSS Termination Included bit in the Requestmode is 1, it can be determined that the change request has a strong reason for change. Otherwise, it can be determined that the reason for change is weak.

[0065] (Suppression Process 2) In response to the measurement requirements described in S601, information indicating that the radio wave reception status (signal reception status) of non-connected APs other than the connected AP is a radio wave status (low signal quality) different from the actually measured status is used to respond (falsely respond). In this case, actual measurement may be performed and responded to in response to the reception of the measurement requirement, or the response may be made without actually performing the measurement. Specifically, in the response (such as beacon report) described in S603, the response is made 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 response may be in a content that does not include at least one piece of information of the non-connected AP. Also, based on the information measured in the past regarding the non-connected AP, either the received signal strength may be set to a significantly low value or the noise may be set to a significantly large value for the response. Also, even when the measurement requirement is received, without actually performing the measurement (AP search), a response may be made assuming that only the connected AP has a good received signal strength and noise status without including the information of the non-connected AP. Responding to the measurement requirement without including the information regarding the non-connected AP corresponds to the content that no other non-connected AP is found even if an AP search is performed. That is, responding without including the information regarding the non-connected AP means that at least a part of the signal quality from the non-connected AP shows a result different from the actual AP search result.

[0066] By doing so, it can be expected that the connected AP is suppressed from sending a connection destination change request to another AP. Therefore, the change of the connection destination in response to the connection destination change request is suppressed.

[0067] (Suppression Process 3) Disconnect from the connected AP once, notify information indicating that the change request is not being handled, and then reconnect to the same AP. Specifically, disconnect the wireless connection with the connected AP once, and create data for an Association Request frame including information indicating non - compliance with IEEE802.11v as preparation for reconnecting wirelessly. Then, perform the connection process with the AP using the created data of the Association Request frame. As a result, if an Association Request frame including information indicating non - compliance with IEEE802.11v is created, the connection with the AP will be made as an electronic device that does not support (is non - compliant with) the Agile Multiband function. As a result, the connected AP will recognize that the MFP100 is non - compliant with IEEE802.11v and will no longer send a wireless connection destination change request to the MFP100. Thus, since a change in the wireless connection to the MFP100 is no longer requested, the wireless connection between the MFP100 and the connected AP is more likely to be maintained. Also, when the connected AP recognizes that the MFP100 is non - compliant with IEEE802.11v, the transmission of measurement requests (the requests described in S601) from the connected AP to the MFP100 is also suppressed. Therefore, measurements (AP search) in response to measurement requests in the MFP100 and responses to measurement requests (the process of S603) can also be suppressed. Accordingly, the processing load can be reduced, power consumption can be reduced, and resources can be allocated to other processes.

[0068] When it is not preferable to change the destination AP based on a change request, for example, printing data is being received. While the MFP 100 is receiving printing data, it has already received a part of the printing data of the image to be printed from the mobile terminal device 104, which is the counterpart device, and the reception of the remaining part of the printing data is not yet complete. In the MFP 100, when it receives a part of the printing data for one sheet of paper, it prints the received part (for example, it receives and prints one line), and when it receives the subsequent data, it prints that part again, repeating this process to perform printing. If, during the reception of this printing data, the destination AP is changed based on a change request for the connection destination, a time lag associated with the connection destination switching process may occur, which may lead to a deterioration in print quality such as uneven printing. Also, after the connection destination is switched, communication with the mobile terminal device 104, which is the counterpart device, may not work properly, and it may become impossible to receive the subsequent data, resulting in a printing failure. Therefore, during the reception of printing data, as a process for suppressing the change of the connection destination in response to a change request, at least one of the above (suppression process 1) and (suppression process 2) should be performed, or the above (suppression process 3) should be performed before the start of the reception of printing data.

[0069] By the way, among the candidate APs for switching the connection destination in the request for changing the connection destination received from the connected AP, there may be an AP that is not preferable as the connection destination AP of the STA.

[0070] For example, it is conceivable that among the candidate APs for switching the connection destination, there is an AP with a lower security strength compared to the security strength of the connected AP. In such a case, if the destination AP is switched based on a change request for the connection destination from the connected AP, the security strength of the connection with the AP may decrease. Therefore, a device for appropriately switching the STA to the destination AP is required.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 connects to the AP based on a reference security strength method. Specifically, among the candidate APs that are candidates for the change destination in the change request, the MFP 100 is controlled to suppress connection to an AP that uses a security method with a lower security strength than the reference security method. With such a configuration, the STA can be switched to an appropriate connection destination AP.

[0072] Also, for example, among the candidate APs for the connection destination switch, there may be an AP that uses a security method not supported by the MFP 100 or a security method restricted by the settings of the MFP 100. In such a case, if the MFP 100 switches the connection destination AP to a candidate AP based on the connection destination change request, it may fail to connect to the switched destination AP. Therefore, a device for switching the STA to an appropriate connection destination AP is required.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 is controlled to suppress the connection destination AP change process for an AP that cannot be connected by a security method that can be used by the MFP 100 among the candidate APs that are candidates for the change destination in the change request.

[0074] Also, for example, among the candidate APs for connection destination switching, there may be an AP whose authentication method is different from that before switching. Specifically, when the authentication method of the currently connected AP is in the personal mode, the recommended APs may include an AP in the enterprise mode. Conversely, when the authentication method with the currently connected AP is in the enterprise mode (authentication method using an authentication server), the recommended APs may include an AP with an authentication method different from that of the enterprise, for example, an AP in the personal mode. In such a case, when the MFP100 switches the connection destination AP to a candidate AP for connection destination based on a connection destination change request, the security situation expected by the user may not be maintained, or the connection to the switched destination AP may fail. Therefore, a device for appropriately switching the STA to a connection destination AP is required. Thus, in the present embodiment, control is performed to suppress the change of the connection destination to an AP whose authentication method is different from that of the currently connected AP.

