Electronic apparatus, method for controlling the same, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To improve usability related to radio connection of an electronic apparatus that can simultaneously use a plurality of links.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus comprises: connection means that connects, as a child station, to an external access point as a parent station; start-up means with which the electronic apparatus starts up as the parent station; first control means that, on the basis of a first condition for performing communication between the electronic apparatus and the external access point as first communication according to a predetermined communication standard allowing simultaneous use of a plurality of communication links, controls whether to enable or disable the first communication in connection established by the connection means; and second control means that, on the basis of a second condition for performing communication performed by causing the electronic apparatus to operate as the parent station as the first communication, controls whether to enable or disable the first communication at the start-up as the parent station with the start-up means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of simultaneously using multiple links in a wireless LAN conforming to IEEE802.11, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] With the recent increase in data communication volume, development of wireless communication technologies such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is progressing. The IEEE 802.11 standard series, known as the main communication standard for wireless LAN, includes standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. For example, the IEEE 802.11ax standard uses OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) to standardize technology that not only achieves a high peak throughput of up to 9.6 gigabits per second (Gbps) but also improves communication speeds under congested conditions (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The IEEE802.11be standard, a successor standard aiming to further improve throughput, frequency utilization efficiency, and communication latency, is currently under consideration. The IEEE802.11be standard considers multi-link communication, in which, for example, one access point (AP) establishes multiple links with one station (STA) via multiple different frequency channels, allowing for parallel communication. Multi-link communication makes it possible to improve communication throughput compared to communication over a single frequency channel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-50133 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As electronic devices capable of simultaneous communication over multiple links become more widespread, there is a demand for improving the usability of wireless connections for electronic devices.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the usability of wireless connections of electronic devices that can simultaneously use multiple links. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the electronic device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a connection means for connecting as a slave station to an external access point acting as a master station; a startup means for starting up the electronic device as a master station; a first control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means based on a first condition for carrying out communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication according to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and a second control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the startup as a master station by the startup means based on a second condition for carrying out communication performed by operating the electronic device as a master station as the first communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability of wireless connections of electronic devices that can simultaneously use multiple links. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on an operation display unit of the MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an access point (AP). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating processing related to Multi-Link communication. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process executed by an MFP. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process executed by an MFP. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process executed by an MFP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features 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.

[0011] First Embodiment (System Configuration) Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. In the example of Fig. 1, the communication devices include a mobile terminal device 140, an MFP 120, access points AP 151, AP 152, and AP 153, a DHCP server 130, and a network 110. For illustrative purposes, AP 151 may be represented as AP1, AP 152 as AP2, and AP 153 as AP3.

[0012] The mobile terminal device 140 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Note that hereinafter, wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN. The mobile terminal device 140 may be a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, etc.

[0013] The MFP 120 is a printing device having a printing function, and may also have a reading function (scanner), a fax function, and a telephone function. The MFP 120 of this embodiment also has a communication function that enables wireless communication with the mobile terminal device 140. While the present embodiment describes a case in which the MFP 120 is used as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, and the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 120. The term "MFP" stands for "Multi Function Peripheral."

[0014] The AP 151 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 140 and the MFP 120, and operates as a WLAN base station device. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can communicate in WLAN infrastructure mode via the AP 151. Note that hereinafter, an access point may be referred to as an "AP." Furthermore, infrastructure mode may be referred to as a "wireless infrastructure communication mode." The AP 151 performs wireless communication with a communication device that has been authorized (authenticated) to connect to the AP 151, and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Furthermore, the AP 151 may be connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and may relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP 151.

[0015] AP 152 and AP 153 have the same functions as AP 151, and as necessary, MFP 120 switches the connection from AP 151 to AP 152 or AP 153. AP 151, AP 152, and AP 153 are AP MLDs (Multi-Link Devices) that support Multi-Link communication, which will be described later.

[0016] DHCP server 130 connects to MFP 120 via AP 151 and network 110, and provides services to MFP 120 by responding to requests from MFP 120. Note that, although the configuration in FIG. 1 illustrates DHCP server 130 being connected as a separate device from AP 151, AP 152, and AP 153, the configuration may also be such that AP 151, AP 152, and AP 153 each have a DHCP server function. DNS server 131 connects to MFP 120 and mobile terminal device 140 via AP 151 and network 110, and provides name resolution services by responding to requests from MFP 120 and mobile terminal device 140. Here, network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or it may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network.

[0017] (MFP external configuration) FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of the MFP 120. The MFP 120 has, for example, a platen 201, a platen cover 202, a print paper insertion slot 203, a print paper ejection slot 204, and an operation display unit 205. The platen 201 is a stand on which a document to be read is placed. The platen cover 202 is a cover that holds down the document placed on the platen 201 and prevents light from the light source that irradiates the document during reading from leaking to the outside. The print paper insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot that can accept paper of various sizes. The print paper ejection slot 204 is an ejection slot through which paper that has been printed is ejected. The paper loaded in the print paper insertion slot 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, where it is printed and then ejected from the print paper ejection slot 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, a confirm key, and a cancel key, as well as an LED and an LCD, and is configured to be able to accept user operations for activating various MFP functions and for various settings. The operation display unit 205 may also include a touch panel display. The MFP 120 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for this wireless communication, although this antenna does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. Like the mobile terminal device 140, the MFP 120 can perform wireless communication using WLAN in frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0018] (MFP configuration) FIG. 2(b) shows an example configuration of the MFP 120. The MFP 120 includes a main board 211 that performs main control of the device itself and a wireless unit 226, which is a communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. The MFP 120 also includes, for example, a modem 229 for performing wired communication. The main board 211 includes, for example, a CPU 212 (central processing unit), ROM 213, RAM 214, nonvolatile memory 215, image memory 216, read control unit 217, data conversion unit 218, reading unit 219, and encoding / decoding processing unit 221. The main board 211 also includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feed unit 223, a print control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. These functional units within the main board 211 are connected to each other via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. 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 .

[0019] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire MFP 120. In one example, the processing of the MFP 120 described below is realized by the CPU 212 executing programs stored in the ROM 213. Note that dedicated hardware for each process may be provided. The ROM 213 stores control programs such as control programs and embedded OS programs executed by the CPU 212. In this embodiment, the CPU 212 executes each control program stored in the ROM 213 under the management of the embedded OS also stored in the ROM 213, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0020] The RAM 214 is configured with an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data for the MFP 120. The RAM 214 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The non-volatile memory 215 is configured with a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the MFP 120 is powered off. The image memory 216 is configured with a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 accumulates image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 120 is not limited to the configuration described above. The data conversion unit 218 analyzes data in various formats and converts image data into print data, etc.

[0021] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (for example, a CIS (contact image sensor)) to optically read the document placed on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signals) and outputs the converted data. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may output the image data after performing various image processes such as binarization and halftoning.

[0022] The operation display unit 220 is the operation display unit 205 described with reference to FIG. 2(a), and performs display on a display based on display control by the CPU 212, generation of a signal in response to reception of a user operation, and the like.

[0023] The encoding / decoding processor 221 performs encoding and decoding processes on image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 120, as well as scaling processes.

[0024] The paper feed unit 223 holds paper for printing. The paper feed unit 223 can supply the set paper under the control of the print control unit 224. The paper feed unit 223 may include multiple paper feed units in order to hold multiple types of paper in one device, and under the control of the print control unit 224, it can control which paper feed unit to use to feed paper.

[0025] The print control unit 224 performs various image processing such as smoothing, print density correction, and color correction on the image data to be printed, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 is configured to be able to perform, for example, inkjet printing, and ejects ink supplied from an ink tank from a print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. Note that the print unit 222 may also be configured to be able to perform other printing processes such as electrophotography. The print control unit 224 may also periodically read information from the print unit 222 and update status information stored in RAM 214, including the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank and the state of the print head.

[0026] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing a WLAN communication function, and can provide, for example, the same function as the WLAN unit 401 of the mobile terminal device 140. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets in accordance with the WLAN standard and transmits the packets to other devices, and also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs the data to the CPU 212.

[0027] The wireless unit 226 is capable of communication as a station or access point conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series. In particular, it is capable of communication conforming to IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be. In the following, a station may be referred to as an STA, and an access point as an AP.

[0028] The wireless unit 226 is compatible with IEEE802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi 6 (trademark), and can perform processing in accordance with IEEE802.11ax. In other words, the MFP 120 can operate (process) as either an STA that supports (complies with) OFDMA or an STA that supports (complies with) TWT, or both. OFDMA stands for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access. TWT stands for Target Wake Time. Support for TWT adjusts the timing of data communication from the parent device to the STA. The wireless unit 226 (MFP 120), which is an STA, transitions its communication function to a sleep state when it does not need to wait for signal reception. This reduces power consumption.

[0029] The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E (trademark). That is, communication in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) is also possible. The band that is subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), which exists in the 5 GHz band, does not exist in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, communication in the 6 GHz band does not experience communication interruptions due to DFS standby times, and more smooth communication can be expected.

[0030] Furthermore, the wireless unit 226 is compatible with IEEE802.11be, i.e., Wi-Fi7 (trademark), and can perform processing in accordance with IEEE802.11be. Multi-Link communication, which is considered in the IEEE802.11be standard, allows, for example, a station and an access point (AP) to establish multiple links via multiple frequency channels and communicate in parallel. Therefore, simultaneous data communication over two or more links can improve throughput.

[0031] The wireless unit 226 can operate both as a Wi-Fi master station (master device) and as a slave station (slave device). A master station is a device that establishes a wireless network and is a device (access point) that provides slave stations with parameters used to connect to the wireless network. The parameters used to connect to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving the parameters, the slave stations connect to the wireless network established by the master station using the channel used by the master station. The wireless unit 226 can simultaneously operate as a master station and as a slave station. For example, the wireless unit 226 may have a wireless chip that can operate as a master station and as a slave station in parallel.

