Communication apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a communication device that implements a 6 GHz band access point function that can be detected by an external apparatus regardless of a discovery method supported by the external apparatus.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus includes a connection unit capable of communication in multiple frequency bands including a 6 GHz band. When the communication apparatus provides an access point function for the 6 GHz band to an external apparatus using wireless communication means, the communication apparatus controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to provide access point functions for other frequency bands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various electronic devices have been equipped with wireless communication functions. As a result, it is not uncommon for there to be multiple devices with which wireless communication is possible in the vicinity. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic camera that allows users to select a server, PC, or printer as the destination for transferring images via wireless communication.

[0003] A typical wireless communication standard is the IEEE802.11 series standard, also known as wireless LAN or Wi-Fi. Traditionally, wireless LAN standards have used the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. However, the IEEE802.11axe (Wi-Fi 6E) standard, an extension of the IEEE802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, now allows the use of the 6 GHz band. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-120279 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The Wi-Fi 6E standard specifies multiple discovery methods for client devices (external devices) to detect access points (APs) that support the 6 GHz band. Specifically, there are two methods: in-band discovery, which detects APs in the 6 GHz band, and out-of-band discovery, which detects APs in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

[0006] However, not all client devices support all of these discovery methods. For example, a client device that supports only out-of-band discovery cannot detect an AP that supports only in-band discovery.

[0007] Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a communication device that realizes a 6 GHz band access point function that can be detected by an external device, regardless of the discovery method supported by the external device, and a control method for the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a communication device having wireless communication means capable of communication in multiple frequency bands including the 6 GHz band, and control means for controlling the operation of the wireless communication means, wherein when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the 6 GHz band to an external device, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so that it also provides access point functions for other frequency bands. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device that realizes a 6 GHz band access point function that can be detected by an external device, regardless of the discovery method supported by the external device, and a control method for the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera as an example of a communication device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an external device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a digital camera according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations of a digital camera and an external device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5]Flowchart regarding the operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of an external device in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart regarding the operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart regarding the operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart regarding the operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart regarding the operation of the digital camera according to the third embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] In the following embodiments, the present invention will be described with reference to a digital camera. However, an imaging function is not essential to the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in any electronic device (hereinafter referred to as a communication device) that supports a first frequency band and a second frequency band and conforms to a wireless communication standard that can detect the presence of a wireless device (e.g., an access point) operating in the first frequency band in the second frequency band. As an example, an embodiment will be described in which the invention is implemented in an electronic device that can provide an access point (AP) function conforming to a wireless LAN standard that can use the 6 GHz band.

[0013] Communication devices in which the present invention can be implemented include video cameras, computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), smartphones, smart watches, game consoles, robots, drones, smart home appliances, etc. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other communication devices.

[0014] ●(First embodiment) <Configuration of Digital Camera 100> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera 100 as an example of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Each functional block of the digital camera 100 can be implemented by software or a combination of software and hardware, except for parts that can clearly only be implemented by hardware (e.g., the lens, the pixels of the image sensor, the antenna, the recording medium 110, etc.). For example, a functional block may be implemented by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC. A functional block may also be implemented by a processor such as a CPU executing a program stored in memory. Note that multiple functional blocks may be implemented by a common configuration (e.g., a single ASIC). Furthermore, hardware that implements part of the functions of one functional block may be included in hardware that implements another functional block.

[0015] The control unit 101 has one or more processors (hereinafter referred to as CPUs) capable of executing programs. The control unit 101 controls the operation of each functional block by, for example, loading a program stored in a nonvolatile memory 103 into a working memory 104 and executing it on the CPU, thereby realizing the functions of the digital camera 100, which will be described later.

[0016] The imaging unit 102 includes, for example, an imaging element and an imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject on the imaging surface of the imaging element. The imaging optical system includes an aperture and multiple lenses, including a focus lens that adjusts the focal length of the imaging optical system. The imaging element may be, for example, a known CCD or CMOS color image sensor with a primary color Bayer array color filter. The imaging element includes a pixel array in which multiple pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, and peripheral circuits for reading out signals from each pixel. Each pixel accumulates charge according to the amount of incident light through photoelectric conversion. A group of pixel signals (analog image signals) representing the optical image formed on the imaging surface is obtained by reading out from each pixel a signal having a voltage according to the amount of charge accumulated during the exposure period.

[0017] The control unit 101 applies A / D conversion and predetermined image processing to analog image signals read from the image sensor to generate signals and image data according to the application, and acquires and / or generates various information. The control unit 101 generates an evaluation value for automatic exposure control (AE) based on, for example, brightness information of the image data, and determines exposure conditions such as aperture value, shutter speed, and shooting sensitivity. The control unit 101 also generates an evaluation value for automatic focus detection (AF) based on, for example, contrast information of the image data, and controls the position of the focus lens so that the focus detection area is in focus.

[0018] The control unit 101 further generates display image data and recording image data. The display image data is used for display on the display unit 106, and the recording image data is used for recording on the recording medium 110. At least one of the display image data and the recording image data may be transmitted to an external device. The control unit 101 encodes the image data according to settings, and generates a data file for storing the image data.

[0019] The nonvolatile memory 103 is, for example, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, and stores programs executable by the CPU of the control unit 101, setting values, GUI data, and the like.

[0020] The working memory 104 is used to load programs executed by the CPU of the control unit 101 and to store values ​​required during program execution. The working memory 104 is also used as a buffer for image data and audio data obtained using the imaging unit 102 and microphone 107, a working area for the control unit 101, a video memory for the display unit 106, etc.

