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

Abstract

To appropriately control for reconnecting to a network when a connection with an access point is disconnected.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from a connected first access point; and control means for, when the change request is received by the reception means, storing information of a second access point of a change destination recommended in the change request, performing a control so as not to change a connection destination based on the change request, and then performing the control so as to connect to the second access point based on the stored information when the connection with the first access point being connected is disconnected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that can change an access point (AP) to which it is connected based on a connection destination change request from the AP, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following process for a router with AP functionality to request a connected wireless slave device to change its connection destination: A mobile router (MR1) connectable to multiple wireless slave devices checks whether the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE802.11v. Whether the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE802.11v can be determined from an Association Request frame transmitted by the wireless slave device when wirelessly connecting to MR1. If the wireless slave device terminal supports IEEE802.11v, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame is transmitted to the corresponding wireless slave device terminal. The BSS Transition Candidate List Entries field of the BTM Request frame specifies the BSSID of the master router RT2 as the connection destination. This prompts the slave device terminal to switch its connection destination, and the wireless slave device terminal switches its connection destination from MR1 to RT2 in accordance with the received BTM Request frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-175068 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An STA can switch APs without causing any problems, or it can switch APs or lose communication with the AP, causing problems. When a problem occurs, the STA receives an AP change request from the AP and switches its AP accordingly, which can cause problems for the STA. To avoid problems, the STA controls the AP so that it does not switch APs, but after this control, the STA may lose its connection to the AP. In such cases, the STA may lose its connection to the network. Therefore, when an electronic device operating as a STA loses its connection to an AP, it is necessary to appropriately control the STA to reconnect to the network.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that appropriately performs control to reconnect to a network when the connection with an AP is cut off, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electronic device according to the present invention comprises: receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from a currently connected first access point; when the change request is received by the receiving means, storing information about a second access point to be changed to that is recommended in the change request, and controlling so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request; and a control means for controlling the device to connect to the second AP based on the stored information when the connection to the first access point is subsequently disconnected. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a connection with an AP is disconnected, control can be appropriately performed to reconnect to the network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit of an MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an access point. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process in response to a connection destination change request from an AP. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in response to a connection destination change request from an AP. 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] (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 104, an MFP 100, access points AP101 and AP102, a DHCP server 103, and a network 110. Note that AP101 and AP102 may be illustrated as AP1 and AP2. The mobile terminal device 104 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 104 may be a personal digital assistant such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0012] The MFP 100 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 100 of this embodiment has a communication function that enables wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 104. Although the present embodiment describes a case in which the MFP 100 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 notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, and the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral.

[0013] The AP 101 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100, 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 101. Note that hereinafter, an access point may be referred to as an "AP." Furthermore, infrastructure mode may be referred to as "wireless infrastructure mode." The AP 101 performs wireless communication with communication devices that have been authorized (authenticated) to connect to the AP 101, and relays wireless communication between the communication devices and other communication devices. The AP 101 may also be connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP 101.

[0014] AP 102 has the same functions as AP 101, and MFP 100 switches its connection from AP 101 to AP 102 as necessary. DHCP server 103 connects to MFP 100 via AP 101 and network 110 and provides services to MFP 100 by responding to requests from MFP 100. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which DHCP server 103 is connected as a separate device from AP 101 and AP 102, the APs 101 and 102 may also have DHCP server functionality. DNS server 105 is connected to MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104 via AP 101 and network 110 and provides name resolution services by responding to requests from MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104. Here, network 110 may be the so-called Internet, a closed corporate network, or a mobile phone network.

[0015] (MFP external configuration) FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 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. Platen 201 is a stand on which a document to be read is placed. Platen cover 202 is a cover that holds down the document placed on platen 201 and prevents light from a light source that illuminates the document during reading from leaking to the outside. Print paper insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot that can accept paper of various sizes. Print paper ejection slot 204 is an ejection slot through which paper that has been printed is ejected. Paper that has been placed in print paper insertion slot 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, where it is printed and then ejected from 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 100 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for this wireless communication, although this does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. Like the mobile terminal device 104, the MFP 100 can also perform wireless communication using WLAN in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.

[0016] (MFP configuration) FIG. 2(b) shows an example configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 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. MFP 100 also includes, for example, a modem 229 for performing wired communication. 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. 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 main board 211 are connected to each other via a system bus 230 managed by 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 .

[0017] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire MFP 100. In one example, the processing of the MFP 100 described below is realized by the CPU 212 executing programs stored in the ROM 213. Note that dedicated hardware for each process may be provided. The ROM 213 stores control programs such as the control programs and embedded OS programs executed by the CPU 212. In this embodiment, the CPU 212 executes the control programs 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.

[0018] 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 100. 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 power to the MFP 100 is turned 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 100 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The encoding / decoding processor 221 performs encoding and decoding processes on image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100, as well as scaling processes.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing WLAN communication functions, and can provide functions similar to those of a combination of the WLAN unit 401 of the mobile terminal device 104, for example. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets 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. The wireless unit 226 is capable of communication as a station conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series. In particular, it is capable of communication as a station conforming to IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. Hereinafter, the station may be referred to as an STA. It is also capable of communication as an STA compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark).