[0075] Note that in this specification, the connection destination change request received by the MFP100 from the currently connected AP may be expressed as a "connection destination change request" or a "change request", etc. Also, in this specification, the connection destination change request is, in other words, a request for switching the connection destination AP.

[0076] (Processing based on a request from the currently connected AP) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing corresponding to an AP search request or a connection destination change request executed by the MFP100. In this flowchart, the processing executed by the MFP100 is realized by the CPU212 reading out various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM213 and executing them in the RAM214.

[0077] In S701, the CPU 212 starts the wireless LAN setting. Specifically, the CPU 212 receives an instruction to start the setting of the wireless infrastructure mode. The instruction to start the setting of the wireless infrastructure mode may be, for example, an instruction based on a user operation on the wireless LAN setting menu screen shown in FIG. 3(d). The user operation may be, for example, the selection of "Wireless LAN Setup" by the user on the wireless LAN setting menu screen. Also, the instruction to start the setting of the wireless infrastructure mode may be, for example, the reception of a specific signal from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 104.

[0078] In S702, the CPU 212 acquires the AP information necessary for the setting of the wireless infrastructure mode. Specifically, for example, the CPU 212 acquires the AP information by performing an AP search. For example, in S702, the CPU 212 starts the search for an AP by transmitting a device search request (ProbeRequest). Thereafter, the CPU 212 searches for and discovers the AP by receiving wireless signals such as a device search response (ProbeResponse) transmitted from the AP and a Beacon (information periodically transmitted spontaneously by the AP). The AP information acquired from the AP by such an AP search includes at least one or more of the SSID of the AP, the radio wave intensity, the frequency band, the MAC address, the authentication method, and the information indicating the encryption method. Note that the content of the AP information varies depending on the model, type number, settings, etc. of the AP.

[0079] For example, when the security method (authentication method, encryption method) used by the AP is not the corresponding security method of the MFP 100, the CPU 212 may exclude the AP information from the results of the AP search. Also, when the security method used by the AP is only a security method that the MFP 100 does not support and / or is restricted, the CPU 212 may also exclude such AP information from the results of the AP search.

[0080] In S702, after the completion of the AP search, the CPU 212 displays a list of the APs found by the AP search on the operation display unit 200 of the MFP 100. The list of APs is the content indicating the result of the AP search. The list of APs is displayed as an interface capable of receiving a selection instruction by the user, for example. For example, the CPU 212 may display, on the operation display unit 220, a list of the identification information of the APs acquired by the AP search as the list of APs. The identification information of the AP may be, for example, an SSID, a device name, or the like. For example, when the AP selected by the user is a security method that requires authentication information such as a password, the CPU 212 receives an input of the password of the AP selected by the user. In this way, by receiving an input of the password of the AP by the user, the CPU 212 may acquire the password of the AP selected by the user. Note that when the security method of the AP selected by the user is a method that does not require a password, in S702, the CPU 212 does not receive an input of the password. The method that does not require a password is, for example, the OPEN method, the EAP method, or the like, which will be described later.

[0081] Note that in the present embodiment, the CPU 212 has been described by taking as an example the case of displaying the result of the AP search on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 and receiving an input of the password of the AP selected by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the AP information in S702 may be acquired from an AP using a function called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter referred to as WPS) (registered trademark). Further, the AP information in S702 may be acquired from an external device such as the portable terminal device 104 using a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter referred to as WEC) (registered trademark). Further, the AP information in S702 and the instruction of the selection of the AP by the user may be acquired by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the portable terminal device 104.

[0082] In S703, the CPU 212 controls to record, in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215, the information of the AP necessary for the setting of the wireless infrastructure mode based on the AP information acquired in S702 (recording control). The details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. When storing the information of the AP in this process, the information indicating the authentication method and encryption method of the AP is stored together as the security method. The information of the AP necessary for the setting of the wireless infrastructure mode stored in S703 includes, for example, one or more of SSID, password, security method (authentication method and / or encryption method), frequency band, channel, communication standard, certificate information, and user name. The SSID is one or both of the ESSID and BSSID. These information are stored based on the operation of the operation display unit 200 of the MFP 100 by the user or a specific signal received from an external device such as an AP or the portable terminal device 104.

[0083] In S704, the CPU 212 performs a connection process to connect to the AP according to the IEEE802.11 standard using the AP information acquired in S702. The AP to be connected in S704 is the AP that received the selection instruction from the user in S702.

[0084] In S705, the CPU 212 determines whether a measurement request has been received from the connected AP. If it is determined that a measurement request has been received, the process proceeds to S706; otherwise, the process proceeds to S713. Here, the measurement request is the same as the radio wave intensity inquiry (measurement requests) described in S601 above. In other words, the measurement request is a request for the result of the AP search and also a request for the measurement result of the radio wave situation (signal quality) of the APs around the MFP 100.

[0085] In S706, the CPU 212 performs an AP search as described in S602 and S702 above. The CPU 212 stores the list of the AP information found in the AP search in the RAM 214.

[0086] The following processes S707 to S711 are performed for each of the APs found in the AP search. The APs found in the AP search may be included as APs recommended as connection destination APs in the change requests received from the currently connected AP. That is to say, the APs found in the AP search can also be said to be candidate APs that are candidates for the connection destination AP of the MFP100. The processes of S708 to S709 are processes for determining whether the AP found in the AP search is an appropriate AP as a candidate for the connection destination of the MFP100. Also, the process of S710 is a process for suppressing the transmission of connection requests including inappropriate connection destination APs by false-responding regarding the information of the inappropriate connection destination APs, similar to the above-described suppression process 2. That is to say, the processes of S707 to S711 are processes for suppressing connection to APs that are not preferable as the connection destination of the MFP100. The processes of S707 to S711 can also be said to be processes for changing the MFP100 to an appropriate connection destination AP. Note that the CPU 212 may perform the processes of S707 to 712 using the AP information searched and stored in the past instead of the AP search of S706.

