Communication apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium

Abstract

It is necessary to determine and operate an appropriate direct communication function in accordance with the settings and state of the communication apparatus. However, it is difficult for the user to make these determinations and operation settings.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 third execution unit configured to communicate with a partner apparatus via an external access point, wherein, based on the third execution unit performing communication in a predetermined frequency band of a 5GHz band, A control unit configured to perform control so that the wireless direct function is operated by the wireless direct function in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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 a communication terminal using the provisions of the Wi-Fi Aware standard. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses matching the channels used in wireless infrastructure and Wireless Direct. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes disabling Wireless Direct when a specific frequency band is used in wireless infrastructure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-201427 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-157943 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-115316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is necessary to determine and operate appropriate direct communication functions depending on the settings and status of the communication device, but it is difficult for users to make these decisions and configure the operations.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of operating an appropriate direct communication function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication device having a Wireless Direct function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, the communication device comprising: 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 third execution means for communicating with the partner device via an external access point; and a control means for controlling the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the second method, based on the third execution means communicating in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] It is possible to operate the appropriate direct communication function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 connection process according to the new WFD standard. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of Wireless Direct settings on the operation display unit of the MFP. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of enabling Wireless Direct. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of activating a wireless infrastructure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a reconnection process to a wireless infrastructure. [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

[0011] 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.

[0012] (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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] (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.

[0017] (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 .

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] (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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] (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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 (DFS applicable band), the channel change unit 522 performs processing to change the channel to be used in cases where it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel.

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

[0044] The following two P2P modes are envisioned: Soft AP mode Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] ●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.

[0048] WFD mode The MFP 100 may be configured to be permanently activated as a master station in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). Note that hereinafter, Autonomous Group Owner may be referred to as Auto GO. 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.

[0049] (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.

[0050] 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 2 (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.

[0051] (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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In S603, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 perform GO negotiation processing. In the GO negotiation, a 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 transmit or receive GO Negotiation Request / Response frames including an intent value indicating the degree to which they want to become the GO. The GO Negotiation Request / Response frames 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 (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, as the master station, determines the frequency band and frequency channel to be used in direct wireless communication. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] (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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] (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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] (Frequency band restrictions) The following describes the constraints that are the premise of this embodiment. These constraints on wireless usage may arise due to factors such as the fact that only one CPU or antenna can be used by a wireless chipset, or the firmware becoming more complex when multiple wireless interfaces are operated simultaneously. That is, when multiple communication modes operate simultaneously in parallel within a single device, the available frequency band may be limited due to the constraints of the wireless chipset. In particular, in the case of a wireless chipset that is low-cost and has relatively low performance, the available frequency band may be limited.

[0082] The first constraint is that when operating in wireless infrastructure mode and P2P mode simultaneously, the channels (and frequency bands) used in both modes must be the same. This is due to the performance of the wireless chipset, which operates with one CPU and one antenna and cannot listen on multiple channels simultaneously.

[0083] The second constraint is that in P2P mode, some devices have a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) owner function, while others do not. When operating as a wireless master station in the 5 GHz DFS band, it must constantly monitor the radar wave band specified by the weather radar to detect interference, and if detected, must immediately change channels. This is the DFS owner function, but depending on the wireless chipset, the DFS owner function in P2P mode may exceed the performance of the wireless chipset, and this is the reason for the second constraint.

[0084] When a wireless chipset has the first and second constraints, the available frequency bands (2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band) may be limited for each wireless interface depending on the setting of each wireless interface (for example, single IF / multiple IF). Because there is a trade-off between the available frequency bands and the simultaneous use of multiple interfaces, these constraints can be avoided by controlling the wireless device internally, allowing the wireless device to be used without compromising user convenience.

[0085] In this embodiment, in order to avoid the first and second restrictions, the enable / disable setting of the WFD R1 and R2 functions of Wireless Direct is controlled according to the connection status of the wireless infrastructure mode.

[0086] The screen displayed by the MFP 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. The screen of Fig. 8 may be configured such that the MFP 100 provides screen information and the screen is displayed on an external device.

[0087] Fig. 8(a) is an example of the wireless LAN menu screen that is displayed when wireless LAN is selected on the screen in Fig. 3(c). The wireless LAN menu screen displays menu items (options) such as "Display setting information," "Enable / disable wireless LAN," and "Wireless LAN setup."

[0088] Fig. 8(b) is a display example of a Wireless Direct menu screen that is displayed when Wireless Direct is selected on the screen of Fig. 3(c). The Wireless Direct menu screen displays menu items (options) such as "Display setting information," "Enable / disable Wireless Direct," "Change network name (SSID)," and "Change password."

[0089] Fig. 8(c) is an example of a warning notification display. When the 6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band is used in Wireless Direct, a screen may be displayed to warn that connection may not be possible, as shown in Fig. 8(c).

[0090] Fig. 8(d) is an example of a warning notification display. When Wireless Direct is enabled and the 5 GHz DFS applicable band is used, a screen may be displayed to warn that Wireless LAN, i.e., wireless infrastructure mode, will be disabled in order to enable Wireless Direct, as shown in Fig. 8(d).

[0091] Fig. 8(e) is an example of a warning notification display. When the 5 GHz DFS applicable band is used in enabling the wireless LAN, a screen such as Fig. 8(e) may be displayed to warn that Wireless Direct will be disabled in order to enable the wireless LAN.

