Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, communication apparatus, and

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving user convenience when wireless communication via an external device cannot be performed between devices capable of performing wireless communication using the external device.SOLUTION: Acquiring, from the information processing apparatus, first network information regarding wireless communication between the information processing apparatus and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication apparatus via the external access point cannot be executed; requesting, from an external server, second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication apparatus and the external access point when wireless communication with the external access point cannot be executed but wireless communication with the external server can be executed; A notification unit configured to perform notification for executing wireless communication with a communication apparatus via an external access point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technique for mutual communication is known in which a communication device transmits information for connecting to an external device such as a wireless LAN router, the communication device executes a connection setting process, and a wireless connection is established between the communication device and an information processing device via the external device. With such a technique, the establishment of a wireless connection between the communication device and the information processing device via the external device may fail. Patent Document 1 discloses that, when a wireless connection between a communication device and an external device fails, information about the wireless connection of the communication device is transmitted from the communication device to the information processing device via a communication path different from the wireless connection via the external device in order to determine the cause of the failure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-109790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, when a wireless connection between a communication device and an information processing device cannot be established via an external device, a communication path that allows communication between the information processing device and the communication device must be established in order to obtain information about the wireless connection of the communication device. However, there are cases where such a communication path cannot be established between the information processing device and the communication device. Furthermore, even when a communication path can be established, it can be time-consuming to establish the communication path. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that improves user convenience when wireless communication via an external device cannot be established between devices that can communicate wirelessly using the external device.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technique for improving user convenience when devices capable of wireless communication using an external device are unable to communicate wirelessly via the external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a program that causes a computer of an information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point to function as: a first acquisition means that acquires first network information regarding wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point from the information processing device when wireless communication with a communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means that requests second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with a communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with an external server different from the external access point and the communication device can be performed; and a notification means that issues a notification to perform wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and the response result to the request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving user convenience when devices capable of wireless communication using an external device are unable to communicate wirelessly via the external device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart executed by a setup program. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart executed by a setup program. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a dialog displayed by the setup program. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device and a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) <System configuration> Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. The example in Fig. 1 includes a communication device 101, an information processing device 102, an access point 103, and a server 104. Note that the access point 103 may also be referred to as AP103.

[0011] The communication device 101 is, for example, a printing device having a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a fax function, or a telephone function. The communication device 101 of this embodiment has a communication function that enables wireless communication with the information processing device 102. Although this embodiment describes a case where a printing device is used as an example of the communication device 101, the communication device 101 is not limited to this. The communication device 101 may be, for example, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, or the like, each having a communication function.

[0012] The information processing device 102 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Note that hereinafter, wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN. In this embodiment, a smartphone will be described as an example of the information processing device 102. A smartphone is a multi-function mobile phone that has a camera function, an internet browser function, an email function, and the like in addition to a telephone function. Note that the information processing device 102 is not limited to a smartphone. For example, various devices on which a program can be installed, such as a personal information terminal such as a PDA, a tablet terminal, a digital camera, a personal computer, a music playback device, and a television, can be used as the information processing device 102.

[0013] The access point 103 is an external device (external access point) that exists outside the information processing device 102 and outside the communication device 101. In the following description, the access point is referred to as an AP. Specifically, the AP 103 is, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router. The AP 103 is not limited to a wireless LAN router and may be a device that can relay wireless communication.

[0014] The information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 can be connected to an AP 103. The information processing device 102 can communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103. This method of connection between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 via the AP 103 is generally called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as "infrastructure"). The infrastructure connection makes it possible to build a network environment in which multiple devices can communicate with each other. The AP 103 is usually configured to enable Internet communication (cloud communication), and devices connected to the AP 103 can access the Internet through the AP 103. On the other hand, a method in which only two devices (i.e., a terminal device and a communication device) are directly connected (not via the AP 103) is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, the infrastructure connection and direct connection between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are assumed to be connections using a communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. Specifically, the communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 series of standards is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark).

[0015] For example, when the server 104 receives network information of the communication device 101 (described later) from the communication device 101 via the access point 103, the server 104 stores the network information of the communication device 101. Furthermore, when the server 104 receives a request for network information of the communication device 101 from the information processing device 102, the server 104 responds to the request with the network information of the communication device 101.

[0016] 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 in this embodiment. The information processing device 102 includes a CPU 501, an operation unit 502, a network interface 503, a memory 504, a display unit 505, and a storage device 506, all of which are connected via a system bus.

[0017] The CPU 501 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and performs overall control of the information processing device 102. The operation unit 502 is an interface that can accept user operations on the information processing device 102, and includes, for example, buttons, a touch panel, and the like.

[0018] The memory 504 is a random access memory (RAM) that serves as a work area for the CPU 501, and is used as a temporary storage area for various received data and stores various setting data. The storage device 506 is, for example, a flash memory, and stores various control programs such as application programs and an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS). In this embodiment, a setup program (described later) is also stored in the storage device 506.

[0019] The network interface 503 is an interface for connecting to a network. The information processing device 102 can be connected to the network via the network interface 503, and is configured to be connectable to external devices and the Internet (cloud) via the network. For example, the network interface 503 is connected to an AP 103 having an Internet connection, and can be connected to external devices such as the communication device 101 and the server 104 via the AP 103.

[0020] Like the information processing device 102, the communication device 101 includes a CPU 507, an operation unit 508, a network interface 509, a memory 511, a display unit 512, and a storage device 513, all of which are connected via a system bus. The communication device 101 also includes a print engine 510. Based on information stored in the memory 511 and a print job received from the information processing device 102 or the like, the print engine 510 executes image formation processing to form an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium, and outputs the print result. Note that a print job is a job for causing the communication device 101 to execute image formation processing.

[0021] <Direct connection method> A direct connection refers to a wireless connection between devices directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) without going through an external device such as the AP 103. A direct connection is also called a peer-to-peer connection (P2P connection). The communication device 101 can operate in a mode for communicating via a direct connection (direct connection mode) as one of the connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communicating via a direct connection, such as a software AP mode and a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode.

[0022] 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 to be communicated with is discovered using a device discovery command, 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 communication device 101 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, one device first 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 to be communicated with 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 provisioning information confirmation phase corresponds to, for example, P2P Provision Discovery. Next, by mutually confirming this device provisioning information, it is determined which one will be the P2P client and which one will be the P2P group owner. Next, once the client and group owner have been 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 communication device 101 may always operate as the GO without performing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the communication device 101 may operate in WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. Furthermore, the state in which the communication device 101 operates in WFD mode refers to, for example, a state in which a WFD connection is not established but the communication device 101 operates as the GO, or a state in which a WFD connection is established and the communication device 101 operates as the GO.

