Communication apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a technique for preventing an STA from remaining unconnected to an external AP when the STA cannot be connected to an AP of a connection destination when changing the AP of the connection destination according to a change request of the connection destination.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus comprising: a reception unit configured to receive a connection destination change request from a first access point to which the communication apparatus is connected; and a display unit configured to display a screen for connecting the communication apparatus to an external access point if the communication apparatus cannot be connected to a second access point when changing a connection destination access point from the first access point to the second access point based on the received change request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device capable of changing an access point (AP) to which it is connected based on a request to change the connection destination from the AP, a control method for the communication device, and a program. [Background technology]

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

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

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

[0005] When a STA dynamically changes its destination AP based on a connection change request received from the currently connected AP, it may be unable to connect to the destination AP. In such cases, the STA remains disconnected from the external AP and is unable to use functions via the external AP. Therefore, when a STA changes its destination AP in response to a connection change request, it is necessary to prevent the STA from remaining disconnected from the external AP if it is unable to connect to the destination AP.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a technology for preventing a STA from remaining in a state where it is not connected to an external AP when the STA cannot connect to the destination AP in response to a request to change the destination AP. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a communication device comprising: a receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from a first access point to which the communication device is connected; and a display means for displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if the communication device is unable to connect to the second access point when changing the connection destination access point from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a STA changes its destination AP in accordance with a request to change its destination, if it is unable to connect to the destination AP, it is possible to prevent the STA from remaining in an unconnected state to an external communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit of an MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an access point. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process in response to a connection destination change request from an AP. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating processing in response to a connection destination change request from an AP. [Figure 8] 10(a) to 10(g) are diagrams showing examples of displays on the operation display unit of the MFP. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setup process. [Figure 10] 10A is a diagram for explaining connection destination candidate APs, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a display example on the operation display unit of the MFP. [Figure 11] 10A is a diagram for explaining connection destination candidate APs, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a display example on the operation display unit of the MFP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication devices include a mobile terminal device 104, an MFP 100, access points AP101 and AP102, a DHCP server 103, a DNS server 105, and a network 110. Note that AP101 and AP102 may be illustrated as AP1 and AP2. The mobile terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Note that hereinafter, wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN. The mobile terminal device 104 may be a personal digital assistant such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0012] The MFP 100 is a printing device having a printing function, and may also have a reading function (scanner), a fax function, and a telephone function. The MFP 100 of this embodiment has a communication function that enables wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 104. Although the present embodiment describes a case in which the MFP 100 is used as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, and the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi Function Peripheral.

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

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

[0015] (MFP external configuration) FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 has, for example, a platen 201, a platen cover 202, a print paper insertion slot 203, a print paper ejection slot 204, and an operation display unit 205. Platen 201 is a stand on which a document to be read is placed. Platen cover 202 is a cover that holds down the document placed on platen 201 and prevents light from a light source that illuminates the document during reading from leaking to the outside. Print paper insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot that can accept paper of various sizes. Print paper ejection slot 204 is an ejection slot through which paper that has been printed is ejected. Paper that has been placed in print paper insertion slot 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, where it is printed and then ejected from print paper ejection slot 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, a confirm key, and a cancel key, as well as an LED and an LCD, and is configured to be able to accept user operations for activating various MFP functions and for various settings. The operation display unit 205 may also include a touch panel display. The MFP 100 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for this wireless communication, although this antenna does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. Like the mobile terminal device 104, the MFP 100 can also perform wireless communication using WLAN in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.

[0016] (MFP configuration) FIG. 2(b) shows an example configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 includes a main unit 211 that performs main control of the device itself and a wireless unit 226, which is a communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one common antenna. The main unit 211 simply represents a block including functional blocks other than a modem 229 and a wireless unit 266. Furthermore, MFP 100 includes, for example, a modem 229 for performing wired communication. The main unit 211 includes, for example, a CPU 212 (central processing unit), a ROM 213, a RAM 214, a nonvolatile memory 215, an image memory 216, a read control unit 217, a data conversion unit 218, a reading unit 219, and an encoding / decoding processing unit 221. Furthermore, the main unit 211 includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feed unit 223, a print control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. These functional units within main unit 211 are connected to one another via a system bus 230 managed by CPU 212. Furthermore, main unit 211 and wireless unit 226 are connected to one another via, for example, a dedicated bus 225, and main unit 211 and modem 229 are connected to one another via, for example, a bus 228.

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

[0018] The RAM 214 is configured with an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data for the MFP 100. The RAM 214 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The non-volatile memory 215 is configured with a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power to the MFP 100 is turned off. The image memory 216 is configured with a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 accumulates image data received via the wireless unit 226, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the configuration described above. The data conversion unit 218 analyzes data in various formats and converts image data into print data, etc.

[0019] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (for example, a CIS (contact image sensor)) to optically read the document placed on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signals) and outputs the converted data. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may output the image data after performing various image processes such as binarization and halftoning.

[0020] The operation display unit 220 is the operation display unit 205 described with reference to FIG. 2(a), and performs display on a display based on display control by the CPU 212, generation of a signal in response to reception of a user operation, and the like.

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

[0022] The paper feed unit 223 holds paper for printing. The paper feed unit 223 can supply the set paper under the control of the print control unit 224. The paper feed unit 223 may include multiple paper feed units in order to hold multiple types of paper in one device, and under the control of the print control unit 224, it can control which paper feed unit to use to feed paper.

[0023] The print control unit 224 performs various image processing such as smoothing, print density correction, and color correction on the image data to be printed, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 is configured to be able to perform, for example, inkjet printing, and ejects ink supplied from an ink tank from a print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. Note that the print unit 222 may also be configured to be able to perform other printing processes such as electrophotography. The print control unit 224 may also periodically read information from the print unit 222 and update status information stored in RAM 214, including the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank and the state of the print head.

[0024] The wireless unit 226 is a unit capable of providing WLAN communication functions, and can provide functions similar to those of a combination of the WLAN unit 401 of the mobile terminal device 104, for example. That is, the wireless unit 226 converts data into packets in accordance with the WLAN standard and transmits the packets to other devices, and also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs the data to the CPU 212. The wireless unit 226 is capable of communication as a station conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series. In particular, it is capable of communication as a station conforming to IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. Hereinafter, the station may be referred to as an STA. It is also capable of communication as an STA compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark).

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

[0026] The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are capable of P2P (WLAN) communication based on WFD, and the wireless unit 226 has a software access point (soft AP) function or a group owner function. That is, the wireless unit 226 can build a P2P communication network and determine the channel to be used for P2P communication.

[0027] (MFP operation display section) FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100. FIG. 3(a) is an example of a home screen that is displayed when the MFP 100 is powered on and no operations such as printing or scanning are being performed (idle state, standby state). FIG. 3(a) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to copy, scan, and cloud, respectively. Cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions that use Internet communication. By selecting any of the menu items through key operations or touch panel operations, the MFP 100 can begin executing the corresponding settings or functions. The MFP 100 can seamlessly display a screen different from that shown in FIG. 3(a) by accepting key operations or touch panel operations on the home screen of FIG. 3(a).

