Program, information processing apparatus, and method

Abstract

To provide a program for executing processing for connecting a communication device to an access point and making the communication device available from an information processing device.SOLUTION: The information processing device executes a connection setting process for connecting a communication device to an access point outside the information processing device and outside the communication device, acquires registration information for registering the communication device in an external server, searches for the communication device via the external access point after executing the connection setting process, and transmits the acquired registration information to the server in a case where the communication device is not found as a result of the search.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When you purchase a printer, in order to print from a client such as a PC or smartphone, you must first connect the printer to the network and make it ready to communicate with the client. First, the printer goes into the appropriate mode, and then the application on the client PC or smartphone sends the printer information (SSID, Passkey, etc.) to connect it to the access point. After that, the printer is connected to the network.

[0003] On the other hand, when various devices are connected to a Wi-Fi access point, they can communicate with other devices, which can pose a security risk. For this reason, a network separator function is known that can be set on the access point to prevent devices from communicating with each other and restrict each device to communicating only with the external Internet.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes registering a printer in a cloud service and using the printer via the cloud service. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-127570 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In some cases, an application on an information processing device such as a PC or smartphone transmits information for connecting a communication device such as a printer to an access point to the communication device, thereby connecting the communication device to the access point. In such cases, depending on the settings of the access point, devices connected to the access point may not be able to communicate directly with each other, and the communication device may not be usable from the information processing device.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing device, and a method for connecting a communication device to an access point and executing processing to make the communication device available from an information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a computer of an information processing device to function as a connection setting means that executes a connection setting process to connect the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device, an acquisition means that acquires registration information for registering the communication device to an external server, a search means that searches for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setting process is executed by the connection setting means, and a transmission means that, if the communication device is not found as a result of the search by the search means, transmits the registration information acquired by the acquisition means to the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a communication device can be connected to an access point, and the communication device can be used from an information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of each device. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in the information processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing registration data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] An information processing device and a communication device included in a communication system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication system. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as the information processing device 101 in FIG. 1 . However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a laptop PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera, can be used. Furthermore, various devices capable of wireless communication with the information processing device can be used as the communication device 151. For example, printers can be used, such as inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, and monochrome printers. Furthermore, the present embodiment can be used not only for printers, but also for scanners, copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like. Furthermore, the present embodiment can be used for multifunction peripherals having multiple functions, such as a copying function, a fax function, a printing function, and a scanning function. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is a multifunction printer having functions such as a printing function and a scanning function. The access point 131 in FIG. 1 is a network device to which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can be connected. The access point 131 is connected to a network 201 such as the Internet. The information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with a cloud server 202 via the access point 131.

[0013] <Hardware configuration of each device> The configuration of an information processing device 101 included in the communication system of this embodiment and a communication device 151 capable of communicating with the information processing device 101 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 2. In addition, this embodiment will be described using the following configuration as an example, but is not limited to the configuration of Fig. 2.

[0014] The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, an operation / display unit 108, a communication unit 109, a short-range wireless communication unit 110, an image capturing device 111, etc. The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, display buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 107 described below and the input interface 102 may have the same configuration, and may be configured to output to the screen and receive operations from the user using the same configuration.

[0015] The CPU 103 is a system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0016] The RAM 105 is configured with an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power source. Note that the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so that important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0017] The external storage device 106 has a function of communicating with the communication device 151 and includes a setup application program (hereinafter referred to as a setup app) having a function of executing a connection setting process for connecting the communication device 151 to an external access point. The setup app runs on the CPU 103. In addition to the setup app, the external storage device 106 also stores an app having a print function for causing the communication device 151 to print and a scan function for causing the communication device 151 to scan. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the app may have either the print function or the scan function, or may have another function. The app may be, for example, the above-mentioned setup app. The external access point is, for example, the access point 131 described below.

[0018] The external storage device 106 also includes various programs, such as a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and an information transmission / reception control program that transmits and receives information to and from the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 109. These programs may be included in the above-mentioned applications, or may be configured separately from the applications. The external storage device 106 also stores various information used by these programs. The external storage device 106 also stores image data obtained from other information processing devices or the Internet via the communication unit 109.

[0019] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the operation display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101. The operation display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the operation display unit 108 to accept input from the user via the operation display unit 108.

[0020] The communication unit 109 is configured to connect to a device such as the communication device 151 and perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 109 can connect to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. When the communication unit 109 connects to the access point in the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the access point may also be referred to as an AP. The communication unit 109 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an access point 131 that is external to the information processing device 101 and external to the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards is used as the wireless communication method. The IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards is Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 109 can communicate with the cloud server 202 via the access point 131.

[0021] The access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. A method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected through an external access point 131 is called an infrastructure (hereinafter, referred to as "infra") connection method.

[0022] The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 over a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 109. Examples of short-range wireless communication methods used by the short-range wireless communication unit 110 include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Near Field Communication (NFC). Bluetooth may be Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy. The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is connectable to a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151.

[0023] The photographing device 111 is a device that converts an image photographed by a photographing element into digital data. The digital data is temporarily stored in RAM 105. It is then converted into a predetermined image format by a program executed by CPU 103 and saved in external storage device 106 as image data.

[0024] The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, an input interface 158, an output interface 159, an operation display unit 160, and a scan control unit 161. The communication device 151 can operate in a set connection mode by setting the connection mode. The connection mode is, for example, a mode for communication via a direct connection or a mode for communication via an infrastructure connection.