[0025] The wireless unit 226 is compatible with IEEE802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi 6 (trademark), and can perform processing compliant with IEEE802.11ax. In other words, the MFP 100 can operate (process) as either an STA compatible with (compliant with) OFDMA or as an STA compatible with (compliant 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 master device to the STA. The wireless unit 226 (MFP 100) as an STA transitions its communication function to a sleep state when it does not need to wait for signal reception. This reduces power consumption. The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E (trademark). In other words, communication in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) is also possible. The bands where Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is performed, which exist in the 5 GHz band, do not exist in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, when communicating in the 6GHz band, communication interruptions due to DFS waiting times will not occur, and more smooth communication can be expected.

[0026] The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 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 the channel to be used for P2P communication.

[0027] (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 100. FIG. 3(a) is an example of a home screen that is displayed when the MFP 100 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 use Internet communication. By selecting any of the menu items through key operations or touch panel operations, the MFP 100 can begin executing the corresponding settings or functions. The MFP 100 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 3(c) is an example of a communication settings menu screen that appears when communication settings are selected on the screen in Figure 3(b). The communication settings menu screen displays the following 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 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 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 use this screen to configure settings such as the wireless LAN frequency band and frequency channel.

[0030] (External configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In this embodiment, as an example, the mobile terminal device 104 is a general-type smartphone. The mobile terminal device 104 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is, for example, a display including a 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 104 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 hardware key for receiving a user operation to turn on or off the power of mobile terminal device 104.

[0031] The mobile terminal device 104 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, etc.). It is also capable of communication as an AP compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). 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 capable of communication in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. It is also assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure mode, etc. Operation in these modes will be described later.

[0032] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the mobile terminal device 104 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 104 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.

[0033] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 104 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Note that 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.

[0034] 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 104. 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 104 is powered off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 104 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.

[0035] 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 104.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 100 based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 is the operation unit 403 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and upon receiving a user operation, performs control such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting it to the CPU 412.

[0038] The mobile terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using a WLAN unit 429 to perform data communication with other devices such as the MFP 100. The WLAN unit 429 converts data into packets and transmits the packets to other devices. The WLAN unit 429 also restores packets from other external devices to 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 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.

[0039] (Access point configuration) 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the AP 101 having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP 101 is configured to include a main board 510 that controls the AP 101, a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and an operation button 520.

[0040] A microprocessor-type CPU 511 disposed on a main board 510 operates in accordance with 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. 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 controls an operation unit control circuit 519 to accept operations from a user via operation buttons 520. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0041] The AP 101 also includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs processing to detect interference waves when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented. If an interference wave is detected when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is implemented, the channel change unit 522 performs processing to change the channel to be used when it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel.

[0042] The AP 102 has the same configuration as the AP 101.

[0043] (P2P communication method) Next, we will outline the P2P (WLAN) communication method, which allows devices to communicate directly with each other wirelessly without going through an external access point. P2P (WLAN) communication can be realized using multiple methods. For example, a communication device can support multiple modes for P2P (WLAN) communication and selectively use one of the multiple modes to perform P2P communication (WLAN).

[0044] The following three P2P modes are envisioned: Soft AP mode Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode Network Setup Mode A communication device capable of P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes, but even a communication device capable of P2P communication does not have to support all of these modes and may be configured to support only some of them.

[0045] A communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) having a WFD communication function receives user operations via its operation unit, thereby invoking a (possibly dedicated) application for realizing the communication function. The communication device then displays a UI (user interface) screen provided by the application to prompt the user to perform an operation, and can execute WFD communication based on the received user operations.

[0046] ●Soft AP mode In the soft AP mode, a communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) operates as a client that requests various services. The other communication device (e.g., the MFP 100) operates as a soft AP that can execute the functions of a WLAN AP through software configuration. It is sufficient for the commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the soft AP to be those specified in the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Furthermore, the MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use, either 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0047] WFD mode The MFP 100 may be configured to be permanently activated as a master station in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, GO negotiation processing to determine the role is not required. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use, 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0048] ●Network Setup Mode MFP 100 can operate in network setup mode. The trigger for MFP 100 to start operation in network setup mode may be, for example, a user pressing a network setup mode button, or MFP 100 being started up (powered on) for the first time after delivery. The network setup mode button may be a hardware button provided on MFP 100, or may be a software button displayed on operation display unit 220 by MFP 100.

[0049] When the MFP 100 starts operating in network setup mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, as part of the Wi-Fi communication enablement process, the MFP 100 enables an internal AP (setup AP) dedicated to the network setup mode. This puts the MFP 100 in a state where it can establish a direct Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal device 104. It is assumed that connection information (such as a Service Set Identifier (SSID) (hereinafter, SSID) and a password) for connecting to the setup AP is stored in advance in a setup app installed on the mobile terminal device 104, and that the mobile terminal device 104 already recognizes the connection information for connecting to the setup AP. Note that an encryption method may not be set for the setup AP, and a password may not be required for connection to the AP. Therefore, it is assumed that the setup AP is different from the AP enabled in WFD mode or soft AP mode. Unlike the connection information for the AP enabled in direct communication mode, it is assumed that the connection information for connecting to the setup AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. When MFP 100 operating in network setup mode and mobile terminal device 104 are connected, mobile terminal device 104 transmits a setting command to MFP 100 using a setup application to set the communication mode of MFP 100. The setting command is, for example, a command for operating MFP 100 in wireless infrastructure mode (described later), and more specifically, is information including connection information (SSID, password, etc.) for connecting to an AP designated by the user, such as AP 101. A command for operating MFP 100 in wireless infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure setting command. When MFP 100 receives the infrastructure setting command, it stops operating in network setup mode, starts operating in wireless infrastructure mode, and connects to AP 101 using the information included in the infrastructure setting command. Then, MFP 100 searches for mobile terminal device 104 on the network formed by AP 101. That is, MFP 100 checks communication with mobile terminal device 104 via AP 101.