[0028] Figure 3(b) is a display example of another part of the home screen, which transitions from the state of Figure 3(a) by performing an operation (such as sliding left or right) to display another page of the home screen. Figure 3(b) displays display items (menu items) corresponding to communication settings, print, and photo. When one of these menu items is selected, the function corresponding to the selected menu item, i.e., the print function, photo function, or communication settings, is executed.

[0029] FIG. 3(c) is an example of a communication settings menu screen that is displayed when communication settings are selected on the screen in FIG. 3(b). The communication settings menu screen displays menu items (options): "Wireless LAN," "Wired LAN," "Wireless Direct," "Bluetooth," and "Common." "Wireless LAN," "Wired LAN," and "Wireless Direct" are menu items for configuring LAN settings. These items allow users to configure wired connections, enable / disable wireless infrastructure mode, and enable / disable P2P modes such as WFD and soft AP mode. When the "Wireless LAN" item is selected and wireless LAN is enabled by user operation, wireless infrastructure mode is enabled. When the "Wireless Direct" item is selected and wireless Direct is enabled by user operation, P2P (WLAN) mode is enabled. This screen also displays a common settings menu for each connection type. Furthermore, the user can configure settings such as the wireless LAN frequency band and frequency channel from this screen.

[0030] (External configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In this embodiment, as an example, the mobile terminal device 104 is a general-type smartphone. The mobile terminal device 104 includes, for example, a display unit 402, an operation unit 403, and a power key 404. The display unit 402 is, for example, a display including a liquid crystal display (LCD) type display mechanism. The display unit 402 may display information using, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The mobile terminal device 104 may also have a function to output information by voice in addition to or instead of the display unit 402. The operation unit 403 includes hard keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, and the like for detecting user operations. In this example, the display unit 402 displays information and the operation unit 403 receives user operations using a common touch panel display, so the display unit 402 and the operation unit 403 are implemented by a single device. In this case, for example, button icons and a software keyboard are displayed using the display function of display unit 402, and the touch of the user on those locations is detected by the operation reception function of operation unit 403. Note that display unit 402 and operation unit 403 may be separated, and hardware for display and hardware for operation reception may be provided separately. Power key 404 is a hardware key for receiving a user operation to turn on or off the power of mobile terminal device 104.

[0031] The mobile terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides WLAN communication functionality, although it does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). It is also capable of communication as an AP compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). However, this is not a limitation, and the WLAN unit 401 may also be capable of communication in a WLAN system that complies with other standards. In this example, the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. It is also assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure mode, etc. Operation in these modes will be described later.

[0032] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the mobile terminal device 104 includes a main unit 411 that performs main control of the device itself and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main unit 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a non-volatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 104 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units within the main unit 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. Furthermore, the main unit 411 and the WLAN unit 429 (the above-mentioned WLAN unit 401) are connected via a dedicated bus 426, for example.

[0033] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 104 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Note that dedicated hardware for each process may be provided. The ROM 413 stores control programs, such as a control program and an embedded operating system (OS) program, executed by the CPU 412. In this embodiment, the CPU 412 executes each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of an embedded OS also stored in the ROM 413, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0034] The RAM 414 is configured with a static RAM (SRAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data for the mobile terminal device 104. The RAM 414 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The image memory 415 is configured with a memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the WLAN unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. The nonvolatile memory 422 is configured with a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the mobile terminal device 104 is powered off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 104 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data may be backed up using the data storage unit 423. In this embodiment, although a DRAM is given as an example of the image memory 415, other storage media such as a hard disk or nonvolatile memory may also be used.

[0035] The data conversion unit 416 analyzes data in various formats and performs data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls telephone lines and realizes telephone communication by processing audio data input and output via a speaker unit 424. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites and acquires location information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 104.

[0036] The camera unit 421 has the function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. Image data obtained by capturing an image with the camera unit 421 is stored in a data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 controls the input and output of audio for telephone functions, as well as other functions such as alarm notification. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery, and controls the supply of power to the device. Power supply states include, for example, a dead battery state in which there is no remaining battery power, a power-off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, a running state in which the device is normally running, and a power-saving state in which the device is running but is in power-saving mode.

[0037] The display unit 420 is the display unit 402 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and performs various input operations and displays the operating status and status of the MFP 100 based on the control of the CPU 412. The operation unit 418 is the operation unit 403 described with reference to Fig. 4(a), and upon receiving a user operation, performs control such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting it to the CPU 412.

[0038] The mobile terminal device 104 performs wireless communication using a WLAN unit 429 to perform data communication with other devices such as the MFP 100. The WLAN unit 429 converts data into packets and transmits the packets to other devices. The WLAN unit 429 also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs the data to the CPU 412. The WLAN unit 429 is a unit for realizing communication compliant with the WLAN standards. The WLAN unit 429 can operate in parallel in at least two communication modes, including a wireless infrastructure mode and a P2P (WLAN) mode. Note that the frequency bands used in these communication modes may be limited by the functionality and performance of the hardware.

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

[0040] A microprocessor-type CPU 511 disposed in main unit 510 operates in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM-type program memory 513 connected via an internal bus 512 and the contents of a RAM-type data memory 514. CPU 511 controls a wireless LAN unit 516 via a wireless LAN communication control unit 515 to perform wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. CPU 511 also controls a wired LAN unit 518 via a wired LAN communication control unit 517 to perform wired LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. CPU 511 controls an operation unit control circuit 519 to accept operations from a user via operation buttons 520. CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0048] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices (e.g., mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100) that communicate with each other are connected to an external AP (e.g., AP 101) that manages the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via that AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network established by the external AP. When mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100 each discover AP 101 and send a connection request to AP 101 to connect, communication between these communication devices in wireless infrastructure mode via AP 101 is possible. Note that multiple communication devices may be connected to separate APs. In this case, data transfer between APs enables communication between the communication devices. Commands and parameters transmitted and received during communication between each communication device via an access point may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here. In this case, AP 101 determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, the AP 101 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0049] (Processing in response to a request from the AP to change the connection destination of the STA) The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support a function publicly known as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that enables the selection of an optimal environment according to changing conditions in a Wi-Fi network. Specifically, STAs such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 and APs such as the AP 101 exchange information about the network environment using the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. Through this information exchange, if the network is congested, the AP can guide (change the connection destination) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, or even another cellular service.

[0050] 6 is a sequence diagram in which MFP 100 switches the AP of the connection destination from AP 101 to AP 102 in response to a connection destination change request from AP 101. In this sequence, the processes executed by each device are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in memory such as ROM of each device into RAM and executing them.

[0051] 6, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP 101 in wireless infrastructure mode. When the MFP 100 and the AP 101 connect in wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v. If the AP 101 has acquired information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v, it will perform the following processing.

