Communication devices, methods, programs, and storage media

Abstract

This provides a mechanism to improve usability when communicating using a predetermined communication method. [Solution] A communication device comprising: communication means for transmitting or receiving the same content data via multiple external access points using wireless LAN communication; and control means for outputting a single display item that indicates the status of being able to communicate with multiple access points, and the radio wave conditions of the connected access points, when a first situation is in which communication can be performed via multiple access points belonging to a first group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device capable of performing wireless communication, a method executed in the communication device, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in the amount of data to be communicated, the development of communication technologies such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) has been promoted. As the main communication standards for wireless LAN, the IEEE802.11 standard series is known. The IEEE802.11 standard series includes standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a communication device corresponding to IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. In addition, a mechanism for Multi-AP communication in which a plurality of access points (APs) cooperate to transmit data to a station (STA) has been studied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Multi-AP communication, there is room for improvement in suitable communication and user usability. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for improving user usability when communicating by a predetermined communication method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: communication means for transmitting or receiving the same content data via multiple external access points via wireless LAN communication; and control means for outputting a single display item that indicates the status of being able to communicate with multiple access points, and the radio wave conditions of the connected access points, when a first situation is in which communication can be performed via multiple access points belonging to a first group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, usability can be improved when communicating using a predetermined communication method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the user interface screen. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the configuration of the access point. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the STA and AP in multi-AP communication. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the processes performed by the communication device. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the processes performed by the communication device. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the classification of access point connection statuses. [Figure 10] This diagram explains how to calculate the signal strength of an access point. [Figure 11] This figure shows examples of icons corresponding to the connection status of an access point. [Figure 12] This figure shows examples of icons corresponding to the connection status of an access point. [Figure 13] This figure shows examples of icons corresponding to the connection status of an access point. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a display on the operation display unit of a communication device. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a display on the operation display unit of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of printed configuration information for a communication device. [Figure 17] This figure shows examples of the operation display section and icons for a communication device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (System Configuration) Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which multiple communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. The system in Figure 1 includes an MFP 100 which is a communication device, a mobile terminal device 101, a multi-AP group 110 which includes multiple access points (APs), a DHCP server 114, a DNS server 115, and a network 120. The multi-AP group 110 is described as including AP111, AP112, and AP113, but the multi-AP group 110 may include more APs.

[0011] The mobile terminal device 101 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Hereinafter, the wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN in some cases. The mobile terminal device 101 can be a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone terminal (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a digital camera, a personal computer, or the like.

[0012] The MFP 100 is a printing device having a printing function, and may further have a reading function (scanner), a FAX function, and a telephone function. In addition, the MFP 100 of the present embodiment has a communication function capable of wireless communication with the mobile terminal device 101. In the present embodiment, the case where the MFP 100 is used as an example will be described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, etc., each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi-Function Peripheral (multifunctional peripheral device).

[0013] The AP 111 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 101 and the MFP 100 and operates as a base station device of the WLAN. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can perform communication in the infrastructure mode of the WLAN via the AP 111. In addition, the infrastructure mode may be referred to as the "wireless infrastructure mode" in some cases. The AP 111 performs wireless communication with a communication device that has permitted (authenticated) connection to the self-device, and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. In addition, the AP 111 can be connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and other communication devices wirelessly connected to the AP 111.

[0014] AP112 and AP113 have the same hardware configuration as AP111. Furthermore, AP111, AP112, and AP113 are APs that support Multi-AP communication, as described later, and they form a group (Multi-AP group 110) and operate in a cooperative manner.

[0015] The DHCP server 114 connects to the MFP 100 via AP 111 and network 120, and provides services to the MFP 100 by responding to requests from the MFP 100. In Figure 1, the DHCP server 114 is described as being connected as a separate device from AP 111, AP 112, and AP 113, but it is also possible for AP 111, AP 112, and AP 113 to have DHCP server functionality.

[0016] The DNS server 115 is connected to the MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 101 via AP 111 and network 120, and provides name resolution services by responding to requests from the MFP 100 and mobile terminal device 101. Here, network 120 may be the so-called internet, a closed network within a company, or a mobile phone network.

[0017] (External configuration of the MFP) Figure 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of the MFP100. The MFP100 includes, for example, a document tray 201, a document cover 202, a paper input slot 203, a paper output slot 204, and an operation display unit 220. The document tray 201 is a platform on which the document to be scanned is placed. The document cover 202 is a cover that holds down the document placed on the document tray 201 and prevents light from the light source that illuminates the document during scanning from leaking to the outside. The paper input slot 203 is an input slot that can accommodate paper of various sizes. The paper output slot 204 is an output slot for ejecting paper after printing is complete. Paper set in the paper input slot 203 is transported to the printing unit one sheet at a time, and after printing is performed in the printing unit, it is ejected from the paper output slot 204. The operation display unit 220 includes a touch panel display and is configured to accept user operations for activating various functions and settings of the MFP. Furthermore, the operation display unit 220 may be configured to include physical operation keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, select keys, and cancel keys, as well as LEDs, LCDs, and the like.

[0018] The MFP100 has a wireless communication function via WLAN and does not necessarily need to be visible from the outside, but it is configured to include a wireless communication antenna 206 for that wireless communication. Like the mobile terminal device 101, the MFP100 can perform wireless communication via WLAN.

[0019] (MFP configuration) Figure 2(b) shows an example configuration of the MFP100. The MFP100 includes a main board 211 that performs the main control of the device itself, and a wireless unit 250 which is a communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one antenna. The MFP100 may also be configured to include, for example, a wired LAN unit for wired LAN communication.

[0020] The main board 211 includes, for example, a CPU 212 (central processing unit), ROM 213, RAM 214, non-volatile memory 215, image memory 216, read control unit 217, data conversion unit 218, read unit 219, and code decoding unit 221. The main board 211 also includes, for example, a printing unit 222, a paper feeding unit 223, a print control unit 224, and an operation display unit 220. These functional units within the main board 211 are interconnected via a system bus 230 managed by the CPU 212. The main board 211 and the wireless unit 250 are connected, for example, via a dedicated bus 225.

[0021] The CPU 212 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire MFP 100. In one example, the processing of the MFP 100 described below is realized by the CPU 212 executing a program stored in the ROM 213. Dedicated hardware may be provided for each process. The ROM 213 is a non-volatile memory that stores control programs and embedded OS programs executed by the CPU 212. In this embodiment, the CPU 212 loads each control program stored in the ROM 213 into the RAM 214 and executes them under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 213, thereby performing software control such as scheduling and task switching.

[0022] RAM214 is a volatile memory composed of SRAM or the like. RAM214 stores data such as program control variables, user-registered settings, and MFP100 management data. RAM214 can also be used as a buffer for various work. Non-volatile memory 215 is composed of memory such as flash memory and continues to store data even when the MFP100 is powered off. Image memory 216 is composed of memory such as DRAM. Image memory 216 stores image data received via the wireless unit 250 and image data processed by the code decoding processing unit 221. Note that the memory configuration of MFP100 is not limited to the above configuration. The data conversion unit 218 performs analysis of various data formats and conversion from image data to print data.

[0023] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (for example, a CIS (contact image sensor)) to optically read (scan) the document placed on the document glass 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signal) and outputs it. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may perform various image processing such as binarization and halftone processing before outputting the image data.

[0024] The operation display unit 220 includes a touch panel display that displays images based on display control by the CPU 212, and performs functions such as generating signals in response to user operations on the touch panel display or physical operation keys.

[0025] The encoding and decoding processing unit 221 performs encoding and decoding processing, as well as scaling processing, for image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP100.

[0026] The paper feed unit 223 holds paper for printing. The paper feed unit 223 can supply the set paper under the control of the print control unit 224. The paper feed unit 223 may include multiple paper feed units to hold multiple types of paper in one device, and the print control unit 224 can control which paper feed unit to use for feeding.

[0027] The print control unit 224 applies various image processing to the image data to be printed, such as smoothing, print density correction, and color correction, and outputs the processed image data to the print unit 222. The print unit 222 is configured to perform, for example, inkjet printing, and ejects ink supplied from the ink tanks from the print head to record an image on a recording medium such as paper. The print unit 222 may also be configured to perform other printing processes such as electrophotography. Furthermore, the print control unit 224 can periodically read information from the print unit 222 and update status information, including the remaining amount of ink in the ink tanks and the status of the print head, which is stored in the RAM 214.

[0028] The wireless unit 250 is a unit capable of providing WLAN communication functionality, and can provide similar functionality to, for example, the wireless unit 401 of the mobile terminal device 101. That is, the wireless unit 250 converts data into packets according to the WLAN standard and transmits the packets to other devices, and also restores packets from external devices back to their original data and outputs it to the CPU 212.

[0029] The wireless unit 250 is capable of communication as a Station (hereinafter referred to as STA) or Access Point (AP) compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Specifically, it is capable of communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn standards. The wireless unit 250 includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores programs.

[0030] The communication control unit 240 is a unit that controls the communication functions of the MFP 100 and controls the wireless unit 250. The processing of the communication control unit 240 is realized by the CPU 212 executing a control program stored in the ROM 213. The communication control unit 240 and the wireless unit 250 are interconnected, for example, via the system bus 230 and a dedicated bus 225.

[0031] (MFP operation display) Figure 3 schematically shows an example of the screen display on the display (touch panel display) included in the operation display unit 220 of the MFP100.

[0032] Figure 3(a) shows an example of the home screen displayed when the MFP100 is powered on but not performing any operations such as printing or scanning (idle state, standby state). The area 310 at the top of the home screen is the basic menu area, where menu items selected when issuing copy or scan commands are displayed. In Figure 3(a), area 310 displays a list of icons 311 to 313, corresponding to copy, scan, and print, respectively, as basic menu items (display items). When each basic menu item is selected, a detailed menu corresponding to it is displayed, and the MFP100 can be instructed to perform the operation / function (copy or scan) corresponding to the selected menu item. By displaying other pages of the basic menu (such as sliding left or right on area 310), different menu items from icons 311 to 313 can be displayed in area 310. For example, an icon corresponding to the cloud can be displayed. The cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions that utilize internet communication.

[0033] The network display area 321 is an area that displays icons indicating the network status. In the example shown, the network display area 321 displays icons indicating that both wireless infrastructure and wireless direct are disabled. Furthermore, touching the network display area 321 will display the communication settings menu.

[0034] Icon 322 is an operation icon that accepts instructions to perform setup on a PC / smartphone. When icon 322 is touched, the same action as when "Set up on PC / smartphone" is selected in Figure 3(d), which will be described later, is performed.

[0035] Icon 323 is the operation icon to select when changing settings or performing maintenance on the MFP100.

[0036] Figure 3(b) shows an example of the communication settings menu screen displayed when the network display area 321 is touched on the home screen of Figure 3(a). The communication settings menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Wireless LAN", "Wired LAN", "Wireless Direct", "Bluetooth", and "Common". "Wireless LAN", "Wired LAN", and "Wireless Direct" are menu items for LAN settings, and from these items you can configure settings such as wired connection settings, enabling / disabling wireless infrastructure mode, and enabling / disabling P2P modes such as WFD and soft AP mode.

