Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus capable of improving convenience of a function for bringing the information processing apparatus and a communication apparatus into a communicable state.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus receives, from a user, an operation related to selection of a model of a communication apparatus to which the information processing apparatus is connected, and displays, on a display unit, a screen related to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing apparatus and the communication apparatus, based on the received operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technology is known in which an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) sends information about an access point to a communication device such as a printer, connecting the communication device to the external device, thereby enabling the information processing device and the communication device to communicate with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-75832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the model of the communication device, the technology that transmits information about an access point from an information processing device to the communication device and connects the communication device to the external device may not be supported. Therefore, in order to enable communication between the information processing device and the communication device, it is necessary to present an appropriate means to the user depending on the model of the communication device that the user is trying to use.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a control method, and a program that improve the convenience of a function for enabling an information processing device and a communication device to communicate with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, and is characterized in that the control method includes a reception process for receiving from a user an operation regarding the selection of a model of a communication device to which the information processing device will connect, and a display control process for displaying on a display unit a screen regarding a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received in the reception process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the function for enabling communication between an information processing device and a communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by an application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] [First embodiment] An information processing device according to this embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example of the information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this and various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera, can be used. In this embodiment, a printer is used as an example of the communication device, but the present invention is not limited to this and various devices, such as a mobile terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera, can be used as long as they are capable of communicating with the information processing device. For example, the present invention can be applied to printers such as inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, and monochrome printers. In addition to printers, the present invention can also be applied to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and digital cameras. The present invention can also be applied to multifunction peripherals with copying, faxing, and printing functions.

[0011] <Hardware configuration of each device> The configurations of an information processing device 101 included in the communication system of this embodiment and a communication device 151 capable of communicating with the information processing device 101 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 2. In addition, this embodiment will be described using the following configuration as an example, but is not limited to the configuration of Fig. 2.

[0012] The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, an operation / display unit 108, a communication unit 109, a short-range wireless communication unit 110, an image capturing device 111, etc. The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, display buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 107 described below and the input interface 102 may have the same configuration, and may be configured to output to the screen and receive operations from the user using the same configuration.

[0013] The CPU 103 is a system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0014] The RAM 105 is configured with an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power source. Note that the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so that important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0015] The external storage device 106 has a function of communicating with the communication device 151 and includes a setup application program (hereinafter referred to as a setup app) having a function of executing a network connection setting process for connecting the communication device 151 to an external access point. The setup app runs on the CPU 103. In addition to the setup app, the external storage device 106 also stores an app having a print function for causing the communication device 151 to print and a scan function for causing the communication device 151 to scan. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the app may have either the print function or the scan function, or may have another function. The app may be, for example, the setup app described above. The external access point is, for example, the access point 131 described below.

[0016] The external storage device 106 also includes various programs, such as a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and an information transmission / reception control program that transmits and receives information to and from the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 109. These programs may be included in the above-mentioned applications, or may be configured separately from the applications. The external storage device 106 also stores various information used by these programs. The external storage device 106 also stores image data obtained from other information processing devices or the Internet via the communication unit 109.

[0017] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the operation display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101. The operation display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the operation display unit 108 to accept input from the user via the operation display unit 108.

[0018] The communication unit 109 is configured to connect to a device such as the communication device 151 and perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 109 can connect to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. When the communication unit 109 connects to the access point in the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the access point may also be referred to as an AP. The communication unit 109 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an access point 131 that is external to the information processing device 101 and external to the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards is used as the wireless communication method. The IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards is Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 109 can communicate with an external server such as a cloud server via the access point 131.

[0019] The access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. A method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected through an external access point 131 is called an infrastructure (hereinafter, referred to as "infra") connection method.

[0020] The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 over a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 109. Examples of short-range wireless communication methods used by the short-range wireless communication unit 110 include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Near Field Communication (NFC). Bluetooth may be Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy. The short-range wireless communication unit 110 is connectable to a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151.

[0021] The photographing device 111 is a device that converts an image photographed by a photographing element into digital data. The digital data is temporarily stored in the RAM 105. Thereafter, the digital data is converted into a predetermined image format by a program executed by the CPU 103, and is saved in the external storage device 106 as image data.

[0022] The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, an input interface 158, an output interface 159, an operation display unit 160, and a scan control unit 161. The communication device 151 can operate in a set connection mode by setting the connection mode. The connection mode is, for example, a mode for communication via a direct connection or a mode for communication via an infrastructure connection.

[0023] The communication unit 156 is a component that enables the communication device 151 to communicate with other devices. In this embodiment, the communication unit 156 communicates according to the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. The communication unit 156 has an access point as an internal access point of the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 109 of the information processing device 101. The communication unit 156 may communicate with the information processing device 101 directly via wireless communication, or may communicate via the access point 131. The communication unit 156 may include hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes the communication unit 156 to function as an access point. In this embodiment, the communication unit 156 and the near-field wireless communication unit 157 are implemented by a single wireless chip. That is, in this embodiment, a combo chip that supports both the communication function of the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards and the communication function using a near-field wireless communication method is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the communication unit 156 and the short-range wireless communication unit 157 may be realized by separate wireless chips.

[0024] The RAM 153 is composed of a DRAM or the like that requires a backup power supply. Note that the RAM 153 retains data by being supplied with a data backup power supply (not shown), so it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 154, and operates as a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101 or the like, and stores various types of information.

[0025] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of an embedded OS stored in the ROM 152. The ROM 152 also has a memory area for storing data that needs to be retained even when power is not supplied, such as setting information for the communication device 151 and management data for the communication device 151.

