Information processing device, method for controlling information processing device, and program

The information processing device addresses the challenge of optimizing post-reset device usage by generating encoded network information for environment determination, reducing information leakage through tailored settings restoration.

JP2025141156APending Publication Date: 2025-09-29CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024040953
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-15
Publication Date
2025-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional methods for resetting device settings fail to optimize the response after reset based on the device's intended use environment, leading to potential information leakage risks.

Method used

An information processing device generates encoded information from network connection settings before resetting, storing it in memory, and determines post-reset whether the network environment has changed, allowing tailored restoration or adjustment based on this information.

Benefits of technology

Enhances the ability to determine if the device is used in the same environment post-reset, minimizing information leakage risks by ensuring appropriate settings restoration or adjustment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To enable determining in a more suitable mode, whether or not a state after a series of configurations is reset is a state where the device is usable under an environment similar to that before the resetting.SOLUTION: Before resetting a series of configurations including a configuration of communication through a wireless network, a CPU 311 generates first encoded information from authentication information related to a connection to the wireless network, on the basis of non-reversible encoding processing, and causes the generated first encoded information to be stored in a prescribed storage area. After reconfiguration is performed after the resetting of the series of configurations. the CPU 311 determines, on the basis of the first encoded information stored in the storage area, whether or not an environment of the wireless network to be connected has changed compared with that before the resetting of the series of the configurations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a device that uses a wireless LAN to connect to a network, for example, an SSID (Service Set ID) and a passphrase, which are identifiers of the wireless LAN access point, are set in the device to establish a connection between the device and the desired wireless LAN access point. In addition to setting items for connecting to a wireless LAN, there are various setting items for operating the device. Values ​​set using the device's operation panel, etc., are stored in a storage area (e.g., non-volatile memory) within the device and used for control. As described above, there are a wide variety of setting items for using a target device (e.g., a printing device), and these setting items may include highly confidential information, such as a username and password for logging in to a cloud service or personal information. If a device containing such highly confidential information is discarded, transferred to a third party, or sent for repair, there is a risk of the information being leaked. Therefore, various technologies to prevent such a situation from occurring have been developed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for initializing an image forming device to its factory default state through a predetermined operation so that the user's confidential information can be erased from the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-118232 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, after a series of settings have been reset, the device may be reconfigured to suit the same environment as before the reset and used, or it may be moved to a different environment from before the reset and used, and the response required after the reset will differ depending on the case.In contrast, with conventional technology, the reset of a series of settings is performed uniformly regardless of the use of the device after the reset, so it may be difficult to say that the response after the reset is optimized.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to make it possible to more suitably determine whether a device will be used in the same environment as before the reset when a series of settings have been reset. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the present invention is characterized by having a generation means for generating first encoded information based on a lossy encoding process from authentication information related to connection to a wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network and storing the first encoded information in a specified memory area, and a determination means for determining, after the series of settings have been reset and reconfigured, based on the first encoded information stored in the memory area, whether the environment of the connected wireless network has changed from before the series of settings were reset. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when a series of settings have been reset, it is possible to more preferably determine whether the device will be used in the same environment as before the reset. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of a system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a printer. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a menu configuration presented via an operation panel. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of data stored in a printer. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a printer. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a printer. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a printer. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen when restoring settings. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of data stored in a printer. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a printer. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a device post-movement processing execution confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. First, an example of a system configuration of a system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The system 100 according to this embodiment includes a printer 300 and a smartphone 500 connected via a local area network (LAN) 102. Each of the printer 300 and the smartphone 500 is connected to a wireless LAN access point 101 via wireless communication, thereby being connected to the local area network 102. In this case, each of the printer 300 and the smartphone 500 uses a wireless LAN infrastructure mode connection 103 between them and the wireless LAN access point 101.

[0011] The printer 300 has a mode in which it operates as a wireless LAN access point. When the printer 300 operates as an access point, the smartphone 500 can also connect directly to the access point of the printer 300. This connection format in which the smartphone 500 directly connects to the access point of the printer 300 is also referred to as a direct connection 104.

[0012] Other terminals, such as a personal computer (PC) terminal 400, may be connected to the local area network 102. The local area network 102 is also connected to the Internet 106 via a router 105. With this configuration, the printer 300, smartphone 500, and other devices can connect to a cloud server 200 on the Internet 106 via the router 105.

