Electronic device, terminal, method, and program

Abstract

To provide electronic equipment for controlling whether or not a function for changing a connection destination AP can be executed.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes first reception means for receiving a setting instruction of the electronic apparatus from an terminal in processing for connecting the electronic apparatus to an external access point on the basis of connection information received from the terminal, and setting means for setting the electronic apparatus on the basis of the setting instruction received by the first reception means. The setting instruction is an instruction for setting not to execute a function of changing a connection destination access point based on reception of a connection destination access point change request, and the setting means sets not to execute the function based on the setting instruction received by the first reception means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a terminal device, a method, and a program that can be connected via a wireless LAN. [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 the AP to which the STA connects. When the STA receives a request to change the AP to which the STA connects, it can connect to the appropriate AP by switching the AP to which it connects 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 terminal to change its connection destination: A mobile router (MR1) connectable to multiple wireless slave terminals checks whether the wireless slave terminals support IEEE802.11v. Whether a wireless slave terminal supports IEEE802.11v can be determined from an Association Request frame transmitted by the wireless slave terminal when wirelessly connecting to MR1. If the wireless slave terminal supports IEEE802.11v, a BTM (BSS Transition Management) Request frame is transmitted to the corresponding wireless slave terminal. The BSS Transition Candidate List Entries field of the BTM Request frame specifies the BSSID of the master router RT2 as the connection destination. This prompts the wireless slave terminal to switch its connection destination, and the wireless slave 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] There are two states for an STA: one in which there is no operational problem even if the connected AP is changed, and another in which there is an operational problem if the connected AP is changed or if the STA is disconnected from the currently connected AP.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a terminal device, a method, and a program for controlling whether or not a function for changing a connection destination AP can be executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device that, in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point based on connection information received from a terminal device, comprises: a first receiving means for receiving a setting instruction for the electronic device from the terminal device; and a setting means for setting the electronic device based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving means, wherein the setting instruction is an instruction for setting the electronic device not to execute a function for changing the access point to be connected to based on receiving a request to change the access point to be connected to, and the setting means sets the function not to be executed based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to control whether or not a function for changing a connection destination AP can be executed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating 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 a configuration of an access point. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process in response to a connection destination change request from an AP. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a function setting screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of connecting to an AP. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the MFP. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the mobile terminal device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a function setting screen in the setup application. 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 invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which multiple 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 (hereinafter referred to as APs) AP101 and AP102, a server 103, and a network 110. Note that AP101 and AP102 may be illustrated as AP1 and AP2. Specifically, AP101 and AP102 are, for example, wireless LAN routers. AP101 and AP102 may be separate APs enabled by separate wireless LAN routers, or may be separate APs enabled by a single wireless LAN router but using different frequency bands. The mobile terminal device 104 is a device having wireless communication capabilities via a wireless LAN or the like. Note that wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN below. The mobile terminal device 104 may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other personal information terminal, a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like. In this embodiment, the connection between the mobile terminal device 104 and the AP and the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP are connections using a communication method based on the IEEE802.11 series of standards. Specifically, the communication method based on the IEEE802.11 series of standards is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark).

[0012] The MFP 100 is a printing device or image forming device having a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a facsimile (FAX) function, and a telephone function. The MFP 100 of this embodiment also has a communication function that enables wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 104. While 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 laptop PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, and the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 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 base station device of a WLAN. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can communicate via the AP 101. Note that, hereinafter, an access point may be referred to as an "AP." Also, a mode in which communication is performed via the AP 101 may be referred to as an infrastructure connection mode. The AP 101 performs wireless communication with a communication device that has been authorized to connect to the AP 101 (that has been authenticated), and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Also, the AP 101 may be connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and may relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP 101.

[0014] AP 102 has the same functions as AP 101, and MFP 100 switches (changes) its connection from AP 101 to AP 102 as needed. 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. Here, network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network. The system according to this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and may include, for example, an authentication server that performs the above authentication.

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

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

[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 prints an image on a recording medium such as paper by ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank from a print head. 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 amount of ink remaining in the ink tank and the status 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 the WLAN unit 429 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, a 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 supports IEEE802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi 6 (registered trademark), and the MFP 100 can operate as an STA that supports (complies with) at least one of OFDMA and TWT. Here, 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), which is an STA, transitions its communication function to a sleep state when it does not need to wait for signal reception. This reduces power consumption. The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E (registered trademark). That is, communication in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) is also possible. The band that is subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), which exists in the 5 GHz band, does not exist in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, communication interruptions due to DFS standby times do not occur in 6 GHz band communication, 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 of FIG. 3(b). The communication settings menu screen displays menu items (options): "Wireless LAN," "Wired LAN," "Wireless Direct," "Bluetooth," and "Common Settings." "Wireless LAN," "Wired LAN," and "Wireless Direct" are menu items for configuring LAN settings, and these items allow for settings such as wired connection settings, enabling / disabling infrastructure connection mode, and enabling / disabling direct connection modes such as WFD and soft AP mode. When the "Wireless LAN" item is selected and wireless LAN is enabled by user operation, infrastructure connection mode is enabled. When the "Wireless Direct" item is selected and wireless direct is enabled by user operation, direct connection mode is enabled. Furthermore, when the "Common Settings" item is selected, a common settings menu for each connection type is displayed, allowing the user to configure settings such as the wireless LAN frequency band and frequency channel.

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

[0031] The mobile terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides WLAN communication functionality, although it does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). It is also capable of communication as an AP compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (registered 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 assumed to be 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 infrastructure connection mode, etc. Operation in these modes will be described later.

[0032] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 104. In one example, the mobile terminal device 104 includes a main board 411 that performs main control of the device itself and a WLAN unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a non-volatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 104 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units within the main board 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. The main board 411 and the WLAN unit 429 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 connection modes, including an infrastructure connection mode and a direct connection mode. Note that the frequency bands used in these connection 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 board 510 that controls the AP 101, a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and an operation button 520.

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

[0041] The AP 101 also includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs processing to detect interference waves when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented. If an interference wave is detected when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is implemented, the channel change unit 522 performs processing to change the channel to be used when it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel. The AP 102 also has a configuration similar to that of the AP 101.

[0042] <Direct connection method> A direct connection refers to a form in which devices connect wirelessly directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) without going through an external device such as the AP 101. A direct connection is also called a peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection). The MFP 100 can operate in a mode for communication via a direct connection (direct connection mode) as one of the connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communication via a direct connection, such as software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0043] The mode in which a direct connection is established using WFD is called WFD mode. WFD is a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. In WFD mode, after a device discovery command is used to search for a communication partner, the roles of P2P group owner (GO) and P2P client are determined, and the remaining wireless connection processing is carried out. The group owner corresponds to a Wi-Fi parent station (parent device), and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi child station (child device). This role determination corresponds, for example, to GO Negotiation in P2P. Note that in WFD mode, before the role determination is made, the MFP 100 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, one device issues a device discovery command to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode with another device to communicate with. Once the other device is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that each device can provide. Note that this device provisioning information confirmation is optional and not required. This device supply information confirmation phase corresponds to, for example, P2P Provision Discovery.