[0026] CPU 154 is a system control unit that controls the entire communication device 151. Based on information stored in print engine 155 and RAM 153 and print jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc., an image is formed on a recording medium such as paper using a recording agent such as ink, and the print result is output. At this time, the print job sent from the information processing device 101, etc., requires a large amount of transmission data and high-speed communication, so it is received via communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at higher speeds than short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0027] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the information processing device 101 at a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 156. Examples of short-range wireless communication methods used by the short-range wireless communication unit 157 include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and NFC. Bluetooth may be Bluetooth Classic or Bluetooth Low Energy. The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is connectable to the short-range wireless communication unit 110.

[0028] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user, and is composed of a physical keyboard, buttons, a touch panel, etc. Note that the output interface 159 described below and the input interface 158 may have the same configuration, and the same configuration may be used for screen output and reception of operations from the user. The output interface 159 is an interface that controls the operation display unit 160 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151.

[0029] The operation display unit 160 is composed of a display unit such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151. Note that a soft keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric input keys, a mode setting key, a decision key, a cancel key, and a power key may be provided on the operation display unit 160 to accept input from the user via the operation display unit 160.

[0030] The scan control unit 161 includes an image sensor unit (reading unit) that scans documents placed on a document table (not shown) or an automatic document feeder (ADF). The image sensor unit includes a light source that irradiates the document with light and an image sensor in which elements that read the reflected light and perform photoelectric conversion are arranged. The scan control unit 161 acquires image data by A / D (analog / digital) conversion of an analog electrical signal obtained by reading the document with the image sensor unit. The scan control unit 161 includes a circuit that performs DMA (direct memory access) transfer to store the acquired image data in RAM 153.

[0031] An example of a connection mode of the communication device 151 will be described using Figures 1(a) and 1(b). The connection mode is a mode for determining the connection form between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, and is set in the communication device 151. The connection form indicates how the connection is made between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. Note that in this embodiment, for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 make an infrastructure connection or a direct connection, which will be described later.

[0032] <Direct connection method> As shown in FIG. 1(b), a direct connection refers to a form in which devices are directly (i.e., peer-to-peer) wirelessly connected to each other without going through an external device such as an access point 131. The communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communicating via a direct connection (direct connection mode) as one of the connection modes. In Wi-Fi communication, there are multiple modes for communicating via a direct connection, such as software AP mode and Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) mode. Wi-Fi Direct will be abbreviated as WFD below.

[0033] The mode in which a direct connection is established using WFD is called WFD mode. WFD is a standard established by the Wi-Fi Alliance and is included in the IEEE 802.11 series of communication standards. In WFD mode, after a communication partner device is discovered using device discovery information, the roles of P2P group owner (GO) and P2P client are determined, and the remaining wireless connection processing is carried out. The group owner corresponds to a Wi-Fi parent station (parent device), and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi child station (child device). This role determination corresponds to, for example, GO negotiation in P2P. Note that in WFD mode, before the role determination is made, the communication device 151 is neither a parent station nor a child station. Specifically, one device first issues device discovery information to search for a device to connect to in WFD mode with another device to communicate with. Once the other device is discovered, the two devices confirm information about the services and functions that each device can provide. Note that this device provisioning information confirmation is optional and not required. This device provisioning information confirmation phase corresponds to, for example, P2P Provision Discovery. Next, by mutually confirming this device provisioning information, it is determined which one will be the P2P client and which one will be the P2P group owner. Next, once the client and group owner are determined, they exchange parameters for WFD communication. Based on the exchanged parameters, the remaining wireless connection processing and IP connection processing are performed between the P2P client and group owner. Note that in WFD mode, the communication device 151 may always operate as the GO without performing the above-mentioned GO Negotiation. In other words, the communication device 151 may operate in WFD mode, which is an autonomous GO mode. Furthermore, the state in which the communication device 151 operates in WFD mode refers to, for example, a state in which a WFD connection is not established but the communication device 151 operates as the GO, or a state in which a WFD connection is established and the communication device 151 operates as the GO.

[0034] In the software AP mode, between devices that communicate (for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151), one device (for example, the information processing device 101) serves as a client that requests various services. The other device realizes the function of a Wi-Fi access point through software settings. The software AP corresponds to a Wi-Fi parent station, and the client corresponds to a Wi-Fi child station. In the software AP mode, the client searches for a device that will become the software AP using device search information. Once the software AP is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishment of a wireless connection, etc.) between the client and the software AP is performed, and then IP connection processing (assignment of an IP address, etc.) is performed. Note that commands and parameters that are transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the software AP may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 establishes and maintains a direct connection, it operates as a master station in the network to which the communication device 151 belongs. The master station is a device that builds a wireless network and provides parameters used for connecting to the wireless network to the slave stations. The parameters used for connecting to the wireless network are, for example, parameters related to the channel used by the master station. By receiving the parameters, the slave stations connect to the wireless network built by the master station using the channel used by the master station. In the direct connection mode, the communication device 151 operates as a master station, and therefore can determine which frequency band and which channel to use for communication in the direct connection mode. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is capable of using a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the direct connection mode. The frequency band to use (and the channel of the frequency band to use) can be arbitrarily set by the user through settings on a screen displayed by the communication device 151. However, in this embodiment, even if 5 GHz is selected on the screen displayed by the communication device 151, the communication device 151 does not use channels in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band for communication in the direct connection mode. In other words, the communication device 151 uses only channels in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to frequency bands other than the DFS band for communication in the direct connection mode. Note that if a channel corresponding to the DFS band is used and radar waves in the frequency band corresponding to that channel are detected, the currently used channel must be changed. Such a frequency band in which a channel change due to the detection of radar waves is possible is called a DFS band. Note that, for example, when a wireless chip supporting the DFS function is used, a channel in the 5 GHz frequency band corresponding to the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band may be available for communication in the direct connection mode.