[0092] Fig. 8(f) is an example of a settings display screen that appears when the setting information display is selected on the screen in Fig. 8(b). Here, the connection status and connection information for Wireless Direct are displayed. The settings display screen displays items such as "Connection Status," "Network Name (SSID)," "Password," "Frequency Band," and "Wi-Fi Security."

[0093] (Wireless Direct activation process) 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for enabling or disabling the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function according to the frequency to be used, in the Wireless Direct enablement process of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the DFS applicable band of 6 GHz or 5 GHz is used in the wireless infrastructure, the WFD R1 function is disabled in Wireless Direct and only the WFD R2 function is enabled.

[0094] The processing shown in this flowchart can be implemented by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 of the MFP 100 into the RAM 214 and executing them. Also, explanations of processing other than that relating to the setting of the wireless infrastructure and Wireless Direct, which are not related to the present invention, will be omitted.

[0095] First, in S901, the CPU 212 enables Wireless Direct. Note that Wireless Direct is enabled when enabled by a user operation on the screen of Fig. 8(b). This user operation may be a WFD start operation.

[0096] In S902, the CPU 212 determines whether a connection has been established via a wireless infrastructure. For example, the MFP 100 determines whether wireless LAN is enabled on the screen of Fig. 8(a) and whether the MFP 100 is connected to an access point such as AP 101. If it is determined in S902 that a connection has been established via a wireless infrastructure, the process proceeds to S903.

[0097] In step S903, the CPU 212 stores the same frequency and channel as those used in the wireless infrastructure in the RAM 214 and nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 as setting values ​​of setting information for the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct.

[0098] On the other hand, if it is determined in S902 that connection via the wireless infrastructure has not been established, the process proceeds to S904. Here, as the setting value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct, an initial value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct may be saved in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100. For example, if the initial value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct is 2.4 GHz, the CPU 212 may save 2.4 GHz in the RAM 214 as the setting value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct.

[0099] In S904, the CPU 212 determines whether the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 6 GHz. That is, it determines whether the wireless infrastructure is connected to an access point at 6 GHz. Note that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is determined by referring to the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21. If it is determined in S904 that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 6 GHz, the process proceeds to S905.

[0100] In S905, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0101] Next, in S906, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0102] On the other hand, if it is determined in S904 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is not 6 GHz, the process proceeds to S907.

[0103] In S907, the CPU 212 determines whether the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel to be used is in the DFS applicable band. That is, it determines whether the wireless infrastructure is connected to an access point in the 5 GHz DFS applicable band. Note that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is determined by referring to the setting information of the Wireless Direct frequency stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0104] In S907, if it is determined that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel to be used is in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S908.

[0105] In step S908, the CPU 212 enables the Autonomous Group Owner setting, which permanently activates the station as a parent station in WFD mode. While the Auto GO setting is switched between enabled and disabled in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The Auto GO setting may also be configured to be always enabled.

[0106] In S909, the CPU 212 determines whether the DFS owner function is supported. Due to the second constraint, there are cases where the DFS owner function is not supported. Whether the DFS owner function is supported is determined by referring to the setting information of the DFS owner function for Wireless Direct stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21. If it is determined in S909 that the DFS owner function is supported, the process proceeds to S910.

[0107] In S910, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0108] Next, in S911, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined in S909 that the DFS owner function is not supported, the process proceeds to S912.

[0110] In S912, the CPU 212 determines whether it is possible to refer to information about the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure.

[0111] If it is determined in S912 that the information on the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure can be referenced, the process proceeds to S913.

[0112] In S913, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0113] Next, in S914, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined in S912 that the information on the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure cannot be referenced, the process proceeds to S915.

[0115] In S915, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0116] Next, in S916, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 cannot be executed.

[0117] On the other hand, if it is determined in S907 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel used is not in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S917.

[0118] In S917, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 can be executed.

[0119] Next, in S918, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in FIG. 7 can be executed. Note that when the setting value of the WFD R1 function and the setting value of the WFD R2 function are both enabled, only one of them may be set to enabled. For example, when the setting value of the WFD R1 function and the setting value of the WFD R2 function are both enabled, the CPU 212 may disable the setting value of the WFD R2 function and save a setting value in which only the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled in the RAM 214.

[0120] In step S919, the CPU 212 determines whether the setting value of the WFD R1 function is valid or whether the setting value of the WFD R2 function is valid. Whether the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 and R2 functions are valid is determined by referring to the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 and R2 functions stored in the RAM 214.

[0121] If it is determined in S919 that the setting value of the WFD R1 function is valid or the setting value of the WFD R2 function is valid, the process proceeds to S920.

[0122] On the other hand, if it is determined in S919 that the setting value of the WFD R1 function is invalid and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is invalid, this flowchart ends. Note that, if Wireless Direct is enabled by a user operation in S901 but cannot be enabled due to the connection status of the wireless infrastructure, the screen in Fig. 8(d) may be displayed to allow the user to make a decision.