[0023] In the software AP mode, among devices that communicate (for example, the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101), one device (for example, the information processing device 102) serves as a client that requests various services. Then, the other device realizes the function of an AP in Wi-Fi through software settings. The software AP corresponds to the parent station of Wi-Fi, and the client corresponds to the child station of Wi-Fi. In the software AP mode, the client searches for the device that becomes the software AP using a device search command. When the software AP is searched, after going through the remaining wireless connection process (establishment of wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP, the IP connection process (assignment of IP address, etc.) is then performed. Note that for the commands and parameters transmitted and received when realizing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP, those defined in the Wi-Fi standard may be used, and the description here is omitted.

[0024] In the present embodiment, when the communication device 101 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a parent station within the network to which the communication device 101 belongs. The parent station is a device that constructs a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the child stations. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the parent station. The child station receives the parameters and uses the channel used by the parent station to connect to the wireless network constructed by the parent station. In the direct connection mode, since the communication device 101 operates as a parent station, it is possible for the communication device 101 to determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the communication device 101 can use channels corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and channels corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct connection mode.

[0025] <Regarding Wi-Fi communication (Infrastructure connection mode)> In order to establish a connection (infrastructure connection) based on an infrastructure connection mode in Wi-Fi communication, the communication device 101 of this embodiment operates in infrastructure connection mode. Note that, in this embodiment, infrastructure connection refers to a mode in which an external device that manages a network, such as AP 103, operates as a master station, and devices connect wirelessly to each other via the master station. The communication device 101 operating in infrastructure connection mode operates as a slave device within the network to which the communication device 101 belongs. In infrastructure connection mode, the communication device 101 and the information processing device 102 are connected via the AP 103, and communication between the communication device 101 and the information processing device 102 via the AP 103 becomes possible. Note that the channel used for communication in infrastructure connection mode here may be a frequency band other than 2.4 GHz (e.g., 5.0 GHz band). Note that, in order to communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103, the information processing device 102 needs to recognize that the communication device 101 belongs to a network formed by the AP 103 and to which the information processing device 102 belongs. Specifically, the information processing device 102 transmits a search signal via the AP 103 to the network to which the information processing device 102 belongs, and confirms communication with the communication device 101. In this embodiment, a state in which the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are simply connected to the same AP is considered to be an infrastructure-connected state. That is, in the infrastructure-connected state, it is sufficient for the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 to be connected to the same AP, and they do not need to recognize that the other device belongs to the network to which they belong.

[0026] <Connection setup process> In this embodiment, the information processing device 102 performs settings (connection settings) for operating the communication device 101 in infrastructure connection mode using wireless communication with the communication device 101. The connection setting process in this embodiment is performed via wireless communication and is therefore also called cableless setup (CLS). Note that the connection setting process may also be performed via wired communication. The communication device 101 performs the connection setting process while operating in a connection setting mode, which is a mode for performing the connection setting process. Details of the connection setting mode will be described later. The information processing device 102 performs the connection setting process when a predetermined program is running. The predetermined program is an application program that sets the AP to which the communication device 101 is connected and also causes the communication device 101 to print image data, document data, etc. stored in the information processing device 102, and is hereinafter referred to as a setup program.

[0027] The setup program may have other functions in addition to the function for executing a connection setting process, which is a process for setting an AP to which the communication device 101 is connected by sending a setting command to the communication device 101, and the function for causing the communication device 101 to execute printing. For example, if the communication device 101 has a scanning function, the setup program may have a function for causing the communication device 101 to scan a document set in the communication device 101, a function for performing other settings for the communication device 101, a function for checking the state (status) of the communication device 101, and the like. Furthermore, the setup program has a function for executing the connection setting process, but does not necessarily have other functions, such as a function for causing the communication device 101 to execute printing. The function for causing the communication device 101 to execute printing is specifically a function for sending a print job to the communication device 101 to cause the communication device 101 to execute printing. Furthermore, the function for causing the communication device 101 to scan a document set in the communication device 101 is specifically a function for sending a scan job to the communication device 101 to cause the communication device 101 to execute scanning. Furthermore, the function of checking the status of communication device 101 is specifically a function of acquiring and displaying information indicating the status of communication device 101 from communication device 101. Furthermore, the setup program is assumed to be an application program.

[0028] In the following description, it is assumed that the processing executed by the setup program is actually realized by the CPU 501 reading the setup program stored in the storage device 506 into the memory 504 and executing it. When the information processing device 102 connects the AP 103 and the communication device 101 and operates the communication device 101 in infrastructure connection mode, the information processing device 102 wirelessly transmits to the communication device 101 an infrastructure setting command for operating the communication device 101 in infrastructure connection mode. The infrastructure setting command includes, for example, information about the AP 103. The information about the AP 103 includes, for example, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the AP 103, a password for connecting to the AP 103, information about the frequency band used by the AP 103, and the like. After a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection is established between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 through the connection setup process, communication between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 becomes possible via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 102 can transmit, via the established connection, to the communication device 101, a print job for causing the communication device 101 to execute printing or a scan job for causing the communication device 101 to execute scanning. Furthermore, when an infrastructure connection is established, the communication device 101 can communicate over the Internet via the AP 103. As an example, the communication device can receive device update notifications from a specific server, download print data, or upload information about the communication device.

[0029] <Uploading network information to the server> The communication device 101 is configured to be able to communicate with a specific server 104 via the Internet if the connection setup process with the AP 103 is successful. In this embodiment, if the communication device 101 is able to communicate with the server 104, the communication device 101 uploads NW information (network information) of the communication device 101 to the server 104, linking the information to unique information of the communication device 101. Specifically, the unique information is the serial number of the communication device 101 (a unique ID assigned to the communication device 101). In other words, the unique information is information that identifies the communication device 101. Furthermore, the NW information of the communication device 101 is information used for connecting to the AP 103, and examples include the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the AP 103, an IP address assigned to the communication device, and radio wave strength between the AP 103 and a connected device.

