Communication device, processing method, and program

Abstract

There is a need for technology that can easily establish wireless communication connections between communication devices and new external access points. [Solution] The communication device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a setting processing unit 151 that sets wireless connection information, which is pre-registered in the communication device 100 as information used by the communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point AP1, to a second external access point AP2, and a connection processing unit 152 that uses the wireless connection information to establish a wireless communication connection with the second external access point AP2.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for connecting a communication device to an external access point to construct a network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is known. In order to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device and the external access point, it is necessary to register wireless connection information such as the SSID and password of the external access point in the communication device. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a user inputs the SSID and password (network key) of an access point into a printer using a user interface screen displayed on the display unit of the printer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, when an external access point is replaced with a new one due to a malfunction or other reason, the communication device must register the wireless connection information for the new external access point. However, for users unfamiliar with registering wireless connection information, it can be difficult to reconfigure the communication device's wireless settings based on the new external access point's wireless connection information. For example, for a user who has difficulty even obtaining the wireless connection information for the new external access point, reconfiguring the communication device's wireless settings is extremely difficult. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can easily establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device and the new external access point. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The communication device according to this disclosure includes a setting processing unit that sets wireless connection information, which is registered in advance in the communication device as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point, to a second external access point, and a connection processing unit that establishes a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the wireless connection information.

[0006] The processing method relating to this disclosure is a processing method using a communication device, wherein the communication device sets wireless connection information, which is pre-registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point, to a second external access point, and establishes a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the wireless connection information.

[0007] The program relating to this disclosure causes the computer of the communication device to execute a setting process step of setting wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point, to a second external access point, and a connection process step of establishing a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the wireless connection information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system including a communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an external access point according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations in which a communication device establishes a wireless communication connection with an external access point when the communication device provides wireless connection information to the external access point. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations in which a communication device establishes a wireless communication connection with an external access point when the communication device performs the operations specified in the DPP as an enrollee. [Figure 7A] This flowchart shows an example of a detailed operation flow of the communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] This flowchart shows an example of a detailed operation flow of the communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer included in a communication device, terminal device, or external access point. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In addition, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and redundant explanations have been omitted as necessary. Furthermore, not all features or steps shown in any one of the figures are necessarily required to explain an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. Moreover, the order of the steps shown in any of the figures may be changed as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system 1 including a communication device 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 may also include an external access point AP1 or AP2. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may also include a terminal device 200, which will be described later.

[0011] In this embodiment, external access point AP1 is replaced by external access point AP2. External access point AP1 and external access point AP2 are specifically, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) routers. External access point AP1 is an access point with which communication device 100 has previously established a wireless communication connection. Therefore, in this embodiment, communication device 100 is a device that already possesses wireless connection information for external access point AP1. External access point AP2 is a new access point. External access point AP2 has, for example, default wireless connection information set. In order for communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with the new external access point AP2, communication device 100 needs to perform a connection process using the wireless connection information set in external access point AP2.

[0012] Here, wireless connection information refers to information required for the communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with an external access point, specifically, for example, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the external access point. However, wireless connection information is information set on the access point and is required for the communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with that access point, and may include other information in place of, or along with, the SSID and password. Furthermore, wireless connection information may include only the SSID or the password.

[0013] Generally, when replacing an existing external access point AP1 with a new external access point AP2, the communication device 100 must be registered (configured) with the wireless connection information for the new external access point AP2 (for example, the default wireless connection information mentioned above). However, for users unfamiliar with registering wireless connection information, registering the wireless connection information for the new external access point AP2 with the communication device 100 is not easy. In other words, it may not be easy for users to configure the wireless communication settings of the communication device 100.

[0014] Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of registering wireless connection information for the new external access point AP2 in the communication device 100, the wireless connection information for the old external access point AP1, which the communication device 100 already possesses, is set for the new external access point AP2. In other words, the communication device 100 sets the wireless connection information for external access point AP1, which it possesses, as the wireless connection information for external access point AP2 in external access point AP2. As a result, the user does not need to obtain the wireless connection information for external access point AP2 or register the obtained wireless connection information in the communication device 100. The specific configuration and process for realizing this process will be described below.

[0015] There is a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (registered trademark) formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. This function is a technology in which a device called a Configurator provides information regarding wireless connection to a device called an Enrollee according to the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). In the present embodiment, according to the process defined by this DPP, wireless connection information is transmitted from the communication device 100 to the external access point AP2, and the external access point AP2 is set with the wireless connection information. In this case, the communication device 100 operates as a Configurator defined by the DPP, and the external access point AP2 operates as an Enrollee defined by the DPP. Note that in the present embodiment, the communication device 100, the external access point AP2, and the terminal device 200 (see FIG. 5) are all devices equipped with the function of Wi-Fi Easy Connect.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the communication device 100 is a printer that prints information on a medium such as paper, but the communication device 100 may be any device equipped with a communication function and does not necessarily have to be a printer.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a printing unit 120, a UI (user interface) unit 130, and a control unit 150.