[0013] The smartphone 500 is configured to be connectable to a mobile phone network 107 , and is also capable of connecting to a cloud server 200 on the Internet 106 via the mobile phone network 107 .

[0014] 1 is merely an example and does not limit the system configuration of the system 100 according to this embodiment. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the wireless LAN access point 101 and the router 105 are realized as different devices, but a router equipped with an access point function may be applied instead of these components.

[0015] 2, an example of the hardware configuration of printer 300 will be described, focusing particularly on the configuration of the control system of printer 300. Note that in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the technology according to the present disclosure is applied to printer 300, but the application of the technology is not limited thereto. In addition, an example will be described in which printer 300 is a so-called multifunction printer that incorporates a printing mechanism 301 and a reading mechanism 302 in the same housing and supports multiple functions such as a copy function.

[0016] Printer 300 comprises a main board 310 that controls the entire device, and various units such as an operation panel 303 and a wireless LAN unit 304 that are provided on the exterior of the device. A microprocessor-type CPU 311 arranged on main board 310 operates in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM-type program memory 313 connected via an internal bus 312, and the contents of a RAM-type data memory 314. In addition, printer 300 is equipped with non-volatile memory 315 that can retain its contents even when power is cut off. By writing various setting values, data, etc. to non-volatile memory 315, CPU 311 can continue to operate based on the same setting values ​​and data when power is supplied again after the power has been turned off.

[0017] The CPU 311 controls the reading mechanism 302 via the reading mechanism control circuit 317, reads the original, and stores the read data as image data information in the data memory 314. The CPU 311 also controls the printing mechanism 301 via the printing mechanism control circuit 316, and can print the image data in the data memory 314 onto a recording medium.

[0018] The CPU 311 controls the wireless LAN unit 304 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 319 to perform wireless LAN communication with other devices. The CPU 311 controls an operation unit control circuit 318 to display the status of the printer 300 and a function selection menu on the operation panel 303, and to accept operations from the user.

[0019] An example of a screen displayed on operation panel 303 of printer 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a home screen 5000. The home screen 5000 is a screen that is displayed when the printer 300 is in a standby state, and is capable of receiving a function execution instruction from the user. The home screen 5000 has buttons 5001, 5002, 5003, and 5004 for receiving a selection of a function to be executed by the printer 300 from the user. A copy function is assigned to button 5001, and when button 5001 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for causing printer 300 to execute the copy function. A scan function is assigned to button 5002, and when button 5002 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for causing printer 300 to execute the scan function. A maintenance function is assigned to button 5003, and when button 5003 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen for causing printer 300 to execute maintenance functions such as various adjustments of the device and cleaning of the printing mechanism. Button 5004 is a button for receiving instructions from the user regarding various setting changes. When button 5004 is pressed, the screen transitions to a setting menu screen 5100, which will be described later.

[0020] 3(b) shows an example of a setting menu screen 5010. The setting menu screen 5010 is displayed when a button 5004 is pressed on the home screen 5000. The setting menu screen 5010 is provided with buttons 5011, 5012, and 5013 for receiving a selection of an item to be set from the user, and a setting reset button 5014. Button 5011 is assigned to settings related to printing, and pressing this button transitions to a screen for setting parameters used by printer 300 for printing. Parameters used by printer 300 for printing include, for example, the number of copies to be printed, paper type, paper size and double-sided printing settings, and print quality. Button 5012 is assigned to settings related to the network, and pressing this button transitions to a network setting screen 5020 (described below) for setting up printer 300 to connect to a network. Button 5013 is assigned to settings related to cloud services, and pressing this button transitions to a screen for setting parameters used when printer 300 executes functions in cooperation with cloud server 200 on the Internet 106. Examples of parameters used when printer 300 executes functions in cooperation with cloud server 200 include selection of a cloud service to be used, and the account name and password for the cloud service. Pressing setting reset button 5104 executes a setting reset process (described below).

[0021] 3(c) shows an example of a network setting screen 5020. The network setting screen 5020 is provided with text input boxes 5021, 5022, and 5023, and buttons 5024 and 5025. Text input box 5021 is a text input box for receiving input of the name of the network to connect to. As the network name, for example, an SSID (Service Set ID) for identifying wireless LAN access point 101 is specified. Text input box 5022 is a text input box for receiving input of security settings to be used with wireless LAN access point 101. Text input box 5023 is a text input box for receiving input of a password used for authentication when connecting to wireless LAN access point 101. In the example shown in FIG. 3(c), the entered password is displayed as obscured characters using a black circle marker or the like as a countermeasure against someone looking at operation panel 303 while it is being operated by another person. Button 5024 is a button for receiving an instruction from the user to update the network settings based on the information entered in each of text input boxes 5021, 5022, and 5023. Cancel button 5025 is a button for receiving an instruction from the user to close network setting screen 5020 without changing the network settings.