[0037] Figure 3(c) shows an example of the wireless LAN settings menu screen displayed when the "Wireless LAN" option is selected in the screen shown in Figure 3(d). The wireless LAN settings menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Enable / Disable Wireless LAN," "Wireless LAN Setup," and "Display Wireless LAN Settings." Selecting the "Enable / Disable Wireless LAN" option switches the setting of enabling or disabling the wireless infrastructure mode. Selecting the "Wireless LAN Setup" option displays the wireless LAN setup menu shown in Figure 3(d). Selecting "Display Wireless LAN Settings" displays a detailed screen (wireless LAN settings display screen) that shows details such as the current wireless LAN settings and communication status.

[0038] Figure 3(d) shows an example of the wireless LAN setup menu screen displayed when the "Wireless LAN Setup" option is selected in the screen shown in Figure 3(c). The wireless LAN setup menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Set up with PC / smartphone," "Set up by entering a password," and "Set up using the router buttons." From these items, you can perform wireless LAN setup using the network setup mode described later, the password entry method, or the push-button method.

[0039] (External configuration of a mobile terminal device) Figure 4(a) shows an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 101. In this embodiment, as an example, the case where the mobile terminal device 101 is a general-purpose smartphone is shown. The mobile terminal device 101 is composed of, for example, a display unit 420, an operation unit 418, and a power key 404. The display unit 420 is a display that includes a display mechanism such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) type or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type. The display unit 420 may also display information using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In addition to or instead of the display unit 420, the mobile terminal device 101 may also have a function to output information by voice. The operation unit 418 is composed of hard keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, etc., for detecting user operations. In this example, since the information display on the display unit 420 and the reception of user operations by the operation unit 418 are performed using a common touch panel display, the display unit 420 and the operation unit 418 are realized by a single device. In this case, for example, button icons or a software keyboard are displayed using the display function of the display unit 420, and the operation reception function of the operation unit 418 detects when the user touches these areas. Alternatively, the display unit 420 and the operation unit 418 may be separated, with separate hardware for display and hardware for operation reception. The power key 404 is a hard key for receiving user input to turn the power of the mobile terminal device 101 on or off.

[0040] The mobile terminal device 101 does not necessarily need to be visible from its external appearance, but it has a wireless unit 401 that provides WLAN communication functionality. The wireless unit 401 is configured to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system compliant with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn). However, it is not limited to this, and the wireless unit 401 may be able to perform communication in a WLAN system compliant with other standards. In this example, the wireless unit 401 is assumed to be able to communicate in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. However, it is not limited to this, and the wireless unit 401 may be able to communicate in one or more frequency bands including the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Furthermore, the wireless unit 401 is assumed to be able to perform WFD-based communication, soft AP mode communication, wireless infrastructure mode communication, etc. The operation of these modes will be described later.

[0041] (Configuration of mobile terminal devices) Figure 4(b) shows an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal device 101. In one example, the mobile terminal device 101 has a main board 411 that performs the main control of the device itself, and a wireless unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, ROM 413, RAM 414, image memory 415, data conversion unit 416, telephone unit 417, GPS 419, camera unit 421, non-volatile memory 422, data storage unit 423, speaker unit 424, and power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM for Read Only Memory, RAM for Random Access Memory, and GPS for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 101 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units within the main board 411 are interconnected via a system bus 628 managed by the CPU 412. Furthermore, the main board 411 and the wireless unit 429 (the aforementioned wireless unit 401) are connected, for example, via a dedicated bus 426.

[0042] The CPU 412 is a system control unit including at least one processor, and controls the entire mobile terminal device 101. In one example, the processing of the mobile terminal device 101 described below is realized by the CPU 412 executing a program stored in the ROM 413. Dedicated hardware may be provided for each process. The ROM 413 stores control programs and embedded operating system (OS) programs that the CPU 412 executes. In this embodiment, the CPU 412 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching by executing each control program stored in the ROM 413 under the management of the embedded OS, which is also stored in the ROM 413.

[0043] RAM 414 is composed of SRAM (Static RAM) or the like. RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, user-registered settings, and management data for the mobile terminal device 101. RAM 414 can also be used as a buffer for various tasks. Image memory 415 is composed of memory such as DRAM (Dynamic RAM). Image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the wireless unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. Non-volatile memory 422 is composed of memory such as flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power to the mobile terminal device 101 is turned off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 101 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, image memory 415 and RAM 414 may be shared, or data backup may be performed using the data storage unit 423. In this embodiment, DRAM is given as an example of image memory 415, but other storage media such as hard disks or non-volatile memory may be used.

[0044] The data conversion unit 416 performs data analysis of various formats and data conversions such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls the telephone line and processes the voice data input and output via the speaker unit 424 to enable telephone communication. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites and acquires location information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 101.

[0045] The camera unit 421 has the function of electronically recording and encoding images input through the lens. Image data obtained by imaging with the camera unit 421 is stored in the data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 has the function of inputting or outputting sound for telephone functions, and also performs control to realize other functions such as alarm notifications. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery and controls the power supply to the device. Power states include, for example, a battery-dead state where there is no remaining battery power, a power-off state where the power key 404 is not pressed, a normal startup state, and a power-saving state where the device is running but power saving is enabled.

[0046] The display unit 420, based on the control of the CPU 412, performs various input operations and displays the operating status and status of the MFP 100. The operation unit 418 receives user operations and performs control such as generating electrical signals corresponding to those operations and outputting them to the CPU 412.

[0047] The mobile terminal device 101 performs wireless communication using the wireless unit 429 to communicate data with other devices such as the MFP 100. The wireless unit 429 converts data into packets and transmits them to other devices. The wireless unit 429 also restores packets from external devices back to their original data and outputs it to the CPU 412. The wireless unit 429 is a unit that enables communication compliant with WLAN standards. The wireless unit 429 can operate in parallel in at least two communication modes, including wireless infrastructure mode and P2P (WLAN) mode. The frequency bands used in these communication modes may be limited by the hardware functions and performance.

[0048] (Access point configuration) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of AP1(101), which has wireless LAN access point functionality. It consists of a main board 510 that controls AP1(101), a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and operation buttons 520.

[0049] The microprocessor-type CPU 511 located on the main board 510 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM-type program memory 513, which is connected via the internal bus 512, and the contents of the RAM-type data memory 514. The CPU 511 controls the wireless LAN unit 516 through the wireless LAN communication control unit 515 to perform wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. Specifically, the wireless LAN unit 616 is configured to perform data (packet) communication in a WLAN system compliant with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard series (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn) as wireless LAN communication. It is also capable of communication as an AP compatible with Multi-AP communication, which will be described later. However, it is not limited to this, and the wireless unit 616 may also be capable of performing communication in WLAN systems compliant with other standards. In this example, the wireless unit 616 is assumed to be capable of communication in the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands. However, the wireless unit 616 may be capable of communicating in one or more frequency bands, including the 2.4GHz band, the 5GHz band, and the 6GHz band.

[0050] Furthermore, the CPU 511 controls the wired LAN unit 518 through the wired LAN communication control unit 517 to perform wired LAN communication with other communication terminal devices. The CPU 511 can accept user operations via the operation buttons 520 by controlling the operation control unit control unit 519. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0051] Furthermore, AP1(101) includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel changing unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs interference wave detection processing when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented. The channel changing unit 522 performs channel changing processing when an interference wave is detected while wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is implemented, and when it is necessary to immediately switch to an available channel, etc.

[0052] AP112 and AP113 have the same configuration as AP111.

[0053] (P2P communication method) Next, we will outline the P2P (WLAN) communication method, which allows devices to communicate directly wirelessly with each other without the need for an external access point. P2P (WLAN) communication can be implemented using multiple methods; for example, a communication device can support multiple modes for P2P (WLAN) communication and selectively use one of these modes to perform P2P communication (WLAN).

[0054] Two P2P modes are assumed: • Soft AP mode • Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode A communication device capable of performing P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes. On the other hand, a communication device capable of performing P2P communication is not required to support all of these modes, but may be configured to support only some of them.

[0055] A communication device with WFD communication capabilities (for example, a mobile terminal device 104) receives user input via its control panel, thereby calling a (possibly dedicated) application to implement its communication functionality. The communication device then displays a UI (user interface) screen provided by the application to prompt user input, and can perform WFD communication based on the received user input.

[0056] ● Soft AP mode In soft AP mode, the communication device (e.g., mobile terminal device 104) acts as a client requesting various services. The other communication device (e.g., MFP100) operates as a soft AP capable of performing WLAN AP functions through software configuration. The commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the soft AP are those specified in the Wi-Fi® standard, so their explanation is omitted here. In addition, the MFP100 operating in soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP100 can select which frequency band to use from 5GHz and 2.4GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0057] ●WFD mode The MFP100 can be configured to start permanently as the master station in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, the GO Negotiation process to determine the role is unnecessary. Also, in this case, the MFP100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP100 can select which frequency band to use, 5GHz or 2.4GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0058] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices that communicate with each other (for example, the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100) are connected to an external access point (AP) that manages the network (for example, AP1(101)), and communication between communication devices takes place via that AP. In other words, communication between communication devices is performed via the network established by the external AP. When the mobile terminal device 104 and the MFP 100 each discover AP1(101), send connection requests to AP1(101), and connect, communication between these communication devices in wireless infrastructure mode via AP1(101) becomes possible. Note that multiple communication devices may be connected to separate APs. In this case, data transfer between APs enables communication between communication devices. The commands and parameters sent and received during communication between each communication device via the access point can be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, so an explanation is omitted here. Also, in this case, AP1(101) determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, AP1(101) can select which frequency band to use from 5GHz, 2.4GHz, and 6GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0059] (Multi-AP News) The IEEE 802.11be standard specifies multi-link communication, in which a single access point (AP) establishes multiple links with a single station (STA) via multiple different frequency channels and communicates in parallel.

[0060] Furthermore, the IEEE 802.11bn standard, the successor to the IEEE 802.11be standard, is exploring methods to improve usability using Multi-AP communication.

[0061] For example, distributed MIMO technology is based on a technique called MIMO (multi-user multi-output), which uses multiple transmitting and receiving antennas simultaneously on the same channel. In distributed MIMO, in an environment with multiple access points (APs) and multiple service stations (STAs), APs form groups to share information about communication status and the status of each AP, and data is sent to the STA in parallel from multiple APs at the same time. Because multiple APs perform joint transmission, the number of spatial streams can be increased compared to the case of a single AP, and thus an improvement in throughput can be expected.

[0062] Another example is a technology that improves reception quality at the STA by utilizing the effects of time diversity and spatial diversity, through which multiple APs transmit data to the STA at different times using time-division multiplexing.

[0063] This type of communication technology, in which multiple access points (APs) form a group and operate in a coordinated manner, is called Multi-AP communication. APs are classified into a single Coordinator AP that manages all APs and Coordinated APs that operate under the management of the Coordinator AP.