[0025] The communication unit 156 is a component that enables the communication device 151 to communicate with other devices. In this embodiment, the communication unit 156 communicates according to the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. The communication unit 156 has an access point as an internal access point of the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 109 of the information processing device 101. The communication unit 156 may communicate with the information processing device 101 directly via wireless communication, or may communicate via the access point 131. The communication unit 156 may include hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes the communication unit 156 to function as an access point. In this embodiment, the communication unit 156 and the near-field wireless communication unit 157 are implemented by a single wireless chip. That is, in this embodiment, a combo chip that supports both the communication function of the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards and the communication function using a near-field wireless communication method is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the communication unit 156 and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 may be realized by separate wireless chips.

[0026] The RAM 153 is composed of a DRAM or the like that requires a backup power supply. Note that the RAM 153 retains data by being supplied with a data backup power supply (not shown), so it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 154, and operates as a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101 or the like, and stores various types of information.

[0027] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of an embedded OS stored in the ROM 152. The ROM 152 also has a memory area for storing data that needs to be retained even when power is not supplied, such as setting information for the communication device 151 and management data for the communication device 151.

[0028] CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151. Based on information stored in print engine 155 and RAM 153 and print jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc., an image is formed on a recording medium such as paper using a recording agent such as ink, and the print result is output. At this time, the print job sent from the information processing device 101, etc., requires a large amount of transmission data and high-speed communication, so it is received via communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0029] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the information processing device 101 at a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 156. Examples of short-range wireless communication methods used by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and NFC. Bluetooth may be Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy. The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is connectable to the short-range wireless communication unit 110.

[0030] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 159 described below and the input interface 158 may have the same configuration, and the same configuration may be used for screen output and reception of operations from the user. The output interface 159 is an interface that controls the operation display unit 160 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151.

[0031] The operation display unit 160 is composed of a display unit such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the operation display unit 160 to accept input from the user via the operation display unit 160.

[0032] The scan control unit 161 includes an image sensor unit (reading unit) that scans documents placed on a document table (not shown) or an automatic document feeder (ADF). The image sensor unit includes a light source that irradiates the document with light and an image sensor in which elements that read the reflected light and perform photoelectric conversion are arranged. The scan control unit 161 acquires image data by A / D (analog / digital) conversion of an analog electrical signal obtained by reading the document with the image sensor unit. The scan control unit 161 includes a circuit that performs DMA (direct memory access) transfer to store the acquired image data in RAM 153.

[0033] <Direct connection method> A direct connection refers to a form in which devices are wirelessly connected directly (i.e., peer to peer) without going through an external device such as the access point 131. The communication device 151 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 software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) mode. Wi-Fi Direct will be abbreviated as WFD below.

[0034] 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 communication partner device is discovered using device discovery information, 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 to, for example, GO negotiation in P2P. Note that in WFD mode, before the role determination is made, the communication device 151 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, one device first issues device discovery information to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode with another device to communicate with. Once the other device is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that each device can provide. Note that this device provisioning information confirmation is optional and not required. This device 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 are determined, they exchange parameters for WFD communication. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are performed between the P2P client and group owner. Note that in WFD mode, the communication device 151 may always operate as the GO without performing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the communication device 151 may operate in WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. Furthermore, the state in which the communication device 151 operates in WFD mode refers to, for example, a state in which a WFD connection is not established but the communication device 151 operates as the GO, or a state in which a WFD connection is established and the communication device 151 operates as the GO.

[0035] In the software AP mode, between devices that communicate (for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151), one device (for example, the information processing device 101) serves as a client that requests various services. The other device realizes the function of a Wi-Fi access point through software settings. The software AP corresponds to a Wi-Fi parent station, and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi child station. In the software AP mode, the client searches for a device that will become the software AP using device search information. Once the software AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of a wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP is performed, and then IP connection processing (assignment of an IP address, etc.) is performed. Note that commands and parameters that are transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0036] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a master station in the network to which the communication device 151 belongs. The master station is a device that builds a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the slave stations. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving the parameters, the slave stations connect to the wireless network built by the master station using the channel used by the master station. In the direct connection mode, the communication device 151 operates as a master station, and therefore can determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct connection mode. The frequency band to use (and the channel of the frequency band to use) can be arbitrarily set by the user through settings on a screen displayed by the communication device 151. However, in this embodiment, even if 5 GHz is selected on the screen displayed by the communication device 151, the communication device 151 does not use channels in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band for communication in the direct connection mode. In other words, the communication device 151 uses only channels in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to frequency bands other than the DFS band for communication in the direct connection mode. Note that if a channel corresponding to the DFS band is used and radar waves in the frequency band corresponding to that channel are detected, the currently used channel must be changed. Such a frequency band in which a channel change due to the detection of radar waves is possible is called a DFS band. Note that, for example, when a wireless chip supporting the DFS function is used, a channel in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band may be available for communication in the direct connection mode.

[0037] <About infrastructure connection methods> The infrastructure connection is a connection mode in which devices that communicate (for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151) are connected to an access point (for example, the access point 131) that manages a network of the devices, and the devices communicate with each other via the access point. The communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communicating via an infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode) as one of the connection modes.

[0038] In an infrastructure connection, each device searches for an access point using device discovery information. Once an access point is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) is carried out between the device and the access point, and then IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is carried out. Note that the commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an access point can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 operates in infrastructure connection mode, the access point 131 operates as a parent device, and the communication device 151 operates as a child device. That is, in this embodiment, infrastructure connection refers to a connection between the communication device 151 operating as a child device and a device operating as a parent device. When the communication device 151 has established an infrastructure connection and the information processing device 101 has also established an infrastructure connection with the access point 131, communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible via the access point 131. The channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the access point 131, so the communication device 151 performs communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the access point 131. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is assumed to be able to use a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Note that the communication device 151 can also use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. In order for the information processing device 101 to communicate with the communication device 151 via the access point 131, the information processing device 101 needs to recognize that the communication device 151 belongs to a network formed by the access point 131 and to which the information processing device 101 belongs. In addition, when the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected to the access point 131 by an infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 can be discovered by a broadcast executed by the information processing device 101.