[0022] An example of the menu configuration presented via the operation panel 303 of the printer 300 and the setting items corresponding to each menu will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the menu configuration of the printer 300 according to this embodiment is shown in a tree structure, starting from the home screen 5000, with screens transitioning when a selection button is pressed and items set on the terminal screens. For example, a home screen 5000 shown in FIG. 3(a) corresponds to a home 5501 in the menu configuration, and has buttons associated with the menu items of copy 5502, scan 5503, maintenance 5504, and settings 5505 arranged thereon. In addition, the settings menu screen 5010 shown in Figure 3 (b) corresponds to the menu configuration settings 5505, and has buttons corresponding to the menu items of print settings 5512, network settings 5513, cloud service settings 5514, and setting reset 5515. 3C corresponds to the network settings 5513 in the menu configuration, and has input boxes corresponding to the setting items of a network name 6031, security 6032, and password 6033.

[0023] An example of the data structure and data flow of data stored in non-volatile memory 315 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The data stored in non-volatile memory 315 is stored in separate areas: copy settings 6000, scan settings 6010, adjustment values ​​6020, network settings 6030, cloud service settings 6040, and setting restoration data 6050. In addition to this, various types of data such as control parameters and device status variables are stored in non-volatile memory 315, but the example shown in Fig. 5 shows only some of the data related to setting values.

[0024] The data stored in the network settings 6030 area is input collectively to a key derivation function to generate a cloud-configured encryption key 6101. The key derivation function is realized as a function that generates a unique output value from any input data. The key derivation function is realized as a function that always generates the same output value if the input data is the same, and always generates a different output value with a practically acceptable probability if the input data is different. The key derivation function is preferably realized as a function that generates an output value by performing an irreversible transformation on the input data. This configuration makes it extremely difficult to restore the input data from the output value generated by the key derivation function. The generated cloud-configured encryption key 6101 is used to encrypt and store data stored in the cloud service settings 6040 area. The cloud service settings 6040 area stores information set as data, such as a selection 6041 of the cloud service to be used, a cloud service account name 6042, and a password 6043 for the cloud service. The data in the area of ​​the encrypted cloud service settings 6040 is saved as encrypted cloud settings 6051 in the area of ​​the settings restoration data 6050 on the non-volatile memory 315 . Here, the cloud-set encryption key 6101 is not stored in the non-volatile memory 315, but is temporarily stored in the data memory 314, and after use, is discarded from the data memory 314. By applying such control, it is possible to prevent the cloud-set encryption key 6101 from being leaked to the outside.

[0025] Furthermore, the cloud-set encryption key 6101 is input to a hash function (a function that hashes input data) to generate a network hash value 6102. The hash function applied in the example shown in FIG. 5 is a function that generates a unique output value from any input data, similar to a key derivation function. That is, the hash function corresponds to a function that always generates the same output value if the input data is the same, and always generates a different output value with a practically negligible probability if the input data is different. Furthermore, the hash function has the property of generating an output value by performing an irreversible transformation on the input data. With this configuration, it becomes extremely difficult to restore the input data from the output value generated by the hash function. In this embodiment, the network hash value 6102 is generated by applying a hash function to the cloud-set encryption key 6101, but this is merely an example, and any function having the above-mentioned characteristics can be applied in place of the hash function. In other words, the function to be applied when generating information equivalent to the network hash value 6102 from the cloud-set encryption key 6101 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform lossy encoding processing on input data. The generated network hash value 6102 is saved as a network hash value 6052 in the area of ​​the setting restoration data 6050 on the non-volatile memory 315 .

[0026] An example of the processing of printer 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 6, focusing on the processing when updating settings. The series of processing shown in Fig. 6 is executed by CPU 311 of printer 300 when an operation to change any of the setting items other than the network setting is accepted from the user via operation panel 303. Note that the processing when an operation to change any of the setting items of the network setting is accepted will be described separately below with reference to Fig. 8.

