Communication device, and computer program for communication device

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can appropriately perform processing according to the DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) method and processing according to a first wireless connection method. [Solution] The communication device is capable of performing processing according to the DPP method and is capable of performing processing according to the first wireless connection method. In processing according to the DPP method, when the state of the communication device is in a first state, the communication device receives an authentication request from a first external device using the public key of the communication device, sends an authentication response to the first external device, and establishes a first wireless connection with a second external device. After the authentication response has been sent to the first external device, but before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established, the communication device transitions its state from the first state to the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] This specification discloses a technique for establishing a wireless connection between a communication device and another device.

Background Art

[0002] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including two communication devices. The communication device can establish a wireless connection with another communication device according to the DPP (abbreviation for Device Provisioning Protocol) method and can also establish a wireless connection with another communication device according to the PIN method of the WPS (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Protected Setup) standard. When the communication device receives a code exchange request or a response to a code exchange request sent by itself while the PKEX process and the WPS process are started, the WPS process is stopped. Then, the communication device establishes a wireless connection with another communication device according to the DPP method.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the communication device of Patent Document 1 receives a code exchange request from another communication device or a response to a code exchange request sent by itself, the WPS process is stopped. Even if the communication device receives a code exchange request or a response to the code exchange request from another communication device, the establishment of a wireless connection with another device according to the DPP method may fail. When the WPS process is stopped, after the establishment of a wireless connection with another device according to the DPP method fails, the establishment of a wireless connection with another wireless device according to the WPS method becomes impossible. Therefore, it is desirable to stop the WPS process at an appropriate timing.

[0005] This specification provides a technology that can appropriately perform processing according to the DPP method and processing according to the first wireless connection method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The communication device disclosed herein includes a first processing unit capable of performing processing in accordance with the DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) method, and a second processing unit capable of performing processing in accordance with a first wireless connection method different from the DPP method. The first processing execution unit may include a transition unit for transitioning the state of the communication device. The first processing execution unit may include an authentication request receiving unit that receives an authentication request from a first external device using the public key of the communication device when the state of the communication device is in a first state in which it is possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices in accordance with the DPP method and is possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices in accordance with the first wireless connection method; an authentication response transmitting unit that transmits an authentication response to the first external device when the authentication request is received from the first external device; and a first establishment unit that establishes a first wireless connection with a second external device when the authentication response is transmitted to the first external device. The transition unit may transition the state of the communication device from the first state to the second state after the authentication response has been transmitted to the first external device and before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established. The second state may be a state in which a wireless connection with other devices can be established according to the DPP method, and in which a wireless connection with other devices cannot be established according to the first wireless connection method.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the communication device is capable of performing processing according to the DPP method and processing according to the first wireless connection method. The communication device transitions its state from the first state to the second state after the authentication response has been sent to the first external device and before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established. That is, the communication device becomes unable to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method after the authentication response has been sent to the first external device and before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established. After the authentication response has been sent to the first external device, the possibility of failure in establishing the first wireless connection between the communication device and the second external device according to the DPP method is lower than before the authentication response has been sent to the first external device. Therefore, by the state of the communication device transitioning from the first state to the second state, processing according to the DPP method is properly performed and the first wireless connection between the communication device and the second external device is established. Furthermore, if the communication device fails to establish a first wireless connection with a second external device according to the DPP method before the state of the communication device transitions from the first state to the second state, it can appropriately execute processing according to the first wireless connection method and establish a wireless connection with the second external device according to the first wireless connection method. Therefore, the communication device can appropriately execute processing according to the DPP method and processing according to the first wireless connection method.

[0008] The computer program for the above-mentioned communication device, and the method executed by the communication device, are also novel and useful. The communication system including the above-mentioned communication device, the first external device, and the second external device is also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the sequence of events in Case A, where a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer and the access point (AP) according to the DPP (Digital Packet Processing) method. [Figure 3] Figure 2 continues, and shows a sequence diagram for Case B, where the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between the printer and AP according to the DPP method fails. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the sequence for Case C, where a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer and the access point (AP) according to the SoftAP method. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the sequence of events in Case D, where the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between the printer and the access point (AP) fails, following the SoftAP method. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the sequence of events in Case E, where a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer and the access point according to the certificate protocol. [Figure 7] The second embodiment shows a sequence diagram of case F, in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer and the AP according to the DPP method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2: Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 6, a printer 10, a terminal device 100, a PC 200, and a management server 300.

[0011] (Printer 10 configuration: Figure 1) The printer 10 is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of terminal device 100) capable of performing printing functions. The printer 10 has a housing (not shown) on which a sticker (not shown) indicating a QR code (registered trademark) 60 (see Figure 2) is attached. The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a Wi-Fi interface (hereinafter referred to as "I / F") 16, a print execution unit 18, and a control unit 30.

[0012] The control unit 12 is equipped with multiple keys. By operating the control unit 12, the user can input various instructions to the printer 10. The display unit 14 is a display for showing various information. The display unit 14 also functions as a so-called touch panel (i.e., control unit).

[0013] The Wi-Fi I / F16 is a wireless interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. The Wi-Fi standard is a standard for performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and equivalent standards (e.g., 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). Printer 10 can establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 via the Wi-Fi I / F16 by using the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the wireless network formed by AP6. In addition, the Wi-Fi I / F16 supports the DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) method developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Wi-Fi I / F16 is assigned the MAC address "MACpr".

[0014] The printing execution unit 18 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet or laser printing system.

[0015] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 performs various processes according to the program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 34 stores the program 36, a first connection flag 40, a second connection flag 42, and a third connection flag 44.