[0052] In S601, the AP 101 transmits to the MFP 100 an inquiry (measurement request) about the radio wave strength of APs around the MFP 100. This inquiry is transmitted as, for example, a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. That is, this request can use a mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0053] In S602, the MFP 100 receives frames transmitted by surrounding APs in response to the request received in S601 and measures the radio wave strength. As a result, the radio wave strength of each of the multiple APs, including AP 101 and AP 102, is measured.

[0054] In S603, the MFP 100 transmits a list of the radio wave intensities of the APs around the MFP 100 measured in S602 as a response to the request received in S601. Note that the radio wave intensity to be transmitted in response may be information stored in the RAM 214, non-volatile memory 215, etc. of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602. This response is transmitted as, for example, a beacon report or measurement reports.

[0055] In S604, the AP 101 determines whether or not it is necessary to switch the connection destination of the MFP 100, based on the congestion status within the network that the AP 101 is aware of and the radio wave strength received in S603 from the MFP 100. Factors that the AP 101 may use to determine that a connection switch is necessary include a large number of connected STAs, a large amount of communication traffic, other APs being less congested, the presence or absence of radio interference, and AP function outages. Once it has determined that a switch of the connection destination of the MFP 100 is necessary and has determined the SSID (Service Set Identifier), channel, and frequency band of another AP to specify as the switch destination of the MFP 100, the process proceeds to S605.

[0056] In S605, the AP 101 transmits an AP change request (connection destination switch request) to the MFP 100. The connection destination change request includes information on the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP to be designated as a switch destination for the MFP 100, as determined in S604. Note that multiple SSIDs may be designated. The connection destination change request is transmitted, for example, as a BTM Request. In other words, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame defined in the IEEE802.11v standard is transmitted. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the AP 102 is designated as the switch destination included in the connection destination change request.

[0057] In S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the connection destination change request received in S605, it transmits a response indicating acceptance of the switch to the AP 101. If the MFP 100 does not comply with the connection destination change request, it may transmit a response indicating rejection of the switch. The response is transmitted as a BTM Response. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a response indicating acceptance is transmitted.

[0058] In S607, the AP 101 and the MFP 100 disconnect from each other in the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0059] In S608, the MFP 100 transmits a connection request to the AP 102 to connect to the AP 102 specified in the connection destination change request received in S605. As a result, in S609, a connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 in the wireless infrastructure mode is established.

[0060] With this mechanism, MFP100, which is an STA, can change its connection destination from AP101 to AP102 based on a connection destination change request from AP101 to which it was originally connected. AP101 and AP102 may be APs installed in different locations. That is, by the processing of FIG. 6, MFP100 can switch to another AP installed in a different location from the AP to which it was originally connected. Also, among multiple frequency bands (any two or three of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provided by the same device, the APs may each support different frequency bands. That is, by the processing of FIG. 6, MFP100 can switch to another frequency band provided by the same device as the AP to which it was originally connected. For example, it is possible to change the connection destination to an AP in the 6 GHz band based on a connection destination change request.

[0061] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an AP transmits a measurement request or a connection destination change request in a mechanism compliant with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband, and an STA responds to the request, but the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to a case in which an STA responds to a measurement request or a connection destination change request transmitted from an AP using a mechanism different from the above example, or changes the connection destination AP (switches, deletes, or adds an AP to be connected to).

[0062] There are situations where it is acceptable to change the destination AP based on a change request sent from the currently connected AP, and situations where it is not desirable. In situations where it is not desirable to change the destination AP based on a change request, one or a combination of the following processes can be performed to suppress the change of destination in response to the change request. The following processes respectively prevent or make it more difficult to change the destination AP based on a change request.

[0063] (Suppression process 1) Even if the change request described in S605 is received, the MFP 100 does not change the destination AP based on the received connection request, does not return a response to the change request, or sends a rejection response (indicating that the destination AP will not be changed) to the currently connected AP. If a rejection response is sent, the priority of the change of destination for other STAs connected to the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected increases, and the priority of the change of destination for the MFP 100 that returned the rejection response decreases, resulting in the connection with the currently connected AP being maintained. Also, if no response is returned (ignored), the currently connected AP is considered to maintain its connection with the MFP 100 by waiting for a response until the response wait time expires. Therefore, if the connection is to be immediately terminated in response to a response from the MFP 100 to the change request, not responding can extend the time the connection with the currently connected AP can be maintained rather than returning a response. Therefore, for example, different processing can be performed depending on the reason for the change, such as responding with a rejection if the reason is weak and ignoring if the reason is strong, based on the information about the reason for the change included in the change request. The reason for the change can be determined based on the information included in the Request Mode included in the BTM Request, which of several reasons applies. For example, if the Disassociation Imminent bit or the BSS Termination Included bit in the Request Mode is 1, it can be determined that the reason for the change is a strong reason for the change request. Otherwise, it can be determined that the reason for the change is a weak reason for the change.

[0064] (Suppression process 2) In response to the measurement request described in S601, the AP responds (fakes) with information indicating that the radio wave reception conditions (signal reception conditions) of non-connected APs other than the connected AP are lower than the conditions actually measured (low signal quality). In this case, the AP may actually perform measurements in response to the measurement request, or may respond without actually performing measurements. Specifically, in the response (beacon report, etc.) described in S603, the AP may respond with a value obtained by reducing the received signal strength and / or increasing the noise (signal-to-noise ratio) compared to the signal quality measured for the signal received from the non-connected AP. Alternatively, the AP may respond without including information about at least one of the non-connected APs. Furthermore, the AP may respond with a significantly lower received signal strength or a significantly increased noise based on information previously measured for the non-connected AP. Furthermore, the AP may respond without actually performing measurements (AP search) even when it receives a measurement request, and may not include information about the non-connected AP, indicating that only the connected AP has good received signal strength and noise conditions. A response to a measurement request without including information about the non-connected AP corresponds to an AP search not finding other non-connected APs. In other words, a response without including information about the non-connected AP indicates that at least some of the signal quality from the non-connected AP is worse than that obtained by an actual AP search. This is expected to prevent a connected AP from sending a request to change the connection destination to another AP. Therefore, a change of connection destination in response to a request to change the connection destination is prevented.