[0032] The MFP 120 and the mobile terminal device 140 are capable of 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 build a P2P communication network and determine channels that can be used for P2P communication.

[0033] (MFP operation display section) FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 120. FIG. 3(a) is an example of a home screen that is displayed when the MFP 120 is powered on and no operations such as printing or scanning are being performed (idle state, standby state). FIG. 3(a) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud, respectively. Cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions that utilize Internet communication. By selecting any of the menu items through key operations or touch panel operations, the MFP 120 can begin executing the corresponding settings or functions. The MFP 120 can seamlessly display a screen different from that shown in FIG. 3(a) by accepting key operations or touch panel operations on the home screen of FIG. 3(a).

[0034] Figure 3(b) is a display example of another part of the home screen, which transitions from the state of Figure 3(a) by performing an operation (such as sliding left or right) to display another page of the home screen. Figure 3(b) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, print, and photo. When one of these menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, i.e., the print function, photo function, or communication settings, is executed.

[0035] FIG. 3(c) is an example of a communication settings menu screen that is displayed when communication settings are selected on the screen in FIG. 3(b). The communication settings menu screen displays menu items (options): "Wireless LAN," "Wired LAN," "Wireless Direct," "Bluetooth," and "Common." "Wireless LAN," "Wired LAN," and "Wireless Direct" are menu items for configuring LAN settings. These items allow users to configure wired connections, enable / disable wireless infrastructure communication mode, and enable / disable P2P modes such as WFD and soft AP mode. When the "Wireless LAN" item is selected and wireless LAN is enabled by user operation, wireless infrastructure communication mode is enabled. When the "Wireless Direct" item is selected and Wireless Direct is enabled by user operation, P2P (WLAN) mode is enabled. This screen also displays a common settings menu for each connection type. Furthermore, the user can configure settings such as the wireless LAN frequency band and frequency channel from this screen.

[0036] Figure 3(d) is an example of the wireless LAN settings menu screen that is displayed when wireless LAN is selected on the screen in Figure 3(c). The wireless LAN settings menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Enable / Disable Wireless LAN," "Wireless LAN Setup," "Display Wireless LAN Information," and "Advanced Wireless LAN Settings." These items allow you to enable / disable wireless infrastructure communication mode, set up the wireless LAN, display wireless LAN information, and set advanced wireless LAN settings.

[0037] Figure 3(e) is an example of the wireless LAN setup menu screen that is displayed when wireless LAN setup is selected on the screen in Figure 3(d). The wireless LAN setup menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Set up using a PC / smartphone," "Set up by entering a password," and "Set up using the router button." These options allow you to perform wireless LAN setup using the connection setting mode (described below), by entering a password, or by using the push button method.

[0038] Figure 3(f) is an example of the Wireless Direct settings menu screen that is displayed when Wireless Direct is selected on the screen in Figure 3(c). The Wireless Direct settings menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Enable / Disable Wireless Direct," "Change Wireless Direct SSID," and "Change Wireless Direct Password." Using these items, you can enable / disable Wireless Direct, change the Wireless Direct SSID, change the Wireless Direct password, and perform other settings.

[0039] (External configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 140. In this embodiment, as an example, the mobile terminal device 140 is a general-type smartphone. The mobile terminal device 140 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) type display mechanism. The display unit 402 may display information using, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The mobile terminal device 140 may also have a function to output information by voice in addition to or instead of the display unit 402. The operation unit 403 includes hard keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, and the like for detecting user operations. In this example, the display unit 402 displays information and the operation unit 403 receives user operations using a common touch panel display, so the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are implemented by a single device. In this case, for example, button icons and a software keyboard are displayed using the display function of display unit 402, and the touch of the user on those locations is detected by the operation reception function of operation unit 403. Note that display unit 402 and operation unit 403 may be separated, and hardware for display and hardware for operation reception may be provided separately. Power key 404 is a hard key for receiving a user operation to turn on or off the power of mobile terminal device 140.

[0040] The mobile terminal device 140 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides WLAN communication functionality, although it does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.). It is also capable of communication as an STA that supports multi-link communication. However, this is not a limitation, and the WLAN unit 401 may also be capable of communication in a WLAN system that complies with other standards. In this example, the WLAN unit 401 is assumed to be capable of communication in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. However, this is not a limitation, and the WLAN unit 401 may also be capable of communication in one or more frequency bands including the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. The WLAN unit 401 is also assumed to be able to perform communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure communication mode, etc. Operation in these modes will be described later.

[0041] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 140. In one example, the mobile terminal device 140 includes a main board 411 that performs main control of the device itself and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a non-volatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 140 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units within the main board 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. Furthermore, the main board 411 and the WLAN unit 429 (the above-mentioned WLAN unit 401) are connected via a dedicated bus 426, for example.

[0042] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 140. In one example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 140 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Dedicated hardware for each process may be provided. The ROM 413 stores control programs, such as a control program and an embedded operating system (OS) program, executed by the CPU 412. In this embodiment, the CPU 412 executes each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of an embedded OS also stored in the ROM 413, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0043] The RAM 414 is configured with a static RAM (SRAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data for the mobile terminal device 140. The RAM 414 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The image memory 415 is configured with a memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the WLAN unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. The nonvolatile memory 422 is configured with a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the mobile terminal device 140 is powered off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 140 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data may be backed up using the data storage unit 423. In this embodiment, although a DRAM is given as an example of the image memory 415, other storage media such as a hard disk or nonvolatile memory may also be used.

[0044] The data conversion unit 416 analyzes data in various formats and performs data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls telephone lines and realizes telephone communication by processing audio data input and output via a speaker unit 424. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites and acquires location information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 140.

[0045] The camera unit 421 has the function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. Image data obtained by capturing an image with the camera unit 421 is stored in a data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 controls the input and output of audio for telephone functions, as well as other functions such as alarm notification. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery, and controls the supply of power to the device. Power supply states include, for example, a dead battery state in which there is no remaining battery power, a power-off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, a running state in which the device is normally running, and a power-saving state in which the device is running but is in power-saving mode.

[0046] The display unit 420 is the display unit 402 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and performs various input operations and displays the operating status and status of the MFP 120 based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 is the operation unit 403 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and upon receiving a user operation, performs control such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting it to the CPU 412.

[0047] The mobile terminal device 140 performs wireless communication using the WLAN unit 429 to perform data communication with other devices such as the MFP 120. The WLAN unit 429 converts data into packets and transmits the packets to other devices. The WLAN unit 429 also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs the data to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for realizing communication compliant with the WLAN standards. The WLAN unit 429 can operate in parallel in at least two communication modes, including a wireless infrastructure communication mode and a P2P (WLAN) mode. Note that the frequency bands used in these communication modes may be limited by the functionality and performance of the hardware.

[0048] (Access point configuration) 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an AP 151 having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP 151 is configured to include a main board 510 that controls the AP 151, a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and an operation button 520.

[0049] A microprocessor-type CPU 511 disposed on the main board 510 operates according to a control program stored in a ROM-type program memory 513 connected via an internal bus 512 and the contents of a RAM-type data memory 514. The CPU 511 controls a wireless LAN unit 516 via a wireless LAN communication control unit 515 to perform wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. Specifically, the wireless LAN unit 516 is configured to be capable of performing data (packet) communication in a WLAN system compliant with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.). The wireless LAN unit 516 is also capable of communication as an AP compatible with Multi-Link communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the WLAN unit 516 may also be capable of communication in a WLAN system compliant with other standards. In this example, the WLAN unit 516 is capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the WLAN unit 516 may be capable of communication in one or more frequency bands including the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. Furthermore, the wireless LAN communication control unit 515 performs processing to detect interference waves when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented. If interference waves are detected when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is implemented, the wireless LAN communication control unit 515 performs processing to change the channel to be used when it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel.

[0050] The CPU 511 also controls a wired LAN unit 518 via a wired LAN communication control unit 517 to perform wired LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. The CPU 511 can accept user operations via an operation button 520 by controlling an operation unit control circuit 519. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor. The WLAN unit 401 is also capable of performing communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure communication mode, etc. Operation in these modes will be described later.

[0051] It should be noted that AP152 and AP153 have the same configuration as AP151.

[0052] (Direct connection method) A direct connection refers to a wireless connection between devices directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) without going through external devices such as AP 151, AP 152, and AP 153. The MFP 120 can operate in a mode (direct communication mode) for communicating via a direct connection as one of its communication modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communicating via a direct connection, such as software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) mode. Wi-Fi Direct will be abbreviated as WFD below.

