Information processor, control method and program

Abstract

To solve the problem that a device capable of performing direct radio communication may not be able to communicate with an opposite device suitably if it corresponds to both of the frequency bands, the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.SOLUTION: A device performs direct radio communication in one determined frequency band when performing direct radio communication with an opposite device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] With the recent increase in data traffic, development of communication technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLANs) is progressing. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard series is known as the main WLAN communication standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard series includes standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax allows the use of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands for WLANs. Communication quality may vary among multiple frequency bands. Compared to the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band is less susceptible to radio interference, and when communication quality is stable, it generally offers faster communication speeds. Therefore, users tend to prefer the 5 GHz band.

[0003] Wireless LAN communication methods include infrastructure communication, which communicates with a partner device via an external access point. There are also modes such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) in which devices communicate directly with each other without going through an external access point. Wi-Fi Direct allows wireless communication between wireless communication devices on a one-to-one basis, with one device acting as a Group Owner (GO). The GO determines the frequency band to be used in Wi-Fi Direct. Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a device acting as a GO connects a client on a desired frequency band. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-162859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a device capable of direct wireless communication supports both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, it may not be possible to communicate with a partner device appropriately. The present invention aims to provide a method that enables devices that support both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band to communicate appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device capable of communicating in at least the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band and having a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, characterized in that the information processing device has a first setting means for setting an operation setting for the direct wireless communication function to either a first operation setting for performing the direct wireless communication by negotiating with the partner device to determine which device will operate as an access point, or a second operation setting for operating the information processing device as an access point and performing the direct wireless communication without the negotiation; a second setting means for setting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication from among a plurality of frequency bands including the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band by accepting an operation from a user; and a control means for controlling the information processing device to use one of the plurality of frequency bands for direct wireless communication when operating in the first operation setting, and to use the frequency band set by the second setting means for direct wireless communication when operating in the second operation setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Devices compatible with both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands can perform communications effectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] Sequence diagram when an AP and a STA establish a link. [Figure 3] WFD connection sequence diagram. [Figure 4] Sequence diagram of device discovery when connecting to a WFD. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an AP / STA. [Figure 6] Direct connection execution screen. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] Frequency setting screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (Wireless communication system configuration) Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a network according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a configuration including two access points (APs) AP101 and AP201 and two stations (STAs) STA301 and STA350. As shown in Fig. 1, the network formed by AP101 is indicated by circle 100, the network formed by AP201 by circle 200, and the network formed by STA301 by circle 300. STA301 can transmit and receive signals transmitted and received by AP101 and AP201. Furthermore, when the access point function is enabled, STA301 forms network 300 and can perform direct wireless communication (peer-to-peer communication) with STA350.

[0011] STA301 can join the network formed by AP101 and AP201. AP101, AP201, and STA301 can perform wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax standard or IEEE 802.11ax or later standards. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Each communication device can communicate in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. The frequency bands used by each communication device are not limited to these and may use different frequency bands, such as the 60 GHz band. AP101, AP201, STA301, and STA350 can communicate using bandwidths of 20 GHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz. The bandwidths used by each communication device are not limited to these and may use different bandwidths, such as 240 MHz and 4 MHz.

[0012] Although the AP 101, AP 201, STA 301, and STA 350 are described as being compatible with the IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax standard, they may also be compatible with legacy standards that predate the IEEE 802.11n / ac / ax standard. Specifically, the AP 101, AP 201, STA 301, and STA 350 may be compatible with at least one of the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards. Furthermore, in addition to the IEEE 802.11 series standards, they may also be compatible with other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, ZigBee, and MBOA. Note that UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA stands for Multi-Band OFDM Alliance. Furthermore, NFC stands for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WiNET, and the like. Furthermore, they may also be compatible with wired communication standards such as wired LAN. Specific examples of the AP101 and AP201 include, but are not limited to, a wireless LAN router and a personal computer (PC). The AP101 may also be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11n / ac / ax standard. Specific examples of the STA301 and STA350 include, but are not limited to, information processing devices such as a printer, a multifunction peripheral, a camera, a tablet, a smartphone, a PC, a mobile phone, a video camera, and a headset. The STA301 and STA350 may also be an information processing device such as a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11n / ac / ax standard.