[0064] In the following, in Multi-AP communication, the AP that manages the other APs will be referred to as the "Coordinator AP" or "Sharing AP". APs operating under the management of the Coordinator AP will be referred to as the "Coordinated AP" or "Shared AP". The Coordinator AP and the Coordinated AP can send and receive signals from each other. Furthermore, each of the multiple APs, including AP111 to AP113, may be connected wirelessly and perform wireless LAN communication, or connected via a wired connection and perform wired LAN communication. It is assumed that AP111 to AP113 are capable of Multi-AP communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards and support a configuration in which multiple APs cooperate to communicate with a common STA.

[0065] There are two types of multi-AP communication methods: Co-OFDMA and Joint-TX. In Co-OFDMA (Coordinated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), the available frequency resources are separated among multiple BSSs (Basic Service Sets). For example, the frequency resources used by AP112 and MFP100(STA) are separated from those used by AP113 and MFP100(STA) so as not to overlap. This prevents interference between BSS communications. If an STA has the capability to transmit and receive simultaneously on multiple frequency bands (multiple resource units within the same channel or spanning different channels, multiple channels, or multiple of the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands), multiple APs can cooperate to transmit and receive data on the same STA. Data includes content data such as image data, audio data, document data, and print data. In this case, for example, it is possible to send packet 1 of content A from AP112 to MFP100(STA) and send packet 2 of content A from AP113 to MFP100(STA) in parallel.

[0066] In the Joint-TX (Joint-Transmission) method, the same signal is transmitted and received between multiple access points (APs) and one station (STA). The system controls the reception of a multiplexed wave (superimposed wave, multiplexed wave, composite wave) created by combining the radio waves emitted from multiple APs in a way that is amplified by wave interference. This ensures that the STA receives a stronger signal (amplified signal) than a signal from a single AP alone. For example, the same signal is transmitted and received between AP112 and MFP100(STA), and between AP113 and MFP100(STA), with the signal being multiplexed and amplified at the MFP100(STA) location. For instance, at the same time, AP112 sends packet 1 of content A to MFP100(STA), and AP113 sends packet 1 of content A to MFP100(STA). The content A radio waves are transmitted in a way that multiplexes at the MFP100(STA) location. This improves the reliability (connectivity) of communication between the STA and APs, as well as the speed of data transmission and reception.

[0067] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in which AP111 operates as a Coordinator AP, and Coordinated APs AP112 and AP113 cooperate to send and receive data to and from the MFP100(STA). In this sequence, the processing performed by each device is realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in the memory such as ROM into RAM and executing them.

[0068] In S601, AP111 to AP113 perform Multi-AP setup processing. During Multi-AP setup processing, capability information and parameters are exchanged between APs, and a group is formed for Multi-AP communication.

[0069] In S602, Multi-AP coordination processing is performed between AP111 and AP113. For example, the Multi-AP communication method is determined, the AP roles (Coordinator AP or Coordinated AP) are determined, and parameters and network information are exchanged between APs. The Multi-AP communication method and AP roles are determined by exchanging and comparing parameters between AP111 and AP113. At that time, the Coordinator AP (AP111) notifies the Coordinated APs (AP112 and AP113) of network information that should be used in common (such as the SSID to be used in common and the BSSID (Basic Service Set color ID) to be used in common). Note that the BSSID to be used in common is notified in the case of Joint-TX.

[0070] In S603, AP112 and AP113 transmit Beacon frames (information that APs spontaneously transmit periodically) according to the network information notified in S602. The Beacon frame contains information indicating that Multi-AP communication is possible with the connected STA and information indicating the Multi-AP communication method. APs that support Multi-AP communication may also transmit a Multi-AP IE (Information Element) within the Beacon frame. The Multi-AP IE contains at least one of the following pieces of information (one or more of the following pieces of information). • The SSID used by multiple Coordinated APs belonging to the same multi-AP group (the ESSID to be used in common, as notified by S602) • BSSID (In the case of Joint-TX, the BSSID notified by S602 should be used in common by APs belonging to multi-AP group 110) • BSS color value (identifier) ​​for Multi-AP communication • Operating wireless channel (If using the Joint-TX method, this is the communication channel that should be used in common. If using the Co-OFDMA method, this is the communication channel and / or resource unit used by the source AP. In the case of the Co-OFDMA method, this may also include the communication channels and / or resource units used by other APs within the multi-AP group 110.) • Multi-AP communication method (information that identifies whether it is Co-OFDMA or Joint-TX) The storage method and structure of this information are not limited to those described here, and similar information may be stored and transmitted in a similar format. Note that Multi-AP IE may have a different name, such as Multi-AP Element. Furthermore, Multi-AP IE may be included in wireless frames such as the S605 Probe Response frame or other Action frames.

[0071] In S604, the MFP100(STA) begins establishing a connection with the AP using wireless infrastructure mode. The MFP100(STA) sends a ProbeRequest frame to begin searching for the AP in order to determine whether the AP supports Multi-AP communication.

[0072] In S605, the MFP100(STA) searches for and discovers APs by receiving ProbeResponse frames and Beacon frames transmitted from APs, which are responses to AP searches.

[0073] In S606, MFP100(STA) performs connection processing with at least one CoordinatedAP based on the information contained in the frame received in S605. Here, as an example, MFP100(STA) sends a connection request to AP112 and performs a connection attempt (connection processing). This connection processing includes processes such as Authentication and Association as defined in IEEE802.11. MFP100(STA) may also add Multi-AP IE to the Association Request frame it sends to indicate that it is requesting Multi-AP communication. Upon receiving the Association Request frame, AP112 sends an Association Response frame in response. This establishes a wireless LAN connection between MFP100(STA) and AP112.

[0074] In S607, when AP112 establishes a connection with MFP100(STA), it notifies CoordinatorAP(AP111) of information indicating that it has established a connection with MFP100(STA), along with connection parameters related to the connected MFP100(STA). The connection parameters related to the connected MFP100(STA) include information used or generated during the connection process between AP112 and MFP100 (such as PMK cache, roaming information, authentication information, etc.), and the STA identifier. Similarly, when AP113 connects with MFP100(STA), AP113 also notifies CoordinatorAP(AP111) that it has established a connection.

[0075] After S607, AP111 transmits the connection parameters for MFP100(STA) transmitted in S607 to AP113. AP113 may use the transmitted connection parameters for MFP100(STA) to establish a connection with MFP100. However, in the Joint-TX method, data can be transmitted from APs that have not established a connection. In other words, APs that have not established a connection can also be sources of multiplexed radio waves. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the process of establishing a connection between AP113 and MFP100.

[0076] In S608, the CoordinatorAP (AP111) determines the transmission parameters (information necessary for determining the transmission timing and transmission power for each CoordinatedAP and each antenna, and / or resource unit allocation information, etc.) based on the connection parameters (parameters received in S607) of the CoordinatedAP that has connected to the MFP100 (STA), and then allocates the transmission data. The determined transmission parameter information is notified to each CoordinatedAP via a Multi-AP Trigger frame. AP112 and AP113 set their own transmission parameters (transmission timing, transmission power, and resource units to be used) based on the notified information. Note that the Multi-AP Trigger frame may have a different name. Also, the Multi-AP Trigger frame may be an extension of the Trigger frame of the IEEE802.11ax / be standard.

[0077] In S609, the CoordinatorAP (AP111) sends data to be sent to the MFP100 (STA) (for example, content data such as image data, document data, and print data) to the CoordinatedAP.

[0078] In S610, when the Coordinated APs (AP112, 113) receive data to be transmitted from the Coordinator AP (AP111), they coordinately transmit that data to the MFP100. Also, when the Coordinated APs (AP112, AP113) receive data from the MFP100 (STA), they transmit that received data to the Coordinator AP (AP111). Note that this order of data transmission and reception is just an example; for example, data reception from the STA may occur before data transmission to the STA.

[0079] Furthermore, the CoordinatorAP may directly transmit and receive signals with the STA. For example, AP111 may operate as both a CoordinatorAP and a CoordinatedAP. In this case, for example, AP111 may transmit and receive wireless frames between itself and the STA while issuing instructions to AP112 or AP113 to transmit and receive wireless frames between AP112 or AP113 and the STA. The CoordinatorAP may also transmit data to be transmitted to the CoordinatedAP when it causes the CoordinatedAP to transmit wireless frames. However, it is not limited to this, and the CoordinatedAP may also obtain data to be transmitted directly from, for example, the Internet. In addition, the CoordinatorAP may receive data received by the CoordinatedAP from the STA, but the CoordinatedAP may also forward the data received from the STA to the STA's partner device instead of forwarding it to the CoordinatorAP.

[0080] Furthermore, any AP within the same network can operate as a Coordinator AP, and it may be determined by some criteria that one of the APs will operate as a Coordinator AP. The Coordinator AP does not necessarily operate as an AP that transmits Beacon frames, but may only perform the Coordinator AP's role, such as sending instructions to other APs. Also, each AP may operate as multiple Coordinated APs by having multiple wireless LAN communication control units 515. Additionally, the Coordinator AP may be implemented as a logical function, and one physical AP may operate as a Coordinator AP while simultaneously operating as one or more Coordinated APs.

[0081] This section describes the process of dynamically switching the display method of information about the AP connected to the MFP100, depending on the communication method with the AP. The AP information includes information indicating the radio wave conditions of the connected AP, as described later.

[0082] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of connecting the MFP100 to an AP (S701-S711) and the process of displaying information about the AP connected to the MFP100 according to the AP's communication method (S712-S722). Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is realized by the CPU 212 of the MFP100 loading various programs stored in the computer-readable memory of the ROM 213 into the RAM 214 and executing them.

[0083] This process is initiated when the MFP100 is started up or when the communication mode is enabled. It is also initiated, for example, when the MFP100 is powered on based on user operation. Furthermore, it is initiated based on user operation such as selecting the "Wireless LAN Setup" item on the screen shown in Figure 3(c) on the operation display unit 220 to begin setting the wireless infrastructure mode. This process may also be initiated by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as a mobile terminal device 101. Additionally, this process may be initiated when the radio wave environment deteriorates, worsening the connection between the MFP100 and an external AP, and requiring a re-determination of the AP to connect to. Furthermore, this process may be initiated when the communication method used for communication between the MFP100 and an external AP is changed. Finally, the processes S712 to S723 in Figure 7 may be executed periodically while the MFP100 is connected to an AP, or when the connection status between the MFP100 and the AP changes.

[0084] In S701, the CPU 212 obtains AP information necessary for setting the wireless infrastructure mode. The CPU 212 obtains AP information by searching for APs using, for example, the MFP 100. Specifically, in S701, the CPU 212 starts searching for APs by sending a device discovery request (ProbeRequest). This process corresponds to the process in S604 in Figure 6 mentioned above.

[0085] Subsequently, the CPU 212 searches for and discovers the AP by receiving device discovery responses (ProbeResponses) and Beacons (information that the AP voluntarily transmits periodically) from the AP. This process corresponds to the process S605 in Figure 6 mentioned above.