[0123] After that, in S920, the CPU 212 refers to the set values of the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function stored in the RAM 214, and starts the wireless direct search process. In the case of the (Autonomous Group Owner) setting that starts fixedly as the parent station in the WFD mode, the transmission of the Beacon frame shown in S605 of FIG. 6 and S707 of FIG. 7 is started. When the set value of the WFD R1 function is invalid and the wireless direct search process is started, the screen of FIG. 8(c) may be displayed. When the set value of the WFD R1 function is invalid and the wireless direct search process is started, in the screen of FIG. 8(f), "Wi-Fi Security" displays WPA3-SAE (AES). The display of WPA3-SAE (AES) indicates that it supports only WPA3. When the set value of the WFD R1 function is valid and the set value of the WFD R2 function is valid and the wireless direct search process is started, in the screen of FIG. 8(f), "Wi-Fi Security" displays WPA2 / WPA3-PSK (AES). The display of WPA2 / WPA3-PSK (AES) indicates that it supports both WPA2 and WPA3. When the set value of the WFD R2 function is invalid and the wireless direct search process is started, in the screen of FIG. 8(f), "Wi-Fi Security" displays WPA2-PSK (AES) indicating that it supports only WPA2. Thus, the security methods supported by WFD R1 and WFD R2 are different.

[0124] After starting the wireless direct search process in S920, for example, a connection process sequence as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is performed with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104. The connection process sequence is different depending on whether the setting for the MFP 100 to start fixedly as the parent station (GO) in the WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner) is invalid or valid. Through the above flow, the MFP 100 can execute wireless infrastructure mode communication and wireless direct communication in parallel on the same channel.

[0125] <When the Auto GO setting of the MFP 100 is valid> When using the "6GHz or 5GHz DFS applicable band" in wireless infrastructure If the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure is the "6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band," the setting information for the Wireless Direct frequency is set to the "6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band." This section explains the connection processing sequence when the "6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band" is set as the frequency used in Wireless Direct, that is, when a Wireless Direct parent station with the setting value of the WFD R1 function disabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function enabled is started.

[0126] When the MFP 100 activates the Wireless Direct parent station, it starts transmitting Beacon frames in the 6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band. The Beacon frame may include communication parameters for communicating with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104. The Beacon frame may also include information elements (Information Elements) and attributes defined in the WFD standard. The Beacon frame may also include WFD R2 compatibility information. If the MFP 100 starts transmitting Beacon frames in the 6 GHz DFS applicable band, it may include information indicating that P2P supports 6 GHz. If the MFP 100 starts transmitting Beacon frames in the 5 GHz DFS applicable band, it may include information indicating that P2P supports DFS Owner. If P2P does not support DFS Owner, it may include information about the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure.

[0127] When a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104 that supports WFD R2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to detect other communication devices, the communication device detects a Beacon frame from the MFP 100 and may determine that the MFP 100 supports WFD R2. If the mobile terminal device 104 determines that the MFP 100 supports WFD R2, the mobile terminal device 104 may connect to the MFP 100 using the connection processing sequence shown in FIG. 7. For example, the mobile terminal device 104 attempts to connect to the MFP 100 by sending a Probe Request frame. If the MFP 100 is set to Auto GO, the Service Discovery frame in S702 of FIG. 7 may include information indicating that the MFP 100 is a P2P Group Owner. Because the roles of group owner and client have already been determined, GO Negotiation processing is not performed in PASN authentication in S706 of FIG. 7.

[0128] 7, a communication device such as MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104 may be wirelessly directly connected, and communication may be performed in the 5 GHz DFS applicable band. In this case, if MFP 100 does not have a DFS owner function, mobile terminal device 104 may be configured to receive frames transmitted from an access point to which MFP 100 is connected. For example, if MFP 100 and AP 101 are wirelessly infra-connected, and MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 104 are wirelessly directly connected, mobile terminal device 104 may be configured to receive frames transmitted from AP 101.

[0129] When using a wireless infrastructure other than the "6GHz or 5GHz DFS applicable band" If the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure is other than the "6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band", the setting information for the Wireless Direct frequency is set to a band other than the "6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band". This section describes the connection processing sequence when a frequency other than the "6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band" is set to the frequency used in Wireless Direct, that is, when a Wireless Direct parent station with the setting value of the WFD R1 function enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function enabled is started.

[0130] When the MFP 100 activates the Wireless Direct master station, it starts transmitting Beacon frames at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The Beacon frame may include communication parameters for communicating with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104. The Beacon frame may also include information elements and attributes defined in the WFD standard. The Beacon frame may also include correspondence information between WFD R1 and WFD R2.

[0131] When a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104 that supports WFD R2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to detect other communication devices, the mobile terminal device 104 detects a Beacon frame from the MFP 100 and may determine that the MFP 100 supports WFD R2. If the mobile terminal device 104 determines that the MFP 100 supports WFD R2, the mobile terminal device 104 may connect to the MFP 100 using the connection processing sequence shown in FIG. 7. For example, the mobile terminal device 104 attempts to connect to the MFP 100 by sending a Probe Request frame. If the MFP 100 is set to Auto GO, the Service Discovery frame in S702 of FIG. 7 may include information indicating that the MFP 100 is a P2P Group Owner. Because the roles of group owner and client have already been determined, GO Negotiation processing is not performed in PASN authentication in S706 of FIG. 7.

[0132] On the other hand, when a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104 that does not support WFD R2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to detect another communication device, it detects the Beacon frame of the MFP 100 and transmits a Probe Request frame to the MFP 100. After transmitting the Probe Request frame, the mobile terminal device 104 waits for a Probe Response frame. The mobile terminal device 104 can determine from the Beacon frame and the Probe Response frame from the MFP 100 that it supports WFD R1. When the mobile terminal device 104 determines that the MFP 100 supports WFD R1, it can connect to the MFP 100 according to the connection processing sequence in FIG. 6. When the MFP 100 is set to Auto GO, the Beacon frame and the Probe Response frame in S602 of FIG. 6 may include information indicating that it is the P2P Group Owner. Since the roles of the group owner and the client are determined, the GO Negotiation process in S603 of FIG. 6 is not performed.

