Communication apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a method capable of performing appropriate communication connection when a communication device performs direct communication.SOLUTION: The communication apparatus includes a first execution unit configured to operate the wireless direct function in a first mode, a second execution unit configured to operate the wireless direct function in a second mode including connection processing different from the connection processing of the wireless direct function in the first mode, and a control unit configured to search for a partner apparatus by the wireless direct function in the second mode, and switch to search for a partner apparatus by the wireless direct function in the first mode if no partner apparatus is found even after a lapse of a predetermined period. The communication apparatus according to claim 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the increase in the amount of data being transmitted has led to the development of communication technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11 standard series is known as the main communication standard for WLANs. The IEEE 802.11 standard series includes IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards. For example, the latest standard, IEEE 802.11ax, uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to achieve a high peak throughput of up to 9.6 gigabits per second (Gbps) and improve communication speeds under congested conditions. OFDMA is an abbreviation for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access.

[0003] Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi Alliance has developed a program for certifying wireless LAN devices. For example, it has developed the WFD standard, which defines procedures for establishing communication links between wireless LAN stations (STAs) by exchanging communication parameters between them without going through an access point (AP). WFD is an abbreviation for Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), and is a standard for direct communication between devices.

[0004] Furthermore, the Wi-Fi Aware standard has also been established, which is a standard for searching for services provided by devices. For example, Patent Document 1 describes detecting communication terminals using the provisions of the Wi-Fi Aware standard. Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe configurations for establishing connections using two methods: Wi-Fi Aware and Wi-Fi Direct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-201427 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-201427 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-063310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, when a communication device that supports multiple connection methods performs direct communication, there is a possibility that the device may not be able to perform an appropriate communication connection. The present invention aims to provide a method that enables a communication device to perform an appropriate communication connection when performing direct communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device having a wireless direct function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, characterized in that it comprises: a first execution means for operating the wireless direct function of a first method; a second execution means for operating the wireless direct function of a second method that includes a connection process different from that of the wireless direct function of the first method; and a control means for searching for a partner device using the wireless direct function of the second method and, if the partner device cannot be found after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, switching to searching for the partner device using the wireless direct function of the first method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] When the communication device performs direct communication, it is possible to perform an appropriate communication connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit of an MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an access point. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a connection process according to the conventional WFD standard. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a new WFD standard connection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating new WFD standard connection processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating new WFD standard connection processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating new WFD standard connection processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating new WFD standard connection processing in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display of a wireless direct connection trigger on the operation display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present embodiments are merely examples, and that specific examples of components, processing steps, display screens, etc. are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0011] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication devices include a mobile terminal device 104, an MFP 100, an AP 101 which is an access point, a DHCP server 103, and a network 110. The mobile terminal device 104 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Note that, hereinafter, wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN. The mobile terminal device 104 may be a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone (smartphone), a digital camera, a personal computer, etc.

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

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

[0014] DHCP server 103 connects to MFP 100 via AP 101 and network 110, and provides services to MFP 100 by responding to requests from MFP 100. Note that, although the configuration in FIG. 1 has been described in which DHCP server 103 is connected as a device separate from AP 101, a configuration in which AP 101 has a DHCP server function may also be used. DNS server 105 is connected to MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104 via AP 101 and network 110, and provides name resolution services by responding to requests from MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104. Here, network 110 may be the so-called Internet, or it may be a closed network within a company or a mobile phone network.

[0015] (MFP external configuration) FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 has, for example, a platen 201, a platen cover 202, a print paper insertion slot 203, a print paper ejection slot 204, and an operation display unit 205. Platen 201 is a stand on which a document to be read is placed. Platen cover 202 is a cover that holds down the document placed on platen 201 and prevents light from a light source that illuminates the document during reading from leaking to the outside. Print paper insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot that can accept paper of various sizes. Print paper ejection slot 204 is an ejection slot through which paper that has been printed is ejected. Paper that has been placed in print paper insertion slot 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, where it is printed and then ejected from print paper ejection slot 204. The operation display unit 205 includes keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, a confirm key, and a cancel key, as well as an LED and an LCD, and is configured to be able to accept user operations for activating various MFP functions and for various settings. The operation display unit 205 may also include a touch panel display. The MFP 100 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and includes a wireless communication antenna 206 for this wireless communication, although this does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. Like the mobile terminal device 104, the MFP 100 can also perform wireless communication using WLAN in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] The wireless unit 226 is compatible with IEEE802.11ax, i.e., Wi-Fi 6 (trademark), and can perform processing compliant with IEEE802.11ax. In other words, the MFP 100 can operate (process) as either an STA compatible with (compliant with) OFDMA or as an STA compatible with (compliant with) TWT, or both. OFDMA stands for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access. TWT stands for Target Wake Time. Support for TWT adjusts the timing of data communication from the master device to the STA. The wireless unit 226 (MFP 100) as an STA transitions its communication function to a sleep state when it does not need to wait for signal reception. This reduces power consumption. The wireless unit 226 also supports Wi-Fi 6E (trademark). In other words, communication in the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz) is also possible. The bands where Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is performed, which exist in the 5 GHz band, do not exist in the 6 GHz band. Therefore, communication in the 6 GHz band does not experience communication interruptions due to DFS standby times, and smoother communication can be expected. Here, processing is performed in accordance with IEEE802.11ax, but the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may operate in accordance with other standards in the IEEE802.11 series. For example, they may operate in accordance with IEEE802.11be or later standards.