[0016] The first connection flag 40 indicates either "ON", which means that a Wi-Fi connection with another device (e.g., AP6) can be established according to the DPP method, or "OFF", which means that a Wi-Fi connection with another device cannot be established according to the DPP method. The second connection flag 42 indicates either "ON", which means that a Wi-Fi connection with another device (e.g., AP6) can be established according to the SoftAP method different from the DPP method, or "OFF", which means that a Wi-Fi connection with another device cannot be established according to the SoftAP method. In the SoftAP method, the printer 10 operating as the SoftAP master station receives the SSID and password of the wireless network formed by the AP from other devices (e.g., PC) participating in the wireless network formed by the SoftAP master station. The third connection flag 44 indicates either "ON", which means that a Wi-Fi connection with another device (e.g., AP6) can be established according to the certificate method different from the DPP method and the SoftAP method, or "OFF", which means that a Wi-Fi connection with another device cannot be established according to the certificate method. In the certificate method, the printer 10 receives the SSID and password of the wireless network formed by the AP from the management server 300 in response to transmitting the certificate to the management server 300.

[0017] (Configuration of Terminal Device 100; FIG. 1) The terminal device 100 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (e.g., smartphone), PDA, or tablet PC. The terminal device 100 includes a camera 115, a Wi-Fi IF 116, and a control unit 130. The Wi-Fi I / F 116 is the same as the Wi-Fi I / F 16 of the printer 10.

[0018] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 executes various processes according to the programs 136 and 140 stored in the memory 134. The memory 134 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 134 stores an OS (abbreviation for Operating System) program 136 and a first connection application 140. The first connection application 140 is an application for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and another device (e.g., AP6) according to the DPP method.

[0019] (Configuration of PC200; Figure 1) The PC200 is a stationary PC, but in a modified example, it may be a portable device such as a notebook PC. The PC200 includes a Wi-Fi I / F 216 and a control unit 230. The Wi-Fi I / F 216 is the same as the Wi-Fi I / F 16 of the printer 10.

[0020] The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes according to programs 236 and 240 stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 234 stores an OS program 236 and a second connection application 240. The second connection application 240 is an application for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and another device (e.g., AP6) according to the SoftAP method.

[0021] (Configuration of management server 300) The management server 300 manages the SSID "S1" and password "P1" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "AP connection information") used in the wireless network formed by the AP6. The management server 300 stores the AP connection information and the certificate information CI in an associated manner.

[0022] (Specific cases A to E; Figures 2 to 6) Subsequently, referring to Figures 2 to 6, specific cases A to E realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0023] (Case A; Figures 2, Figure 3) Referring to Figures 2 and 3, we will describe Case A, in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method. In the initial state of Case A, the printer 10 is powered off. A Wi-Fi connection is established between terminal device 100 and AP6, and AP connection information (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") is stored in the memory 134 of terminal device 100. In the following, for ease of understanding, the operations performed by the CPU of each device (e.g., CPU 32) will be described from the perspective of each device (e.g., printer 10) rather than from the perspective of the CPU. The following communications are performed using Wi-Fi I / F 16, 116, and 216 (see Figure 1). Therefore, the explanation "via I / F" will be omitted.

[0024] At T10, printer 10 receives a command to turn on the printer 10's power. This turns on the printer 10's power. At T12, printer 10 sets the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 in memory 34 to "ON". Printer 10 performs a Listen operation if at least one of the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 is "ON". Printer 10 performs a search operation if the third connection flag 44 is "ON". Then, printer 10 repeatedly performs the Listen operation and the search operation if at least one of the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 are "ON". The search operation is an operation to establish a Wi-Fi connection with other devices according to the certificate scheme. In the search operation, printer 10 broadcasts a Probe Request according to the certificate scheme and monitors for the reception of a Prob Response to the Probe Request. Hereafter, Request and Response will be simply referred to as "Req" and "Res". The Listen operation is an operation to establish a Wi-Fi connection with other devices according to the DPP method or the SoftAP method. When the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 are "ON", the printer 10 monitors for the reception of an Authentication Req according to the DPP method or a Probe Req according to the SoftAP method during the Listen operation. Hereafter, Authentication will be simply referred to as "Auth". When the printer 10 receives an Auth Req, it sends an Auth Res according to the DPP method. Also, when the printer 10 receives a Probe Req according to the SoftAP method, it sends a Probe Res. Note that when the first connection flag 40 is "ON" and the second connection flag 42 is "OFF", the printer 10 monitors for the reception of an Auth Req during the Listen operation, but does not monitor for the reception of a Probe Req according to the SoftAP method.In this case, even if printer 10 receives a Probe Request according to the SoftAP method, it will not send a Probe Res. Also, if the first connection flag 40 is "OFF" and the second connection flag 42 is "ON", printer 10 will monitor for the reception of a Probe Request according to the SoftAP method during Listen operation, but will not monitor for the reception of an Auth Request. In this case, printer 10 does not send an Auth Res even if it receives an Auth Req.

[0025] Printer 10 starts counting on a timer at T14. The timer is used to determine whether to change the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 to "OFF". In other words, the timer is used to determine whether to stop the Listen operation. Printer 10 changes the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 to "OFF" when the timer count value becomes greater than a predetermined value (for example, 10 minutes). Printer 10 does not perform the Listen operation when the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 are "OFF". In other words, Printer 10 does not monitor for the reception of Auth Reqs, nor does it monitor for the reception of Probe Reqs according to the SoftAP method. In this case, Printer 10 does not send an Auth Res even if an Auth Req is received, nor does it send a Probe Res even if a Probe Req according to the SoftAP method is received. In a modified example, the printer 10 may stop the Listen operation without changing the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 to "OFF" when the timer count value becomes greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 10 minutes).