[0013] AP101, AP201, STA301, and STA350 can implement infrastructure mode, selecting one of multiple frequency bands to establish a connection and perform communications. For example, AP101 has link 103 in the first frequency band of 5 GHz and link 104 in the second frequency band of 2.4 GHz, and AP201 has link 203 in the first frequency band of 5 GHz and link 204 in the second frequency band of 2.4 GHz. STA301 establishes a connection using information such as the SSID assigned to each AP's link. AP101 and AP201 can set the same SSID for each frequency band link, and STA201 identifies each link from the frequency band and the BSSID included in the packet sent from the AP.

[0014] STA301 supports infrastructure mode, which is an operational setting for infrastructure communication, which communicates with communication terminals via external access points 101 and 201. In infrastructure mode, STA301 supports the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. STA301 communicates in one of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands depending on the external access point to which it connects in infrastructure mode. In other words, the frequency band that STA301 uses in infrastructure mode is determined by the external access point.

[0015] Furthermore, the STA301 supports a direct wireless communication function that enables direct wireless communication with communication terminals without going through an external access point. There are two operating settings for direct wireless communication. One is WFD mode, which complies with the Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In WFD mode, the STA negotiates with the other device to determine which device will become the GO (Group Owner), and then performs direct wireless communication. GO operates as an AP and performs direct wireless communication with the other device. The other is AP mode, which is also called software AP mode, in which the STA 301 operates as a fixed AP without the above-mentioned negotiation. AP mode does not have to comply with the WFD standard. The STA 301 supports three modes: infrastructure mode, WFD mode, and AP mode. For example, it is possible to operate in infrastructure mode and AP mode simultaneously, either in parallel or simultaneously. It is also possible to operate in infrastructure mode and WFD mode simultaneously, either in parallel or simultaneously.

[0016] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram of when a STA establishes a link with an external AP, showing a communication connection in the infrastructure mode described above. The AP makes the STA aware of its presence by sending a Beacon. The STA sends a Probe Request to the AP, and the AP determines that link establishment can begin when it receives a Probe Response from the STA. The STA and AP establish the link by performing authentication communication (Authentication ~ 4-way handshake). The above is the connection sequence with an external AP when STA301 operates in infrastructure mode. When STA301 operates in AP mode, STA301 operates as the AP in the above sequence, establishing a direct wireless communication connection with the communication terminal.

[0017] An example of a WFD connection sequence is shown in Fig. 3. Communication device 1 and communication device 2 are, for example, STA301 and STA350 in Fig. 1.

[0018] First, in step S301, communication device 1 and communication device 2 perform device discovery to recognize each other's existence. The detailed process of this discovery phase will be described later.

[0019] Then, in S302, a group is formed, and either communication device 1 or communication device 2 becomes the group owner (GO). Here, for example, communication device 1 transmits a GO negotiation request including an INTENT value, and communication device 2 transmits a GO negotiation response including an INTENT value. The INTENT value is an index value indicating the degree to which a device should become a GO, and is set within a numerical range of 0 to 15. The device with the higher INTENT value becomes the GO, and the other device becomes the client (CL).

[0020] In S303, parameters for communication connection are shared. In S304, the parameters shared in S303 are used to authenticate each other and establish wireless communication. For example, WPA2-Personal can be used as the authentication protocol.

[0021] An example of a sequence of the partner device search phase for WFD connection is shown in Fig. 4. The device search operation in S301 in Fig. 3 will now be described in more detail.