[0044] Next, by mutually confirming this device provision information, they determine which one will be the P2P client and which one will be the P2P group owner. Next, once the client and group owner are determined, they exchange parameters for WFD communication. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are performed between the P2P client and group owner. Note that in WFD mode, the MFP 100 may always operate as the GO without performing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the MFP 100 may operate in WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. Note that the state in which the MFP 100 operates in WFD mode refers to, for example, a state in which the MFP 100 operates as the GO even though a WFD connection has not been established, or a state in which a WFD connection has been established and the MFP 100 operates as the GO.

[0045] In the software AP mode, between devices communicating with each other (for example, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100), one device (for example, the mobile terminal device 104) serves as a client that requests various services. The other device realizes the functions of a Wi-Fi AP through software configuration. The software AP corresponds to a Wi-Fi master station, and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi slave station. In the software AP mode, the client searches for a device that will become the software AP using a device search command. Once the software AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP is performed, and then IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is performed. Note that commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the MFP 100 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a master station in the network to which the MFP 100 belongs. The master station is a device that establishes a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the slave stations. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving the parameters, the slave stations connect to the wireless network established by the master station using the channel used by the master station. Because the MFP 100 operates as a master station in the direct connection mode, it can determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. In this embodiment, the MFP 100 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct connection mode.

[0047] <About infrastructure connection methods> An infrastructure connection is a connection mode in which devices (for example, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100) connect to an AP (for example, the AP 101) that manages a network of communicating devices, and the devices communicate with each other via the AP. The MFP 100 can also operate in a mode for communicating via an infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode) as one of the connection modes.

[0048] In an infrastructure connection, each device searches for an AP using a device discovery command. Once an AP is discovered, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) is carried out between the device and the AP, and then the IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is carried out. Note that the commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an AP can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and so a description of them will be omitted here.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the MFP 100 operates via an infrastructure connection, the AP 101 operates as a master station, and the MFP 100 operates as a slave station. That is, in this embodiment, the infrastructure connection refers to a connection between the MFP 100 operating as a slave station and an apparatus operating as a master station. When the MFP 100 has established an infrastructure connection and the mobile terminal apparatus 104 has also established an infrastructure connection with the AP 101, communication between the MFP 100 and the mobile terminal apparatus 104 is possible via the AP 101. The channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the AP 101, and the MFP 100 performs communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the AP 101. In this embodiment, the MFP 100 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Note that the MFP 100 can also use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. In addition, since the mobile terminal device 104 communicates with the MFP 100 via the AP 101, the mobile terminal device 104 recognizes and identifies that the MFP 100 belongs to the network formed by the AP 101 and to which the mobile terminal device 104 belongs.

[0050] (About Wi-Fi Agile Multiband) Wi-Fi Agile Multiband is a function that complies with the IEEE802.11v, IEEE802.11r, and IEEE802.11k standards and controls communication devices to connect to the appropriate network depending on the network conditions around the device. This function is also referred to as band steering function below.

[0051] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are assumed to support Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (registered trademark) functionality and to be capable of communication as STAs compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband. The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are also assumed to support Wi-Fi 6 (registered trademark) functionality, which is a function compliant with the IEEE 802.11ax standard. This allows the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 to operate as STAs compatible with Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Target Wake Time (TWT), as Wi-Fi 6 functions. The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100, which are STAs, can reduce power consumption by transitioning their communication functions to a sleep state when there is no need to wait for signal reception. The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may also support Wi-Fi 6 functionality, specifically, Wi-Fi 6E (registered trademark) functionality. That is, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may be capable of communicating in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz). Unlike the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band does not have a band for which Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is performed. Therefore, communication in the 6 GHz band does not experience communication interruptions due to DFS standby times. As described above, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 are compatible with both Wi-Fi Agile Multiband and Wi-Fi 6, but this is not limiting. For example, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may be compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband but not with Wi-Fi 6.

[0052] A wireless LAN router with this function enabled enables multiple access points that use different frequency bands, and each access point is set to the same ESSID. ESSID is an Extended Service Set Identifier. Specifically, for example, a router with the band steering function enabled activates a first access point connectable via a first frequency band and a second access point connectable via a second frequency band. The first access point is, for example, AP101, and the second access point is, for example, AP102. If the communication environment using the first frequency band becomes unstable while the MFP 100 is connected to the first access point, the wireless LAN router instructs the MFP 100 to switch (change) its connection to the second access point, which provides a better communication environment and forms a network using the second frequency band. In response, the MFP 100 switches its connection to the second access point. Similarly, if the communication environment using the first frequency band becomes unstable while the mobile terminal device 104 is connected to a first access point, the wireless LAN router instructs the mobile terminal device 104 to switch the AP to the second access point. The wireless LAN router determines whether the communication environment is unstable based on the signal strength and noise level determined based on information received from the MFP 100 or the mobile terminal device 104, the number of devices connected to each access point enabled by the wireless LAN router, and other factors. This allows the mobile terminal device 104 or MFP 100, which is a client supporting the band steering function, to automatically switch its connection to the other access point using a frequency band with a better communication environment after connecting to one of the multiple access points. In other words, in this embodiment, the MFP 100 is capable of using multiple frequency bands, including the first and second frequency bands.In this example, a single wireless LAN router with the band steering function enabled activates a first access point connectable via a first frequency band and a second access point connectable via a second frequency band. The MFP 100 can use only one frequency band and does not need to switch the connection destination based on the band steering function. Even in this configuration, the mobile terminal device 104 can switch the connection destination based on the band steering function.

[0053] Note that the band steering function can only be used to switch connections between access points with the same ESSID. In other words, the first access point and the second access point must have the same ESSID. However, the BSSIDs of the first and second access points do not need to be the same.

[0054] In the above description, the first and second access points are enabled within a single wireless LAN router that has this function enabled, but this is not limited to this. The first and second access points may be enabled separately within two wireless LAN routers that have this function enabled. However, even in this configuration, the first and second access points that are the targets of connection switching based on the band steering function are assumed to have the same ESSID. In this configuration, the wireless LAN router that has enabled the first access point instructs the mobile terminal device 104 to switch the connection to the second access point.

[0055] (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 (registered 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, when the network is congested, the AP can guide (change the connection destination) the STA to another AP, frequency band, channel, or even a different cellular service.

[0056] The IEEE802.11 series of communication standards used include IEEE802.11k and IEEE802.11v. IEEE802.11k is a standard for a function known as Dynamic Monitoring. This function allows an AP to notify STAs of the location of neighboring APs, the strength of beacon signals from each AP, the WLAN signal level on each channel, and the signal level of non-WLAN devices on each channel. IEEE802.11v is a standard for a function known as Wireless Network Management. This function provides the ability to use measurement results using IEEE 802.11k to transition STA communications to another AP or another frequency band / channel.