[0027] In step S2001, the CPU 311 updates the setting data in the non-volatile memory 315 in response to a change operation for a setting item received via the operation panel 303. In S2002, the CPU 311 generates a cloud setting encryption key 6101 by inputting data in the network setting 6030 area into a key derivation function.

[0028] In S2003, the CPU 311 determines whether any of the settings in the cloud service setting 6040 area has been changed. If the CPU 311 determines in S2003 that any setting in the cloud service setting 6040 area has been changed, the process proceeds to S2004. On the other hand, if the CPU 311 determines in step S2003 that none of the settings in the cloud service setting 6040 area have been changed, the CPU 311 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0029] In S2004, the CPU 311 generates encrypted data by encrypting all of the data in the area of ​​the cloud service setting 6040 using the cloud setting encryption key 6101 generated in S2002. In S2005, the CPU 311 stores the encrypted data generated in S2004 as encrypted cloud settings 6051 in the area of ​​the settings restoration data 6050 on the non-volatile memory 315.

[0030] An example of the processing of the printer 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 7, focusing on the processing related to a series of setting resets. The series of processing shown in Fig. 7 is executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 300 when an operation of the setting reset button 5014 on the setting menu screen 5010 is accepted from the user via the operation panel 303.

[0031] In S2101, the CPU 311 erases the data stored in the copy settings 6000, scan settings 6010, network settings 6030, and cloud service settings 6040 areas in the non-volatile memory 315. As a result, all information set by operations accepted from the user via the operation panel 303 is rewritten to the initial state at the time of product shipment. The adjustment value 6020 area in the nonvolatile memory 315 stores adjustment values ​​acquired by the CPU 311 during operation of the printer 300, but these are not information set by the user and are therefore excluded from the targets for restoring to the initial state. For example, information such as a head position adjustment value 6021 can be set as the adjustment value 6020. Furthermore, although the data stored in the area of ​​the setting restoration data 6050 is not erased, it is practically difficult to restore the information stored in the area of ​​the cloud setting encryption key 6101 or the network setting 6030 from the network hash value 6052. Furthermore, unless the cloud setting encryption key 6101 is restored, it is practically difficult to restore the information in the area of ​​the cloud service setting 6040 from the encrypted cloud setting 6051. Due to these characteristics, even if the area of ​​the setting restoration data 6050 is excluded from the targets of the setting reset, it can be said that there is practically no risk of user information being leaked.

[0032] An example of the processing of printer 300 will be described, focusing on processing for network settings, with reference to Fig. 8. The series of processing shown in Fig. 8 is executed by CPU 311 of printer 300 when a setting operation on network setting screen 5020 is accepted from the user via operation panel 303 and an operation of button 5024 is accepted.

[0033] In S2201, the CPU 311 updates the setting data stored in the network setting 6030 area on the non-volatile memory 315 in response to a change operation targeting a network setting item. In S2202, the CPU 311 generates a cloud setting encryption key 6101 by inputting data in the network setting 6030 area into a key derivation function. In S2203, the CPU 311 generates a network hash value 6102 by inputting the data of the cloud set encryption key 6101 into a hash function.

[0034] In S2204, the CPU 311 determines whether the network hash value 6102 generated in S2203 matches the network hash value 6052 stored in the non-volatile memory 315. If the CPU 311 determines in S2204 that the network hash value 6102 and the network hash value 6052 match, the process proceeds to S2205. On the other hand, if the CPU 311 determines in S2204 that the network hash value 6102 and the network hash value 6052 do not match, the process proceeds to S2209. In this case, the network hash value 6052 stored in the non-volatile memory 315 corresponds to an example of the first encoded information, and the network hash value 6102 generated in S2203 corresponds to an example of the second encoded information.

[0035] In S2205, the CPU 311 displays a settings restoration confirmation screen 5030, which will be described later, and waits for a user operation. In S2206, the CPU 311 checks the user's operation on the settings restoration confirmation screen 5030, and determines whether the restore button 5032, which is related to an instruction to restore the cloud service settings, has been pressed. If the CPU 311 determines in S2206 that the restore button 5032 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S2207. On the other hand, if the CPU 311 determines in S2206 that the restore button 5032 has not been pressed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0036] In S2207, the CPU 311 performs decryption processing on the encrypted cloud settings 6051 stored in the area of ​​the settings restoration data 6050 using the cloud settings encryption key 6101. As a result, the cloud service settings are decrypted from the encrypted cloud settings 6051. In S2208, the CPU 311 overwrites and saves the cloud service settings decrypted in S2207 in the area of ​​the cloud service settings 6040 in the non-volatile memory 315.