[0022] Based on input from a user, an application, or the like, each communication terminal may start a detection procedure (F201, F202). When the communication device 1 receives an instruction from a user or the like to detect other communication devices, it attempts to detect other communication devices by repeatedly switching between the Listen state and the Search state. Note that, while an example is shown in which the communication device 1 first executes the Listen state, the communication device 1 may execute the Search state first. Furthermore, before these states, there may be a period during which each channel is scanned (all channel scan). For example, in the Listen state, the communication device 1 selects channel 1 in the 2.4 GHz band and waits for a Probe Request frame from another communication device. Although channel 1 is used here, it may also be a channel in the 5 GHz band. The period of the Listen state may be, for example, N times the unit period TU, which is a predetermined period. In other words, the period of the Listen state may be expressed as N × TU. TU is an abbreviation for Time Unit. TU may be, for example, 100 milliseconds. N may be an integer equal to or greater than 1 determined by a random number. N may be a value determined in advance by settings or the like, or may be a different value for each frequency channel. When the communication device 1 transitions from the Listen state to the Search state, it transmits a Probe Request frame while switching frequency channels and waits for a Probe Response frame (F203, F204, F206). Here, the Probe Request frame is transmitted on channels 1, 6, and 11 in the 2.4 GHz band, but it may also be transmitted on channel 36 in the 5 GHz band, for example. Note that the channel on which the Probe Request is transmitted may be a single channel or multiple channels. For example, it may be transmitted only on channel 6 in the 2.4 GHz band, or it may be transmitted on all channels in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, etc. The communication device 1 can transition from the Search state to the Listen state again.

[0023] On the other hand, when the communication device 2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to detect other communication devices, it attempts to detect other communication devices by repeatedly switching between the Listen state and the Search state, similar to the communication device 1. For example, in the Listen state, the communication device 2 selects channel 6 in the 2.4 GHz band and waits for a Probe Request frame from another communication device. Here, while the communication device 2 is waiting on channel 6 in the Listen state, the communication device 1 transitions to the Search state and transmits a Probe Request frame on channel 6. In response to receiving this Probe Request frame, the communication device 2 transmits a Probe Response frame (F205). The Probe Response includes the terminal name of the transmitting terminal. The terminal name can be used to identify the terminal that transmitted the Probe Response. Note that the channel on which the Probe Request is received may be a single channel or multiple channels. For example, the communication device 2 may wait for reception only on channel 6 in the 2.4 GHz band, or may wait for reception on all channels, including the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band.

[0024] Communication device 1 detects communication device 2 by receiving a Probe Response frame. Communication device 2 may detect communication device 1 by receiving a Probe Request frame. Communication device 1 and communication device 2 may report to a user or the like that they have detected communication device 2 and communication device 1, respectively. For example, a message indicating that the other device has been detected may be displayed on an operation screen. In this way, a terminal may detect other communication devices using Probe Request frames and Probe Response frames while repeatedly transitioning between the Listen state and the Search state.

[0025] (AP / STA configuration) 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the STA 301 in this embodiment. The STA 301 has a storage unit 501, a control unit 502, a function unit 503, an input unit 504, an output unit 505, a communication unit 506, and an antenna 507. Note that the number of antennas may be multiple.

[0026] The storage unit 501 is configured with one or more memories such as ROM and RAM, and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, the storage unit 501 may also be a storage medium such as a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, or DVD. Furthermore, the storage unit 501 may include multiple memories.

[0027] The control unit 502 is configured with one or more processors, such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire AP 101 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 501. The control unit 502 may control the entire AP 101 in cooperation with the computer program stored in the storage unit 501 and an OS (Operating System). The control unit 502 also generates data and signals (wireless frames) to be transmitted in communications with other communication devices. The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and the MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. The control unit 502 may also be equipped with multiple processors, such as multi-core processors, and the multiple processors may control the entire STA 301.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 502 controls the functional unit 503 to perform predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, and projection. The functional unit 503 is hardware that enables the STA 301 to perform predetermined processes. Here, the STA 301 is assumed to be an image processing device including a printer and a scanner in the functional unit 503. The STA 301 prints print data received from an external terminal via the communication unit 506 using the printer, or transmits image data generated by scanning an original with the scanner to the external terminal via the communication unit 506. The STA 301 may also be an image processing device that has only a single function, a printing function or a scanning function.