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] The mobile terminal device 104 includes a WLAN unit 401 that provides WLAN communication functionality, although it does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior. The WLAN unit 401 is configured to be able to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system that complies with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, etc.). It is also capable of communication as an AP compatible with Wi-Fi Agile Multiband (trademark). However, this is not a limitation, and the WLAN unit 401 may also be capable of communication in a WLAN system that complies with other standards. In this example, the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. It is also assumed that the WLAN unit 401 is capable of communication based on WFD, communication in soft AP mode, communication in wireless infrastructure mode, etc. Operation in these modes will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] (P2P communication method) Next, we will outline the P2P (WLAN) communication method, which allows devices to communicate directly with each other wirelessly without going through an external access point. P2P (WLAN) communication can be realized using multiple methods. For example, a communication device can support multiple modes for P2P (WLAN) communication and selectively use one of the multiple modes to perform P2P communication (WLAN).

[0043] The following two P2P modes are envisioned: Soft AP mode Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode

[0044] A communication device capable of P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes, but even a communication device capable of P2P communication does not have to support all of these modes and may be configured to support only some of them.

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

[0046] ●Soft AP mode In the soft AP mode, a communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) operates as a client that requests various services. The other communication device (e.g., the MFP 100) operates as a soft AP that can execute the functions of a WLAN AP through software configuration. The commands and parameters exchanged when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the soft AP are sufficient if they are specified in the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, and therefore will not be described here. The MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz) and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band. The soft AP mode does not require negotiation to determine roles, and does not necessarily comply with the Wi-Fi Alliance WFD standard.

[0047] WFD mode The MFP 100 may be configured to permanently start up as a master station in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, GO negotiation processing to determine the role is not required. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band. In addition, in WFD mode, a configuration may be adopted in which negotiation (GO Negotiation) is performed to determine which device will operate as the group owner and which device will operate as a client.

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

[0049] Here, we assume that WFD has both the conventional standard method and the new standard method. In other words, we assume that the WFD standard has multiple methods with different standard versions. The conventional WFD method will be called WFD Release 1 (R1), and the new WFD method will be called WFD Release 1 (R2). The method that complies with the first version of the WFD standard will be called WFD R1, and the method that complies with the second version of the WFD standard will be called WFD R2. WFD R1 and WFD R2 have different methods for searching for devices and exchanging parameters.

[0050] (Connection processing of conventional WFD standards) The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 support a function publicly known as Wi-Fi Direct. Wi-Fi Direct is a function that enables a Wi-Fi Direct-compatible device to establish its own Wi-Fi network without the need for an Internet connection. Specifically, Wi-Fi Direct-compatible devices such as the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 can connect directly to each other even in an environment without an AP 101 or the like.

[0051] 6 is a sequence diagram of the process of connecting the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 in accordance with the WFD standard. Here, the WFD R1 processing sequence is shown. The processes executed by each device in this sequence are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in memory such as ROM into RAM and executing them.

[0052] For example, the sequence processing starts when the mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100 receive a WFD start instruction from the user. When the mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100 receive a WFD start operation from the user, they search for a partner device by repeating the Listen state and the Search state. Before these states, there may be a period during which each channel is scanned. In the Listen state, for example, channel 1 in 2.4 GHz is selected and a Probe Request frame from another communication device is waited for. In the Search state, a Probe Request frame is sent while switching frequency channels (for example, channel 1, channel 6, channel 11) and a Probe Response frame is waited for.

[0053] In S601, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits a Probe Request frame to search for a WFD communication device. By transmitting the Probe Request frame, a partner device on the searched side is searched for. Here, it is assumed that the searching communication device is the mobile terminal device 104 and the partner device on the searched side is the MFP 100. The Probe Request frame has a WFD attribute (P2P IE), which identifies the target of the search as a WFD communication device.

[0054] In S602, upon receiving the Probe Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits a Probe Response frame. The mobile terminal device 104 detects the MFP 100, which is the WFD communication partner, by receiving the Probe Response frame transmitted by the MFP 100. The Probe Request frame and Probe Response frame include a P2P IE and may also include a Multi-Link element. The Multi-Link element may include communication parameters used for multi-link communication defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard. This makes it possible to establish multiple links between communication devices with a single connection procedure. In this way, the WFD R1 can detect the presence of other communication devices using a first search process that uses Probe Request / Response frames. The first search process described above is the search sequence for WFD R1.