[0086] The information obtained from APs through the S701's AP search includes at least one of the following: AP SSID, signal strength (Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)), signal-noise ratio (SNR) , link speed, frequency band, MAC address, authentication method, encryption method, and information indicating Multi-AP related information (Multi-AP IE) as explained in Figure 6. Note that the content of the information obtained from APs in this process varies depending on the AP model, model number, settings, etc. Furthermore, if an AP does not support the security methods (authentication method, encryption method) supported by the MFP100, the information of that AP may be excluded from the search results. Also, if the MFP100 does not support the security methods supported by the AP, and / or if the security methods supported by the AP are restricted by the MFP100, the information of that AP may be excluded from the search results.

[0087] Furthermore, in S701, after the CPU 212 completes the AP search, it displays a list of APs on the MFP 100's operation display unit 220 and accepts the user to enter the password for the AP selected by the user.

[0088] Furthermore, AP information in S701 may be obtained from the AP using a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark). Alternatively, AP information in S701 may be obtained from the AP using a function called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter, WPS) (registered trademark). In addition, AP information in S701 may be obtained by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as a mobile terminal device 104. Furthermore, if AP information is already stored through a process described later, the CPU 212 may obtain AP information from the RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215 of the MFP 100.

[0089] In S702, the CPU 212 stores AP information necessary for setting the wireless infrastructure mode in RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215 based on the information acquired in S701. The information stored in memory such as RAM 214 in S702 includes at least one piece of information such as the AP's SSID, signal strength, communication quality, link speed, frequency band, MAC address, authentication method, encryption method, and information indicating Multi-AP related information (Multi-AP IE).

[0090] Next, in steps S703 to S709, the CPU 212 uses the AP information stored in memory such as RAM 112 in step S702 to perform a connection process to the AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. This process corresponds to the process in step S606 in Figure 6 mentioned above.

[0091] In steps S703-S705, CPU212 determines the communication method supported by the AP to be connected to. Then, in steps S706-S709, CPU212 performs the connection process with the AP.

[0092] In S703, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP is capable of performing Multi-AP communication. Whether the AP is capable of performing Multi-AP communication is determined based on information obtained from the AP, as explained with reference to Figure 6. For example, in the processing of S701, if the Beacon frame (information that the AP spontaneously transmits periodically) or the device discovery response (Probe Response) received from the AP contains Multi-AP IE, the CPU 212 determines that the AP is capable of performing Multi-AP communication and proceeds to S704; otherwise, it proceeds to S706.

[0093] In S704, the CPU212 determines whether the AP is capable of performing Joint-TX communication in Multi-AP communication. The determination of whether the AP is capable of performing Joint-TX communication is based on information obtained from the AP, similar to S703. For example, the determination is based on the Multi-AP IE value contained in the Beacon frame or device discovery response (Probe Response) received from the AP in S701. If the CPU212 determines that the AP is capable of performing Joint-TX communication, it proceeds to S707; otherwise, it proceeds to S705.

[0094] In S705, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP is capable of performing Co-OFDMA communication in Multi-AP communication. The determination of whether the AP is capable of performing Co-OFDMA communication is made based on information obtained from the AP, similar to S704. In S705, the CPU 212 makes this determination based, for example, on the Multi-AP IE value included in the Beacon frame or device discovery response (Probe Response) received from the AP in S701. If the CPU 212 determines that the AP is capable of performing Co-OFDMA communication, it proceeds to S708; otherwise, it proceeds to S709.

[0095] In S706, CPU212 uses AP information stored in memory such as RAM112 by S702 to perform connection processing to the AP in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. Note that the connection processing with the AP in S706 may be a connection process that conforms to one or more of the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards.

[0096] In S707, CPU212 uses AP information stored in memory such as RAM112 by S702 to perform connection processing to the AP in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. Specifically, in S707, CPU212 performs connection processing to the AP using the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication.

[0097] In S708, CPU212 uses AP information stored in memory such as RAM112 by S702 to perform connection processing to the AP in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. Specifically, in S708, CPU212 performs connection processing to the AP using the Co-OFDMA method in Multi-AP communication.

[0098] In S709, CPU212 uses AP information stored in memory such as RAM112 in S702 to perform connection processing to the AP in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. Specifically, in S709, CPU212 performs connection processing to the AP using Multi-AP communication, which is different from both the Joint-TX method and the Co-OFDMA method.

[0099] In S710, the CPU212 determines whether the connection between the MFP100 and the AP was successful by performing one of the connection processes in S706 to S709. If the CPU212 determines that the connection was successful, it proceeds to S711. On the other hand, if the CPU212 determines that the connection failed, it returns to S701 and attempts to obtain connection information with the AP and establish a connection with the AP again. Depending on the reason for the failure to connect to the AP, the CPU212 may omit the processes in S701 and / or S702. For example, in S710, if the CPU212 determines that the connection failed because the AP could not be found, it may attempt to establish a connection with the AP again using the AP information previously stored in memory such as RAM112 in S702.

[0100] In S711, the CPU 212, similar to S702, stores AP information in RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215 based on information obtained from the AP during the connection process with one of the APs in S706 to S709. The AP information stored in memory such as RAM 112 in S711 includes at least one piece of information such as the connection status with the AP (connected), security method, frequency band, AP MAC address, IPv4 address and IPv6 address assigned to MFP100, signal strength, communication quality, link speed, and information indicating the Multi-AP communication method.

[0101] Regarding the signal strength of the AP, the RSSI obtained from the wireless unit 250 when connecting to the AP may be converted using a predetermined method and stored. For example, as shown in Figure 10(a), the value may be converted to 0% when the RSSI is -100dBm or less, 20% when it is -85dBm, and 100% when it is -35dBm or more and stored.

[0102] Furthermore, the communication quality may be stored as a value obtained by converting the SNR using a predetermined method. For example, as shown in Figure 10(b), the value may be stored as 0% when the SNR is 0 dB or less, and as 100% when it is 50 dB or more.

[0103] Steps S712 to S722 in Figure 7 are processes that display information about the AP to which the MFP100 is connected.

[0104] In S712, the CPU 212 begins checking the operating state of the communication mode of the MFP 100 and the connection status between the MFP 100 and the AP in order to determine how to display information indicating the radio wave conditions of the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected. In S712, the CPU 212 acquires connection information with the AP. Specifically, the CPU 212 acquires AP information stored in memory such as RAM 112 in S702 and / or S711. The CPU 212 may also acquire signal strength (RSSI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) from the wireless unit 250.

[0105] Next, in steps S713 to S716, CPU212 uses the values ​​obtained in S712 to determine how to display information indicating the radio wave conditions of the connected AP.

[0106] In S713, the CPU 212 uses the value obtained in S712 to determine whether the wireless infrastructure's communication mode is enabled and operating. If the CPU 212 determines that the wireless infrastructure's communication mode is enabled and operating, it proceeds to S714; otherwise, it proceeds to S720.

[0107] In S714, the CPU212 determines whether the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Multi-AP method. Based on the value obtained in S712, if the CPU212 determines that the communication method is Multi-AP communication, it proceeds to S715; otherwise, it proceeds to S721.

[0108] In S715, the CPU212 determines whether the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication. Based on the value obtained in S712, the CPU212 proceeds to S721 if it determines that the communication method is the Joint-TX method, and to S716 otherwise.

[0109] In S716, the CPU212 determines whether the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method in Multi-AP communication. If the CPU212 determines from the value obtained in S712 that the connection method with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method, it proceeds to S717; otherwise, it proceeds to S721.

[0110] In S717, the CPU 212 determines whether the display area for AP information is smaller than a predetermined size. If the CPU 212 determines that it is smaller, it proceeds to S721; otherwise, it proceeds to S718. Depending on the display state (display screen), the size of the area used to display AP information may differ. Therefore, S717 is a process to determine what the current display state (display screen) is. Note that the determination in S717 may be omitted.

[0111] In situations where the MFP100 can perform Multi-AP communication, the MFP100 may be connected to multiple APs. If the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs and the display area is smaller than a predetermined size, displaying information for multiple connected APs may make it difficult for the user to recognize the AP information. Also, it may not be possible to display all the AP information in the display area. Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined in S717 that the display area is smaller than a predetermined size, the process proceeds to S721, where the AP information is displayed together.

[0112] In S718, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP information display area is the home screen. If the CPU 212 determines it is the home screen, it proceeds to S721; otherwise, it proceeds to S719. Note that the determination in S718 may be omitted.

[0113] The display area for AP information on the home screen is, for example, the network display area 321 in Figure 3(a). Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the MFP100 is capable of multi-AP communication, the MFP100 may be connected to multiple APs. When the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs, there may not be enough display space in the network display area 321 to display the information for each AP. Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined in S718 that the display area is the home screen, the AP information is displayed together by the processing in S721, which will be described later.

[0114] In S719, the CPU212 checks the permissions (roles) of the logged-in user and determines whether the user logged into the MFP100 has the authority to change the communication mode settings (network settings of the MFP100). If the CPU212 determines that the logged-in user has the authority to change the settings, it proceeds to S722; otherwise, it proceeds to S721. Note that the determination in S719 may be omitted.

[0115] In S720, the CPU 212 displays information indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled. For example, the CPU 212 displays an icon indicating the wireless infrastructure connection status (disconnected) in the network display area 321 of Figure 3(a), and then terminates processing. Figure 11(a) shows an example of an icon indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled. The CPU 212 may also display text information indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled on the wireless LAN settings display screen. Figures 14(a) to 14(c) show examples of the wireless LAN settings display screen. The wireless LAN settings display screen displays the settings status of the MFP100's wireless LAN. The display items on the wireless LAN settings display screen include "SSID", "Connection Status", "Communication Method (Number of APs)", "Frequency Band", "Signal Strength", and "Link Speed". In other words, the wireless LAN settings display screen can be said to be a screen that displays the settings status of the MFP100's wireless LAN in more detail than the home screen in Figure 3(a). In the S720, CPU212 may display text information such as "Disconnecting" or "Not Connected" to indicate that wireless infrastructure mode is disabled, as part of the "Connection Status" information.

[0116] In S721, CPU212 displays information about the APs connected in wireless infrastructure mode. If S714 determines "No," it means that the MFP100 is not performing multi-AP communication with APs and is connected to a single AP. Therefore, if S714 determines "No," S721 will display the connection status with the single AP it is connected to, rather than displaying information about multiple APs connected in wireless infrastructure mode.

[0117] On the other hand, if S714 is determined to be Yes and the process in S721 is executed, the MFP100 is performing Multi-AP communication and is connected to multiple APs. However, instead of displaying the individual information of the multiple connected APs, it displays aggregated information about the multiple connected APs.