[0087] In S707, the CPU 212 starts the repetitive processes of S708 to S710 for each of the APs discovered in the AP search of S706.

[0088] In S708, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP found in the AP search satisfies a predetermined condition, and stores the determination result. The predetermined condition is a target condition for determining whether the AP is a preferable AP as a connection destination change target. That is to say, in S708, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP found in the AP search is a preferable AP as a connection destination change target. The details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0089] In S709, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the target conditions as the AP after the change of the connection destination AP are satisfied based on the determination result of S708. If it is determined that the target conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to S711. On the other hand, if it is determined that the target conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to S710. Specifically, the CPU 212 makes a determination based on the information (determination result) stored in S905 or S906 described later. That is, if the determination is made as in S905 described later, the process proceeds to S711, and if the determination is made as in S906 described later, the process proceeds to S710.

[0090] In S710, the CPU 212 creates a list with content different from the list of AP information stored in S706. For example, the CPU 212 excludes (deletes) the information of the AP that does not satisfy the target conditions from the list of AP information. Alternatively, the CPU 212 changes the information of the AP that does not satisfy the target conditions from the list of AP information stored in S706 to information different from the situation actually measured. The different information is information indicating that the signal quality is lower than the signal quality actually measured in the AP search. This process is the same as that described in the suppression process 2 above. The signal quality is, in other words, the radio wave situation, for example, the radio wave intensity, etc.

[0091] In this way, when the AP found by the AP search does not satisfy the conditions as the connection destination AP, the CPU 212 excludes the AP that does not satisfy the conditions from the results of the AP search. Alternatively, the CPU 212 changes the information of the AP that does not satisfy the conditions to information different from the actually measured results. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of an AP that does not satisfy the target conditions as a recommended AP in the connection destination change request transmitted from the AP connected to the MFP 100. That is, it is possible to suppress the change of the connection destination of the MFP 100 to an AP that does not satisfy the conditions of the security method.

[0092] In S711, the CPU 212 repeatedly continues the processes of S708 to S709 or the processes of S708 to S710 for other APs discovered in the AP search of S706. When these processes are completed for all APs discovered in the AP search of S706, the process proceeds to S712.

[0093] In S712, as described in S603 of FIG. 6, the CPU 212 transmits a response to the measurement request to the connected AP. For example, when the process of S710 is performed, since the content is different from the result of the AP search, in S712, the list of AP information is transmitted as a false response.

[0094] In S713, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a connection destination change request has been received from the connected AP. This change request corresponds to the one transmitted by AP1(101) in S605 of FIG. 6. If the CPU 212 determines that the change request has been received, the process proceeds to S714; otherwise, the process proceeds to S718.

[0095] In S714 to S716, the CPU 212 determines whether or not to change the connection destination to the recommended AP included in the change request, and in a situation where the change is not preferable, performs a process of suppressing the change of the connection destination according to the change request. This process corresponds to the above-described suppression process 1.

[0096] In S714, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the recommended AP included in the received change request satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is a target condition for determining whether or not the AP is preferable (appropriate) as the connection destination change target. That is, in S714, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the recommended AP is an AP preferable as the connection destination change target. The details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0097] In S715, based on the determination result of S714, the CPU 212 determines whether the recommended AP included in the change request satisfies the target conditions as the AP after the change of the connection destination AP. If the target conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to S716; otherwise, it proceeds to S718. Specifically, if it is determined as in S905 described later, the process proceeds to S716; if it is determined as in S906 described later, the process proceeds to S718.

[0098] In S715, when the CPU 212 determines that the target conditions are not satisfied (when the result in S715 is NO), as described in the above suppression process 1, it may not connect to the recommended AP and may send a response indicating rejection to the AP that is currently connected. In other words, the rejection means not changing the connection destination AP. Also, when the CPU 212 determines that the target conditions are not satisfied, it may ignore the change request without returning a response.

[0099] In S716, the CPU 212 sends a response indicating that it will comply with the received connection destination change request to the AP that is currently connected and proceeds to S717. This process corresponds to the process of S606 in FIG. 6.

[0100] In S717, the CPU 212 disconnects the connection with the AP that is currently connected and executes the connection process with the recommended AP included in the connection destination change request (the recommended AP determined to satisfy the target conditions in S714). This process corresponds to the processes of S607 and S608 in FIG. 6.

[0101] Thus, when the recommended AP does not meet the conditions as the destination AP, the CPU 212 controls the AP connected to the MFP 100 to send a response rejecting the change request or to ignore the change request (NO in S715). As a result, among the candidate APs for the change destination, i.e., the recommended APs, it is possible to suppress changing the destination AP to an AP that uses a security method not preferred by the MFP 100. On the other hand, when the recommended AP meets the conditions as the destination AP, the CPU 212 sends a response indicating that it will comply with the change request and performs the connection process with the recommended AP (YES in S715, S716 to S717). With such control of the CPU 212, the MFP 100 can connect to an appropriate AP.

[0102] In S718, the CPU 212 determines whether to terminate the connection with the connected AP. If it is determined to terminate the connection, the process of FIG. 7 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined not to terminate the connection, the process proceeds to S705. Specifically, for example, the CPU 212 determines whether it has received an instruction to turn off the power of the MFP 100. The instruction to turn off the power may be based on the fact that the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 has not been operated for a predetermined time, or may be based on the operation of the power button (not shown) of the MFP 100.

[0103] Note that in FIG. 7 described above, an example in which both the processes of S707 to S711 (suppression process 2) and the processes of S714 to S716 (suppression process 1) are performed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, either one of the processes of S707 to S711 (suppression process 2) and the processes of S714 to S716 (suppression process 1) may be performed and the other may not be performed.