[0040] <Connection setup process> In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 performs connection setup, which is a setting for operating the communication device 151 using at least one of an infrastructure connection and a direct connection, using wireless communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The connection setup process in this embodiment is also called cableless setup (CLS) because it is performed by wireless communication. Note that the connection setup process may also be performed by wired communication. The information processing device 101 performs connection setup processing on the communication device 151 when a setup application stored in the ROM 104 or the like is running. The communication device 151 can operate in a connection setup mode (connection setup state), which is a mode for performing the connection setup process, and performs the connection setup process while operating in the connection setup mode described below. The connection setup mode will be described in detail below.

[0041] When the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode, the information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits infrastructure setting information, which is setting information for operating the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode, to the communication device 151. The infrastructure setting information includes connection information for connecting to the AP 131. The connection information for connecting to the AP 131 is, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a password, information related to a frequency band, and the like. On the other hand, when the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode, the information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits direct setting information, which is setting information for operating the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode, to the communication device 151. The direct setting information includes, for example, instructions for enabling a WFD function to operate the communication device 151 as a Group Owner, or for enabling an access point setting of the communication device 151. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 acquires connection information from the communication device 151 for the information processing device 101 to directly connect to the communication device 151. The connection information for the information processing device 101 to directly connect to the communication device 151 includes, for example, information such as the SSID and password of the communication device 151 operating in direct connection mode.

[0042] In the present embodiment, a direct connection for connection setting between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is used to transmit infrastructure setting information and direct setting information in the connection setting process, and to acquire connection information for the information processing device 101 to directly connect to the communication device 151. In the present embodiment, the connection setting process is performed using Wi-Fi as the direct connection for connection setting, but a wireless communication standard other than Wi-Fi, such as Bluetooth, may also be used. Furthermore, a wired communication standard such as a wired LAN or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may also be used as the direct connection for connection setting.

[0043] After a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection or a direct connection is established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 through the connection setting process, communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 becomes possible via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 can transmit, to the communication device 151, a print job for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing or a scan job for causing the communication device 151 to execute scanning, via the established connection. Note that in this embodiment, the connection setting process can cause the communication device 151 to operate in either an infrastructure connection mode or a direct connection mode, but is not limited to this. For example, the connection setting process may be configured to only cause the communication device 151 to operate in the infrastructure connection mode (i.e., the communication device 151 cannot operate in the direct connection mode).

[0044] <About connection setting mode> Communication device 151 can operate in a connection setting mode. A trigger for communication device 151 to start operation in the connection setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a connection setting mode button, or communication device 151 being started up (powered on) for the first time after arrival. The connection setting mode button may be a hardware (physical) button provided in communication device 151, or may be a software button that communication device 151 displays on operation display unit 160.

[0045] When the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, as a process for enabling Wi-Fi communication, the communication device 151 enables an internal access point (connection setting access point) of the communication device 151 that is dedicated to the connection setting mode. This puts the communication device 151 in a state where it can establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi with the information processing device 101. Connection information (SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password) for connecting to the connection setting access point is stored in advance in a setup application installed in the information processing device 101, and the information processing device 101 is assumed to recognize the connection information for connecting to the connection setting access point in advance. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the access point that is enabled in the direct connection mode, the connection information for connecting to the connection setting access point cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user.

[0046] In the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may connect to the information processing device 101 not by normal Wi-Fi but by Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). That is, the communication device 151 may operate as a Group Owner and receive a setting command from the information processing device 101 through WFD communication.

[0047] Furthermore, in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may connect to the information processing device 101 via Bluetooth. Here, Bluetooth includes Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). That is, for example, the communication device 151 may operate as a slave device in BLE in the connection setting mode and receive a setting command from the information processing device 101 via communication via BLE. Also, in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may be capable of performing both connection setting via Wi-Fi and connection setting via BLE. That is, when the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it may enable both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. Specifically, when the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it may both enable a connection setting access point and enable an advertising state in which advertising information is transmitted via BLE and a BLE connection is possible.

[0048] When operating in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 controls the communication unit 156 to operate as a connection setting access point that is valid only while operating in the connection setting mode. This connection setting access point is different from the access point that is enabled in the soft AP mode described above. The SSID of this connection setting access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by the setup application of the information processing device 101.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the connection setting access point. Specific examples of the setup communication protocol include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). After starting operation in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in the connection setting mode and disables the connection setting access point when a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, even if the communication device 151 receives connection information for connecting to the access point 131 and an instruction to change the wireless communication operation mode from the information processing device 101 during the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 also disables the connection setting access point.

[0050] The connection setting access point is assumed to be an access point that does not require a password to connect. However, the connection setting access point may be an access point that requires a password. In that case, the password used to connect to the connection setting access point is assumed to be a fixed password (that the user cannot change) that is known in advance by the setup application.

[0051] For example, when you purchase a printer, the printer enters connection setting mode, and the setup app on the client PC or smartphone sends information (SSID, Passkey) to the printer to connect it to an external access point. However, even if the printer can connect to the external access point, the client and printer may not be able to communicate, making it impossible to print from the client. For example, in an environment where a network separator is enabled, devices connected to the external access point cannot communicate directly with each other. In an environment where a network separator is not enabled, direct communication between the client and printer is possible. However, in an environment where a network separator is enabled, the client and printer cannot communicate directly, making printing and other operations impossible. Furthermore, not only in an environment where a network separator is enabled, but also in a LAN-less environment where all devices are connected only to the Internet, direct communication between the client and printer cannot be achieved, making printing and other operations impossible.