[0018] The communication unit 110 is a hardware circuit that performs wireless communication with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and may include software such as firmware. The communication unit 110 includes a WF wireless communication unit 111 and a BT wireless communication unit 112.

[0019] The WF wireless communication unit 111 is a circuit that communicates according to the first wireless communication standard. That is, the WF wireless communication unit 111 transmits information or receives information according to the first wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 111 performs wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard.

[0020] The BT wireless communication unit 112 is a circuit that communicates according to the second wireless communication standard. That is, the BT wireless communication unit 112 transmits information or receives information according to the second wireless communication standard. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 112 performs Bluetooth communication, which is communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 112 performs wireless communication according to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard, which is the power-saving standard of Bluetooth. Note that when it is not necessary to perform Bluetooth communication, the communication device 100 may not include the BT wireless communication unit 112.

[0021] [[ID=Z]] The printing unit 120 includes a printing engine, which is a mechanical configuration for printing on a medium. In this embodiment, the configuration of the printing unit 120 will be described as an inkjet printing configuration. However, the printing unit 120 may include a printing engine configured to perform printing with a coloring material (toner) by an electrophotographic method. The medium is, for example, paper, but may also be cloth or the like.

[0022] In this embodiment, the printing unit 120 includes, for example, a print head that ejects colorants onto a medium as a printing engine. The print head performs inkjet printing using the supplied colorants (specifically, ink). In addition to the print head, the printing engine may also include a medium container for housing the medium, a transport mechanism for transporting the medium from the medium container to a position opposite the print head, a drive mechanism for driving the carriage including the print head, etc. In this case, the printing unit 120 prints information such as an image onto the medium by ejecting colorants from the print head onto the medium transported by the transport mechanism.

[0023] The UI unit 130 is a component that functions as a user interface. In this embodiment, the UI unit 130 includes a display. The UI unit 130 may also include input devices such as buttons or pointing devices that accept input operations from the user. The UI unit 130 may also be a touch panel in which the input device and the display are configured as an integrated unit.

[0024] The control unit 150 controls the operation of the communication device 100. In particular, as a function for establishing a wireless communication connection between the external access point AP2 and the WF wireless communication unit 111, the control unit 150 has a setting processing unit 151 and a connection processing unit 152, as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] The configuration processing unit 151 sets the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered (configured) in the communication device 100, to the external access point AP2 as information that the communication device 100 will use to establish a wireless connection with the external access point AP1.

[0026] Furthermore, the connection processing unit 152 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information set in the external access point AP2, that is, the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100 for establishing a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1.

[0027] As described above, in this embodiment, the setting of wireless connection information to the external access point AP2 is performed using DPP (Wi-Fi Easy Connect). Therefore, the configuration processing unit 151 sets the wireless connection information already possessed by the communication device 100 to the external access point AP2 according to the process defined by DPP (Wi-Fi Easy Connect). In DPP, wireless connection information may also be referred to as a Configuration Object.

[0028] In DPP, the process of setting wireless connection information to the external access point AP2 consists of three phases: Bootstrapping, Authentication, and Configuration. As mentioned above, when the communication device 100 sets wireless connection information to the external access point AP2, the communication device 100 acts as a configurator as defined in DPP, and the external access point AP2 acts as an enrollee as defined in DPP.

[0029] Bootstrapping is the process by which the enrollee provides specified information to the configurator. This specified information is used in the subsequent Authentication phase and specifically includes the Bootstrapping Key defined in DPP. The Bootstrapping Key is the enrollee's public key. The specified information can also be described as the information that the enrollee needs to provide to the configurator in order to enable the configurator to perform the specified communication (the communication in the Authentication phase described later). The specified information may also include information such as the enrollee's MAC (Media Access Control) address. Hereafter, the specified information provided by the enrollee to the configurator in the Bootstrapping phase defined in DPP will also be referred to as Bootstrapping information.

[0030] In bootstrapping, bootstrapping information can be provided, for example, via Bluetooth communication or via a QR code (registered trademark). In this embodiment, the external access point AP2, acting as the enrollee, provides bootstrapping information to the communication device 100, acting as the configurator, via BLE communication, as described later. Communication between the configurator and the enrollee during the Authentication and Configuration phases is performed according to the Wi-Fi standard.