[0026] Because the third connection flag 44 is "ON", printer 10 broadcasts a Probe Request including the SSID "SetupAP" on T20 according to the certificate protocol. In this case, we assume that AP6 does not support the certificate protocol. Therefore, printer 10 does not receive a Prob Res for T20's Probe Req. After T20, printer 10 repeatedly performs search and listen operations.

[0027] When terminal device 100 receives an operation at T30 to launch the first connection application 140, it launches the first connection application 140 at T32. Next, when terminal device 100 receives an operation at T34 to photograph the QR code 60 indicated by a sticker attached to the casing of printer 10, it photographs the QR code 60 with camera 115. At T36, terminal device 100 decodes the QR code 60 to obtain the public key PPK1 and the MAC address "MACpr". The processes at T34 and T36 are DPP method bootstrapping (hereinafter referred to as "BS") executed between terminal device 100 and printer 10.

[0028] When the BS is completed, terminal device 100 uses the public key PPK1 obtained in T36 to perform DPP authentication with printer 10. Specifically, at T40, terminal device 100 sends an authentication request containing encrypted data using the public key PPK1 to printer 10, with the MAC address "MACpr" obtained in T36 as the destination.

[0029] When printer 10 receives an Auth Request from terminal device 100 at T40, it performs authentication of the encrypted data contained in the Auth Request. If the authentication of the encrypted data is successful at T42, printer 10 sends an Auth Res to terminal device 100 at T44. Printer 10 does not send an Auth Res if the authentication of the encrypted data fails. In a modified example, printer 10 may send an error notification to terminal device 100 if the authentication of the encrypted data fails. The authentication of the encrypted data fails when the encrypted data is generated using a public key different from the printer 10's public key PPK1. A public key different from public key PPK1 is, for example, the public key of a printer other than printer 10, or a public key generated by a third party. Also, at T45, printer 10 resets the timer count and stops the timer count.

[0030] When terminal device 100 receives an Auth Res from printer 10 at T44, it sends an Auth Confirm to printer 10 at T46.

[0031] When printer 10 receives Auth Confirm from terminal device 100 at T46, at T48, it changes the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 in memory 34 from "ON" to "OFF". In response to the change of the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF", printer 10 stops the search operation. That is, printer 10 stops broadcasting Probe Requests according to the certificate scheme. Also, in response to the change of the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF", printer 10 stops the Listen operation, specifically the operation to establish a Wi-Fi connection with other devices according to the SoftAP scheme, i.e., monitoring for the reception of Probe Requests according to the SoftAP scheme. Next, printer 10 performs a DPP-style Configuration (hereinafter referred to as "Config") with terminal device 100. Config is the process of sending information to printer 10 to establish a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and AP6. Printer 10 sends a Config Req to terminal device 100 at T50. The Config Req is a signal requesting the transmission of a Signed Connector (hereinafter referred to as "SC").

[0032] When terminal device 100 receives a Config Request from printer 10 at T50, it generates an SC1 containing AP connection information (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") in memory 134, and at T52, it sends a Config Res containing SC1 to printer 10.

[0033] When printer 10 receives Config Res from terminal device 100 at T52, it stores SC1 in memory 34 at T54, and sends Config Result to terminal device 100 at T56.

[0034] At T60 in Figure 3, the printer 10 uses the AP connection information (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") contained in SC1 received at T52 to perform a first connection process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6. In the first connection process, various communications such as a 4-way handshake are performed between the printer 10 and AP6. During these communications, the printer 10 sends the AP connection information contained in SC1 received to AP6. In this case, authentication of the password "P1" contained in the AP connection information is successful. In this case, at T70, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and AP6.

[0035] When printer 10 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 at T70, at T80 it sends a Status Query Result to terminal device 100 that includes the connection result "OK," indicating that a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 has been established. Also, at T82, printer 10 changes the first connection flag 40 from "ON" to "OFF." As a result, the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 are set to "OFF." Then, printer 10 stops its listening operation. In a modified example, printer 10 may change the first connection flag 40 from "ON" to "OFF" after T70, specifically between T70 and T80.

[0036] When terminal device 100 receives a Status Query Result from printer 10 at T80, it determines that a Wi-Fi connection has been established between printer 10 and AP6 because the Status Query Result includes the connection result "OK," and displays the first connection completion screen at T84. The first connection completion screen includes a message indicating that a Wi-Fi connection has been established between printer 10 and AP6. This allows the user to know that a Wi-Fi connection has been established between printer 10 and AP6.

[0037] (Effects of Case A) As shown in Case A, the printer 10 changes the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 to "OFF" after receiving Auth Confirm from the terminal device 100 and before establishing a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 (T48). The possibility of failure in establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method after receiving Auth Confirm from the terminal device 100 is lower than after sending Auth Res to the terminal device 100 and before receiving Auth Confirm from the terminal device 100. Therefore, by changing the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF", the processing according to the DPP method is executed appropriately and a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and AP.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Case A, the printer 10 changes the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 to "OFF" after sending the Auth Res to the terminal device 100 but before sending the Config Res to the terminal device 100 (T48). Assume a situation where the second connection flag 42 is not changed to "OFF" after the Auth Res has been sent to the terminal device 100. In this case, when the printer 10 receives a Probe Request according to the SoftAP method from a device other than the terminal device 100, it sends a Probe Res to that different device. In this case, the process for establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method and the process for establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to the SoftAPP method are executed in parallel. Because the processes according to the two different methods are executed in parallel, the processes according to the two different methods may fail. That is, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer 10 and AP6. Furthermore, even if the processing according to the two different methods does not fail, a Wi-Fi connection according to the SoftAP method may be established between the printer 10 and AP6 after a Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method has been established between the printer 10 and AP6. In this case, a Wi-Fi connection according to the SoftAP method is established between the printer 10 and AP6 after the Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method has been disconnected. The same applies when an Auth Res is sent to the terminal device 100, a Probe Req according to the certificate method is broadcast, and a Prob Res is received. According to the above configuration, processing according to the SoftAP method and processing according to the certificate method are not performed after a Config Res is sent to the terminal device 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the failure of establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method between the printer 10 and AP6. Also, it is possible to suppress the disconnection of the Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and AP6 even though a Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method has been established. Therefore, a Wi-Fi connection can be established between the printer 10 and the access point (AP).