[0050] In the network setup mode, the MFP 100 may connect to the mobile terminal device 104 via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) instead of regular Wi-Fi. That is, the MFP 100 may operate as a group owner and receive a configuration command from the mobile terminal device 104 via WFD communication. The MFP 100 operating in the network setup mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (a setup communication protocol) to communicate with the mobile terminal device 104 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 network setup mode, the MFP 100 stops operation in the network setup mode and disables the setup AP after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, since the setup AP is an access point that does not require a password as described above, leaving it enabled for a long period of time increases the possibility of inappropriate devices requesting connection.

[0051] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices (e.g., mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100) that communicate with each other are connected to an external AP (e.g., AP 101) that manages the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via that AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network established by the external AP. When mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100 each discover AP 101 and send a connection request to AP 101 to connect, communication between these communication devices in wireless infrastructure mode via AP 101 is possible. Note that multiple communication devices may be connected to separate APs. In this case, data transfer between APs enables communication between the communication devices. Commands and parameters transmitted and received during communication between each communication device via an access point may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here. In this case, AP 101 determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, the AP 101 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0052] (Processing in response to a request from the AP to change the connection destination of the STA) The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support a function publicly known as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables the selection of an optimal environment according to changing conditions in a Wi-Fi network. Specifically, STAs such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as the AP 101 exchange information about the network environment using the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. Through this information exchange, if the network is congested, the AP can guide (change the connection destination) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, or even another cellular service.

[0053] 6 is a sequence diagram in which MFP 100 switches the AP of the connection destination from AP 101 to AP 102 in response to a connection destination change request from AP 101. In this sequence, the processes executed by each device are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in memory such as ROM of each device into RAM and executing them.

[0054] 6, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP 101 in wireless infrastructure mode. When the MFP 100 and the AP 101 connect in wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v. If the AP 101 has acquired information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v, it will perform the following processing.

[0055] In S601, the AP 101 transmits to the MFP 100 an inquiry (measurement request) about the radio wave strength of APs around the MFP 100. This inquiry is transmitted as, for example, a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. That is, this request can use a mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0056] In S602, the MFP 100 receives frames transmitted by surrounding APs in response to the request received in S601 and measures the radio wave strength. As a result, the radio wave strength of each of the multiple APs, including AP 101 and AP 102, is measured.

[0057] In S603, the MFP 100 transmits a list of the radio wave intensities of the APs around the MFP 100 measured in S602 as a response to the request received in S601. Note that the radio wave intensity to be transmitted in response may be information stored in the RAM 214, non-volatile memory 215, etc. of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602. This response is transmitted as, for example, a beacon report or measurement reports.

[0058] In S604, the AP 101 determines whether or not it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100, based on the congestion status within the network that the AP 101 is aware of and the radio wave strength received from the MFP 100 in S603. Factors that the AP 101 may use to determine that a connection switch is necessary include a large number of connected STAs, a large amount of communication traffic, other APs being less congested, the presence or absence of radio interference, and AP function outages. Once it determines that a switch of the connection destination of the MFP 100 is necessary and determines the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), channel, and frequency band of another AP to be designated as the switch destination of the MFP 100, the process proceeds to S605. Note that in this embodiment, the SSID of the other AP designated as the connection destination is the same SSID as the SSID of the AP from which the change was made (the BSSID is different for each AP).

[0059] In S605, the AP 101 transmits an AP change request (connection destination switch request) to the MFP 100. The connection destination change request includes information on the BSSID, channel, and frequency band of the other AP designated as the switch destination for the MFP 100, as determined in S604. Note that multiple BSSIDs may be designated. In this embodiment, the same SSID is set for the APs for which Wi-Fi Agile Multiband connection destination switching is performed, and each AP can be identified by its Media Access Control address (hereinafter referred to as MAC address) (BSSID). Therefore, even if the other AP designated as a candidate for the new connection destination has the same SSID as the original AP, it can be identified by its MAC address. The connection destination change request is transmitted, for example, as a BTM Request. That is, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame defined in the IEEE 802.11v standard is transmitted. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the AP 102 is designated as the switch destination included in the connection destination change request. That is, in this embodiment, the SSID of the AP 101 and the SSID of the AP 102 are the same.

[0060] In S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the connection destination change request received in S605, it transmits a response indicating acceptance of the switch to the AP 101. If the MFP 100 does not comply with the connection destination change request, it may transmit a response indicating rejection of the switch. The response is transmitted as a BTM Response. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a response indicating acceptance is transmitted.

[0061] In S607, the AP 101 and the MFP 100 disconnect the connection in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0062] In S608, the MFP 100 transmits a connection request to the AP 102 to connect to the AP 102 specified in the connection destination change request received in S605.