[0031] Authentication is the process in which the configurator and enrollee mutually authenticate each other and generate a shared key used to encrypt the transmission of the Configuration Object. In other words, a key for encrypting wireless connection information is generated in this phase. The configurator and enrollee each generate the shared key based on, for example, ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key exchange). In the Authentication phase, the configurator first sends a signal called a DPP Authentication Request to the enrollee. This signal contains a message generated using the Bootstrapping information obtained from the enrollee in the Bootstrapping phase. Therefore, Bootstrapping information can be said to be information that the configurator needs to provide to the enrollee in order to initiate communication (DPP Authentication Request) according to a predetermined communication process. In the Authentication phase, after sending the DPP Authentication Request, the enrollee sends a signal called a DPP Authentication Response to the configurator. Finally, a signal called DPP Authentication Confirm is sent from the configurator to the enrollee.

[0032] The Configuration phase is the process of sending wireless connection information (Configuration Object) from the configurator to the enrollee via encrypted communication using a shared key generated in the Authentication phase. As a result, the wireless connection information used by the communication device 100 is set on the external access point AP2, which is the enrollee. In other words, the wireless connection information that was set on external access point AP1 is also set on external access point AP2. If the external access point AP2 has default wireless connection information set, this default wireless connection information will be updated with the wireless connection information sent from the communication device 100. In the Configuration phase, the enrollee first sends a signal called a DPP Configuration Request to the configurator. In response, the configurator sends a signal called a DPP Configuration Response to the enrollee. This DPP Configuration Response contains the wireless connection information (Configuration Object).

[0033] After the wireless connection information used by the communication device 100 is set on the external access point AP2, the connection processing unit 152 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 by performing a known connection establishment process using the said wireless connection information. Specifically, the connection processing unit 152 performs a connection establishment process in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. For example, the connection processing unit 152 performs a process to send an Association Request signal to the external access point AP2 to request the establishment of a wireless communication connection, or a process to perform a 4-Way Handshake communication with the external access point AP2. The connection processing unit 152 may also perform a connection establishment process as defined by DPP.

[0034] Next, the external access point AP2 will be described. In this embodiment, the external access point AP2 can configure a wireless LAN in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard, similar to the external access point AP1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the external access point AP2. As shown in Figure 3, the external access point AP2 includes a communication unit 310 and a control unit 350.

[0035] The communication unit 310 is a hardware circuit that performs wireless communication with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and may include software such as firmware. The communication unit 310 includes a WF wireless communication unit 311 and a BT wireless communication unit 312.

[0036] The WF wireless communication unit 311 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with the first wireless communication standard described above. Specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 311 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard.

[0037] The BT wireless communication unit 312 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with the second wireless communication standard described above. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 312 performs Bluetooth communication, which is communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 312 performs wireless communication in accordance with the BLE standard. Note that if Bluetooth communication is not required, the external access point AP2 does not need to have the BT wireless communication unit 312.

[0038] The control unit 350 controls the operation of the external access point AP2. In particular, the control unit 350 has a wireless setting unit 351 as a configuration for setting up wireless communication between the external access point AP2 and the communication device 100.

[0039] The wireless configuration unit 351 acquires wireless connection information from the communication device 100 in accordance with the process defined in DPP, and sets the acquired wireless connection information as information for establishing a wireless communication connection between the external access point AP2 and other devices. That is, the wireless configuration unit 351 performs the enrollee processing defined in DPP. The wireless configuration unit 351 first performs the bootstrapping phase processing, then the authentication phase processing, and finally the configuration phase processing. In this embodiment, specifically, in the bootstrapping phase, for example, the wireless configuration unit 351 causes the BT wireless communication unit 312 to transmit the bootstrapping information. That is, in this case, the BT wireless communication unit 312 transmits the bootstrapping information via BLE communication.

[0040] Furthermore, the wireless configuration unit 351 performs processing to establish a wireless communication connection with the communication device 100. Specifically, the wireless configuration unit 351 performs connection establishment processing with the communication device 100 in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard. For example, the wireless configuration unit 351 performs processing to send an Association Response signal to the communication device 100, or performs processing to communicate with the communication device 100 using a 4-Way Handshake. The wireless configuration unit 351 may also perform connection establishment processing as defined by DPP.

[0041] Figure 4 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations in which the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 when the communication device 100 provides wireless connection information to the external access point AP2. The following explanation of this operation flow will refer to Figure 4.

[0042] In step S10, as described above, the DPP Bootstrapping phase is processed, and Bootstrapping information is provided from the external access point AP2 to the communication device 100. Next, in step S11, the DPP Authentication phase is processed between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2. This generates a key for transmitting wireless connection information via encrypted communication. Next, in step S12, the DPP Configuration phase is processed between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2. As a result, wireless connection information is transmitted from the communication device 100 to the external access point AP2, and the wireless connection information is set in the external access point AP2. Subsequently, in step S13, the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection (a wireless communication connection in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard) with the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information described above. In other words, in step S13, the communication device 100 joins the LAN using the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information described above.