[0030] The communication device 101 transmits the NW information of the communication device 101 to the server 104 in a single JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format using the unique information (serial number) of the communication device 101 as a key. The transmitted NW information of the communication device 101 is stored in the server 104. The NW information of the communication device 101 stored in the server 104 is transmitted from the server 104 to the information processing device 102 via the Internet, based on a request from a setup program stored in the information processing device 102.

[0031] Here, when the communication device 101 becomes able to access the Internet via the AP 103, the communication device 101 may transmit the NW information of the communication device 101 to the server 104 only once or periodically. For example, the communication device 101 periodically uploads the NW information of the communication device 101 to the server 104, whereby the NW information of the communication device 101 stored in the server 104 is successively updated. Furthermore, the communication device 101 may display on the display unit 512 that the NW information of the communication device 101 will be uploaded to the server 104, and upload the NW information of the communication device 101 only when the user's consent is received. Furthermore, the communication device 101 may upload the NW information of the communication device 101 to the server 104 when communication with the information processing device 102 cannot be established via the AP 103.

[0032] After transmitting the network information of the communication device 101 to the information processing device 102 in response to a request from the setup program, the server 104 may delete the stored network information of the communication device 101, or may delete it after a certain period of time has passed.

[0033] <About connection setting mode> As described above, the communication device 101 is operable in the connection setting mode. The trigger for the communication device 101 to start operating in the connection setting mode may be, for example, that the user presses a button for the connection setting mode, or that the communication device 101 starts up (powers on) for the first time after arrival. The button for the connection setting mode may be a hard button provided in the communication device 101, or may be a soft button displayed on the display unit 512 of the communication device 101. When the communication device 101 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, as an activation process for Wi-Fi communication, the communication device 101 activates an AP (access point for connection setting) inside the communication device 101 dedicated to the connection setting mode. Thereby, the communication device 101 becomes in a state where it can establish a direct connection with the information processing device 102 via Wi-Fi. The connection information (SSID and password) for connecting to the access point for connection setting is pre-held in the setup program installed in the information processing device 102, and it is assumed that the information processing device 102 has recognized in advance the connection information for connecting to the access point for connection setting. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the access point activated in the direct connection mode, the connection information for connecting to the access point for connection setting cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user. Note that in the connection setting mode, the communication device 101 may connect to the information processing device 102 by WFD instead of normal Wi-Fi. That is, the communication device 101 may operate as a Group Owner and receive a setting command from the information processing device 102 by communication via WFD.

[0034] <Case where communication via the AP fails> As described above, the communication device 101 attempts to establish a connection between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 based on the connection information of the AP 103 received from the information processing device 102. However, there may be a case where communication cannot be established between the communication device 101 and the information processing device 102 via the AP 103. In the following description, the situation where communication cannot be established between the communication device 101 and the information processing device 102 via the AP 103 may be referred to as a communication error. Hereinafter, cases where such a communication error occurs will be described.

[0035] In the above-described connection setting process, for example, the setup program displays an input screen for the password (security key) of AP 103 on the display unit 505 and accepts the user's input of the password for AP 103. Then, the setup program transmits information about AP 103, including the accepted input password of AP 103, from the information processing device 102 to the communication device 101. However, for example, if the user inputs an incorrect password for AP 103, the information about AP 103 transmitted from the information processing device 102 to the communication device 101 will be incorrect. In such a case, even if the communication device 101 attempts to connect to AP 103 using the information about AP 103 received from the information processing device 102, the connection will fail. Therefore, a communication error occurs.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, there may be a lot of noise radio waves emitted by external devices around the communication device 101 or the AP 103. In such cases, a communication error may occur. Furthermore, for example, there may be a case where the communication device 101 and the AP 103 are too far apart, or an object that blocks communication exists between the communication device 101 and the AP 103. In these cases, the radio wave intensity in communication between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 may be weak, and a communication error may occur.

[0037] Furthermore, even if a connection between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is successfully established, for example, there may be cases where the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 are too far apart, or where an object that blocks communication exists between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103. In these cases, the radio wave intensity in communication between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 may be weak, and a communication error may occur.

[0038] Also, for example, there is a case where the communication device 101 and the information processing device 102 are connected to different APs. In such a case, a communication error occurs. Also, for example, there is a case where a privacy separator function is set in the AP 103. In such a case, the AP 103 does not permit communication between devices connected to the same network. In other words, even if a connection between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is successfully established, a communication error occurs due to the setting of the privacy separator function of the AP 103.

[0039] Also, for example, there may be a case where a connection between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is successfully established, but there is a lot of noise radio waves emitted by devices existing around the information processing device 102 and the AP 103. In such a case, a communication error occurs.

[0040] Also, for example, wireless communication between devices may be disabled in the security settings of the communication device 101. In such a case, the communication device 101 cannot perform wireless communication with devices such as the information processing device 102, resulting in a communication error.

[0041] As described above, various cases are conceivable in which a communication error occurs even though the information processing device 102 has executed the connection setup process. The cause of the communication error may be in at least one of the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101, or it may be in neither the information processing device 102 nor the communication device 101. In other words, by making a composite determination based on not only the NW information of the information processing device 102 but also the NW information of the communication device 101, the cause of the communication error can be more appropriately identified.

[0042] <Downloading network information from the server> As described above, even if the information processing device 102 has executed the connection setup process, there may be cases where communication cannot be executed between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 via the AP 103. In such cases, the user should be notified of the cause of the communication error and prompted to resolve it.

[0043] However, as described above, when the communication device 101 attempts to connect to the AP 103, the direct connection between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 is temporarily disconnected. Therefore, if the information processing device 102 cannot communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103 after transmitting information about the AP 103, the information processing device 102 cannot acquire the network information of the communication device 101 from the communication device 101 to identify the cause. As a result, the information processing device 102 cannot identify the cause of the communication error using the network information of the communication device 101. Therefore, it is not possible to notify the user that the communication error is caused by the communication state between the communication device 101 and the AP 103.

[0044] Therefore, for example, in order to obtain network information of the communication device 101, the information processing device 102 needs to communicate with the communication device 101 via a communication path different from the communication between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 via the AP 103. For example, it is assumed that the information processing device 102 will be directly connected to the communication device 101 again. Also, if the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 each have a USB interface, it is assumed that the respective devices will be connected via a USB cable. Also, if the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 each have a Bluetooth interface, it is assumed that the respective devices will be connected via short-range wireless communication.