[0065] (Suppression process 3) The MFP 100 temporarily disconnects from the currently connected AP, notifies the MFP 100 of the fact that the change request is not supported, and then reconnects to the same AP. Specifically, the wireless connection with the currently connected AP is temporarily disconnected, and in preparation for reconnecting wirelessly, association request frame data is created that includes information that the MFP 100 is not compliant with IEEE 802.11v. Then, connection processing with the AP is performed using the data in the created association request frame. As a result, if an association request frame including information that the MFP 100 is not compliant with IEEE 802.11v is created, the MFP 100 will connect to the AP as an electronic device that does not support (is incompatible with) the Agile Multiband function. As a result, the currently connected AP recognizes that the MFP 100 is not compliant with IEEE 802.11v, and will no longer send a request to change the wireless connection destination to the MFP 100. In this way, a request to change the wireless connection to the MFP 100 is no longer made, making it easier to maintain the wireless connection between the MFP 100 and the currently connected AP. Furthermore, if the connected AP recognizes that the MFP 100 is not IEEE802.11v-compatible, the transmission of the measurement request (the request described in S601) from the connected AP to the MFP 100 is also suppressed. Therefore, the measurement (AP search) in response to the measurement request in the MFP 100 and the response to the measurement request (processing in S603) can also be suppressed. This reduces the processing load and power consumption, allowing resources to be allocated to other processes.

[0066] For example, a state in which changing the connection destination AP based on a change request is undesirable is when print data is being received. While the MFP 100 is receiving print data, it has already received part of the print data for the image to be printed from the mobile terminal device 104, which is the other device, but has not yet received the remaining part of the print data. The MFP 100 does not store all of the print data for one sheet of paper. Therefore, when the MFP 100 receives part of the print data, it prints only that part (for example, it receives and prints one line), and when it receives the remaining data, it prints that part again, repeating this process. If the connection destination AP is changed based on a change request while receiving this print data, a time lag occurs during the connection destination switching process, which may result in reduced print quality, such as uneven printing. Furthermore, after the connection destination is switched, communication with the mobile terminal device 104, which is the other device, may not work properly, preventing it from receiving the remaining data and resulting in printing failure. Therefore, while receiving print data, at least one of the above-mentioned (suppression process 1) and (suppression process 2) processes should be performed to suppress changes in the connection destination in response to a change request, or the above-mentioned (suppression process 3) process should be performed before starting to receive print data.

[0067] Although suppression process 3 has been described taking as an example a case where MFP 100 is receiving print data, similar processing can be applied when other data different from print data is being received or transmitted. For example, similar processing can be applied when MFP 100 scans an original document with reading unit 219 and transmits the scanned image (image data) to mobile terminal device 104 via the AP.

[0068] However, when a STA dynamically changes its destination AP based on a connection destination change request received from the currently connected AP, it may be unable to connect to the destination AP. For example, the STA stores connection information such as the password of the currently connected AP. When the STA changes to the designated AP in accordance with the connection destination change request, the STA performs authentication using the stored connection information. Typically, the same password is set by the user for the AP to which the STA is connected (e.g., AP 101) and the potential destination AP (e.g., AP 102). In such a case, when the STA receives a connection destination change request, it uses the stored password to successfully authenticate to connect to the destination AP.

[0069] However, the password for the destination AP may have been changed. In such a case, when the MFP 100 changes the destination AP in accordance with a request to change the destination, authentication with the destination AP fails. That is, the MFP 100 cannot connect to the AP specified in the request to change the destination. If the STA cannot connect to the AP, it remains unconnected to the external AP. As a result, the STA cannot execute functions that require communication via the external AP. Specifically, for example, the STA cannot receive print data from a mobile terminal device 104, such as a smartphone or a PC, via the external AP and execute printing. Furthermore, the STA cannot perform network updates via the external AP, for example. Therefore, when the STA changes the destination AP in accordance with a request to change the destination, it is necessary to prevent the STA from remaining unconnected to the external AP if it cannot connect to the destination AP.

[0070] In this embodiment, MFP100 operating as an STA receives a connection destination change request from the AP to which it is connected. When changing the connection destination AP based on the received change request, if the MFP100 is unable to connect to the connection destination AP, it displays a screen for connecting MFP100 to an external AP. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the MFP100 from remaining unconnected to the external AP when it is unable to connect to the connection destination AP.

[0071] Next, the control of the MFP 100 when a connection destination change request is received from the currently connected AP will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 7(a) and 7(b). The processing of Figures 7(a) and 7(b) is realized, for example, by the CPU 212 reading a program stored in the ROM 213, which is a computer-readable recording medium, into the RAM 214 and executing the program.

[0072] 7A, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP 101 in wireless infrastructure mode. When the MFP 100 and the AP 101 connect in wireless infrastructure mode, the AP 101 acquires information on whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v. If the acquired information indicates that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v, the following processing is performed.

[0073] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the same SSID is set for AP 101 and AP 102 before the process of Fig. 7(a) is started. In this example, AP 101 and AP 102 are APs that support the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function. The following describes an example in which the user sets the same SSID for AP 101 and an AP (e.g., AP 102) that can be used as a connection destination.

[0074] In S701, the MFP 100 determines whether or not it has received an inquiry (measurement request) about the radio wave strength of APs surrounding the MFP 100 from the currently connected AP 101. If the CPU 212 determines that it has received the inquiry, it proceeds to S702. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 determines that it has not received the inquiry, it proceeds to S703. This inquiry about radio wave strength can include a beacon frame request or a beacon report request, and in this embodiment, it is assumed to include either of these requests. Furthermore, the inquiry about radio wave strength determined by the CPU 212 in S701 corresponds to the one sent by the AP 101 in S601 of FIG. 6.

[0075] In S702, as described in S602 and S603 of FIG. 6, the MFP 100 measures the radio wave strength of the APs around the MFP 100, and transmits a list of the radio wave strengths of the APs to the AP 101 as a Beaon report.

[0076] In S703, the MFP 100 determines whether or not it has received a connection destination AP change request sent by the AP 101 in S605 of Fig. 6. If it determines that it has been received, the MFP 100 proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if it determines that it has not been received, the MFP 100 proceeds to S704.

[0077] In S704, the MFP 100 determines whether or not to terminate the connection with the currently connected AP. If the MFP 100 determines to terminate, it proceeds to S701; if it determines not to terminate, it terminates the processing in FIG. 7. For example, the MFP 100 determines to terminate the connection with the currently connected AP when it receives an instruction to power off the MFP 100 (for example, pressing the power button (not shown) of the MFP 100). Also, for example, the MFP 100 determines to terminate the connection with the currently connected AP when it receives an instruction to disable Wi-Fi settings from a Wi-Fi setting screen on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100, for example.

[0078] In step S705, the MFP 100 attempts to connect to the AP 102 in order to change the AP from the AP 101 to the AP 102 in accordance with the request to change the connection destination AP received from the currently connected AP 101. For example, the MFP 100 uses connection information stored in a memory such as the RAM 214 to perform authentication for connecting to the AP 102.

[0079] In S706, the MFP 100 determines whether the connection with the AP 102 specified in the change request was successful. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection was successful, the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the connection was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S707. For example, in S706, the MFP 100 determines that the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 was successful if the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 was established and continued, and determines that the connection was unsuccessful if the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 was interrupted. Specifically, for example, the MFP 100 may determine that the connection was unsuccessful if, after connecting with the AP 102, beacon frames periodically transmitted between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 are interrupted. The MFP 100 may also determine that the connection was unsuccessful if the AP 102 does not respond to a probe request sent to the AP 102.