[0043] In this embodiment, the communication device 100 sets the wireless connection information of the external access point AP1, which it possesses, as the wireless connection information for the external access point AP2. The communication device 100 then uses this wireless connection information to establish a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2. As a result, the user does not need to obtain the wireless connection information of the external access point AP2 (for example, the default wireless connection information) or register the obtained wireless connection information with the communication device 100. Therefore, a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and a new external access point AP2 can be easily established, improving user convenience.

[0044] In order to achieve the above-described operation, the wireless connection information of the external access point AP1 must be registered (configured) in the communication device 100, and the new external access point AP2 must be operating as an enrollee. However, there may be cases where the wireless connection information of the external access point AP1 is not registered (configured) in the communication device 100, or where the new external access point AP2 is not operating as an enrollee. Therefore, in this embodiment, in such cases, the communication device 100 obtains the wireless connection information from the terminal device 200 that has the wireless connection information set in the external access point AP2, and uses the obtained wireless connection information to establish a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2. This will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0045] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device 200 that provides wireless connection information of an external access point AP2 to a communication device 100. The terminal device 200 is a device that already possesses wireless connection information of an external access point AP2. The terminal device 200 may also be a terminal that has already established a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2. In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 transmits the wireless connection information set for the external access point AP2 to the communication device 100 according to the process defined in DPP. This enables the communication device 100 to establish a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2. In this case, the terminal device 200 operates as a configurator defined in DPP, and the communication device 100 operates as an enrollee defined in DPP.

[0046] The terminal device 200 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a personal computer. As shown in Figure 5, the terminal device 200 includes a UI unit 210, a communication unit 220, a code reading unit 230, and a control unit 250.

[0047] The UI unit 210 is a user interface device that includes an input device such as a button or pointing device that accepts user input operations, and a display. The UI unit 210 may also be a touch panel in which the input device and display are integrated.

[0048] The communication unit 220 is a hardware circuit that performs wireless communication with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and may include software such as firmware. The communication unit 220 includes a WF wireless communication unit 221 and a BT wireless communication unit 222.

[0049] The WF wireless communication unit 221 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with the first wireless communication standard described above. Specifically, the WF wireless communication unit 221 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard.

[0050] The BT wireless communication unit 222 is a circuit that performs communication in accordance with the second wireless communication standard described above. In this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 222 performs Bluetooth communication, which is communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard. More specifically, in this embodiment, the BT wireless communication unit 222 performs wireless communication in accordance with the BLE standard. Note that if Bluetooth communication is not required, the terminal device 200 does not need to have the BT wireless communication unit 222.

[0051] The code reading unit 230 is a reader that reads code images such as QR codes. The code reading unit 230 may include a scanner or a camera as hardware for reading. The code reading unit 230 decodes the scanned or photographed code image and reads the information represented by the code image. Therefore, the code reading unit 230 can read the code image of the Bootstrapping information of the communication device 100.

[0052] The control unit 250 controls the operation of the terminal device 200. In particular, the control unit 250 has a wireless setting unit 251 as a configuration for setting up wireless communication of the communication device 100.

[0053] The wireless configuration unit 251 performs processing to assist in the wireless configuration of the communication device 100. In particular, the wireless configuration unit 251 performs predetermined processing for transmitting wireless connection information to the communication device 100. In this embodiment, the wireless configuration unit 251 transmits the wireless connection information of the external access point AP2 held by the terminal device 200 to the communication device 100 according to the process defined in DPP. In DPP, the process of transmitting wireless connection information from the configurator (terminal device 200) to the enrollee (communication device 100) also consists of the three phases described above: Bootstrapping, Authentication, and Configuration.

[0054] The wireless configuration unit 251 initiates a predetermined process for transmitting wireless connection information to the communication device 100 when the code reading unit 230 reads a code image containing the bootstrapping information of the communication device 100, or when the BT wireless communication unit 222 receives the bootstrapping information of the communication device 100. Specifically, when the wireless configuration unit 251 obtains the bootstrapping information provided by the communication device 100, it starts processing the Authentication phase of the DPP. Subsequently, the wireless configuration unit 251 executes the Configuration phase of the DPP, thereby transmitting the wireless connection information to the communication device 100.