[0037] In S2209, the CPU 311 does not restore the cloud service settings, but instead saves the new network hash value as the network hash value 6052 in the area of ​​the settings restoration data 6050 in the non-volatile memory 315.

[0038] An example of the settings restoration confirmation screen 5030 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The settings restoration confirmation screen 5030 has a display area 5031 in which a notification message is displayed, a restore button 5032, and a do not restore button 5033. The notification message displayed in the display area 5031 indicates that it has been detected that the same network settings as before the settings were reset have been made, and that this is a screen for selecting whether or not to restore the cloud service settings. When the restore button 5032 is pressed, information in the cloud service settings 6040 area is restored from the data held in the encrypted cloud settings 6051 area. On the other hand, when the do not restore button 5033 is pressed, the information in the cloud service settings 6040 area is not restored.

[0039] By applying the above control, the printer 300 can determine whether it is connected to the same network environment as before the settings were reset, based on the hash value of the network settings. If the printer 300 is then connected to the same network environment as before the settings were reset, it can restore the information in the cloud service settings 6040 area from the data stored in the encrypted cloud settings 6051 area. Furthermore, even if the device (printer 300) is discarded or transferred after a series of settings resets, there is virtually no risk of information leakage because only the network hash value 6502 and the encrypted cloud settings 6051 are stored in the device.

[0040] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the cloud configuration encryption key 6101 is generated from data in the network setting 6030 area using a key derivation function, and the network hash value 6102 is further generated from the cloud configuration encryption key 6101 using a hash function. On the other hand, a configuration may be applied in which the network hash value 6102 is generated not from the cloud configuration encryption key 6101 but directly from data in the network setting 6030 area using an algorithm different from the key derivation function. The algorithm to be applied in this case should be one that makes it substantially difficult to restore the cloud configuration encryption key 6101 from the network hash value 6102. In addition, in this embodiment, the settings that are restored when the printer 300 is connected to the same network environment as before the series of settings were reset are described as being limited to cloud service settings, but other settings may also be included in the settings to be restored. As a specific example, settings used in connection with wireless LAN settings, such as IP address and default gateway settings, and settings related to DNS and proxy servers, may also be included in the settings to be restored. As another example, settings that are not directly related to network settings, such as some or all of copy settings 6000 and scan settings 6010, may be included in the restoration targets. As the copy settings 6000, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, information such as number of copies 6001, paper type 6002, paper size 6003, double-sided printing 6004, print quality 6005, magnification 6006, number of pages allocated 6007, and allocation order 6008 may be set. As the scan settings 6010, information such as document size 6011, scan resolution 6012, and background removal 6013 may be set.

[0041] <Second embodiment> As a second embodiment of the present disclosure, an example will be described in which a determination is made as to whether a device has been moved to a different network environment based on a hash value of a network setting value, and control of processing after the device has been moved is changed. Note that in this embodiment, the description will focus on differences from the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions of parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0042] 10 , an example of the data structure and data flow of data stored in the non-volatile memory 315 in this embodiment will be described. The data stored in the non-volatile memory 315 is stored separately in each of the following areas: copy settings 6000, scan settings 6010, adjustment values ​​6020, network settings 6030, cloud service settings 6040, and setting restoration data 6050. The data stored in the network settings 6030 area is input together into a key derivation function to generate a network hash value 6102. The generated network hash value 6102 is saved as a network hash value 6052 in the setting verification data 6060 area on the non-volatile memory 315.

[0043] An example of the processing of printer 300 will be described, focusing on processing for network settings, with reference to Fig. 11. The series of processing shown in Fig. 11 is executed by CPU 311 of printer 300 when a setting operation on network setting screen 5020 is accepted from the user via operation panel 303 and an operation of button 5024 is accepted.

[0044] In S2401, the CPU 311 updates the setting data stored in the network setting 6030 area on the non-volatile memory 315 in response to a change operation targeting a network setting item. In S2402, the CPU 311 generates a network hash value 6102 by inputting data in the network setting 6030 area into a hash function.

[0045] In S2403, the CPU 311 determines whether the network hash value 6102 generated in S2402 matches the network hash value 6052 stored in the non-volatile memory 315. If the CPU 311 determines in S2403 that the network hash value 6102 and the network hash value 6052 match, the series of processes shown in FIG. 11 ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 311 determines in S2403 that the network hash value 6102 and the network hash value 6052 do not match, the process proceeds to S2404.