[0045] That is, in order for the information processing device 102 to use the network information of the communication device 101 when identifying the cause of a communication error, it is necessary to establish a communication path between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 that is separate from the communication path via the AP 103. However, establishing such a separate communication path is time-consuming. Furthermore, some information processing device 102 and communication device 101 may not have an interface for a predetermined communication path (for example, a direct connection interface, a USB interface, a Bluetooth interface, etc.).

[0046] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the information processing device 102 cannot communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103 but can communicate with the server 104, the information processing device 102 downloads and uses the NW information of the communication device 101 from the server 104. This configuration allows the information processing device 102 to acquire the NW information of the communication device 101 without establishing a communication path between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 that is different from the communication path via the AP. The information processing device 102 can then identify the cause of the inability to communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103 and notify the user so that the information processing device 102 can communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103. This allows the information processing device 102 to make a determination to identify the cause without causing the user any trouble. Furthermore, for example, even when a communication path different from the communication path via the AP 103 cannot be established between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101, the information processing device 102 can acquire the NW information of the communication device 101 and notify the user.

[0047] <About the judgment flow> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the setup program determines the reason why wireless communication between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 is not possible via the AP 103 and notifies the user of the reason. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 501 reading a program (specifically, for example, a setup program) stored in the storage device 506 into the memory 504 and executing it. This flowchart is initiated based on an operation performed on a screen displayed by the setup program to instruct communication with the communication device. Specific examples of this operation include an operation for sending a print job or a scan job to the communication device. Specific examples of this operation include an operation for obtaining the status of the communication device from the communication device. This flowchart is initiated based on, for example, the information processing device 102 switching its connection destination from the communication device 101 to the AP 103 to which it was connected before the connection setup process after sending a setting command to the communication device 101 through the connection setup process.

[0048] In S201, the setup program searches for the communication device 101 that is the target of the above-mentioned connection setting process on the network formed by the AP 103 to which the information processing device 102 is connected. The search for the communication device 101 is performed by transmitting a search communication packet to the AP 103 to which the information processing device 102 is connected and acquiring a response from each communication device connected to the AP 103.

[0049] In S202, the setup program determines whether or not the communication device 101 has been found. If the setup program determines that the communication device 101 has been found, the program proceeds to S203. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the communication device 101 has not been found, the program proceeds to S204. Specifically, the setup program makes this determination based on whether or not a response from the desired communication device 101 is present among the responses from the multiple communication devices acquired in S201. The responses from the multiple communication devices contain information that can identify the communication device, such as the IP address, MAC address, or serial number of each communication device. The setup program can discover the communication device 101 if the responses from the multiple communication devices contain information about the desired communication device 101. If the responses do not contain information about the desired communication device 101, the setup program cannot discover the communication device 101. S202 can also be said to determine whether or not the information processing device 102 is able to communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103.

[0050] In S203, the setup program notifies the user that the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are successfully connected. This notification will be described later with reference to FIG. 4A. After executing the process of S203, the setup program ends the process of FIG. 2. After this flow ends, the information processing device 102 executes communication processing according to the operation or process that triggered this flow. Specifically, for example, if the operation that triggered this flow is an operation to instruct communication with the communication device 101, the communication instructed by that operation is executed. Specifically, for example, sending a print job or a scan job, or obtaining information indicating the status of the communication device 101 is executed. Furthermore, for example, if the process that triggered this flow is a process to switch the connection destination of the information processing device 102 from the communication device 101 to the AP 103 to which the information processing device 102 was connected before the connection setup process, obtaining capability information of the communication device 101 is executed. Then, based on the obtained capability information, the communication device 101 that was the target of the connection setup process is registered in the setup program. By registering the communication device 101 in the setup program, it becomes possible to subsequently send print jobs and scan jobs to the communication device 101 using the setup program.

[0051] On the other hand, if the setup program cannot confirm communication with the communication device 101 (NO in S202), the setup program identifies the reason why the information processing device 102 cannot communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103 in the subsequent processing.

[0052] In S204, the setup program acquires NW information (network information) of the information processing device 102. The NW information of the information processing device 102 includes the SSID of the AP 103 to which the information processing device 102 is connected and a value indicating the radio wave intensity of the information processing device 102. The NW information of the information processing device 102 is configured so that the latest information can be acquired at any time by the setup program querying the OS of the information processing device 102. The setup program stores the acquired NW information of the information processing device 102 in the memory 504 of the information device 102.

[0053] In S205, the setup program determines whether or not the server 104 is accessible in order to acquire the NW information of the communication device 101 stored in the server 104. If the setup program determines that the access is possible, the process proceeds to S207. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the access point is not possible, the process proceeds to S206. The setup program may determine whether or not the server 104 is accessible based on a PING response to the server 104. Alternatively, the setup program may make this determination by inquiring of the OS about whether cellular communication or Wi-Fi communication of the information processing device 102 is available.

[0054] In S206, the setup program uses only the NW information of the information processing device 102 acquired in S204 to determine the reason why wireless communication cannot be performed between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 via the AP 103. The processing of S206 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0055] In S207, the setup program specifies the unique information of the target communication device 101 and requests the NW information of the communication device 101 from the server 104. In this embodiment, the NW information of the communication device 101 is stored in the server 104 using the serial number of the communication device 101 as a key, as described above. By transmitting the serial number of the communication device 101 to the server 104, the desired NW information is included in the response information of the communication.

[0056] In S208, the setup program determines whether the response result from the server 104 includes the NW information of the communication device 101. If the setup program determines that the NW information is included, the process proceeds to S210. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the NW information is not included, the process proceeds to S209. Specifically, if the server 104 does not store the NW information of the communication device 101, even if the setup program requests the server 104 in S207, the response information as a response result to the request is configured to be empty. Therefore, if the setup program cannot acquire the desired NW information from the server 104, it is considered that the communication device 101 was unable to access the server 104 through the AP 103. In other words, if the desired NW information cannot be acquired from the server 104, it can be determined that the connection setup process described above has failed, and the process proceeds to S209. On the other hand, if the desired NW information can be acquired from the server 104, it can be determined that the connection setup process has been successful, and the process proceeds to S209.

[0057] In S209, the setup program determines that there is a problem with the AP settings of the communication device 101 and that the communication device 101 is unable to perform wireless communication via the AP 103, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S209 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(b).