[0055] In S603, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 perform GO negotiation processing. In the GO negotiation, the channel to be used in direct wireless communication (wireless direct) may be determined. In the GO negotiation processing, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 determine their roles as the P2P group owner (GO) and the P2P client by transmitting or receiving GO Negotiation Request / Response frames including an intent value indicating the degree to which they want to become the GO. Furthermore, the MFP 100 may be configured to permanently start up as a master station (GO) in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, the GO negotiation processing to determine the role is unnecessary. The MFP 100 may set its own intent value to the maximum of 15, so that it executes the GO negotiation processing but always operates as the GO. In this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel to be used in direct wireless communication as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select whether to use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0056] In S604, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 exchange communication parameters using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) processing. The communication parameters may include parameters used in wireless communication, such as a Service Set Identifier (SSID), encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, AKM, BSSID, and MAC address. AKM is an abbreviation for Authentication and Key Management. AKM indicates an authentication protocol and key exchange algorithm used in wireless communication. For example, if the AKM is "SAE," the communication parameters may include a password for connecting to an AP or GO compatible with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 3. If the AKM is "psk," the communication parameters may include a Pre Shared Key (PSK) / passphrase for connecting to an AP or GO compatible with WPA2. If the AKM is "1X," the communication parameters may include an ID, password, public key, and the like for connecting to an AP compatible with WPA-Enterprise. The password and PSK / passphrase are encryption keys used in authentication and key exchange based on WPA or IEEE 802.11. The process by WPS in S604 is the communication parameter exchange sequence of WFD R1. In addition, from the process after S604, the channel used for communication may be changed from the channel used in S601 to S603.

[0057] In S605, when it is determined that the MFP 100 will operate as a GO, the MFP 100 starts transmitting a Beacon frame. The Beacon frame may include communication parameters for communicating with the MFP 100. The Beacon frame may also include information elements and attributes defined in the WFD standard. This allows communication devices other than the mobile terminal device 104 to detect the presence of the MFP 100 and establish a direct wireless communication connection with the MFP 100. For example, other communication devices may detect the presence of the MFP 100 by receiving a Beacon frame including information defined in the WFD standard.

[0058] In S606, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits a Probe Request frame to execute a connection procedure with the MFP 100. In S607, upon receiving the Probe Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits a Probe Response frame.

[0059] In S608, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits an authentication frame. In S609, upon receiving the authentication frame, the MFP 100 transmits the authentication frame.

[0060] In S610, upon receiving the Authentication frame, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits an Association Request frame. In S611, upon receiving the Association Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits an Association Response frame.

[0061] In S612, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 execute a 4-way handshake. By executing such a connection procedure, a connection between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 is established.

[0062] Although not shown in the above sequence, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may transmit or receive Provision Discovery Request / Response frames. The above-described processing of the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may be reversed.

[0063] (Connection processing of the new WFD standard) 7 is a sequence diagram of the process of connecting the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 in accordance with the WFD standard. Here, the WFD R2 processing sequence is shown. The processes executed by each device in this sequence are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in memory such as ROM into RAM and executing them.

[0064] For example, the sequence processing starts when the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 receive a WFD start instruction from a user. In the WFD R2 search sequence, a second search process is performed. An example of a search procedure using the second search process is shown. In this search procedure, each of the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 performs processing based on whether the device is a service-providing communication device or a service-requesting communication device, and detects other communication devices. A service-providing communication device may be called a publisher, listener, advertiser, etc. A service-requesting communication device may be called a subscriber, searcher, seeker, etc. For example, a service-requesting communication device may transmit a frame to detect other communication devices. A service-providing communication device may receive and respond to frames transmitted by other communication devices. The role assigned to a communication device may be determined by a higher layer (such as a service layer). FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the mobile terminal device 104 operates as a service-requesting communication device, and the MFP 100 operates as a service-providing communication device. For example, the mobile terminal device 104 performs intermittent detection operations and transmits frames for detecting other communication devices. The second search process may use, for example, the mechanism of the Wi-Fi Aware standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. That is, the frames communicated in the second search process may be frames defined in the Wi-Fi Aware standard. Furthermore, other service search protocols and methods may be used in the second search process, not limited to the Wi-Fi Aware standard.

[0065] In S701, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits a Service Discovery frame to search for a WFD communication device. Here, it is assumed that the Service Discovery is transmitted on channel 6 of 2.4 GHz. By transmitting the Service Discovery frame, it searches for a partner device on the searched side. Here, it is assumed that the searching communication device is the mobile terminal device 104, and the partner device on the searched side is the MFP 100. The Service Discovery frame has a WFD attribute, which identifies the target of the search as a WFD communication device.

[0066] In S702, upon receiving the Service Discovery frame, the MFP 100 transmits the Service Discovery frame. The Service Discovery frame transmitted here may be called an SDF Follow up. By receiving the Service Discovery frame, the mobile terminal device 104 detects the MFP 100, which is the WFD communication partner. The second search process described above is the search sequence for WFD R2. Because the first search process for WFD R1 and the second search process for WFD R2 use different methods, a communication device that supports only WFD R1 cannot be searched for using the WFD R2 method. Conversely, a communication device that supports only WFD R2 cannot be searched for using the WFD R1 method.