[0029] The input unit 504 receives various operations from the user. The output unit 505 outputs various types of information to the user via a monitor screen or a speaker. Here, the output from the output unit 505 may be a display on a monitor screen, an audio output from a speaker, a vibration output, or the like. Note that both the input unit 504 and the output unit 505 may be implemented by a single module, such as a touch panel. Furthermore, the input unit 504 and the output unit 505 may be integrated with the AP 101 or may be separate units.

[0030] The communication unit 506 controls wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. The communication unit 506 controls the antenna 507 to transmit and receive signals for wireless communication generated by the control unit 502. If the STA 301 supports standards such as the NFC standard and Bluetooth in addition to the IEEE 802.11 series standards, the communication unit 506 may control wireless communication in accordance with these standards. If the STA 301 can perform wireless communication in accordance with multiple communication standards, the STA 301 may be configured with separate communication units and antennas corresponding to each communication standard. The STA 301 communicates data such as image data, document data, and video data with the STA 301 via the communication unit 506. The antenna 507 may be configured separately from the communication unit 506 or may be configured together with the communication unit 506 as a single module. The antenna 507 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. In this embodiment, the STA 301 has one antenna, but it may also have multiple antennas.

[0031] It should be noted that AP 101, AP 201, and STA 350 have the same hardware configuration as STA 301. While STA 301 has one antenna 507, AP 101 and AP 201 may have different antennas for each frequency band. If AP 101 or 201 has multiple antennas, it may have a communication unit 506 corresponding to each antenna.

[0032] (Processing flow) Next, several embodiments will be described, including the flow of the processing executed by the AP / STA and the sequence in the wireless communication system.

[0033] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen that STA301 uses to establish a direct wireless communication connection with another terminal. This screen is output by output unit 505 of STA301. Screen (A) is a start screen that selects whether to start the direct wireless communication connection in WFD mode or AP mode. When the user presses button 601 (corresponding to F201), STA301 starts WFD mode. Specifically, it starts the search sequence shown in Figure 4 and displays screen (B). When the user presses button 602, STA301 starts operating in AP mode, transmits a beacon, and waits to receive a connection request from another STA.

[0034] Screen (B) is a screen that displays the results of a WFD device search. A list of devices found in the device search is displayed in a search result display area 603. Device search is also performed while this screen is displayed, and newly found devices are added and displayed as they are found. In addition, by the user selecting a displayed device name, the process from S302 onwards in Figure 3 can proceed, for example, and STA301 can be made to execute the WFD connection process.

[0035] Screen (C) shows that the user has selected "Mobile Device 1" on screen (B) and that a WFD connection to Mobile Device 1 has been completed. Display area 604 displays a message indicating that the connection has been completed, along with information about the connected terminal. Here, the terminal information is the device name, but the terminal's MAC address, IP address, and information indicating whether it is GO or CL may also be displayed. Button 605 is used to end the WFD connection. Pressing button 605 disconnects the connection with the WFD-connected terminal and returns to screen (A).

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram when the STA 301 of this embodiment makes a WFD connection.

[0037] When the user presses button 601 on screen (A) in FIG. 6, the input unit 504 detects the press in S701, and the control unit 502 starts the WFD connection operation. In S702, the control unit 502 determines one frequency band to use for WFD from among the frequency bands supported by STA 301. For example, STA 301 can communicate in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, and can connect using any of the frequency bands in infrastructure mode, but only one frequency band is used for WFD connection. The frequency band determined here can be any frequency band supported by STA 301 that the STA 301 wishes to use for connection. For example, to perform a WFD connection at a fixed frequency of 2.4 GHz, it may be determined that the 2.4 GHz frequency band is used for search or communication connection. In S703, the control unit 502 performs a WFD device search using the frequency band determined in S702. In other words, it searches for a partner device using the frequency band determined in the Listen state and the Search state. Here, one frequency band is determined to be used in the WFD, but multiple frequency bands may be determined.