[0057] 6 is a sequence diagram in which MFP 100 switches the destination AP from AP 101 to AP 102 in response to a request to change the destination AP 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.

[0058] 6, it is assumed that the MFP 100 has established a connection with the AP 101 in infrastructure connection mode. Furthermore, when the MFP 100 and AP 101 connect in infrastructure connection mode, the AP 101 acquires information indicating whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v, and performs the following processing if the information indicating that the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v has been acquired. The AP 101 determines whether the MFP 100 supports IEEE802.11v from an Association Request frame transmitted by the MFP 100 when wirelessly connecting to the AP 101.

[0059] 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 can be transmitted, for example, including a beacon frame request or a beacon report request. In other words, this request can use a mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11k standard.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 and nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 in addition to or instead of the information measured in S602. This response is transmitted including, for example, a beacon report or measurement reports.

[0062] In S604, the AP 101 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected, based on the congestion status within the network that the AP 101 is aware of and the radio wave strength received from the MFP 100 in S603. Factors that may cause the AP 101 to determine that it is necessary to change the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected include a large number of STAs connected to the AP 101, a large amount of communication between the AP 101 and the STAs connected to the AP 101, the presence or absence of radio interference determined based on the signal-to-noise ratio, or an AP function outage. The AP 101 may also determine whether or not it is necessary to change the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected, based on the degree of congestion of each AP (number of STAs connected, communication volume) determined by using communication between the APs. After determining that it is necessary to change the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected and determining the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP to be designated as the new AP to which the MFP 100 is connected, the process proceeds to S605.

[0063] In S605, the AP 101 transmits a destination AP change request to the MFP 100. The destination AP change request includes information on the SSID, channel, and frequency band of another AP to be designated as the new destination AP, as determined in S604. Note that multiple SSIDs may be designated. The destination AP change request is transmitted, for example, as a BTM Request. That is, 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 new destination AP included in the destination AP change request.

[0064] In S606, if the MFP 100 complies with the request to change the destination AP received in S605, it transmits a response indicating acceptance of the switch (acceptance of the change of the destination AP) to the AP 101. If the MFP 100 does not comply with the request to change the destination AP, it may transmit a response indicating rejection of the switch (rejection of the change of the destination AP). The response is transmitted as a BTM Response. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a response indicating acceptance is transmitted.

[0065] In S607, the AP 101 and the MFP 100 disconnect the connection in the infrastructure connection mode.

[0066] In S608, the MFP 100 transmits a connection request to the AP 102 to connect to the AP 102 specified in the connection destination AP change request received in S605.

[0067] As a result, in S609, a connection between the MFP 100 and the AP 102 is established in the infrastructure connection mode.

[0068] With this mechanism, MFP100, which is an STA, can change its connection destination from AP 101 to AP 102 based on a request from AP 101 to change the connection destination AP to AP 102. AP 101 and AP 102 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, the APs may support different frequency bands among multiple frequency bands (any two or three of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) provided by the same device. 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.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for switching between enabling and disabling the function published as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (registered trademark) described in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the "function published as Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (registered trademark)" refers to a "function for changing the connection destination AP in response to a connection destination AP change request (BTM request)." Hereinafter, the "function for changing the connection destination AP in response to a connection destination AP change request (BTM request)" will be referred to as a connection destination AP change function. In other words, the connection destination AP change function is a Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function. The screen of FIG. 7 is displayed, for example, by selecting from a menu item group corresponding to "Wireless LAN" on the communication setting menu screen of FIG. 3(c) on the display included in the operation display unit 220 of MFP 100.

[0070] A Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function setting screen 701 (hereinafter simply referred to as function setting screen 701) displays selectable items for switching whether to enable or disable the connection destination AP change function. When item 702 indicating “enable” is selected, the connection destination AP change function is set to enabled, and a device discovery request is executed with that setting when connecting to the AP shown in FIG. 8 . When item 703 indicating “disable” is selected, the connection destination AP change function is set to disabled, and a device discovery request is executed with that setting when connecting to the AP shown in FIG. 8 . Note that when the connection destination AP change function is set to enabled, if MFP 100 receives a connection destination AP change request, it transmits a response indicating acceptance of the switch and complies with the connection destination AP change request. On the other hand, when the connection destination AP change function is set to disabled, even if MFP 100 receives a connection destination AP change request, it does not transmit a response indicating acceptance of the switch and does not comply with the connection destination AP change request.

[0071] When any item is selected on function setting screen 701, the setting value corresponding to the selected item is saved in RAM 214 and nonvolatile memory 215 of MFP 100. While the setting is being saved, a processing screen 704 is displayed. Then, when the saving is complete, a notification screen 705 is displayed indicating that the setting change for the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function has been completed. Notification screen 705 is an example of a screen that is displayed when item 703 is selected on function setting screen 701.

[0072] Next, the device search response process when connecting to an AP will be explained using the sequence in Figure 8. The sequence in Figure 8 is implemented, for example, by the CPU of each device reading a program stored in ROM into RAM and executing it. The MFP 100 recognizes the presence of the AP 101, and in S801 sends a Probe Request (device search request) to the AP 101. In S802, the MFP 100 receives a Probe Response (device search response) from the AP 101 and determines that link establishment can begin. The AP 101 and MFP 100 establish a link by performing authentication communication. The authentication communication includes the steps of Authentication, Association Request, Association Response, and 4-way handshake.

[0073] 7, when the connection destination AP change function is disabled by selecting item 703 on function setting screen 701, the BSS Transition SUPPORT flag of the Association Request is disabled and transmitted. In this case, AP 101 determines that MFP 100 does not support the connection destination AP change function, and in S605 of FIG. 6, AP 101 controls so as not to transmit a connection destination AP change request to MFP 100.

[0074] <Connection setup process> In this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 104 performs connection settings (network settings) for operating the MFP 100 using at least one of an infrastructure connection and a direct connection, using wireless communication with the MFP 100. The connection setting process in this embodiment is also called cableless setup (CLS) because it is performed via wireless communication. Note that the connection setting process may also be performed via wired communication. The mobile terminal device 104 performs connection setting processing on the MFP 100 when a predetermined application stored in the ROM 413 or the like is running. The MFP 100 is operable in a connection setting mode (connection setting state) that is a mode for performing the connection setting process, and performs the connection setting process while operating in the connection setting mode described below. The connection setting mode will be described in detail later.

[0075] When the mobile terminal device 104 operates the MFP 100 in the infrastructure connection mode, the mobile terminal device 104 wirelessly transmits infrastructure setting information, which is setting information for operating the MFP 100 in the infrastructure connection mode, to the MFP 100. The infrastructure setting information includes information about the AP 101. The information about the AP 101 includes, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a password, and information about a frequency band.