[0046] In S2404, the CPU 311 stores the new network hash value in the area of ​​the setting restoration data 6050 in the non-volatile memory 315 as the network hash value 6052. In S2405, the CPU 311 displays a device post-movement process execution confirmation screen 5040, which will be described later, and waits for a user operation. In S2406, the CPU 311 checks the user's operation on the device move post-processing execution confirmation screen 5040 and determines whether the user pressed the execute button 5042 associated with an instruction to execute the device move post-processing that has been set to be executed when the device is moved. Examples of device move post-processing that can be set include print recording head position adjustment control and maintenance control for maintaining the print recording head in good condition. As another example, when a device is moved to a network environment different from that before the settings were reset, the device may be assumed to have been transferred to another user, and a configuration may be applied in which whether or not to prompt the user to register or to respond to a questionnaire is changed.

[0047] An example of the device move post-processing execution confirmation screen 5040 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The device move post-processing execution confirmation screen 5040 has a display area 5041 in which a notification message is displayed, an Execute button 5042, and a Do Not Execute button 5043. The notification message displayed in the display area 5041 indicates that network settings different from those before the settings were reset have been applied, and that the printer 300 may have been moved to another location, and that this is a screen for selecting whether or not to execute the device move post-processing. When the Execute button 5042 is pressed, the device move post-processing is executed, and when the Do Not Execute button 5043 is pressed, the device move post-processing is not executed.

[0048] By applying the above-described control, it is possible to determine whether the device has been moved to a network environment different from that before the settings were reset, and change the control of the processing after the device has been moved depending on the result of the determination.

[0049] <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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0050] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications may be applied without departing from the technical concepts described in each embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which only one encrypted cloud setting 6051 and one network hash value 6052 are stored in the non-volatile memory 315. However, a configuration in which multiple pieces of information are stored may also be applied. In this case, for example, each time the network hash value changes, a pair of the encrypted cloud setting 6051 and the network hash value 6052 may be stored. Then, control may be applied in which a pair of pairs stored for each network hash value matches a network hash value calculated from a newly set network setting and is used. By applying such control, it is possible to restore and apply different setting values ​​for each network used in a situation in which one of multiple networks is selected and used each time. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, various explanations have been given focusing on the case where the technology according to the present disclosure is applied to a so-called printing device, but the device to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied is not particularly limited as long as it is an information processing device that is used by connecting to a network such as a wireless LAN.

[0051] The disclosure of this embodiment also includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing device characterized by having: a generation means for generating first encoded information based on a lossy encoding process from authentication information related to connection to a wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network and storing the first encoded information in a predetermined memory area; and a determination means for determining, after reconfiguration after resetting the series of settings, based on the first encoded information stored in the memory area, whether the environment of the wireless network to which the device is connected has changed from before resetting the series of settings. (Configuration 2) The information processing device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the generation means generates second encoding information based on the lossy encoding process from authentication information related to connection to the wireless network after reconfiguration following the reset of the series of settings, and the determination means determines that the environment of the connected wireless network has not changed since before the reset of the series of settings if the first encoding information and the second encoding information match. (Configuration 3) An information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a first notification means for notifying that it is connected to the same network as before the series of settings were reset when the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to which it is connected has not changed since before the series of settings were reset after the series of settings have been reset. (Configuration 4) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises: an encryption means for generating encrypted information by encrypting settings other than those for communication via the wireless network before resetting the series of settings and storing the encrypted information in a predetermined memory area; and a decryption means for decrypting and resetting the other settings based on the encrypted information stored in the memory area when the determination means determines that the environment of the connected wireless network has not changed since before resetting the series of settings after resetting the series of settings. (Configuration 5) The information processing device described in configuration 4, characterized in that the encryption means generates the encrypted information by encrypting the other settings based on key information generated by applying a process different from the lossy encoding process to the authentication information. (Configuration 6) The information processing device described in Configuration 5, characterized in that the generation means generates the first encoded information by applying the lossy encoding process to the key information generated by the encryption means based on the authentication information. (Configuration 7) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that it has a second notification means for notifying that the device may have been moved to an environment different from that before the series of settings were reset when the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to which it is connected has changed after the series of settings have been reset. (Configuration 8) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that it has an execution means for executing a post-device move process that is set as the target of execution when the device is moved, when the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to which it is connected has changed since before the reset of the series of settings after the reset of the series of settings. (Configuration 9) The information processing device according to Configuration 8, wherein the information processing device is a printing device, and the post-device movement processing includes a position adjustment process for a recording head of the printing device. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to Configuration 8, wherein the information processing device is a printing device, and the post-device movement processing includes a maintenance process for keeping the printing device recording head in good condition. (Configuration 11) The information processing device according to configuration 8, wherein the post-device movement process includes a process of querying the user about information relating to the user. (Configuration 12) An information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the lossy encoding process is a process of hashing the target information, and the first encoded information is a hash value. (Method 1) A control method for an information processing device, characterized in that it includes a generation step of generating first encoded information by performing a lossy encoding process on authentication information related to connection to the wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network and storing the first encoded information in a specified memory area, and a determination step of determining, after reconfiguration after resetting the series of settings, based on the first encoded information stored in the memory area, whether the environment of the connected wireless network has changed from before resetting the series of settings. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device, characterized by having: a generation means for generating first encoded information by performing a lossy encoding process on authentication information related to connection to a wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network, and storing the first encoded information in a specified memory area; and a determination means for determining, after reconfiguration after resetting the series of settings, based on the first encoded information stored in the memory area, whether the environment of the connected wireless network has changed from before the series of settings were reset. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 300 printers 311 CPU