[0104] (Process of storing the security method used at the time of AP connection) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of storing, as a security method to be used when connecting to an AP, information indicating an authentication method and an encryption method of the AP when setting the wireless infrastructure mode of the MFP 100. In this flowchart, the processes executed by the MFP 100 are realized by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 into the RAM 214 and executing them. Note that this process is executed in S703 based on the acquisition of AP information in S702.

[0105] Here, the security method will be described. In wireless communication using a wireless LAN based on the IEEE802.11 standard, the following security methods have been used.

[0106] <Authentication method> The authentication methods supported by the wireless AP include, for example, the following types. (1) PSK method using a pre-shared key (Pre Shared Key) (2) SAE method using SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) (3) EAP method for authenticating a communication device that connects to a network using an IEEE802.1X / EAP-compliant authentication server Among these, the security methods using the PSK in (1) include, for example, the following methods. (1-1) WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)-PSK (1-2) WPA2-PSK method The PSK method is a personal method, and the authentication method (type of authentication, type of authentication, type of security) is different from the enterprise method.

[0107] Also, the security methods using the SAE in (2) include, for example, the following methods. (2-1) WPA3-SAE method Also, the security methods using the authentication server in (3) include, for example, the following methods. (3-1) WPA-EAP (3-2)WPA2-EAP (3-3)WPA3-EAP mode The security method using an authentication server is an authentication method in the enterprise mode, and the authentication methods (type of authentication, category of authentication, type of security) are different from those in the personal mode.

[0108] <Encryption method> There are, for example, the following methods for the encryption method. ·CCMP (Counter mode with CBC-MAC Protocol) method using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) ·TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) method using RC4 ·WEP method Note that EAP in this specification is the Extensible Authentication Protocol. Also, WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy.

[0109] Among the above-described security methods (authentication method, encryption method), relatively secure security methods are, for example, the WPA3-SAE method of (2-1), and the WPA / WPA2 / WPA3-EAP methods of (3-1) to (3-3). The next most secure methods are the WPA / WPA2-PSK methods of (1-1) and (1-2). Also, relatively insecure security methods are, for example, the WEP method. Also, an insecure method is OPEN (no authentication). Also, regarding the encryption method, a method using AES is a relatively secure method, a TKIP method is a relatively insecure method, and no encryption is an insecure method.

[0110] The security methods supported by the MFP100 vary depending on the model, model number, settings, etc. of the MFP100. The security methods supported by the MFP100 in this embodiment are, for example, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA3-SAE, WPA-EAP, WPA2-EAP, WPA3-EAP, and OPEN (no authentication, no encryption). Also, the security methods not supported by the MFP100 are, for example, methods using TKIP for the encryption method or methods using WEP.

[0111] In S801, the CPU 212 determines whether the authentication method used for connection to the AP is the WPA3-SAE method. For example, the CPU 212 determines the authentication method used by the AP that has received the user's selection instruction based on the AP information acquired in S702. If it is determined that the method is the WPA3-SAE method, the process proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if it is determined that the method is not the WPA3-SAE method, the process proceeds to S803.

[0112] In S802, the CPU 212 stores the relatively secure method (WPA3-SAE method) as the security method in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215.

[0113] In S803, the CPU 212 determines whether the authentication method used for connection to the AP is at least one of the WPA-EAP method, the WPA2-EAP method, and the WPA3-EAP method. For example, the CPU 212 determines the authentication method used by the AP that has received the user's selection instruction based on the AP information acquired in S702. If it is determined that the authentication method used for connection to the AP is at least one of the WPA-EAP method, the WPA2-EAP method, and the WPA3-EAP method, the process proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if it is determined that the authentication method used for connection to the AP is not any of the WPA-EAP method, the WPA2-EAP method, and the WPA3-EAP method, the process proceeds to S805.

[0114] In S804, the CPU 212 stores the "relatively secure method (WPA / WPA2 / WPA3-EAP method)" as the security method in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215.

[0115] In S805, the CPU 212 determines whether the authentication method used for connection to the AP is at least one of the WPA-PSK method and the WPA2-PSK method. For example, the CPU 212 determines the authentication method used by the AP that has received the selection instruction from the user based on the AP information acquired in S702. If it is determined that it is at least one of the WPA-PSK method and the WPA2-PSK method, the process proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is neither the WPA-PSK method nor the WPA2-PSK method, the process proceeds to S807.

[0116] In S806, the CPU 212 stores the "moderately secure method (WPA / WPA2-PSK method)" as the security method in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215.

[0117] In S807, the CPU 212 determines whether the authentication method used for connection to the AP is the OPEN (no authentication) method. For example, the CPU 212 determines the authentication method used by the AP that has received the selection instruction from the user based on the AP information acquired in S702. If the CPU 212 determines that it is the OPEN method, the process proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 determines that it is not the OPEN method, the process proceeds to S809.

[0118] In S808, the CPU 212 stores the "non-secure method (OPEN method)" as the security method in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215.

[0119] In S809, the CPU 212 records other setting information (settings) of the wireless infrastructure mode in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215. The setting information is, for example, AP information necessary for setting the wireless infrastructure mode. In this process, the security methods are collectively stored according to the type of the authentication method of the AP (). As a result, if the strength of the security method of the recommended AP is of the same type as the strength of the security method of the MFP 100, it becomes possible to connect to the same AP with the same settings such as the ESSID and password.

[0120] Note that the security method used by the MFP 100 for connection to the AP may be restricted by an operation on the operation display unit 200 of the MFP 100 by the user or by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 104.

[0121] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining whether or not the AP to be determined satisfies a predetermined condition as the AP to be connected to. That is, FIG. 9 shows an example of a process for determining whether or not the AP to be determined is an appropriate AP as the AP after the change of the connection destination. In addition, in this flowchart, the process executed by the MFP 100 is realized by the CPU 212 reading out various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 into the RAM 214 and executing them.