[0067] In S703, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits a request using a Bootstrapping Request frame. This request is for an exchange method for exchanging communication parameters. The mobile terminal device 104 can use this frame to notify the MFP 100 of an exchange method that the mobile terminal device 104 can execute, from among exchange methods for communication parameters that use, for example, pressing a button, a PIN code, a passphrase, a QR code (registered trademark), or an NFC tag. For example, if the mobile terminal device 104 can execute an exchange method that uses a QR code, the mobile terminal device 104 can indicate at least one of whether the mobile terminal device 104 can display or read a QR code. If the mobile terminal device 104 can execute an exchange method that uses a passphrase, the mobile terminal device 104 can indicate whether it can use a character string, a numeric value, or both. If the mobile terminal device 104 can execute an exchange method that uses a passphrase, the mobile terminal device 104 can indicate at least one of whether it can display or input a passphrase. The mobile terminal device 104 can also indicate whether it can use a button press to trigger the exchange of communication parameters. The information that the mobile terminal device 104 can notify is not limited to these.

[0068] In S704, in response to the request using the Bootstrapping Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits a response to the mobile terminal device 104 using a Bootstrapping Response frame. As an example, the MFP 100 may select an exchange method that the MFP 100 can execute from among the exchange methods included in the request from the mobile terminal device 104, and may send a response that includes information that can identify the exchange method. Furthermore, if there is no exchange method that the MFP 100 can execute from among the exchange methods included in the request, the MFP 100 may send a response that includes information indicating this.

[0069] In S705, a bootstrap process is performed using an exchange method for exchanging communication parameters determined between the communication devices, and the communication parameters are exchanged. For example, the MFP 100 displays a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code), and the mobile terminal device 104 reads the QR code to exchange the communication parameters. The bootstrap process in S705 is a communication parameter exchange sequence of WFD R2.

[0070] In S706, mutual authentication may be performed using PASN authentication. PASN is an abbreviation for Preassociation Security Negotiation. Communication parameters for using PASN may include the public keys of each communication device. Communication parameters for using PASN may be exchanged using a method not specified in the WFD standard, such as Bluetooth. Another exchange method may involve configuring a temporary network including an AP and connecting the communication device to that network to obtain communication parameters. In PASN, the mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100 may perform GO Negotiation processing. The GO Negotiation may determine the channel to be used for direct wireless communication. The GO Negotiation processing may determine the roles of P2P group owner (GO) and P2P client. The MFP 100 may also be configured to permanently start up as a master station in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, the GO Negotiation processing to determine the roles is unnecessary. The MFP 100 may perform GO Negotiation processing by setting its own intent value to the maximum of 15, but always operating as the MFP 100. In this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel to be used for direct wireless communication as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band. In the WFD R1, the frequency bands available for direct wireless communication were 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but in the WFD R2, the frequency bands available for direct wireless communication are 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and also 6 GHz. Unlike the R1, the WFD R2 determines roles after exchanging communication parameters. From step S707 onward, the channel used in steps S701 to S706 may be changed to a new channel for communication.

[0071] In S707, when it is determined that the MFP 100 itself will operate as a GO, the MFP 100 starts transmitting a Beacon frame. The Beacon frame may include communication parameters for communicating with the MFP 100. The Beacon frame may also include information elements and attributes defined in the WFD standard. This allows communication devices other than the mobile terminal device 104 to detect the presence of the MFP 100 and connect to the MFP 100. For example, other communication devices may detect the presence of the MFP 100 by receiving a Beacon frame that includes information defined in the WFD standard.

[0072] In S708, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits a Probe Request frame to execute a connection procedure with the MFP 100. In S709, upon receiving the Probe Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits a Probe Response frame.

[0073] In S710, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits an authentication frame. In S711, upon receiving the authentication frame, the MFP 100 transmits the authentication frame.

[0074] In S712, upon receiving the Authentication frame, the mobile terminal device 104 transmits an Association Request frame. In S713, upon receiving the Association Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits an Association Response frame.

[0075] In S714, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 execute a 4-way handshake. By executing such a connection procedure, a connection between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 is established.

[0076] The above-described processing of the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 may be reversed. Also, it is assumed that whether the device is WFD R1 or WFD R2 compliant can be indicated in the P2P IE.

[0077] (Example of display during wireless direct connection processing) 12(a) is an example of a screen displayed when the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 receive a WFD start instruction from the user. While this screen is displayed, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 search for a WFD-compatible device. For example, in the case of a WFD R2 connection, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 send a Service Discovery frame and wait for a Service Discovery frame. In the case of a WFD R1 connection, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 send a Probe and wait for a Probe. While the configuration is such that a WFD-compatible device is searched for while the screen in FIG. 12(a) is displayed, if WFD is enabled, a configuration may also be such that a WFD-compatible device is always searched for regardless of which screen is displayed.

[0078] Figure 12(b) is an example of a screen displayed on the MFP100 when searching for a partner device using WFD R1. For example, this screen is displayed when a Probe is received from the partner device or when a GO Negotiation Request frame is received. If the user selects "Yes" on the screen in Figure 12(b), the subsequent WFD processing will proceed and a WFD connection will be established with the partner device.