[0021] The operation unit 105 includes a plurality of input devices that enable the digital camera 100 to receive instructions from the user. Each input device of the operation unit 105 has a name corresponding to the function assigned to it. For example, there is a power button for instructing the digital camera 100 to power on / off, a release switch for instructing the digital camera 100 to take a picture, a playback button for instructing the digital camera 100 to play back image data, etc. The operation unit 105 also has a connection button for starting communication with an external device via the connection unit 111. If the display unit 106 is a touch display, the touch panel of the display unit 106 is also included in the operation unit 105.

[0022] The release switch has a switch (SW1) that turns on when pressed halfway and a switch (SW2) that turns on when pressed all the way. The control unit 101 recognizes the ON of SW1 as an instruction to prepare for shooting a still image. Then, when the control unit 101 detects the instruction to prepare for shooting, it executes shooting preparation processing including AF processing and AE processing. The control unit 101 also recognizes the ON of SW2 as an instruction to start shooting a still image. Then, when the control unit 101 detects the instruction to start shooting, it executes a shooting operation in accordance with the exposure conditions determined by the AE processing, and generates still image data for recording. The control unit 101 records the still image data for recording on the recording medium 110.

[0023] The display unit 106 displays image data obtained by shooting, image data played back from the recording medium 110 or the like, GUIs such as menu screens, setting information for the digital camera 100, etc. By continuously shooting video in the imaging unit 102 and displaying the obtained video data on the display unit 106, the display unit 106 functions as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Note that the display unit 106 may not be a component of the digital camera 100 but may be an external device. If the display unit 106 is an external device, the digital camera 100 outputs to the display unit 106 display image data or a signal in a format that can be displayed by the display unit 106.

[0024] The microphone 107 converts ambient sounds into electrical signals (audio signals) and outputs them to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 performs A / D conversion on the audio signals to generate audio data. When capturing a still image or video with audio using the digital camera 100, the control unit 101 enables the microphone 107 and generates still image or video data in which the audio data is associated with the image data. The control unit 101 can also record the audio data generated by the microphone 107 in association with the image data generated by the imaging unit 102. The microphone 107 may be an external microphone connected to the digital camera 100. The microphone 107 may also be capable of outputting audio data.

[0025] The recording medium 110 may be, for example, at least one of a removable memory card and a built-in nonvolatile memory. The recording medium 110 is a recording destination for image data for recording generated by the control unit 101. The recording destination for the image data may also be an external storage device accessible by the digital camera 100.

[0026] The connection unit 111 (wireless communication means) is a communication interface with an external device, and in this embodiment, communication is possible using at least one wireless communication method. The connection unit 111 includes components necessary for the communication method it supports. The components include, for example, an antenna, a connector, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a transmission / reception circuit, etc. The operation of the connection unit 111 is controlled by the control unit 101.

[0027] In this embodiment, the connection unit 111 is assumed to have a wireless communication interface that complies with wireless LAN standards (currently the IEEE801.11axe or Wi-Fi 6E standard) that can use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Wireless LAN communication using the 6 GHz band is defined in three modes with different transmission power outputs: Standard Power (SP) mode, Low Power Indoor (LPI) mode, and Very Low Power (VLP) mode. The SP mode is intended for high-power outdoor and indoor use, and determines the channel and power output based on the location of the AP. The LPI mode is a mode that can only be used indoors. The VLP mode has low transmission power and is not restricted by location. The digital camera 100 is assumed to be compatible with at least the VLP mode. The connection unit 111 may be detachable from the digital camera 100.

[0028] The connection unit 111 can operate in an AP mode, in which it operates as an access point (AP) in infrastructure mode, and in a CL mode, in which it operates as a client (CL) in infrastructure mode. By operating the connection unit 111 in the CL mode, the digital camera 100 can operate as a CL device in infrastructure mode. When operating as a CL device, the digital camera 100 can connect to a nearby access point device and participate in a network formed by the access point device. Any protocol can be used for communication over the established wireless connection, and a known protocol such as TCP / IP may be used, or a proprietary protocol may be used.

[0029] Furthermore, by operating connection unit 111 in AP mode, digital camera 100 can also operate as a simple access point (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP) with limited functionality, which is a type of access point. Specifically, a simple AP does not have a gateway function for connecting an external network with a client device.

[0030] When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 forms a network by itself. Client devices within the communication range of the connection unit 111 recognize the digital camera 100 as an access point device and can join the network formed by the digital camera 100. It is assumed that a program for controlling the operation of the connection unit 111 according to the operation mode is stored in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0031] Like the connection unit 111, the proximity wireless connection unit 112 is also a communication interface with an external device. The proximity wireless connection unit 112 has a shorter communication distance than the connection unit 111 and communicates with an external device using a low-power consumption wireless communication method. In this embodiment, the proximity wireless connection unit 112 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy standard, but may perform wireless communication in accordance with other proximity wireless communication standards. The operation of the proximity wireless connection unit 112 is controlled by the control unit 101.

[0032] The wired communication unit 113 is a communication interface with an external device using a wired connection. In this embodiment, the wired communication unit 113 includes a network interface that complies with a wired LAN standard (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)). The wired communication unit 113 may also have a wired communication interface that complies with other standards, such as a USB interface or an HDMI (registered trademark) interface. The operation of the wired communication unit 113 is controlled by the control unit 101.

[0033] <Internal Configuration of External Device 200> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an external device 200 capable of wireless communication with the digital camera 100. The external device 200 may be any electronic device that functions as a client device under the wireless LAN standard. Examples include digital cameras, computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), smartphones, smart watches, game consoles, robots, drones, printers, scanners, smart home appliances, etc. These are merely examples, and the external device 200 may also be other electronic devices.

[0034] The control unit 201 has one or more processors capable of executing programs. The control unit 201 implements the operation of the external device 200, which will be described later, by, for example, reading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 203 into a workload memory and executing the program. Note that at least a part of the functions implemented by the control unit 201 executing the program may be implemented by one or more other pieces of hardware.