[0055] When the communication device 100 performs the operations specified in DPP as an enloader, the connection processing unit 152 of the communication device 100 performs the following processing. That is, if wireless connection information for establishing a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1 is not registered in the communication device 100, or if the external access point AP2 that will operate as an enloader cannot be found, the connection processing unit 152 operates the communication device 100 as an enloader and performs the following processing. In these cases, the connection processing unit 152 first outputs predetermined information that should be provided from the enloader to the configurator in the Bootstrapping phase specified in DPP, i.e., Bootstrapping information. Next, the connection processing unit 152 obtains wireless connection information for establishing a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 from the terminal device 200, which is a device that operates as a configurator specified in DPP and has obtained the predetermined information (Bootstrapping information), in accordance with the process specified in DPP. Then, the connection processing unit 152 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information obtained from the terminal device 200.

[0056] In the bootstrapping phase, the connection processing unit 152 of the communication device 100 performs the following processing. For example, the connection processing unit 152 generates an image of a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code, on which the bootstrapping information of the communication device 100 is encoded. In this case, the connection processing unit 152 may display the code image containing the bootstrapping information on the UI unit 130, or print the code image on the printing unit 120. In this case, the code image will be read by the code reading unit 230 of the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the connection processing unit 152 may transmit bootstrapping information instead of outputting the code image, or together with outputting the code image. That is, the connection processing unit 152 may transmit the bootstrapping information of the communication device 100 to the BT wireless communication unit 112. In this case, the bootstrapping information is transmitted to the terminal device 200 via BLE communication.

[0057] Figure 6 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operations in which the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 when the communication device 100 performs the operations specified in the DPP as an enrollee. The flow of operations will be explained below with reference to Figure 6.

[0058] In step S20, the DPP Bootstrapping phase is processed, and Bootstrapping information is provided from the communication device 100 to the terminal device 200. Next, in step S21, the Authentication phase of the DPP is processed between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100. This generates a key for transmitting the wireless connection information of the external access point AP2 held by the terminal device 200 via encrypted communication. Next, in step S22, the DPP Configuration phase is processed between the terminal device 200 and the communication device 100. This transmits wireless connection information from the terminal device 200 to the communication device 100. Subsequently, in step S23, the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection (a wireless communication connection in accordance with the Wi-Fi standard) with the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information. In other words, in step S23, the communication device 100 joins the LAN using the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information obtained from the terminal device 200.

[0059] In this embodiment, the example is given where the device acting as the configurator is the terminal device 200, but the device acting as the configurator may also be the external access point AP2.

[0060] Next, the detailed operation flow of the communication device 100 in this embodiment will be described. Figures 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing an example of the detailed operation flow of the communication device 100. The detailed operation flow of the communication device 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0061] In step S100, the connection processing unit 152 of the communication device 100 checks whether wireless settings have been configured for the communication device 100. That is, the connection processing unit 152 checks whether wireless connection information for the external access point AP1 has been registered (configured) for the communication device 100. If wireless settings have been configured for the communication device 100 (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S101. If wireless settings have not been configured for the communication device 100 (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0062] In step S101, the connection processing unit 152 of the communication device 100 searches for an access point that can establish a wireless connection using the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100. Specifically, for example, the connection processing unit 152 checks whether it is possible to receive a beacon signal including the SSID indicated in the wireless connection information. If an access point that can establish a wireless connection using the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100 is found, that is, if an external access point AP1 that can establish a wireless connection is found (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if an access point that can establish a wireless connection using the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100 is not found, that is, if an external access point AP1 that can establish a wireless connection is not found (NO in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0063] In this embodiment, if the configuration processing unit 151 cannot find an external access point AP1 that can establish a wireless communication connection using wireless connection information, it searches for an external access point AP2 that will act as an enloader as defined by DPP. Therefore, as shown in this flowchart, when the process moves to step S103, the configuration processing unit 151 of the communication device 100 searches for an external access point AP2 that will act as an enloader. Specifically, for example, the configuration processing unit 151 checks whether it can receive a Bootstrap signal transmitted from the external access point AP2 via BLE communication. Here, the Bootstrap signal is a signal that includes Bootstrap information. The configuration processing unit 151 may also check whether it can receive a signal called DPP Presence Announcement, as defined by DPP. The DPP Presence Announcement signal is a signal broadcast by the enloader during the Bootstrap phase, and it is a signal to notify the configurator that it is possible to execute a process according to DPP. In this embodiment, the wireless configuration unit 351 of the external access point AP2 starts its operation as an enrollee, or in other words, starts processing the Bootstrap phase, for example, when the external access point AP2 is started up or when a predetermined operation is performed by the user. That is, the wireless configuration unit 351 of the external access point AP2 starts transmitting a Bootstrap signal or a Presence Announcement signal when the external access point AP2 is started up or when a predetermined operation is performed by the user.