[0039] (Case B; Figure 3) Referring to Figure 3, we will now describe Case B, in which the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method fails. The initial state of Case B is the same as the initial state of Case A in Figures 2 and 3, except that the memory 134 of terminal device 100 stores information different from the AP connection information, namely the SSID "S1" and password "P2".

[0040] First, the same process as T10 to T48 in Figure 2 is executed between the printer 10 and the terminal device 100.

[0041] When terminal device 100 receives a Config Request from printer 10 at T150, it generates SC2 containing the SSID "S1" and password "P2" in memory 134, and at T152, it sends a Config Res containing SC2 to printer 10.

[0042] When printer 10 receives Config Res from terminal device 100 at T152, it stores SC2 in memory 34 at T154, and sends Config Result to terminal device 100 at T156.

[0043] Next, the printer 10 uses the SSID "S1" and password "P2" included in SC2, which were obtained by T152, to perform the first connection process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6. During the various communication processes of the first connection process, the printer 10 sends the SSID "S1" and password "P2" included in SC2, which were obtained, to AP6. In this case, the authentication of password "P2" fails because the password "P2" sent from the printer 10 to AP6 is different from the password "P1". In this case, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer 10 and AP6.

[0044] If printer 10 fails to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6, it sends a Status Query Result containing the connection result "NG" to terminal device 100 at T180. Printer 10 also changes the second connection flag 42 from "OFF" to "ON" at T182. However, printer 10 does not change the third connection flag 44 from "OFF" to "ON". Printer 10 also starts the timer count at T183.

[0045] When terminal device 100 receives a Status Query Result from printer 10 at T180, it determines that the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and the other device (i.e., AP6) has failed because the Status Query Result includes a connection result of "NG". At T184, it displays the first connection failure screen. The first connection failure screen includes a message indicating that the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and the other device has failed. This allows the user to know that the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and the other device has failed. The first connection failure screen may also include a message prompting the user to establish a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and the other device using the SoftAP method.

[0046] At T190, the printer 10 determines that the timer count value has exceeded a predetermined value (for example, 10 minutes), and at T192, changes the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF". In addition, the printer 10 also changes the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF" if the timer count value exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 10 minutes) after the printer 10's power has been turned ON.

[0047] (Case C; Figure 4) Referring to Figure 4, Case C, in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the SoftAP method, will be described. The initial state of Case C is the state after T12 in Case A in Figure 2. In addition, the AP connection information (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") is stored in memory 234 of PC200.

[0048] When PC200 receives a command from T210 to start the second connection application 240, T212 starts the second connection application 240, and T220 broadcasts a Probe Request including the SSID "Setup". This Probe Request is a signal to operate a device capable of operating as a SoftAP (printer 10 in this case) as a SoftAP.

[0049] When printer 10 receives a Probe Request from PC200 at T220, it determines that the Probe Request includes the SSID "Setup" and that it is desired to establish a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and another device according to the SoftAP method. In this case, printer 10 resets the timer count at T221 and stops the timer count. Also, at T222, printer 10 changes the first connection flag 40 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF". In response to the change of the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF", printer 10 stops the search operation. Also, in response to the change of the first connection flag 40 from "ON" to "OFF", printer 10 stops the Listen operation, specifically the operation to establish a Wi-Fi connection with another device according to the DPP method, i.e., monitoring for the reception of an Auth Request. Next, printer 10 starts up as a SoftAP at T230. The printer 10 generates the SSID "S3" for the wireless network formed by the printer 10 operating as a SoftAP. In this state, the printer 10 operates as the master station of the wireless network identified by the SSID "S3".

[0050] At T232, PC200 performs connection processing (such as a 4-way handshake) to establish a Wi-Fi connection with printer 10, which is operating as a SoftAP. As a result, at T234, a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and PC200.

[0051] When PC200 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with printer 10, T240 uses the established Wi-Fi connection to send the AP connection information (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") stored in memory 234 to printer 10.

[0052] When printer 10 receives AP connection information from PC200 at T240, it stores the received AP connection information in memory 34 at T242 and stops operating as a SoftAP. Next, at T250, printer 10 uses the AP connection information received at T240 to perform a second connection process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6. In the second connection process, various communications such as a 4-way handshake are performed between printer 10 and AP6. During these communications, printer 10 sends the acquired AP connection information to AP6. In this case, authentication of the password "P1" included in the AP connection information is successful. As a result, at T260, a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and AP6.

[0053] When printer 10 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 at T260, at T270, it sends connection completion information, including AP6's SSID "S1", to PC200. Also, at T272, printer 10 changes the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF". This sets the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 to "OFF". Then, printer 10 stops its listening operation. In a modified version, printer 10 may change the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF" after T260, specifically between T260 and T270.

[0054] When PC200 receives connection completion information from printer 10 on T270, it displays a second connection completion screen. The second connection completion screen includes a message indicating that a Wi-Fi connection has been established between printer 10 and another device (i.e., AP6), and the SSID "S1". This allows the user to know that a Wi-Fi connection has been established between printer 10 and AP6.