[0133] <When the Auto GO setting of the MFP 100 is invalid> · When using 6 GHz in the wireless infrastructure When the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure is 6 GHz, 6 GHz is set in the frequency setting information of the wireless direct. When 6 GHz is set in the frequency used in the wireless direct, that is, when starting the search process for the wireless direct where the set value of the WFD R1 function is invalid and the set value of the WFD R2 function is valid, the connection processing sequence will be described.

[0134] When starting the search process for the wireless direct, the MFP 100 waits for a Service Discovery frame. At this time, the MFP 100 may also transmit a Service Discovery frame.

[0135] When a communication device such as mobile terminal device 104 that supports WFD R2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to discover other communication devices, it transmits a Service Discovery frame on channel 6 of the 2.4 GHz frequency. The Service Discovery frame transmitted from a service requesting communication device may be called a Search frame or a Subscribe frame. MFP 100 receives this Service Discovery frame. Then, MFP 100 transmits a Service Discovery frame in response to the received Service Discovery frame. A predetermined message exchange using the Service Discovery frame is then executed, completing the detection of MFP 100 by mobile terminal device 104. Mobile terminal device 104 determines that MFP 100 supports WFD R2 and can connect to MFP 100 according to the connection processing sequence of FIG. 7 . Here, the description has been given assuming that the searching communication device is mobile terminal device 104 and the searched-for device is MFP 100. However, the searching communication device may be MFP 100 and the searched-for device may be mobile terminal device 104.

[0136] - When using a wireless infrastructure other than 6GHz The connection processing sequence will be described when the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure is other than 6 GHz, that is, when the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is enabled and the Wireless Direct search processing is started.

[0137] When the MFP 100 starts a search process for Wireless Direct, it waits for a Service Discovery frame or a Probe Request frame. At this time, the MFP 100 may transmit a Service Discovery frame or a Probe Request frame.

[0138] When a communication device such as mobile terminal device 104 that supports WFD R2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to discover other communication devices, it transmits a Service Discovery frame on channel 6 of the 2.4 GHz frequency. The Service Discovery frame transmitted from a service requesting communication device may be called a Search frame or a Subscribe frame. MFP 100 receives this Service Discovery frame. Then, MFP 100 transmits a Service Discovery frame in response to the received Service Discovery frame. A predetermined message exchange using the Service Discovery frame is then executed, completing the detection of MFP 100 by mobile terminal device 104. Mobile terminal device 104 determines that MFP 100 supports WFD R2 and can connect to MFP 100 according to the connection processing sequence of FIG. 7 . Here, the description has been given assuming that the searching communication device is mobile terminal device 104 and the searched-for device is MFP 100. However, the searching communication device may be MFP 100 and the searched-for device may be mobile terminal device 104.

[0139] On the other hand, when a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104 that does not support WFD R2 receives an instruction from a user or the like to detect other communication devices, it transmits a Probe Request frame on channels 1, 6, and 11 of 2.4 GHz. In response to receiving this Probe Request frame, the MFP 100 transmits a Probe Response frame. Upon receiving the Probe Response frame, the mobile terminal device 104 completes detection of the MFP 100. The mobile terminal device 104 determines that the MFP 100 supports WFD R1 and can connect to the MFP 100 according to the connection processing sequence in FIG. 6 . Here, the description has been given assuming that the searching communication device is the mobile terminal device 104 and the searched-for device is the MFP 100, but the searching communication device may also be the MFP 100 and the searched-for device may also be the mobile terminal device 104.

[0140] In this way, the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function can be automatically enabled or disabled appropriately according to the frequency setting used in wireless infrastructure mode, and the Wireless Direct search process can be started. This improves Wireless Direct connectivity. As described above, according to this embodiment, the user does not need to set the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function, and it becomes easy to use Wireless Infrastructure and Wireless Direct in each frequency band, including the 6 GHz and 5 GHz DFS applicable bands. Note that in this embodiment, a process for disabling the WFD R1 function when the 6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band is set as the frequency used in Wireless Direct has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may also be adopted in which operation settings for a new WFD standard other than WFD R1 and WFD R2 are enabled when a frequency other than the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band is set.

[0141] (Wireless infrastructure activation process) 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for enabling or disabling the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function according to the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure, in the wireless infrastructure enablement process of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the wireless infrastructure is enabled with Wireless Direct enabled and the wireless infrastructure uses the 6 GHz or 5 GHz DFS applicable band, the MFP 100 operates to disable Wireless Direct once and then enable it.

[0142] The processing shown in this flowchart can be implemented by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 of the MFP 100 into the RAM 214 and executing them. Also, explanations of processing other than that relating to the setting of the wireless infrastructure and Wireless Direct, which are not related to the present invention, will be omitted.

[0143] First, in S1001, the CPU 212 activates the wireless infrastructure. The activation of the wireless infrastructure is performed when the wireless LAN is enabled by a user operation on the screen of FIG. 8( a) or when wireless LAN setup is executed. For example, in response to a user operation for wireless LAN setup, the CPU 212 uses the wireless WLAN unit 226 to search for an access point such as AP101. The CPU 212 then displays a list of the access point search results. The user can select a desired access point from the list of search results. Upon receiving the selection result, the CPU 212 starts the wireless infrastructure activation process. While it is easy to understand that the list of search results displays the ESSID of the access point as an identifier, other information such as encryption information (WPA3, WPA2, etc.), BSSID, channel, frequency band, and signal strength may also be displayed.