[0035] The imaging unit 202 includes, for example, a photographing optical system and an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image generated by the photographing optical system into an image signal. The photographing optical system includes movable lenses such as a focus lens and an aperture, the driving of which is controlled by the control unit 201. The imaging element has multiple pixels arranged two-dimensionally, and each pixel generates an electric charge according to the amount of incident light, thereby converting the subject image into a pixel signal group (analog image signal). The imaging element may be a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The analog image signal is subjected to noise reduction processing and A / D conversion processing, and then output from the imaging unit 202 as a digital image signal (image data). Note that the imaging unit 202 may include other components such as a focal plane shutter and an anti-vibration mechanism. The operation of the imaging unit 202 is controlled by the control unit 201.

[0036] The control unit 201 applies various image processing to the image data, and image data is generated according to the settings and purpose. The image data generated for recording is stored in a data file in a format according to the settings, and is recorded on the recording medium 207.

[0037] The nonvolatile memory 203 is electrically rewritable. The nonvolatile memory 203 stores programs executable by the processor of the control unit 201, GUI data such as menu screens, various settings for the external device 200, and specific information. The programs include an operating system (OS) and application programs (hereinafter, applications) that run on the OS. In this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 203 stores applications that use communication with the digital camera 100.

[0038] The working memory 204 is, for example, a RAM, and is used to temporarily store programs, data, etc. A portion of the working memory 204 is used as a video memory for the display unit 206.

[0039] The operation unit 205 is a collective term for a group of input devices used by the user of the external device 200 to input instructions to the external device 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, a power switch for instructing power ON / OFF of the external device 200, and + / - buttons used for adjusting the volume, etc. Furthermore, the operation unit 205 also includes a touch panel provided on the display unit 206, which is a touch display.

[0040] The display unit 206 is a touch display that displays image data obtained by the imaging unit 202, image data reproduced from a recording medium 207, etc., and GUIs such as screens provided by an OS. In the external device 200, launching an application or operating a GUI provided by an application is basically performed by touching the display unit 206.

[0041] The recording medium 210 may be, for example, at least one of a removable memory card and a built-in nonvolatile memory. The recording medium 210 is a recording destination for image data obtained by image capture by the imaging unit 202. Note that the recording destination for the image data may be an external storage device accessible by the external device 200.

[0042] The communication unit 211 is a communication interface with an external device, and in this embodiment, is capable of communication using at least one wireless communication method. The communication unit 211 may have a wired communication interface such as a USB interface or an HDMI (registered trademark) interface. The communication unit 211 includes components necessary for the communication method it supports. The components include, for example, an antenna, a connector, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a transmission / reception circuit, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the communication unit 211 has a wireless communication interface that complies with a wireless LAN standard (currently the IEEE801.11axe or Wi-Fi 6E standard) that can use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Note that the communication unit 211 only needs to support infrastructure mode, and support for ad hoc mode is optional. The operation of the communication unit 211 is controlled by the control unit 201. Note that the communication unit 211 may also support one or more other wireless communication methods. There are no particular restrictions on the protocol used for communication over the established wireless connection, and a known protocol such as TCP / IP may be used, or a proprietary protocol may be used.

[0044] Similar to the communication unit 211, the close proximity wireless communication unit 212 is also a communication interface with an external device. The close proximity wireless communication unit 212 supports a wireless communication method with a shorter communication distance than the communication unit 211. In this embodiment, the close proximity wireless communication unit 212 supports wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy standard, but may support other close proximity wireless communication standards. The operation of the close proximity wireless communication unit 212 is controlled by the control unit 201.

[0045] The external device 200 (control unit 201) can communicate with external devices using one or more of the communication unit 211 and the close-proximity wireless communication unit 212. A communicable external device is an external device that supports at least one of the communication standards supported by the communication unit 211 and the communication standards supported by the close-proximity wireless communication unit 212.

[0046] The public network connection unit 213 is a wireless communication interface for connecting to a mobile phone network. The external device 200 can connect to a mobile phone network compliant with 3GPP (registered trademark) standards such as 3G, 4G, and 5G via the public network connection unit 213 to make calls with landline phones and mobile phones, and perform data communication with information processing devices. When making a call, the control unit 201 can use the microphone 214 as an audio input device and the speaker 215 as an audio output device. The public network connection unit 213 includes components necessary for the communication method it supports. The components include, for example, an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a transmission / reception circuit, etc. The antenna can also be shared with the communication unit 211.

[0047] The applications stored in the non-volatile memory 203 include a remote control application for the digital camera 100. The user can remotely control the digital camera 100 by operating the remote control application. The remote control application provides a control UI for remotely controlling various functions of the digital camera 100. The control UI is made up of so-called software keys that are operated by touching the touch panel of the display unit 206. By operating buttons and switches according to the functions, the user can view images recorded on the recording medium 110 of the digital camera 100 on the display unit 206 and perform shooting operations.

[0048] <How to search for APs that support the 6GHz band> The 6 GHz band has more channels than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (2.4 GHz: 14 channels, 5 GHz: 19 channels, 6 GHz: 59 channels). Therefore, there are two ways to efficiently detect APs that support the 6 GHz band: in-band discovery, which detects in the 6 GHz band, and out-of-band discovery, which detects in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

[0049] Furthermore, in-band discovery includes FILS (Fast Link Setup), UPR (Unsolicited Probe Response), and PSC (Preferred Scanning Channels). FILS and UPR are passive discovery methods that detect APs based on beacons broadcast by APs, while PSC is an active discovery method in which client devices initiate discovery. PSC can shorten discovery time by targeting only 15 pre-defined PSC channels out of the 59 channels in the 6 GHz band.

[0050] Out-of-band discovery includes Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR). APs that support the 6 GHz band transmit an RNR information element (IE) containing information about 6 GHz APs in their 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz beacons or probe responses. External devices can obtain information about 6 GHz APs (SSIDs) by receiving this RNR IE in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. This eliminates the need to perform detection in the 6 GHz band, thereby shortening the time it takes to detect APs.