[0118] In S721, if the AP information is displayed on the home screen shown in Figure 3(a), the CPU 212 displays a single icon in the network display area 321 indicating the connection status (connected) of the wireless infrastructure. In this case, as shown in Figure 11(c), a different icon is displayed depending on the connection status with the AP. Furthermore, if the AP information is displayed on the wireless LAN settings display screen shown in Figure 14(a), the CPU 212 displays text information such as "connected" as the content corresponding to the "connection status". Details of the processing in S721 will be described later in Figure 8. Note that even with the same connection status, if the AP information is displayed on the wireless LAN settings display screen, the CPU 212 may display the sum of the maximum signal strength and link speed of each AP, as shown in Figure 14(b). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14(c), the CPU 212 may display the average signal strength of each AP. In other words, on the wireless LAN settings display screen, if a connection is made using the Multi-AP method, information about multiple Coordinated APs (multiple access points targeted for Multi-AP communication) that belong to the same Multi-AP group as the connected Multi-AP AP will be displayed, regardless of whether it is using the Joint-TX method or the Co-OFDMA method, among the APs that have been detected.

[0119] In S722, the CPU 212 displays AP information for connected wireless infrastructure mode without aggregating it. In other words, in S722, the CPU 212 displays individual information for multiple APs to which the MFP100 is connected. To put it another way, S722 displays information about multiple APs that are the target of Multi-AP communication. For example, if the destination for displaying AP information is the home screen shown in Figure 3(a), the network display area 321 may display icons corresponding to the signal strength of each AP that can be used in parallel with the MFP100's communication, as shown in Figure 11(d). Also, even with the same connection status, if the destination for displaying AP information is the wireless LAN settings display screen shown in Figure 14(a), the signal strength, frequency band, and link speed of each AP may be displayed side by side, as shown. In the example in Figure 14(a), the MFP100 is connected to three CoordinatedAPs, and the frequency band / signal strength / link speed are 2.4GHz / 100% / 45Mbps for the first CoordinatedAP, 5GHz / 75% / 30Mbps for the second CoordinatedAP, and 6GHz / 45% / 15Mbps for the third CoordinatedAP, respectively.

[0120] Note that at least one of steps S714 to S719 in the process shown in Figure 7 above may be omitted. If all steps are omitted, the process in S721 will be performed if Yes is determined in S713. In other words, if at least one of steps S714 to S719 is omitted, the AP information will be displayed together regardless of at least one of the following conditions (all or one or more), and the process in Figure 8 will begin. • Whether or not it is a Multi-AP system (S714) • Whether or not it uses the Joint-TX system (S715) • Whether or not it uses the Co-OFDMA method (S716) • Whether the display area for AP information is smaller than a predetermined size (S717) • Whether the AP information display area is the home screen or not (S718) • Whether the logged-in user has the authority to change the communication mode settings (S719)

[0121] If steps S714 to S719 are all omitted, the process in S722 may be performed if the result in S713 is determined to be Yes.

[0122] In S723, the CPU212 determines whether or not the MFP100 is connected to the AP in wireless infrastructure mode. In S723, the CPU212 makes this determination based on the value obtained in S712. For example, if the MFP100 receives a Beacon frame or device discovery response (Probe Response) from the AP within a certain period of time, the CPU212 determines that the MFP100 is connected to the AP and proceeds to S712. Otherwise, it determines that the MFP100 is disconnected from the AP (changed from a connected state to a disconnected state) and proceeds to S724.

[0123] In S724, the CPU 212 stores AP information in RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215, similar to S702 and S711. The AP information stored in memory such as RAM 112 in S724 includes information indicating the connection status with the AP (disconnected).

[0124] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S721. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 8 is realized when the CPU 212 of the MFP100 loads various programs stored in the computer-readable memory of ROM 213 into RAM 214 and executes them.

[0125] CPU212 checks the signal strength range of the connected AP in S801-S803 and displays the corresponding signal strength in S804-S807.

[0126] In S801, the CPU 212 determines whether the signal strength of the AP, calculated based on the RSSI obtained from the AP in S712 of Figure 7, falls within a first range. If the CPU 212 determines that it falls within the first range, it proceeds to S804; otherwise, it proceeds to S802.

[0127] In S802, the CPU212 determines whether the signal strength of the AP, calculated based on the RSSI obtained from the AP in S712 of Figure 7, falls within the second range. If it falls within the second range, the CPU212 proceeds to S805; otherwise, it proceeds to S803.

[0128] In S803, the CPU 212 determines whether the radio wave strength calculated based on the RSSI obtained from the AP in S712 of Figure 7 falls within the third range. If it falls within the third range, the CPU 212 proceeds to S806; otherwise (i.e., if it falls within the fourth range), it proceeds to S807. The relative magnitudes of the radio wave strength ranges are assumed to be: first range > second range > third range > fourth range.

[0129] In S804 to S807, CPU212 displays an icon corresponding to the signal strength.

[0130] In S804, CPU212 displays icons corresponding to the first range.

[0131] In S805, CPU212 displays icons corresponding to the second range.

[0132] In the S806, CPU212 displays icons corresponding to the third range.

[0133] In S807, CPU212 displays icons corresponding to the fourth range.

[0134] Figure 11(c) shows examples of icons corresponding to each of the four ranges. The icons in Figure 11(c) indicate the signal strength level of the AP to which the MFP100 is connected. The icons in Figure 11(c) are based on a fan shape, and the number of lines in the fan shape represents the signal strength level of the connected AP. Note that the shape of the icon indicating the signal strength level is not limited to the fan shape shown in Figure 11(c). For example, any icon whose display changes according to the signal strength of the connected AP would be acceptable. Alternatively, an icon that changes in stages according to the signal strength of the connected AP would also be acceptable. Specifically, an icon like the one shown in Figure 17(f), which will be described later, would also be acceptable.

[0135] Next, in S808~S810, CPU212 determines whether the conditions for displaying specific information about APs connected in Multi-AP communication (the number of connected APs) are met.

[0136] In S808, the CPU212 determines whether the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Multi-AP communication method. Based on the value obtained in S712, if it is determined that the communication method is the Multi-AP communication method, the process proceeds to S809; otherwise, the process shown in Figure 8 is terminated without displaying the number of connected APs.

[0137] In S809, the CPU212 determines whether the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication. Based on the value obtained in S712, if the CPU212 determines that the communication method is the Joint-TX method, it terminates the process shown in Figure 9; otherwise, it proceeds to S810.

[0138] Depending on the communication method, it may or may not be beneficial to display information for each AP connected to the MFP100. In the Joint-TX method, multiple APs cooperate to communicate with a single STA. Therefore, even if the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs, the number of APs available for communication using the Joint-TX method (number of communicating devices) may not necessarily match. Also, when the communication method is Joint-TX, the communication speed does not increase in proportion to the increase in the number of communicating devices. Therefore, if the MFP100 displays information for each AP connected to it, the user may mistakenly believe that the radio wave conditions are better than they actually are. Accordingly, in this embodiment, if the communication method used for communication with the APs is the Joint-TX method, the CPU212 terminates the process shown in Figure 8 without displaying the number of connected APs.

[0139] In S810, the CPU212 determines whether the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method in Multi-AP communication. If the CPU212 determines from the value obtained in S712 that the communication method with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method, it proceeds to S811; otherwise, it terminates the process shown in Figure 8 without displaying the number of connected APs.

[0140] In the Co-OFDMA method, multiple APs cooperate to manage resources and communicate with the STA. Therefore, as the number of APs connected to the MFP100 increases, the communication speed improves. In this embodiment, if the communication method used for communication with the APs is the Co-OFDMA method, the CPU212 proceeds to S811 and displays the number of connected APs.

[0141] In S811, the CPU212 displays an icon, which was generated by processing S804 to S807, with information (specific information about the APs) corresponding to the number of APs connected to the MFP100. Figure 11(e) shows an example of an icon with information corresponding to the number of APs added. In the example in Figure 11(e), the icon is shown with a number indicating the number of APs connected to the MFP100, as information corresponding to the number of connected APs. By displaying an icon with information corresponding to the number of APs, the user can identify whether the number of connected devices in Multi-AP communication is large or small in each of the three ranges of signal strength (first range, second range, and third range). Therefore, even if the signal strength is not in the first range, but in the second or third range, the user can recognize that the MFP100 is able to communicate with multiple APs working in cooperation, and that the communication quality may not be too bad.

[0142] Thus, in this embodiment, if the CPU 212 is able to communicate using the Co-OFDMA method via multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group (Yes in S810), it proceeds to S811. That is, the CPU 212 displays specific information about the multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group, as well as type information (a single display item) indicating the radio wave status of the connected AP. On the other hand, if the CPU 212 is able to communicate using the Joint-TX method via multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group (Yes in S809), it terminates the process shown in Figure 8 without proceeding to S811. That is, the CPU 212 does not display specific information about the multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group, but instead displays type information (a single display item) indicating the radio wave status of the connected AP. In the example in Figure 11(e), the specific information about the multiple APs is a number indicating the number of APs connected to the MFP100. Also, the type information is an icon in the example in Figure 11(e). This control allows the MFP100 to appropriately output AP type information according to the communication method used to communicate with the AP. Alternatively, after S807 and before S808, similar to S719, it may be possible to determine whether the logged-in user has the authority to change the communication mode settings. If the result is Yes, the process proceeds to S811; otherwise, it proceeds to S808. In other words, if the logged-in user is capable of changing network settings, the process may proceed to S811 in both cases (Joint-TX and Co-OFDMA) and display information about multiple access points that are the target of Multi-AP communication.

[0143] In the example shown in Figure 11(e), the icon does not display the number of connected devices in Multi-AP communication when the signal strength is in the fourth range. This is because even if the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs with low signal strength, high communication quality cannot be expected. In other words, even if the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs with low signal strength, the signal conditions will not improve. Therefore, when the signal strength is in the fourth range, which is lower than the first to third ranges, the CPU212 in S811 does not add information corresponding to the number of APs to the icon. In this way, even if there are many APs connected to the MFP100 (number of connected devices), by not displaying the number of connected devices when the signal conditions are not good, it is possible to prevent users from mistakenly believing that a large number of connected devices indicates high communication quality.

[0144] In the example shown in Figure 11(e), an icon with a number indicating the number of APs connected to the MFP100 is used as an example of specific information regarding the AP, but this is not the only example. In other words, the method of adding information according to the number of APs is not limited to this; for example, any display that changes according to the number of APs would suffice.

[0145] Figures 13(a) to 13(d) show alternative display examples in the situation where Figure 11(e) is displayed. The icons shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(d) are single icons (single items) that can indicate the signal strength level of each of the multiple connected APs. As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(d), the icon area is divided by the number of connected APs, and the signal strength level of each connected AP is represented by the number of fan-shaped lines in each area. In other words, the single item in Figures 13(a) to 13(d) shows the signal status of each of the multiple APs that can be used in parallel with the MFP100's communication when the MFP100 is able to communicate using the Co-OFDMA method, in each of the multiple areas divided within the single item.

[0146] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show examples of dividing the icon area into three parts when the MFP100 is connected to three APs. The first to third areas in Figures 13(a) and 13(b) display the signal strength of each of the three connected APs. The order in which the APs are displayed in the first to third areas may be, for example, in order of strongest signal strength, or in order of fastest link speed. The width of the first to third areas may also be determined based on the ratio of the link speed of each AP to the sum of the link speeds of all APs. Figure 13(a) shows an example of the display when the range of signal strength of each AP is within the first range. Figure 13(b) shows an example of the display when the range of signal strength of each AP is within the first, second, and third ranges.