[0063] As a result, in S609, a connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 is established in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0064] With this mechanism, MFP100, which is an STA, can change its connection destination from AP101 to AP102 based on a connection destination change request from AP101 to which it was originally connected. AP101 and AP102 may be APs installed in different locations. That is, by the processing of FIG. 6, MFP100 can switch to another AP installed in a different location from the AP to which it was originally connected. Also, among multiple frequency bands (any two or three of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provided by the same device, the APs may each support different frequency bands. That is, by the processing of FIG. 6, MFP100 can switch to another frequency band provided by the same device as the AP to which it was originally connected. For example, it is possible to change the connection destination to an AP in the 6 GHz band based on a connection destination change request.

[0065] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an AP transmits a measurement request or a connection destination change request in a mechanism compliant with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband, and an STA responds to the request, but the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to a case in which an STA responds to a measurement request or a connection destination change request transmitted from an AP using a mechanism different from the above example, or changes the connection destination AP (switches, deletes, or adds an AP to be connected to).

[0066] There are situations where it is acceptable to change the destination AP based on a change request sent from the currently connected AP, and situations where it is not desirable. In situations where it is not desirable to change the destination AP based on a change request, one or a combination of the following processes can be performed to suppress the change of destination in response to the change request. The following processes respectively prevent or make it more difficult to change the destination AP based on a change request.

[0067] (Suppression process 1) Even if the change request described in S605 is received, the MFP 100 does not change the destination AP based on the received connection request, does not return a response to the change request, or sends a rejection response (indicating that the destination AP will not be changed) to the currently connected AP. If a rejection response is sent, the priority of the change of destination for other STAs connected to the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected increases, and the priority of the change of destination for the MFP 100 that returned the rejection response decreases, resulting in the connection with the currently connected AP being maintained. Also, if no response is returned (ignored), the currently connected AP is considered to maintain its connection with the MFP 100 by waiting for a response until the response wait time expires. Therefore, if the connection is to be immediately terminated in response to a response from the MFP 100 to the change request, not responding can extend the time the connection with the currently connected AP can be maintained rather than returning a response. Therefore, for example, different processing can be performed depending on the reason for the change, such as responding with a rejection if the reason is weak and ignoring if the reason is strong, based on the information about the reason for the change included in the change request. The reason for the change can be determined based on the information included in the Request Mode included in the BTM Request, which of several reasons applies. For example, if the Disassociation Imminent bit or the BSS Termination Included bit in the Request Mode is 1, it can be determined that the reason for the change is a strong reason for the change request. Otherwise, it can be determined that the reason for the change is a weak reason for the change.

[0068] (Suppression process 2) In response to the measurement request described in S601, the AP responds (fakes) with information indicating that the radio wave reception conditions (signal reception conditions) of non-connected APs other than the connected AP are lower than the conditions actually measured (low signal quality). In this case, the AP may actually perform measurements in response to the measurement request, or may respond without actually performing measurements. Specifically, in the response (beacon report, etc.) described in S603, the AP may respond with a value obtained by reducing the received signal strength and / or increasing the noise (signal-to-noise ratio) compared to the signal quality measured as the signal received from the non-connected AP. Alternatively, the AP may respond without including information about at least one of the non-connected APs. Furthermore, the AP may respond with a significantly lower received signal strength or a significantly increased noise based on information previously measured for the non-connected AP. Furthermore, the AP may respond without actually performing measurements (AP search) even when it receives a measurement request, and may not include information about the non-connected AP, indicating that only the connected AP has good received signal strength and noise conditions. A response to a measurement request without including information about the non-connected AP corresponds to an AP search not finding other non-connected APs. In other words, a response without including information about the non-connected AP indicates that at least some of the signal quality from the non-connected AP is lower than that obtained by an actual AP search. This is expected to prevent requests from the currently connected AP to change the connection destination to another AP. Therefore, changes in the connection destination in response to a request to change the connection destination are prevented.

[0069] (Suppression process 3) The MFP 100 temporarily disconnects from the currently connected AP, notifies the MFP 100 of the fact that the change request is not supported, and then reconnects to the same AP. Specifically, the wireless connection with the currently connected AP is temporarily disconnected, and in preparation for reconnecting wirelessly, association request frame data is created that includes information that the MFP 100 is not compliant with IEEE 802.11v. Then, connection processing with the AP is performed using the created association request frame data. As a result, if an association request frame including information that the MFP 100 is not compliant with IEEE 802.11v is created, the MFP 100 will connect to the AP as an electronic device that does not support (is incompatible with) the Agile Multiband function. As a result, the currently connected AP recognizes that the MFP 100 is not compliant with IEEE 802.11v, and will no longer send a request to change the wireless connection destination to the MFP 100. In this way, a request to change the wireless connection to the MFP 100 is no longer made, making it easier to maintain the wireless connection between the MFP 100 and the currently connected AP. Furthermore, if the connected AP recognizes that the MFP 100 is not IEEE802.11v-compatible, the transmission of the measurement request (the request described in S601) from the connected AP to the MFP 100 is also suppressed. Therefore, the measurement (AP search) in response to the measurement request in the MFP 100 and the response to the measurement request (processing in S603) can also be suppressed. This reduces the processing load and power consumption, allowing resources to be allocated to other processes.