[0144] In S1002, the CPU 212 determines whether Wireless Direct is enabled. If it is determined in S1002 that Wireless Direct is enabled, the process proceeds to S1003.

[0145] In S1003, the CPU 212 temporarily disables Wireless Direct, taking into consideration a case where the frequency used in Wireless Direct is changed. By disabling Wireless Direct, for example, if there is a connection with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104, the connection is cut off. Note that when Wireless Direct is temporarily disabled, the setting information on whether Wireless Direct is enabled or disabled, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 21, is not changed.

[0146] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1002 that Wireless Direct is not enabled, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0147] In S1004, the CPU 212 determines whether connection to an access point in the wireless infrastructure has been completed. For example, it determines whether connection to an access point such as AP 101 has been completed. If it determines in S1004 that connection to the access point has been completed, the process proceeds to S1005. Note that when connection to the access point has been completed, the CPU 212 stores information about the frequency and channel used in the wireless infrastructure in the RAM 214 of the MFP 100 as setting information for the frequency of the wireless infrastructure. In addition, it stores information about the ESSID, encryption information (WPA3, WPA2, etc.), and BSSID of the access point in the RAM 214 and non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 as setting information for connection information of the wireless infrastructure.

[0148] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1004 that the connection with the access point has not been completed, the determination process of S1004 is repeated until the connection with the access point is completed. Here, the process is performed until the connection with the access point is completed, but if the connection with the access point is not completed, a timeout may be set, and if a timeout occurs, the process may proceed to S1005.

[0149] In S1005, the CPU 212 stores the same frequency and channel as those used in the wireless infrastructure as setting values ​​of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100. Note that the frequency and channel used in the wireless infrastructure refer to the setting information of the frequency of the wireless infrastructure stored in the RAM 214. Here, if the connection with the access point has not been completed, the initial value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct may be stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 as the setting value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct. For example, if the initial value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct is 2.4 GHz, the CPU 212 may store 2.4 GHz in the RAM 214 as the setting value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct.

[0150] Subsequently, in S1006, the CPU 212 determines whether Wireless Direct is enabled. Whether Wireless Direct is enabled or disabled is determined by referring to setting information on whether Wireless Direct is enabled or disabled stored in the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0151] If it is determined in S1006 that Wireless Direct is enabled, the process proceeds to S1007. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1006 that Wireless Direct is not enabled, the process ends.

[0152] In S1007, the CPU 212 determines whether the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 6 GHz. That is, it determines whether the wireless infrastructure is connected to an access point at 6 GHz. Note that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is determined by referring to the setting information of the Wireless Direct frequency stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0153] If it is determined in S1007 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 6 GHz, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0154] In S1008, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0155] Next, in S1009, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0156] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1007 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is not 6 GHz, the process proceeds to S1010.

[0157] In S1010, the CPU 212 determines whether the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel to be used is in the DFS applicable band. That is, it determines whether the wireless infrastructure is connected to an access point in the 5 GHz DFS applicable band. Note that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is determined by referring to the setting information of the Wireless Direct frequency stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0158] In S1010, if it is determined that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel used is in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S1011.

[0159] In step S1011, the CPU 212 enables the Autonomous Group Owner setting, which permanently activates the station as a parent station in WFD mode. While the Auto GO setting is switched between enabled and disabled in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The Auto GO setting may also be configured to be always enabled.

[0160] In S1012, the CPU 212 determines whether the DFS owner function is supported. Due to the second constraint, there are cases where the DFS owner function is not supported. Whether the DFS owner function is supported is determined by referring to the setting information of the DFS owner function for Wireless Direct stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0161] If it is determined in S1012 that the DFS owner function is supported, the process proceeds to S1013.

[0162] In S1013, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0163] Next, in S1014, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0164] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1012 that the DFS owner function is not supported, the process proceeds to S1015.

[0165] In step S1015, the CPU 212 determines whether it is possible to refer to information about the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure.

[0166] If it is determined in S1015 that the information on the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure can be referenced, the process proceeds to S1016.

[0167] In S1016, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0168] Next, in S1017, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0169] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1015 that the information on the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure cannot be referenced, the process proceeds to S1018.

[0170] In S1018, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0171] Next, in S1019, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 cannot be executed.

[0172] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1010 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel used is not in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S1020.

[0173] In S1020, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 can be executed.

[0174] Next, in S1021, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in FIG. 7 can be executed. Note that if the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is enabled, only one of them may be set to enabled. For example, if the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is enabled, the CPU 212 may disable the setting value of the WFD R2 function and save the setting value in the RAM 214.

[0175] In S1022, the CPU 212 determines whether the setting value of the WFD R1 function is valid or whether the setting value of the WFD R2 function is valid. Note that to determine whether the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 and R2 functions are valid, the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 and R2 functions stored in the RAM 214 are referenced.

[0176] If it is determined in S1022 that the setting value of the WFD R1 function is valid or the setting value of the WFD R2 function is valid, the process proceeds to S1023.