[0076] On the other hand, when the mobile terminal device 104 operates the MFP 100 in the direct connection mode, it wirelessly transmits direct setting information, which is setting information for operating the MFP 100 in the direct connection mode, to the MFP 100. The direct setting information includes instructions for enabling the WFD function to operate as a Group Owner and for enabling the access point setting of the MFP 100. The mobile terminal device 104 also acquires connection information required for directly connecting to the MFP 100 from the MFP 100. The connection information for directly connecting to the MFP 100 includes, for example, information such as the SSID and password of the MFP 100 operating in the direct connection mode.

[0077] In this embodiment, a direct connection for connection setting between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 is used to transmit infrastructure setting information and direct setting information in the connection setting process and to obtain information for establishing a direct connection with the MFP 100. In this embodiment, the connection setting process is performed using Wi-Fi as the direct connection for connection setting, but a wireless communication standard other than Wi-Fi, such as Bluetooth, may also be used. Furthermore, a wired communication standard such as a wired LAN or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may also be used as the direct connection for connection setting.

[0078] After a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection or a direct connection is established between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 through the connection setup process, communication between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 becomes possible via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the mobile terminal device 104 can transmit to the MFP 100, via the established connection, a print job for causing the MFP 100 to execute printing or a scan job for causing the MFP 100 to execute scanning. Note that in this embodiment, the connection setup process can cause the MFP 100 to operate in either the infrastructure connection mode or the direct connection mode, but is not limited to this. For example, the connection setup process may be configured to only cause the MFP 100 to operate in the infrastructure connection mode (i.e., the MFP 100 cannot operate in the direct connection mode).

[0079] <About connection setting mode> MFP 100 can operate in a connection setting mode. The trigger for MFP 100 to start operation in the connection setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a connection setting mode button, or MFP 100 being started up (powered on) for the first time after delivery. The connection setting mode button may be a hardware button provided on MFP 100, or may be a software button displayed on display unit 132 by MFP 100.

[0080] When the MFP 100 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. Specifically, as a process for enabling Wi-Fi communication, the MFP 100 enables an internal AP (connection setting AP) of the MFP 100 that is dedicated to the connection setting mode. This puts the MFP 100 in a state where it can establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi with the mobile terminal device 104. Connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the connection setting AP is stored in advance in a predetermined application installed on the mobile terminal device 104. In other words, it is assumed that the mobile terminal device 104 recognizes in advance the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the AP that is enabled in the direct connection mode, it is assumed that the connection information for connecting to the connection setting AP cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that all character strings of the SSID of the connection setting AP may be stored in advance in a predetermined application, or only a portion of the character strings of the SSID of the connection setting AP may be stored in advance in a predetermined application. In addition, only a part of the SSID of the connection setting AP that is recognized by a predetermined application may not be arbitrarily changed, and the rest of the SSID may be arbitrarily changed. Also, an encryption method may not be set in the connection setting AP, and no password may be required to connect to the AP. In the connection setting mode, the MFP 100 may connect to the mobile terminal device 104 via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) instead of normal Wi-Fi. That is, the MFP 100 may operate as a group owner and receive a setting command from the mobile terminal device 104 via WFD communication. The MFP 100 operating in the connection setting mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (a setup communication protocol) in communication with the mobile terminal device 104 connected to the connection setting AP. A specific example of the setup communication protocol is the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). After starting operation in the connection setting mode, the MFP 100 stops operation in the connection setting mode and disables the connection setting AP after a predetermined time has elapsed. The connection setting AP is also disabled when the MFP 100 receives connection information for connecting to an external AP and an instruction to change the wireless communication operation mode from the mobile terminal device 104 during the connection setting mode.

[0081] Mobile terminal device 104 executes a connection setup process when CPU 412 reads and executes a predetermined computer program stored in ROM 413. The predetermined program is an application program that includes a function for executing the connection setup process as well as a print function for causing MFP 100 to print image data, document data, and the like stored in mobile terminal device 104, and is the setup application described above. Note that the setup application may include functions other than the function for executing the connection setup process and the print function. For example, the setup application may include a scan function for scanning a document placed in MFP 100, a function for executing other settings of MFP 100, a function for checking the status of MFP 100, and the like. The setup application of mobile terminal device 104 establishes a connection as a client to an SSID that MFP 100 has activated in connection setup mode.

[0082] Next, the process from when MFP 100 is powered on to when connection setting processing is executed will be described using the flowcharts in Figures 9 and 10. The process shown in Figure 9 is realized, for example, by CPU 212 of MFP 100 reading and executing a computer program stored in ROM 213. The process in Figure 9 starts when MFP 100 is powered on.

[0083] In S901, the CPU 212 determines whether settings for an external access point (external AP) are held in the MFP 100. Specifically, for example, the CPU 212 references a wireless profile stored in the MFP 100 and determines whether connection information (such as an SSID) for the external AP to which the MFP 100 was connected is held. If it is determined that settings for the external AP are not held, it determines in S902 whether a condition for automatically starting connection setup processing for connecting to the external AP is met. In other words, the determination in S902 is a determination whether a condition for starting the MFP 100 in a connection setting mode is met. Specifically, for example, if network settings such as a LAN have not yet been made, it determines in S902 that a condition for automatically starting connection setup processing for connecting to the external AP is met. Furthermore, for example, if WiFi-Direct is not set to always be running, it determines that a condition for automatically starting connection setup processing for connecting to the external AP is met. If it is determined in S902 that the condition is met, the CPU 212 starts the MFP 100 in a connection setting mode in S903. On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition is not met, the process proceeds to S912.

[0084] In S903, the CPU 212 activates the MFP 100 in a connection setting mode. Specifically, for example, the CPU 212 controls the MFP 100 to transmit a beacon signal including a predetermined SSID. In S904, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a setting change request, which is a command for changing the device settings, has been received from the mobile terminal device 104. In other words, a command for changing the device settings is a setting instruction for switching the setting related to the connection destination AP change function, if it is currently set to enabled, to disabled. Note that receiving the setting change request here corresponds to the process of S1015 in FIG. 10. Therefore, in S904, when a setting change request is received from the mobile terminal device 104, connection information to an external AP is also received.

[0085] If it is determined in S904 that a setting change request has been received, in S905 the CPU 212 disables the connection AP change function if it is enabled. If the connection AP change function has already been disabled, the disabled setting is maintained. Then, in S906 the CPU 212 stops the connection setting mode, and in S911 executes connection to the external AP by the processing of FIG. 8 based on the connection information to the external AP received from the mobile terminal device 104.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined in S904 that a setting change request has not been received, the process proceeds to S907. In S907, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a capability information request has been received from the mobile terminal device 104. The capability information request is a request for information as to whether or not the MFP 100 supports the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function. Note that the capability information request is different from the setting information on the function setting screen 701 in FIG. 7. If it is determined in S907 that a capability information request has been received, the CPU 212 responds to the mobile terminal device 104 with capability information, i.e., information as to whether or not the Agile Multiband function is supported, in S908, and repeats the process from S904. Note that the reception of the capability information request here corresponds to S1011 in FIG. 10.