[0070] For example, a state in which changing the connection destination AP based on a change request is undesirable is when print data is being received. While the MFP 100 is receiving print data, it has already received part of the print data for the image to be printed from the mobile terminal device 104, which is the other device, but has not yet received the remaining part of the print data. The MFP 100 does not store all of the print data for one sheet of paper. Therefore, when the MFP 100 receives part of the print data, it prints only that part (for example, it receives and prints one line), and when it receives the remaining data, it prints that part again, repeating this process. If the connection destination AP is changed based on a change request while receiving this print data, a time lag occurs during the connection destination switching process, which may result in reduced print quality, such as uneven printing. Furthermore, after the connection destination is switched, communication with the mobile terminal device 104, which is the other device, may not work properly, preventing it from receiving the remaining data and resulting in printing failure. Therefore, while receiving print data, it is advisable to perform at least one of the above-mentioned (suppression process 1) and (suppression process 2) processes to suppress a change in the connection destination in response to a change request, or to perform the above-mentioned (suppression process 3) process before starting to receive print data.

[0071] As described above, when the MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from the currently connected AP, if changing the connection destination AP based on the change request is not desirable, the MFP 100 executes the above-described suppression process 1 or the like to maintain the connection with the currently connected AP. However, even when the MFP 100 executes suppression process 1, there is a possibility that the connection will be disconnected from the currently connected AP. If the MFP 100 is disconnected from the currently connected AP, the MFP 100 may enter a state where it is not connected to the network. In a state where it is not connected to the network, for example, the MFP 100 cannot execute functions that use the network (e.g., receive print data from the mobile terminal device 104 or an external server via the AP). Therefore, when the MFP 100 is disconnected from the currently connected AP, it is required to appropriately perform control to reconnect to the network.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from the currently connected first access point. When the change request is received, the MFP 100 stores information about the second access point recommended in the change request and controls the MFP 100 so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request. After performing control not to change the connection destination based on the change request, if the MFP 100 is disconnected from the currently connected first access point, the MFP 100 controls the MFP 100 to connect to the second access point based on the stored information about the second access point. Alternatively, if the MFP 100 is disconnected from the currently connected first access point, the MFP 100 reconnects to the first AP if the conditions for reconnecting to the first AP are met. With this configuration, the MFP 100 can appropriately perform control to reconnect to the network when the connection to the AP is disconnected, even if the MFP 100 is disconnected from the currently connected AP.

[0073] Next, the control of MFP 100 in response to a connection destination change request from AP 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. The processing of Fig. 7 is realized, for example, by CPU 212 reading a program stored in ROM 213, which is a computer-readable recording medium, into RAM 214 and executing the program.

[0074] 7, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP 101 in wireless infrastructure mode. When the MFP 100 and the AP 101 connect in wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v. If the acquired information indicates that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v, the AP 101 performs the following processing.

[0075] In this embodiment, the same SSID is set for AP 101 and AP 102 before the start of the processing in Fig. 7. For example, since AP 101 and AP 102 are APs that support the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function, the same SSID is set by the user for AP 101 and an AP (for example, AP 102) to which the connection destination can be changed.

[0076] In S701, the MFP 100 determines whether or not it has received an inquiry (measurement request) from the AP 101 about the radio wave strength of APs surrounding the MFP 100. This inquiry can include a beacon frame request or a beacon report request, and in this embodiment, it is assumed to include either of these requests. The radio wave strength inquiry that the MFP 100 determines whether or not it has received in S701 corresponds to the inquiry that the AP 101 sends in S601 in FIG. 6. If the MFP 100 determines in S701 that it has received the inquiry, it proceeds to S702. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that it has not received the inquiry, it proceeds to S703.

[0077] In S702, as described in S602 and S603 of FIG. 6 , the MFP 100 measures the radio wave strength of APs around the MFP 100 (AP search) and transmits a list of the radio wave strengths of the APs to the AP 101 as a Beacon report. Specifically, the MFP 100 starts searching for APs by transmitting a probe request. The MFP 100 then searches for and discovers APs by receiving wireless signals such as probe responses and beacons (information that the AP periodically transmits voluntarily) transmitted from the APs. The AP information acquired from the AP through this AP search includes at least one of the following information: the SSID, radio wave strength, frequency band, MAC address, authentication method, and encryption method of the AP. Note that the content of the AP information varies depending on the AP model, model number, settings, etc. The MFP 100 transmits the list of radio wave strengths of the APs acquired through the AP search to the AP 101.

[0078] In S703, the MFP 100 determines whether or not it has received a connection destination change request sent by the AP 101. If the MFP 100 determines that it has received the request, it proceeds to S704, and if it determines that it has not received the request, it proceeds to S707. In this process, the connection destination change request that the MFP 100 determines whether or not it has received corresponds to the AP change request (connection destination switch request) sent by the AP 101 in S605 in FIG. 6.