[0122] Note that the process in FIG. 9 is executed in S708 and S714 in FIG. 7. That is, this process is executed for the AP discovered by the AP search based on the measurement request and the recommended AP included in the change request. That is, it is executed when determining whether or not to change the connection destination AP.

[0123] In S901, the CPU 212 determines whether the security method of the AP to be determined, which is a candidate for the connection switching destination (hereinafter referred to as the candidate AP), is a method that can be used in the MFP 100. If it is determined that it is a usable method, the process proceeds to S902. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a usable method, the process proceeds to S906. Specifically, for example, the CPU 212 determines that it is a usable method when the security method used in the network formed by the candidate AP is a method corresponding to the MFP 100 and is not restricted by the MFP 100. Also, the CPU 212 determines that it is not a usable method when the security method used by the candidate AP is at least one of a method not corresponding to the MFP 100 or a method restricted by the MFP 100. The security methods corresponding to the MFP 100 vary depending on the model, model number, settings, etc. of the MFP 100 as described above. Also, the security methods corresponding to the MFP 100 are stored, for example, in the non-volatile memory 215 in advance. Also, the security methods that can be used in the MFP 100 may be restricted by settings based on user operations as described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0124] Thus, in addition to the condition of whether it corresponds to the MFP 100, if the use is restricted by settings even if it corresponds to the MFP 100, S901 is determined as NO and processed. Thereby, when the MFP 100 receives a change request from the currently connected AP, if the security method of the candidate AP is not a method that can be used in the MFP 100, it is possible to suppress the change of the connection destination AP.

[0125] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the determination in S901 is made on the condition of whether or not the MFP 100 is restricted in use in addition to whether or not it is compatible with the MFP 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in S901, the CPU 212 may make a determination only as to whether or not the MFP 100 is compatible without determining whether or not the use of the MFP 100 is restricted. For example, when the CPU 212 determines that the security method of the AP to be determined is a method compatible with the MFP, the process proceeds to S902, and when it is not, the process may proceed to S906.

[0126] In S902, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the security strength of the security method of the candidate AP is equal to or greater than the strength of the security method stored in S703 (see FIG. 8) of FIG. 7. When it is determined that the method is equal to or greater than the strength of the stored security method, the process proceeds to S903. On the other hand, in other cases, the process proceeds to S906.

[0127] A specific example of S902 will be described. For example, if the CPU 212 stores the "WPA1 / 2-PSK method" as the security method in S703 of FIG. 7, and the strength of the security method of the candidate AP is "WPA3-SAE" or "WPA1 / 2-PSK method", the process proceeds to S903. Also, if the CPU 212 stores the "WPA1 / 2-PSK method" in S703 and the strength of the security method of the candidate AP is "OPEN", the process proceeds to S906. Further, for example, if the CPU 212 records "WPA3-SAE" in S703 and the strength of the security method of the candidate AP is "WPA3-SAE", the process proceeds to S903. Also, if the CPU 212 records "WPA3-SAE" in S703 and the strength of the security method of the candidate AP is "WPA1 / 2-PSK method", the process proceeds to S906.

[0128] Thus, when the candidate AP uses a security method with a lower security strength than the security method of the connected AP, it is determined that the AP does not meet the conditions as the destination AP. As a result, when the MFP100 receives a change request from the connected AP, it is possible to suppress the change of the destination AP to an AP with a lower security strength than the connected AP. On the other hand, when the candidate AP uses a security method with a security strength equal to or higher than that of the security method of the connected AP, it is determined that the AP meets the conditions as the destination AP.

[0129] In S903, the CPU 212 determines whether the type of the authentication method of the candidate AP (for example, PSK method, SAE method, EAP method, OPEN method) is the same as the type of the stored authentication method. If the CPU 212 determines that the authentication methods are of the same type, it proceeds to S905; otherwise, it proceeds to S904.

[0130] For example, assume that the security method stored in the process of FIG. 8 (the security method set at the time of setting the wireless infrastructure mode) is either one of the above (1-1) WPA-PSK and (1-2) WPA2-PSK methods. In this case, if the security method of the candidate AP is either one of the (1-1) WPA-PSK and (1-2) WPA2-PSK methods, since the type of the authentication method is the same PSK, it is determined as Yes in S903. That is, for example, when the security method stored in the process of FIG. 8 is the above (1-1) WPA-PSK and the security method of the candidate AP is the (1-2) WPA2-PSK method, it is determined as YES in S903.

[0131] Assume that one party, for example, the security method memorized in FIG. 8 is either one of the above-mentioned (1-1) WPA-PSK and (1-2) WPA2-PSK methods. In this case, if the security method of the candidate AP is the (2-1) WPA3-SAE method, since the types of authentication methods are PSK and SAE, it is determined as NO in S903. Similarly, when the method memorized in the process of FIG. 8 is either one of the above-mentioned (1-1) WPA-PSK and (1-2) WPA2-PSK methods, and the method of the candidate AP is (3-1) WPA-EAP or (3-2) WPA2-EAP, etc., it is determined as NO in S903. Also, if the security method memorized in the process of FIG. 8 corresponds to one of the personal mode and the enterprise mode, and the type of the security method of the candidate AP corresponds to the other of the personal mode and the enterprise mode, the types of authentication methods are different.

[0132] In S904, the CPU 212 determines whether a set value corresponding to the authentication method of the candidate AP (for example, SAE method, PSK method, EAP method, OPEN method) is recorded. If it is determined that it is stored, the process proceeds to S905. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not stored, the process proceeds to S906.