[0080] In S707, MFP 100 displays a screen for connecting to AP 102, which is an external AP, on operation display unit 220. Specifically, MFP 100 displays a screen that guides the user to correct the connection information for AP 102. In this way, when MFP 100 receives a request to change the connection destination and fails to connect to AP 102, the screen is displayed in S707. In this way, by notifying the user that MFP 100 has failed to connect to the external AP, it is possible to prevent MFP 100 from remaining in a state where it is not connected to the external AP. Here, reference is made to FIGS. 8(a) to 8(f). FIGS. 8(a) to 8(f) show examples of screens that MFP 100 displays in S707.

[0081] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, screen 801 of FIG. 8A on the operation display unit 220. Screen 801 displays a message prompting the user to re-enter the password for AP 102. Screen 801 also displays interface 802 capable of accepting user input of the password for AP 102. Screen 801 also displays button 803 capable of accepting a confirmation instruction for deciding the password for AP 102 whose input has been accepted by the user. Screen 801 also displays button 804 capable of accepting an instruction to cancel the display of screen 801 without accepting input of the password for AP 102. As will be described later, when button 803 is pressed, the MFP 100 stores the password accepted by interface 802 in RAM 214. Then, the MFP 100 attempts to connect to AP 102 using the accepted password. For example, if the password for the AP 102 entered by the user is correct, the MFP 100 succeeds in connecting to the AP 102. On the other hand, if the button 804 is pressed, the MFP 100 cancels the display of the screen 801.

[0082] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, screen 805 of FIG. 8B on the operation / display unit 220. Screen 805 displays a message to the user indicating that the password for AP 102 is incorrect and a message prompting the user to input the password for AP 102. Screen 805 also displays interface 806 capable of accepting user input of the password for AP 102. That is, screen 805 prompts the user to correct the password for AP 102. Screen 805 also displays button 807 capable of accepting a confirmation instruction for deciding the password for AP 102 whose input has been accepted by the user. Screen 805 also displays button 808 capable of accepting an instruction to cancel the display of screen 805 without accepting input of the password for AP 102. As will be described later, when button 807 is pressed, the MFP 100 stores the password accepted by input via interface 806 in RAM 214. Then, the MFP 100 attempts to connect to the AP 102 using the password that has been input. For example, if the input password is correct, the MFP 100 succeeds in connecting to the AP 102. On the other hand, if the button 808 is pressed, the MFP 100 cancels the display of the screen 805.

[0083] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, screen 809 of FIG. 8C on the operation display unit 220. Screen 809 displays a message to the user indicating that the password for AP 102 is incorrect. Screen 809 also displays a message urging the user to connect to an external AP (e.g., AP 102) in accordance with the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) standard. In this example, screen 809 displays a message urging the user to press a WPS push button provided on the external AP and a WPS push button displayed on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100. Screen 809 also displays button 811 that can accept an instruction to execute a Wi-Fi connection using the WPS push button. For example, when button 811 is pressed, the MFP 100 may display the WPS push button on the operation display unit 220. For example, when a user presses the WPS push button on each of an external AP and MFP 100, communication is performed between the external AP and MFP 100 in accordance with a predetermined method. Specifically, communication is performed between the external AP and MFP 100 using the PBC (Push Button Configuration) method that complies with the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) standard. This allows MFP 100 to connect to the external AP. Furthermore, screen 809 does not execute processing in response to the WPS push button, and displays button 812 that can accept an instruction to cancel the display of screen 809.

[0084] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, screen 813 of FIG. 8(d) on the operation display unit 220. Screen 813 displays a message to the user indicating that the password for AP 102 is incorrect. Screen 813 displays a message prompting the user to connect to an external AP (e.g., AP 102) in a manner compliant with the WPS standard. In this example, screen 813 displays a message prompting the user to input a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code for connecting MFP 100 to the external AP. Screen 813 also displays interface 814 capable of accepting input of the PIN code. Screen 813 also displays button 815 capable of accepting an instruction to execute communication compliant with the WPS standard and button 816 capable of accepting an instruction to cancel the display of screen 813. For example, when button 815 is pressed, the MFP 100 may execute communication compliant with the WPS standard with AP 102 using the PIN code entered into interface 814. This allows the MFP 100 to connect to an external AP.

[0085] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, screen 817 of FIG. 8( e) on the operation / display unit 220. Screen 817 displays a message to the user indicating that the password for AP 102 is incorrect. Screen 817 also displays a message prompting the user to check whether the power of AP 102 is turned on. That is, screen 817 notifies the user not only that the password for AP 102 may be incorrect, but also that connection may be impossible because the power of AP 102 is turned off. For example, if the MFP 100 cannot connect to AP 102 because the power of AP 102 is turned off, the user can connect the MFP 100 to AP 102 by turning on the power of AP 102 based on this message. Screen 817 also displays button 818 indicating that an instruction to cancel the display of screen 817 can be accepted. Note that, for example, when button 818 is pressed, the MFP 100 may attempt a Wi-Fi connection to AP 102.

[0086] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, screen 819 of FIG. 8(f) on the operation / display unit 220. Screen 819 displays a message to the user indicating that the password for AP 102 is incorrect. Screen 819 also displays a message urging the user to review the wireless settings of AP 102. In other words, FIG. 8(f) can be said to be a screen that guides the user to correct the wireless settings of AP 102 when the MFP 100 fails to connect to AP 102. Specifically, for example, screen 819 may display a message urging the user to check whether the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function of AP 102 is disabled. Screen 819 may also display a message urging the user to check whether the IP address of AP 102 is set to an IP address that the MFP 100 cannot acquire. Screen 819 may also display a message urging the user to check whether the AP 102 is set to a stealth mode. Stealth mode is, for example, a mode in which AP 102 does not broadcast the SSID. Also, screen 819 displays button 820 for canceling the display of screen 819. Note that, for example, when button 820 is pressed, MFP 100 may attempt a Wi-Fi connection with AP 102.

[0087] Thus, in S707, the MFP 100 displays a message indicating that the password for AP 102 is incorrect, a screen that can accept input of the password for AP 102, etc. In other words, in S707, the MFP 100 can be said to display a screen related to connection information for AP 102, which is an external AP.

[0088] In S707, the MFP 100 may display, for example, an icon 822 shown in FIG. 8(g) on ​​the operation display unit 220 in addition to any of the screens shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(f). FIG. 8(g) shows an icon 822 that notifies the user that the connection change has failed when the MFP 100 has failed to switch the connection to the AP 102. In this example, the icon 822 indicates that the MFP 100 is not connected to an external AP via Wi-Fi. Displaying such an icon 822 on the operation display unit 220 allows the user to recognize that the MFP 100 is not connected to an external AP. Note that the icon 822 may be displayed on any of the screens shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(f).