[0036] <About infrastructure connection methods> As shown in FIG. 1(a), infrastructure connection is a connection mode in which devices that communicate (e.g., the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151) are connected to an access point (e.g., the access point 131) that manages a network of the devices that communicate with each other, and the devices communicate with each other via the access point. The communication device 151 can operate in a mode for communicating via infrastructure connection (infrastructure connection mode) as one of the connection modes. In this embodiment, an access point that is external to the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 and that is connected to the Internet is called an external access point.

[0037] In an infrastructure connection, each device searches for an access point using device discovery information. Once an access point is found, the remaining wireless connection processing (establishing a wireless connection, etc.) is carried out between the device and the access point, and then IP connection processing (assigning an IP address, etc.) is carried out. Note that the commands and parameters sent and received when establishing a wireless connection between a device and an access point can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the communication device 151 operates in infrastructure connection mode, the access point 131 operates as a parent device, and the communication device 151 operates as a child device. That is, in this embodiment, infrastructure connection refers to a connection between the communication device 151 operating as a child device and a device operating as a parent device. When the communication device 151 has established an infrastructure connection and the information processing device 101 has also established an infrastructure connection with the access point 131, communication between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101 is possible via the access point 131. The channel used for communication in the infrastructure connection is determined by the access point 131, so the communication device 151 performs communication in the infrastructure connection using the channel determined by the access point 131. In this embodiment, the communication device 151 is assumed to be able to use a channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and a channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. Note that the communication device 151 can also use a channel corresponding to the DFS band in the 5 GHz frequency band for communication in the infrastructure connection. In order for the information processing device 101 to communicate with the communication device 151 via the access point 131, the information processing device 101 needs to recognize that the communication device 151 belongs to a network formed by the access point 131 and to which the information processing device 101 belongs. In addition, when the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected to the access point 131 by an infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 can be discovered by a broadcast executed by the information processing device 101.

[0039] <About the network connection setup process> In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 performs network connection setting, which is a setting for operating the communication device 151 using at least one communication method of an infrastructure connection and a direct connection, using wireless communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. Hereinafter, the network connection setting will be simply referred to as connection setting. The connection setting process in this embodiment is also called cableless setup (CLS) because it is performed by wireless communication. Note that the connection setting process may also be performed by wired communication. The information processing device 101 performs connection setting processing on the communication device 151 when a setup application stored in the ROM 104 or the like is running. The communication device 151 can operate in a connection setting mode (connection setting state), which is a mode for performing the connection setting process, and performs the connection setting process while operating in the connection setting mode described below. The connection setting mode will be described in detail below.

[0040] When the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode, the information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits infrastructure setting information, which is setting information for operating the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode, to the communication device 151. The infrastructure setting information includes connection information for connecting to the AP 131. The connection information for connecting to the AP 131 is, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a password, information related to a frequency band, and the like. On the other hand, when the information processing device 101 operates the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode, the information processing device 101 wirelessly transmits direct setting information, which is setting information for operating the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode, to the communication device 151. The direct setting information includes, for example, instructions for enabling a WFD function to operate the communication device 151 as a Group Owner, or for enabling an access point setting of the communication device 151. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 acquires connection information from the communication device 151 for the information processing device 101 to directly connect to the communication device 151. The connection information for the information processing device 101 to directly connect to the communication device 151 includes, for example, information such as the SSID and password of the communication device 151 operating in direct connection mode.

[0041] In the present embodiment, a direct connection for connection setting between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is used to transmit infrastructure setting information and direct setting information in the connection setting process, and to acquire connection information for the information processing device 101 to directly connect to the communication device 151. In the present embodiment, the connection setting process is performed using Wi-Fi as the direct connection for connection setting, but a wireless communication standard other than Wi-Fi, such as Bluetooth, may also be used. Furthermore, a wired communication standard such as a wired LAN or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may also be used as the direct connection for connection setting.

[0042] After a Wi-Fi infrastructure connection or a direct connection is established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 through the connection setting process, communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 becomes possible via the established connection. Specifically, for example, the information processing device 101 can transmit, to the communication device 151, a print job for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing or a scan job for causing the communication device 151 to execute scanning, via the established connection. Note that in this embodiment, the connection setting process can cause the communication device 151 to operate in either an infrastructure connection mode or a direct connection mode, but is not limited to this. For example, the connection setting process may be configured to only cause the communication device 151 to operate in the infrastructure connection mode (i.e., the communication device 151 cannot operate in the direct connection mode).

[0043] <About connection setting mode> Communication device 151 can operate in a connection setting mode. A trigger for communication device 151 to start operation in the connection setting mode may be, for example, a user pressing a connection setting mode button, or communication device 151 being started up (powered on) for the first time after arrival. The connection setting mode button may be a hardware (physical) button provided in communication device 151, or may be a software button that communication device 151 displays on operation display unit 160.

[0044] When the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it enables Wi-Fi communication. Specifically, as a process for enabling Wi-Fi communication, the communication device 151 enables an internal access point (connection setting access point) of the communication device 151 that is dedicated to the connection setting mode. This puts the communication device 151 in a state where it can establish a direct connection via Wi-Fi with the information processing device 101. Connection information (SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password) for connecting to the connection setting access point is stored in advance in a setup application installed in the information processing device 101, and the information processing device 101 is assumed to recognize the connection information for connecting to the connection setting access point in advance. Therefore, unlike the connection information of the access point that is enabled in the direct connection mode, the connection information for connecting to the connection setting access point cannot be arbitrarily changed by the user.

[0045] In the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may connect to the information processing device 101 not by normal Wi-Fi but by Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). That is, the communication device 151 may operate as a Group Owner and receive a setting command from the information processing device 101 through WFD communication.