[0147] Figures 13(c) and 13(d) show examples of dividing the icon area into two when connected to two APs. Figure 13(c) is an example of the display when the signal strength ranges of each AP are a first range and a second range. Figure 13(d) is an example of the display when the signal strength ranges of each AP are a first range and a third range.

[0148] Furthermore, the method of adding information according to the number of APs may include, for example, displaying the frequency bands of multiple Coordinated APs connected via Multi-AP communication, as shown in Figure 12(g). Alternatively, it may include displaying the link speeds of multiple Coordinated APs connected via Multi-AP communication, as shown in Figure 12(i). Alternatively, it may include displaying the sum of the link speeds of multiple Coordinated APs connected via Multi-AP communication, as shown in Figure 12(j).

[0149] The first range described above is the range in which wireless infrastructure communication can be performed stably. The second range is the range in which wireless infrastructure communication may become unstable. The third range is the range in which wireless infrastructure communication is highly likely to become unstable. The fourth range is the range in which wireless infrastructure communication is not possible or the connection to the AP is lost.

[0150] Figure 9(a) shows examples of ranges 1 to 4. In this example, range 1 is when the AP signal strength is 80% or more and 100% or less, range 2 is when the AP signal strength is 50% or more and less than 80%, range 3 is when the AP signal strength is 1% or more and less than 50%, and range 4 is when it is less than 1%.

[0151] In addition, if it is determined in S714 of Figure 7 that the communication method with the AP is the Multi-AP communication method, it is possible that the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs simultaneously. If it is determined in S714 that the communication method with the AP is the Multi-AP communication method, the signal strength value used to select the icon to display AP information in the process of Figure 8 may be a value calculated from the signal strength values ​​of the multiple APs that are connected.

[0152] For example, if the MFP100 is connected to multiple access points (APs) simultaneously, it may display an icon corresponding to the maximum signal strength of each AP. In this case, if the signal strength of any of the connected APs falls within the first range, the first icon will be displayed. Similarly, if the maximum signal strength of an AP falls within the second range, the second icon will be displayed. Likewise, if the maximum signal strength of an AP falls within the third range, the third icon will be displayed, and otherwise, the fourth icon will be displayed.

[0153] Furthermore, the method for calculating the signal strength value used to select an icon when the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs simultaneously is not limited to this. For example, an icon corresponding to the average signal strength of each AP could be displayed. Figure 10(c) shows an example where the MFP100 is connected to two Coordinated APs simultaneously. In Figure 10(c), if the average signal strength of the first and second APs falls within the first range, the first icon is displayed. Similarly, if the average signal strength of the APs falls within the second range, the second icon is displayed. Similarly, if the average signal strength of the APs falls within the third range, the third icon is displayed, and if it falls within the fourth range, the fourth icon is displayed.

[0154] Furthermore, when the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs simultaneously, the range of signal strength corresponding to each icon may be different from the range when the MFP100 is connected to a single AP. For example, the range of signal strength when the MFP100 is connected to a single AP may be the range shown in Figure 9(a). Also, the range of signal strength when the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs may be the ranges shown in Figures 9(b) and 10(d). In the examples in Figures 9(b) and 10(d), the first range is when the AP's signal strength is 70% or more and 100% or less, the second range is when the AP's signal strength is 40% or more and less than 70%, the third range is when the AP's signal strength is 1% or more and less than 70%, and the fourth range is when it is less than 1%.

[0155] Furthermore, if the MFP100 is using the Multi-AP communication method with the AP it is connected to, and is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the icon displayed by the MFP100 may differ from the icon displayed when it is connected to a single AP (Figure 11(c)). For example, as shown in Figures 11(f) and 12(a) to 12(g), the icon indicating signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be modified to include an indication that it is simultaneously connected to multiple APs.

[0156] Figure 11(f) shows an example of displaying an icon indicating signal strength with an added indicator showing that a connection is being made using the Multi-AP communication method. As shown in Figure 11(f), the icon indicating signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may also be displayed with an added indicator such as "M", "Multi-AP", "Multi", "Multi-AP", "Multi", "Cooperative", or "Cooperative Mode". In other words, information indicating that multiple APs are available for use in parallel with the MFP100's communication may be added and displayed.

[0157] Furthermore, if the MFP100 is using the Multi-AP communication (Co-OFDMA) method to communicate with the AP it is connected to, and is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the icon indicating the signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be displayed with an added indication that it is connected using the Multi-AP (Co-OFDMA) method. For example, as shown in Figure 12(a), the icon indicating the signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be displayed with an "O" and "Co-OFDMA". Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12(b), the icon indicating the signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be displayed with an indication such as "UHT", "Ultra High throughput", "High Speed", or "High Speed ​​Mode".

[0158] Furthermore, if the MFP100 is using the Multi-AP communication (Joint-TX) method to communicate with the AP it is connected to, and is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the icon indicating the signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be displayed with an added indication that it is connected using the Multi-AP (Joint-TX) method. For example, as shown in Figure 12(c), the icon indicating the signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be displayed with "J" or "Joint-TX". Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12(b), the icon indicating the signal strength (Figure 11(c)) may be displayed with an added indication such as "UHR", "Ultra High Reliability", "High Reliability", or "High Reliability Mode".

[0159] In Figure 8, the process is explained as an example in which the MFP100 displays an icon corresponding to the signal strength of the AP as information about the AP to which it is connected. Specifically, in the process of Figure 8, the CPU212 checks the range of the signal strength of the connected AP and displays an icon such as Figure 11(c) that corresponds to the range of the signal strength, such as Figure 9(a), but it is not limited to this. For example, an icon corresponding to the link speed of the AP may be displayed. For example, the CPU212 may determine the range of the link speed of the connected AP in S801 to S803 in Figure 8 and display an icon corresponding to the range of the link speed according to the determination result. Figure 9(c) shows an example of a link speed range. In the example of Figure 9(c), the first range is when the link speed is 20 Mbps, the second range is when the link speed is 10 Mbps or more and less than 20 Mbps, the third range is when the link speed is 1 Mbps or more and less than 10 Mbps, and the fourth range is when the link speed is less than 1 Mbps. Figure 12(h) shows an example of an icon corresponding to a link speed range.

[0160] Furthermore, if the MFP100 is connected to an AP using the Multi-AP (Co-OFDMA) method and is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the MFP100 may sum the link speeds of the multiple Coordinated APs connected via Multi-AP communication and display an icon (Figure 12(h)) corresponding to the link speed range (Figure 9(c)).

[0161] The display of icons indicating the wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) infrastructure connection status (radio wave conditions) as described above is not limited to the MFP100, but can be applied to various STA devices such as smartphones.

[0162] Figure 15(a) shows an example of the display on the display unit 420 of a mobile terminal device 101, which is a smartphone. The status bar 1500 is a display area that shows various states of the mobile terminal device 101. In the example in Figure 15(a), icons 1501 are displayed from right to left, showing the battery level, the mobile communication (cellular network) signal strength, and the Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) communication status. The status bar 1500 is an area that is displayed under the control of the mobile terminal device 101's operating system (OS), regardless of the active application running on the mobile terminal device 101. In other words, even if the active application software (hereinafter referred to as "app") switches from app A to app B, the same icon 1501 will be displayed in the status bar 1500 as long as the signal strength of the mobile terminal device 101 remains the same. However, when the entire screen is used to display the content of an app, such as edge-to-edge (when the display area of ​​the status bar 1500 is also used to display the content of the app), the status bar 1500 will be hidden.

[0163] The above-described embodiment can be applied when displaying the icon 1501, which indicates Wi-Fi connection information, in the status bar 1500. Icon 1501 is the icon shown in Figure 11(e) above, which represents the case where there are 3 APs connected to the mobile terminal device 101 in Multi-AP communication and the signal strength range is within the first range. This icon 1501 allows the user to recognize that the mobile terminal device 101 is connected to 3 Coordinated APs using the Multi-AP communication method and that the signal strength is within the first range (good).

[0164] As described above, the status bar 1500 displays icons 1501 depending on whether the mobile terminal device 101 is performing Multi-AP communication (or is in a position to do so), the communication method of Multi-AP communication, the number of connected Coordinated APs, etc. Note that the icons 1501 are not limited to the example in Figure 15(a), and as explained in the embodiment described above, any of the icons shown in Figures 11(a) to 11(f) and Figures 12(a) to (j) can be displayed depending on the radio wave conditions and communication status of the mobile terminal device 101.

[0165] Furthermore, the Wi-Fi infrastructure connection status of the first STA (e.g., MFP100) is not limited to being displayed on the first STA itself, but can also be displayed on a second STA (e.g., mobile terminal device 101) that can communicate with the first STA (MFP100).

[0166] The display area 1510 in Figure 15(a) is an example of a screen displayed by the printer application software (hereinafter referred to as the print app) installed on the mobile terminal device 101. When the print app is launched and activated, the content provided by the print app is displayed in the display area 1510. Within the display area 1510, area 1520 is a status display area that shows the status of the printer, which is the device to be instructed (controlled) from the mobile terminal device 101. Here, we will explain an example in which the MFP100 is set as the device to be instructed. In the example in Figure 15(a), the printer with the series name A1234 series (the series name of the MFP100) is registered and selected as the device to be instructed. Area 1520 displays an icon 1521 indicating the Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) communication status of the device to be instructed, and information indicating whether the mobile terminal device 101 and the device to be instructed are able to communicate (online).

[0167] Icon 1521 indicates the radio wave conditions between the MFP 100 and the AP, not between the mobile terminal device 101 and the AP. The mobile terminal device 101 obtains the radio wave conditions between the MFP 100 and the AP from the controlled device using a specific protocol. The specific protocol is, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). The above-described embodiment can be applied when displaying icon 1521, which indicates the Wi-Fi communication status (connection information) of the controlled device in this area 1520. Icon 1521 is the icon for the case in Figure 11(e) above, where there are 3 APs connected via Multi-AP communication and the radio wave strength range is within the first range. This icon 1521 allows the user to recognize that the controlled MFP 100 is connected to 3 Coordinated APs using the Multi-AP communication method and that the radio wave strength is within the first range (good). In this way, in area 1520, icons 1521 are displayed according to the radio wave conditions, such as whether or not Multi-AP communication is being performed (or whether or not it is possible to perform it), the communication method of Multi-AP communication, and the number of Coordinated APs connected. Note that the icons 1521 are not limited to the example in Figure 15(a), and as explained in the embodiment described above, any of the icons shown in Figures 11(a) to 11(f) and Figures 12(a) to (j) can be displayed depending on the radio wave conditions and communication status of the MFP100.

[0168] Furthermore, in the lower part of the print application screen, below area 1520, icons indicating commands that can be issued to the target device are displayed. In the example shown, "Print," "Scan," "Copy," and "Cloud" are displayed, and by operating these icons, the corresponding action can be performed on the target device (MFP100). In addition, the wireless LAN settings of the target device can be displayed from the "Menu" icon at the bottom. The wireless LAN settings displayed here show the setting status of the wireless LAN settings on the target device, MFP100, and are displayed in the same way as in Figures 14(a) to (c).