[0053] Among direct communication modes, the WFD mode is the mode in which communication is performed by establishing a direct connection using WFD. WFD is a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. In WFD mode, after the device discovery information is used to discover the communication partner, the roles of P2P group owner (GO) and P2P client are determined, and the remaining wireless connection processing is carried out. The group owner corresponds to the Wi-Fi parent station (parent device), and the client corresponds to the Wi-Fi child station (child device). This role determination corresponds, for example, to GO Negotiation in P2P. Note that in WFD mode, before the role determination is made, the MFP 120 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, one device first issues device discovery information to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode with the other device. Once the other device is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that each device can provide. Note that this device provisioning information confirmation is optional and not required. This device provision information confirmation phase corresponds to, for example, P2P Provision Discovery. Next, by mutually confirming this device provision information, they determine which one will be the P2P client and which one will be the P2P group owner. Next, once the client and group owner are determined, they exchange parameters for WFD communication. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are performed between the P2P client and group owner. Note that in WFD mode, the MFP 120 may always operate as the GO without performing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the MFP 120 may operate in WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. Note that the state in which the MFP 120 operates in WFD mode refers to, for example, a state in which the MFP 120 operates as the GO even though a WFD connection has not been established, or a state in which a WFD connection has been established and the MFP 120 operates as the GO.Furthermore, when the MFP 120 operates as a GO, the MFP 120 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as a master station, and can select which frequency band to use from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0054] Among direct communication modes, a mode in which communication is performed by executing a direct connection using a software AP conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard is called software AP mode (soft AP mode). Soft AP mode does not use Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) and is different from WFD mode. In soft AP mode, between devices communicating with each other (e.g., mobile terminal device 140 and MFP 120), one device (e.g., mobile terminal device 140) serves as a client that requests various services. The other device realizes the function of a Wi-Fi access point through software configuration. A software AP corresponds to a Wi-Fi master station, and a client corresponds to a Wi-Fi slave station. In software AP mode, a client searches for a device that will become a software AP using device discovery information. Once a software AP is discovered, the remaining wireless connection processing (such as establishing a wireless connection) is performed between the client and software AP, and then IP connection processing (such as assigning an IP address) is performed. Note that commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between a client and a software AP may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here. Furthermore, the MFP 120 operating in soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel that can be used as a master station. Therefore, the MFP 120 can select which frequency band to use from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the MFP 120 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a master station in the network to which the MFP 120 belongs. The master station is a device that establishes a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the slave stations. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving the parameters, the slave stations connect to the wireless network established by the master station using the channel used by the master station. In the direct communication mode, the MFP 120 operates as a master station, and therefore can determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct communication mode. In this embodiment, the MFP 120 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct communication mode. The frequency band to use (i.e., which frequency band channel to use) can be arbitrarily set by the user through a setting on a screen displayed by the MFP 120. However, in this embodiment, even if 5 GHz is selected on the screen displayed by the MFP 120, the MFP 120 will not use channels in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band for communication in the direct communication mode. In other words, the MFP 120 will only use channels in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to frequency bands other than the DFS band for communication in the direct communication mode. Note that if a channel corresponding to the DFS band is being used and radar waves in the frequency band corresponding to that channel are detected, the currently used channel must be changed. Such a frequency band in which a channel change due to the detection of radar waves may occur is called a DFS band. Note that, for example, if a wireless chip supporting the DFS function is used, a channel in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band may be available for communication in the direct communication mode.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, MFP 120 can receive print jobs and scan jobs from mobile terminal device 140 via the direct connection between MFP 120 operating in direct connection mode and mobile terminal device 140. Here, a print job is a job for causing MFP 120 to print an image arbitrarily selected by a user on mobile terminal device 140. A scan job is a job for causing MFP 120 to scan a document set in MFP 120, and is a job for mobile terminal device 140 to acquire the image obtained by scanning. The image obtained by scanning is also communicated via the direct connection between MFP 120 operating in direct connection mode and mobile terminal device 140.

[0057] (About infrastructure connection method) An infrastructure connection is a connection mode in which devices (e.g., mobile terminal device 140 and MFP 120) connect to an access point (e.g., AP 151) that manages a network of communicating devices, and the devices communicate with each other via the access point. MFP 120 can also operate in a mode for communicating via an infrastructure connection (infrastructure communication mode) as one of its communication modes. In particular, a connection mode in which the MFP 120 connects to an access point wirelessly is called a wireless infrastructure connection, and an infrastructure communication mode for connecting to an access point via a wireless infrastructure connection is called a wireless infrastructure communication mode.

[0058] In a wireless infrastructure connection, each device searches for an access point using device discovery information. Once an access point is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) is carried out between the device and the access point, and then IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is carried out. Note that the commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an access point can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the MFP 120 operates in the wireless infrastructure communication mode, the AP 151 serves as a master station, and the MFP 120 serves as a slave station. In other words, in this embodiment, a wireless infrastructure connection refers to a connection between the MFP 120 operating as a slave station and a device operating as a master station. When the MFP 120 has established a wireless infrastructure connection and the mobile terminal device 140 has also established a wireless infrastructure connection with the AP 151, communication between the MFP 120 and the mobile terminal device 140 is possible via the AP 151. The channel used for communication in the wireless infrastructure connection is determined by the AP 151, and the MFP 120 performs communication in the wireless infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the AP 151. In this embodiment, the MFP 120 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the wireless infrastructure connection. The MFP 120 can also use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the wireless infrastructure connection. Note that, in order to communicate with MFP 120 via AP 151, mobile terminal device 140 needs to recognize that MFP 120 belongs to the network formed by AP 151 and to which mobile terminal device 140 belongs. Furthermore, when mobile terminal device 140 and MFP 120 are connected to AP 151 via a wireless infrastructure connection, MFP 120 can be discovered by a broadcast executed by mobile terminal device 140. The processing executed in the wireless infrastructure connection between mobile terminal device 140 and AP 152 or AP 153 is similar to the processing executed in the wireless infrastructure connection between mobile terminal device 140 and AP 151.

[0060] (About the connection setting mode (network setup mode)) The MFP 120 can operate in a connection setting mode. The trigger for the MFP 120 to start operation in the connection setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a connection setting mode button, or the MFP 120 being started up (powered on) for the first time after delivery. The connection setting mode button may be a hardware button provided on the MFP 120, or may be a software button displayed on the display unit 161 by the MFP 120.

[0061] When the MFP 120 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, as a process for enabling Wi-Fi communication, the MFP 120 enables an internal AP (setup AP) of the MFP 120 that is dedicated to the connection setting mode. This puts the MFP 120 in a state where it can establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi with the mobile terminal device 140. It is assumed that connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the setup AP is stored in advance in a setup app installed in the mobile terminal device 140, and that the mobile terminal device 140 recognizes the connection information for connecting to the setup AP in advance. Note that an encryption method may not be set in the setup AP, and a password may not be required for connection to the AP. Therefore, it is assumed that the AP enabled in the direct communication mode and the setup AP are different APs. Furthermore, it is assumed that the connection information for connecting to the setup AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user, unlike the connection information of the AP enabled in the direct communication mode. When the MFP 120 operating in the connection setting mode and the mobile terminal device 140 are connected, the mobile terminal device 140 transmits a setting command to the MFP 120 using a setup app to set the communication mode of the MFP 120. The setting command is, for example, a command to operate the MFP 120 in the wireless infrastructure communication mode, and more specifically, is information including connection information (SSID, password, etc.) for connecting to the AP 151. The command for operating the MFP 120 in the wireless infrastructure communication mode is called an infrastructure setting command. When the MFP 120 receives the infrastructure setting command, it stops operating in the connection setting mode, starts operating in the wireless infrastructure communication mode, and connects to the AP 151 using the information included in the infrastructure setting command. The setting command is, for example, a command to operate the MFP 120 in the direct communication mode. The command for operating the MFP 120 in the direct communication mode is called a direct setting command. When the MFP 120 receives the direct setting command, it transmits direct connection information to the mobile terminal device 140 for connecting to the MFP 120 operating in the direct communication mode.Then, operation in the connection setting mode is stopped and operation in the direct communication mode is started. After that, MFP 120 receives a connection request based on the direct connection information from mobile terminal device 140, and a direct connection is established between MFP 120 operating in the direct communication mode and mobile terminal device 140.

[0062] In the connection setting mode, the MFP 120 may connect to the mobile terminal device 140 via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) instead of regular Wi-Fi. That is, the MFP 120 may operate as a group owner and receive a setting command from the mobile terminal device 140 via WFD communication. The MFP 120 operating in the connection setting mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (a setup communication protocol) to communicate with the mobile terminal device 140 connected to the setup AP. A specific example of the setup communication protocol is the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). Other specific examples of the setup communication protocol include the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). After starting operation in the connection setting mode, the MFP 120 stops operation in the connection setting mode and disables the setup AP after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, as described above, the setup AP is an access point that does not require a password. Therefore, if the setup AP is enabled for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that an inappropriate device may request a connection.

[0063] In this embodiment, MFP 120 can receive setting commands from mobile terminal device 140 via a direct connection between MFP 120 operating in the connection setting mode and mobile terminal device 140, but cannot receive print jobs or scan jobs. Alternatively, MFP 120 operating in the connection setting mode will not execute printing or scanning even if it receives a print job or scan job from mobile terminal device 140. This is because the connection setting mode is not a mode for executing printing or scanning, but a mode for setting the communication mode.

[0064] (Multi-Link communication) Multi-Link communication is a function considered in the IEEE802.11be standard that allows multiple links to be used simultaneously in a wireless LAN. Specifically, it establishes multiple links between a STA and an access point via different frequency channels, and communicates in parallel over two or more links, thereby improving throughput.

[0065] Conventionally, IEEE 802.11 STAs connect to an access point (AP) and communicate with the AP via a single link. The IEEE 802.11be standard allows communication devices to connect to an AP and simultaneously communicate data via two or more links, improving throughput. This type of data communication, which occurs simultaneously via two or more links, is called multi-link communication. The IEEE 802.11be standard also considers support for the 6 GHz band to expand available frequency bands. The two or more links may be selected from the same frequency band (sub-GHz, 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 and 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz), or may be selected from different frequency bands. The AP and STA associated with a single device performing multi-link communication each include multiple virtual APs and multiple virtual STAs. Therefore, an AP corresponding to one device and a STA corresponding to one device are also called an AP multilink device (AP MLD) and a STA multilink device (STA MLD), respectively. STA MLD is sometimes called a non-AP MLD. AP MLD and STA MLD are sometimes called communication devices or communication devices, respectively. Virtual APs and virtual STAs are called affiliated APs (participating APs) and affiliated STAs (participating STAs). Multiple affiliated APs included in one AP MLD are APs that communicate using different channels. Similarly, multiple affiliated STAs included in one STA MLD are STAs that communicate using different channels.