[0051] Although multiple methods for detecting 6 GHz APs are specified, client devices often only support some of these methods. For example, some devices support only out-of-band discovery, while others support both in-band PSC and out-of-band discovery.

[0052] Therefore, when connecting unit 111 of digital camera 100 is made to function as a simple AP (hereinafter simply referred to as AP), the settings of the band and channel to be used become important. For example, if set to use only the 6 GHz band, digital camera 100 cannot be detected as an AP by out-of-band discovery. Also, if set to use only channels other than the PSC channel, digital camera 100 cannot be detected as an AP by a PSC using in-band discovery.

[0053] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, when the connection unit 111 of the digital camera 100 functions as a simple AP using a 6 GHz band channel, bands other than the 6 GHz band (one or more of the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band) are also enabled. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the 2.4 GHz band is enabled. In Japan, there are restrictions on the use of the 5 GHz band outdoors, but the 5 GHz band may be enabled in places or environments where there are no restrictions.

[0054] <How to connect an external device to a simple AP in the 6GHz band> First, referring to Figures 3 and 4, we will explain the operation of external device 200 connecting to the 6 GHz band AP of digital camera 100 when connection unit 111 of digital camera 100 is functioning as a 6 GHz band AP and a 2.4 GHz band AP.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the display unit 106 of the digital camera 100. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the operation sequence of the digital camera 100 and two external devices 200-1 and 200-2. Both external devices 200-1 and 200-2 are present within the communication range of the digital camera 100 (AP). Furthermore, it is assumed that the external device 200-1 supports all in-band discovery methods, while the external device 200-2 supports only out-of-band discovery.

[0056] 4, the user of the digital camera 100 selects a channel for activating the AP. In this case, in order to reduce power consumption of the digital camera 100, it is assumed that the AP function (access point function) is enabled by an activation instruction from the user.

[0057] FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a channel setting screen. On the channel setting screen, it is possible to set a frequency band and a channel number. Here, it shows a state in which channel 85 in the 6 GHz band is selected in the manual setting area 301. Channel 85 is one of the PSC channels. The user can change the channel by operating the operation unit 105 of the digital camera 100. On the channel setting screen, it may be possible to set only PSC channels as channels in the 6 GHz band. In the case of automatic setting, the control unit 101 can set, for example, a predetermined frequency band and channel.

[0058] In S402, when the user operates the OK button 302 on the channel setting screen, the control unit 101 recognizes this as an instruction to activate the AP function.

[0059] In S403, the control unit 101 activates (starts) the AP function of the connection unit 111 based on the settings on the channel setting screen. At this stage, the control unit 101 activates the AP function of the 6 GHz band using channel 85.

[0060] In S404 and S405, the control unit 101 uses the 6 GHz band AP function activated in S403 to start transmitting a beacon from the connection unit 111. The external device 200-1, which is present within the communication range of the AP and supports in-band discovery, can detect the 6 GHz band AP from the received beacon. In this case, since the external device 200-1 can receive the beacon, it does not perform detection using PSC.

[0061] In S406, the control unit 101 activates the 2.4 GHz band AP function of the connection unit 111. There are no restrictions on the channel to be used at activation. Here, it is assumed that activation is performed on channel 6.

[0062] In S407 and S408, the control unit 101 uses the 2.4 GHz band AP function activated in S406 to start transmitting a beacon from the connection unit 111. This beacon includes information about the 6 GHz band AP function activated in S403 as an RNR IE. Therefore, the external device 200-2, which is present within the communication range of the AP and supports only out-of-band discovery, can detect the 6 GHz band AP from the beacon received in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0063] When the AP has been activated, the display screen of the digital camera 100 transitions to the connection standby screen shown in Fig. 3(b). The connection standby screen displays the Service Set IDentifier (SSID) and password as information for connecting to the activated AP.

[0064] Next, an operation of the external devices 200-1 and 200-2 connecting to an AP in the 6 GHz band will be described. First, an operation of the external device 200-1 supporting in-band discovery connecting to an AP in the 6 GHz band will be described.

[0065] In S409, the user of the external device 200-1 (which may be the same as the user of the digital camera 100) operates the operation unit 205 to cause the display unit 206 to display a list of wireless networks.

[0066] In S410, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-1 starts detecting wireless networks (APs) present within the communication range using the communication unit 211 in order to display them on a list display screen. Here, the communication unit 211 performs detection for each of the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. Note that if information about APs in the 6 GHz band can be acquired by out-of-band discovery, it is not necessary to perform in-band discovery. The control unit 201 saves information (SSIDs) of the detected networks in the working memory 204.

[0067] In S411, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-1 detects the digital camera 100 as an AP in the 6 GHz band during the detection process of S410.

[0068] In S412, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-1 adds information (for example, SSID) of the wireless network detected in the detection process of S410 to the list display screen being displayed on the display unit 206.

[0069] In S413, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-1 receives a network selection instruction through an operation on the list display screen. Here, it is assumed that the SSID of the 6 GHz band AP of the digital camera 100 started up in S403 is selected. Upon receiving the network selection instruction, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-1 displays a password entry screen on the display unit 206. The user enters a password through the operation unit 206. This password is the password displayed on the connection standby screen of FIG. 3(b).

[0070] In S414, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-1 uses the selected SSID and the input password to perform a connection operation to the 6 GHz band AP provided by the digital camera 100. As a result, a wireless LAN connection using a 6 GHz band channel is established between the connection unit 111 of the digital camera 100 and the communication unit 211 of the external device 200-1.