[0046] Furthermore, in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may connect to the information processing device 101 via Bluetooth. Here, Bluetooth includes Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). That is, for example, the communication device 151 may operate as a slave device in BLE in the connection setting mode and receive a setting command from the information processing device 101 via communication via BLE. Also, in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 may be capable of performing both connection setting via Wi-Fi and connection setting via BLE. That is, when the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it may enable both Wi-Fi communication and BLE communication. Specifically, when the communication device 151 starts operating in the connection setting mode, it may both enable a connection setting access point and enable an advertising state in which advertising information is transmitted via BLE and a BLE connection is possible.

[0047] When operating in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 controls the communication unit 156 to operate as a connection setting access point that is valid only while operating in the connection setting mode. This connection setting access point is different from the access point that is enabled in the soft AP mode described above. The SSID of this connection setting access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by the setup application of the information processing device 101.

[0048] Furthermore, the communication device 151 operating in the connection setting mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the connection setting access point. Specific examples of the setup communication protocol include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). After starting operation in the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in the connection setting mode and disables the connection setting access point when a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, even if the communication device 151 receives connection information for connecting to the access point 131 and an instruction to change the wireless communication operation mode from the information processing device 101 during the connection setting mode, the communication device 151 also disables the connection setting access point.

[0049] The connection setting access point is assumed to be an access point that does not require a password to connect. However, the connection setting access point may be an access point that requires a password. In that case, the password used to connect to the connection setting access point is assumed to be a fixed password (that the user cannot change) that is known in advance by the setup application.

[0050] <Registering communication devices to the app> In this embodiment, the setup application can register the communication device 151 in the setup application by acquiring information about the communication device 151 from the communication device 151. The information about the communication device 151 includes, for example, capability information about the communication device 151, identification information (such as a MAC address) about the communication device 151, and model information about the communication device 151. The capability information about the communication device 151 specifically includes a list of information about functions supported by the communication device 151, information about consumables (ink, paper) available for use in the communication device 151, and information indicating the printing method of the communication device 151. The setup application then selects one device from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the setup application as a device with which the setup application will communicate. Hereinafter, the communication device 151 currently selected as a device with which the setup application will communicate will be referred to as the selected communication device 151. The setup application may select a device as a communication partner by receiving a selection from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the setup application from the user, or may automatically select a device by the setup application according to predetermined criteria. The setup application may change a device as a communication partner by receiving a selection from one or more communication devices 151 registered in the setup application from the user, for example. In this embodiment, the setup application transmits various jobs, such as a print job or a scan job, to the selected communication device 151. That is, the selected communication device 151 is a device to which various jobs are transmitted.

[0051] Next, a processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, first, a user launches a predetermined application in the information processing device 101. The predetermined application is an application having a function of enabling communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, such as a setup application. The function for enabling communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is called a connection setting function. The state in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are able to communicate includes a state in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an infrastructure connection and a state in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via a direct connection. The application may also have other functions in addition to the connection setting function. For example, the application may have a function of causing the communication device 151 to execute printing or other processing, such as scanning. The processing of FIG. 3 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, such as the above-mentioned application, into the RAM 105 and executing it. Specifically, for example, the process shown in Figure 3 starts when a menu item such as "Register printer" is pressed on the setup application.

[0052] In this embodiment, the predetermined application supports both inkjet printers (inkjet printers) and electrophotographic printers (electrophotographic printers). Here, inkjet printers can operate in the connection setting mode described above, but electrophotographic printers cannot operate in the connection setting mode.

[0053] In S301, the CPU 103 searches for communication devices 151 on the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs, and displays a list of detected communication devices 151 on the information processing device 101. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 searches for communication devices 151 by instructing the OS to broadcast a packet on the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs, which packet includes a signal requesting a response from the communication device 151. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 searches for communication devices 151 by instructing the OS to broadcast a packet on the network formed by the access point 131 to which the information processing device 101 belongs. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen displayed in S301. The destination SSID 401 is an SSID indicating the destination of the information processing device 101. The list 402 is a list of detected communication devices 151.

[0054] In S302, the CPU 103 determines whether an instruction to start the execution of the connection setting function has been received. Specifically, for example, when button 403 on the screen of FIG. 4 is pressed, it is determined that an instruction to start the execution of the connection setting function has been received. The user presses button 403 when the printer the user is attempting to use cannot be found in list 402. When the printer the user is attempting to use cannot be found in list 402, this means that the printer is not yet connected to access point 131 and therefore cannot communicate with the information processing device 101. Therefore, pressing button 403 triggers the execution of the connection setting function, thereby enabling communication between the information processing device 101 and the printer the user is attempting to use. In other words, button 403 can be said to be a button for receiving an instruction to start the execution of the connection setting function. If it is determined in S302 that an instruction to start the execution of the connection setting function has not been received, the process of S302 is repeated. If it is determined that an instruction to start the execution of the connection setting function has been received, the process proceeds to S303.

[0055] 4, if the printer the user wishes to use is found in list 402 and one of the printers displayed in list 402 is selected, the process in FIG. 3 ends, and CPU 103 acquires information about the selected printer from the printer. The information about the printer includes, for example, the printer's capability information, the printer's MAC address, and printer model information. Specifically, the printer's capability information includes, for example, a list of function information supported by the printer, information about consumables (ink, paper) that can be used by the printer, and information indicating the printer's printing method. By having the application of information processing device 101 acquire this information, it becomes possible to perform printing, scanning, and the like using the printer using the application.

[0056] In S303, CPU 103 displays a selection screen inquiring the user whether to use an electrophotographic printer or an inkjet printer, and in S304, CPU 103 determines whether to use an electrophotographic printer based on the user's selection on the screen.