[0169] Furthermore, information about the device to be instructed (the device to be controlled) is not limited to being displayed by the printer application (control application software), but can also be displayed by the browser application software (hereinafter referred to as the browser application) of the mobile terminal device 101. By specifying the IP address or URL of the MFP100, which is the device to be instructed, the browser application of the mobile terminal device 101 can retrieve the settings configured on the MFP100 and display them on the display unit 420.

[0170] Figure 15(b) shows an example of how the settings of the MFP100 are displayed by the browser application. Area 1530 is an example of the screen displayed by the browser application. When the browser application is launched and activated, an area similar to the status bar 1500 described in Figure 15(a) is displayed on the display unit 420. Area 1530 includes area 1531. Area 1531 displays the wireless LAN settings of the MFP100 obtained from the MFP100 by the browser application. Area 1531 can display the same content as in Figures 14(a) to (c). In the example in Figure 15(b), area 1531 displays the same settings as in Figure 14(a), and the items "Communication Method" and "Number of Connected APs" indicate that the MFP100 is connected to 3 Coordinated APs using the Multi-AP communication method. Items such as "Frequency Band," "Signal Strength," and "Link Speed" are displayed in the same way as in Figure 14(a).

[0171] Furthermore, while the above description explains the display of the wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) infrastructure connection status (radio wave conditions, etc.), it is not limited to this. It is also acceptable to print out the aforementioned wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) infrastructure connection status (radio wave conditions, etc.) using the MFP100.

[0172] Figures 16(a) to 16(e) show examples of LAN settings printed by the MFP100 when "Print LAN Settings" (Figure 3(b)) displayed on the MFP100 is selected, or when "Print Information" (Figure 15(b)) displayed on the mobile terminal device 101 is selected. Figures 16(a) to 16(b) show examples of LAN settings printed when the MFP100 is not performing Multi-AP communication and is connected to one AP. Figures 16(c) to 16(e) show examples of LAN settings printed when the MFP100 is performing Multi-AP communication and is connected to multiple APs.

[0173] As shown in Figure 16(a), the LAN configuration printout will include items such as "Diagnostic Result," "Connection Type," "Connection Status," "SSID," "Communication Method," "Frequency Band," "Signal Strength," and "Link Speed." In addition to these items, items such as IPv4 address and IPv6 address may also be printed.

[0174] The information of the APs to which the MFP100 is connected may be displayed either collectively or separately, depending on the communication method with the APs to which the MFP100 is connected, similar to the process in Figure 7. When the information is displayed collectively (when printing LAN configuration information under conditions that allow proceeding to S721 in Figure 7), the maximum and average values ​​of signal strength, communication quality, and link speed are printed, as shown in Figures 16(c) and 16(d), similar to the process in Figure 8. When the information is displayed separately (when printing LAN configuration information under conditions that allow proceeding to S722 in Figure 7), the values ​​of signal strength, communication quality, and link speed are printed separately, as shown in Figure 16(e).

[0175] Furthermore, when printing information about the AP to which the MFP100 is connected in Figures 16(a) to 16(e), you may also print icons indicating the connection status between the MFP100 and the AP (Figures 11(a) to 11(f), 12(a) to 12(j)), depending on the communication status of the MFP100.

[0176] Furthermore, the "Diagnostic Results" section of the LAN settings printout will show the diagnostic results regarding any problems with the AP or network to which the MFP100 is connected, as shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(e). Specifically, if the signal strength of the AP to which the MFP100 is connected is high, text information such as "No problem" will be printed. On the other hand, if the signal strength of the AP to which the MFP100 is connected is low, text information such as "Weak signal strength" will be printed.

[0177] Furthermore, the range of signal strength corresponding to "Weak signal strength" in the "Diagnostic Results" may be the "Third Range" to the "Fourth Range" in Figures 9(a) to 9(b). Also, when the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs simultaneously using the Multi-AP communication method, the range of signal strength corresponding to "Diagnostic Results" in the LAN settings printout may be different from the range when connected to a single AP. For example, when the MFP100 is connected to a single AP, "Diagnostic Results: Weak signal strength" may be printed when the signal strength is between 1% and less than 50%, as shown in Figure 9(a). Also, for example, when the MFP100 is connected to two APs, "Diagnostic Results: Weak signal strength" may be printed when the signal strength is between 1% and less than 40%, as shown in Figure 9(b).

[0178] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the operation display unit 220 of the MFP100 includes a touch panel display, but it is not limited to this.

[0179] Figure 17(a) shows a first example of an operation display unit 205 provided by the MFP100 in place of or in addition to the operation display unit 220. The operation display unit 205 consists of a display unit 1711 with a relatively narrow display area and an operation unit 1712 that includes hardware keys such as cursor keys and select keys. Specifically, the display unit 1711 is assumed to be a dot-matrix monochrome LCD capable of displaying graphics. The display unit 1711 has a lower resolution than the touch panel of the operation display unit 220.

[0180] Figure 17(b) shows a second example of the operation display unit 205 provided by the MFP100 in place of, or in addition to, the operation display unit 220. The operation display unit 205 in the second example consists of a display unit 1721 with a smaller display area than the first example shown in Figure 17(a), and an operation unit 1722 that includes hardware keys such as cursor keys and a select key. Specifically, the display unit 1721 is a dot matrix character LCD capable of displaying a limited number of characters and symbols. The display unit 1721 has a lower resolution than the display unit 1711.

[0181] Figure 17(c) shows a third example of an operation display unit 205 provided by the MFP100 in place of or in addition to the operation display unit 220. The operation display unit 205 in this third example consists of a display unit 1731 with more limited displayable information than the second example shown in Figure 17(b), and an operation unit 1732 including hardware keys such as cursor keys and select keys. Specifically, the display unit 1731 is a segment LCD 1733 capable of displaying predetermined shapes and numbers.

[0182] As shown in Figures 17(a) to 17(c), even when the operation display unit 205 is configured to include a display unit with a relatively narrow display area, it may display the Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) connection status as described in the above embodiment, and depending on the status, one of the icons shown in Figures 11(c) to 11(f) or Figures 12(a) to (j) may be displayed. Icon 1713 in Figure 17(a) is an icon indicating the Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) connection status, and is the icon for the first range in Figure 11(c). That is, it indicates that the MFP100 is not performing Multi-AP communication and the radio wave conditions are within the first range (good). If the MFP100 is performing Multi-AP communication, one of the displays in Figures 11(e) to 11(f) or Figures 12(a) to 12(j) may be displayed.

[0183] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17(a) to 17(c), if the operation display unit 205 is configured to include a display unit with a relatively narrow display area, the Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) connection status may be displayed in a different display format than the icons shown in Figures 11(c) to 11(f) and Figures 12(a) to 12(j). For example, icons in the display format shown in Figures 17(e) and 17(f) may be displayed.

[0184] Figure 17(e) shows the signal strength indicated by the display status of three dots; the more blacked-out dots there are, the higher the signal strength. The presence of the letter "M" (symbol) indicates that the MFP100 is connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (multi-AP connection). The absence of the letter "M" indicates that the MFP100 is not connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (multi-AP connection is not enabled).

[0185] Figure 17(f) shows the signal strength indicated by the coloring of vertical bars of different heights; the more black bars there are, the higher the signal strength. The presence of the letter "M" (symbol) indicates that the MFP100 is connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (multi-AP connection). The absence of the letter "M" indicates that the MFP100 is not connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (multi-AP connection is not enabled).

[0186] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17(g) to 17(j), multiple segments arranged vertically and horizontally (in a matrix) may be used to display the radio wave conditions of each of the connected CoordinatedAPs when multiple APs are connected. In Figures 17(g) to 17(j), each column corresponds to the radio wave conditions of a different CoordinatedAP, and the number of blacked-out areas in the vertical direction indicates the radio wave conditions of the CoordinatedAP in each column. For example, the example in Figure 17(h) shows that three CoordinatedAPs are connected. It shows that the radio wave strength range of the first CoordinatedAP is the first range, similarly the second is the second range, and the third is the third range. This shows the same situation as in Figure 13(b). Similarly, Figure 17(g) shows the same situation as in Figure 13(a), and Figures 17(i) to (j) show the same situation as in Figures 13(c) to 13(d). In other words, the multiple segments in Figures 17(g) to 17(j) show the radio wave conditions of multiple access points (APs) that can be used in parallel with the MFP100's communication in a situation where the MFP100 can communicate using the Co-OFDMA method, within each of the multiple regions demarcated within a single item.

[0187] Figure 17(d) shows a fourth example of an operation display unit 205 provided by the MFP100 in place of or in addition to the operation display unit 220. The operation display unit 205 in the fourth example consists of a light-emitting unit 1741 and an operation unit 1742 that includes hardware keys such as the START key. The light-emitting unit 1741 contains three light-emitting units, each corresponding to one of the three hardware keys included in the operation unit 1742. The light-emitting unit 1743 included in the light-emitting unit 1741 corresponds to a hardware key labeled "Wi-Fi" and is used to indicate the Wi-Fi infrastructure connection status. Specifically, each of the light-emitting units 1741 is an LED (light-emitting diode). In the operation display unit 205 of the fourth example, the Wi-Fi infrastructure connection status is indicated by the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 1743. For example, the ratio of the illumination time per cycle in the blinking pattern is changed according to the radio wave strength. Specifically, for example, it is done as follows.

[0188] (A1) When the radio wave strength is in the first range, the lighting time per period T of the flashing pattern is T × (4 / 4) (i.e., the light stays on without any periods of being off).

[0189] (A2) When the radio wave intensity is in the second range, the lighting time per period T of the flashing pattern is set to T × (3 / 4) (i.e., the light is off for T × (1 / 4) of the time).

[0190] (A3) When the radio wave strength is in the third range, the lighting time per period T of the flashing pattern is T × (2 / 4) (i.e., the light is off for T × (2 / 4) time).

[0191] (A4) When the radio wave strength is in the fourth range, the lighting time per period T of the flashing pattern is T × (1 / 4) (i.e., the light is off for T × (3 / 4) time).

[0192] In all of (A1) to (A4), the color of the light emitted indicates whether or not a multi-AP connection is active. For example, if the MFP100 is connected to multiple APs, it lights up green; otherwise (if connected to a single AP), it lights up red.

[0193] Alternatively, instead of using differences in emission color, the emission pattern alone may be used to indicate whether a multi-AP connection is present and the status of the radio signal strength. For example, as follows:

[0194] (B1) If the radio signal strength is within the first range and a multi-AP connection is active, the illumination time per cycle T of the blinking pattern is set to T × (4 / 4) (i.e., the light remains lit without any periods of being off).

[0195] (B2) When the signal strength is within the second range and a multi-AP connection is active, the illumination time per cycle T of the flashing pattern shall be T × (3 / 4) (i.e., the light shall be off for T × (1 / 4) of the time). The same light emission pattern shall also be used when the signal strength is within the first range and a single AP connection is active instead of a multi-AP connection.