[0038] In S704, the output unit 502 displays screen (B) in Fig. 6. At this stage, the found terminal is not yet displayed in the result display area 603. Thereafter, in S705, the control unit 502 checks whether a Probe Response has been received as a result of the device search in S703. If it has been received, the process proceeds to S706, where the name of the sending terminal is obtained from the received Probe Response, and the name of the found terminal is displayed in the display area 603 of screen (B). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S707. If a Probe Response was not received in S705, the process proceeds to S707.

[0039] In S707, the input unit 504 determines whether or not the user has selected a terminal displayed in the display area 603 on the screen (B). If the user has not selected a terminal, the process returns to S705, where the reception of the probe response is continued to be confirmed. If a terminal has been selected, the process proceeds to S708.

[0040] In S708, a communication connection is established with the selected terminal. More specifically, the group formation, parameter sharing, and connection operations of S302, S303, and S304 in FIG. 3 are performed to establish a WFD connection with the partner terminal. Here, the WFD connection uses the same frequency band or channel as when the ProbeRequest was sent. For example, if STA301 becomes GO, the network is configured with the frequency band or channel used in the search phase. Even if STA301 becomes CL, the network may be configured with the frequency band or channel used in the search phase by notifying the partner device in S302 of the frequency band or channel used in the search phase. Here, an example is shown in which the 2.4 GHz frequency band (or channel) determined in S702 is used in the search phase, and the 2.4 GHz frequency band (or channel) determined in S702 is also used in the WFD connection, but this is not limited to this. For example, the STA 301 may be configured to use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands (or channels) in the search phase, and the 2.4 GHz frequency band (or channel) determined in S702 for WFD connection. For example, the STA 301 may be configured to use the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands (or channels) determined in S702 in the search phase, and the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands for WFD connection. In other words, the frequency band determined in S702 may be used in both the search phase and the WFD connection. When the connection is completed, the output unit 505 displays the connection completion screen shown in screen (C) of FIG. 6. The frequency band determined in S702 is assumed to be set in advance (e.g., at the time of shipment from the factory) as a fixed device setting of the STA 301, but is not limited to this. The frequency band determined in S702 may not be fixed in the STA 301 but may be dynamically changed depending on the device status, or may be set by the user as appropriate on a setting screen such as that shown in FIG. 9.

[0041] With the above flow, even if the device supports the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, it will only search for or connect to a WFD in one frequency band, thereby saving resources related to communication connections.

[0042] Figure 8 shows a sequence diagram of this embodiment. STA350-1 and STA350-2 are terminals with the terminal names Mobile Device1 and Mobile Device2, respectively. STA350-1 performs WFD communication only in the 2.4 GHz band and is in a state where it can accept a ProbeRequest. STA350-2 performs WFD communication only in the 5 GHz band and is in a state where it can accept a ProbeRequest.

[0043] In S801, the user presses button 601 on screen (A) of FIG. 6 displayed on STA301. Then, in S802, STA301 determines the communication channel to use when transmitting the Probe Request. This determination corresponds to the determination in S702. Here, for example, it is determined to use the 2.4 GHz frequency band. STA301 then uses communication unit 506 to transmit the Probe Request to surrounding devices. At this time, STA301 transmits the Probe Request in the frequency band determined in S802. In this case, since it has been determined to use the 2.4 GHz band, the Probe Request is transmitted on channel 6. Here, the Probe Request may be transmitted on a channel other than channel 6 as long as it is in the frequency band determined in S802. For example, the Probe Request may be transmitted on channels 1, 6, and 11, which are typical channels in the 2.4 GHz band, or on all channels 1 to 13.

[0044] After that, STA350-1 waits for a WFD Probe Request in the 2.4 GHz band, so it receives the Probe Request sent in S803 and sends a Probe Response in S804. On the other hand, STA350-2 waits for a Probe Request only in the 5 GHz band, so it cannot receive the Probe Request sent in S803 and does not send a Probe Response.

[0045] After sending the ProbeRequest, STA301 displays the search result screen (B) in S805. At this time, since the ProbeResponse in S804 has been received, the name of the sender terminal is obtained from the received ProbeResponse and the name of the terminal STA350-1 is displayed on the screen.