[0058] In S210, the setup program determines whether the SSID of the AP to which the information processing device 102 is connected and the SSID of the AP to which the communication device 101 is connected are the same. If the setup program determines that they are the same, it proceeds to S212. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that they are different, it proceeds to S211. Specifically, the setup program acquires information about the SSID of the AP to which the communication device 101 is connected, which is included in the NW information of the communication device 101 acquired from the external server 104 in S207. The setup program also acquires the SSID of the AP to which the information processing device 102 is connected, which is included in the NW information of the information processing device 102 acquired in S204. The setup program then compares the two. The SSID can also be considered identification information that identifies the network to which each device is connected. If the two SSIDs are different, it can be determined that the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are connected to different networks, and the program proceeds to S211. On the other hand, if the SSIDs of both devices are the same, it can be determined that the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 belong to the same network, and the process proceeds to S212. That is, by determining the network to which each device is connected in S210, it can be determined that the cause of the communication error lies in the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101.

[0059] In S211, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 being connected to different networks, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S209 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(c).

[0060] In S212, the setup program determines whether the radio wave strength between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is higher than a predetermined value based on the NW information of the communication device 101. If the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is higher than the predetermined value, the program proceeds to S214. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value, the program proceeds to S213. For example, the radio wave strength is acquired using five levels of values ​​from 1 to 5. If the value is, for example, 3 or higher, the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is sufficient. In this case, the setup program can determine that the radio wave strength between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is not the cause of the communication error, and therefore proceeds to S214. On the other hand, if the value of the radio wave strength is, for example, 2 or lower, the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is not sufficient. In this case, the setup program can determine that the radio wave strength between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is the cause of the communication error, and therefore proceeds to S213.

[0061] In S213, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by low radio wave intensity between the communication device 101 and the AP 103, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S213 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(d).

[0062] In S214, the setup program determines whether the radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 is higher than a predetermined value based on the NW information of the information processing device 102. If the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is higher than the predetermined value, it can determine that the radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 is not the cause of the communication error, and the program proceeds to S216. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value, it can determine that the radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 is the cause of the communication error, and the program proceeds to S215. Note that the determination of whether the radio wave strength is higher than the predetermined value in S214 is the same as that described in S212, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In S215, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by low radio wave intensity between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S215 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(e).

[0064] In S216, the setup program checks for a PING (Packet Internet Groper) response to an IP address included in the NW information of the communication device 101. For example, the setup program causes the control device 102 to execute a PING command to send a packet to a destination specified by the IP address included in the NW information of the communication device 101, and determines whether or not there is a response to the packet transmission. The setup program then determines whether or not there is a PING response, and if it determines that there is no PING response, proceeds to S218.

[0065] In S216, if the setup program determines that a PING response has been received from the communication device 101, it further determines whether the response time is shorter than a predetermined time. If the setup program determines that the response time is shorter than the predetermined time, it proceeds to S201 and executes a search for a communication device. That is, it again executes wireless communication with the communication device 101 via the AP 103. This is because, in S216, a short PING response time from the communication device 101 indicates that the communication device 101 was found in the search via the AP 103. One example of this situation is when the communication device 101 was not found in the search in S201 due to a temporary reason, such as sudden radio interference or the communication device 101 being busy and unable to respond. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the response time is longer than the predetermined time, it proceeds to S217. For example, the setup program may execute a PING response a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times) and determine that the response time is longer than the predetermined time if the average response time is 100 ms or longer. In this case, it can be determined that the communication error is caused by poor radio wave conditions between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101, i.e., the AP 103, and the process proceeds to S217. Thus, in S216, the setup program confirms communication with the communication device 101 via the AP 103. The setup program then determines the cause of the communication error based on this communication confirmation. The response time described above can also be considered as the confirmation time when the setup program confirms communication with the communication device 101 via the AP 103.

[0066] In S217, the setup program determines that there is a problem with the radio wave conditions between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S217 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(f).

[0067] In S218, the setup program broadcasts a PING response to the connected AP 103. That is, the setup program broadcasts communications with external devices wirelessly connected to the AP 103. For example, the setup program executes a PING command to the control device 102, broadcasts a packet to the AP 103 to all external devices belonging to the network formed by the AP 103, and determines whether or not there is a response to the transmitted packet. The setup program then determines whether or not there is a PING response, and if there is a PING response, proceeds to S220. On the other hand, if there is no PING response, proceeds to S219. Here, for example, in addition to the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101, other network devices may be connected to the AP 103. If there is no PING response from the communication device 101 as determined in S216 but there is a PING response from another network device, it can be determined that there is a problem with the privacy settings of the communication device 101. On the other hand, if there is no response even to the broadcast PING, it can be determined that the network separator function of the AP 103 is enabled and that communication between devices connected to the AP 103 is restricted.

[0068] In S219, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by the network separator function of the AP 103 being enabled, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S219 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(g).

[0069] Thus, in S219, if there is no response from an external device wirelessly connected to AP 103, including communication device 102, as a result of the communication checks in S216 and S218, the setup program determines that the cause of the communication error is the privacy setting (network separator function) of AP 103. This determination makes it possible to identify that the cause of the communication error is AP 103. Furthermore, if the setup program determines that the privacy setting of AP 103 is the cause of the communication error, it notifies the user that there is a problem with the privacy setting of AP 103. This makes it possible to notify the user of the cause of the communication error.

[0070] In S220, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by communication restrictions due to privacy settings or the like of the communication device 101, and notifies the user of this fact. The notification in S220 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(h).

[0071] Thus, in S220, if there is no response only from the communication device 102 as a result of the communication check in S216 and the communication check in S218, the setup program determines that the privacy setting of the communication device 102 is the cause of the communication error. This determination makes it possible to identify that the cause of the communication error is the communication device 101. Furthermore, if the setup program determines that the privacy setting of the communication device 102 is the cause of the communication error, it notifies the user that there is a problem with the privacy setting of the communication device 101. This makes it possible to notify the user of the cause of the communication error.

[0072] As described above, the setup program can determine the cause of a communication error in detail and notify the user by using the NW information of the information processing device 102 uploaded to the cloud.

[0073] <Determination when NW information of communication device 101 cannot be acquired> The following describes the process in S206 in which the setup program determines the cause of the communication error using only the network information of the information processing device 102. Even if the connection setup process between the communication device 101 and the AP 103 is successful, there may be a case in which the AP 103 is not connected to the Internet. In such a case, in S205, the setup program determines that wireless communication with the server 104 is not possible (access is not possible). That is, the setup program cannot obtain the network information of the communication device 101 from the server 104. Then, in S206, the setup program determines the cause of the communication error using only the network information of the information processing device 102 obtained from the information processing device 102 in S204. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the process executed in S206. The process in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU 501 reading a program (specifically, for example, a setup program) stored in the storage device 506 into the memory 504 and executing it.