[0087] If it is determined in S907 that a capability information request has not been received, then in S909, the CPU 212 determines whether or not an AP search request has been received from the mobile terminal device 104. The AP search request is a command transmitted from the mobile terminal device 104 in S1004 of Fig. 10. In other words, receiving the AP search request corresponds to S1004 of Fig. 10. If it is determined that an AP search request has been received, then in S910, the CPU 212 executes an AP search and transmits a list indicating one or more access points discovered as a result and to which the MFP 100 can connect to the mobile terminal device 104 as the AP search result. Thereafter, the processing from S904 is repeated.

[0088] In S911, the CPU 212 establishes a connection to an external AP through the processing of Fig. 8. The external AP to which the connection is established at this time is, for example, the external AP whose settings are held in the MFP 100 when it is determined in S901 that the MFP 100 holds settings for an external access point (external AP). Also, for example, the external AP is the external AP corresponding to the connection information to the external AP received from the mobile terminal device 104 in S904.

[0089] In S912, the CPU 212 displays a home screen on the operation display unit 220. The home screen is a screen that can accept user selection of each menu, such as print or scan.

[0090] In S913, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a menu selection has been accepted on the home screen. If it is determined that a menu selection has been accepted, the process proceeds to S914.

[0091] In S914, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a power-off selection has been accepted. If it is determined that a power-off selection has been accepted, the process in Fig. 9 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a power-off selection has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S915.

[0092] In S915, CPU 212 determines whether a menu for manually starting the connection setting mode has been selected. If it is determined that a menu for manually starting the connection setting mode has been selected, the process repeats from S903. On the other hand, if it is determined that a menu for manually starting the connection setting mode has not been selected, the process of FIG. 9 ends, and CPU 212 executes a process according to the selected menu.

[0093] If it is determined in S913 that the menu selection has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S916.

[0094] In S916, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a message has been received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the connected external AP. Specifically, for example, if any of data to be printed, a setting change request, a capability information request, or a status information request (described later) has been received, it is determined that a message has been received from the mobile terminal device 104, and the process proceeds to S917. If it is determined that a message has not been received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the connected external AP, the process repeats from S912.

[0095] In S917, the CPU 212 determines whether the signal received from the mobile terminal device 104 is a setting change request. If it is determined that the signal received is a setting change request, the process proceeds to S918. Note that the setting change request here is a setting change request received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the external AP. If it is determined that the signal received is not a setting change request, the process proceeds to S920.

[0096] In S918, the CPU 212 changes the settings related to the connection AP change function based on the received setting change request. Specifically, for example, if the connection AP change function is set to disabled, it switches it to enabled. Then, the process proceeds to S919.

[0097] In S919, the CPU 212 determines whether the change in settings requires restarting the MFP 100. If it is determined that a restart is required, the MFP 100 is restarted, and in S911 a connection with the external AP is established again, and the process proceeds to S912. On the other hand, if it is determined that a restart of the MFP 100 is not required, the process repeats from S912.

[0098] In S920, the CPU 212 determines whether the signal received from the mobile terminal device 104 is a capability information request. If it is determined that the signal received is a capability information request, the process proceeds to S921. Note that the capability information request here is a capability information request received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the external AP. If it is determined that the signal received is not a capability information request, the process proceeds to S922.

[0099] In S921, based on the received capability information request, the CPU 212 transmits information indicating whether the MFP 100 supports the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function to the mobile terminal device 104. After that, the processing from S912 is repeated.

[0100] In S922, the CPU 212 determines whether the signal received from the mobile terminal device 104 is a status information request. If it is determined that the signal received is a status information request, the process proceeds to S923. In S923, the CPU 212 transmits status information to the mobile terminal device 104. In this embodiment, the status information is connection information of an external AP to which the MFP 100 is connected (currently connected), such as an SSID or BSSID. The status information request here is a status information request received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the external AP, and corresponds to S1020 in FIG. 10. If it is determined that the signal received is not a status information request, the process repeats from S912. In S923, the setup application of the mobile terminal device 104 can be notified of information about an AP whose destination AP is fixedly set as the AP that is disabled on the function setting screen 701 in FIG. 7.

[0101] In S917 and S920, it has been described that a setting change request and a capability information request are received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the external AP. For example, in the following cases, the above requests may be received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the external AP.

[0102] As will be described later, in FIG. 10 , the mobile terminal device 104 connects to the MFP 100, which is in connection setting mode, via Wireless Direct and transmits connection information of the external AP to the MFP 100. The mobile terminal device 104 then searches for the MFP 100 on the network formed by the external AP and becomes capable of communicating with the MFP 100. At this time, the mobile terminal device 104 requests capability information from the MFP 100 in order to register information about the MFP 100 in a setup application. The request for capability information may include a capability information request. The mobile terminal device 104 then controls whether or not to display a screen for changing the settings of the MFP 100 in the setup application, based on the capability information received from the MFP 100. Specifically, for example, if the received capability information indicates that the MFP 100 supports the Agile Multiband function, the mobile terminal device 104 controls to display a screen for changing the settings of the MFP 100. The screen here refers to a function setting screen that allows the mobile terminal device 104 to specify whether to enable or disable the connection AP change function of the MFP 100. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the function setting screen in the setup application. As shown in FIG. 11, the function setting screen 1100 displays an item 1101 indicating “enable” and an item 1102 indicating “disable” depending on the selection of the “change settings” menu item. When the item 1101 is selected, the connection AP change function of the MFP 100 can be enabled from the mobile terminal device 104, and when the item 1102 indicating “disable” is selected, the connection AP change function of the MFP 100 can be disabled from the mobile terminal device 104. Setting information accepted from the user on the function setting screen 1100 is transmitted to the MFP 100 via an external AP. Therefore, a setting change request received from the mobile terminal device 104 via the external AP is, for example, the setting information accepted on the function setting screen 1100.

[0103] For example, after a connection confirmation (communication confirmation) between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 is performed via an external AP, if it becomes necessary for the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 to be connected to the same network, a setting value that enables the connection destination AP change function set on the function setting screen 1100 may be sent to the MFP 100.

[0104] On the other hand, if the received capability information indicates that the MFP 100 does not support the Agile Multiband function, the mobile terminal device 104 controls not to display a screen for changing the settings of the MFP 100. For example, in this case, the display is controlled so that the menu item "Change Settings" is not selectable on the function setting screen 1100.

[0105] Next, processing in the mobile terminal device 104 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The processing shown in Fig. 10 is realized, for example, by the CPU 412 of the mobile terminal device 104 reading and executing a setting application stored in the ROM 413.

[0106] In S1001, the CPU 412 determines whether the mobile terminal device 104 is in a connected state with an external AP. If it is determined that it is in a connected state, in S1002 the CPU 412 stores connection information of the external AP (for example, SSID, password, encryption method) and proceeds to S1003. If it is determined that the mobile terminal device 104 is not in a connected state with the external AP, the process of S1002 is not executed and the process proceeds to S1003.