[0057] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S303. As shown in FIG. 5, a list of series names of electrophotographic printers is displayed on the screen. If the user confirms that the series name of the printer they are trying to use is displayed on the screen, they press button 501. On the other hand, if they confirm that the series name of the printer they are trying to use is not displayed on the screen, they press button 502. If button 501 is pressed, it is determined in S304 that the user has selected to use an electrophotographic printer, and the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if button 502 is pressed, it is determined in S304 that the user has selected not to use an electrophotographic printer, i.e., to use an inkjet printer, and the process proceeds to S306.

[0058] In this manner, in this embodiment, if the communication device 151 is not found on the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs and an instruction to start execution of the connection setting function is received, display control is performed to switch the screen for executing the connection setting function and display it on the display unit depending on whether the printer the user is attempting to use is an electrophotographic printer or an inkjet printer. Note that the content displayed on the screen in S303 is not limited to the series name or model number of the electrophotographic printer. For example, in S303, the user may be directly asked whether the printer the user is attempting to use is an electrophotographic printer.

[0059] Alternatively, for example, the user may be queried as to whether the printer the user is attempting to use is capable of executing a specific process corresponding to the connection setting function. In this case, in S304, it is determined whether the printer the user is attempting to use is capable of executing a specific process corresponding to the connection setting function. The specific process corresponding to the connection setting function may be, for example, any of the processes shown in FIGS. 7, 11, and 15. In S304, buttons corresponding to buttons 601 and 602 (described later) and a button corresponding to the process shown in FIG. 15 may be displayed, and the determination may be made based on whether or not they are pressed. If it is determined that the specific process corresponding to the connection setting function is capable of being executed, for example, any of the processes shown in FIGS. 7, 11, and 15 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specific process corresponding to the connection setting function is not capable of being executed, the process shown in FIG. 3 is terminated.

[0060] In S305, CPU 103 displays a screen for selecting which function to execute regarding the connection setting function for the electrophotographic printer. Fig. 6 is an example of the screen displayed in S305. As shown in Fig. 6, a list of connection setting functions for the electrophotographic printer is displayed on the screen so that the user can select it. Button 601 is a button for executing the connection setting function by the processing in Fig. 7. When button 601 is pressed, CPU 103 executes the processing in Fig. 7.

[0061] 7 is a flowchart showing a process for connecting the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in the direct connection mode. The process in FIG. 7 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing the program.

[0062] When the user presses button 601, the user operates the menu screen of communication device 151 to display a code (for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR (registered trademark) code) on operation display unit 160. The code may be displayed, for example, by selecting a predetermined item on the menu screen. In this case, when button 601 is pressed, CPU 103 may display, on operation display unit 108, a guidance screen that causes communication device 151 to display the code.

[0063] In S701, the CPU 103 displays a screen for capturing an image of a code (for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR (registered trademark) code) displayed on the communication device 151 using the information processing device 101. Then, in S702, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the code has been read. If it is determined that the code has not been read, the process of S702 is repeated, and if it is determined that the code has been read, the process proceeds to S703.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for capturing code information displayed on the communication device 151 by the information processing device 101. When the code displayed on the communication device 151 is placed within a frame 801, code reading is executed. The code displayed on the communication device 151 stores the SSID of the access point within the communication device 151. If it is determined that code reading has been executed, in S703, the CPU 103 displays a screen for connecting between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in direct connection mode using the SSID of the access point within the communication device 151 stored in the code. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S703. As shown in FIG. 9, the screen displays the SSID of the access point within the communication device 151, a button 901 for connecting to the access point, and a cancel button 902. When the button 901 is pressed, the CPU 103 disconnects from the currently connected access point 131 and connects to the access point within the communication device 151. If the cancel button 902 is pressed, the process of FIG. 7 ends and the screen of FIG. 6 is displayed.

[0065] In S704, the CPU 103 determines whether a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 has been established. For example, if a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 has been established by pressing the button 901, the CPU 103 acquires information about the communication device 151 from the communication device 151 in S705. The information about the communication device 151 includes, for example, capability information about the communication device 151, the MAC address of the communication device 151, and model information about the communication device 151. Specifically, the capability information about the communication device 151 includes, for example, a list of function information supported by the communication device 151, information about consumables (ink, paper) that can be used by the communication device 151, and information indicating the printing method of the communication device 151. When an application of the information processing device 101 acquires this information, it becomes possible to perform printing, scanning, and the like using the communication device 151 using the application. On the other hand, if a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is not established, the CPU 103 displays an error screen in S706. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S706. As shown in Fig. 10, a message indicating that communication with the printer is not possible is displayed on the screen. When the OK button 1001 is pressed, the CPU 103 displays the screen shown in Fig. 6.

[0066] When the button 602 on the screen of FIG. 6 is pressed, the CPU 103 executes the processing of FIG.

[0067] 11 is a flowchart showing a process for establishing a connection in infrastructure connection mode between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The process in FIG. 11 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing the program.

[0068] In S1101, CPU 103 displays a screen prompting the user to input the IP address or DNS name of communication device 151. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S1101. As shown in Fig. 12, a screen for accepting input of the IP address or DNS name set in communication device 151 is displayed on the screen. In S1102, CPU 103 determines whether or not an IP address or DNS name has been input. If it is determined that an IP address or DNS name has not been input, CPU 103 repeats the processing of S1102, and if it is determined that an IP address or DNS name has been input, the process proceeds to S1103.