[0074] In S301, based on the NW information of the information processing device 102, the setup program determines whether the radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 is higher than a predetermined value. If the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is higher than the predetermined value, it can determine that the radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 is not the cause of the communication error, and the program proceeds to S303. On the other hand, if the setup program determines that the radio wave strength is lower than the predetermined value, it can determine that the radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103 is the cause of the communication error, and the program proceeds to S302. Note that the determination of whether the radio wave strength is higher than the predetermined value in S301 is the same as that described in S212, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] In S302, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by low radio wave intensity between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S302 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(e).

[0076] In S303, the setup program broadcasts a PING response to the connected AP 103. The setup program then determines whether or not there is a PING response. The setup program then determines whether or not there is a PING response, and if it determines that there is a PING response, proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if it determines that there is no PING response, proceeds to S304. The processing of S303 is the same as S218, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] In S304, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by the network separator function of AP 103 being enabled, and notifies the user of this. The notification in S304 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(g).

[0078] In S305, the setup program determines that the communication error is caused by communication restrictions due to privacy settings or the like of the communication device 101, and notifies the user of this fact. The notification in S305 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4(h).

[0079] In this way, even if the setup program cannot acquire the NW information of the communication device 101 from the server 104, it attempts to identify the cause of the communication error using only the NW information of the information processing device 102. Then, the setup program notifies the user of the result.

[0080] <Notifying users of the judgment results> Next, with reference to Figures 4(a) to 4(h), examples of notifications in the processing of Figures 2 and 3 will be described. In the processing of Figures 2 and 3, the setup program notifies the user in the form of a dialog shown in Figure 4 on display unit 505.

[0081] 4(a) shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S203 that there is no problem with communication between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101. In S203, the setup program displays a dialog 400 on the display unit 505. The dialog 400 displays a notification unit 401 and an OK button 402. The notification unit 401 displays a message indicating that the communication device 101 has been found and that processing can continue normally, and a message indicating that communication processing will begin in accordance with the operation or processing that triggered this flowchart. The OK button 403 is an interface that can accept an instruction to begin communication processing in accordance with the operation or processing that triggered this flowchart.

[0082] FIG. 4(b) shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S209 that the communication error is caused by a problem with the AP settings of the communication device 101. In S209, the setup program displays a dialog 403 on the display unit 505. The dialog 403 displays a notification unit 404 and an OK button 405. The notification unit 404 displays a message indicating that there is a problem with the AP settings of the communication device 101. In other words, the dialog 403 can also be considered a notification indicating that the cause of the communication error lies in the communication device 101. The notification unit 404 also displays a message prompting the user to check the AP settings of the communication device 101. The OK button 405 is an interface that can accept an execution instruction to re-execute the process of FIG. 2.

[0083] FIG. 4C shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S211 that the communication error is caused by the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 being connected to different APs. In S211, the setup program displays a dialog 406 on the display unit 505. The dialog 406 displays a notification unit 407 and an OK button 408. The notification unit 407 displays a message indicating that the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are connected to different APs. In other words, the dialog 406 can also be considered a notification indicating that the communication error is caused by the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101. The notification unit 407 also displays a message urging the user to connect the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 to the same AP. The OK button 408 is an interface that can accept an execution instruction to re-execute the process of FIG. 2.

[0084] FIG. 4D shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S213 that the communication error is caused by weak radio wave strength between the communication device 101 and the AP 103. In S213, the setup program displays a dialog 409 on the display unit 505. The dialog 409 displays a notification unit 410 and an OK button 411. The notification unit 410 displays a message indicating that the communication error occurred due to weak radio wave strength between the communication device 101 and the AP 103. In other words, the dialog 409 can also be considered a notification indicating that the communication error is caused by the communication device 101. The notification unit 410 also displays a message urging the user to move the communication device 101 closer to the AP 103. Note that the notification unit 410 may display, for example, a message urging the user to check whether there is an obstruction that blocks radio waves between the communication device 101 and the AP 103. Furthermore, the notification unit 410 may display, for example, a message urging the user to check whether there is any device that generates noise radio waves between the communication device 101 and the AP 103. By notifying in this manner, for example, if the user moves the communication device 101 closer to the AP 103, it is considered that the problem of weak radio wave strength of the communication device 101, which is the cause of the current communication error, will be resolved. The OK button 411 is an interface that can receive an execution instruction to re-execute the process of FIG. 2.

[0085] FIG. 4E shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S215 and S302 that the communication error is caused by weak radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103. In S215 and S302, the setup program displays a dialog 412 on the display unit 505. The dialog 412 displays a notification unit 413 and an OK button 414. The notification unit 413 displays a message indicating that the communication error occurred due to weak radio wave strength between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103. In other words, the dialog 412 can also be considered a notification indicating that the communication error is caused by the information processing device 102. The notification unit 413 also displays a message urging the user to move the information processing device 102 closer to the AP 103. Note that the notification unit 413 may also display a message urging the user to check whether there is an obstruction that blocks radio waves between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103, for example. Furthermore, the notification unit 413 may display, for example, a message urging the user to check whether there is any device that generates noise radio waves between the information processing device 102 and the AP 103. If, for example, the user moves the information processing device 102 closer to the AP 103 as a result of such a notification, it is considered that the problem of weak radio wave strength of the information processing device 102, which is the cause of the current communication error, will be resolved. The OK button 414 is an interface that can receive an execution instruction to re-execute the process of FIG. 2.

[0086] FIG. 4F shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S217 that a problem with the radio wave conditions between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 is the cause of the communication error. In S217, the setup program displays a dialog 415 on the display unit 505. The dialog 415 displays a notification unit 416 and an OK button 417. The notification unit 416 displays a message indicating that a problem with the radio wave conditions between the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 is the cause of the communication error, and a message prompting the user to search for the communication device 101 again. The notification unit 417 may display a message indicating that the radio wave conditions of the AP 103 may be congested, or may display a message indicating that sudden radio wave interference may have occurred. The notification unit 417 may also display a message indicating that the communication device 101 may be in a busy state. In other words, the dialog 415 can be considered a notification indicating that the cause of the communication error lies in the communication device 101 or the AP 103. Furthermore, the notification unit 417 may display a message recommending that a search for the communication device 101 be executed again after a certain time has elapsed. The OK button 417 is an interface that can accept an execution instruction to execute the process of FIG. 2 again.