[0107] In S1003, the CPU 412 searches for an MFP that has activated the connection setting mode. Here, it is assumed that the search results in the discovery of an MFP 100 that has activated the connection setting mode. The CPU 412 establishes a Wireless Direct connection as a client to a predetermined SSID of the MFP 100 that has activated the connection setting mode. Then, the CPU 412 disconnects communication with the external AP that was determined to be in a connected state in S1001.

[0108] In S1004, CPU 412 requests an AP search from MFP 100. In S1005, CPU 412 determines whether or not an AP search result has been received from MFP 100. The processing of S1005 is repeated until it is determined that the AP search result has been received. If it is determined that the AP search result has been received, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0109] In S1006, the CPU 412 determines whether the received AP search results include an external AP corresponding to the connection information saved in S1002. Hereinafter, the external AP corresponding to the connection information saved in S1002 will be referred to as a fixed connection AP. If it is determined that the AP search results include a fixed connection AP, the process proceeds to S1007. If it is determined that the AP search results do not include a fixed connection AP, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0110] In S1007, the CPU 412 turns on a fixed connection AP setting flag stored in advance in the RAM 414 or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1011. On the other hand, in S1008, the CPU 412 turns off a fixed connection AP setting flag stored in advance in the RAM 414 or the like. The process proceeds to S1008 means that an attempt is made to connect the MFP 100 to an external AP different from the external AP to which the mobile terminal device 104 is connected. After S1008, in S1009, the CPU 412 displays an AP search result list on the display unit 420 to allow the user to select an external AP to connect the MFP 100 to. In S1010, the CPU 412 accepts the user's selection of an external AP. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1011.

[0111] In S1011, the CPU 412 transmits a capability information request to the MFP 100. In S1012, the CPU 412 determines whether or not the capability information has been received. The processing of S1012 is repeated until it is determined that the capability information has been received. If it is determined that the capability information has been received, the process proceeds to S1013.

[0112] In S1013, the CPU 412 determines, based on the received capability information, whether or not the MFP 100 supports the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function. If it is determined that the MFP 100 supports the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function, the process proceeds to S1014.

[0113] In S1014, the CPU 412 determines whether the fixed connection AP setting flag is on. If it is determined that the fixed connection AP setting flag is on, the process proceeds to S1015. The fact that the fixed connection AP setting flag is on means that the fixed connection AP is included in the AP search results received from the MFP 100. It also means that the user wishes to connect to the fixed connection AP of the MFP 100. In S1015, the CPU 412 transmits to the MFP 100 a setting value that disables the connection AP change function, along with the connection information saved in S1002. Here, the setting value that disables the connection AP change function is transmitted regardless of the value currently set on the function setting screen of the MFP 100 in FIG. 7. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1017.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1013 that the MFP 100 does not support the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function, or if it is determined in S1014 that the fixed connection AP setting flag is not on, the process proceeds to S1016.

[0115] If the process proceeds from S1014 to S1016, the CPU 412 transmits the connection information of the external AP whose selection was accepted in S1010 to the MFP 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1017. If the process proceeds from S1013 to S1016, the CPU 412 transmits the connection information of the external AP saved in S1002 or the connection information of the external AP whose selection was accepted in S1010 to the MFP 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1017.

[0116] Note that if it is determined in S1013 that the MFP 100 supports the Wi-Fi Agile Multiband function, the process of S1014 may not be performed and the process may proceed to S1015. In each of S1015 and S1016, if it is determined in S1006 that the AP search result includes a fixed connection AP, the connection information saved in S1002 is transmitted. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1006 that the AP search result does not include a fixed connection AP, the connection information of the external AP selected in S1010 is transmitted.

[0117] In S1017, if there is connection information saved in S1002, the CPU 412 establishes a connection to the fixed connection AP. On the other hand, if there is no connection information saved in S1002, the CPU 412 establishes a connection to the external AP selected in S1010. Note that regardless of whether there is connection information saved in S1002, a connection to the corresponding external AP may be established using the connection information sent in S1015 or S1016.

[0118] In S1018, the CPU 412 searches for the MFP 100 that sent the connection information on the network formed by the external AP with which the connection was established in S1017. In S1019, the CPU 412 determines whether or not the MFP 100 has been found on the network formed by the external AP with which the connection was established in S1017. If it is determined that the MFP 100 has been found, the process proceeds to S1020. The process of S1019 is repeated until it is determined that the MFP 100 has been found. Alternatively, the process of FIG. 10 may end due to a timeout.

[0119] In S1020, the CPU 412 transmits a command requesting status information to the MFP 100. The status information is connection information of the external AP to which the MFP 100 is connected, such as the SSID or BSSID. In S1021, the CPU 412 determines whether or not the status information has been received from the MFP 100. If it is determined that the status information has been received, in S1022 the CPU 412 stores the connection information of the external AP to which the MFP 100 is connected, which is included in the status information. Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 10 ends.

[0120] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the connection setting process is executed from the mobile terminal device 104, it is possible to control so that the connection destination AP change function is not executed in the MFP 100. This prevents, for example, when the connection setting process is executed to connect the MFP 100 to a specific external AP, the connection destination AP of the MFP 100 being changed, which results in a situation where communication between the MFP 100 and the mobile terminal device 104 cannot be confirmed due to the separator function being enabled or due to disconnection and reconnection that occurs due to the change in the connection destination AP.

[0121] As described above, in this embodiment, when the connection setting process is executed from the mobile terminal device 104, the connection destination AP change function is disabled. In other words, in this embodiment, when the MFP 100 is connected to an AP by the connection setting process executed by the mobile terminal device 104, the connection destination AP change function is controlled not to be executed. The following describes a case in which the connection destination AP change function is executed. As described above, when the wireless LAN is enabled by a user operation, the infrastructure connection mode is enabled. Specifically, at this time, the MFP 100 searches for surrounding APs and displays a list of discovered APs. Then, when the user selects an AP from the list, the MFP 100 accepts input of a password from the user for connecting to the selected AP. If the input password is accepted, the MFP 100 attempts to establish a connection with the selected AP using that password. If the correct password is entered, the connection is successful, and a connection between the MFP 100 and the AP is established. That is, in this embodiment, MFP 100 can connect to an AP not only when a connection setup process is executed from mobile terminal device 104, but also when a predetermined operation for connecting to an AP is executed on MFP 100. In other words, a connection to an AP established by execution of a predetermined operation is a connection to an AP established without receiving infrastructure setting information from mobile terminal device 104 that executes connection setup process. Note that MFP 100 may be able to establish a connection to an AP by Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) by accepting an operation for WPS. In other words, a connection to an AP established by execution of a predetermined operation may be a connection to an AP established by WPS.