[0071] Next, the operation (S415 to S420) of the external device 200-2 that does not support in-band discovery connecting to a 6 GHz AP will be described. The operations of S415 to S420 are the same as S409 to S414 except that the network detection in S416 is out-of-band discovery, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0072] In S416, the control unit 201 of the external device 200-2 receives a beacon transmitted by the connection unit 111 of the digital camera 100 as an AP in the 2.4 GHz band via the communication unit 211. This beacon also contains information about the connection unit 111 of the digital camera 100 as an AP in the 6 GHz band, so the control unit 201 can detect the connection unit 111 as an AP in the 6 GHz band.

[0073] Thereafter, the operations up to the establishment of a wireless LAN connection with connection unit 111 as an AP in the 6 GHz band are the same as those described for external device 200-1.

[0074] When external device 200-1 or 200-2 establishes a connection with connection unit 111, control unit 101 of digital camera 100 causes display unit 106 to display a connecting screen instead of the connection standby screen. An example of the connecting screen is shown in Fig. 3(c).

[0075] The connection screen displays the nickname and IP address of the digital camera 100 in addition to information about the connected AP (SSID and password). It also displays a message prompting the user to start a specific application on the connected external device that provides a function using the established connection. For example, the user can start an application on the external device 200 that provides a function for remotely controlling the digital camera 100 or a function for transferring image data from the digital camera 100.

[0076] Note that, when the connection of the external device to the 6 GHz band AP is completed, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 may terminate the 2.4 GHz band AP function of the connection unit 111. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the digital camera 100.

[0077] <AP startup process in digital cameras> Next, the operation of activating the AP function of the connection unit 111 of the digital camera 100 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. The operation described here corresponds to the operations of S401 to S406 in Fig. 4. The operation described below is realized by the control unit 101 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the work memory 104 and executing it. This flowchart also starts when the control unit 101 detects an operation on the OK button 302 on the channel setting screen (Fig. 3(a)).

[0078] In S501, the control unit 101 saves the frequency band and channel number set on the channel setting screen in the working memory 104, and then executes S502. In this embodiment, it is assumed that channel 85 in the 6 GHz band has been manually set, as shown in FIG.

[0079] In S502, the control unit 101 determines whether the frequency band of the set channel is the 6 GHz band, and if it is determined to be the 6 GHz band, executes S504, and if it is not determined to be the 6 GHz band, executes S508. In this example, channel 85 in the 6 GHz band is set, so the control unit 101 executes S504.

[0080] In S504, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to activate the AP function that uses the frequency band and channel set in S501.

[0081] In S505, the control unit 101 generates information to be transmitted as a beacon from the 2.4 GHz band AP and stores it in the working memory 104. At this time, the control unit 101 includes information about the 6 GHz band AP activated in S504 in the information to be transmitted as a beacon.

[0082] In S506, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to activate the AP function for the 2.4 GHz band. The channel is automatically set by the control unit 101. Here, it is assumed that channel 6 is used.

[0083] If a channel in a frequency band other than the 6 GHz band (2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band) is set in S501, the control unit 101 executes S508. Here, it is assumed that channel 11 in the 2.4 GHz band is set, for example.

[0084] In S508, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to activate the AP function that uses the frequency band and channel set in S501.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, when the AP function for the 6 GHz band is enabled, the AP function using another frequency band (2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band) is also enabled at least until the external device completes connection to the 6 GHz band AP. Therefore, even if the external device does not support in-band discovery, the 6 GHz band AP can be detected. Furthermore, by setting the PSC channel to be used when the AP function for the 6 GHz band is enabled, the 6 GHz band AP can be detected even if the external device uses PSC.

[0086] (Variation) It is also possible to activate a 5 GHz AP instead of a 2.4 GHz AP. Alternatively, it is also possible to activate both a 2.4 GHz AP and a 5 GHz AP. It is also possible to activate an AP in a frequency band with a lower channel utilization rate, either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. This makes it easier for external devices to find the AP.

[0087] The channel used by APs in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands that are activated simultaneously with the 6 GHz band can be any channel. It can be fixed or randomly set each time it is activated. It can also be set to an unused channel.

[0088] In this embodiment, the connection unit 111 provides AP functions for the 6 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 2.4 GHz band. However, a separate connection unit may be provided for each frequency band. If one connection unit provides AP functions for multiple frequency bands, there is a possibility that communication throughput will decrease due to frequency band switching in a time-sharing manner. By providing separate connection units for each frequency band, this concern can be resolved.

[0089] ●(Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, when digital camera 100 provides AP functionality for both the 6 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band, a client device connectable in the 6 GHz band is prohibited from connecting to an AP in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0090] As described in the first embodiment, the 2.4 GHz band (or 5 GHz band) AP is activated so that an external device that does not support in-band discovery can detect the 6 GHz band AP. Therefore, it is not preferable for an external device that supports the 6 GHz band to connect to an activated 2.4 GHz band AP as a secondary connection, because it will result in communication at an unnecessarily low speed.

[0091] Here, it is assumed that a 6 GHz band channel is selected in S501 in Fig. 5, and that both the 6 GHz band AP and the 2.4 GHz band AP are activated in S504 and S506. The following description also assumes that the SSID is used as AP identification information. The password required for connection may also be used as AP identification information.

[0092] <Example 1: Setting up APs with different SSIDs> Fig. 6 shows an example of a network list screen displayed on the display unit 206 of the external device 200. Fig. 7 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the control unit 101 in this embodiment. The operation described below is realized by the control unit 101 reading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the work memory 104 and executing it. When it is determined in S502 that a channel in the 6 GHz band has been set, the control unit 101 starts the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7.