[0089] 8(a) to 8(f) may display a message indicating that connection to AP 102 has failed when MFP 100 changes its connection destination from AP 101 to AP 102 in response to a request to change the connection destination. Also, each of the screens described in Figures 8(a) to 8(f) may display a message indicating that MFP 100 is currently not connected to an external AP. Also, each of the screens described in Figures 8(a) to 8(f) may display a message indicating that functions executed by MFP 100 via the external AP cannot be used when MFP 100 is not connected to the external AP.

[0090] In S707, if the MFP 100 supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC), the MFP 100 may display a guide screen (not shown) for connecting the MFP 100 to an external AP using the function. WEC is a function that executes network setup of a communication device such as the MFP 100 using the Device Provisioning Protocol established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In S707, the MFP 100 may display a screen (not shown) that can accept a user selection as to whether or not to attempt connection to the originally connected AP 101. If the MFP 100 accepts a selection to attempt connection to the AP 101, the MFP 100 may attempt connection to the AP 101.

[0091] In S708, the MFP 100 determines whether the connection information has been updated based on the operation content on the screen displayed in S707. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection information has been updated, the process proceeds to S709. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the connection information has not been updated, the process proceeds to S704. In S708, for example, the MFP 100 makes this determination by comparing the connection information entered on the screen displayed in S707 with the connection information stored in memory such as the RAM 214. For example, the MFP 100 may determine that the connection information has been updated if the connection information entered by the user is not stored in memory. On the other hand, for example, the MFP 100 may determine that the connection information has not been updated if the connection information entered by the user is already stored in memory. Furthermore, for example, the MFP 100 may determine that the connection information has not been updated if it has not received input of connection information.

[0092] In S709, the MFP 100 reflects the connection information determined to have been updated in S708. That is, the MFP 100 stores the connection information input in S707 in a memory such as the RAM 214.

[0093] In S710, the MFP 100 attempts a Wi-Fi connection to the AP 102 using the information reflected in S709.

[0094] In S711, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the Wi-Fi connection with the AP 102 was successful. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection was successful, the MFP 100 proceeds to S704. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the connection was unsuccessful, the MFP 100 proceeds to S712. Note that this determination is made in the same manner as in S706.

[0095] In S712, the MFP 100 suspends the Wi-Fi connection process. Specifically, for example, in S712, the MFP 100 disconnects the wirelessly connected device.

[0096] In S713, MFP 100 starts a connection setup process to a new network in order to establish a Wi-Fi connection with an external AP. Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a flowchart illustrating an example of the connection setup process executed by MFP 100 in S713. The process in Fig. 9 is implemented, for example, by CPU 212 reading a program stored in ROM 213, which is a computer-readable recording medium, into RAM 214 and executing the program.

[0097] In S900, the MFP 100 displays a screen (not shown) that can accept an instruction to select a mode to be activated in order to execute the connection setup process. The MFP 100 then determines the mode to be activated. If the MFP 100 determines that the soft AP mode should be activated, the process proceeds to S901. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the WFD mode should be activated, the process proceeds to S905.

[0098] (Processing when MFP100 starts soft AP mode) In step S901, the MFP 100 activates the soft AP mode. When the soft AP mode is activated, the MFP 100 operates as an access point. In other words, the MFP 100 operates as a master station and waits for a connection from an external communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104.

[0099] In S902, after activating the soft AP mode, the MFP 100 determines whether or not a connection request has been received from an external communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104. If the MFP 100 determines that a connection request has been received, the process proceeds to S903. If the MFP 100 determines that a connection request has not been received, the process repeats S902. Note that the connection request includes, for example, a connection instruction instructing the MFP 100 to connect to an external AP and connection information for the MFP 100 to connect to the external AP via Wi-Fi. The connection information included in the connection request includes, for example, the SSID and password of the external AP specified as the connection destination. Such a connection request is transmitted under the control of, for example, an application program related to the MFP 100 that is installed in an external communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104.

[0100] In S903, MFP100 attempts a Wi-Fi connection with an external AP (e.g., AP102) in accordance with the connection request. By starting MFP100 in soft AP mode in this way, MFP100 can attempt a Wi-Fi connection to the external AP based on connection information acquired by receiving it from an external communication device. After failing to connect to AP102, MFP100 attempts to connect to AP102 again based on connection information input by the user, but the connection fails if, for example, the input connection information is incorrect. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent MFP100 from remaining in a state where it is not connected to the external AP.

[0101] In S904, the MFP 100 determines whether the Wi-Fi connection with the external AP was successful. If the MFP 100 determines that the connection was successful, it ends the processing in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 determines that the connection was unsuccessful, it proceeds to S901.

[0102] (Processing when MFP100 starts WFD mode) In S905, the MFP 100 activates the WFD mode. That is, the MFP 100 enables the Wi-Fi Direct function and waits for a connection request from a nearby communication device that supports WFD. For example, after activating the WFD mode, if the MFP 100 receives a connection request from an external communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104, it establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the communication device without going through an external AP. After failing to connect to the AP, the MFP 100 attempts to establish a Wi-Fi connection with the AP 102 again based on connection information entered by the user. However, if the entered connection information is incorrect, for example, the connection fails. Even in such a case, the MFP 100 can be directly connected to an external communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104.

[0103] Referring again to Figures 7(a) and 7(b).

[0104] In S714, MFP 100 changes the setting values ​​used for a Wi-Fi connection with an external communication device such as an AP or mobile terminal device 104. In other words, MFP 100 stores the setting values ​​in a memory such as RAM 214. The setting values ​​include, for example, setting information for the connection mode when connecting with the external communication device. The setting information for the connection mode is, for example, the P2P communication method, the wireless infrastructure mode, or both the P2P communication method and the wireless infrastructure mode. Note that, for example, when MFP 100 receives a connection request from mobile terminal device 104 or the like in the processing of FIG. 9, it may store, as a setting value, connection information for connecting to the external AP included in the connection request.

[0105] In S715, MFP 100 establishes a Wi-Fi connection to the network using the connection information set in S713. Specifically, after activating the WFD mode in the process of Fig. 9, MFP 100 may establish a direct connection with an external communication device (e.g., mobile terminal device 104) and, if it receives connection information for connecting to an external AP, may attempt to connect to the external AP based on the connection information. Furthermore, if MFP 100 activates the soft AP mode in the process of Fig. 9, it skips the process of S714 because it is already connected to the external AP via Wi-Fi.

[0106] As described above, according to this embodiment, when MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request from connected AP 101 and changes the connection destination AP in accordance with the change request, if connection to the connection destination AP fails, a screen for connecting to an external AP is displayed. This prevents MFP 100 from remaining in a state where it is not connected to the external AP when MFP 100 fails to change the connection destination AP.

[0107] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, when MFP 100 changes the AP of the connection destination in accordance with a connection destination change request received from the currently connected AP 101, if connection to the connection destination AP 102 fails, one of the screens shown in Fig. 8(a) to Fig. 8(f) is displayed. Then, when MFP 100 receives input of connection information, it attempts to connect to AP 102 again using the input connection information.