[0052] According to this embodiment, even in an environment where a network separator is enabled or a LAN-less environment where the printer and client cannot communicate directly, it is possible to use the printer through normal connection setting processing.

[0053] <Registering communication devices to the app> In this embodiment, the setup application can register the communication device 151 in the setup application by acquiring information about the communication device 151 from the communication device 151. The information about the communication device 151 includes, for example, capability information about the communication device 151, identification information (such as a MAC address) about the communication device 151, and model information about the communication device 151. The capability information about the communication device 151 specifically includes a list of information about functions supported by the communication device 151, information about consumables (ink, paper) available for use in the communication device 151, and information indicating the printing method of the communication device 151. The setup application then selects one device from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the setup application as a device with which the setup application will communicate. Hereinafter, the communication device 151 currently selected as a device with which the setup application will communicate will be referred to as the selected communication device 151. The setup app may select a device to communicate with by accepting a user selection from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the setup app, or may automatically select a device by the setup app according to predetermined criteria. The setup app may change the device to communicate with by, for example, accepting a user selection from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the setup app. In this embodiment, the setup app transmits various jobs, such as print jobs and scan jobs, to the selected communication device 151. That is, the selected communication device 151 is the device to which the various jobs are sent. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is registered in the setup app as a printer that communicates via the cloud server 202 or a printer that communicates without going through the cloud server 202. If the selected communication device 151 is registered as a printer that communicates via the cloud server 202, the setup app transmits various jobs, such as print jobs and scan jobs, to the selected communication device 151 via the cloud server 202.On the other hand, if the selected communication device 151 is a communication device 151 registered as a printer that communicates without going through the cloud server 202, the setup application sends various jobs, such as print jobs and scan jobs, to the selected communication device 151 without going through the cloud server 202.

[0054] Next, a processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5 and 9. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing processing including connection setup processing in this embodiment. The processing of Fig. 3 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, such as a setup application, into the RAM 105 and executing it. This flowchart is started when a predetermined operation for performing connection setup processing of the communication device 151 is performed on a screen displayed by the setup application.

[0055] In S301, CPU 103 establishes a direct connection between communication device 151 and information processing device 101 in order to perform connection setup processing for communication device 151. If information processing device 101 is connected to access point 131 when a predetermined operation is performed, CPU 103 stores in memory information about access point 131 to which information processing device 101 is connected when the predetermined operation is performed. After storing the information in memory, CPU 103 establishes a direct connection between communication device 151 and information processing device 101. S301 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. At the time the processing of S301 is performed, communication unit 109 of information processing device 101 is connected to communication unit 156 operating as a connection setup access point.

[0056] In S302, CPU 103 acquires cloud registration information from communication device 151 via a direct connection. The cloud registration information is information required to register communication device 151 with cloud server 202, and specifically includes, for example, the serial number of the printer, license information for registration with cloud server 202, and device group registration information. The information may also include the MAC address of communication device 151. Note that the cloud registration information may be acquired before connection information to the access point is transmitted to communication device 151 in S301.

[0057] In S303, CPU 103 switches the connection of communication unit 109 from communication unit 156 operating as a connection setting access point to access point 131. Note that the access point 131 to which connection is made here is, for example, the access point 131 to which information processing device 101 was connected when a predetermined operation was performed. That is, CPU 103 re-establishes the connection between information processing device 101 and the access point 131 to which information processing device 101 was connected when the predetermined operation was performed, using information stored in memory. Then, CPU 103 searches for communication device 151 via access point 131 (via infrastructure connection).

[0058] In S304, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the communication device 151 for which the connection setup process was performed in S301 has been found. If it is determined that the communication device 151 has been found, the process proceeds to S309, and if it is determined that the communication device 151 has not been found, the process proceeds to S305.

[0059] In S305, the CPU 103 transmits the cloud registration information acquired in S302 to the cloud server 202, and executes processing for registering the communication device 151 with the cloud service. Note that, for example, if the cloud registration information transmitted by the information processing device 101 to the cloud server 202 in this processing matches the cloud registration information transmitted by the communication device 151 to the cloud server 202 upon completion of the connection setting processing, the processing for registering the communication device 151 with the cloud service is successful. Furthermore, if the communication device 151 is a model that is eligible for registration, the processing for registering the communication device 151 with the cloud service is successful. Note that this is not limited to this form, and a form may also be used in which the cloud server 202 attempts to access the communication device 151 using the cloud registration information transmitted by the information processing device 101 to the cloud server 202, and if the access is successful, the processing for registering the communication device 151 with the cloud service is successful. If the registration process of the communication device 151 to the cloud service is successful, the cloud server 202 transmits a response indicating successful registration to the information processing device 101, and if the registration process of the communication device 151 to the cloud service is unsuccessful, the cloud server 202 transmits a response indicating unsuccessful registration to the information processing device 101. A case in which the registration process has failed is, for example, a case in which the cloud registration information transmitted by the information processing device 101 to the cloud server 202 in this process does not match the cloud registration information transmitted by the communication device 151 to the cloud server 202 upon completion of the connection setting process, or a case in which the communication device 151 is a model that is not eligible for registration.

[0060] In S306, the CPU 103 determines whether the above registration process was successful or unsuccessful based on the response from the cloud server 202 to the transmission in S305. If it is determined to be successful, the process proceeds to S307, and if it is determined to be unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S308.

[0061] In step S307, the CPU 103 registers the communication device 151 in the setup application so that the communication device 151 can be identified as a cloud printer. The cloud printer here refers to a printer that is used (communicates) via the cloud server 202.