[0079] 12(c) is an example of a screen displayed on the MFP 100 when a partner device is searched for using WFD R2. For example, this screen is displayed when a Service Discovery frame or a Bootstrapping Response frame is received from the partner device. When the partner device reads the QR code displayed on this screen, the Bootstrapping process starts, and subsequent WFD processing proceeds, establishing a WFD connection with the partner device.

[0080] 8 to 11 are flowcharts illustrating an example of connection processing that complies with the WFD standard between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100. The processing executed by each device is realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in memory such as ROM of each device into RAM and executing them. Here, as an example, the processing is executed by the CPU 212, but this is not limiting.

[0081] (First embodiment) FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example in which the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 perform connection processing in accordance with the WFD standard.

[0082] S801 corresponds to a process combining S701 and S702 in Figure 7. When the MFP 100 receives a WFD start instruction from the user, it waits for a Service Discovery frame in S801. For example, in this case, it waits for a Service Discovery frame on channel 6. When the MFP 100 receives a Service Discovery frame transmitted by the mobile terminal device 104 to search for a WFD-standard communication device, it transmits a Service Discovery frame to the mobile terminal device 104 in response. Here, an example is shown in which the MFP 100 waits for a Service Discovery frame, but it may be configured to transmit a Service Discovery frame, or may be configured to transmit and wait for a Service Discovery frame. During the processing of S801, the MFP 100 may display a screen indicating that it is searching for WFD R2.

[0083] In S802, the CPU 212 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since waiting for a Service Discovery frame. If the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S810, and if the predetermined period of time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S803.

[0084] In S803, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a Service Discovery frame has been received, and if so, returns the Service Discovery frame to the device that sent it and proceeds to S804. When a Service Discovery frame is received, the MFP 100 displays the screen in Fig. 12(c). If a Service Discovery frame has not been received, the MFP 100 proceeds to the processing of S801. From S804 onwards, the WFD R2 connection processing shown in Fig. 7 is performed. Similarly, if a Service Discovery frame has been sent in S801, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a Service Discovery frame sent from the device that received the Service Discovery frame sent in S803 has been received.

[0085] S810 corresponds to a process combining S601 and S602 in FIG. 6. In S810, the MFP 100 waits for a Probe Request frame. For example, here, it waits for a Probe Request frame on channels 1, 6, and 11. Here, an example is shown in which the MFP 100 waits for a Probe Request frame, but it may be configured to transmit a Probe Request frame, or to transmit and wait for a Probe Request frame. In other words, it may search for a partner device by repeating the above-mentioned Listen state and Search state. During the processing of S8010, the MFP 100 may display a screen indicating that it is searching for WFD R1.

[0086] In S811, the CPU 212 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since waiting for a Probe Request frame. If the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S801, and if the predetermined period of time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S812.

[0087] In S812, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a Probe Request frame has been received, and if so, returns a Probe Response frame to the device that sent the Probe Request frame and proceeds to S813. When a Probe Request frame is received, the MFP 100 displays the screen in FIG. 12(b). If a Probe Request frame has not been received, the process proceeds to S810. From S813 onwards, the WFD R1 connection process shown in FIG. 6 is performed. If a Probe Request frame has been sent in S810, the CPU 212 determines in S812 whether or not a Probe Response frame sent from the device that received the sent Probe Request frame has been received.

[0088] The process described here performs a search for a partner device using the WFD R2 for a predetermined time, and if the search fails, the search is switched to using the WFD R1. If the search fails, the search is switched back to using the WFD R2. The predetermined time described above can be set arbitrarily, and different values ​​can be set for each type of wireless unit 226 installed in the MFP 100. By setting the search time for the WFD R2 to be longer than the search time for the WFD R1, it is possible to relatively increase the degree of detection using the WFD R2 method. For example, by setting the search time for the WFD R2 to be significantly longer than the operating time of the MFP 100, the process may not proceed to S810. On the other hand, the search time for the WFD R2 can be set to be significantly shorter than the operating time of the MFP 100. In this case, the search sequence using the R2 method is not entered, and the connection sequence using only the R1 method (S810) is executed. As described above, the process of interrupting the start of the connection sequence and switching to another WFD method after the predetermined period has elapsed may hereinafter be referred to as a timeout.

[0089] S804 corresponds to a process combining S703, S704, and S705 in Figure 7. For example, in S804, the CPU 212 transmits a Bootstrapping Request frame and communicates communication parameters with the Bootstrapping partner device (mobile terminal device 104) through the Bootstrapping process. Here, the Bootstrapping process is performed using an exchange method for exchanging communication parameters determined between the communication devices, and the communication parameters are exchanged. For example, the MFP 100 displays a QR code, and the mobile terminal device 104 reads the QR code to exchange the communication parameters.

[0090] 7, the CPU 212 performs mutual authentication using PASN authentication in the WFD R2 method. The mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 then perform GO negotiation processing to determine which device will become the GO.

[0091] S806 corresponds to S707 in Fig. 7, and when the CPU 212 determines that its own device will operate as a GO, it starts transmitting a Beacon frame. GO stands for Group Owner. When the MFP 100 receives a Probe Request from the mobile terminal device 104 that received the Beacon, it returns a Probe Response. Then, the process proceeds to S807.