[0108] In this embodiment, when MFP 100 changes the AP of the connection destination in accordance with a connection destination change request received from AP 101 to which it is currently connected, if connection to AP 102 of the connection destination fails, MFP 100 connects to an AP with the same SSID as AP 101 and AP 102. For example, an AP set to the same SSID as AP 101 and AP 102 may have the password of AP 101 (or the password of AP 102). Therefore, MFP 100 is expected to succeed in connecting to an external AP by attempting to connect to an AP set to the same SSID as AP 101 and AP 102.

[0109] See FIG. 10(a). FIG. 10(a) shows an example of candidate APs to which the MFP 100 can connect when the MFP 100 fails to connect to the AP 102. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in addition to the connected AP 101 and the AP 102 designated as the connection destination, there may be external APs, such as AP 1003, installed around the MFP 100 to which the MFP 100 can connect. The AP 1003 is illustrated as AP3. The AP 1003 has the same functions as the APs 101 and 102, and the MFP 100 can switch its connection from AP 101 to AP 1003 as necessary. The AP 1003 has the same device configuration as the APs 101 and 102 (see FIG. 5). The AP 1003 is set to the same SSID as the SSIDs of the APs 101 and 102. Furthermore, AP 101, AP 102, and AP 1003 each have a different BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier).

[0110] In this embodiment, when MFP 100 changes the AP to which it is connected from AP 101 to AP 102 in accordance with a connection change request received from the currently connected AP 101, if the connection to AP 102 fails, MFP 100 may search for APs around MFP 100. For example, if MFP 100 determines in S706 that the connection has failed (NO in S706), MFP 100 may execute a process of searching for APs around MFP 100. Specifically, MFP 100 controls wireless unit 226 to perform a process of searching for APs to which it is connected in the environment in which MFP 100 is installed (hereinafter referred to as AP search). In other words, MFP 100 searches for an AP to which it is to connect. For example, MFP 100 transmits a device search request (ProbeRequest) to the surrounding APs. Thereafter, MFP 100 searches for APs around MFP 100 by receiving signals such as device search responses (ProbeResponses) transmitted from the surrounding APs and Beacons (information that an AP transmits periodically and autonomously). Furthermore, in the AP search, AP information acquired from surrounding APs includes, for example, the SSID, radio wave strength, frequency band, MAC address (Media Access Control address), information indicating the security method of the AP, information indicating whether the AP supports the Agile Multiband function, etc. The MFP 100 displays on the operation display unit 220 a screen indicating that it will attempt to connect to an AP (AP 1003) that has the same SSID as AP 101 and AP 102, among the APs discovered in the AP search.

[0111] Here, reference is made to FIG. 10(b). FIG. 10(b) shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 220 when the MFP 100 fails to connect to the AP 102 in this embodiment. That is, the MFP 100 may display the screen 1001 in S707. The screen 1001 displays a message indicating that connection to the AP 102 was not possible. The screen 1001 also displays a message indicating that, because connection to the AP 102 was not possible, a connection to the AP 1003 with the same SSID as the AP 102 will be attempted. The screen 1001 also displays an interface 1002 that can accept an instruction to attempt a connection to the AP 1003. For example, when the interface 1002 is pressed, the MFP 100 attempts to connect to the AP 1003. Note that the MFP 100 may use the connection information of the AP 101 when attempting to connect to the AP 1003. The MFP 100 may then proceed to S711.

[0112] In the present embodiment, MFP 100 executes an AP search and displays screen 1001 for attempting to connect to AP 1003 with the same SSID as AP 102 found in the AP search, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, MFP 100 may store AP information (SSID, password, BSSID, etc.) to which MFP 100 has previously connected in a memory such as RAM 214. In this case, MFP 100 may use the stored AP information to display screen 1001 for connecting to an AP with the same SSID as AP 102. Also, for example, MFP 100 may store AP information for AP 101 to which it was originally connected. Then, MFP 100 may display a screen indicating that it will attempt to connect to AP 101 again using the AP information for AP 101.

[0113] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the MFP 100 executes an AP search and displays the screen 1001 when it determines in S706 that the connection has failed (NO in S706), but this is not limiting. For example, the MFP 100 may execute an AP search and display the screen 1001 when it determines in S711 that the connection to the AP 102 has failed (NO in S711).

[0114] As described above, according to this embodiment, when MFP 100 changes the connection destination to AP 102 in response to a request to change the connection destination, if the connection to AP 102 fails, screen 1001 is displayed for connecting to AP 1003 that has the same SSID as AP 102. This allows MFP 100 to connect to AP 1003 that is different from AP 102 to which the connection failed.

[0115] Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, when MFP 100 changes the connection destination to AP 102 in accordance with a connection destination change request received from currently connected AP 101, if connection to AP 102 fails, MFP 100 accepts user selection of a connection destination candidate AP. Then, a form will be described in which MFP 100 attempts to connect to the AP selected by the user.

[0116] 11(a) and 11(b) are referenced. Fig. 11(a) shows an example of APs that are candidates for connection destination of the MFP 100 when the MFP 100 fails to connect to the AP 102.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 11(a), in addition to the connected AP 101 and the AP 102 designated as the connection destination, there may be external APs such as APs 1104 to 1106 installed around the MFP 100 to which the MFP 100 can connect. Note that APs 1104, 1105, and 1106 are illustrated as AP4, AP5, and AP6. APs 1104, 1105, and 1106 have the same functions as APs 101 and 102, and the MFP 100 can switch its connection from AP 101 to any of APs 1104 to 1106 as needed. APs 1104, 1105, and 1106 have the same device configuration as APs 101 and 102 (see FIG. 5). Note that APs 1104, 1105, and 1106 are set to the same SSIDs as APs 101 and 102, respectively. It should be noted that AP1104, AP1105, and AP1106 each have a different BSSID.

[0118] In this embodiment, when MFP 100 changes the AP of the connection destination from AP 101 to AP 102 in accordance with a connection destination change request received from the currently connected AP 101, if the connection with AP 102 fails, MFP 100 may execute the above-described AP discovery. For example, if MFP 100 determines in S706 that the connection has failed (NO in S706), MFP 100 may execute AP discovery. Of the APs discovered in the AP discovery, MFP 100 displays APs with the same SSID as AP 101 and AP 102 as connection destination candidate APs on operation display unit 220.