[0066] This section explains the process by which the STA MLD performs Multi-Link communication with the AP. The STA MLD determines whether to connect via Multi-Link based on the Basic Multi-Link element included in the frame received from the AP. The AP MLD transmits the Basic Multi-Link element in frames such as Beacon frames and Probe Response frames.

[0067] The STA MLD checks whether a frame such as a Beacon frame or a Probe Response frame received from an affiliated AP contains a Basic Multi-Link element, and then determines whether the AP that sent these frames is an AP MLD.

[0068] When the opposite AP is an AP MLD, the STA MLD acquires information about the affiliated AP from the RNR (Reduced Neighbor Report) element included in the received frame, such as a Beacon frame or Probe Response frame. An affiliated AP is an AP whose MLD ID is 0, indicating that it belongs to the same AP MLD. The information about the affiliated AP includes, for example, the frequency band information and channel information of the affiliated AP.

[0069] The STA MLD switches channels based on the acquired affiliated AP information, acquires information for connecting to each affiliated AP, and then connects to the desired affiliated AP via Multi-Link based on the acquired information.

[0070] Furthermore, if the opposing AP is not an AP MLD, the STA MLD establishes a connection using a single frequency channel.

[0071] In the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the bandwidth of each frequency channel is defined as 20 MHz. Here, a frequency channel refers to a frequency channel defined in the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, which define multiple frequency channels in each of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and 60 GHz frequency bands. Therefore, multiple affiliated APs and multiple affiliated STAs use one of these frequency channels. Note that a single frequency channel may utilize a bandwidth of 40 MHz or more by bonding adjacent frequency channels. For example, AP 151 can establish and communicate with mobile terminal device 140 via link A over a first frequency channel in the 5 GHz band. In parallel, mobile terminal device 140 and MFP 120 can establish and communicate with AP 152 via link 104 over a second frequency channel in the 6 GHz band. In this case, mobile terminal device 140 and MFP 120 perform multi-link communication, maintaining link B via a second frequency channel in parallel with link A via a first frequency channel. Hereinafter, when AP 151, mobile terminal device 140, and MFP 120 support multi-link communication, AP 151 will be referred to as AP MLD 151, and mobile terminal device 140 and MFP 120 will be referred to as STA MLD 140 and STA MLD 120, respectively, in order to distinguish them from the individual APs and STAs included therein.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the AP MLD and the STA MLD perform Multi-Link communication. In FIG. 6, affiliated APs are represented by numbers suffixed thereto, such as AP1, AP2, and affiliated STAs are represented by numbers suffixed thereto, such as STA1, STA2, and so on. That is, in FIG. 6, for example, the AP MLD 151 includes AP1, which is the first AP, AP2, which is the second AP, and AP3, which is the third AP. The STA MLD 140 and the STA MLD 120 each include STA1, which is the first STA, STA2, which is the second STA, and STA3, which is the third STA. AP1 and STA1 establish a first link using a first frequency channel. AP2 and STA2 establish a second link using a second frequency channel. AP3 and STA3 establish a third link using a third frequency channel. In this embodiment, the connection between an affiliated STA and an affiliated AP is referred to as a link. In the example of FIG. 6, the first to third frequency channels are the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, respectively, but may be other available frequency bands. In this case, the number of APs included in the AP MLD is not limited to three, and may be any number corresponding to the available frequency bands. The same applies to the STA MLD. As described above, an AP associated with each frequency band capable of data communication is called an affiliated AP, and a STA associated with each frequency band capable of data communication is called an affiliated STA. The affiliated AP and affiliated STA may be pre-set by a user such as an administrator from among the APs of the AP MLD 151, the STA MLD 140, and the STAs of the STA MLD 120. The processing performed by each device in this sequence is realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM of each device into RAM and executing them. In the following description, the STA MLD is, for example, the STA MLD 140 or the STA MLD 120, and the AP MLD is, for example, the AP MLD 151.

[0073] 6, the STA MLD starts establishing a connection with the AP MLD in wireless infrastructure communication mode. Here, the case where the STA MLD starts establishing a connection with AP1 will be described as an example, but the STA MLD may also start establishing a connection with AP2 or AP3.

[0074] When the STA MLD and AP1 connect in wireless infrastructure communication mode, AP1 obtains information from the STA MLD as to whether the STA MLD supports the IEEE802.11be standard. If AP1 obtains information indicating that the STA MLD supports the IEEE802.11be standard, it will perform the following process.

[0075] In S601 to S603, each of the STAs 1 to 3 in the STA MLD receives a Beacon frame transmitted from each of the APs 1 to 3 in the AP MLD. For example, the STA MLD receives a Beacon frame periodically transmitted from each of the APs 1 to 3 in the AP MLD, and the AP MLD detects the presence of a network formed by the AP MLD among surrounding devices.

[0076] The processes of S601 to S603 may be performed at different times or at the same time.

[0077] In S604, STA1 of the STA MLD transmits a Probe Request frame to the AP MLD. The Probe Request frame is, for example, a frame requesting AP information from the AP MLD, and is also a frame for searching for an AP. The AP information is, for example, information for connecting to the AP MLD. In S605, STA1 of the STA MLD receives a Probe Response frame from the AP MLD. The Probe Response frame is, for example, a frame in response to the Probe Request frame, and may include, for example, AP information.

[0078] In S606 and S607, the same processing as in S604 and S605 is performed between STA2 and the AP MLD. In addition, in S608 and S609, the same processing as in S604 and S605 is performed between STA3 and the AP MLD.

[0079] In S610, STA1 transmits a connection request to AP1 using AP information included in the received Beacon frame or Probe Request frame, for example. Then, in S611, communication between STA1 and AP1 is established. That is, STA1 is connected as a slave station to AP1, which acts as a master station. Also, in S612, STA2 transmits a connection request to AP2. Then, in S613, communication between STA2 and AP2 is established.

[0080] As described above, the STA MLD checks whether the received Beacon frame or Probe Response frame contains information indicating that the AP is compatible with the AP MLD. The information indicating that the AP is compatible with the AP MLD is, for example, a Basic Multi-Link element.

[0081] Furthermore, if the remote AP is an AP MLD, the STA MLD acquires AP information, such as frequency band and channel information, of other affiliated APs belonging to the same AP MLD from the RNR element included in the received frame. The STA MLD determines whether the other affiliated AP belongs to the same AP MLD by checking whether the MLD ID included in the RNR element is 0.

[0082] In this way, the STA MLD establishes a Multi-Link connection with the desired affiliated AP based on the AP information acquired from the AP MLD. That is, the STA MLD establishes a link with the AP MLD via multiple frequency channels. This allows the STA MLD to improve the throughput of communication with the AP MLD.

[0083] In multi-link communication, multiple links using different frequency bands may be established between communication devices. For example, the AP MLD and the STA (MFP 120) may establish a link in the 5 GHz band, a link in the 6 GHz band, and a third link in the 2.4 GHz band. Alternatively, links may be established via multiple different channels within the same frequency band. For example, a first link may be established on channel 15 in the 6 GHz band, and a second link may be established on channel 207 in the 6 GHz band. Links using the same and different frequency bands may be mixed. For example, the AP MLD and the STA (MFP 120) may establish a link on channel 36 in the 5 GHz band, as well as a link on channel 149 in the 5 GHz band and a link on channel 15 in the 6 GHz band. By establishing multiple connections using different frequencies with the AP MLD, the STA MLD can establish communication with the AP MLD in another uncongested band, even if one band is congested. This allows the STA MLD to prevent degradation of throughput and communication delays in communication with the AP MLD.

[0084] 6, APs 1 to 3 (APs 151 to 153) are given as an example of an AP MLD, but the AP MLD may be any AP that supports Multi-Link communication, such as MFP 120. Also, in FIG. 6, MFP 120 is given as an example of an STA, but the STA may be any STA that supports Multi-Link communication, such as mobile terminal device 140.

[0085] Multi-Link communication in this way can improve communication throughput compared to communication using a single frequency channel, but it also increases the overhead involved in exchanging information for Multi-Link communication and increases the power consumption of electronic devices.

[0086] Incidentally, some wireless interfaces of electronic devices such as the MFP 120 do not support Multi-Link communication, or support Multi-Link communication but are limited by user settings, etc. Furthermore, electronic devices may have communication situations where high-throughput communication such as Multi-Link communication is required, and communication situations where it is less necessary.

[0087] Therefore, there is a demand for a configuration that dynamically switches whether an electronic device performs Multi-Link communication without user operation depending on the state and communication conditions of the electronic device, such as the MFP 120. In other words, there is a demand for improving the usability of wireless connections of electronic devices that can use multiple links simultaneously.

[0088] In this embodiment, the MFP 120, which serves as an electronic device, can connect as a slave station to an external access point that serves as a master station and can also be activated as a master station. When operating as a slave station, the MFP 120 controls whether to enable Multi-Link communication between the MFP 120 and the external access point based on a first condition for performing Multi-Link communication. Furthermore, when activating as a master station, the MFP 120 controls whether to enable Multi-Link communication upon activation as a master station based on a second condition for performing Multi-Link communication. This configuration allows the MFP 120 to dynamically switch whether to perform Multi-Link communication without user operation. This improves the usability of wireless connections for electronic devices that can simultaneously use multiple links.

[0089] Next, an operation relating to switching between enabling and disabling Multi-Link communication in accordance with a change in the network settings of the MFP 120 in this embodiment will be described.

[0090] In the following description, the MFP 120 and AP1 (AP151) support Multi-Link communication according to the IEEE802.11be standard. The MFP 120 can communicate as a STA supporting Multi-Link communication, and the AP1 (AP151) can communicate as an AP supporting Multi-Link communication.