[0087] 4(g) shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S219 and S304 that the enabled network separator function of the AP 103 is a possible cause of the communication error. In S219 and S304, the setup program displays a dialog 418 on the display unit 505. The dialog 418 displays a notification unit 419, an icon 420, a detailed explanation button 421, and an OK button 417. The notification unit 419 displays a message indicating that a communication error has occurred because the information processing device 102 cannot communicate with the communication device 101 via the AP 103. The notification unit 419 also displays a message indicating that the privacy separator function of the AP 103 may be enabled, and, if the privacy separator function is enabled, a message indicating that the privacy separator function needs to be disabled. In other words, the dialog 418 can be considered a notification indicating that the cause of the communication error is not the information processing device 102 or the communication device 101, but the AP 103.

[0088] The icon 420 indicates a situation in which a communication error has occurred. The icon 420 indicates, for example, the relationship between the information processing device 102, the communication device 101, and the AP 103 as a diagram representing the situation. In this way, by displaying the icon 420 together with the message of the notification unit 419, the cause of the communication error can be visually conveyed to the user. Note that such an icon may also be displayed in the dialogs of, for example, FIGS. 4(b) to 4(f) and 4(h).

[0089] The detailed explanation button 421 is an interface that can accept a display instruction for displaying in more detail the cause of the communication error determined in S219 and S304. When the setup program accepts the display instruction, it displays a help screen (not shown) on the display unit 505 for displaying in more detail the cause of the communication error. In this example, the help screen is a screen that displays a detailed explanation of the privacy separator function of the AP 103. The help screen is, for example, a web page. Note that, when the setup program accepts the display instruction, it may launch a web browser included in the information processing device 102. The web browser may then display a web page as the help screen. By being able to accept the display of a help screen separately from the dialog 419 in this way, even if the display area of ​​the dialog 418 is limited, it is possible to separately display a detailed explanation of the cause of the communication error. Furthermore, the OK button 422 is an interface that can accept an execution instruction for re-executing the process of FIG. 2.

[0090] FIG. 4(h) shows an example of a notification when the setup program determines in S220 and S305 that communication is restricted due to the privacy settings of the communication device 101, etc. In S220 and S305, the setup program displays a dialog 423 on the display unit 505. The dialog 423 displays a notification unit 424 and an OK button 425. The notification unit 424 displays a message indicating that a communication error has occurred due to a problem with the privacy settings of the communication device 101, and a message urging the user to review the privacy settings of the communication device 101. In other words, the dialog 423 can also be considered a notification indicating that the communication error is caused by the communication device 101. The OK button 425 is an interface that can accept an execution instruction to re-execute the process of FIG. 2.

[0091] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the setup program acquires NW information of the information processing device 101 when the information processing device 101 cannot execute wireless communication with the communication device 101 via the AP 103. Then, when the information processing device 101 can execute wireless communication with the server 104, the setup program requests the server 104 for the NW information of the communication device 101. The setup program issues a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device 101 via the AP 103 based on at least one of the NW information of the information processing device 101 and the response result to the request. With this configuration, even if a communication error occurs, it is not necessary to establish a communication path different from the communication path via the AP 103 between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 101, and it is possible to notify the user. In other words, it is possible to improve user convenience when an error occurs.

[0092] (Other embodiments) In the first embodiment, the program that executes the process of the present invention is described as a setup program, but is not limited to this. The program that executes the process of the present invention may be any program for communicating with the communication device 101, and may be, for example, a printing program that does not have a function for executing the connection setup process but has a function for causing the communication device 101 to execute printing. Alternatively, the program may have a function other than the function for causing the communication device 101 to execute printing.

[0093] In the first embodiment, in S210, the setup program determines whether the SSID of the AP to which the information processing device 102 is connected is the same as the SSID of the AP to which the communication device 101 is connected. This confirms whether the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are connected to the same AP, but this is not limiting. In S210, for example, the setup program may compare the global IP address of the information processing device 102 with the global IP address of the communication device 101 to determine whether they are the same. The network portion of each IP address is assigned by a device that forms a network. Therefore, it may be possible to confirm whether the information processing device 102 and the communication device 101 are connected to the same AP by comparing the IP address of the information processing device 102 with the IP address of the communication device 101.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following program, information processing device, control method for the information processing device, communication device, and communication system. (Item 1) A computer of an information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, a first acquisition means for acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means for requesting second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external server different from the external access point and the communication device is possible; a notification means for issuing a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request; To function as, A program characterized by: (Item 2) the second network information is information linked to the unique information of the communication device, The first request means Specifying the specific information and requesting the second network information; 2. The program according to item 1, (Item 3) The notice shall: indicates whether the cause of the inability to perform wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point is the communication device, the information processing device, the communication device and the information processing device, or neither the communication device nor the information processing device; 3. The program according to item 1 or 2, (Item 4) a determination means for determining a cause of the inability to perform wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and the response result; and further causing the computer to function as 4. The program according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 5) The determination means When wireless communication with the external server cannot be performed, the cause is determined using only the first network information. 5. The program according to item 4, (Item 6) a first communication confirmation means for performing a first communication confirmation with the communication device via the external access point; and further causing the computer to function as The determination means determining the cause based on at least one of the first network information and the response result, and then determining the cause based on the first communication confirmation; 5. The program according to item 4, (Item 7) The notice shall: If it is determined that the confirmation time in the first communication confirmation is longer than a predetermined time, it indicates that there is a problem with the radio wave conditions between the information processing device and the communication device. 7. The program according to item 6, (Item 8) an execution means for executing wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point when it is determined that the confirmation time in the first communication confirmation is shorter than a predetermined time; To further function as 8. The program according to item 6 or 7, (Item 9) a second communication confirmation means for performing a second communication confirmation by broadcast to an external device wirelessly connected to the external access point; and further causing the computer to function as The determination means If there is no response only from the communication device as a result of the first communication confirmation and the second communication confirmation, determining that the cause is a privacy setting of the communication device; If there is no response from the wirelessly connected devices including the communication device as a result of the first communication confirmation and the second communication confirmation, the determination means determines that the cause is a privacy setting of the external access point. 9. The program according to any one of items 6 to 8, (Item 10) The notice shall: If the privacy setting of the communication device is determined to be the cause, a message is displayed indicating that there is a problem with the privacy setting of the communication device; When the privacy setting of the external access point is determined to be the cause, a message is displayed indicating that there is a problem with the privacy setting of the external access point. 10. The program according to item 9, (Item 11) The notice shall: If the response result does not include the second network information, the communication device notifies the user that wireless communication via the external access point is not possible. 5. The program according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 12) The first network information is including first identification information for identifying a network to which the information processing device is connected; The second network information is second identification information that identifies a network to which the communication device is connected; The notice shall: If the response result includes the second network information and the first identification information and the second identification information are different, it indicates that the information processing device and the communication device are connected to different networks. 5. The program according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 13) The second network information is a value indicating a first radio wave strength between the communication device and the external access point; The notice shall: If the response result includes the second network information and the value indicating the first radio wave strength is lower than a predetermined value, indicate that there is a problem with the first radio wave strength. 5. The program according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 14) The first network information is a value indicating a second radio wave intensity between the information processing device and the external access point; The notice shall: If the value indicating the second radio wave intensity is lower than a predetermined value, it indicates that there is a problem with the second radio wave intensity. 5. The program according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 15) the communication device is a printing device; 15. The program according to any one of items 1 to 14, (Item 16) An information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, a first acquisition means for acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means for requesting second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible; a notification means for issuing a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request, 1. An information processing device comprising: (Item 17) A control method for an information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request step of requesting second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible; a notification step of issuing a notification to cause wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request, 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: (Item 18) A communication device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, a transmitting means for transmitting second network information relating to wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point to the external server when wireless communication with the external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible; The second network information is information that is requested by the information processing device to the external server when wireless communication cannot be performed between the communication device and the information processing device via the external access point but when the information processing device can perform wireless communication with the external server. A communication device comprising: (Item 19) A communication system including a communication device and an information processing device, The communication device a transmitting means for transmitting, when wireless communication with an external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible, second network information relating to wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point to the external server; The information processing device includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means for requesting the external server for the second network information transmitted to the external server by the transmission means when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external server is possible; a notification means for issuing a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request, A communication system comprising:

[0096] 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]

[0097] 101 communication device: 102 information processing device: 103 access point: 104 server

Claims

1. A computer of an information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, a first acquisition means for acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means for requesting second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible; a notification means for issuing a notification to cause wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request; To function as, A program characterized by:

2. the second network information is information linked to unique information of the communication device, The first request means specifying the specific information and requesting the second network information; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. The notice shall: indicates whether the cause of the inability to perform wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point is the communication device, the information processing device, the communication device and the information processing device, or neither the communication device nor the information processing device; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

4. a determination means for determining a cause of the inability to perform wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and the response result; and further causing the computer to function as 2. The program according to claim 1 .

5. The determination means When wireless communication with the external server cannot be performed, the cause is determined using only the first network information.

5. The program according to claim 4.

6. a first communication confirmation means for performing a first communication confirmation with the communication device via the external access point; and further causing the computer to function as The determination means determining the cause based on at least one of the first network information and the response result, and then determining the cause based on the first communication confirmation; 5. The program according to claim 4.

7. The notice shall: If it is determined that the confirmation time in the first communication confirmation is longer than a predetermined time, it indicates that there is a problem with the radio wave conditions between the information processing device and the communication device.

7. The program according to claim 6.

8. an execution means for executing wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point when it is determined that the confirmation time in the first communication confirmation is shorter than a predetermined time; To further function as 7. The program according to claim 6.

9. a second communication confirmation means for performing a second communication confirmation by broadcast to an external device wirelessly connected to the external access point; and further causing the computer to function as The determination means If there is no response only from the communication device as a result of the first communication confirmation and the second communication confirmation, determining that the cause is a privacy setting of the communication device; If there is no response from the wirelessly connected devices including the communication device as a result of the first communication confirmation and the second communication confirmation, the determination means determines that the cause is a privacy setting of the external access point.

7. The program according to claim 6.

10. The notice shall: If the privacy setting of the communication device is determined to be the cause, a message is displayed indicating that there is a problem with the privacy setting of the communication device; When the privacy setting of the external access point is determined to be the cause, a message is displayed indicating that there is a problem with the privacy setting of the external access point.

10. The program according to claim 9.

11. The notice shall: If the response result does not include the second network information, the communication device notifies the user that wireless communication via the external access point is not possible.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

12. The first network information is a first identification information for identifying a network to which the information processing device is connected; The second network information is second identification information that identifies a network to which the communication device is connected; The notice shall: If the response result includes the second network information and the first identification information and the second identification information are different, it indicates that the information processing device and the communication device are connected to different networks.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

13. The second network information is a value indicating a first radio wave strength between the communication device and the external access point; The notice shall: If the response result includes the second network information and the value indicating the first radio wave strength is lower than a predetermined value, the device indicates that there is a problem with the first radio wave strength.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

14. The first network information is a value indicating a second radio wave intensity between the information processing device and the external access point; The notice shall: If the value indicating the second radio wave intensity is lower than a predetermined value, it indicates that there is a problem with the second radio wave intensity.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

15. the communication device is a printing device; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

16. An information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, a first acquisition means for acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means for requesting second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible; a notification means for issuing a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request, 1. An information processing device comprising:

17. A control method for an information processing device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request step of requesting second network information regarding wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point from the external server when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible; a notification step of issuing a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request, 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

18. A communication device capable of performing wireless communication using an external access point, a transmitting means for transmitting second network information relating to wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point to the external server when wireless communication with the external access point and the communication device is possible; the second network information is information that is requested by the information processing device to the external server when wireless communication cannot be performed between the communication device and the information processing device via the external access point but when the information processing device can perform wireless communication with the external server; A communication device comprising:

19. A communication system including a communication device and an information processing device, The communication device a transmitting means for transmitting, when wireless communication with an external access point and an external server different from the communication device is possible, second network information relating to wireless communication between the communication device and the external access point to the external server; The information processing device includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring, from the information processing device, first network information related to wireless communication between the information processing device and the external access point when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point; a first request means for requesting the external server for the second network information transmitted to the external server by the transmission means when wireless communication with the communication device cannot be performed via the external access point but wireless communication with the external server is possible; a notification means for issuing a notification to execute wireless communication with the communication device via the external access point based on at least one of the first network information and a response result to the request, A communication system comprising:

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