[0062] 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams showing examples of registration data in the setup application. In S307, for example, the CPU 103 registers the communication device 151 in the setup application as registration data such as that shown in FIG. 12(a) so that the communication device 151 can be identified as a cloud printer. As shown in FIG. 12(a), the registration data is configured as a data set consisting of attributes and values. The attributes are, for example, items such as the printer name, model name, whether it is a cloud printer, IP address, MAC address, serial number, color / black and white, and whether it has a scanner, and the values ​​are detailed information corresponding to each item. As shown in FIG. 12(a), in S307, information indicating that the communication device is a cloud printer, such as "YES," is stored in the item indicating whether it is a cloud printer. After S307, the processing in FIG. 3 ends.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the information processing device 101 directly connects to the communication device 151, which operates as a connection setup access point, and acquires from the communication device 151 information required for registration with the cloud service of the cloud server 202. The information processing device 101 then switches the connection from the communication device 151 to the access point 131 and registers the communication device 151 with the cloud service of the cloud server 202 using the cloud registration information. Based on successful registration with the cloud service, the information processing device 101 then registers the communication device 151 in the setup app so that it can be identified as a cloud printer. This allows the communication device 151 to be used for cloud printing even when communication via an infrastructure connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is not possible because, for example, the network separator function is enabled in the access point 131. By registering the registration data shown in FIG. 12A in the setup app, the setup app displays the communication device 151 as a cloud printer in an identifiable manner. FIG. 8C shows an example of a home screen of the setup app after the connection setup process has been completed. On the screen of FIG. 8(c), printer information 807 registered in the setup application in S307 is displayed, and an icon 809 and text 808 make it identifiable as a cloud printer.

[0064] If it is determined in S306 that registration to the cloud service has failed, in S308, CPU 103 displays a message indicating that registration to the cloud service has failed. Fig. 8(d) is a diagram showing an example of the message displayed in S308. After S308, the processing in Fig. 3 ends.

[0065] If it is determined in S304 that the communication device 151 that performed the connection setup process has been found, in S309, the CPU 103 registers the communication device 151 in the setup app so that it can be identified as a printer that communicates via the access point 131. A printer that communicates via the access point 131 is, in other words, a printer that communicates without going through the cloud server 202, that is, a printer that communicates via a local network formed by the access point 131. The CPU 103 then registers the communication device 151 in the setup app as registration data such as that shown in FIG. 12(b). As shown in FIG. 12(b), the registration data differs from that shown in FIG. 12(a) in the following respects. That is, in the field for whether or not it is a cloud printer, information indicating that it is not a cloud printer, such as "NO," is stored. Furthermore, in the fields for IP address and MAC address, the IP address and MAC address of the communication device 151 are stored. When the registration data shown in FIG. 12(b) is registered, the information processing apparatus 101 communicates with the communication device 151 via the access point 131 to perform printing, etc. Fig. 7(c) is an example of the home screen of the setup application after the connection setting process has been performed. On the screen of Fig. 7(c), printer information 702 registered in the setup application in S309 is displayed together with an icon 703, and the IP address of the communication device 151 is displayed in text 704. After S309, the process of Fig. 3 ends.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of S301.

[0067] In S401, the CPU 103 displays on the operation display unit 108 a screen for instructing the user on how to transition the communication device 151 to the connection setting mode. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S401. The user can transition the communication device 151 to the connection setting mode by pressing a button for transitioning the communication device 151 to the connection setting mode according to guidance 601 on the guidance screen in FIG. 6A. When the user presses the button 602, the process proceeds to S402. At this time, information regarding the access point to which the information processing device 101 has wirelessly connected via Wi-Fi is also acquired. Note that in this embodiment, since the information processing device 101 has not switched the access point to which it is connected after the above user operation, this access point is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected in S401. The information includes connection information (such as an SSID and information indicating an encryption method) for connecting to the access point to which the information processing device 101 is wirelessly connected via Wi-Fi. The acquired information is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory of the information processing device 101.

[0068] In S402, the CPU 103 instructs the OS of the information processing apparatus 101 to search for connection setting access points around the information processing apparatus 101, and the search results are acquired by the setup application.

[0069] As described above, in this embodiment, the SSID of an access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode includes a predetermined character string that is recognized in advance by the setup application. Specifically, for example, the predetermined character string "ij_" is included, and the CPU 103 searches for an access point whose SSID begins with "ij_". During the search, the CPU 103 displays a screen indicating that a search is in progress on the operation display unit 108. FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S402.

[0070] In S403, the CPU 103 determines whether or not an access point for a printer in connection setting mode, i.e., a connection setting access point, has been found. If it is determined that it has been found, the process proceeds to S404. If it is determined that it has not been found, the process in FIG. 4 ends.

[0071] In S404, the CPU 103 displays operation guidance for the OS screen on the operation display unit 108. Fig. 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S404. The screen of Fig. 6(c) is displayed because the operation of connecting to an access point requires the acceptance of a user operation on the subsequent OS screen. When the user presses the Next button 603 on the screen of Fig. 6(c), the process proceeds to S405.

[0072] In S405, CPU 103 uses the API of the OS to request connection to the connection setting access point discovered in S402. In response, the OS displays the screen shown in FIG. 6(d). When the OS displays the screen shown in FIG. 6(d), the OS screen moves to the foreground and the setup application screen moves to the background. When the user presses the connect button 604, the OS performs processing to connect to the connection setting access point corresponding to the corresponding SSID. Then, when the connection to the connection setting access point discovered in S402 is successful, the OS terminates the display of the screen shown in FIG. 6(d), and the setup application screen returns to the foreground.