[0093] In S701, the control unit 101 sets the SSID of the 6 GHz band AP and proceeds to S702. As an example of a setting method, the control unit 101 determines an arbitrary character string as the SSID of the 6 GHz band AP and saves it in the working memory 104. The control unit 101 may set an SSID specified by the user. In this case, the control unit 101 displays an SSID input screen 304, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(d), on the display unit 106. The user can input a desired SSID in the input field 305 via the operation unit 105. When the “Cancel” button 306 is operated, the control unit 101 closes the SSID setting screen 304 and displays another screen, such as a menu screen, on the display unit 106. On the other hand, when the “OK” button 307 is operated, the control unit 101 acquires the character string entered in the input field 305 and saves it in the working memory 104. In this example, it is assumed that “camera-AP6” specified by the user is set as the SSID of the 6 GHz band AP.

[0094] In S702, the control unit 101 sets the SSID of the 2.4 GHz band AP and saves it in the working memory 104. Here, the control unit 101 generates an SSID different from the SSID of the 6 GHz band AP set in S701 using an arbitrary method. Here, it is assumed that the control unit 101 generates the character string "camera-AP2.4" as the SSID of the 2.4 GHz band AP.

[0095] In S703, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to activate the 6 GHz band AP having the SSID stored in the work memory 104 in S701.

[0096] In S704, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to activate the 2.4 GHz band AP having the SSID stored in the work memory 104 in S701.

[0097] In S705, the control unit 101 displays only the SSID set for the 6 GHz band AP on the connection standby screen shown in Fig. 3(b). If the "Cancel" button 303 is operated on the connection standby screen, the control unit 101 cancels the startup of the AP.

[0098] Through the above operations, the control unit 101 can differentiate the SSIDs of the 6 GHz band AP and the 2.4 GHz band AP.

[0099] When the connection standby screen is displayed, the user starts (or activates) an application on the external device 200 that provides a function using communication with the digital camera 100. The control unit 201 executes the application and displays, for example, a network list screen 600 as shown in FIG. 6(a). This screen is the same as the screen displayed in S409 or S418 of FIG. 4. The network list screen displays a list of identification information (here, SSIDs) of networks (APs) detected by the external device 200. In the example shown in FIG. 6(a), SSID 601 of the 6 GHz band AP provided by the digital camera 100, SSID 602 ​​of the 2.4 GHz band AP, and SSID 603 of an AP provided by another device are displayed. SSIDs 601 and 602 are displayed with a lock icon indicating that a password is required for connection. In addition, an icon indicating the quality of the communication status is displayed in association with each of SSIDs 601 to 603.

[0100] The user connects the external device 200 to the digital camera 100 by selecting the SSID shown on the connection standby screen being displayed by the digital camera 100 from the network list screen 600 displayed on the external device 200.

[0101] As explained above, the connection standby screen of digital camera 100 only shows the SSID "camera-AP6" of the 6 GHz band AP, and does not show the SSID of the 2.4 GHz band AP. Therefore, the user can correctly select SSID 601 ("camera-AP6") of the 6 GHz band AP from network list screen 600.

[0102] In this way, by making the SSIDs of the 6 GHz band AP and the 2.4 GHz band AP different and presenting only the SSID of the 6 GHz band AP to the user, it is possible to prevent the external device 200, which can connect in the 6 GHz band, from connecting to the 2.4 GHz band AP.

[0103] <Example 2: Starting a 2.4GHz AP with SSID stealth> Next, another example of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0104] 8 is a flowchart showing the processing in the digital camera 100 in operation example 2 for causing the digital camera 100 to correctly connect the external device 200 to an AP in the 6 GHz band. The operations described below are realized by the control unit 101 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the work memory 104 and executing it. If it is determined in S502 that a channel in the 6 GHz band has been set, the control unit 101 starts the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0105] In S801, the control unit 101 determines the SSID of the AP in the 6 GHz band in the same manner as in S701, and stores it in the working memory 104. As in example 1, the SSID of the AP in the 6 GHz band is set to "camera-AP6".

[0106] In S802, the control unit 101 sets the 2.4 GHz band AP to SSID stealth. Here, SSID stealth is a function that prevents the AP from including its own SSID in the beacon it transmits. This makes it impossible for external devices to detect the SSID even within the communication range of the AP. The control unit 101 stores in the working memory 104 the SSID of the 2.4 GHz band AP generated in the same manner as in S702, as well as information indicating that SSID stealth is enabled.

[0107] In S803 and S804, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 in the same manner as in S703 and S704 to activate the 6 GHz band AP and the 2.4 GHz band AP. However, since the 2.4 GHz band AP is activated with the SSID stealth setting, it cannot be detected by the external device 200.

[0108] In S805, the control unit 101 displays only the SSID set for the 6 GHz band AP on the connection standby screen shown in FIG. 3(b) in the same manner as in S705.

[0109] As in Example 1, when the user activates an application on the external device 200, a network list screen 604 as shown in Fig. 6(b) is displayed. The network list screen 604 does not display the SSID of the 2.4 GHz band AP that is activated with the SSID stealth setting.

[0110] This eliminates the risk that the user may mistakenly select an AP in the 2.4 GHz band, which can occur in Example 1. From the network list screen 604, the user can correctly select SSID 601 ("camera-AP6") displayed on the connection standby screen of the digital camera 100 in S805.

[0111] <Example 3: Deny connection requests to 2.4GHz AP> Next, still another example of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0112] 9 is a flowchart showing the processing in the digital camera 100 in operation example 2 for causing the digital camera 100 to correctly connect the external device 200 to an AP in the 6 GHz band. The operations described below are realized by the control unit 101 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the work memory 104 and executing it. If it is determined in S502 that a channel in the 6 GHz band has been set, the control unit 101 starts the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0113] In S901, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a connection request has been received from the external device 200 through the connection unit 111, and if it is determined that a connection request has been received, executes S902, and if it is not determined that a connection request has been received, executes S901 again (for example, after a certain period of time).