[0069] In S1103, the CPU 103 attempts communication with the communication device 151 using the input IP address or DNS name, and determines whether communication with the communication device 151 has been successful. If the communication device 151 does not belong to the broadcast domain to which the information processing device 101 belongs, a broadcast packet transmitted from the information processing device 101 will not reach the communication device 151. For this reason, the communication device 151 is not listed on the screen in FIG. 4. However, even in such a case, it is possible to communicate with the communication device 151 by using the IP address or DNS name input in S1101. For this reason, in this embodiment, communication with the communication device 151 is attempted using the input IP address or DNS name by the processing in FIG. 11. Note that the attempted communication may be any communication that allows determination of whether communication with the communication device 151 has been successful.

[0070] If it is determined in S1103 that communication with communication device 151 was successful, then in S1104 CPU 103 acquires information about communication device 151 from communication device 151. The information about communication device 151 acquired here is the same as the information acquired in S705 of FIG. 7. Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 11 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that communication with communication device 151 was not successful, then in S1105 CPU 103 displays an error screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S1105. As shown in FIG. 13, a message indicating that the printer was not found is displayed on the screen. If the "Show Help" button 1301 is pressed, CPU 103 launches a web browser and displays a web manual. If the "Search Again" button 1302 is pressed, CPU 103 displays the screen of FIG. 12 again.

[0071] When button 603 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 6, CPU 103 displays a screen for presenting to the user a method for connecting communication device 151 to an access point by the user operating communication device 151. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed when button 603 is pressed. As shown in Fig. 14, button 1401 for displaying a web manual is displayed on the screen. When button 1401 is pressed, CPU 103 starts a web browser and displays the web manual. The web manual describes a method for connecting communication device 151 to an access point by the user operating communication device 151.

[0072] A case where it is determined in S304 that an electrophotographic printer will not be used will be described below. Specifically, for example, if the "No" button 502 on the screen in Fig. 5 is pressed, the process proceeds from S304 to S306.

[0073] In S306, the CPU 103 executes the processing of Fig. 15. In the processing of Fig. 15, a screen for executing a connection setting function for an inkjet printer is displayed.

[0074] 15 is a flowchart showing a process for connecting the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in the infrastructure connection mode or the direct connection mode. The process in FIG. 15 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing the program.

[0075] In S1501, CPU 203 displays a guidance screen that prompts the user to operate communication device 151 in connection setting mode. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S1501. When the user operates communication device 151 according to the instructions on the screen, communication device 151 operates in connection setting mode. In S1501, after displaying the screen, CPU 103 searches for communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode. Specifically, for example, the SSID of an access point in communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode is searched for. Here, the following description will be given assuming that communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode has been found.

[0076] In S1502, CPU 203 displays a screen prompting the user to establish a connection with communication device 151. Here, a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. That is, the screen displayed in S1502 displays the SSID of an access point in communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode, a button for connecting to the access point, and a cancel button. When the button for connecting to the access point is pressed, a connection between information processing device 101 and communication device 151 is established.

[0077] In S1503, the CPU 103 determines whether or not a connection has been established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. If it is determined that a connection has been established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, for example, if the button for connecting to the access point has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1504. On the other hand, if it is determined that a connection has not been established between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, for example, if the cancel button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1516.

[0078] In S1516, CPU 103 displays an error screen. In S1516, a screen similar to that in Fig. 10 is displayed. After S1516, the processing in Fig. 15 ends.

[0079] In S1504, the CPU 103 transmits a request to the communication device 151 for a list of surrounding external access points to which the communication device 151 can connect. Then, the CPU 103 receives the list of external access points from the communication device 151.

[0080] In S1505, CPU 103 displays a list of external access points received from communication device 151. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in S1505. The screen shown in Fig. 17 can also accept an instruction from the user to select a desired external access point.

[0081] In S1506, CPU 103 determines whether or not the external access point desired by the user is included in the list of external access points displayed in S1505. For example, when the selection of the external access point desired by the user is accepted on the screen shown in Fig. 17, it is determined that the external access point desired by the user is included.

[0082] If it is determined in S1506 that there is an external access point desired by the user, the process proceeds to S1507. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no external access point desired by the user, the process proceeds to S1510. For example, if the button to be pressed when there is no external access point desired by the user is pressed on the screen of Fig. 17, it is determined that there is no external access point desired by the user.

[0083] The following explanation will be divided into two cases: when there is an access point desired by the user (determined as Yes in S1506) and when there is no access point desired by the user (determined as No in S1506).

[0084] <When the user has a desired access point (Yes in S1506)> In S1507, CPU 103 displays a screen for accepting input of the password of the external access point selected by the user. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S1507. Note that if the external access point is set to be connectable to the external access point without a password, S1507 may be skipped.

[0085] In S1508, CPU 103 transmits connection information including the password, SSID, etc. of the external access point selected by the user to communication device 151. CPU 103 also transmits a connection request to communication device 151 to connect to the external access point selected by the user. That is, CPU 103 transmits information for making communication device 151 belong to the network formed by the external access point. Note that if the external access point is set to be connectable to the external access point without a password, only the SSID of the external access point and the connection request to the external access point may be transmitted to communication device 151.

[0086] In S1509, the CPU 103 disconnects the connection between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101. After the connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in the connection setting mode is disconnected, the CPU 103 uses a reconnection function of the OS of the information processing device 101 to connect the information processing device 101 to the external access point to which the information processing device 101 was connected before starting the processing of FIG. 15. The reconnection function is a function that is executed automatically without being instructed by an application. Note that information about the external access point to which the information processing device 101 was connected before starting the processing of FIG. 15 may be saved in a storage area such as the RAM 105 in S301, for example.

[0087] After S1509, in S1512, the CPU 103 searches for the communication device 151 on the network formed by the external access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected. Specifically, for example, the CPU 103 requests a response from the communication device 151 by specifying identification information (such as a device name or serial number) of the communication device 151 and broadcasting a packet on the network formed by the external access point.