[0091] In this embodiment, the wireless unit 226 of the MFP 120 is described as being incompatible with IEEE802.11be-compliant processing (Multi-Link communication) when operating as a master station due to the performance of the wireless unit 226, for example.

[0092] That is, in this embodiment, the following processing will be described using as an example an MFP 120 in which the STAs operating as slave stations support Multi-Link communication and the STAs operating as master stations do not support Multi-Link communication.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 7, a process in which the MFP 120 determines whether or not to perform Multi-Link communication depending on the state of the MFP 120 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the MFP 120. The process executed by the MFP 120 in this flow is realized by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 provided in the MFP 120 into the RAM 214 and executing them.

[0094] In S701, the MFP 120 starts network configuration. Specifically, for example, the MFP 120 receives a request to start network configuration. In other words, the MFP 120 accepts an instruction to start network configuration. This process is started when the MFP 120 accepts a user operation, including, for example, an operation to select "Wireless LAN Setup" in FIG. 3(d) or an operation to select "Enter Password to Setup" in FIG. 3(e). This user operation is a user operation for enabling wireless infrastructure connection mode and is referred to as an infrastructure connection user operation. This process is also started when the MFP 120 accepts, for example, a user operation for enabling direct communication mode. This user operation is referred to as a direct connection user operation. The direct connection user operation includes an operation to select the "Wireless Direct" option in FIG. 3(c) or an operation to select the "Enable / Disable Wireless Direct" option in FIG. 3(f). It also includes a user operation to select an interface for enabling direct communication mode on a screen displayed after the "Enable / Disable Wireless Direct" option is selected. This process is initiated, for example, when the MFP 120 receives a user operation, including an operation to change the Wireless Direct SSID or an operation to change the Wireless Direct password, on the screen shown in FIG. 3(f). This user operation is a user operation for changing settings related to the Direct communication mode and is referred to as a change user operation. This process is initiated, for example, when the MFP 120 receives a user operation for enabling the connection setting mode. This user operation is referred to as a connection setting user operation. The connection setting user operation includes, for example, an operation to select the “Wireless LAN Setup” option in FIG. 3(d) or an operation to select “Setup using PC / Smartphone” in FIG. 3(e). This process is initiated, for example, when the MFP 120 receives a user operation to turn on the power of the MFP 120 when a communication mode is not set in the MFP 120. This user operation is different from the connection setting user operation, but is a user operation for enabling the connection setting mode.This user operation is an operation for starting the initial setup of the MFP 120 after delivery of the MFP 120. Therefore, this user operation is referred to as an initial setup user operation. In other words, an instruction to start network configuration is, for example, one of the user operations described above. However, this is not limited to this form, and this process may be started, for example, when the MFP 120 operating in connection configuration mode receives a configuration command from the mobile terminal device 140. In other words, the request to start network configuration may be a configuration command.

[0095] In S702, the MFP 120 determines whether to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA) in the network settings. If the MFP 120 determines to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA), the process proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines not to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA), the process proceeds to S709. The communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA) is, for example, a wireless infrastructure communication mode. On the other hand, the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) is, for example, a soft AP mode, a WFD mode, or a connection setting mode.

[0096] Specifically, in S702, for example, the MFP 120 determines whether or not to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA) in the network settings, based on the instruction to start the network settings received in S701.

[0097] That is, for example, if network configuration was initiated based on the acceptance of an infrastructure connection user operation, this process will be judged as YES. Also, for example, if network configuration was initiated based on the receipt of an infrastructure setting command, this process will be judged as YES. Also, for example, if network configuration was initiated based on the acceptance of a direct connection user operation, a change user operation, a connection setting user operation, or an initial setup user operation, this process will be judged as NO. Also, for example, if network configuration was initiated based on the receipt of a direct setting command, this process will be judged as NO.

[0098] In S703, the MFP 120 acquires AP information required for setting the wireless infrastructure communication mode. The AP information is information required for the MFP 120 to belong to a network formed by an external AP.

[0099] If network configuration has been initiated based on the receipt of a user operation for infrastructure connection, in step S703, for example, the MFP 120 acquires AP information by searching for an AP. Specifically, the MFP 120 initiates the search for an AP by transmitting a device discovery request (probe request frame) to APs surrounding the MFP 120. The MFP 120 then searches for and discovers the AP by receiving a device discovery response (probe response frame) from the AP or information (beacon frame) that the AP voluntarily periodically transmits. The AP information acquired by the MFP 120 from the AP includes at least one of the AP's SSID, radio wave strength, frequency band, BSSID (Media Access Control (MAC) address), authentication method, encryption method, information indicating the communication standard, and information regarding multi-link communication. The information regarding multi-link communication includes, for example, information indicating whether the AP supports multi-link communication (basic multi-link element), information regarding affiliated APs (frequency band and channel information of the affiliated AP), and the like. The content of the AP information that the MFP 120 acquires from the AP varies depending on the model, model number, settings, and so on of the AP.

[0100] In step S703, if the acquired AP information includes an AP with a security method (authentication method, encryption method) that is not supported by the MFP 120, the MFP 120 may exclude the AP information of that AP from the search results. Furthermore, if the only security methods supported by the AP are those that are not supported by the MFP 120 and / or are restricted, the MFP 120 may also exclude the AP information of that AP from the search results. A restricted security method is, for example, a security method with lower security strength than the security method set by the user.

[0101] Furthermore, in S703, after completing the search for APs, the MFP 120 displays a list of APs on the operation / display unit 200 of the MFP 120. The MFP 120 also accepts user selection of an AP to connect to from the displayed list of APs. The MFP 120 also accepts input of a password for the AP to connect to whose selection it has accepted. For example, the MFP 120 may display on the operation / display unit 200 an interface that can accept input of the password for the AP to connect to.

[0102] In addition, if the MFP 120 detects APs with multiple MAC addresses (BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier)) that have the same SSID (ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier)) during the AP search, it may display all the APs with the same SSID (ESSID) together.

[0103] In step S703, if the user selects an AP with the same SSID (ESSID), the MFP 120 may receive a setting instruction as to whether to connect to the AP by specifying the MAC address (BSSID) or to connect to the AP without specifying the MAC address (BSSID). If the MFP 120 receives a setting instruction to connect to the AP by specifying the MAC address (BSSID), the MFP 120 stores, as AP information, information indicating that the AP to be connected to has been specified.

[0104] The AP information in S703 may be obtained from the AP using a function called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter referred to as WPS) (registered trademark). The AP information in S703 may also be obtained from the AP using a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter referred to as WEC) (registered trademark). If network configuration has been initiated based on the reception of an infrastructure configuration command, the AP information in S703 is included in the infrastructure configuration command. Therefore, the AP information may be obtained from the infrastructure configuration command.

[0105] In S703, the MFP 120 stores the acquired AP information in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215. The AP information stored in S703 includes, for example, at least one of the SSID, BSSID (MAC address), password, security method (authentication method and / or encryption method), frequency band, channel, information related to Multi-Link communication, and radio wave intensity.

[0106] Next, in S704 to S706, the MFP 120 determines whether to perform Multi-Link communication with the AP to which it is to connect (for example, AP1 (AP 151)). That is, the MFP 120 performs the determination based on the conditions for performing communication between the MFP 120 and the AP as communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be communication standard, which allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously.

[0107] In S704, the MFP 120 determines whether the Multi-Link communication settings for operating the wireless unit 226 as a slave station are valid. If the MFP 120 determines that the settings are valid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the settings are invalid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S708.

[0108] Specifically, in S704, for example, the MFP 120 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as setting information) related to the setting of whether Multi-Link communication is enabled or disabled, stored in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215. In S704, if the acquired setting information indicates that Multi-Link communication is enabled, the MFP 120 proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the acquired setting information indicates that Multi-Link communication is disabled, the MFP 120 proceeds to S708. The setting information is stored based on a user operation, such as selecting the "Common Settings" item in FIG. 3C and changing the setting of whether Multi-Link communication is enabled or disabled. In this embodiment, the setting information is information about settings when the MFP 120 operates as a slave station. The setting information may be stored by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 140. The setting information is set to enabled by default. Therefore, if a user operation, such as changing the setting of whether Multi-Link communication is enabled or disabled, has not been performed on the MFP 120, or if a specific signal has not been received from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 140, the setting information is information indicating that Multi-Link communication is enabled.

[0109] In S705, the MFP 120 determines whether the BSSID of the AP to be connected to has been designated. If the MFP 120 determines that the BSSID has been designated, the process proceeds to S708. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the BSSID has not been designated, the process proceeds to S707. Specifically, the MFP 120 references the AP information stored in S703. Then, if information indicating that the BSSID of the AP to be connected to has been designated is stored, the MFP 120 proceeds to S708. On the other hand, if information indicating that the AP to be connected to has not been stored, the MFP 120 proceeds to S706.

[0110] For example, if the BSSID of the AP to which the MFP 120 is to connect is specified by the user, the MFP 120 can assume that the frequency band used for connecting the MFP 120 to the external access point has been specified. Therefore, if the MFP 120 determines in S705 that the BSSID of the AP to which the MFP 120 is to connect is specified by the user, the MFP 120 proceeds to S708 to disable Multi-Link communication. On the other hand, if the BSSID of the AP to which the MFP 120 is to connect is not specified by the user, the MFP 120 can assume that the frequency band used for connecting the MFP 120 to the external access point has not been specified. Therefore, the MFP 120 proceeds to S706 to further determine whether to enable Multi-Link communication.