[0114] In S902, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection request received from the external device 200 is a connection request to an AP in the 6 GHz band, and if it is determined that it is a connection request to an AP in the 6 GHz band, executes S903, and if it is not determined that it is a connection request to an AP in the 6 GHz band, executes S904. In this example, S904 is executed when a connection request to an AP in the 2.4 GHz band is received from the external device 200.

[0115] In S903, the control unit 101 performs processing to permit a connection request from the external device 200 using the connection unit 111. Thereafter, the control unit 101 executes an operation to establish a connection with the external device 200, for example.

[0116] In S904, the control unit 101 performs processing to reject the connection request from the external device 200 using the connection unit 111. The control unit 101 rejects the connection, for example, by notifying the external device 200 of the rejection of the connection request.

[0117] In Example 3, a connection request from the external device 200 to an AP in the 6 GHz band is accepted, and a connection request from the external device 200 to an AP in the 2.4 GHz band is rejected, thereby preventing the external device 200 from connecting to an AP in the 2.4 GHz band. Note that the operation of Example 3 may be executed following the operation of Example 1 or Example 2 (while the connection standby screen is displayed).

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress or prevent an external device compatible with the 6 GHz band from connecting to a 2.4 GHz band (or 5 GHz band) AP that has been activated to enable an external device that does not support in-band discovery to detect a 6 GHz band AP.

[0119] ●(Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As described above, when one connection unit 111 provides AP functions for multiple frequency bands, it may be necessary to change the frequency band in a time-division manner. Furthermore, changing the frequency band in a time-division manner may cause a decrease in communication speed in the 6 GHz band. In this embodiment, a decrease in communication speed with an external device is suppressed by ending the change of frequency band in a time-division manner upon completion of connection to the external device.

[0120] <Time-sharing operation end processing> The operation of the digital camera 100 (control unit 101) in this embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. The operation described below is realized by the control unit 101 reading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the work memory 104 and executing it.

[0121] In S1001, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection unit 111 provides AP functionality in multiple frequency bands, including the frequency band for establishing a connection with an external device. If it is determined that the AP functionality is provided, the control unit 101 executes S1002. If it is not determined that the AP functionality is provided, the control unit 101 terminates the processing in FIG. 10. In this example, the frequency band for establishing a connection with an external device is the 6 GHz band, and the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band are auxiliary frequency bands. Note that these frequency bands may be user-configurable. Alternatively, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 may set the frequency bands from communication settings stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 or communication settings read from the recording medium 110.

[0122] Furthermore, when the first or second embodiment is executed in combination with this embodiment, if it is clear that the AP is activated in both the 6 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band, S1001 may be skipped and S1002 may be executed.

[0123] In S1002, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection unit 111 is performing the 6 GHz band AP function and the 2.4 GHz band AP function in a time-division manner, and if it is determined that they are being performed in a time-division manner, proceeds to S1003, and if not, terminates the processing of Figure 10.

[0124] In this embodiment, when the connection unit 111 performs time-division processing of communication operations in the 6 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band using one wireless chip, the control unit 101 executes S1003. Note that the proportions of processing time for each frequency band may be equal (for example, 10 ms for both the 6 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band) or may be different (for example, 30 ms for the 6 GHz band and 10 ms for the 2.4 GHz band).

[0125] The communication operation is not limited to an operation related to communication with the external device 200, but also includes an operation related to broadcasting a beacon and communication with devices other than the external device 200. In addition, a case where the connection unit 111 performs time-division processing using two or more wireless chips is also considered to be time-division processing. For example, if the operation of the first or second embodiment is performed first and it is known that the connection unit 111 is already performing time-division processing, S1002 may be skipped and S1003 may be performed.

[0126] In S1003, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection between the digital camera 100 and the external device 200 has been completed, and if it is determined that the connection has been completed, executes S1104, and if it is not determined that the connection has been completed, executes S1003 again (for example, after a certain period of time).

[0127] Here, the completion of the connection may mean that a wireless LAN connection has been established between the digital camera 100 and the external device 200 and that the connection has been completed at a communication protocol level such as TCP / IP. Alternatively, the connection may be completed at an application level. The completion of the connection at the application level may mean that the number of external devices connected to the digital camera 100 reaches a predetermined number (e.g., three), or that a given amount of time (e.g., five minutes) has elapsed since the digital camera 100 and the external device were connected.

[0128] In S1004, the control unit 101 ends the time-division operation in both the 6 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz band in the connection unit 111, and performs communication operation only in the 6 GHz band. This may mean ending the provision of the AP function in the 2.4 GHz band. Alternatively, it may mean stopping beacon transmission in the 2.4 GHz band or stopping the transmission of probe responses.

[0129] The time-division processing that has been completed can be resumed. For example, it can be resumed when a connected device is added or when a connected device is disconnected. For example, the control unit 101 can resume the time-division processing of the connection unit 111 when an operation to connect an external device to the digital camera 100 is detected through the operation unit 105. This may be, for example, activating an AP in the 2.4 GHz band. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may resume the time-division processing when it detects that communication with a connected external device has been disconnected. The time-division processing may also be resumed under other conditions or at other times. When the time-division processing is resumed, the operation of FIG. 10 can also be resumed.

[0130] According to this embodiment, processing of frequency bands not used for communication with external devices is terminated upon completion of connection to the external device, thereby suppressing a decrease in communication speed due to time-division processing of the operation of frequency bands not used for communication.

[0131] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the 6 GHz band has been described using the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention can also be applied to multiple other frequency bands in which some frequency bands have a large number of channels and others have a small number of channels. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the use of a specific frequency band, and can be applied to electronic devices that support a first frequency band and a second frequency band and comply with a wireless communication standard that can detect the presence of a wireless device (AP) operating in the first frequency band in the second frequency band.