[0064] In this embodiment, when an external access point AP2 that will act as an enrollee is found, the setting processing unit 151 sets the wireless connection information to the external access point AP2 according to the process defined in DPP. Therefore, in this flowchart, if an external access point AP2 that will act as an enrollee is found (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105, and if an external access point AP2 that will act as an enrollee is not found (NO in step S104), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0065] In step S105, the setting processing unit 151 may display a UI screen on the UI unit 130 (display) to ask the user whether to set the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100 to the external access point AP2 discovered in step S103. This UI screen includes, for example, a message to confirm whether to execute the process of setting the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100, i.e., the wireless connection information of external access point AP1, to the new external access point AP2, and a button to select whether to execute the process. Subsequently, in step S106, the setting processing unit 151 determines whether an input instructing the execution of such a setting has been received via the UI unit 130. If the user instructs to execute the process of setting the wireless connection information already registered in the communication device 100 to the new external access point AP2 (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the user does not instruct to execute the process of setting the wireless connection information already registered in the communication device 100 to the new external access point AP2 (NO in step S106), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0066] In step S107, the configuration processing unit 151 of the communication device 100 executes a process to set the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100 to the external access point AP2 in accordance with the process defined by DPP. Thus, in this embodiment, the configuration processing unit 151 provides a user interface for selecting whether or not to set the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device 100 as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1, to the external access point AP2. Then, if the user instructs to set the wireless connection information to the external access point AP2, the wireless communication connection is set to the external access point AP2. This improves user convenience.

[0067] After step S107, in step S108, the configuration processing unit 151 checks whether the setting of wireless connection information for the external access point AP2 has been successfully completed. That is, the configuration processing unit 151 checks whether the setting was successful. If the setting is successfully completed (YES in step S108), the process moves to step S109. In step S109, the configuration processing unit 151 notifies the user of the processing result of the configuration process. Specifically, the configuration processing unit 151 notifies the user of the wireless connection information set for the external access point AP2. For example, the configuration processing unit 151 displays the wireless connection information set for the external access point AP2 on the UI unit 130 (display). In this way, when the configuration processing unit 151 sets wireless connection information that has been previously registered in the communication device 100 as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1 to the external access point AP2, it notifies the user of the wireless connection information set for the external access point AP2. This improves user convenience. After step S109, the process moves to step S112.

[0068] If the setting is not completed successfully (NO in step S108), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the setting processing unit 151 determines whether a predetermined failure confirmation condition has been met. The predetermined failure confirmation condition may be that the number of setting process failures exceeds a predetermined threshold, or that the elapsed time since the start of the setting process exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the predetermined failure confirmation condition has not been met (NO in step S110), the process returns to step S107 and the setting process continues. If the predetermined failure confirmation condition has been met (YES in step S110), the process proceeds to step S111. For example, the failure confirmation condition will be met if radio communication is unstable or impossible, such as when the distance between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2 is large. Note that the reasons for the failure confirmation condition being met are not limited to the examples described above.

[0069] In step S111, the configuration processing unit 151 notifies the user of guidance information that guides the user through the procedure for establishing a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2. For example, the configuration processing unit 151 displays the guidance information on the UI unit 130 (display). The procedure notified by this guidance information may be a procedure that conforms to a known wireless configuration method. For example, the procedure to be guided may conform to the wireless configuration method defined by AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System) (registered trademark), the wireless configuration method defined by WPS-PBC (Wi-Fi Protected Setup-Push Button Configuration), or the wireless configuration method unique to the vendor of the communication device 100. These are merely examples, and the procedure to be guided may be any other known procedure. In this way, if the configuration processing unit 151 fails to set the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device 100 as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1, to the external access point AP2, it outputs the guidance information. In other words, in this case, the configuration processing unit 151 notifies the user of information that guides the user through the predetermined procedures to be followed in order to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2. This improves user convenience.

[0070] If the predetermined failure confirmation conditions are met and the process proceeds to step S111, the setting processing unit 151 notifies the user that the setting process has failed and also notifies them of the guidance information described above. On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S111 (NO in step S106) because an instruction to execute the process of setting the wireless connection information already registered in the communication device 100 to the new external access point AP2 was not received, the result of the setting process will not be notified.

[0071] As described above, after step S109, the process proceeds to step S112. Also, as described above, if an access point capable of wireless communication using the wireless connection information registered in the communication device 100 is found (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the connection processing unit 152 of the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point using the wireless connection information previously registered in the communication device 100. If the process proceeds to step S112 after step S109, a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2 will be established in step S112. On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S112 after determining YES in step S102, a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP1 will be established in step S112. Thus, in this embodiment, steps S103 to S109 are executed only if an external access point AP1 capable of establishing a wireless communication connection cannot be found (NO in step S102). Otherwise (YES in step S102), a wireless communication connection is established between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP1. Therefore, unnecessary processing such as step S107 (setting processing for external access point AP2) can be suppressed.