[0046] In S806, the user checks the results displayed in S805, and when they find the device they want to connect to, they select the name of that device. In this example, MobileDevice1 is selected. Then, in S807, STA301 performs connection processing with the selected MobileDevice1. Here, the connection processing uses the same frequency band as when the Probe Request was sent. STA301 then establishes a WFD connection with MobileDevice1 using the same frequency band as when the Probe Request was sent. The WFD connection here is not limited to this configuration, as long as it is performed using the frequency band determined in S702.

[0047] By performing the above operation, a device search is performed only at a specific frequency, and a connection is made to the STA found using the frequency band used during the device search, thereby enabling a suitable connection. Even if a device supports multiple frequency bands such as the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, the WFD connection is performed using either the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band, which simplifies the control related to the device's communication connection and enables suitable communication.

[0048] The frequency band may be determined in advance in steps S702 and S802 as 2.4 GHz, for example, rather than being determined each time.

[0049] The frequency band determined in S702 and S802 may be configured to be user-configurable. Fig. 9 shows an example of a frequency band configuration screen, which is provided by the STA 305. This screen may be displayed on the display unit of the STA 305, or may be displayed on an external terminal that communicates with the STA 305. The frequency band to be used in the wireless LAN communication of the STA 301 can be configured on the screen in Fig. 9.

[0050] The infrastructure mode connection setting 901 indicates the frequency band to be used when the STA 301 acts as a client device and connects to an external AP via an infrastructure connection. Here, it is possible to select from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Here, it is assumed that multiple frequency bands can be selected, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which only one or only two can be selected. The STA 301 will only connect to external APs that support the frequency band set in the infrastructure mode connection setting 901.

[0051] On the other hand, the direct connection settings 902 are settings for selecting the frequency band to be used for direct wireless communication connection from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Here, it is assumed that any one of multiple frequency bands can be selected. The direct connection settings 902 may be applied as the frequency band to be used for device discovery and connection in WFD mode and AP mode, or may be applied as the frequency band to be used for device discovery and connection in either WFD mode or AP mode. For example, if 2.4 GHz is set in the direct connection settings 902, the frequency for device discovery used in S702 and S802 and the frequency used for connections in S708 and S807 will be the 2.4 GHz band. Although the infrastructure mode connection settings 901 and the direct connection settings 902 allow the frequency band to be set, they may also be configured to set the channel to be used.

[0052] The settings made using the frequency band setting screen in Figure 9 and the operation pattern of STA301 are described below.

[0053] For example, the following describes the operation when the infrastructure mode connection setting 901 is set to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, the direct connection setting 902 is set to 5 GHz, and these settings are applied only to AP mode. STA301 can connect in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands in infrastructure mode, operates in 5 GHz in AP mode, and operates in 2.4 GHz in WFD mode. In other words, STA305 can connect to an external AP operating in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, and in AP mode, it forms a network in 5 GHz and performs direct wireless communication with the partner device in 5 GHz, while in WFD mode, it performs WFD connection (or search) with the partner device in 2.4 GHz. In this example, the infrastructure mode and AP mode operate according to the settings in Figure 9, and the WFD mode uses 2.4 GHz, which is a predetermined device setting for STA305. In WFD mode, 2.4 GHz may be used only for communication with the partner device, or 2.4 GHz may be used for both communication with the partner device and the WFD search phase. Here, the WFD mode uses the predetermined 2.4 GHz frequency band, but it may also be configured to use 5 GHz (or 6 GHz) in advance. While infrastructure mode is based on the infrastructure mode connection setting 901, it may also be configured to be able to connect in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands in infrastructure mode without providing the infrastructure mode connection setting 901. Furthermore, STA301 is capable of simultaneous operation in infrastructure mode and AP mode. For example, it can operate at 2.4 GHz in infrastructure mode and at 5 GHz in AP mode. In other words, STA301 can communicate with an external AP using the 2.4 GHz frequency band while simultaneously communicating directly with STA350 at 5 GHz. While it is assumed here that infrastructure mode and AP mode can operate simultaneously, it may also be configured to operate simultaneously in infrastructure mode and WFD mode, or in AP mode and WFD mode.