[0111] In S706, the MFP 120 determines whether the AP to be connected supports Multi-Link communication. If the MFP 120 determines that the AP supports Multi-Link communication, the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the AP does not support Multi-Link communication, the process proceeds to S708. Specifically, in S706, for example, the MFP 120 references the AP information stored in S703 and makes this determination based on information on whether the AP supports Multi-Link communication.

[0112] In step S707, the MFP 120 enables Multi-Link communication and performs control to connect as a child station to the AP to be connected as a parent station. For example, the MFP 120 establishes a connection with the AP MLD to be connected via Multi-Link communication, as described above with reference to FIG.

[0113] Specifically, in S707, the MFP 120 references the AP information acquired in S703 and acquires, from the Basic Multi-Link element, frequency band information and channel information of the affiliated APs belonging to the AP MLD. Then, the MFP 120 performs Multi-Link communication with the AP to be connected, using the acquired frequency band information and channel information of the affiliated AP. As an example, a case will be described in detail where the MFP 120 acquires AP information from AP1 shown in FIG. 6 in S703, acquires frequency band information and channel information of affiliated APs such as AP2 and AP3, and performs Multi-Link communication.

[0114] For example, the Basic Multi-Link element as AP information acquired by the MFP 120 in S703 may include information on other APs that do not belong to the AP MLD. Therefore, when acquiring frequency band information and channel information of affiliated APs, the MFP 120 uses the RNR element included in the frame received from AP1 to determine whether APs other than AP1 are affiliated APs. For example, an MLD ID is assigned to each affiliated AP included in the Basic Multi-Link element. If this MLD ID is 0, it indicates that the AP belongs to the AP MLD to which the affiliated AP belongs. Therefore, in S707, the MFP 120 acquires frequency band and channel information for the affiliated APs (AP2 and AP3) with an MLD ID of 0 from the AP information stored in S703. This allows the MFP 120 to determine the frequency band and channel of AP2 and AP3 other than AP1, which are operating in the AP MLD. Then, in S707, the MFP 120 performs multi-link communication with AP1, AP2, and AP3 based on the information about the frequency bands and channels of the affiliated APs (AP2, AP3). That is, the MFP 120 establishes multiple links with the AP MLD.

[0115] In S708, the MFP 120 performs processing to connect to the AP using a single frequency channel without using Multi-Link communication. That is, the MFP 120 disables Multi-Link communication and controls the MFP 120 to connect as a slave station to the external AP as a master station.

[0116] In S708, for example, if the user has not specified the BSSID to which the connection is to be made (NO in S704 or NO in S706), the MFP 120 connects to an AP with high communication quality based on the AP information stored in S703. If the user has not specified the MAC address (BSSID) to which the connection is to be made, the SSID selected by the user may include multiple BSSIDs. Therefore, the MFP 120 connects to an AP with high signal quality among the multiple BSSIDs. An AP with high signal quality is an AP with high radio wave strength.

[0117] In S708, if the BSSID to be connected to has been designated by the user (YES in S705), the MFP 120 connects to the designated BSSID.

[0118] In this way, in this embodiment, when the MFP 120 receives an instruction to operate as a slave station, it can connect to the AP with Multi-Link communication enabled or disabled based on the determinations of S704 to S706 for enabling Multi-Link communication when operating as a slave station. This can improve user convenience in the MFP 120 capable of executing Multi-Link communication.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the processes of S704 to S708 are executed when network configuration is started in S701 and it is determined in S702 that the MFP 120 will operate as a slave station, but this is not limiting. For example, the MFP 120 may execute the processes of S704 to S708 when the communication quality (radio wave strength) of the currently connected AP decreases. In other words, the MFP 120 may execute the processes of S704 to S708 when it is necessary to re-determine the AP to connect to.

[0120] In S709, the MFP 120 determines whether to activate the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) in the network settings. If the MFP 120 determines to activate the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) in the network settings, the MFP 120 proceeds to S710. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines not to activate the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) in the network settings, the MFP 120 proceeds to S711.

[0121] Specifically, in S709, the MFP 120 makes this determination based on the instruction to start network configuration received in S701. That is, for example, if network configuration has been started based on receiving a direct connection user operation, a connection setting user operation, or an initial setup user operation, this process will be determined as YES. Also, for example, if network configuration has been started based on receiving a direct setting command, this process will be determined as YES. Also, for example, if network configuration has been started based on receiving a change user operation, this process will be determined as NO.

[0122] In S710, the MFP 120 activates a communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) with a setting that does not use Multi-Link communication. That is, when the MFP 120 activates as a master station, it performs control to disable Multi-Link communication. Specifically, the MFP 120 activates a communication mode (soft AP mode, WFD mode, or connection setting mode) corresponding to the user operation in S701. Here, the MFP 120 activates so that the wireless unit 226 operates on a single frequency channel.

[0123] In this embodiment, as described above, the wireless unit 226 of the MFP 120 does not support Multi-Link communication when operating as a master station. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the MFP 120 receives an instruction to start up as a master station in the network settings, the MFP 120 controls to disable Multi-Link communication.

[0124] In S711, the MFP 120 changes the network settings corresponding to the user operation in S701. In S711, for example, the MFP 120 may perform processing to change the SSID for the direct communication mode, or may perform processing to change the password for the direct communication mode.

[0125] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the MFP 120 receives an instruction to start network configuration of the MFP 120, it determines whether to start up in a communication mode in which the wireless unit 226 operates as a slave station. When the MFP 120 operates the wireless unit 226 as a slave station, the MFP 120 controls communication between the MFP 120 and the AP MLD to switch between enabling and disabling Multi-Link communication based on the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication. On the other hand, when the MFP 120 starts up in a communication mode in which the wireless unit 226 operates as a master station, the MFP 120 disables Multi-Link communication and controls the wireless unit 226 to start up as a master station. In this way, when the MFP 120 operates the wireless unit 226 as a slave station or master station, the MFP 120 switches the setting for Multi-Link communication between enabled and disabled based on the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication. This improves the usability of wireless connections for electronic devices that can simultaneously use multiple links.

[0126] In the above description, the determinations in S704 to S706 are all performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Some of the determinations in S704 to S706 may not be performed. For example, in a configuration in which the determinations in S704 and S706 are performed but the determination in S705 is not performed, if the determination result in S704 is YES, the process proceeds to S706.

[0127] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless unit 226 supports Multi-Link communication when operating as a slave station, and does not support Multi-Link communication when operating as a master station due to reasons such as the performance of the wireless unit 226. Then, the description is given of a form relating to switching between enabling and disabling Multi-Link communication when the MFP 120 causes the wireless unit 226 to operate as a master station or a slave station.

[0128] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP 120 supports Multi-Link communication when the wireless unit 226 operates as both a slave station and a master station. In addition, a form will be described in which the MFP 120 includes a condition related to the operating state of the master station as a condition for performing Multi-Link communication when the wireless unit 226 operates as a slave station.

[0129] For example, an electronic device such as MFP 120 may have a small number of antennas for communicating with devices such as mobile terminal device 140 and external APs. Furthermore, as described above, MFP 120 can concurrently perform communication in a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station and communication in a communication mode in which it operates as a master station. For example, if MFP 120 has a small number of antennas, packet loss may occur when multi-link communication is performed on the slave station (STA) side of MFP 120, depending on the number of STAs connected to the master station (AP) side of MFP 120. Therefore, in this embodiment, a condition related to the operating state of the master station side is included as a condition for performing multi-link communication in determining whether wireless unit 226 is to operate as a slave station.

[0130] In this embodiment, the MFP 120 has a predetermined number of antennas (not shown). The predetermined number may be, for example, 1. The wireless unit 226 of the MFP 120 in this embodiment supports Multi-Link communication in both a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station and a communication mode in which it operates as a master station.

[0131] The processing executed by the MFP 120 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In this flowchart, the processing executed by the MFP 120 is realized by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM 213 provided in the MFP 120 into the RAM 214 and executing the programs.

[0132] In step S801, the MFP 120 starts network configuration. Note that in this embodiment, the instruction to start network configuration accepted is an instruction to enable infrastructure connection mode. In other words, this instruction is a user operation for infrastructure connection or an infrastructure configuration command.

[0133] In S802, the MFP 120 acquires AP information and stores the acquired information in the RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215. This process is performed in the same manner as in S703, for example, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] Next, in steps S803 to S807, the MFP 120 determines whether to perform Multi-Link communication based on the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication when operating as a slave station.

[0135] In S803, the MFP 120 determines whether the Multi-Link setting for operating the wireless unit 226 as a slave station is valid. If the MFP 120 determines that the setting is valid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the setting is invalid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S809.

[0136] In S804, the MFP 120 determines whether the BSSID of the AP to be connected to is specified. If the MFP 120 determines that the BSSID is specified, the MFP 120 proceeds to S809. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the BSSID is not specified, the MFP 120 proceeds to S805.

[0137] In S805, the MFP 120 determines whether the AP to be connected supports Multi-Link communication. If the MFP 120 determines that the AP supports Multi-Link communication, the MFP 120 proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the AP does not support Multi-Link communication, the MFP 120 proceeds to S809.

[0138] The processes of S803 to S805 are performed in the same manner as the processes of S704 to S706, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] In S806 to S807, the MFP 120 makes a determination according to the connection status of the communication mode in which it operates as a master station. That is, in this embodiment, the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication in the determination when the wireless unit 226 operates as a slave station include a condition related to the operating status of the master station.

[0140] In S806, the MFP 120 determines whether the communication mode of the master station (AP) is valid. That is, the MFP 120 determines whether the wireless unit 226 is operating as a master station. If the MFP 120 determines that the communication mode of the master station (AP) is valid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S807. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the communication mode of the master station (AP) is invalid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S808. Note that the communication modes in which the MFP 120 operates as a master station (AP) are, for example, soft AP mode, WFD mode, and connection setting mode.