[0072] By the way, in this embodiment, if the wireless connection information of the external access point AP1 is not registered (set) in the communication device 100 (NO in step S100), or if the external access point AP2 is not operating as an enrollee (NO in step S104), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0073] In step S113, the connection processing unit 152 of the communication device 100 operates the communication device 100 as an enloader, as described above. That is, the connection processing unit 152 outputs bootstrapping information by outputting a code image or transmitting a bootstrap signal. After step S113, the process moves on to step S114.

[0074] In step S114, the connection processing unit 152 determines whether the communication device 100 has received a DPP Authentication Request from the configurator (terminal device 200). If a DPP Authentication Request is received (YES in step S114), the process proceeds to step S115. Conversely, if a DPP Authentication Request is not received (NO in step S114), the process proceeds to step S117. Specifically, for example, if a predetermined time has elapsed after the processing in step S113 without a DPP Authentication Request being received, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0075] In step S115, the connection processing unit 152 obtains wireless connection information from the configurator (terminal device 200) according to the process defined in DPP. The process then proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the connection processing unit 152 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 using the wireless connection information obtained in step S115. Thus, if the connection processing unit 152 cannot find the external access point AP2 that will act as the enloader as defined in DPP, it outputs bootstrapping information, obtains wireless connection information from the configurator, and establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 using the obtained wireless connection information. For this reason, even if the external access point AP2 that will act as the enloader cannot be found, a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 can be established. The connection processing unit 152 also performs the same process if the wireless connection information for establishing a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1 is not registered in the communication device 100. In other words, even in this case, the connection processing unit 152 outputs bootstrapping information, obtains wireless connection information from the configurator, and establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 using the obtained wireless connection information. Therefore, even if wireless connection information for establishing a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP1 is not registered in the communication device 100, a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 can be established.

[0076] In contrast, if the process proceeds to step S117, in step S117, the connection processing unit 152 notifies the user of guidance information that guides the user through the procedure for establishing a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and the external access point AP2. For example, the connection processing unit 152 displays the guidance information on the UI unit 130 (display). The procedure notified by this guidance information may also be a procedure that conforms to a known wireless setup method.

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, the communication device 100 sets the wireless connection information of the external access point AP1, which the communication device 100 possesses, as the wireless connection information of the external access point AP2 to the external access point AP2. Then, the communication device 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the external access point AP2 using this wireless connection information. Therefore, the user does not need to obtain the wireless connection information of the external access point AP2 or register the obtained wireless connection information with the communication device 100. As a result, a wireless communication connection between the communication device 100 and a new external access point AP2 can be easily established, improving user convenience.

[0078] Although embodiments have been described above, the processing of the communication device 100, terminal device 200, and external access points AP1 and AP2 may be performed by the computers provided in each device. The computers may be configured as SoCs (System on a Chip). Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 900 provided in the communication device 100, terminal device 200, or external access point AP1 or AP2. As shown in Figure 8, the computer 900 has, for example, an input / output interface 901, a memory 902, and a processor 903.

[0079] The input / output interface 901 is used to communicate with any circuit or device. Memory 902 is composed of, for example, a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Memory 902 is used to store programs executed by processor 903 and data used for various processes. The processor 903 reads and executes a program from the memory 902, thereby performing various processes described in the above-described embodiment. The processor 903 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 903 may also include multiple processors.

[0080] The program, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0081] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the Bootstrapping information was transmitted by code image or BLE communication, but it may be transmitted by other methods specified in DPP.