Claims

1. generating means for generating first encoded information based on an irreversible encoding process from authentication information related to connection to the wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network, and storing the first encoded information in a predetermined storage area; a determination means for determining, after the resetting of the series of settings has been performed, whether or not an environment of the wireless network to be connected has changed from before the resetting of the series of settings, based on the first encoded information stored in the storage area; An information processing device comprising:

2. the generating means generates second encoded information based on the lossy encoding process from authentication information related to connection to the wireless network after resetting the series of settings; The determining means determines that the environment of the wireless network to be connected has not changed since before the series of settings were reset when the first encoded information and the second encoded information match.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a first notification means for notifying the user that the device is connected to the same network as before the series of settings were reset when the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to which the device is connected has not changed since before the series of settings were reset after the device has been reconfigured after the series of settings were reset.

4. an encryption means for encrypting settings other than the settings for communication via the wireless network before resetting the series of settings, thereby generating encrypted information and storing the encrypted information in a predetermined storage area; a decryption means for decrypting and resetting the other settings based on the encryption information stored in the storage area when the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to be connected has not changed since before the reset of the series of settings has been performed after the reset of the series of settings; and The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the encryption means generates the encrypted information by encrypting the other settings based on key information generated by applying a process different from the lossy encoding process to the authentication information.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the generating means generates the first encoded information by applying the lossy encoding process to the key information generated by the encryption means based on the authentication information.

7. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second notification means for notifying that the device may have been moved to an environment different from that before the series of settings were reset when the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to which the device is connected has changed after the series of settings have been reset.

8. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an execution means for executing a post-device move process set as an execution target when the device is moved if the determination means determines that the environment of the wireless network to which the device is connected has changed since before the reset of the series of settings after the reset of the series of settings.

9. the information processing device is a printing device, The post-movement processing of the device includes a position adjustment process for the recording head of the printing device.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein:

10. the information processing device is a printing device, The post-movement process includes a maintenance process for maintaining the recording head of the printing device in good condition.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein:

11. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the post-device movement process includes a process of inquiring the user about information relating to the user.

12. The lossy encoding process is a process of hashing target information, The first encoded information is a hash value.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

13. A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a generation step of performing a lossy encoding process on authentication information related to connection to the wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network, thereby generating first encoded information and storing the first encoded information in a predetermined storage area; a determination step of determining, after the resetting of the series of settings has been performed, whether or not an environment of the wireless network to be connected has changed from before the resetting of the series of settings, based on the first encoded information stored in the storage area; 10. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

14. Computer, a generating means for generating first encoded information by performing a lossy encoding process on authentication information related to connection to the wireless network before resetting a series of settings including settings for communication via the wireless network, and storing the first encoded information in a predetermined storage area; a determination means for determining, after the resetting of the series of settings has been performed, whether or not an environment of the wireless network to be connected has changed from before the resetting of the series of settings, based on the first encoded information stored in the storage area; A program for causing an information processing device to function, comprising:

Citation Information

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