[0141] In S807, the MFP 120 determines whether the number of STAs currently connected to the wireless unit 226 operating as the master station is less than a threshold or greater than or equal to the threshold. If the MFP 120 determines that the number is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the number is greater than or equal to the threshold, the process proceeds to S809. For example, when the MFP 120 activates the wireless unit 226 as the master station, the MFP 120 stores the number of connected STAs in the RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215. In S807, for example, the MFP 120 makes this determination by referring to the stored number of connected STAs.

[0142] The threshold may be set to, for example, a value between 1 and 5. The threshold may be set according to the performance of the wireless unit 226 or the number of wireless antennas mounted on the MFP 120.

[0143] In S808, the MFP 120 enables Multi-Link and performs control to connect as a child station to the AP that is the target of connection as a parent station. Note that this process is similar to S707, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] In S809, the MFP 120 performs processing to connect to the AP using a single frequency channel without using Multi-Link communication. Also, in this embodiment, if the processing of S809 is performed because the determination in S807 is that the communication quality is equal to or greater than the threshold, the MFP 120 connects to an AP with high communication quality based on the AP information stored in S802. Note that this processing is performed in the same way as S708, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

[0145] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the wireless unit 226 of the MFP 120 is operated as a slave station, the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication include a condition related to the status of the master station. By including a condition related to the status of the master station as a condition for performing Multi-Link communication, it is possible to appropriately switch whether to enable Multi-Link communication depending on the status of the MFP 120, even if, for example, the wireless unit 226 of the MFP 120 supports Multi-Link communication in both communication modes, operating as a master station and operating as a slave station. Furthermore, even if the MFP 120 is equipped with a small number of wireless antennas, packet loss caused by the MFP 120 performing Multi-Link communication can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability of wireless connections for electronic devices that can simultaneously use multiple links.

[0146] In the above description, the determinations in S803 to S807 are all performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Some of the determinations in S803 to S807 may not be performed. For example, in a configuration in which the determinations in S806 and S807 are performed but the other determinations are not performed, the process proceeds to S806 after S802.

[0147] Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, when the wireless unit 226 is operated as a master station, a condition for performing Multi-Link communication includes a condition related to the state of the MFP 120.

[0148] In this embodiment, the MFP 120 supports Multi-Link communication in both a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station and a communication mode in which it operates as a master station.

[0149] In addition, in this embodiment, when the MFP 120 is turned on for the first time by a user who has purchased the MFP 120, initial settings are made from the factory default state, and control is executed to start a processing sequence (initial setup) for initial startup that is different from that used during normal startup.

[0150] For example, the MFP 120 is shipped from the factory without ink tanks, a print head, or the like installed in the printing unit 222. For this reason, when the MFP 120 is turned on for the first time, for example, it notifies the user as an initial setup prompting the user to install the included ink tanks, a print head, or the like into the MFP 120 main body. This notification may be displayed, for example, on the operation display unit 200. In this way, at the time of initial startup, the user needs to prepare the MFP 120 so that it can be used.

[0151] As described above, the MFP 120 can accept an initial setup user operation upon initial startup (first power-on). When the MFP 120 accepts the initial setup user operation, the MFP 120 automatically starts the communication mode of the connection setting mode as the initial setup and waits for a connection from the mobile terminal device 140. That is, the MFP 120 operates as a setup AP serving as a master station. The MFP 120 establishes a connection with the mobile terminal device 140 by operating as the setup AP. The MFP 120 then acquires connection information for connecting to the AP using a predetermined communication protocol and executes a connection process with the AP using the acquired connection information. Note that if the connection information for connecting to the AP is not recorded in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215, the MFP 120 may operate as a setup AP even when the power is turned on at a time other than the initial startup.

[0152] Furthermore, when MFP 120 completes all initial setup, it changes the value of the initial startup flag stored in non-volatile memory 215 from a value indicating an initial startup state to a value indicating a non-initial startup state. The non-initial startup state corresponds to a state during normal use. The initial startup flag is information indicating whether MFP 120 is in an initial startup state.

[0153] In this way, the MFP 120 performs initial setup by notifying the user and operating as a setup AP. When the MFP 120 performs such initial setup, the amount of data exchanged in communication with devices such as the mobile terminal device 140 and an external access point is small. In other words, during initial setup, there is little need for high-throughput communication such as Multi-Link communication. Therefore, in this embodiment, a form will be described in which the MFP 120 controls the Multi-Link communication to be disabled when performing initial setup. As a result, when there is little need for the MFP 120 to perform Multi-Link communication, disabling Multi-Link communication can reduce power consumption of the MFP 120.

[0154] The processing executed by the MFP 120 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the MFP 120 determines whether to perform Multi-Link communication depending on the state of the MFP 120. The processing executed by the MFP 120 in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 provided in the MFP 120 into the RAM 214 and executing them.

[0155] In S901, the MFP 120 starts network configuration. This process is similar to the process in S701, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0156] In S902, the MFP 120 determines whether to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA) in the network settings. If the MFP 120 determines to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA), the process proceeds to S903. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines not to activate a communication mode in which it operates as a slave station (STA), the process proceeds to S905. The specific determination in this process is the same as the determination in S702, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0157] In S903, the MFP 120 acquires AP information and stores the acquired information in the RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215. This process is performed in the same manner as, for example, S701 and S802, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] In S904, the MFP 120 determines whether to perform Multi-Link communication based on the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication with the target AP, enables or disables Multi-Link communication, and performs control for connecting as a child station to the target AP as a parent station. This process is the same as S704 to S708. Alternatively, this process is the same as S802 to S808. Therefore, detailed description will be omitted. That is, in S904, the MFP 100 makes a determination similar to the process described in S704 to S706, and executes a process similar to the process of S707 or S708 depending on the determination result. Alternatively, in S904, the MFP 100 makes a determination similar to the process described in S803 to S807, and executes a process similar to the process of S808 or S809 depending on the determination result.

[0159] In S905, the MFP 120 determines whether the communication mode in which the MFP 120 operates as a parent station (AP) is enabled. Examples of communication modes in which the MFP 120 operates as a parent station (AP) include soft AP mode, WFD mode, and connection setting mode. Specifically, the MFP 120 proceeds to S906 when starting the connection setting mode based on a user operation such as selecting "Set up using PC / smartphone" in FIG. 3(e) or when starting the WFD mode based on a user operation such as selecting the "Wireless Direct" option in FIG. 3(c). The MFP 120 also proceeds to S906 if the communication mode in which the MFP 120 operates as a parent station (AP) has already been activated. Otherwise, the MFP 120 proceeds to S909.

[0160] Next, in S906 and S907, the MFP 120 determines whether or not to enable Multi-Link communication in the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP).

[0161] In S906, the MFP 120 determines whether the Multi-Link setting for operating the wireless unit 226 as a master station is valid. If the MFP 120 determines that the setting is valid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S907. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines that the setting is invalid, the MFP 120 proceeds to S909.

[0162] Specifically, in S906, for example, the MFP 120 acquires setting information stored in the RAM 214 and / or the non-volatile memory 215. The setting information acquired by the MFP 120 in S906 is information indicating whether Multi-Link communication is enabled or disabled when the wireless unit 226 is activated as a master station. For example, the screen of FIG. 3(f) may be provided with an interface (not shown) that allows a user to set whether Multi-Link communication is enabled or disabled when the wireless unit 226 is activated as a master station. The MFP 120 may then store setting information for when the wireless unit 226 is activated as a master station based on a user operation of the interface (not shown). Note that the setting information for when the wireless unit 226 is activated as a master station may be stored by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 140. Note that the setting information for when the wireless unit 226 is activated as a master station may be set to enabled by default. Therefore, if a user operation has not been performed on MFP 120, such as changing the enable / disable setting of Multi-Link communication, or if a specific signal has not been received from an external device such as mobile terminal device 140, the setting information is information indicating valid. That is, in S906, if the acquired setting information is information indicating valid, MFP 120 proceeds to S907. On the other hand, if the acquired setting information is information indicating invalid, MFP 120 proceeds to S909.

[0163] In S907, the MFP 120 determines whether to enable (activate) the connection setting mode. If the MFP 120 determines to enable the connection setting mode, the process proceeds to S908. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 determines not to enable the connection setting mode, the process proceeds to S909.

[0164] Specifically, in S907, if the MFP 120 has started the processing of this flowchart based on the acceptance of a user operation for direct connection, the MFP 120 determines NO. On the other hand, if the MFP 120 has started the processing of this flowchart based on the acceptance of a user operation for connection setting or a user operation for initial setup, the MFP 120 determines YES.

[0165] In S908, the MFP 120 activates the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) with Multi-Link communication enabled. Specifically, the MFP 120 activates the direct communication mode. Even more specifically, the MFP 120 transmits the Beacon frame and Probe Response frame in the communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) by including a Basic Multi-Link element in the frame and the Probe Response frame over multiple channels. At this time, the MFP 120 transmits information about the affiliated AP by including the Basic Multi-Link element in the frame.

[0166] In step S909, the MFP 120 operates in a communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) by disabling Multi-Link communication. Specifically, the MFP 120 activates a connection setting mode. More specifically, the MFP 120 transmits Beacon frames and Probe Response frames in a communication mode in which it operates as a master station (AP) over a single channel without including a Basic Multi-Link element in the Beacon frames and Probe Response frames.