[0092] S807 corresponds to S710 and S711 in FIG. 7, and the CPU 212 receives an authentication frame transmitted from the mobile terminal device 104 and transmits the authentication frame to the mobile terminal device 104.

[0093] S808 corresponds to S712 and S713 in FIG. 7, and when the CPU 212 receives an Association Request frame in the WFD R2 method from the mobile terminal device 104, it transmits an Association Response frame.

[0094] S809 is the same as S714 in FIG. 7, and the CPU 212 executes a 4-way handshake with the mobile terminal device 104 according to the R2 method of the WFD.

[0095] S813 corresponds to S603 in FIG. 6, and the CPU 212 performs GO negotiation processing with the mobile terminal device 104 in the WFD R1 method.

[0096] S814 corresponds to S604 in FIG. 6, and the CPU 212 exchanges communication parameters with the mobile terminal device 104 through WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) processing.

[0097] 6, and when the MFP 100 determines that it will operate as a GO, it starts transmitting a Beacon frame. When the MFP 100 receives a Probe Request from the mobile terminal device 104 that has received the Beacon, it returns a Probe Response. Then, the process proceeds to S816.

[0098] S816 corresponds to S608 and S609 in FIG. 6, and the CPU 212 receives the authentication frame transmitted from the mobile terminal device 104 and transmits an authentication frame in the WFD R1 method.

[0099] S817 corresponds to a process combining S610 and S611 in Fig. 6. When the CPU 212 receives an Association Request frame transmitted from the mobile terminal device 104, it transmits an Association Response frame to the mobile terminal device 104.

[0100] 6, the CPU 212 executes a 4-way handshake with the mobile terminal device 104 using the R1 method of the WFD. By executing this connection procedure, a connection is established between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100. Note that the processes of S806 to S809 and S815 to S818 may be common. When a direct connection between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 is established, print data is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 104 to the MFP 100, and scan data is transmitted from the MFP 100 to the mobile terminal device 104 via the direct connection.

[0101] According to the processing in the above flowchart, the MFP 100 searches for a remote device on channel 6 of the 2.4 GHz band. When the MFP 100 receives a Service Discovery frame, the WFD R2 connection sequence proceeds. If successful, a connection is established using the R2 method. On the other hand, if a certain period of time passes without the MFP 100 receiving the Service Discovery frame, the MFP 100 switches to the WFD R1 connection sequence. If the subsequent WFD R1 connection sequence is successful, a connection is established using the R1 method. By configuring the MFP 100 to switch between WFD R1 and WFD R2 searches, the processing load can be reduced compared to performing WFD R1 and WFD R2 searches simultaneously in parallel. This is effective when the processing load cannot be increased due to limitations of the wireless chip, etc. Note that, although the above example illustrates a configuration in which the MFP 100 switches between WFD R1 and WFD R2 searches, the MFP 100 may also be configured to perform WFD R1 and WFD R2 searches simultaneously in parallel. In this case, steps S801 and S810 are performed in parallel.

[0102] The search time for WFD R1 and the search time for WFD R2 may be user-configurable, or may be set based on the number of connection attempts for each of the WFD R1 and WFD R2 methods, the ratio between them, the number of successful connections for each of the R1 and R2 methods, etc. Assuming that the WFD R1 and WFD R2 methods support different security methods, in the above example, a search for WFD R2 is performed first, followed by a search for WFD R1, thereby increasing the likelihood of a connection using WFD R2, which provides a highly secure connection. However, this is not a limitation, and a search for WFD R1 may be performed first. While the processing in the above flowchart is performed by the MFP 100, it may also be performed by the mobile terminal device 104.

[0103] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, a direct connection is established between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 using either the conventional WFD R1 method or the new WFD R2 method. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the MFP 100 reconnects to the mobile terminal device 104 after disconnecting the direct connection with the mobile terminal device 104, or in which the MFP 100 establishes a direct connection with a new communication device different from the mobile terminal device 104. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0104] 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing when the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 establish a connection conforming to the WFD standard. S801, S802, S803, S804, S805, S806, S807, S808, S809, S810, S811, S812, S813, S814, S815, S816, S817, and S818 in the figure are the same as the steps in the sequence shown in FIG.

[0105] In S901, the CPU 212 determines whether a direct connection based on the WFD standard has been previously established with the mobile terminal device 104. If there is no record (history) of a connection being established, such as the first connection, and a connection based on the WFD standard has not been established with the mobile terminal device 104 before (No), the process proceeds to S801. If a connection has been established, the process proceeds to S902. For example, the process proceeds to S902 if the user attempts to connect to the MFP 100 from a PC or mobile terminal device other than the mobile terminal device 104 that was used as the direct connection terminal, if the MFP 100 is restarted, or if a connection established between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 is reconnected after being disconnected. The connection history is stored in a permanent area such as the non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP 100, and can be referenced without being cleared by disconnection or reconnection.