[0196] (B3) When the signal strength is within the third range and a multi-AP connection is active, the illumination time per cycle T of the flashing pattern shall be T × (2 / 4) (i.e., the light shall be off for T × (2 / 4) time). The same light emission pattern shall also be used when the signal strength is within the second range and a single AP connection is active instead of a multi-AP connection.

[0197] (B4) When the signal strength is in the fourth range and a multi-AP connection is active, the illumination time per cycle T of the flashing pattern shall be T × (1 / 4) (i.e., the light shall be off for T × (3 / 4) time). The same light emission pattern shall also be used when the signal strength is in the third range and a single AP connection is active instead of a multi-AP connection. The same light emission pattern shall also be used when the signal strength is in the fourth range and a single AP connection is active instead of a multi-AP connection.

[0198] In (B1) to (B4), when a multi-AP connection is active, the proportion of the indicator light duration is increased compared to when it is not active, even at the same signal strength. This is because, when a multi-AP connection is active, improved communication throughput and reliability can be expected even at the same signal strength.

[0199] Beyond the examples above, the signal strength and whether or not a multi-AP connection is active may be indicated by differences in the light emission pattern.

[0200] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the MFP100 should display radio wave status information of the AP to which it is connected, the CPU212 switches the display method of AP information based on the communication method with the connected AP. The CPU212 controls the display of AP information for multiple APs connected via Co-OFDMA if the communication method with the connected AP is Multi-AP, and displays AP information together if the communication method is Joint-TX. This control allows the MFP100 to appropriately display information indicating radio wave status according to the communication method and communication status between the MFP100 and the AP. Furthermore, even wireless communication devices with limited display area can efficiently display the connection status with the AP.

[0201] Furthermore, the various controls described above, which were explained as being performed by the CPU of each device, may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0202] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0203] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments used the application of the present invention to an MFP as an example, this is not limited to this example, and it can be applied to any wireless device capable of Multi-AP communication. In other words, the present invention can be applied to personal computers, PDAs, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals such as smartphones, music players, game consoles, e-book readers, smartwatches, and various measuring devices (sensor devices) such as thermometers and hygrometers. The present invention can also be applied to digital cameras (including still cameras, video cameras, network cameras, and security cameras), printers, scanners, and drones. The present invention can also be applied to video output devices, audio output devices (e.g., smart speakers), media streaming players, and wireless LAN adapters that can connect to USB terminals or LAN cable terminals. Video output devices include, for example, devices such as set-top boxes, which acquire (download) videos and still images from the internet specified by a URL instructed by a communication device, and output them to a display device connected via a video output terminal such as HDMI (trademark). This enables streaming playback on the display device or mirroring display (displaying the content displayed on the communication device on the display device as well). Furthermore, video output devices include media players such as televisions, hard disk recorders, Blu-ray recorders, and DVD recorders, as well as head-mounted displays, projectors, televisions, display devices (monitors), and signage devices. The present invention is also applicable to Wi-Fi-connected devices known as smart home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, lighting fixtures, heating appliances, and cooling appliances.

[0204] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0205] <Summary of Embodiments> This embodiment includes the following communication devices, methods, programs, and storage media. (Item 1) A communication means that transmits or receives the same content data via multiple external access points using wireless LAN communication, The system includes a control means that, in a first situation where communication is possible through multiple access points belonging to a first group, controls the system to output a single display item that shows specific information regarding the situation where communication with multiple access points is possible, and also shows the radio wave conditions of the connected access points. A communication device characterized by the following features. (Item 2) The first situation described above is, The situation is such that communication using the first communication method can be performed via multiple access points belonging to the first group. A communication device as described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The first communication method described above is: This is a communication method in which each of the multiple access points belonging to the first group communicates with the communication device using different resource units from each other. A communication device as described in item 2, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 4) The first communication method described above is: This is a Co-OFDMA (Coordinated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) method for multi-AP communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. A communication device according to item 2 or 3, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 5) The aforementioned single display item is, This is a display format indicating that multi-AP communication is possible. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized by the features described above. (Item 6) The aforementioned specific information is, Information indicating that there are multiple access points available for use in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device. Information indicating the number of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information corresponding to the radio wave strength of each of the multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information indicating the communication method with multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information indicating the respective frequency bands of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information corresponding to the respective link speeds of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, At least one of the pieces of information based on the sum of the link speeds of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 7) The aforementioned specific information is, It includes information about multiple CoordinatedAPs belonging to the first group, but does not include information about multiple CoordinatorAPs belonging to the first group. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 8) The aforementioned single display item is a single icon. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 9) The aforementioned single display item is an icon consisting of a fan-shaped motif indicating radio wave conditions, with characters indicating the specific information attached to it. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized by the above. (Item 10) The aforementioned single item is In each of the multiple regions demarcated within the single item, the radio wave conditions of each of the multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the communication device in the first situation are shown. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 11) The control means is In the first situation described above, and on the first screen, the system is controlled to display the single display item indicating the radio wave status of the connected access point. In the first situation described above, and in a second screen that displays the wireless LAN settings in more detail than the first screen, the system controls the display of information about multiple access points included in the first group in a different display format than the single display item. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 12) The control means is In the first situation, the single display item is controlled to be displayed in an area that is displayed in both the case when the first application software is activated and when the second application software is activated. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 13) The aforementioned communication device is a portable terminal, The control means is In the first situation described above, control the single display item to be displayed on the status bar of the communication device where the battery level is displayed. A communication device as described in item 12, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 14) The control means is The system controls the display of the single display item when the communication status between the external device and the point is in the first state, based on the radio wave conditions of the external device that can communicate with the communication device. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 15) The output is a printout. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 14, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 16) The first situation described above is, The system is capable of communication compliant with IEEE 802.11bn. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 17) The control means is In the case of the first situation described above, the system outputs the single display item as a first type of display item that shows the specific information relating to multiple access points belonging to the first group, and the radio wave conditions of the connected access point. In a second situation where communication can be performed using a second communication method via multiple access points belonging to a second group, the system controls the output of a second type of display item indicating the radio wave conditions of the connected access point, without showing the specific information regarding the multiple access points belonging to the second group. A communication device according to any one of items 2 to 16, characterized in that it is a communication device. (Item 18) The second communication method described above is: The communication method is at least one of the following: a communication method in which radio waves transmitted from each of the multiple access points belonging to the second group are combined so as to be amplified at the location of the communication device, and a Joint-TX (Joint Transmission) method in a Multi-AP communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. A communication device as described in item 17, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 19) A method performed in a communication device, A communication process that transmits or receives the same content data via multiple external access points using wireless LAN communication, The system includes a control step that controls the system to output a single display item indicating the radio wave conditions of the connected access points, when a first situation is in which communication can be performed through multiple access points belonging to a first group, which indicates specific information regarding the situation in which communication can be performed with multiple access points. A method characterized by the following: (Item 20) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a communication device as described in any one of items 1 through 18. (Item 21) A computer-readable storage medium containing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a communication device as described in any one of items 1 through 18.

[0206] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0207] 100 Communication devices: 101 Mobile terminal devices: 111, 112, 113 APs: 212, 412, 511 CPUs

Claims

1. A communication means that transmits or receives the same content data via multiple external access points using wireless LAN communication, The system includes a control means that, in a first situation where communication is possible through multiple access points belonging to a first group, controls the system to output a single display item that shows specific information regarding the situation where communication with multiple access points is possible, and also shows the radio wave conditions of the connected access points. A communication device characterized by the following features.

2. The first situation described above is, The situation is such that communication using the first communication method can be performed via multiple access points belonging to the first group. The communication device according to feature 1.

3. The first communication method is, This is a communication method in which each of the multiple access points belonging to the first group communicates with the communication device using different resource units from each other. The communication device according to feature 2.

4. The first communication method is, This is the Co-OFDMA (Coordinated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) method for Multi-AP communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. The communication device according to feature 2.

5. The aforementioned single display item is, This is a display format that indicates that Multi-AP communication is possible. The communication device according to feature 1.

6. The aforementioned specific information is, Information indicating that there are multiple access points available for use in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device. Information indicating the number of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information corresponding to the radio wave strength of each of the multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information indicating the communication method with multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information indicating the respective frequency bands of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, Information corresponding to the respective link speeds of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, At least one of the pieces of information based on the sum of the link speeds of multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the aforementioned communication device, The communication device according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned specific information is, It includes information about a plurality of CoordinatedAPs belonging to the first group, but does not include information about a plurality of CoordinatorAPs belonging to the first group. The communication device according to feature 1.

8. The aforementioned single display item is a single icon. The communication device according to feature 1.

9. The aforementioned single display item is an icon consisting of a fan-shaped motif indicating radio wave conditions, with characters indicating the specific information attached to it. The communication device according to feature 1.

10. The aforementioned single item is In each of the multiple regions demarcated within the single item, the radio wave conditions of each of the multiple access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the communication device in the first situation are shown. The communication device according to feature 1.

11. The control means is In the first situation described above, and on the first screen, the system is controlled to display the single display item indicating the radio wave status of the connected access point. In the first situation described above, and in a second screen that displays the wireless LAN settings in more detail than the first screen, the system controls the display of information about multiple access points included in the first group in a different display format than the single display item. The communication device according to feature 1.

12. The control means is In the first situation, the single display item is controlled to be displayed in an area that is displayed in both the case when the first application software is activated and when the second application software is activated. The communication device according to feature 1.

13. The aforementioned communication device is a portable terminal, The control means is In the first situation described above, the single display item is controlled to be displayed on the status bar of the communication device where the battery level is displayed. The communication device according to feature 12.

14. The control means is The system controls the display of the single display item when the communication status between the external device and the point is in the first state, based on the radio wave conditions of the external device that can communicate with the communication device. The communication device according to feature 1.

15. The output is a printout. The communication device according to feature 1.

16. The first situation described above is, The system is capable of communication compliant with IEEE 802.11bn. The communication device according to feature 1.

17. The control means is In the case of the first situation described above, the system outputs the single display item as a first type of display item that shows the specific information relating to multiple access points belonging to the first group, and the radio wave conditions of the connected access point. In a second situation where communication can be performed using a second communication method via multiple access points belonging to a second group, the system controls the output of a second type of display item indicating the radio wave conditions of the connected access point, without showing the specific information regarding the multiple access points belonging to the second group. The communication device according to feature 2.

18. The second communication method described above is: The communication method is at least one of the following: a communication method in which radio waves transmitted from each of the multiple access points belonging to the second group are combined so as to be amplified at the location of the communication device, and a Joint-TX (Joint Transmission) method in a Multi-AP communication method compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standards. The communication device according to feature 17.

19. A method performed in a communication device, A communication process that transmits or receives the same content data via multiple external access points using wireless LAN communication, The system includes a control step that, in a first situation where communication is possible via multiple access points belonging to a first group, controls the system to output a single display item that indicates specific information regarding the situation where communication with multiple access points is possible, and also indicates the radio wave conditions of the connected access points. A method characterized by the following:

20. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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