[0132] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0133] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following communication device, communication device control method, and program. (Item 1) a wireless communication means capable of communicating in multiple frequency bands including the 6 GHz band; a control means for controlling an operation of the wireless communication means, A communication device characterized in that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the 6 GHz band to an external device, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so that it also provides access point functions for other frequency bands. (Item 2) 2. The communication device according to item 1, wherein the other frequency band is the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. (Item 3) 3. The communication device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to transmit information about the 6 GHz band access point using the access point function of the other frequency band. (Item 4) The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to terminate provision of the access point function of the other frequency band when the external device completes connection with the 6 GHz band AP. (Item 5) 4. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein, when the wireless communication device provides the access point function for the 6 GHz band and the access point function for the other frequency band by time-division processing, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication device so as to terminate provision of the access point function for the other frequency band in response to completion of connection between the communication device and the external device. (Item 6) The communication device described in item 5 is characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means to resume providing the access point function of the other frequency band when the connection with the external device is disconnected after the wireless communication means has finished providing the access point function of the other frequency band, or when an operation to connect a new external device to the communication device is detected. (Item 7) The communication device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means displays information about the access points in the 6 GHz band as information used by an external device to communicate with the communication device, and causes the display device to display a screen that does not display information about the access points in the other frequency bands. (Item 8) The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as not to transmit identification information of the access point of the other frequency band when providing the access point function of the other frequency band. (Item 9) The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control means receives a connection request from the external device to an access point of the other frequency band, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means to reject the connection request. (Item 10) The communication device described in any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means sets the channel used when the wireless communication means provides a 6 GHz band access point function to an external device as a PSC (Preferred Scanning Channels) channel. (Item 11) a wireless communication means conforming to a wireless communication standard that supports a plurality of frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band; a control means for controlling an operation of the wireless communication means, the wireless communication standard is capable of detecting the presence of a wireless device operating in the first frequency band in the second frequency band; The control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the first frequency band to an external device, the control means also provides an access point function for the second frequency band. (Item 12) A control method for a communication device having wireless communication means capable of communication in multiple frequency bands including the 6 GHz band, A control method for a communication device, comprising a step of controlling the operation of the wireless communication means so that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the 6 GHz band to an external device, the wireless communication means also provides an access point function for other frequency bands. (Item 13) A control method for a communication device having wireless communication means conforming to a wireless communication standard that supports a plurality of frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band, comprising: the wireless communication standard is capable of detecting the presence of a wireless device operating in the first frequency band in the second frequency band; A control method for a communication device, comprising a step of controlling operation of the wireless communication means so that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the first frequency band to an external device, the wireless communication means also provides an access point function for the second frequency band. (Item 14) A program for causing a computer included in a communication device having wireless communication means capable of communication in multiple frequency bands including the 6 GHz band to function as a control means included in the communication device described in any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 15) A program for causing a computer possessed by a communication device having wireless communication means conforming to a wireless communication standard that supports multiple frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band to function as a control means possessed by the communication device described in item 11.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to clarify the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100... digital camera, 110... control unit, 111... connection unit, 200... external device, 201... control unit, 211... communication unit

Claims

1. a wireless communication means capable of communicating in a plurality of frequency bands including the 6 GHz band; a control means for controlling an operation of the wireless communication means, A communication device characterized in that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for a 6 GHz band to an external device, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so that the wireless communication means also provides an access point function for other frequency bands.

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the other frequency band is a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band.

3. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to transmit information about the access point in the 6 GHz band using an access point function of the other frequency band.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to terminate provision of the access point function of the other frequency band when the external device completes connection with the 6 GHz band AP.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the wireless communication means provides the access point function for the 6 GHz band and the access point function for the other frequency band by time-division processing, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to terminate provision of the access point function for the other frequency band upon completion of connection between the communication device and the external device.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means to resume providing the access point function of the other frequency band when the connection with the external device is disconnected after the wireless communication means has finished providing the access point function of the other frequency band, or when an operation to connect a new external device to the communication device is detected.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means displays information about the 6 GHz band access points as information used by external devices to communicate with the communication device, and causes the display device to display a screen that does not display information about the access points in the other frequency bands.

8. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as not to transmit identification information of the access point of the other frequency band when providing the access point function of the other frequency band.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control means receives a connection request from the external device to an access point using the other frequency band, the control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so as to reject the connection request.

10. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means sets a channel to be used when the wireless communication means provides an access point function in the 6 GHz band to an external device as a PSC (Preferred Scanning Channels) channel.

11. a wireless communication unit conforming to a wireless communication standard supporting a plurality of frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band; a control means for controlling an operation of the wireless communication means, the wireless communication standard is capable of detecting the presence of a wireless device operating in the first frequency band in the second frequency band; The control means controls the operation of the wireless communication means so that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the first frequency band to an external device, the control means also provides an access point function for the second frequency band.

12. A control method for a communication device having wireless communication means capable of communication in a plurality of frequency bands including the 6 GHz band, A control method for a communication device, comprising a step of controlling the operation of the wireless communication means so that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for a 6 GHz band to an external device, the wireless communication means also provides an access point function for other frequency bands.

13. A control method for a communication device having wireless communication means conforming to a wireless communication standard that supports a plurality of frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band, comprising: the wireless communication standard is capable of detecting the presence of a wireless device operating in the first frequency band in the second frequency band; A control method for a communication device, comprising a step of controlling the operation of the wireless communication means so that, when the wireless communication means provides an access point function for the first frequency band to an external device, the wireless communication means also provides an access point function for the second frequency band.

14. A program for causing a computer possessed by a communication device having wireless communication means capable of communication in multiple frequency bands including the 6 GHz band to function as a control means possessed by the communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A program for causing a computer possessed by a communication device having wireless communication means conforming to a wireless communication standard that supports multiple frequency bands including a first frequency band and a second frequency band to function as a control means possessed by the communication device described in claim 11.

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