[0079] In S704, the MFP 100 determines whether the connection destination AP can be changed. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection destination AP can be changed, the process proceeds to S705. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection destination AP cannot be changed, the process proceeds to S708. The determination of whether the change is possible is made, for example, based on whether the MFP 100 is currently communicating with an external server via the AP 101. For example, if the MFP 100 is currently communicating with the external server and the connection to the AP 101 is immediately disconnected, the communication is forcibly interrupted without performing termination processing, and the reconnection procedure may take a long time. Therefore, in S704, the MFP 100 determines that the connection destination cannot be changed if the MFP 100 is currently communicating with the external server via the AP 101. In other words, in this process, the MFP 100 determines whether the MFP 100 is in a state where the connection destination can be changed or not.

[0080] In S705, the MFP 100 transmits a response indicating that it will comply with the received connection destination change request to the AP 101. The processing in S705 corresponds to the processing in S606 in FIG.

[0081] In S706, the MFP 100 disconnects from the AP 101 and executes connection processing with the recommended AP included in the connection destination change request. The processing of S706 corresponds to the processing of S607 and S608. The recommended AP is an AP recommended as a connection destination by the currently connected AP, and corresponds to the AP designated (determined) as a switching destination by the AP 101 in S604.

[0082] In S707, the MFP 100 determines whether or not to terminate the connection with the currently connected AP 101. If the MFP 100 determines to terminate, it proceeds to S701, and if it determines not to terminate, it terminates the processing in FIG. 7. For example, the MFP 100 determines to terminate the connection with the AP 101 when it receives an instruction to power off the MFP 100 (for example, pressing the power button (not shown) of the MFP 100). Also, for example, the MFP 100 determines to terminate the connection with the AP 101 when it receives an instruction to disable the Wi-Fi setting from a Wi-Fi setting screen on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 or the like.

[0083] In S708, the MFP 100 stores the information about the recommended AP for change included in the received connection destination change request in the RAM 214 of the MFP 100, and proceeds to S709. The information about the recommended AP for change stored in the RAM 214 by the MFP 100 includes, for example, the BSSID (MAC address), channel, and frequency band information of the recommended AP for change.

[0084] In S709, the MFP 100 references the reason for change included in the received connection destination change request and determines whether the reason for change includes a strong reason. If the MFP 100 determines that the reason for change includes a strong reason, the MFP 100 proceeds to S710. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the reason for change does not include a strong reason, the MFP 100 proceeds to S711. The MFP 100 determines that the reason for change includes a strong reason when, for example, the Disassociation Imminent bit or the BSS Termination Included bit in the Request mode of the BTM Request is 1.

[0085] In S710, MFP 100 does not return a response to the connection destination change request, and proceeds to S712. Because there is a strong reason for the change in the connection destination change request, even if MFP 100 sends a change rejection response to AP 101, AP 101 may forcibly disconnect the connection with MFP 100 upon receiving the response. Therefore, if there is a strong reason for the change, it is expected that the connection will be maintained until the timeout for waiting for AP 101's response has expired. Therefore, in S710, MFP 100 does not return a change rejection response.

[0086] In S711, the MFP 100 transmits a response to the AP 101 refusing the connection destination change request, and the process proceeds to S712. Because there is no strong reason for the connection destination change request, even if the MFP 100 transmits a change rejection response to the AP 101, the AP 101 is expected to receive the response and not forcibly disconnect the AP 101. Therefore, if there is no strong reason for the change, it can be expected that the AP 101 will maintain the connection without forcibly disconnecting. Therefore, in S711, the MFP 100 transmits a response refusing the connection destination change. This process corresponds to the process of transmitting a response refusing the switch when the connection destination change request is not complied with in S606 of FIG. 6. The processes of S710 to S711 correspond to the suppression process 1 described above.

[0087] In S712, the MFP 100 determines whether or not a connection destination AP change request has been received again from the AP 101. If the MFP 100 determines that a connection destination AP change request has been received, the MFP 100 proceeds to S713. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that a connection destination AP change request has not been received, the MFP 100 proceeds to S714.

[0088] In S713, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the connection destination AP can be changed. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection destination AP can be changed, the MFP 100 proceeds to S718. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the connection destination AP cannot be changed, the MFP 100 proceeds to S708 and overwrites the RAM 214 with the information on the recommended change AP included in the change request received again.

[0089] In S714, the MFP 100 determines whether the connection has been disconnected from the AP 101. For example, after the MFP 100 executes the process of S710 or the process of S711, the AP 101 may forcibly disconnect the communication connection with the MFP 100. For this reason, the MFP 100 makes this determination. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection has been disconnected, the process proceeds to S715. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the connection has not been disconnected, the process proceeds to S717. In S714, for example, if the MFP 100 receives a notification from the AP 101 that the connection with the MFP 100 will be disconnected, the MFP 100 determines that the connection with the AP 101 has been disconnected.

[0090] In S715, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the specific condition is satisfied. If the MFP 100 determines that the specific condition is satisfied, the MFP 100 proceeds to S716, and if the MFP 100 determines that the specific condition is not satisfied, the MFP 100 proceeds to S718.

[0091] The specific condition includes, for example, that after the MFP 100 is disconnected from the AP 101, the MFP 100 performs an AP search to check the radio wave strength of the AP 101 and that the radio wave strength of the AP 101 is higher than a predetermined condition. In other words, the specific condition includes that the radio wave strength of the AP 101 is good. The AP search that the MFP 100 performs after the MFP 100 is disconnected from the AP 101 is the same as the AP search described in step S702, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The specific condition also includes, for example, a condition in which the MFP 100 performs an AP search to check the radio wave strength of the AP 101 after disconnecting from the AP 101 and the radio wave strength of the AP 101 is lower than a predetermined condition. In other words, the specific condition includes a condition in which the radio wave strength of the AP recommended for change is not good.