[0073] In S406, CPU 103 determines whether the screen of the setup application has returned to the foreground. Even if the screen display of FIG. 6(d) in S405 ends, the OS does not notify the end. Therefore, in this embodiment, CPU 103 determines whether the screen of the setup application has returned to the foreground. The process of S406 is repeated until it is determined that the screen of the setup application has returned to the foreground, and if it is determined that the screen of the setup application has returned to the foreground, the subsequent processes are executed.

[0074] In S407, the CPU 103 determines whether the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected is the connection setting access point discovered in S402. If it is determined that the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected is the connection setting access point discovered in S402, the process proceeds to S408. In S408, a process for selecting an access point to which the communication device 151 is to be connected is performed. The process of S408 will be described later. After S408, in S409, the CPU 103 transmits connection information (e.g., SSID) for the access point selected in S408 to the communication device 151. If the communication device 151 receives the connection information for the access point selected in S408, it connects to the access point selected in S408 via Wi-Fi. Thereafter, the communication device 151 transmits cloud registration information to the cloud server 202 and executes a process for registering the communication device 151 with the cloud service. In S409, the screen of FIG. 7(a) is displayed. After S409, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0075] For example, if the user presses the cancel button on the OS screen of Fig. 6(d), a selection screen for another access point is displayed, and an access point other than the connection setting access point discovered in S402 is selected, it is determined in S407 that the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected is not the connection setting access point discovered in S402, and the process proceeds to S410. In S410, the CPU 103 displays the screen of Fig. 7(b) on the operation display unit 108, prompting the user to connect to the connection setting access point discovered in S402. A button for displaying a screen for connecting to the connection setting access point discovered in S402 is displayed on the screen of Fig. 7(b). After S410, the process repeats from S405.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of S408.

[0077] In S501, the CPU 103 requests the communication device 151 to provide a list of surrounding access points to which the communication device 151 can connect, and acquires the list of access points from the communication device 151. Upon receiving the request for the list, the communication device 151 performs an AP search and transmits to the information processing device 101 a list of one or more access points to which the communication device 151 can connect, which have been discovered by performing the AP search.

[0078] In S502, the CPU 103 determines whether the list of access points acquired in S501 includes the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected. If it is determined that the list includes the access point, the process proceeds to S506, and if it is determined that the list does not include the access point, the process proceeds to S503. Note that the information about the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected is information about the access point that was saved in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory of the information processing device 101 in S401.

[0079] If the process proceeds from S502 to S503, in S503 the CPU 103 displays on the operation display unit 108 a screen that allows the user to select which access point to connect the printer to from among the access points included in the list acquired in S501. Specifically, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 7D is displayed.

[0080] In S504, CPU 103 determines the access point selected by the user on the screen displayed in S503 as the access point to which communication device 151 will be connected. In S505, CPU 103 accepts input of the password for the access point selected in S504 from the user. Specifically, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 8(a) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 8(a), an area 801 for accepting password input from the user is displayed on the screen. When the user enters the password in area 801 and presses OK button 802, the processing in FIG. 5 ends, and the processing proceeds to S409 in FIG. 4.

[0081] If the process proceeds from S502 to S506, in S506 the CPU 103 displays a screen that can accept an instruction as to whether or not to determine the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected as the access point to which the communication device 151 will be connected. The access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected is the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 was connected when a predetermined operation was performed. Specifically, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 8(b) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 8(b), an area 803 that displays information about the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected is displayed on the screen.

[0082] In S507, the CPU 103 determines whether to determine the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected as the access point to which the communication device 151 will be connected. Specifically, for example, if the "Yes" button 804 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 8(b), the CPU 103 determines that the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected is to be determined as the access point to which the communication device 151 will be connected, and proceeds to S508. On the other hand, if the "No" button 805 is pressed, the CPU 103 determines that the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected is not to be determined as the access point to which the communication device 151 will be connected, and proceeds to S503. In S508, the CPU 103 determines the access point to which the information processing device 101 was originally connected as the access point to which the communication device 151 will be connected, and proceeds to S505.

[0083] Next, a process in which the setup application of the information processing apparatus 101 instructs the communication apparatus 151 to print will be described.

[0084] 9 is a flowchart showing a process in which the setup application of the information processing device 101 instructs the communication device 151 to print. The process of FIG. 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, such as the setup application, into the RAM 105 and executing it. The process of FIG. 9 is performed after the communication device 151 is registered in the setup application by the process of FIG. 3. Then, one of the communication devices 151 registered in the setup application is selected, and the process is performed in a state in which the selected communication device 151 is identified.

[0085] In step S901, the CPU 103 receives a print start instruction from the user, for example, by pressing the "Print" button 705 or 806 on the screen shown in FIG.

[0086] In S902, the CPU 103 accepts a selection from the user of a method for acquiring the file to be printed. In other words, the CPU 103 accepts a selection of a storage source from which the file to be printed will be acquired. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 displays the screen of FIG. 10(a) on the operation display unit 108. When the user wants to acquire the file to be printed from the external storage device 106 in the information processing device 101, the user presses a button 1001 indicating "in smartphone." When the user wants to acquire the file to be printed from cloud storage on the cloud server 202, the user presses a button 1002 indicating "cloud service."

[0087] In S903, the CPU 103 accepts a selection of a file to be printed from the user. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 displays the screen of FIG. 10(b) on the operation display unit 108. Furthermore, when a file is selected on a file selection screen (not shown) from cloud storage, the selected file is temporarily downloaded from the cloud storage to a primary area of ​​the external storage device 106 of the information processing device 101.