[0177] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1022 that the setting value of the WFD R1 function is invalid and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is invalid, this flowchart ends. Note that in S1001, when the user wants to enable the wireless infrastructure by operation, if Wireless Direct cannot be enabled due to the connection status of the wireless infrastructure, the screen in Fig. 8(e) may be displayed to allow the user to make a decision.

[0178] Thereafter, in S1023, the CPU 212 references the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function stored in the RAM 214 and starts a search process for Wireless Direct. Note that in the case of a setting (Autonomous Group Owner) that permanently activates as a parent station in WFD mode, the transmission of a Beacon frame shown in S605 of FIG. 6 starts. Note that if the setting value of the WFD R1 function is disabled and the search process for Wireless Direct is started, the screen of FIG. 8(c) may be displayed. If the setting value of the WFD R1 function is disabled and the search process for Wireless Direct is started, the screen of FIG. 8(f) displays WPA3-SAE (AES) for "Wi-Fi security." Displaying WPA3-SAE (AES) indicates that only WPA3 is supported. If the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is enabled and the search process for Wireless Direct is started, the screen of FIG. 8(f) displays WPA2 / WPA3-PSK (AES) for "Wi-Fi security." The display of WPA2 / WPA3-PSK(AES) indicates that both WPA2 and WPA3 are supported. If the WFD R2 function setting is disabled and the Wireless Direct search process is started, the screen in Figure 8(f) will display WPA2-PSK(AES) for "Wi-Fi Security," indicating that only WPA2 is supported.

[0179] After starting the Wireless Direct search process in S1023, the connection process sequence shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is performed with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104. In this manner, the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function are automatically enabled or disabled appropriately according to the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure, and the Wireless Direct search process is started, thereby improving Wireless Direct connectivity. As described above, according to this embodiment, the user does not need to configure the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function, and it becomes easy to use Wireless Direct with the wireless infrastructure in each frequency band, including the 6 GHz and 5 GHz DFS applicable bands. Note that, in this embodiment, the process of disabling the WFD R1 function when the frequency used in Wireless Direct is changed to 6 GHz has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may also be adopted in which the operation settings of a new WFD standard other than WFD R1 and WFD R2 are enabled when a frequency other than the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band is set.

[0180] (Wireless infrastructure reconnection process) 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of setting the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function to be enabled or disabled depending on the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure, in the reconnection process of the wireless infrastructure of the MFP 100 in this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the connection with the access point is disconnected and then reconnected, and the DFS applicable band of 6 GHz or 5 GHz is used in the wireless infrastructure, the operation is to disable the WFD R1 function in Wireless Direct.

[0181] The processing shown in this flowchart can be implemented by the CPU 212 reading various programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 213 of the MFP 100 into the RAM 214 and executing them. Also, explanations of processing other than that relating to the setting of the wireless infrastructure and Wireless Direct, which are not related to the present invention, will be omitted.

[0182] First, in S1101, CPU 212 determines whether the connection with the access point has been disconnected. For example, if the operating frequency of AP 101 is changed while MFP 100 is connected to AP 101, the connection with the access point is disconnected. Furthermore, if the access point is operating in a DFS-applied band, it must monitor and detect interference waves from weather radar or the like, and if interference waves are detected, it must immediately change channels. If the channel is changed, the connection with the access point is disconnected. For example, if AP 101 detects interference waves from weather radar or the like while MFP 100 is connected to AP 101 operating in a DFS-applied band, the connection with the access point is disconnected.

[0183] If it is determined in S1101 that the connection with the access point has been disconnected, the process proceeds to S1102.

[0184] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1101 that the connection with the access point has not been disconnected, the determination process in S1101 is repeated until the connection with the access point is disconnected.

[0185] In S1102, the CPU 212 determines whether Wireless Direct is enabled, the frequency used is 5 GHz, and the channel used is in the DFS applicable band.

[0186] In S1102, if it is determined that Wireless Direct is enabled, the frequency used is 5 GHz, and the channel used is in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S1103.

[0187] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1102 that Wireless Direct is enabled and the frequency used is not 5 GHz, or the channel used is not in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0188] In S1103, the CPU 212 determines whether the DFS owner function is not supported. Due to the second constraint, the DFS owner function may not be supported. Whether the DFS owner function is supported or not is determined by referring to the setting information of the DFS owner function for Wireless Direct stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0189] If it is determined in S1103 that the DFS owner function is not supported, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0190] In S1104, the CPU 212 takes into consideration that the cause of disconnection from the access point is the detection of interference waves from weather radar or the like, and immediately temporarily disables Wireless Direct when the connection with the access point is disconnected. By disabling Wireless Direct, for example, if there is a connection with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104, the connection is disconnected. Note that when Wireless Direct is temporarily disabled, the setting information on whether Wireless Direct is enabled or disabled, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 21, is not changed.

[0191] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1103 that the DFS owner function is supported, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0192] In S1105, the CPU 212 searches for an access point to which the MFP 100 is to connect. When searching for an access point to which the MFP 100 is to connect, the CPU 212 references the setting information for wireless infrastructure connection information stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 and transmits a Probe Request frame. The access point to which the MFP 100 is to connect transmits a Probe Response frame in response to receiving the Probe Request frame. Upon receiving the Probe Response frame, the CPU 212 discovers the access point to which the MFP 100 is to connect. For example, if the MFP 100 is disconnected from the AP 101, the CPU 212 transmits a Probe Request frame using the ESSID, encryption information (WPA3, WPA2, etc.), and BSSID information of the AP 101 to which the MFP 100 is to connect, and searches for the AP 101.