[0093] Furthermore, the specific condition may include, for example, after disconnecting from AP101, MFP100 performs an AP search to compare the radio wave strength of AP101 with the radio wave strength of a recommended AP, and comparing the search results to find that the radio wave strength of the recommended AP to change to is lower than the radio wave strength of AP101.

[0094] The specific condition also includes a situation in which MFP 100 loses connection with AP 101 while checking communication with mobile terminal device 104 via AP 101. Specifically, for example, as described above, MFP 100 may operate in network setup mode and establish a direct connection with mobile terminal device 104. When MFP 100 receives an infrastructure setting command from mobile terminal device 104, it stops operation in network setup mode, starts operation in wireless infrastructure mode, and connects to AP 101 using information included in the infrastructure setting command. MFP 100 then checks communication with mobile terminal device 104 via AP 101, but the connection with AP 101 may be lost while the communication check is being performed. In such a case, if MFP 100 changes its connection destination to a recommended AP, it will be unable to check communication via AP 101. Therefore, if MFP 100 loses connection with AP 101 while checking communication with mobile terminal device 104 via AP 101, this condition is included as a specific condition to restore the connection destination to AP 101.

[0095] The specific condition also includes the MFP 100 not being in a power-saving state. For example, the MFP 100 may not be in a power-saving state. The MFP 100 not being in a power-saving state refers to the MFP 100 being activated in a normal power state. For example, when the MFP 100 is operating in a normal power state, the MFP 100 may lose connection with the AP 101 while receiving print data or performing a predetermined process, such as a print process based on the print data. For this reason, when the MFP 100 is not in a power-saving state, the MFP 100 includes this condition as a specific condition in order to reconnect to the AP 101, which is the AP to which it was originally connected, and to continue the predetermined process or to perform a process to properly terminate the predetermined process.

[0096] The power-saving state is, for example, a state in which power consumption is lower than in the normal operating state. Specifically, the power-saving state may be, for example, a sleep mode. For example, when MFP 100 is in sleep mode, it may stop supplying power to the backlight of operation / display unit 220. For example, MFP 100 may transition from the normal power state to the power-saving state when it has not received an operation on operation / display unit 220 or a predetermined process for a certain period of time, or when it detects the pressing of a power-saving key (not shown). That is, when MFP 100 is in the power-saving state, it can be assumed that MFP 100 is not executing the above-mentioned predetermined process. In other words, when MFP 100 is in the power-saving state, it can be assumed that the user is not using MFP 100. Therefore, when the specific condition is not met (MFP 100 is in the power-saving state), it is determined that there is no problem with changing the AP to which it is connected, and MFP 100 controls to change the connection destination to a recommended AP, as described below.

[0097] In S716, the MFP 100 reconnects to the AP 101. The MFP 100 performs the reconnection using connection information such as the MAC address of the AP 101. It is assumed that the MFP 100 stores the connection information of the AP 101 in a memory such as the RAM 214.

[0098] Note that, after performing control to connect to AP 101 in S716, if MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from AP 101 again and the connection with AP 101 is again disconnected, the process may proceed to S708 without executing the determination in S715. In this way, if MFP 100 reconnects to AP 101 in S716 but the connection with AP 101 is again disconnected, there is a possibility that the connection will be disconnected by AP 101 even if the connection with AP 101 is repeatedly attempted. Therefore, in such a case, MFP 100 proceeds to S718 and performs control to connect to the recommended AP for change.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the control is performed in S716 to reconnect to the AP 101, but this is not limiting. For example, in S716, the MFP 100 may store in RAM 214 the history and connection information (MAC addresses, etc.) of APs to which the MFP 100 has previously connected, and connect to those APs.

[0100] In S717, the MFP 100 determines whether the MFP 100 is in a state where it can change the AP to which it is connected. If the MFP 100 determines that it is in a state where it can change the AP, it proceeds to S718. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that it is in a state where it cannot change the AP, it proceeds to S712. Note that this determination is made in the same manner as in S704 and S713, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] In S718, the information about the recommended AP stored in S708 is used to control the MFP 100 to change the AP to be connected to the recommended AP. That is, the MFP 100 controls the MFP 100 to connect to the recommended AP. The process of changing the AP to be connected is executed in the same manner as in S607, S608, and S609 of FIG. 6.

[0102] In this embodiment, the MFP 100 proceeds to S707 after executing the process of S718, but this is not limiting. For example, if a predetermined process is interrupted due to the disconnection from the AP 101, the MFP 100 may perform control to connect to the recommended AP in S718, and then perform control to execute the interrupted predetermined process. The predetermined process may be, for example, receiving print data or executing printing based on the print data.

[0103] As described above, according to this embodiment, when MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from connected AP 101, it stores information about the recommended AP to be changed that is included in the change request and performs control so as not to change the connection destination. If MFP 100 is disconnected from connected AP 101 after performing control so as not to change the connection destination, MFP 100 performs control so as to switch the connection destination AP to the recommended AP to be changed using the stored information about the recommended AP to be changed. On the other hand, if specific conditions are met, MFP 100 performs control so as to reconnect to the originally connected AP. With this configuration, MFP 100 can appropriately perform control to connect to the network even when disconnected from the currently connected AP.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to an MFP as an example. 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 via 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 (registered 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.