[0122] In this embodiment, when a connection between MFP 100 and an AP is established without receiving infrastructure setting information from mobile terminal device 104, MFP 100 does not change the setting of the connection AP change function, unlike when a connection between MFP 100 and an AP is established by receiving infrastructure setting information from mobile terminal device 104. That is, while the connection is maintained, MFP 100 switches whether to execute the connection AP change function based on whether the connection AP change function is enabled or disabled. More specifically, when the connection AP change function is enabled in this state, MFP 100 executes the connection AP change function as described in FIG. 6. When the connection AP change function is disabled in this state, MFP 100 controls not to execute the connection AP change function.

[0123] Furthermore, after the connection setting process is executed from the mobile terminal device 104 to disable the connection AP change function, while the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP established by the connection setting process is maintained, the MFP 100 may disable operations on the function setting screen 701 of FIG. 7 to prevent the connection AP change function from being enabled. Furthermore, when the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP established by the connection setting process is disconnected, the MFP 100 may enable operations on the function setting screen 701 of FIG. 7 to enable the connection AP change function. However, this is not a limitation. After the connection setting process is executed from the mobile terminal device 104 to disable the connection AP change function, while the connection between the MFP 100 and the AP established by the connection setting process is maintained, the MFP 100 may enable operations on the function setting screen 701 of FIG. 7 to enable the connection AP change function. 7 , while the connection between MFP 100 and the AP established by the connection setting process is maintained, MFP 100 may execute the connection AP change function even while the connection between MFP 100 and the AP established by the connection setting process is maintained. 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 modifications within the scope of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment merely illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. While the above-described embodiment has been described using an example in which the present invention is applied to an electronic device, the present invention is not limited to this example and may be applied to any wireless device that functions as an STA capable of processing in response to a connection change request from an AP.

[0124] Specifically, the present invention is applicable to various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as personal computers, PDAs, tablet devices, mobile phones such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smartwatches, and thermometers and hygrometers. The present invention is also applicable to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention is also applicable to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected to USB or LAN cable terminals. Examples of video output devices include devices that acquire (download) videos from the Internet specified by a URL specified by an electronic device and output them to a connected display device via a video output terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark), thereby enabling streaming playback on the display device or mirroring display (displaying content displayed on an electronic device on the display device as well). Examples of 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), and signage devices. 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 appliances, heating appliances, and cooling appliances.

[0125] 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 the present embodiment includes the following electronic device, terminal device, method, and program. (Item 1) An electronic device, a first receiving means for receiving a setting instruction for the electronic device from the terminal device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point based on connection information received from the terminal device; a setting means for setting the electronic device based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving means; Equipped with the setting instruction is an instruction to set so as not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination, The setting means sets the function not to be executed based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving means. An electronic device characterized by: (Item 2) a second receiving means for receiving a request for information on whether the function is supported from the terminal device; a first transmitting means for transmitting information on whether the function is supported in response to the request received by the second receiving means; 2. The electronic device according to item 1, further comprising: (Item 3) Item 2. The electronic device according to item 2, characterized in that when the first transmitting means transmits information indicating that the function is supported, the first receiving means receives the setting instruction from the terminal device. (Item 4) 4. The electronic device according to item 3, wherein the first receiving means receives the setting instruction and the connection information from the terminal device. (Item 5) 5. The electronic device according to any one of items 2 to 4, characterized in that when the first transmitting means transmits information indicating that the function is not supported, the first receiving means does not receive the setting instruction. (Item 6) 6. The electronic device according to item 5, wherein when the first transmission means transmits information indicating that the function is not supported, the connection information is received. (Item 7) The electronic device described in any one of items 2 to 6, characterized in that the reception by the first receiving means, the reception by the second receiving means, and the transmission by the first transmitting means are performed by wireless communication between the terminal device and the electronic device without going through the external access point. (Item 8) a third receiving means for receiving the setting instruction from the terminal device via the external access point; 8. The electronic device according to item 7, wherein the setting means sets the electronic device based on the setting instruction received by the third receiving means. (Item 9) Item 9. The electronic device described in item 8, characterized in that if the setting instruction received by the third receiving means is an instruction to set the function to be executed, the setting means sets the function to be executed. (Item 10) a fourth receiving means for receiving a request for information on whether the function is supported from the terminal device via the external access point; a second transmitting means for transmitting information on whether the function is supported in response to the request received by the fourth receiving means; 10. The electronic device according to item 9. (Item 11) a fifth receiving means for receiving a request for information on an access point to which the electronic device is connected from the terminal device via the external access point; a third transmitting means for transmitting information about the currently connected access point in response to the request received by the fifth receiving means; Item 11. The electronic device according to item 10, comprising: (Item 12) The electronic device described in item 11, characterized in that the reception by the third receiving means, the reception by the fourth receiving means, the reception by the fifth receiving means, the transmission by the second transmitting means, and the transmission by the third transmitting means are performed after processing is performed to connect the electronic device to the external access point based on the connection information. (Item 13) 13. The electronic device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the electronic device is a printer. (Item 14) A terminal device, a first transmitting means for transmitting a setting instruction to the electronic device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point; Equipped with the setting instruction is an instruction to set so as not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination; A terminal device characterized by: (Item 15) a second transmitting means for transmitting a request for information on whether the function is supported to the electronic device; a first receiving means for receiving information on whether the function is supported in response to the request transmitted by the second transmitting means; Item 15. The terminal device according to item 14, further comprising: (Item 16) Item 16. The terminal device according to item 15, characterized in that when the first receiving means receives information indicating that the function is supported, the first transmitting means transmits the setting instruction to the electronic device. (Item 17) Item 17. The terminal device according to item 16, wherein the first transmission means transmits the setting instruction and connection information of the external access point to the electronic device. (Item 18) A terminal device according to any one of items 15 to 17, characterized in that if the first receiving means receives information indicating that the function is not supported, the first transmitting means does not transmit the setting instruction. (Item 19) Item 19. The terminal device according to item 18, characterized in that when the first receiving means receives information indicating that the function is not supported, the connection information of the external access point is transmitted. (Item 20) A terminal device described in any one of items 15 to 19, characterized in that transmission by the first transmitting means, transmission by the second transmitting means, and reception by the first receiving means are performed by wireless communication between the terminal device and the electronic device without going through the external access point. (Item 21) 21. The terminal device according to item 20, further comprising a third transmission means for transmitting the setting instruction via the external access point. (Item 22) 22. The terminal device according to item 21, wherein the setting instruction transmitted by the third transmission means is an instruction to set the function to be executed. (Item 23) a display means for displaying a screen that can accept an instruction to execute or not execute the function, the third transmission means transmits the setting instruction based on an instruction received on the screen. 23. The terminal device according to item 21 or 22. (Item 24) a fourth transmitting means for transmitting a request for information regarding whether the function is supported via the external access point; a second receiving means for receiving information on whether the function is supported in response to the request transmitted by the fourth transmitting means; 24. The terminal device according to item 23, comprising: (Item 25) Item 25. The terminal device according to item 24, characterized in that if the information received by the second receiving means indicates that the function is supported, the display means displays the screen, and if the information received by the first receiving means indicates that the function is not supported, the display means does not display the screen. (Item 26) a fifth transmitting means for transmitting a request for information on an access point to which the electronic device is connected via the external access point; a third receiving means for receiving information about an access point to which the electronic device is connected in response to the request transmitted by the fifth transmitting means; 26. The terminal device according to item 25, further comprising: (Item 27) The terminal device described in item 26, characterized in that the transmission by the third transmitting means, the transmission by the fourth transmitting means, the transmission by the fifth transmitting means, the reception by the second receiving means, and the reception by the third receiving means are performed after processing is executed to connect the electronic device to the external access point based on connection information of the external access point. (Item 28) 28. The terminal device according to any one of items 14 to 27, wherein the electronic device is a printer. (Item 29) 1. A method performed in an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a setting instruction for the electronic device from the terminal device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point based on connection information received from the terminal device; a setting step of setting the electronic device based on the setting instruction received in the receiving step; and the setting instruction is an instruction to set so as not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination, In the setting step, the function is set not to be executed based on the setting instruction received in the receiving step. A method characterized by: (Item 30) 1. A method performed in a terminal device, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting a setting instruction to the electronic device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point; and the setting instruction is an instruction to set so as not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination; A method characterized by: (Item 31) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device described in any one of items 1 to 13. (Item 32) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the terminal device described in any one of items 14 to 28.