[0193] In S1106, the CPU 212 determines whether an access point has been found. If it is determined in S1106 that an access point has been found, the process proceeds to S1107. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1106 that an access point has not been found, the processes of S1105 and S1106 are repeated until an access point is found.

[0194] In S1107, the CPU 212 determines whether Wireless Direct is enabled. If it is determined in S1107 that Wireless Direct is enabled, the process proceeds to S1108.

[0195] In S1108, the CPU 212 temporarily disables Wireless Direct, taking into consideration a case where the frequency band used in Wireless Direct is changed. By disabling Wireless Direct, for example, if there is a connection with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104, the connection is cut off. Note that when Wireless Direct is temporarily disabled, the setting information on whether Wireless Direct is enabled or disabled, which is stored in the nonvolatile memory 21, is not changed.

[0196] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1107 that Wireless Direct is not enabled, the process proceeds to S1109.

[0197] In S1109, the CPU 212 determines whether connection to an access point in the wireless infrastructure has been completed. For example, it determines whether connection to an access point such as AP 101 has been completed. If it is determined in S1109 that connection to the access point has been completed, the process proceeds to S1110. Note that when connection to the access point has been completed, the CPU 212 stores information about the frequency and channel used in the wireless infrastructure in the RAM 214 of the MFP 100 as setting information for the frequency of the wireless infrastructure.

[0198] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1109 that the connection with the access point has not been completed, the determination process of S1109 is repeated until the connection with the access point is completed. Here, the process is performed until the connection with the access point is completed, but if the connection with the access point is not completed, a timeout may be set, and if a timeout occurs, the process may proceed to S1110.

[0199] In S1110, the CPU 212 stores the same frequency and channel as those used in the wireless infrastructure as setting values ​​of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100. Note that the frequency and channel used in the wireless infrastructure refer to the setting information of the frequency of the wireless infrastructure stored in the RAM 214. Here, if the connection with the access point has not been completed, the initial value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct may be stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 215 of the MFP 100 as the setting value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct. For example, if the initial value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct is 2.4 GHz, the CPU 212 may store 2.4 GHz in the RAM 214 as the setting value of the setting information of the frequency of Wireless Direct.

[0200] Subsequently, in S1111, the CPU 212 determines whether Wireless Direct is enabled. Whether Wireless Direct is enabled is determined by referring to setting information on whether Wireless Direct is enabled or disabled stored in the nonvolatile memory 21. If it is determined in S1111 that Wireless Direct is enabled, the process proceeds to S1112.

[0201] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1111 that Wireless Direct is not enabled, this flowchart ends.

[0202] In S1112, the CPU 212 determines whether the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 6 GHz. That is, it determines whether the wireless infrastructure is connected to an access point at 6 GHz. Note that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is determined by referring to the setting information of the Wireless Direct frequency stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0203] If it is determined in S1112 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 6 GHz, the process proceeds to S1113.

[0204] In S1113, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0205] Next, in S1114, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0206] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1112 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is not 6 GHz, the process proceeds to S1115.

[0207] In S1115, the CPU 212 determines whether the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel to be used is in the DFS applicable band. That is, it determines whether the wireless infrastructure is connected to an access point in the 5 GHz DFS applicable band. Note that the frequency to be used in Wireless Direct is determined by referring to the setting information of the Wireless Direct frequency stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0208] In S1115, if it is determined that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel to be used is in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S1116.

[0209] In step S1116, the CPU 212 enables the setting (Autonomous Group Owner) that permanently activates the station as a parent station in WFD mode. Note that, in this embodiment, the Auto GO setting is switched between enabled and disabled, but the present invention is not limited to this. The Auto GO setting may also be configured to always be enabled.

[0210] In S1117, the CPU 212 determines whether the DFS owner function is supported. Due to the second constraint, the DFS owner function may not be supported. Whether the DFS owner function is supported is determined by referring to the setting information of the DFS owner function for Wireless Direct stored in the RAM 214 and the nonvolatile memory 21.

[0211] If it is determined in S1117 that the DFS owner function is supported, the process proceeds to S1118.

[0212] In S1118, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0213] Next, in S1119, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0214] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1117 that the DFS owner function is not supported, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0215] In S1120, the CPU 212 determines whether it is possible to refer to information about the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure.

[0216] If it is determined in S1120 that the information on the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure can be referenced, the process proceeds to S1121.

[0217] In S1121, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0218] Next, in S1122, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 can be executed.

[0219] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1120 that the information on the access point connected via the wireless infrastructure cannot be referenced, the process proceeds to S1123.

[0220] In S1123, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 cannot be executed.

[0221] Next, in S1124, the CPU 212 disables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being disabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in Fig. 7 cannot be executed.

[0222] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1115 that the frequency used in Wireless Direct is 5 GHz and the channel to be used is not in the DFS applicable band, the process proceeds to S1125.

[0223] In S1125, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R1 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R1 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R1 processing sequence shown in Fig. 6 can be executed.

[0224] Next, in S1126, the CPU 212 enables the setting value of the WFD R2 function and saves the setting value in the RAM 214. The setting value of the WFD R2 function being enabled indicates that the WFD R2 processing sequence shown in FIG. 7 can be executed. Note that if the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is enabled, only one of them may be set to enabled. For example, if the setting value of the WFD R1 function is enabled and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is enabled, the CPU 212 may disable the setting value of the WFD R2 function and save the setting value in the RAM 214.