[0119] Here, reference is made to FIG. 11(b). FIG. 11(b) shows an example of a screen showing candidate APs to connect to that is displayed by the MFP 100 on the operation / display unit 220. Screen 1107 displays a message indicating that candidate APs to connect to have been found and a message prompting the user to select a candidate AP to connect to. Screen 1107 also displays interface 1108 that can accept a user selection of a candidate AP to connect to. Interface 1108 indicates the SSID and BSSID of the candidate APs to connect to. That is, in this example, interface 1108 displays APs 1104, 1105, and 1106 shown in FIG. 11(a) as candidate APs to connect to. For example, when the MFP 100 accepts a user selection of a candidate AP to connect to, it may attempt to connect to the selected AP. Then, the MFP 100 may proceed to S711.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, MFP 100 executes an AP search and displays APs 1104 to 1106 having the same SSID as AP 102 found in the AP search on screen 1001 as connection destination candidate APs, but this is not limiting. For example, MFP 100 may use AP information to which MFP 100 has previously connected, stored in a memory such as RAM 214, to display APs having the same SSID as AP 102 as connection destination candidate APs on screen 1001. For example, MFP 100 may store AP information for AP 101 to which it was originally connected, and may display AP 101 as a connection destination candidate AP.

[0121] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the MFP 100 executes an AP search and displays screen 1107 when it determines in S706 that the connection has failed (NO in S706), but this is not limiting. For example, the MFP 100 may execute an AP search and display screen 1107 when it determines in S711 that the connection to AP 102 has failed (NO in S711).

[0122] As described above, according to this embodiment, when MFP 100 receives a connection destination change request and changes the connection destination AP from AP 101 to AP 102, if connection to AP 102 fails, APs with the same SSID as AP 102 are displayed as connection destination candidate APs. In this manner, if MFP 100 fails to connect to AP 102, the user can select an AP to connect to.

[0123] The various controls described above as being performed by the CPU 212 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing. While the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to an MFP as an example. However, this is not limited to this example and can be applied to any wireless device that functions as an STA and is capable of processing a connection change request from an AP. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, tablet devices, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smartwatches, and various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected via USB or LAN cable terminals. Video output devices include devices such as set-top boxes, which acquire (download) videos and still images from the Internet identified by a URL specified by an electronic device and output them to a connected display device via a video output terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark). This enables streaming playback on the display device and mirroring display (displaying the content displayed on the electronic device on the display device). Furthermore, video output devices include media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors), signage devices, etc. The present invention is also applicable to Wi-Fi-connectable devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting equipment, heating equipment, and cooling equipment.

[0125] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0126] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following communication device, its control method, and program. (Item 1) A communication device, a receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from a connected first access point; a display means for displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if the second access point cannot be connected when the connection destination access point is changed from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request, A communication device comprising: (Item 2) The screen is A screen related to connection information for connecting to the external access point. 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 3) The screen is displaying a message indicating that the connection information for connecting to the second access point is incorrect; 3. The communication device according to item 2. (Item 4) The screen is displaying a message prompting the user to input connection information for connecting to the external access point; 4. The communication device according to item 2 or 3, (Item 5) The screen is capable of accepting user input of the connection information; 5. The communication device according to any one of items 2 to 4, (Item 6) further comprising a storage means for storing the connection information received by the user input. 6. The communication device according to item 4 or 5, (Item 7) The connection information is a password. 7. The communication device according to any one of items 2 to 6, (Item 8) The screen is A message is displayed urging the user to connect to the external access point using a method that complies with the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) standard. 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 9) The screen is displaying a message prompting the user to check whether the second access point is powered on; 4. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 10) The screen is capable of accepting a user selection of the external access point; 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 11) and an execution unit that executes a setup process for connecting to the external access point when the external access point cannot be connected using the connection information received by the user input via the screen after the screen is displayed by the display unit. 7. The communication device according to any one of items 4 to 6, (Item 12) further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring connection information for connecting to the external access point from an external device different from the communication device; The setup process includes: attempting to connect to the external access point using the connection information acquired by the acquisition means; Item 12. A communication device according to item 11. (Item 13) the external access point is the second access point; 13. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 12, (Item 14) the external access point is a third access point different from the first access point and the second access point; The third access point The SSID is set to the same as the SSID of the first access point and the second access point. 13. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 12, (Item 15) The communication device performs connection and processing with an access point in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. 15. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 14. (Item 16) The communication device can perform at least one of processing conforming to Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and processing conforming to Target Wake Time (TWT). 16. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that: (Item 17) The communication device can change the connection destination to an access point in the 6 GHz band by changing the connection destination based on the change request. 17. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 16, characterized in that: (Item 18) The printer further includes a printing unit capable of executing a printing process based on print data received via the currently connected access point. 18. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 17. (Item 19) A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a connection destination change request from the connected first access point; a display step of displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if connection to the second access point cannot be established when the connection destination access point is changed from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request, A method for controlling a communication device. (Item 20) The computer of the communication device, receiving means for receiving a request to change the connection destination from the first access point to which the device is connected; and functioning as a display means for displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if the communication device is unable to connect to the second access point when changing the access point of the connection destination from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request. A program characterized by:

[0127] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 104: portable terminal device, 100: MFP, 101: AP1, 102: AP2

Claims

1. A communication device, a receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from the connected first access point; a display means for displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if the second access point cannot be connected when the connection destination access point is changed from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request, A communication device comprising:

2. The screen is A screen related to connection information for connecting to the external access point.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The screen is displaying a message indicating that the connection information for connecting to the second access point is incorrect; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. The screen is displaying a message prompting the user to input connection information for connecting to the external access point; 4. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. The screen is capable of accepting user input of the connection information; 5. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. further comprising a storage means for storing the connection information received by the user input.

5. The communication device according to claim 4.

7. The connection information is a password.

3. The communication device according to claim 2.

8. The screen is a message is displayed urging the user to connect to the external access point in a manner conforming to the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) standard; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. The screen is displaying a message prompting the user to check whether the second access point is powered on; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

10. The screen is capable of accepting a user selection of the external access point; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

11. and an execution unit that executes a setup process for connecting to the external access point when the external access point cannot be connected using the connection information received by the user input via the screen after the screen is displayed by the display unit.

5. The communication device according to claim 4.

12. further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring connection information for connecting to the external access point from an external device different from the communication device; The setup process includes: attempting to connect to the external access point using the connection information acquired by the acquisition means; 12. The communication device according to claim 11.

13. the external access point is the second access point; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

14. the external access point is a third access point different from the first access point and the second access point; The third access point The SSID is set to the same SSID as the SSIDs of the first access point and the second access point.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

15. The communication device performs connection and processing with the access point in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

16. The communication device is capable of performing at least one of a process conforming to Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and a process conforming to Target Wake Time (TWT).

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

17. The communication device can change the connection destination to an access point in the 6 GHz band by changing the connection destination based on the change request.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

18. The printer further includes a printing unit capable of executing a printing process based on print data received via the currently connected access point.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

19. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a connection destination change request from the connected first access point; a display step of displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if connection to the second access point cannot be established when the connection destination access point is changed from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request, A method for controlling a communication device.

20. The computer of the communication device, a receiving means for receiving a connection destination change request from the connected first access point; and functioning as a display means for displaying a screen for connecting the communication device to an external access point if the communication device is unable to connect to the second access point when changing the access point of the connection destination from the first access point to a second access point based on the received change request. A program characterized by:

Images