[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] 101 Image processing device: 108 Recording device: 102, 111 CPU: 103, 112 RAM: 104, 113 Storage medium

Claims

1. An electronic device, a first receiving means for receiving a setting instruction for the electronic device from the terminal device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point based on connection information received from the terminal device; a setting unit that sets the electronic device based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving unit; Equipped with the setting instruction is an instruction to set so as not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination, the setting means sets the function not to be executed based on the setting instruction received by the first receiving means. An electronic device characterized by:

2. a second receiving means for receiving a request for information on whether the function is supported from the terminal device; a first transmitting means for transmitting information on whether the function is supported in response to the request received by the second receiving means; The electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the first transmitting means transmits information indicating that the function is supported, the first receiving means receives the setting instruction from the terminal device.

4. 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the first receiving means receives the setting instruction and the connection information from the terminal device.

5. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the first transmitting means transmits information indicating that the function is not supported, the first receiving means does not receive the setting instruction.

6. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein when the first transmitting means transmits information indicating that the function is not supported, the connection information is received.

7. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein reception by the first receiving means, reception by the second receiving means, and transmission by the first transmitting means are performed by wireless communication between the terminal device and the electronic device without going through the external access point.

8. a third receiving means for receiving the setting instruction from the terminal device via the external access point; 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit sets the electronic device based on the setting instruction received by the third receiving unit.

9. 9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein when the setting instruction received by the third receiving means is an instruction to set the function to be executed, the setting means sets the function to be executed.

10. a fourth receiving means for receiving a request for information on whether the function is supported from the terminal device via the external access point; a second transmitting means for transmitting information on whether the function is supported in response to the request received by the fourth receiving means; 10. The electronic device according to claim 9.

11. a fifth receiving means for receiving a request for information on an access point to which the electronic device is connected from the terminal device via the external access point; a third transmitting means for transmitting information about the currently connected access point in response to the request received by the fifth receiving means; 11. The electronic device according to claim 10, comprising:

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that the reception by the third receiving means, the reception by the fourth receiving means, the reception by the fifth receiving means, the transmission by the second transmitting means, and the transmission by the third transmitting means are performed after processing for connecting the electronic device to the external access point based on the connection information is performed.

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

14. A terminal device, a first transmitting means for transmitting a setting instruction to the electronic device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point; Equipped with the setting instruction is an instruction to set the electronic device not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination; A terminal device characterized by:

15. a second transmitting means for transmitting a request for information on whether the function is supported to the electronic device; a first receiving means for receiving information on whether the function is supported in response to the request transmitted by the second transmitting means; The terminal device according to claim 14, further comprising:

16. 16. The terminal device according to claim 15, wherein when the first receiving means receives information indicating that the function is supported, the first transmitting means transmits the setting instruction to the electronic device.

17. 17. The terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the first transmission means transmits the setting instruction and connection information of the external access point to the electronic device.

18. 16. The terminal device according to claim 15, wherein when the first receiving means receives information indicating that the function is not supported, the first transmitting means does not transmit the setting instruction.

19. 19. The terminal device according to claim 18, wherein when said first receiving means receives information indicating that said function is not supported, said connection information of said external access point is transmitted.

20. The terminal device according to claim 15, characterized in that transmission by the first transmitting means, transmission by the second transmitting means, and reception by the first receiving means are performed by wireless communication between the terminal device and the electronic device without going through the external access point.

21. 21. The terminal device according to claim 20, further comprising: a third transmission means for transmitting the setting instruction via the external access point.

22. 22. The terminal device according to claim 21, wherein the setting instruction transmitted by the third transmission means is an instruction to set the function to be executed.

23. a display means for displaying a screen that can accept an instruction to execute or not execute the function, the third transmission means transmits the setting instruction based on an instruction received on the screen.

22. The terminal device according to claim 21 .

24. a fourth transmitting means for transmitting a request for information regarding whether the function is supported via the external access point; a second receiving means for receiving information on whether the function is supported in response to the request transmitted by the fourth transmitting means; 24. The terminal device according to claim 23, comprising:

25. The terminal device according to claim 24, characterized in that when the information received by the second receiving means indicates that the function is supported, the display means displays the screen, and when the information received by the first receiving means indicates that the function is not supported, the display means does not display the screen.

26. a fifth transmitting means for transmitting a request for information on an access point to which the electronic device is connected via the external access point; a third receiving means for receiving information about an access point to which the electronic device is connected in response to the request transmitted by the fifth transmitting means; 26. The terminal device of claim 25, further comprising:

27. The terminal device described in claim 26, characterized in that transmission by the third transmitting means, transmission by the fourth transmitting means, transmission by the fifth transmitting means, reception by the second receiving means, and reception by the third receiving means are performed after processing is performed to connect the electronic device to the external access point based on connection information of the external access point.

28. 15. The terminal device according to claim 14, wherein the electronic device is a printer.

29. 1. A method performed in an electronic device, comprising: a receiving step of receiving a setting instruction for the electronic device from the terminal device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point based on connection information received from the terminal device; a setting step of setting the electronic device based on the setting instruction received in the receiving step; and the setting instruction is an instruction to set so as not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination, In the setting step, the function is set not to be executed based on the setting instruction received in the receiving step. A method characterized by:

30. 1. A method performed in a terminal device, comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting a setting instruction to the electronic device in a process for connecting the electronic device to an external access point; and the setting instruction is an instruction to set the electronic device not to execute a function of changing the access point of the connection destination based on the reception of a request to change the access point of the connection destination; A method characterized by:

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

32. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the terminal device according to any one of claims 14 to 28.

Images