[0055] (Case D; Figure 5) Referring to Figure 5, we will describe Case D, in which the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and AP6 according to the SoftAP method fails. The initial state of Case D is the same as the initial state of Case C in Figure 4, except that the memory 234 of PC200 stores information different from the AP connection information, namely the SSID "S1" and password "P2".

[0056] First, the same process as T210~T234 in Figure 4 is performed between printer 10 and PC200. In this case, at T340, PC200 uses the Wi-Fi connection established with printer 10 (see T234 in Figure 4) to send the SSID "S1" and password "P2" from memory 234 to printer 10.

[0057] When printer 10 receives the SSID "S1" and password "P2" from PC200 at T340, T342 stores the SSID "S1" and password "P2" in memory 34.

[0058] Next, the printer 10 uses the SSID "S1" and password "P2" received by the T340 to perform a second connection process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6. During the various communication processes of the connection, the printer 10 sends the SSID "S1" and password "P2" to the AP6. In this case, since the password "P2" sent from the printer 10 to the AP6 is different from the password "P1", authentication for password "P2" fails. In this case, a Wi-Fi connection is not established between the printer 10 and the AP6.

[0059] If printer 10 fails to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6, it sends connection failure information, which does not include the SSID, to PC200 via T360. Printer 10 also changes the first connection flag 40 from "OFF" to "ON" via T362. However, printer 10 does not change the third connection flag 44 from "OFF" to "ON". Furthermore, printer 10 starts the timer countdown via T363.

[0060] When PC200 receives connection failure information from printer 10 in T360, it displays a second connection failure screen corresponding to the connection failure information in T364. The second connection failure screen includes a message indicating that the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and another device (i.e., AP6) has failed. This allows the user to know that the establishment of a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and the other device has failed. The second connection failure screen may also include a message prompting the user to establish a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and the other device using the DPP method.

[0061] (Case E; Figure 6) Referring to Figure 6, Case E, in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the certificate scheme, will be described. The initial state of Case E is the same as the initial state of Case A in Figures 2 and 3, except that AP6 supports the certificate scheme and the certificate information CI is stored (installed) on printer 10.

[0062] T410-T414 and T420 are the same as T10-T14 and T20 in Figure 2, respectively. In this case, since AP6 supports the certificate method, when AP6 receives a Probe Request containing "Setup AP" at T420, T422 sends a Probe Response to the said Probe Request to printer 10. AP6 also forms a wireless network using the SSID "Setup AP".

[0063] When printer 10 receives a Probe Res at T422, it determines that there is an AP that supports the certificate method, resets the timer count at T423, stops the timer count, and changes the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF" at T424. In response to the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 being changed from "ON" to "OFF", printer 10 stops listening. That is, it stops monitoring for the reception of Auth Req and the reception of Probe Req according to the SoftAP method. At T430, printer 10 performs connection processing to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 which has the SSID "Setup AP". As a result, at T432, a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and AP6. Next, at T440, printer 10 sends a connection information request including certificate information CI to the management server 300 via AP6.

[0064] When the management server 300 receives a connection information request from the printer 10 via AP6 in T440, it identifies the SSID "S1" and password "P1" (i.e., AP connection information) stored in association with the certificate information CI in the request, and then sends the identified AP connection information to the printer 10 via AP6 in T442. The communication between T440 and T442 is conducted in accordance with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0065] T444 is the same as T242 in Figure 4. At T450, the printer 10 uses the AP connection information received at T442 (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") to perform a third connection process to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6. In the third connection process, various communications such as a 4-way handshake are performed between the printer 10 and AP6. During these communications, the printer 10 sends the AP connection information to AP6. In this case, authentication of the password "P1" included in the AP connection information is successful. In this case, at T460, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and AP6.

[0066] When printer 10 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 in T460, it changes the third connection flag 44 in T462 from "ON" to "OFF". As a result, the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 are set to "OFF". Then, printer 10 stops the search operation. In this way, if AP6 supports the certificate method, a Wi-Fi connection is automatically established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the certificate method.

[0067] (Effects of Cases A to E) If printer 10 is performing a search operation, printer 10 will not receive an Auth Request even if one is sent from terminal device 100. In other words, even if printer 10 is in a state where it can perform processing according to the DPP method, a Wi-Fi connection will not be established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method. As shown in Case B of Figure 3, if printer 10 fails to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the DPP method, it sets the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 to "ON" and the third connection flag 44 to "OFF" (T182). If the third connection flag 44 is "OFF", printer 10 will not perform a search operation. In this case, the time that printer 10 performs a Listen operation can be extended. Therefore, the probability that printer 10 will receive an Auth Request sent from terminal device 100 can be increased, and the probability that a Wi-Fi connection will be established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method can be increased.

[0068] As shown in Case B of Figure 3, the printer 10 changes the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 to "OFF" when the timer count value exceeds a predetermined value, that is, when the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 remain "ON" for a predetermined period of time. When the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 are "ON", a malicious third party may establish an unintended Wi-Fi connection between the printer 10 and other devices according to the DPP method or SoftAP method. Therefore, the longer the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 remain "ON", the higher the likelihood of an unintended Wi-Fi connection being established between the printer 10 and other devices. With the above configuration, the possibility of an unintended Wi-Fi connection being established between the printer 10 and other devices can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the printer 10 does not have a timer, and thus the security of the printer 10 can be improved.