[0088] In S1513, CPU 103 determines whether or not communication device 151 was discovered in S1512. If it is determined that communication device 151 was discovered, the process proceeds to S1514. On the other hand, if it is determined that communication device 151 was not discovered, the process proceeds to S1515. Specifically, for example, if a response is received from communication device 151 as a result of searching for communication device 151, it is determined that communication device 151 was discovered. On the other hand, if a response is not received from communication device 151, it is determined that communication device 151 was not discovered.

[0089] If it is determined that communication device 151 has been found, then in S1514 CPU 103 acquires information about communication device 151 from communication device 151. The information about communication device 151 acquired here is the same as the information acquired in S705 of Fig. 7. If it is determined that communication device 151 has not been found, then in S1515 CPU 103 displays an error screen. Here, a screen similar to that of Fig. 10 is displayed. After S1514 and S1515, the processing of Fig. 15 ends.

[0090] <If the user's desired access point is not available (No in S1506)> In S1510, CPU 103 transmits a request for connection information of communication device 151 to communication device 151. Then, CPU 103 receives the connection information of communication device 151 from communication device 151. Here, the connection information of communication device 151 is, for example, a password or SSID of an access point of communication device 151 operating in soft AP mode. In other words, the connection information of communication device 151 received in S1510 is different from the connection information of the access point of communication device 151 operating in connection setting mode.

[0091] In S1511, CPU 103 disconnects the connection between information processing device 101 and the connection setting access point of communication device 151, which is operating in the connection setting mode. Then, CPU 103 displays a screen prompting connection between information processing device 101 and communication device 151. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S1511. By displaying such a screen, it is possible to prompt the user to connect information processing device 101 and communication device 151 in direct connection mode. In other words, it is possible to put information processing device 101 and communication device 151 into a state where they can communicate via the access point in communication device 151.

[0092] After S1511, in S1512, the CPU 103 searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs. At this time, if in S1511 the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are in a state where they can communicate normally via the access point in the communication device 151, it is determined in S1513 that the communication device 151 has been discovered, and the process proceeds to S1514. On the other hand, if in S1511 the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are not in a state where they can communicate normally via the access point in the communication device 151 due to a communication error or the like, it is determined in S1513 that the communication device 151 has not been discovered, and the process proceeds to S1515.

[0093] In S1514, CPU 103 acquires information about communication device 151 from communication device 151. The information about communication device 151 acquired here is the same as the information acquired in S705 of FIG.

[0094] In S1515, the CPU 103 displays an error screen, which is the same as the screen shown in FIG.

[0095] As described above, according to this embodiment, the application of the information processing device 101 allows the user to select whether to use an electrophotographic printer or an inkjet printer, and can execute the appropriate connection setting function that is compatible with the printer that the user intends to use.

[0096] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the process corresponding to the appropriate connection setting function was changed depending on whether the printer the user was trying to use was an electrophotographic printer or an inkjet printer. Here, for example, depending on the model of the electrophotographic printer, it may be possible to execute a process corresponding to the same connection setting function as an inkjet printer. In this embodiment, a form that assumes such a case will be described.

[0097] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an application of the information processing device 101 in this embodiment. The processing in Fig. 20 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading out a program and application stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing them. The processing in S2001 to S2004 and S2008 is the same as that explained in S301 to S304 and S306 in Fig. 3, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0098] If it is determined in S2004 that an electrophotographic printer will be used, the process proceeds to S2005. In S2005, the CPU 103 displays a screen inquiring of the user as to whether to use a specific model of electrophotographic printer. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in S2005. As shown in FIG. 21, the screen displays model information of electrophotographic printers that support the same connection setting functions as inkjet printers. The displayed model information is predetermined model information. Also displayed on the screen are a "Yes" button 2101 and a "No" button 2102. If the model of the electrophotographic printer that the user is attempting to use is included in the displayed model information, the user presses the "Yes" button 2101; if not, the user presses the "No" button 2102.

[0099] In S2006, CPU 103 determines whether the electrophotographic printer the user is attempting to use is a printer that supports the same connection setting function as an inkjet printer. Specifically, for example, if button 2102 is pressed, it is determined that the electrophotographic printer the user is attempting to use is a printer that does not support the same connection setting function as an inkjet printer, and the process proceeds to S2007. On the other hand, if button 2101 is pressed, it is determined that the electrophotographic printer the user is attempting to use is a printer that supports the same connection setting function as an inkjet printer, and the process proceeds to S2008.