[0106] (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.

[0107] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following electronic device, its control method, program, and recording medium. (Item 1) receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from a currently connected first access point; when the change request is received by the receiving means, storing information about a second access point to be changed to that is recommended in the change request, and controlling so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request; and a control means for controlling the device to connect to the second access point based on the stored information when the connection to the first access point is subsequently disconnected. An electronic device characterized by: (Item 2) The control means When the connection with the first access point currently connected is disconnected, if a specific condition is satisfied, control is performed to connect to the first access point regardless of the information. 2. The electronic device according to item 1. (Item 3) The specific conditions are: After disconnecting from the first access point, the electronic device searches for radio wave strength of the first access point and finds that the radio wave strength of the first access point is higher than a predetermined condition. 3. The electronic device according to item 2. (Item 4) The specific conditions are: After disconnecting from the first access point, the electronic device searches for radio wave strength of the second access point and finds that the radio wave strength of the second access point is lower than a predetermined condition. 4. The electronic device according to item 2 or 3. (Item 5) The specific conditions are: the electronic device is disconnected from the first access point while the electronic device is checking communication with the external device via the first access point, 5. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 4. (Item 6) The specific conditions are: The electronic device is not in a power saving state. 6. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 5. (Item 7) Further, the apparatus has a storage means for storing the information, The control means When the connection with the first access point is disconnected, control is performed so that the device connects to the second access point based on the information stored in the storage means. 7. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 6. (Item 8) The electronic device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the access point to which the electronic device is connected can be changed in response to the change request, The control means When the change request is received by the receiving means, if the electronic device is in a state where it is not possible to change the access point of the connection destination in response to the change request, the electronic device stores information about a second access point of the connection destination recommended in the change request, and controls so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request. 8. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 7. (Item 9) The control means If there is a process that has been interrupted due to the disconnection of the connection with the first access point, control is performed to connect to the second access point based on the information, and then control is performed to execute the interrupted process. 9. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 10) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the electronic device connects to an access point and performs processing in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. (Item 11) The electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 10 is characterized in that the electronic device can perform at least one of processing compliant with Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and processing compliant with Target Wake Time (TWT). (Item 12) 12. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the electronic device is capable of changing the connection destination to a 6 GHz band access point by changing the connection destination based on the change request. (Item 13) 13. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising a printing unit capable of executing a printing process based on print data received via a connected access point. (Item 14) A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a connection destination change request from the currently connected first access point; When the change request is received in the receiving step, storing information about a second access point to be changed to that is recommended in the change request, and controlling so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request; and thereafter, when the connection to the first access point currently connected is disconnected, performing control to connect to the second access point based on the stored information. A method for controlling an electronic device. (Item 15) A program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 13. (Item 16) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 13.

[0108] 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]

[0109] 100 MFP: 101 AP1: 102 AP2: 103 DHCP server: 104 Mobile terminal device: 105 DNS server

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from a currently connected first access point; when the change request is received by the receiving means, storing information about a second access point to be changed to that is recommended in the change request, and controlling so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request; and a control means for controlling the device to connect to the second access point based on the stored information when the connection to the first access point is subsequently disconnected. An electronic device characterized by:

2. The control means When the connection with the first access point that is currently connected is disconnected, if a specific condition is satisfied, control is performed to connect to the first access point regardless of the information.

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

3. The specific conditions are: after being disconnected from the first access point, the electronic device searches for radio wave strength of the first access point and finds that the radio wave strength of the first access point is higher than a predetermined condition; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The specific conditions are: the electronic device searches for radio wave strength of the second access point after being disconnected from the first access point, and finds that the radio wave strength of the second access point is lower than a predetermined condition.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

5. The specific conditions are: the electronic device is disconnected from the first access point while the electronic device is checking communication with the external device via the first access point, 3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

6. The specific conditions are: The electronic device is not in a power saving state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

7. Further, the apparatus has a storage means for storing the information, The control means When the connection to the first access point is disconnected, control is performed so that the device connects to the second access point based on the information stored in the storage means.

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

8. The electronic device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the access point to which the electronic device is connected can be changed in response to the change request, The control means When the change request is received by the receiving means, if the electronic device is in a state where it is not possible to change the access point of the connection destination in response to the change request, the electronic device stores information about a second access point of the connection destination recommended in the change request, and controls so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request.

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

9. The control means If there is a process that has been interrupted due to the disconnection of the connection with the first access point, control is performed to connect to the second access point based on the information, and then control is performed to execute the interrupted process.

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

10. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic device connects to and processes an access point in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

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

12. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device can change the connection destination to an access point in the 6 GHz band by changing the connection destination based on the change request.

13. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit capable of executing a printing process based on print data received via a connected access point.

14. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a connection destination change request from the currently connected first access point; When the change request is received in the receiving step, storing information about a second access point to be changed to that is recommended in the change request, and controlling so as not to change the connection destination based on the change request; and thereafter, when the connection to the first access point is disconnected, performing control so as to connect to the second access point based on the stored information. A method for controlling an electronic device.

15. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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