[0167] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the communication mode in which the MFP 120 operates as a master station (AP) is a setup communication mode that is automatically activated without user operation, the MFP 120 waits for a connection without Multi-Link communication. Even if the communication mode in which the MFP 120 operates as a master station (AP) is a communication mode activated by user operation, if the MFP 120 is in an initial startup state, the MFP 120 waits for a connection without Multi-Link communication. When the connection setting mode is automatically activated or in an initial startup state, the MFP 120 mainly waits for a connection from the mobile terminal device 140 and for a setup communication protocol, resulting in a low amount of data being transmitted and received. In such communications with low data volumes, there is little need for high-throughput communications such as Multi-Link communication. Therefore, in such cases, disabling Multi-Link communication can reduce the power consumption of the MFP 120. On the other hand, when the communication mode in which the MFP 120 operates as a master station is activated by user operation, if the MFP 120 is not in an initial startup state, the MFP 120 may receive, for example, large amounts of data, such as print data. Therefore, Multi-Link communication is enabled. This improves communication throughput. In this way, when the MFP 120 activates the communication mode in which it operates as a master station, it controls whether to enable Multi-Link communication based on the conditions for performing Multi-Link communication in the communication mode in which it operates as a master station. This improves the usability of wireless connections for electronic devices that can simultaneously use multiple links.

[0168] The various controls described above as being performed by CPU 212 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0169] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to an MFP. However, this is not limited to this example and can be applied to any wireless device that functions as an STA and is capable of processing a connection change request from an AP. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, tablet devices, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smartwatches, and various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected to USB or LAN cable terminals. Video output devices include devices such as set-top boxes, which acquire (download) videos and still images from the Internet identified by a URL specified by an electronic device and output them to a connected display device via a video output terminal such as HDMI (trademark). This enables streaming playback on the display device and mirroring display (displaying the content displayed on the electronic device on the display device). Furthermore, video output devices include media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors), signage devices, etc. The present invention is also applicable to Wi-Fi-connectable devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting equipment, heating equipment, and cooling equipment.

[0170] (Other embodiments) 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.

[0171] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following electronic device, method, and program. (Item 1) An electronic device, a connection means for connecting as a slave station to an external access point as a master station; a start-up means for starting the electronic device as a master station; a first control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means, based on a first condition for performing communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and second control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication when the electronic device is activated as a master station by the activation means, based on a second condition for performing communication performed when the electronic device operates as a master station as the first communication. An electronic device characterized by: (Item 2) The first condition is: a condition based on a user setting as to whether or not the first communication is enabled in the connection by the connection means; The first control means When a user sets the first communication to be disabled in the connection by the connection means, the first communication is disabled. 2. The electronic device according to item 1. (Item 3) The first condition is: a condition whether the external access point is an access point designated by a user; The first control means When the external access point is an access point designated by the user, control is performed to disable the first communication. 3. The electronic device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The first condition is: a condition as to whether the external access point supports the first communication; The first control means If the external access point supports a first communication, control is performed to enable the first communication; If the external access point does not support the first communication, control is performed to disable the first communication. 4. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) The first condition is: a condition as to whether the electronic device is activated as a master station by the activation means; The first control means When the electronic device is not activated as a master station by the activation means, control is performed to enable the first communication. 5. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) The first condition is: a condition that, when the electronic device is activated as a master station by the activation means, the number of external devices connected to the electronic device operating as the master station is less than a threshold or is equal to or greater than a threshold; The first control means When the number of the external devices is less than a threshold, control is performed to enable the first communication; When the number of the external devices is equal to or greater than a threshold, the first communication is disabled. 6. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 5. (Item 7) The device further includes a first determination means for determining whether the first condition is satisfied, The first control means When the first determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, control is performed to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means; When the first determination means determines that the first condition is not satisfied, control is performed to disable the first communication in the connection by the connection means. 7. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) The first control means When the first determination means determines that the first condition is not satisfied, control is performed so that a second communication using a single link different from the first communication is performed in the connection by the connection means. 8. The electronic device according to item 7. (Item 9) The second condition is: a condition based on a user setting as to whether or not the first communication is enabled when the activation means activates the device as a master station; The second control means When the activation unit activates the device as a master station, if a user setting is made to disable the first communication, the activation unit controls the device to disable the first communication. 9. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) The electronic device further includes a setting unit for setting the electronic device to start up in a setup mode, The second condition is: When the electronic device is started as a master station by the starting means, a condition is included as to whether or not the setting has been made by the setting means, The second control means When the setting is not performed by the setting means, the first communication is disabled. 10. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 9. (Item 11) The second condition is: a condition for determining whether the activation of the electronic device as a master station by the activation means is for executing an initial setup of the electronic device; The second control means When the electronic device is started up to perform the initial setup, the first communication is disabled. 11. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 12) further comprising a second determination means for determining whether the second condition is satisfied; The second control means when the second determination means determines that the second condition is satisfied, control is performed so that the first communication is enabled when the activation means activates the station as a master station; When the second determination means determines that the second condition is not satisfied, control is performed so that the first communication is disabled when the activation means activates the device as a master station. 12. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 11. (Item 13) The predetermined communication standard is It is a communication standard that complies with IEEE802.11be. 13. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein: (Item 14) the electronic device is a printing device, 14. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 13. (Item 15) A method implemented in an electronic device, a connecting step of connecting as a slave station to an external access point as a master station; a startup step in which the electronic device is started up as a master station; a first control step of controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection made by the connection step, based on a first condition for performing communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and a second control step of controlling whether or not to enable the first communication when the electronic device is activated as a master station in the activation step, based on a second condition for performing communication performed by operating the electronic device as a master station as the first communication. A method characterized by: (Item 16) Electronic equipment computers, a connection means for connecting as a slave station to an external access point as a master station; a start-up means for starting the electronic device as a master station; a first control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means, based on a first condition for performing communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and causing the electronic device to function as a second control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication when the activation means activates the electronic device as a master station, based on a second condition for performing the communication performed by the electronic device as the first communication. A program characterized by:

[0172] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 120 MFP: 130 DHCP server: 131 DNS server: 140 Mobile terminal device: 150 AP1: 151 AP2:

Claims

1. An electronic device, a connection means for connecting as a slave station to an external access point as a master station; a start-up means for starting the electronic device as a master station; a first control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means, based on a first condition for performing communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and second control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication when the electronic device is activated as a master station by the activation means, based on a second condition for performing communication performed when the electronic device operates as a master station as the first communication. An electronic device characterized by:

2. The first condition is: a condition based on a user setting as to whether or not the first communication is enabled in the connection by the connection means; The first control means When a user sets the first communication to be disabled in the connection by the connection means, the first communication is disabled.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

3. The first condition is: a condition whether the external access point is an access point designated by a user; The first control means When the external access point is an access point designated by the user, control is performed to disable the first communication.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

4. The first condition is: a condition as to whether the external access point supports the first communication; The first control means If the external access point supports a first communication, control is performed to enable the first communication; If the external access point does not support the first communication, control is performed to disable the first communication.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

5. The first condition is: a condition as to whether the electronic device is activated as a master station by the activation means; The first control means When the electronic device is not activated as a master station by the activation means, the first communication is enabled.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

6. The first condition is: a condition that, when the electronic device is activated as a master station by the activation means, the number of external devices connected to the electronic device operating as the master station is less than a threshold or is equal to or greater than a threshold; The first control means When the number of the external devices is less than a threshold, control is performed to enable the first communication; When the number of the external devices is equal to or greater than a threshold, the first communication is disabled.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5,

7. The apparatus further includes a first determination means for determining whether the first condition is satisfied, The first control means When the first determination means determines that the first condition is satisfied, control is performed to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means; When the first determination means determines that the first condition is not satisfied, control is performed to disable the first communication in the connection by the connection means.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

8. The first control means when the first determination means determines that the first condition is not satisfied, control is performed in the connection by the connection means so that a second communication is performed using a single link different from the first communication; 8. The electronic device according to claim 7,

9. The second condition is: a condition based on a user setting as to whether or not the first communication is enabled when the activation means activates the device as a master station; The second control means When the activation unit activates the device as a master station, if a user setting is made to disable the first communication, the activation unit controls the device to disable the first communication.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

10. The electronic device further includes a setting unit for setting the electronic device to start up in a setup mode, The second condition is: When the electronic device is started as a master station by the starting means, a condition is included as to whether or not the setting has been made by the setting means, The second control means When the setting is not performed by the setting means, the first communication is disabled.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

11. The second condition is: a condition for determining whether the activation of the electronic device as a master station by the activation means is for executing an initial setup of the electronic device; The second control means When the electronic device is started up to perform the initial setup, the first communication is disabled.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

12. further comprising second determination means for determining whether the second condition is satisfied; The second control means when the second determination means determines that the second condition is satisfied, control is performed so that the first communication is enabled when the activation means activates the station as a master station; When the second determination means determines that the second condition is not satisfied, control is performed so that the first communication is disabled when the activation means activates the station as a master station.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

13. The predetermined communication standard is It is a communication standard that complies with IEEE802.11be.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:

14. the electronic device is a printing device, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

15. A method implemented in an electronic device, a connecting step of connecting as a slave station to an external access point as a master station; a startup step in which the electronic device is started up as a master station; a first control step of controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection made by the connection step, based on a first condition for performing communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and a second control step of controlling whether or not to enable the first communication when the electronic device is started up as a master station in the start-up step, based on a second condition for performing communication performed by operating the electronic device as a master station as the first communication. A method characterized by:

16. Electronic equipment computers, a connection means for connecting as a slave station to an external access point as a master station; a start-up means for starting the electronic device as a master station; a first control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication in the connection by the connection means, based on a first condition for performing communication between the electronic device and the external access point as a first communication conforming to a predetermined communication standard that allows multiple communication links to be used simultaneously; and causing the electronic device to function as a second control means for controlling whether or not to enable the first communication when the activation means activates the electronic device as a master station, based on a second condition for performing the communication performed by the electronic device as the first communication. A program characterized by:

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