[0100] S2007 and S2008 are the same as those in S305 and S306 in FIG. 3, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0101] As described above, according to this embodiment, the application can execute an appropriate connection setting function depending on the model of the printer that the user is going to use.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes an information processing device, a control method, and a program that improve the convenience of a function for enabling communication between the following information processing device and communication device. (Item 1) A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: a receiving step of receiving from a user an operation related to selection of a model of a communication device to be connected to the information processing device; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a screen relating to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received in the receiving step; A program comprising: (Item 2) The program described in item 1, characterized in that the multiple connection setting functions include a first connection setting function for connecting between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device. (Item 3) The program described in item 2 is characterized in that the display control process displays a screen on the display unit for reading code information displayed on the communication device when the first connection setting function is selected. (Item 4) 4. The program according to item 3, wherein the code information includes connection information for the communication device that operates as an access point. (Item 5) 5. The program according to item 4, wherein the first connection setting function acquires information about the communication device from the communication device connected based on the connection information. (Item 6) 6. The program according to item 5, wherein the information about the communication device includes at least one of capability information, a MAC address, and model information. (Item 7) The program described in any one of items 2 to 6, characterized in that the multiple connection setting functions include a second connection setting function for inputting information about the communication device and communicating between the information processing device and the communication device via the external access point based on the input information about the communication device. (Item 8) 8. The program according to item 7, wherein the display control step displays a screen for inputting information about the communication device on the display unit when the second connection setting function is selected. (Item 9) 9. The program according to item 8, wherein the information about the communication device includes an IP address. (Item 10) 10. The program according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the second connection setting function acquires information about the communication device from the communication device. (Item 11) Item 11. The program according to item 10, wherein the information about the communication device includes at least one of capability information, a MAC address, and model information. (Item 12) 12. The program according to any one of items 7 to 11, wherein the plurality of connection setting functions include a third connection setting function for connecting between the communication device and the external access point. (Item 13) The program described in item 12, characterized in that the display control process displays a guidance screen on the display unit to connect the communication device to the external access point when the third connection setting function is selected. (Item 14) The program described in item 12 or 13, characterized in that the display control process displays a selection screen on the display unit that displays the first connection setting function, the second connection setting function, and the third connection setting function in a selectable manner based on the operation related to the first model of the communication device received in the reception process. (Item 15) The program described in item 14, characterized in that when the reception process receives an operation related to a second model of the communication device that is different from the first model, the display control process displays a screen related to a fourth connection setting function that is different from the multiple connection setting functions on the display unit. (Item 16) The program described in item 15, wherein the display control step displays a screen for operating the communication device in a predetermined mode on the display unit as a screen related to the fourth connection setting function. (Item 17) The program described in item 15 or 16, characterized in that the display control process displays a screen for selecting an access point to which the communication device will be connected on the display unit as a screen related to the fourth connection setting function. (Item 18) The program described in item 17, characterized in that the display control process displays on the display unit a screen for inputting connection information for connecting to the selected access point as a screen related to the fourth connection setting function. (Item 19) The program described in any one of items 15 to 18, characterized in that even if the first model is accepted in the acceptance process, if it is the first model and a specific model, the display control process displays a screen related to the fourth connection setting function on the display unit. (Item 20) 20. The program according to any one of items 15 to 19, wherein the first model is an electrophotographic printer, and the second model is an inkjet printer. (Item 21) An information processing device, a receiving means for receiving from a user an operation related to selection of a model of a communication device to be connected to the information processing device; a display control means for displaying on a display unit a screen relating to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received by the receiving means; An information processing device comprising: (Item 22) A control method executed in an information processing device, a receiving step of receiving from a user an operation related to selection of a model of a communication device to be connected to the information processing device; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a screen relating to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received in the receiving step; A control method comprising:

[0104] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 101 Access point: 201 Information processing device: 203, 255 CPU: 204, 254 ROM: 205, 253 RAM: 251 Communication device

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: a receiving step of receiving from a user an operation related to selection of a model of a communication device to be connected to the information processing device; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a screen relating to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received in the receiving step; A program comprising:

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of connection setting functions include a first connection setting function for connecting between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external access point that is external to the information processing device and external to the communication device.

3. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the display control step, when the first connection setting function is selected, causes the display unit to display a screen for reading code information displayed on the communication device.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the code information includes connection information for the communication device that operates as an access point.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the first connection setting function acquires information about the communication device from the communication device connected based on the connection information.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the information about the communication device includes at least one of capability information, a MAC address, and model information.

7. The program described in claim 2, characterized in that the multiple connection setting functions include a second connection setting function for inputting information about the communication device and communicating between the information processing device and the communication device via the external access point based on the input information about the communication device.

8. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the display control step causes the display unit to display a screen for inputting information about the communication device when the second connection setting function is selected.

9. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the information about the communication device includes an IP address.

10. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the second connection setting function acquires information about the communication device from the communication device.

11. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the information relating to the communication device includes at least one of capability information, a MAC address, and model information.

12. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of connection setting functions include a third connection setting function for connecting between the communication device and the external access point.

13. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the display control step, when the third connection setting function is selected, causes the display unit to display a guidance screen for connecting the communication device to the external access point.

14. The program described in claim 12, characterized in that the display control process displays a selection screen on the display unit that displays the first connection setting function, the second connection setting function, and the third connection setting function in a selectable manner based on the operation regarding the first model of the communication device received in the reception process.

15. The program described in claim 14, characterized in that when the reception process receives an operation related to a second model of the communication device that is different from the first model, the display control process causes the display unit to display a screen related to a fourth connection setting function that is different from the multiple connection setting functions.

16. 16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the display control step causes the display unit to display a screen for operating the communication device in a predetermined mode as a screen relating to the fourth connection setting function.

17. 16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the display control step causes the display unit to display a screen for selecting an access point to which the communication device is to be connected, as a screen related to the fourth connection setting function.

18. The program according to claim 17, characterized in that the display control step causes the display unit to display a screen for inputting connection information for connecting to the selected access point as a screen related to the fourth connection setting function.

19. The program according to claim 15, characterized in that even if the first model is accepted in the acceptance process, if it is the first model and a specific model, the display control process causes the display unit to display a screen related to the fourth connection setting function.

20. 16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the first model is an electrophotographic printer, and the second model is an inkjet printer.

21. An information processing device, a receiving means for receiving from a user an operation related to selection of a model of a communication device to be connected to the information processing device; a display control means for displaying on a display unit a screen relating to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received by the receiving means; and An information processing device comprising:

22. A control method executed in an information processing device, a receiving step of receiving from a user an operation related to selection of a model of a communication device to be connected to the information processing device; a display control step of displaying on a display unit a screen relating to a connection setting function selected from a plurality of connection setting functions for enabling communication between the information processing device and the communication device based on the operation received in the receiving step; A control method comprising:

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