[0054] In another example, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz are set in the infrastructure mode connection setting 901, and 5 GHz is set in the direct connection setting 902. The operation will be described assuming these settings are applied to AP mode and WFD mode. STA 301 can connect at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz in infrastructure mode, and operates at 5 GHz in AP mode and WFD mode. Because the direct connection setting 902 allows AP mode and WFD mode to operate, the frequency bands used in AP mode and WFD mode can be matched. In WFD mode, 5 GHz may be used only for communication with the other device, and 2.4 GHz may be used in the WFD search phase. Alternatively, 5 GHz may be used for both communication with the other device and the WFD search phase. Even in this example, simultaneous operation as described above is possible. For example, simultaneous operation is possible, such as operating at 5 GHz in infrastructure mode and at 2.4 GHz in AP mode or WFD mode.

[0055] Here, an example is shown in which two settings, infrastructure mode connection setting 901 and direct connection setting 902, are provided, but this is not limiting. A configuration may be adopted in which the frequency band to be used can be set from the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands for each of infrastructure mode, AP mode, and WFD mode. Also, while an example is shown in which the frequency band can be selected from the three frequency bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, a configuration in which the frequency band can be selected from the two frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz may also be adopted.

[0056] (Other embodiments) In each of the above embodiments, the various controls described as being performed by the communication device 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.

[0057] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to examples in which the present invention is applied to communication devices such as STAs and APs. However, this is not limited to this example and the present invention can be applied to any wireless device. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as personal computers, PDAs, tablet devices, mobile phone devices such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smartwatches, and thermometers and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected to USB or LAN cable terminals. Examples of video output devices include devices that acquire (download) videos 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), thereby enabling streaming playback on the display device or 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0061] (Configuration 1) An information processing device capable of communicating at least in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band and having a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating with a partner device without going through an external access point, Operation settings related to the direct wireless communication function, A first operation setting is to perform the direct wireless communication in which a device that will operate as an access point is determined by negotiating with a partner device, or a first setting means for setting whether to set a second operation setting in which the information processing device operates as an access point without the negotiation and performs the direct wireless communication; a second setting means for setting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication from among a plurality of frequency bands including a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band in response to an operation from a user; and a control means for controlling the information processing device so that, when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, one of a plurality of frequency bands is used for direct wireless communication, and, when the information processing device operates in the second operation setting, the frequency band set by the second setting means is used for direct wireless communication.

[0062] (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, the control means directly uses the 2.4 GHz band for wireless communication regardless of the setting by the second setting means.

[0063] (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, the control means uses the frequency band set by the second setting means for direct wireless communication.

[0064] (Configuration 4) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, the control means uses one of a plurality of frequency bands to search for a partner device.

[0065] (Configuration 5) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that when the information processing device operates in the first operating setting, the control means uses one of a plurality of frequency bands for communication connection with a partner device.

[0066] (Configuration 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the first operation setting is an operation setting for performing direct wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) standard.

[0067] (Configuration 7) 7. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the device that operates as the group owner and the device that operates as the client are determined by the negotiation.

[0068] (Configuration 8) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the information processing device operates in an infrastructure mode in which communication with a partner device is performed via an external access point, and in the infrastructure mode, communication is possible in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band.

[0069] (Configuration 9) 9. The information processing device according to configuration 8, wherein the information processing device executes the operation in the infrastructure mode and the operation in the second operation setting in parallel.

[0070] (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that when operating in the infrastructure mode, the information processing device communicates in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band depending on the external access point to which it is connected, when operating in the first operating setting, the 2.4 GHz band is fixedly used for direct wireless communication, and when operating in the second operating setting, the 5 GHz band set by the second setting means is used for direct wireless communication.

[0071] (Configuration 11) 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 8 to 10, further comprising a first providing means for providing a setting screen for accepting settings of frequency bands to be used in the infrastructure mode, the first operation setting, and the second operation setting.

[0072] (Configuration 12) 12. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, further comprising a second providing means for providing a setting screen for setting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication, the setting screen including at least an item indicating a 2.4 GHz band and an item indicating a 5 GHz band.