[0088] In S904, the CPU 103 displays a preview of the file selected in S903. Specifically, for example, the screen of FIG. 10(c) is displayed on the operation display unit 108. A preview image 1003 and a "Next" button 1004 are displayed on the screen of FIG. 10(c). Although not shown in FIG. 10(c), an edit button for editing the file of the preview image 1003 may also be displayed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the edit button is displayed.

[0089] In S905, the CPU 103 determines which button was pressed on the screen displayed in S904. If it is determined that the edit button was pressed, in S911 the CPU 103 displays an edit screen (not shown) for editing the file of the preview image 1003 on the operation display unit 108. On the edit screen, for example, image editing functions such as cropping the image or changing it to sepia color can be executed. After S911, the processing from S905 is repeated. If it is determined in S905 that the "next" button 1004 was pressed, the processing proceeds to S906.

[0090] In S906, the CPU 103 displays a screen for prompting the user to confirm the print settings. Specifically, for example, the screen shown in Fig. 10(d) is displayed on the operation display unit 108. On the screen shown in Fig. 10(d), a button 1006 for accepting an instruction to execute printing and a button 1005 for changing the print settings are displayed.

[0091] In S907, CPU 103 determines which button was pressed on the screen displayed in S906. If it is determined that the button for changing the print settings was pressed, in S912 CPU 103 displays a screen (not shown) for changing the print settings. The user can change the print settings on this screen. After S912, the process from S907 is repeated. If it is determined in S907 that the button for accepting an instruction to execute printing was pressed, the process proceeds to S908.

[0092] In S908, the CPU 103 displays a screen indicating that printing is being performed. Specifically, for example, the screen shown in Fig. 11(a) is displayed on the operation display unit 108. Note that the actual printing process starts after S909.

[0093] In S909, the CPU 103 determines whether the communication device 151 that will perform printing is a cloud printer. That is, the CPU 103 determines whether the selected communication device 151 has been registered as a printer that communicates via the cloud server 202, or whether it has been registered as a printer that communicates without going through the cloud server 202. If the CPU 103 determines that the communication device 151 that will perform printing is a cloud printer (the selected communication device 151 has been registered as a printer that communicates via the cloud server 202), the process proceeds to S910. On the other hand, if the CPU 103 determines that the communication device 151 that will perform printing is not a cloud printer (the selected communication device 151 has been registered as a printer that communicates without going through the cloud server 202), the process proceeds to S913. Specifically, for example, if the detailed information in the "Cloud Print or Not?" field in the registration data shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) indicates cloud printing, the process proceeds to S910. On the other hand, if the detailed information indicates that the communication device 151 is not cloud printing, the process proceeds to S913.

[0094] In S910, CPU 103 transmits the file selected in S903, the print setting information, and the cloud registration information of communication device 151 acquired in S302 of FIG. 3 to cloud server 202 via access point 131. That is, if communication device 151 is registered in the setup application as a cloud printer, print processing in communication device 151 is executed as cloud print. As a result, a print job for causing communication device 151 to execute printing based on the file selected in S903 and the print setting information is transmitted from cloud server 202 to communication device 151. Then, based on the print job, communication device 151 executes printing based on the file selected in S903 and the print setting information. After S910, the processing of FIG. 9 ends.

[0095] In S913, the CPU 103 transmits the file selected in S903, the print setting information, and a print instruction to the communication device 151 via the access point 131. As a result, a print job for causing the communication device 151 to print based on the file selected in S903 and the print setting information is transmitted to the communication device 151 via the access point 131 but not via the cloud server 202. Then, based on the print job, the communication device 151 executes printing based on the file selected in S903 and the print setting information. In other words, if the communication device 151 is not registered in the setup app as a cloud printer, a print instruction is sent from the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151 via an infrastructure connection.

[0096] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 cannot communicate via the access point 131 and therefore cannot issue a printing instruction from the information processing device 101, printing can be performed on the communication device 151 as cloud printing.

[0097] The file to be printed, which is sent to the cloud server 202 in S910 or to the communication device 151 in S913, may be an image file in the selected PDF or JPEG format, or may be in a print format, such as a RAW image format or a Print Description Language (PDL) that can be interpreted by a printer.

[0098] Pressing the "Other Functions" button 701 on the screen of FIG. 7(c) or the "Other Functions" button 810 on FIG. 8(c) causes the screen to transition to a screen showing a list of other functions in FIG. 11(b). Pressing the "Cloud" button 1101 on the screen of FIG. 11(b) displays a screen showing a list of cloud collaboration functions in FIG. 11(c). On the screen of FIG. 11(c), "Cloud Storage Service" buttons 1105 and 1106 can be selected to print based on data stored in cloud storage. Also, "Photo Service" buttons 1102 and 1103 can be selected to print based on photo data stored on the Internet. Also, "Message Exchange Service" button 1104 can be selected to print a single printed item by combining photo data stored on the Internet with a message.