[0133] Here, the set value corresponding to the authentication method will be described. The set value required for the SAE method is, for example, a password. The set values required for the PSK method are, for example, a password and a PSK (pre-shared key). The set values required for the EAP method are, for example, a username, a login name, and a certificate. EAP is in the enterprise mode. In other words, the set value is information required for the MFP 100 to connect to the AP according to the type of authentication method. The set value corresponding to the authentication method is memorized, for example, in the process of S703. The set value is memorized, for example, in S809 of FIG. 8 executed as the process of S703. Thus, even if the type of the authentication method between the MFP 100 and the currently connected AP is different from the type of the authentication method with the candidate AP, if the information required for connection with different types is obtained, it is considered to satisfy the target conditions as the target AP for changing the connection destination even with different types.

[0134] For example, when the security method of the connected AP is the "WPA1 / 2-PSK method" and the security method of the candidate AP is the "WPA1 / 2-EAP method", it is determined in S903 that the types of authentication methods are different. Also, in S904, if it is determined that the setting values of the EAP method (user name, login name, certificate required for EAP method authentication) are stored, the candidate AP is not excluded from the targets for connection destination change. That is, changing the connection destination based on the change request for the candidate AP is not suppressed.

[0135] Note that in this embodiment, an example where the process proceeds to S904 when the determination in S903 is NO has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the determination in S903 is NO, the process of S904 may be skipped and the process may proceed to S905. That is, the CPU212 may uniformly determine that the target conditions are not satisfied when the type of the authentication method of the connected AP is different from the type of the authentication method of the candidate AP.

[0136] In S905, the CPU212 determines that the candidate AP is eligible as the target AP for connection destination change based on the change request. That is, the candidate AP is determined to satisfy the target conditions as the AP after the connection destination change. Also, the CPU212 stores the determination result in the RAM214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215.

[0137] In S906, the CPU212 determines that the candidate AP is not eligible as the target AP for connection destination change based on the change request. That is, the candidate AP is determined not to satisfy the target conditions as the AP after the connection destination change. The CPU212 stores the determination result in the RAM214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215.

[0138] (Settings screen for restricting the security method used when connecting to an AP) FIG. 10 is an example of a setting screen for restricting the security method used when the MFP 100 connects to an AP in the wireless infrastructure mode. For example, when the CPU 212 receives a selection of "Wireless LAN detailed settings" on the screen of FIG. 3(d), the CPU 212 displays the setting screen of FIG. 10 on the operation display unit 220. In addition, although the setting screen is described by taking as an example the case where it is displayed on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100, the present invention is not limited to this. The setting screen of FIG. 10 may be displayed on an external device such as the mobile terminal device 104 by an application or a web browser capable of setting the MFP 100, for example.

[0139] On the setting screen, setting items (options) 1001 to 1004 for the security method used when connecting to an AP in the wireless infrastructure mode are displayed. The setting items 1001 to 1004 may be displayed as an interface capable of receiving an instruction for setting the lower limit of the security method, for example. That is, the setting screen is a screen capable of setting the lower limit of the security method used by the MFP 100 when connecting to an AP. In addition, it can be said that the setting screen is also a screen capable of setting the security method that can be used by the MFP 100 when connecting to an AP. That is, in other words, the setting screen is a security setting screen. In addition, the lower limit of the security method is, in other words, also a standard for the security method when the MFP 100 connects to an AP. Thus, by setting the standard for the security method on the setting screen, it is possible to suppress the connection destination from being changed to an AP that uses a security method that does not meet the standard by the MFP 100.

[0140] Relatively secure security methods are displayed in the setting item 1001. Examples of relatively secure methods are the WPA3-SAE (AES) and WPA1 / 2 / 3-EAP (AES) methods.

[0141] Moderately secure security methods are displayed in the setting item 1002. An example of a moderately secure method is the WPA1 / 2-PSK (AES) method.

[0142] In setting item 1003, a relatively insecure security method is displayed. A relatively insecure method is, for example, the WPA-PSK (TKIP) method.

[0143] In setting item 1004, an insecure security method is displayed. An insecure method is, for example, a method that does not require authentication when connecting to an AP. A method that does not require authentication is, for example, the OPEN method.

[0144] When the security method setting items 1001 to 1004 are selected by a user operation on the setting screen, the CPU 212 stores the security method of the selected setting item in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215. That is, the security method of the setting item selected by the user is set as the lower limit of the security method used when the MFP 100 connects to the AP. Thereby, when the MFP 100 connects to the AP in the wireless infrastructure mode, the connection to an AP with a method less secure than the security method selected by the user is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the MFP 100 from connecting to an AP with a security method not intended by the user.

[0145] Specifically, for example, when setting item 1001 is selected, the security method of setting item 1001 is available when the MFP 100 connects to the AP in the wireless infrastructure mode. On the other hand, the security methods of setting items 1002 to 1004 are restricted in use. Also, for example, when setting item 1002 is selected, the security methods of setting items 1001 to 1002 are available when the MFP 100 connects to the AP in the wireless infrastructure mode. On the other hand, the security methods of setting items 1003 to 1004 are restricted in use.

[0146] Also, the security method setting items 1001 to 1004 selected by the user on the setting screen may be used to determine whether to change the connection destination AP based on the change requests of S708 and S714 (S902 in FIG. 9) to restrict the security method used for AP connection.

[0147] Also, in S702 and S706 of FIG. 7, when the security method used by the AP obtained by AP search is only the method restricted on the setting screen, it may be excluded from the search results of AP search, and the security method used for AP connection may be restricted.

[0148] Also, for example, among the setting items 1001 to 1004 on the setting screen, items with higher security strength may be preferentially displayed. For example, on the setting screen, items with higher security strength may be displayed at the top or may be highlighted.

[0149] In this embodiment, an example of storing the security methods of the setting items 1000 to 1004 selected by the user on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP100 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the setting screen of FIG. 10 is displayed on an external device such as the mobile terminal device 104 as described above, the setting of the security method may be stored based on a specific signal transmitted from the external device.