[0082] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to these. (Note 1) A communication device, A setting processing unit sets wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device, to a second external access point as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point. A connection processing unit establishes a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the aforementioned wireless connection information. A communication device having the following features. (Note 2) The configuration processing unit searches for the second external access point which will act as an enrollee as defined by the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). If the second external access point is found, it sets the wireless connection information to the second external access point according to the process defined by the DPP. The communication device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) If the configuration processing unit cannot find the first external access point that can establish a wireless communication connection using the wireless connection information, it searches for the second external access point that will operate as an enrollee as defined by DPP. The communication device described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) If the connection processing unit cannot find the second external access point which operates as an enrollee as defined by DPP, In the Bootstrapping phase as defined by DPP, the required information to be provided from the enrollee to the configurator is output. A device that operates as a configurator as defined in DPP and has acquired the predetermined information acquires wireless connection information for establishing a wireless connection with the second external access point in accordance with the process defined in DPP. Using the wireless connection information obtained from the aforementioned device, a wireless communication connection is established with the second external access point. The communication device described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) If the wireless connection information for establishing a wireless connection with the first external access point is not registered in the communication device, the connection processing unit will perform the following actions. In the Bootstrapping phase as defined by DPP, the required information to be provided from the enrollee to the configurator is output. A device that operates as a configurator as defined in DPP and has acquired the predetermined information acquires wireless connection information for establishing a wireless connection with the second external access point in accordance with the process defined in DPP. Using the wireless connection information obtained from the aforementioned device, a wireless communication connection is established with the second external access point. A communication device as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. (Note 6) When the setting processing unit sets the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point, to the second external access point, it notifies the user of the wireless connection information set to the second external access point. A communication device as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 of the appendix. (Note 7) If the setting processing unit fails to set the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point, to the second external access point, it notifies the user of information guiding the user through a predetermined procedure to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device and the second external access point. A communication device as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix. (Note 8) The setting processing unit provides a user interface for selecting whether or not to set the wireless connection information, which has been pre-registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point, to the second external access point, and sets the wireless communication connection to the second external access point when instructed by the user to set the wireless connection information to the second external access point. A communication device as described in any one of the items 1 to 7 of the appendix. (Note 9) A processing method using a communication device, The communication device sets the wireless connection information, which has been pre-registered in the communication device, to the second external access point as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point. Using the aforementioned wireless connection information, a wireless communication connection is established with the second external access point. Processing method. (Note 10) In the computer of the communication device, A setting process step in which the communication device sets wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point, to a second external access point; A connection processing step that establishes a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the aforementioned wireless connection information. A program that executes the command. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1...Information processing system, 100...Communication device, 110...Communication unit, 111...WF wireless communication unit, 112...BT wireless communication unit, 120...Printing unit, 130...UI unit, 150...Control unit, 151...Setting processing unit, 152...Connection processing unit, 200...Terminal device, 210...UI unit, 220...Communication unit, 221...WF wireless communication unit, 222...BT wireless communication unit, 230...Code reading unit, 250...Control unit, 251...Wireless setting unit, 310...Communication unit, 311...WF wireless communication unit, 312...BT wireless communication unit, 350...Control unit, 351...Wireless setting unit, 900...Computer, 901...Input / output interface, 902...Memory, 903...Processor

Claims

1. A communication device, A setting processing unit sets wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device, to a second external access point as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point. A connection processing unit establishes a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the aforementioned wireless connection information. A communication device having the following features.

2. The configuration processing unit searches for the second external access point which operates as an enrollee as defined by the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP). If the second external access point is found, it sets the wireless connection information to the second external access point according to the process defined by the DPP. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. If the setting processing unit cannot find the first external access point capable of establishing a wireless communication connection using the wireless connection information, it searches for the second external access point that will operate as an enrollee as defined by DPP. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. If the connection processing unit cannot find the second external access point which operates as an enrollee as defined by DPP, In the Bootstrapping phase defined by DPP, the enrollee outputs the specified information that should be provided to the configurator. A device that operates as a configurator as defined in DPP and has acquired the predetermined information acquires wireless connection information for establishing a wireless connection with the second external access point in accordance with the process defined in DPP. Using the wireless connection information obtained from the aforementioned device, a wireless communication connection is established with the second external access point. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. If the wireless connection information for establishing a wireless connection with the first external access point is not registered in the communication device, the connection processing unit will... In the Bootstrapping phase defined by DPP, the enrollee outputs the specified information that should be provided to the configurator. A device that operates as a configurator as defined in DPP and has acquired the predetermined information acquires wireless connection information for establishing a wireless connection with the second external access point in accordance with the process defined in DPP. Using the wireless connection information obtained from the aforementioned device, a wireless communication connection is established with the second external access point. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the setting processing unit sets the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point, to the second external access point, it notifies the user of the wireless connection information set to the second external access point. The communication device according to claim 1.

7. If the setting processing unit fails to set the wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point, to the second external access point, it notifies the user of information guiding the user through a predetermined procedure to establish a wireless communication connection between the communication device and the second external access point. The communication device according to claim 1.

8. The setting processing unit provides a user interface for selecting whether or not to set the wireless connection information, which has been pre-registered in the communication device as information used to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point, to the second external access point, and sets the wireless communication connection to the second external access point when instructed by the user to set the wireless connection information to the second external access point. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. A processing method using a communication device, The communication device sets the wireless connection information, which has been pre-registered in the communication device, to the second external access point as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with the first external access point. Using the aforementioned wireless connection information, a wireless communication connection is established with the second external access point. Processing method.

10. In the computer of the communication device, A setting process step in which the communication device sets wireless connection information, which has been previously registered in the communication device as information used by the communication device to establish a wireless communication connection with a first external access point, to a second external access point, A connection processing step that establishes a wireless communication connection with the second external access point using the aforementioned wireless connection information. A program that executes the command.

Images