[0106] In S902, the CPU 212 determines whether past connections with the mobile terminal device 104 were only in the WFD R1 format. If the previously established connection was only in the WFD R1 format (Yes), the process proceeds to S810; if not only in the WFD R1 format (No), the process proceeds to S801. Here, if not only in the WFD R1 format, the process is assumed to be in the WFD R2 format, but a format other than the WFD R1 and WFD R2 formats may also be used. Furthermore, information indicating the format of past direct connections is stored in a permanent area such as the non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP 100, and can be referenced without its value being cleared by disconnection or reconnection.

[0107] If the mobile terminal device 104 and MFP 100 have previously connected directly using the WFD R1 method, the process of the above flowchart will search for the other device using the WFD R1 method first, which will likely reduce the time required for the search. Alternatively, the method used for the previous direct connection may be stored, and the other device may be searched for first using a method with a high possibility of connection (WFD R1 method or WFD R2 method).

[0108] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which if the first attempt to connect using the WFD R2 method fails, a direct connection is attempted using the conventional WFD R1 method instead of the WFD R2 method. The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0109] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating connection processing between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 in accordance with the WFD standard. S801, S802, S803, S804, S805, S806, S807, S808, S809, S810, S811, S812, S813, S814, S815, S816, S817, and S818 in the diagram are the same as the steps in the sequence shown in FIG.

[0110] In S1001, the CPU 212 determines whether to end the flow based on the number of times (number of connection attempts) connection attempts have been made using both the WFD R2 method and the WFD R1 method in connection confirmation S1003 (described later). If this is the first connection using the WFD standard, or if the number of connection attempts is less than a predetermined number (No), the flow proceeds to S801, and if the number of connection attempts is more than the predetermined number, the flow ends. The number of connection attempts can be set to any number greater than or equal to 1. An appropriate number should be determined depending on the surrounding environment, and the number may also be set based on the number of past connection attempts.

[0111] In S1002, the CPU 212 determines whether the connection in the WFD R2 format was successful. If the connection in the WFD R2 format was not successful (No), the flow proceeds to S810, and if the connection in the WFD R2 format was successful, the flow ends. For example, in the bootstrap processing of S804, if there is no method supported by the MFP 100 among the communication parameter exchange methods supported by the mobile terminal device 104, the flow proceeds to S810. Here, if the connection in the WFD R2 format is not successful, the flow proceeds to S810, but this is not limiting and the flow may proceed to any of steps S813 to S818.

[0112] In S1003, the CPU 212 determines whether the connection with WFD R1 was successful. If the connection with WFD R1 was not successful (No), the process proceeds to S1001, and if the connection with WFD R1 was successful, the flow ends.

[0113] Through the processing of the above flowchart, the MFP 100 first attempts to connect to the other device using the WFD R2 method, and if the connection fails, switches to a WFD R1 method connection. While an example of attempting to connect to the other device using the WFD R2 method has been shown above, this is not limiting. The MFP 100 may also be configured to first attempt to connect to the other device using the WFD R1 method, and if the connection fails, switch to a WFD R2 method connection.

[0114] (Fourth embodiment) In the first embodiment, if the MFP100 does not detect a WFD R2 Service Discovery frame within a certain period of time, it switches to a connection sequence using the conventional WFD R1 method and executes detection of a Probe Request frame. In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which, after switching to the WFD R1 method connection sequence, it returns to the WFD R2 method connection sequence when a WFD R2 Service Discovery frame is detected after a delay. The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be shown.

[0115] 11 is a flow diagram illustrating connection processing between the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 in compliance with the WFD standard. S801, S802, S803, S804, S805, S806, S807, S808, S809, S810, S811, S812, S813, S814, S815, S816, S817, and S818 in the diagram are the same as the steps in the sequence shown in FIG.

[0116] In S1101, the CPU 212 determines whether or not a Service Discovery frame has been received after receiving a Probe Request frame, and if a Service Discovery frame has been received, proceeds to S804 to proceed with the R2 method connection sequence, and if not, proceeds to S813 to proceed with the R1 method connection sequence. Note that the processing of S1101 may be performed between any of the processing of S810 to S818, and the order does not matter.

[0117] Even if the WFD R2 Service Discovery frame is not detected within a certain time period due to the processing in the above flowchart and the connection sequence is switched to the conventional WFD R1 method, if a Service Discovery frame is detected after a delay, a connection using the WFD R2 method will be established. However, whether it is possible to simultaneously wait for a WFD R2 Service Discovery frame while waiting for a WFD R1 Probe Request frame depends on the specifications of the wireless unit 226, so it is assumed that the wireless unit is equipped with a simultaneous waiting function.

[0118] The configuration may be a combination of any one or more of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0119] The various controls described above as being performed by CPU 212 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0120] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to an MFP as an example. However, this is not limited to this example and can be applied to any wireless device capable of P2P (WLAN) communication based on WFD. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, tablet devices, mobile phones such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smartwatches, and various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters (adapters) that can be connected to USB or LAN cable terminals. Video output devices include devices such as set-top boxes, which acquire (download) videos and still images from the Internet identified by a URL specified by an electronic device and output them to a connected display device via a video output terminal such as HDMI (registered trademark). This enables streaming playback on the display device and mirroring display (displaying the content displayed on the electronic device on the display device). Furthermore, video output devices include media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, and DVD recorders, head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors), signage devices, etc. The present invention is also applicable to Wi-Fi-connectable devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting equipment, heating equipment, and cooling equipment.