[0150] As described above, according to the process of S902 in FIG. 9 executed in S708 of this embodiment, when the MFP100 receives a measurement request from the connected AP, it executes an AP search. Among the APs found by the AP search, the MFP100 controls to fake-respond the information of the AP whose security strength is lower than that of the currently connected AP in the beacon report (response to the measurement request) as described in the above suppression process 2. Thereby, it suppresses that a change request for changing the connection destination to an AP with a decreasing security method is transmitted from the connected AP.

[0151] Also, according to the process of S902 in FIG. 9 performed in S714 of the present embodiment, when the MFP100 receives a connection destination AP change request from the currently connected AP, it performs control based on the strength of the security method of the recommended AP. When the recommended AP uses a security method whose security strength is lower than that of the currently connected AP, as in suppression process 1, the MFP100 controls not to change the connection destination AP to the recommended AP. That is, the MFP100 does not change the connection destination to the recommended AP, does not respond to the change request, or responds that the connection destination AP will not be changed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the security strength with the AP due to the change of the connection destination based on the connection destination change request. That is, while maintaining a secure connection with the AP, it becomes possible to easily connect to an AP with a better communication environment.

[0152] According to the process of S901 in FIG. 9 performed in S708 of the present embodiment, when there is an AP that the MFP100 does not support or an AP whose use is restricted among the APs found as a result of the AP search, the MFP100 performs the following control. Information on an AP that the MFP100 does not support or an AP whose use is restricted is controlled to give a false response as in suppression process 2 described above in the beacon report (response to the measurement request). Thereby, it is possible to suppress a change request from being transmitted to an AP that uses a security method that the MFP100 does not support or an AP that uses a security method restricted by the MFP, such that the connection destination is changed.

[0153] Also, according to the process of S901 in FIG. 9 performed in S714 of the present embodiment, when the MFP100 receives a connection destination AP change request, it performs the following control. When the security method of the recommended AP is a security method that the MFP100 does not support or a security method whose use is restricted, as in suppression process 1, it is controlled not to change the connection destination to that recommended AP. That is, the MFP100 does not respond to the change request or responds that it will not change the connection destination AP. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a situation where the MFP100 attempts to change the connection destination based on the connection destination change request and disconnects from the currently connected AP but cannot connect to the recommended AP (the connection to the recommended AP fails).

[0154] If the MFP100 does not perform the process of S901 as in the present embodiment and disconnects from the currently connected AP according to the connection destination change request, and the MFP100 attempts to connect to a recommended AP that employs a security method that the MFP100 does not support or a security method whose use is restricted. And if the MFP100 fails to connect to the recommended AP, there are the following problems.

[0155] The first problem is that since disconnection from the AP before switching occurs once, there is a period during which the MFP100 cannot communicate with the AP. Furthermore, there are the processing times for the connection process to the recommended AP and for connecting to another AP after the connection to the recommended AP fails. As a result, the period during which communication is impossible is prolonged. For this reason, stable communication is hindered. The second problem is that, if the MFP100 does not store the information necessary for connection to the AP before switching after disconnecting the connection to the AP before switching based on the connection destination AP change request, it will no longer be possible to reconnect to the AP before switching. The information necessary for connection is at least one of the connection information of the SSID and password, and other setting information. In the present embodiment, in order to suppress a situation where such problems occur, while controlling to connect to an AP with a better communication environment based on the change request, by reducing unnecessary disconnection from the AP, more stable communication can be performed.

[0156] According to the process of S903 in FIG. 9 performed in S708 of this embodiment, when the MFP100 receives a measurement request from the connected AP, it executes an AP search. Among the APs found in the AP search, regarding the information of APs of a type different from the type of the security method of the currently connected AP, the MFP100 makes a false response in the beacon report (response to the measurement request) as described in suppression process 2 above. Thereby, it suppresses that a change request for changing the connection destination to an AP of a different security method type is transmitted.

[0157] Also, according to the process of S903 in FIG. 9 performed in S714 of this embodiment, when the MFP100 receives a change request for the connection destination AP from the connected AP, it performs control based on the type of the authentication method of the recommended AP. When the type of the authentication method of the recommended AP is different from the authentication method with the currently connected AP, the MFP100 controls not to change the connection destination to that recommended AP as in suppression process 1. That is, the MFP100 does not respond to the change request for the connected AP, or responds that it does not change the connection destination AP. Thereby, while keeping the type of the authentication method for the connection with the AP the same as that at the time of setting the wireless infrastructure mode, it becomes possible to easily connect to an AP with a better communication environment. In other words, while suppressing the deterioration of security due to the unintentional change in the type of the authentication method with the AP or the inconvenience due to overly strong security, it becomes possible to easily connect to an AP with a better communication environment based on the change request.

[0158] Also, by performing the process of S904 of this embodiment, even when the types of the authentication methods are different, if the setting value corresponding to the type of the authentication method of the recommended AP is stored, the connection destination AP is changed based on the change request. Thereby, while continuing the connection with the connected AP as much as possible, it becomes possible to easily connect to an AP with a better communication environment.

[0159] In the determination of S902, a method of comparing the security method of the candidate AP with the security method of the AP stored at the start of setting the wireless infrastructure mode (S703 in FIG. 7) has been exemplified, but it is not limited to this form. For example, it may be compared with a pre-determined security method. Specifically, it may be compared with the security method stored by the operation of the operation display unit 200 of the MFP100 by the user described in FIG. 10. Also, it may be compared with the security method stored by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 104. Further, in the process of S902, when comparing with a pre-determined security method, specifically, it may be compared with the available security method stored in any one or more of the ROM 213, RAM 214, and non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP100.

[0160] Also, in the determination of S901, a method of determining whether the security method of the candidate AP is supported by the MFP100 and whether it is restricted has been exemplified, but it is not limited to this form. In the determination of S901, the CPU 212 may determine whether the MFP100 and the candidate AP can be connected based on the information acquired from the candidate AP and the capability information of the MFP100. For example, it may be determined based on any one or more of the security method (authentication method and / or encryption method), frequency band, channel, and communication standard.