[0225] In S1127, the CPU 212 determines whether the setting value of the WFD R1 function is valid or whether the setting value of the WFD R2 function is valid. Note that to determine whether the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 and R2 functions are valid, the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 and R2 functions stored in the RAM 214 are referenced.

[0226] If it is determined in S1127 that the setting value of the WFD R1 function is valid or the setting value of the WFD R2 function is valid, the process proceeds to S1128.

[0227] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1127 that the setting value of the WFD R1 function is invalid and the setting value of the WFD R2 function is invalid, this flowchart ends. Note that in S10A01, when the user wants to enable the wireless infrastructure by operation, if Wireless Direct cannot be enabled due to the connection status of the wireless infrastructure, the screen in Fig. 8(e) may be displayed to allow the user to make a decision.

[0228] Thereafter, in S1128, the CPU 212 references the setting values ​​of the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function stored in the RAM 214 and starts a search process for Wireless Direct. Note that in the case of a setting (Autonomous Group Owner) that permanently activates as a parent station in WFD mode, the transmission of a Beacon frame shown in S605 of FIG. 6 starts. Note that if the setting value of the WFD R1 function is disabled and the search process for Wireless Direct is started, the screen of FIG. 8(c) may be displayed. If the setting value of the WFD R1 function is disabled and the search process for Wireless Direct is started, the screen of FIG. 8(f) displays WPA3-SAE (AES) for "Wi-Fi security." Displaying WPA3-SAE (AES) indicates that only WPA3 is supported. If the setting value of the WFD R1 function and the setting value of the WFD R2 function are enabled and the search process for Wireless Direct is started, the screen of FIG. 8(f) displays WPA2 / WPA3-PSK (AES) for "Wi-Fi security." The display of WPA2 / WPA3-PSK(AES) indicates that both WPA2 and WPA3 are supported. If the WFD R2 function setting is disabled and the Wireless Direct search process is started, the screen in Figure 8(f) will display WPA2-PSK(AES) for "Wi-Fi Security," indicating that only WPA2 is supported.

[0229] In S1128, after starting the Wireless Direct search process, for example, the connection process sequence shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 is performed with a communication device such as the mobile terminal device 104.

[0230] In this way, the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function are automatically enabled or disabled appropriately according to the frequency used in the wireless infrastructure, and the Wireless Direct search process is initiated, thereby improving Wireless Direct connectivity. As described above, according to this embodiment, the user does not need to set the WFD R1 function and the WFD R2 function, and it becomes easy to use Wireless Direct with the wireless infrastructure in each frequency band, including the 6 GHz and 5 GHz DFS applicable bands. Note that in this embodiment, the process of disabling the WFD R1 function when the frequency used in Wireless Direct is changed to 6 GHz has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may also be adopted in which the operation setting of a new WFD standard other than WFD R1 and WFD R2 is enabled when a frequency other than the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band is set.

[0231] The above description of the process during reception of print data can be applied to the reception of data other than print data or the transmission of other data. For example, the same process can be applied when scanning an original with the reading unit 219 and transmitting the scanned image (image data) to the mobile terminal device (104) via the AP.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] (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.

[0236] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0237] (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 third execution means for communicating with a partner device via an external access point; and control means for controlling the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the second method, based on the fact that the third execution means is communicating in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz.

[0238] (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.

[0239] (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.

[0240] (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.

[0241] (Configuration 5) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the communication of the Wireless Direct function and the communication with the partner device via the external access point are performed on the same channel, and the predetermined frequency band is a band in which DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented.

[0242] (Configuration 6) 6. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control means controls the Wireless Direct Function to operate as the Wireless Direct Function of the second method, when the third execution means is communicating in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz or a 6 GHz band, and controls the Wireless Direct Function to operate as the Wireless Direct Function of the first method, when the third execution means is communicating in a 2.4 GHz band.

[0243] (Configuration 7) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a display control means for performing control so as 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.

[0244] (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.

[0245] (Configuration 9) 9. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the communication of the Wireless Direct function and the communication with the partner device via the external access point are executed in parallel.

[0246] (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.

[0247] (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.

[0248] (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.

[0249] (Configuration 13) 13. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein, based on the fact that the third execution means is performing communication in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz, the control means causes the communication device to operate as a parent device of the Wireless Direct function.

[0250] (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 third execution step of communicating with a partner device via an external access point; and a control step of controlling the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the second scheme, based on the fact that communication is being performed in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz in the third execution step.

[0251] (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]

[0252] 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 third execution means for communicating with a partner device via an external access point; and control means for controlling the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the second method, based on the fact that the third execution means is communicating in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz.

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. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication of the Wireless Direct function and the communication with the partner device via the external access point are performed on the same channel, and the predetermined frequency band is a band in which DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented.

6. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the second method when the third execution means is communicating in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz or a 6 GHz band, and controls the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the first method when the third execution means is communicating in a 2.4 GHz band.

7. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling 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 , wherein the communication of the Wireless Direct function and the communication with the partner device via the external access point are executed in parallel.

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. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, based on the third execution means performing communication in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz, the control means causes the communication device to operate as a parent device of the Wireless Direct function.

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 third execution step of communicating with a partner device via an external access point; and a control step of controlling the Wireless Direct function to operate as the Wireless Direct function of the second system, based on the fact that communication is being performed in a predetermined frequency band of 5 GHz in the third execution step.

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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