[0122] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0123] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0124] (Configuration 1) A communication device having a wireless direct function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, a first execution means for operating the Wireless Direct function of a first method; a second execution means for operating the Wireless Direct Function of a second method including a connection process different from that of the Wireless Direct Function of the first method; a control means for searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method and, if the partner device cannot be found after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, switching to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

[0125] (Configuration 2) The communication device according to configuration 1, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method is a Wireless Direct function conforming to a first version of the Wi-Fi Direct standard, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method is a Wireless Direct function conforming to a second version of the Wi-Fi Direct standard.

[0126] (Configuration 3) 3. The communication device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method is a Wireless Direct function that searches for a partner device using a Probe Request frame, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method is a Wireless Direct function that searches for a partner device using a Service Discovery frame.

[0127] (Configuration 4) 4. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method is a Wireless Direct function that exchanges communication parameters by using Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method is a Wireless Direct function that exchanges communication parameters by using Bootstrapping.

[0128] (Configuration 5) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the control means switches to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method when it is not possible to connect to the partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method.

[0129] (Configuration 6) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control means switches to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method when it is not possible to connect to the partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

[0130] (Configuration 7) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a display control means for performing control so that the communication device displays a first screen when a partner device makes a connection request using the Wireless Direct function of the first method, and displays a second screen when the partner device makes a connection request using the Wireless Direct function of the second method.

[0131] (Configuration 8) 8. The communication device according to configuration 7, wherein the first screen does not include a two-dimensional code, and the second screen includes a two-dimensional code.

[0132] (Configuration 9) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the control means further has a storage means for storing a method of the Wireless Direct Function that has been used in the past, and the control means switches between searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct Function of the first method and searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct Function of the second method based on the information stored in the storage means.

[0133] (Configuration 10) 10. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method cannot perform connection processing with a device compatible with the Wireless Direct function of the second method, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method cannot perform connection processing with a device compatible with the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

[0134] (Configuration 11) 11. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the communication device is a printing device that prints an image received from a partner device using a Wireless Direct function.

[0135] (Configuration 12) 12. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method and the Wireless Direct function of the second method have different security methods.

[0136] (Configuration 13) 13. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the control means switches to waiting for reception of a Probe if a Service Discovery frame cannot be received after a predetermined period of time has elapsed while waiting for reception of a Service Discovery frame.

[0137] (Method 1) A control method executed by a communication device having a Wireless Direct function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, comprising: a first execution step of operating the Wireless Direct function of a first method; a second execution step of operating the Wireless Direct Function of a second method including a connection process different from that of the Wireless Direct Function of the first method; a control step of searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method, and if the partner device cannot be found even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, switching to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

[0138] (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 100 MFP 101 AP 103 DHCP Server 104 Portable terminal device 105 DNS Server

Claims

1. A communication device having a wireless direct function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, a first execution means for operating the Wireless Direct function of a first method; a second execution means for operating the Wireless Direct Function of a second method including a connection process different from that of the Wireless Direct Function of the first method; a control means for searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method and, if the partner device cannot be found after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, switching to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method is a Wireless Direct function that conforms to a first version of the Wi-Fi Direct standard, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method is a Wireless Direct function that conforms to a second version of the Wi-Fi Direct standard.

3. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method is a Wireless Direct function that searches for a partner device by using a Probe Request frame, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method is a Wireless Direct function that searches for a partner device by using a Service Discovery frame.

4. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method is a Wireless Direct function that exchanges communication parameters by using Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method is a Wireless Direct function that exchanges communication parameters by using Bootstrapping.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means switches to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method when it is not possible to connect to the partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means switches to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method when it is not possible to connect to the partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the communication device to display a first screen when a partner device makes a connection request using the Wireless Direct function of the first method, and to display a second screen when a partner device makes a connection request using the Wireless Direct function of the second method.

8. 8. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the first screen does not include a two-dimensional code, and the second screen includes a two-dimensional code.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means further has a storage means for storing a method of the Wireless Direct Function used in the past, and the control means switches between searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct Function of the first method and searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct Function of the second method based on the information stored in the storage means.

10. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the Wireless Direct function of the first method cannot perform connection processing with a device compatible with the Wireless Direct function of the second method, and the Wireless Direct function of the second method cannot perform connection processing with a device compatible with the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

11. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a printing device that prints an image received from a partner device using a wireless direct function.

12. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the security systems of the first type of the Wireless Direct function and the second type of the Wireless Direct function are different from each other.

13. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches to waiting for reception of a Probe if the control means cannot receive a Service Discovery frame even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since waiting for reception of the Service Discovery frame.

14. A control method executed by a communication device having a Wireless Direct function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, comprising: a first execution step of operating the Wireless Direct function of a first method; a second execution step of operating the Wireless Direct Function of a second method including a connection process different from that of the Wireless Direct Function of the first method; a control step of searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the second method, and if the partner device cannot be found even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, switching to searching for a partner device using the Wireless Direct function of the first method.

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

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