[0069] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, printer 10 is capable of performing processing according to the DPP method and processing according to the SoftAP method (or certificate method). After the Auth Req is sent to terminal device 100 (T40 in Figure 2) and before the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 is established (T70 in Figure 3), printer 10 changes the second connection flag 42 (or third connection flag 44) from "ON" to "OFF" (T48 in Figure 2). In other words, after the Auth Res is sent to terminal device 100 and before the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 is established, printer 10 becomes unable to establish a Wi-Fi connection with other devices according to the SoftAP method (or certificate method). After the Auth Res is sent to terminal device 100, the possibility of failure in establishing a Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method is lower than before the Auth Res is sent to terminal device 100. Assume a situation where the second connection flag 42 is not changed to "OFF" after the Auth Res is sent to terminal device 100. In this case, when printer 10 receives a Probe Req according to the SoftAP method from a device other than terminal device 100, it sends a Probe Res to that other device. In this case, the process for establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method and the process for establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to the SoftAPP method are executed in parallel. Because the processes according to the two different methods are executed in parallel, the processes according to the two different methods may fail. That is, a Wi-Fi connection will not be established between printer 10 and AP6. Also, even if the processes according to the two different methods do not fail, a Wi-Fi connection according to the SoftAP method may be established between printer 10 and AP6 after a Wi-Fi connection according to the DPP method is established between printer 10 and AP6. In this case, after the Wi-Fi connection between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method is disconnected, a Wi-Fi connection according to the SoftAP method is established between printer 10 and the other AP. The same applies when an Auth Res is sent to terminal device 100, a Probe Req according to the certificate scheme is broadcast, and a Prob Res is received.According to the above configuration, when the second connection flag 42 (or third connection flag 44) is changed from "ON" to "OFF", processing according to the DPP method is properly executed, and a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and AP6 (T70 in Figure 3). Furthermore, if the printer 10 fails to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the DPP method before the second connection flag 42 (or third connection flag 44) is changed from "ON" to "OFF", it can properly execute processing according to the SoftAP method (or certificate method) and establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the SoftAP method (or certificate method). Therefore, the printer 10 can properly execute processing according to the DPP method and processing according to the SoftAP method (or certificate method).

[0070] (Correspondence) Printer 10, terminal device 100, AP6, and PC200 are examples of "communication device," "first external device," "second external device," and "third external device," respectively. T40Auth Req and T44Auth Res in Figure 2 are examples of "authentication request" and "authentication response," respectively. T46Auth Confirm in Figure 2 is an example of a "confirmation signal." T50Config Req in Figure 2 is an example of a "request signal." T70Wi-Fi connection in Figure 3 is an example of a "first wireless connection." T52SSID "S1" and password "P1" in Figure 2 are examples of "first wireless connection information." T220Probe Req in Figure 4 is an example of a "connection request." T234Wi-Fi connection in Figure 4 is an example of a "second wireless connection." T240SSID "S1" and password "P1" in Figure 4 are examples of "second wireless connection information." The Wi-Fi connection of the T260 in Figure 4 is an example of a "third wireless connection".

[0071] In one respect, the SoftAP method is an example of the "first wireless connection method." The PC200 is an example of the "third external device." The first connection flag 40 = "ON" and the second connection flag 42 = "ON" is an example of the "first state." The first connection flag 40 = "ON" and the second connection flag 42 = "OFF" is an example of the "second state." The first connection flag 40 = "OFF" and the second connection flag 42 = "ON" is an example of the "third state." The first connection flag 40 = "OFF" and the second connection flag 42 = "OFF" are examples of the "fifth state" and the "sixth state".

[0072] In another respect, the certificate method and the SoftAP method are examples of the "first wireless connection method" and the "second wireless connection method," respectively. The first connection flag 40 = "ON" and the third connection flag 44 = "ON" is an example of the "first state." The first connection flag 40 = "ON" and the third connection flag 44 = "OFF" is an example of the "second state." The first connection flag 40 = "ON," the second connection flag 42 "ON," and the third connection flag 44 = "ON" is an example of the "first state." The first connection flag 40 = "OFF," the second connection flag 42 "OFF," and the third connection flag 44 = "OFF" is an example of the "second state." The first connection flag 40 = "ON," the second connection flag 42 "ON," and the third connection flag 44 = "OFF" is an example of the "fourth state." In Figure 6, the Probe Req for T420 and the Probe Res for T422 are examples of a "search signal" and a "search response," respectively. The Wi-Fi connection of T450 in Figure 6 is an example of a "fourth wireless connection." The first connection flag 40 = "OFF" and the third connection flag 44 = "ON" are examples of a "third state."

[0073] T40-T46, T50-T56, and T60 in Figure 2 are examples of processes executed by the "first processing execution unit". T42 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "authentication request receiving unit". T44 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "authentication response sending unit". T60 in Figure 2 is an example of a process executed by the "first establishment unit". T12 and T48 in Figure 2 are examples of processes executed by the "transition unit". In one aspect, T220, T222, and T230-T250 in Figure 4 are examples of processes executed by the "second processing execution unit". In another aspect, T420-T450 in Figure 6 are examples of processes executed by the "second processing execution unit".

[0074] (Second embodiment: Figure 7) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Points similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation. In this embodiment, the sticker showing the QR code 60 is not affixed to the casing of the printer 10.

[0075] (Case F) Referring to Figure 7, we will describe Case F, in which a Wi-Fi connection is established between printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method. The initial state of Case F is the same as the initial state of Case A in Figures 2 and 3.

[0076] T510-T514, T530, and T532 are the same as T10-T14, T30, and T32 in Figure 2, respectively. When the first connection application 140 is launched, terminal device 100 sends a generation instruction to printer 10 at T540. The generation instruction is a signal to instruct the generation of a QR code obtained by encoding the public key.