[0073] (Configuration 13) 13. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, further comprising a third providing means for providing a setting screen for setting whether the operation setting for the direct wireless communication function is the first operation setting or the second operation setting.

[0074] (Configuration 14) 14. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the information processing device is an image processing device having a printing function and prints image data acquired through communication.

[0075] (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that is capable of communicating at least in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band and has a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating with a partner device without going through an external access point, Operation settings related to the direct wireless communication function, A first operation setting is to perform the direct wireless communication in which a device that will operate as an access point is determined by negotiating with a partner device, or a first setting step of setting whether to use a second operation setting in which the information processing device operates as an access point without the negotiation and performs the direct wireless communication; a second setting step of setting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication from among a plurality of frequency bands including a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band by receiving an operation from a user; a control step of controlling the information processing device to use one of a plurality of frequency bands for direct wireless communication when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, and to use the frequency band set in the second setting step for direct wireless communication when the information processing device operates in the second operation setting.

[0076] (program) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14.

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating at least in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band and having a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating with a partner device without going through an external access point, Operation settings related to the direct wireless communication function, A first operation setting is to perform the direct wireless communication in which a device that will operate as an access point is determined by negotiating with a partner device, or a first setting means for setting whether to set a second operation setting in which the information processing device operates as an access point without the negotiation and performs the direct wireless communication; a second setting means for setting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication from among a plurality of frequency bands including a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band in response to an operation from a user; and a control means for controlling the information processing device so that, when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, one of a plurality of frequency bands is used for direct wireless communication, and, when the information processing device operates in the second operation setting, the frequency band set by the second setting means is used for direct wireless communication.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means, when the information processing apparatus operates in the first operation setting, uses the 2.4 GHz band for direct wireless communication regardless of the setting by the second setting means.

3. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means uses the frequency band set by the second setting means for direct wireless communication when the information processing apparatus operates in the first operation setting.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, the control means uses any one of a plurality of frequency bands to search for a partner device.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the information processing device operates in the first operating setting, the control means uses one of a plurality of frequency bands for communication connection with a partner device.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first operation setting is an operation setting for performing direct wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) standard.

7. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the negotiation determines which device will act as a group owner and which device will act as a client.

8. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device operates in an infrastructure mode in which communication with a partner device is performed via an external access point, and in the infrastructure mode, communication is possible in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the information processing apparatus executes the operation in the infrastructure mode and the operation in the second operation setting in parallel.

10. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that when operating in the infrastructure mode, the information processing device communicates in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band depending on the external access point to which it connects, when operating in the first operating setting, the 2.4 GHz band is used fixedly for direct wireless communication, and when operating in the second operating setting, the 5 GHz band set by the second setting means is used for direct wireless communication.

11. 9. The information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising a first providing means for providing a setting screen for accepting settings of frequency bands to be used in the infrastructure mode, the first operation setting, and the second operation setting.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second providing means for providing a setting screen for setting the frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication, the setting screen including at least an item indicating the 2.4 GHz band and an item indicating the 5 GHz band.

13. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a third providing means for providing a setting screen for setting whether the operation setting related to the direct wireless communication function is the first operation setting or the second operation setting.

14. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus having a printing function, and prints image data acquired through communication.

15. A method for controlling an information processing device that is capable of communicating at least in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band and has a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating with a partner device without going through an external access point, Operation settings related to the direct wireless communication function, A first operation setting is to perform the direct wireless communication in which a device that will operate as an access point is determined by negotiating with a partner device, or a first setting step of setting whether to use a second operation setting in which the information processing device operates as an access point without the negotiation and performs the direct wireless communication; a second setting step of setting a frequency band to be used in the direct wireless communication from among a plurality of frequency bands including a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band by receiving an operation from a user; a control step of controlling the information processing device to use one of a plurality of frequency bands for direct wireless communication when the information processing device operates in the first operation setting, and to use the frequency band set in the second setting step for direct wireless communication when the information processing device operates in the second operation setting.

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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