[0099] In the print function implemented by the "Cloud Storage Service" buttons 1105 and 1106 in FIG. 11(c), the cloud server 202 acquires data from the cloud storage service and transmits the acquired data directly to the communication device 151. On the other hand, in the print function implemented by the "Cloud Service" button 1002 in FIG. 10(a), data in the cloud storage is temporarily downloaded to the information processing device 101 and then transmitted again to the cloud server 202. Therefore, the user can execute image editing functions included in the print function of the setup application, such as image trimming or sepia coloring, on the data in the cloud storage before printing. In this embodiment, two types of interfaces are provided: the "Cloud Service" button 1002 and the "Cloud Storage Service" buttons 1105 and 1106. This allows the user to execute editing of data in the cloud storage at any time on the information processing device 101.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following program, information processing device, and method. (Item 1) The computer of the information processing device, a connection setting means for executing a connection setting process for connecting the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device; an acquisition means for acquiring registration information for registering the communication device in an external server; a search means for searching for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setting means has executed the connection setting process; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration information acquired by the acquiring means to the server when the communication device is not found as a result of the search by the searching means; A program to function as a (Item 2) Item 1. The program for causing a computer to further function as a receiving unit that receives a notification from the server in response to transmission of the registration information by the transmitting unit. (Item 3) The program described in item 2, which causes a computer to further function as a storage means for storing information about the communication device in the information processing device as a device that executes a specified process via the server when a notification from the server indicates that the registration of the communication device to the server has been successful. (Item 4) Item 3. The program for causing a computer to further function as a notification unit that notifies a user that registration of the communication device to the server has failed, if the notification from the server indicates that registration of the communication device to the server has failed. (Item 5) 5. The program according to item 3 or 4, characterized in that when the communication device is found as a result of the search by the search means, the storage means stores information about the communication device in the information processing device as a device that executes the specified processing via the external access point. (Item 6) 6. The program according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the predetermined process includes a printing process. (Item 7) 7. The program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the connection setup process includes a process of connecting the information processing device to the communication device without going through the external access point. (Item 8) 8. The program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the connection setting process includes a process of displaying a guidance screen for setting the communication device to a predetermined mode. (Item 9) 9. The program according to item 8, wherein the predetermined mode is a mode in which the communication device becomes a predetermined access point. (Item 10) The program described in any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the connection setting process includes a process of sending connection information for connecting the communication device to the external access point to the communication device without going through the external access point. (Item 11) Item 11. The program according to item 10, wherein the connection information includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier). (Item 12) The program according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the acquisition of the registration information by the acquisition means is performed through a connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through the external access point. (Item 13) Item 13. The program according to item 12, wherein the acquisition of the registration information by the acquisition means is performed during the connection setting process. (Item 14) 14. The program according to item 12 or 13, wherein after the connection setup process, the information processing device connects to the external access point. (Item 15) 15. The program according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the registration information includes a serial number of the communication device. (Item 16) 16. The program according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the server is a cloud server. (Item 17) The program described in any one of items 1 to 16, characterized in that the case where the communication device is not found as a result of the search by the search means includes a case where the external access point is configured to prevent communication between devices connected to the access point. (Item 18) An information processing device, a connection setting unit that executes a connection setting process for connecting the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device; an acquisition means for acquiring registration information for registering the communication device in an external server; a search means for searching for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setting means has executed the connection setting process; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration information acquired by the acquiring means to the server when the communication device is not found as a result of the search by the searching means; An information processing device comprising: (Item 19) A method executed in an information processing device, a connection setting step of executing a connection setting process for connecting the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device; an acquisition step of acquiring registration information for registering the communication device in an external server; a search step of searching for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setup process is executed in the connection setup step; a transmitting step of transmitting the registration information acquired in the acquiring step to the server when the communication device is not found as a result of the search in the searching step; A method comprising:

[0102] 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]

[0103] 101 Information processing device: 103 CPU: 104 ROM: 105 RAM: 131 Access point: 151 Communication device: 202 Cloud server

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, a connection setting means for executing a connection setting process for connecting the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device; an acquisition means for acquiring registration information for registering the communication device in an external server; a search means for searching for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setting means has executed the connection setting process; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration information acquired by the acquiring means to the server when the communication device is not found as a result of the search by the searching means; A program to function as a

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, further causing a computer to function as a receiving unit that receives a notification from the server in response to transmission of the registration information by the transmitting unit.

3. The program of claim 2, further causing a computer to function as a storage means for storing information about the communication device in the information processing device as a device that executes a specified process via the server when a notification from the server indicates that registration of the communication device to the server has been successful.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, further causing a computer to function as a notification unit that, when the notification from the server indicates that registration of the communication device with the server has failed, notifies the user of the failure.

5. The program described in claim 3, characterized in that when the communication device is discovered as a result of a search by the search means, the storage means stores information about the communication device in the information processing device as a device that executes the specified processing via the external access point.

6. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined process includes a printing process.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the connection setting process includes a process of connecting the information processing device to the communication device without going through the external access point.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the connection setting process includes a process of displaying a guidance screen for setting the communication device to a predetermined mode.

9. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined mode is a mode in which the communication device functions as a predetermined access point.

10. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the connection setting process includes a process of transmitting connection information for connecting the communication device to the external access point to the communication device without going through the external access point.

11. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the connection information includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier).

12. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition of the registration information by the acquisition means is performed through a connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through the external access point.

13. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the acquisition of the registration information by the acquisition means is performed during the connection setup process.

14. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein after the connection setup process, the information processing device connects to the external access point.

15. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the registration information includes a serial number of the communication device.

16. The program according to claim 1 , wherein the server is a cloud server.

17. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that a case in which the communication device is not found as a result of a search by the search means includes a case in which the external access point is configured to prevent communication between devices connected to the access point.

18. An information processing device, a connection setting unit that executes a connection setting process for connecting the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device; an acquisition means for acquiring registration information for registering the communication device in an external server; a search means for searching for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setting means has executed the connection setting process; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration information acquired by the acquiring means to the server when the communication device is not found as a result of the search by the searching means; An information processing device comprising:

19. A method executed in an information processing device, a connection setting step of executing a connection setting process for connecting the communication device to an access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device; an acquisition step of acquiring registration information for registering the communication device in an external server; a search step of searching for the communication device via the external access point after the connection setup process is executed in the connection setup step; a transmitting step of transmitting the registration information acquired in the acquiring step to the server when the communication device is not found as a result of the search in the searching step; A method comprising:

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