[0077] When printer 10 receives a generation instruction from terminal device 100 at T540, it generates a QR code 62 at T542 and displays the QR code 62. The QR code 62 is an encoded string of characters (i.e., the public key PPK1 and MAC address "MACpr") similar to the QR code 60 of the first embodiment (see Figure 2). In a modified example, printer 10 may have the print execution unit 18 print image data including the generated QR code 62.

[0078] Subsequently, the same processes as those shown in T40-T56 in Figure 2 and T60-T82 in Figure 3 are executed. That is, a Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer 10 and AP6 according to the DPP method (see T70 in Figure 3). This configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0079] The specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The following are some examples of modifications.

[0080] (First Modification) Printer 10 may support only one of the connection methods: SoftAP or certificate-based. In another modification, printer 10 may further support the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In this modification, SoftAP, certificate-based, and WPS methods are each examples of the "first connection method". In yet another modification, printer 10 may operate according to the so-called WFD (Wi-Fi Direct®) method (an example of the "first connection method") instead of the SoftAP method. In this modification, when the second connection flag 42 is "ON", printer 10 monitors for requests from other devices to operate as a Group Owner of the WFD method (e.g., a Probe Req including the SSID "Setup") (an example of a "connection request"). Then, when the printer 10 receives the request signal from another device, it acts as a WFD Group Owner and establishes a WFD connection (an example of a "second wireless connection") with the other device (for example, terminal device 100). The printer 10 then uses the WFD connection to receive AP connection information (i.e., SSID "S1" and password "P1") from the other device.

[0081] (Second Modification) In Case A of Figures 2 and 3, the printer 10 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 by executing the first connection process. Alternatively, the printer 10 may establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 by executing DPP-based Network Access (hereinafter referred to as "NA"). In this modification, AP6 supports the DPP method and has a QR code indicating AP6's public key (for example, a sticker is attached to the AP6's casing). The terminal device 100 obtains AP6's public key by scanning the QR code (i.e., performs BS). Subsequently, the terminal device 100 performs Auth and Config with AP6. However, in Config, the terminal device 100 generates an SC for AP and sends the SC for AP6. Then, the terminal device 100 and AP6 share a connection key by executing NA using the SC for AP, and establish a Wi-Fi connection using the connection key. Subsequently, the terminal device 100 performs BS, Auth, and Config (T40~T56) with the printer 10. However, in Config, the terminal device 100 generates a printer SC that does not include the AP6's SSID and password, and sends the printer SC to the printer 10. In this case, the printer 10 and AP6 share a connection key by performing NA using the printer SC and the AP SC, and establish a Wi-Fi connection using the connection key. In this modified example, the printer SC is an example of "first wireless connection information".

[0082] (Third Modification) In Case A of Figures 2 and 3, the timing at which the printer 10 changes the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" is not limited to between T46 and T50. For example, the printer 10 may change the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" between T44 and T46, or it may change the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" between T50 in Figure 2 and T70 in Figure 3. In other words, the printer 10 only needs to change the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" after the Auth Res has been sent to the terminal device 100 but before the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 is established.

[0083] (Fourth Modification) In Case C of Figure 4, the timing at which the printer 10 changes the first connection flag 40 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" is not limited to between T220 and T230. The printer 10 can change the first connection flag 40 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" between T220 and T260. In other words, the printer 10 can change the first connection flag 40 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" after receiving the Probe Request from PC200 and before the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 is established.

[0084] (Fifth Modification) In Case E of Figure 6, the timing at which the printer 10 changes the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF" is not limited to between T422 and T430. The printer 10 can change the first connection flag 40 and the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF" between T422 and T450. In other words, the printer 10 can change the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" after receiving Probe Res from AP6 but before the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 is established.

[0085] (Sixth Modification) In Case B of Figure 3, the printer 10 may change the second connection flag 42 and the third connection flag 44 from "OFF" to "ON" if the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the DPP method fails. In another modification, in Case D of Figure 5, the printer 10 may change the first connection flag 40 and the third connection flag 44 from "OFF" to "ON" if the Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the SoftAP method fails.

[0086] (Seventh Modification) In Case B of Figure 3, if the printer 10 fails to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the DPP method, it may change the second connection flag 42 from "OFF" to "ON" and the first connection flag 40 from "ON" to "OFF". In another modification, in Case D of Figure 5, if the printer 10 fails to establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP6 according to the SoftAP method, it may change the first connection flag 40 from "OFF" to "ON" and the second connection flag 42 from "ON" to "OFF".

[0087] (8th Modification) The printer 10 may change the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" when the timer count value becomes larger than a predetermined value while the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 are "ON". In another modification, the printer 10 may change one or two of the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 from "ON" to "OFF" when the timer count value becomes larger than a predetermined value while the first connection flag 40, the second connection flag 42, and the third connection flag 44 are "ON". In yet another modification, the printer 10 may not have a timer.

[0088] (9th variation) The "communication device" does not have to be the printer 10, but may be other devices such as a scanner, multifunction device, mobile terminal, PC, or server.