[0161] As described above, according to the present embodiment, more suitable control can be performed for a connection destination change request from the AP. That is, the MFP100, which is a STA, can be switched to an appropriate AP.

[0162] Note that each of the above-described various controls described as being performed by the CPU 212 may be performed by one piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware (for example, a plurality of processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0163] Moreover, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and it is also possible to appropriately combine the embodiments.

[0164] Also, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to an MFP has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this example, and it is applicable to any wireless device that functions as a STA capable of processing a request for changing the connection destination from an AP. That is, the present invention is applicable to personal computers, PDAs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game machines, e-book readers, smartwatches, various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. Further, the present invention is applicable to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. Also, the present invention is applicable to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, wireless LAN sub-units (adapters) capable of connecting to USB terminals and LAN cable terminals. The video output device includes, for example, a device such as a set-top box, acquires (downloads) moving images and still images on the Internet specified by a URL instructed from an electronic device, and outputs them to a display device connected via a video output terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark). This realizes streaming playback on the display device or mirroring display (displaying the content displayed on the electronic device on the display device). Also, the video output device includes TVs, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, DVD recorders, any media players, head-mounted displays, projectors, TVs, display devices (monitors), signage devices, etc. Also, the present invention is applicable to so-called smart home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting fixtures, heating appliances, and cooling appliances that can be connected to Wi-Fi.

[0165] (Other Embodiments) The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0166] 100 MFP 101 AP1 102 AP2 103 DHCP Server 104 Mobile Terminal Device 105 DNS Server

Claims

1. A changing means for changing the connection destination AP based on a change request of the connection destination AP received from the currently connected access point (AP); Among candidate APs that are candidates for the change destination based on the change request, a second authentication method that is different from the first authentication method and type used for connection to the first AP connected before the change of the connection destination is used. Control means for controlling so as to suppress the change of the connection destination AP by the changing means using the connected second AP as the connection destination after the change; An electronic device characterized by comprising the same.

2. The control means Controls so as to suppress the disconnection of the connection with the first AP when the second AP is used as the connection destination after the change. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. Receiving means for receiving a measurement request for requesting a measurement result of the signal quality of APs around the electronic device transmitted from the first AP; Measuring means for measuring the signal quality of the surrounding APs when the measurement request is received; Transmitting means for transmitting a response based on the measurement result by the measuring means to the first AP, further comprising: The control means When the signal quality of the second AP is included in the measurement result by the measuring means, the response is transmitted by the transmitting means with a content having a signal quality lower than the signal quality of the second AP measured by the measuring means, or a content not including the signal quality of the second AP. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The control means When the candidate AP includes a third AP that is connected to the recommended AP recommended as the change destination in the change request using the same type of authentication method as the first authentication method, the third AP is used as the connection destination after the change. Control so that the changing means changes the connection destination AP; When the recommended AP includes the second AP, control so that the changing means does not change the connection destination AP with the second AP as the connection destination after the change. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The control means When the candidate AP, which is the recommended AP recommended as the change destination in the change request, is an AP connected using the second type of authentication method, control is performed so as not to execute the change of the connection destination AP by the change means based on the change request, and the first AP is controlled to transmit a response indicating rejection of the change of the connection destination based on the change request. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The control means When the candidate AP, which is the recommended AP recommended as the change destination in the change request, is an AP connected using an authentication method different in type from the first authentication method, control is performed so as not to transmit a response to the change request. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. Further comprising a recording control means for controlling to record the connection information to the first AP and the authentication method used for the connection to the first AP The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the change of the connection destination based on the change request based on the authentication method used for the connection to the first AP recorded by the recording control means.

8. Further comprising a setting means for setting a security method usable for connection to an AP based on an operation from a user, The authentication method used for the connection to the first AP is an authentication method based on the security method set by the setting means. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. The control means Among the candidate APs, even if it is an AP connected using a third authentication method different in type from the first authentication method, when the setting value used for the connection in the third authentication method is stored, control is performed so as not to suppress the change of the connection destination AP by the change means to the AP connected using the third authentication method. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The type of the first authentication method is any one of the SAE method, the PSK method, the EAP method, and the OPEN method, and the second authentication method is a method of a type different from the first authentication method among the SAE method, the PSK method, the EAP method, and the OPEN method. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

11. The type of the first authentication method is one of personal and enterprise, and the type of the second authentication method is the other of personal and enterprise. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

12. The control means further controls to suppress the change of the connection destination AP by the change means so that an AP communicated using a security method with a lower security intensity than the security method used for communication with the first AP is set as the changed connection destination. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

13. The control means further controls to suppress the change of the connection destination AP by the change means so that an AP communicated using a security method not supported by the electronic device or a security method whose use is restricted in the electronic device is set as the changed connection destination. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

14. The electronic device is characterized in that it performs connection and processing conforming to the IEEE 802.11ax standard with an AP. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

15. The electronic device is characterized in that it can perform at least one of processing conforming to Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and processing conforming to Target Wake Time (TWT). The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

16. The electronic device is characterized in that it can change the connection destination to an AP in the 6 GHz band by changing the connection destination based on the change request. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

17. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising printing means capable of executing printing processing based on print data received via an AP.

18. The control means performs control based on the authentication method of the candidate AP. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that.

19. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

21. A change step of changing the destination AP based on a change request of the destination AP received from the currently connected access point (AP); Among candidate APs that are candidates for the change destination based on the change request, a second authentication method that is different from the first authentication method used for the connection with the first AP connected before the change of the connection destination is used. A control step of controlling so as to suppress the change of the connection destination AP by the change step with the second AP connected as the connection destination after the change; A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

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