[0089] (Tenth Modification) In the above embodiment, each process in Figures 2 to 7 is implemented by software, but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0090] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 2: Communication system, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 18: Print execution unit, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 36: Program, 40: First connection flag, 42: Second connection flag, 44: Third connection flag, 60, 62: QR code, 100: Terminal device, 115: Camera, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 136: Program, 140: First connection application, 200: PC, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 236: OS program, 240: Second connection application, 300: Management server

Claims

1. A communication device, A first processing execution unit capable of performing processing in accordance with the DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) method, A second processing execution unit capable of performing processing according to a first wireless connection method different from the DPP method, The system includes a transition unit for transitioning the state of the communication device, The first processing execution unit is: In a situation where the state of the communication device is in a first state in which it is capable of establishing a wireless connection with other devices according to the DPP method and is capable of establishing a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method, an authentication request receiving unit receives an authentication request from a first external device using the public key of the communication device, An authentication response transmission unit that transmits an authentication response to the first external device when the authentication request is received from the first external device, The system includes a first establishment unit that establishes a first wireless connection with a second external device when the authentication response is transmitted to the first external device, The transition unit transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the second state after the authentication response has been transmitted to the first external device and before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established. The second state is a communication device in which it is possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the DPP method, and is not possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method.

2. The first processing unit further: After the authentication response is transmitted to the first external device, the system includes a confirmation signal receiver that receives a confirmation signal from the first external device indicating that the authentication response has been received. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transition unit transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the second state after the confirmation signal has been received from the first external device and before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established.

3. The first processing unit further: The system includes a request signal transmission unit that transmits a request signal to the first external device after the authentication response has been transmitted to the first external device, requesting the transmission of first wireless connection information. The first establishment unit establishes the first wireless connection with the second external device using the first wireless connection information received from the first external device in response to the request signal being transmitted to the first external device. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transition unit transitions the state of the communication device from a first state to a second state after the authentication response has been transmitted to the first external device and before the request signal has been transmitted to the first external device.

4. The second processing execution unit is: In a situation where the state of the communication device is the first state, a connection request receiving unit receives a connection request from a third external device, When the connection request is received from the third external device, a second establishment unit establishes a second wireless connection with the third external device, When the second wireless connection with the third external device is established, a wireless connection information receiving unit receives the second wireless connection information from the third external device using the second wireless connection. The system includes a third establishment unit that, when the second wireless connection information is received from the third external device, uses the second wireless connection information to establish a third wireless connection with the second external device, The transition unit further transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the third state after the connection request has been received from the third external device and before the third wireless connection with the second external device is established. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third state is a state in which it is impossible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the DPP method, and it is possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method.

5. The second processing execution unit is: A search signal transmitting unit transmits a search signal for searching for the second external device when the state of the communication device is in the first state, A search response receiving unit receives a search response from the second external device in response to the transmission of the search signal, The system includes a fourth establishment unit that establishes a fourth wireless connection with the second external device when the search response is received from the second external device, The transition unit further transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the third state after the search response has been received from the second external device and before the fourth wireless connection with the second external device is established. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third state is a state in which it is impossible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the DPP method, and it is possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method.

6. The aforementioned communication device further, The system includes a third processing execution unit capable of performing processing according to a second wireless connection method different from the DPP method and the first wireless connection method, The first state is further a state in which a wireless connection can be established with other devices according to the second wireless connection method, The third processing execution unit is: In a situation where the state of the communication device is the first state, a second connection request receiving unit receives a connection request from a third external device, When the connection request is received from the third external device, a second establishment unit establishes a second wireless connection with the third external device, When the second wireless connection with the third external device is established, a wireless connection information receiving unit receives the second wireless connection information from the third external device using the second wireless connection. The system includes a third establishment unit that, when the second wireless connection information is received from the third external device, uses the second wireless connection information to establish a third wireless connection with the second external device, The second state described above is further a state in which it is impossible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the second wireless connection method described above. The transition unit further transitions the state of the communication device from the second state to the fourth state if the establishment of the first wireless connection with the second external device fails. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the fourth state is a state in which a wireless connection with another device can be established in accordance with the DPP method, and a wireless connection with another device cannot be established in accordance with the first wireless connection method, and a wireless connection with another device can be established in accordance with the second wireless connection method.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a transition unit that transitions the state of the communication device from the second state to the first state when the establishment of the first wireless connection with the second external device fails.

8. The aforementioned communication device further, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a housing on which a sticker showing a code image obtained by encoding the public key is attached.

9. The aforementioned communication device further, Output section, A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: an output control unit that causes the output unit to output a code image obtained by encoding the public key when an output instruction is obtained that instructs the execution of outputting the public key.

10. The transition unit further transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the fifth state if the state of the communication device remains in the first state for a predetermined period of time. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fifth state is a state in which it is impossible to establish a wireless connection with other devices in accordance with the DPP method, and a state in which it is possible or impossible to establish a wireless connection with other devices in accordance with the first wireless connection method.

11. The transition unit further transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the sixth state if the state of the communication device remains in the first state for a predetermined period of time. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sixth state is a state in which a wireless connection with another device can or cannot be established in accordance with the DPP method, and a wireless connection with another device cannot be established in accordance with the first wireless connection method.

12. A computer program for a communication device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the communication device, A first processing execution unit capable of performing processing in accordance with the DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) method, A second processing execution unit capable of performing processing according to a first wireless connection method different from the DPP method, A transition unit that transitions the state of the aforementioned communication device, and functions as such. The first processing execution unit is: In a situation where the state of the communication device is in a first state in which it is capable of establishing a wireless connection with other devices according to the DPP method and is capable of establishing a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method, an authentication request receiving unit receives an authentication request from a first external device using the public key of the communication device, An authentication response transmission unit that transmits an authentication response to the first external device when the authentication request is received from the first external device, The system includes a first establishment unit that establishes a first wireless connection with a second external device when the authentication response is transmitted to the first external device, The transition unit transitions the state of the communication device from the first state to the second state after the authentication response has been transmitted to the first external device and before the first wireless connection with the second external device is established. The second state is a computer program in which it is possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the DPP method, and is not possible to establish a wireless connection with other devices according to the first wireless connection method.

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