Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a program that as the function of transmitting connection information for connection with an access point to a communication device so as to connect the communication device and the access point has become widely used, allow improvement in the convenience of the function.SOLUTION: In a system including an information processing device 101 and a communication device 151, a control program that is executed by a CPU 103 of the information processing device is configured to control the information processing device to: obtain predetermined information for executing communication with the communication device based on IEEE 802.11 using a first protocol, via communication with the communication device based on IEEE 802.11 using a second protocol; and transmit connection information for connection with an access point to the communication device via communication with the communication device based on IEEE 802.11 using the first protocol, the communication being executed using the predetermined information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A technique is known in which an information processing apparatus such as a PC (personal computer) transmits information regarding an access point to a communication apparatus such as a printer and connects the communication apparatus to the external apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, as the function of transmitting connection information for connecting to an access point to a communication apparatus and connecting the communication apparatus to the access point becomes widespread, it is required to improve the convenience of the function.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to improve the convenience of the function of connecting a communication apparatus to an access point.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the program of the present invention causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to obtain, via communication based on IEEE802.11 using a second protocol with the communication apparatus, predetermined information for executing communication based on IEEE802.11 using a first protocol with the communication apparatus (acquisition step); Control the information processing device to transmit connection information for connecting to an access point to the communication device via communication based on IEEE802.11 using the first protocol with the communication device where the predetermined information is used A determination step for executing a determination process regarding whether to execute; the predetermined control A control step of executing; An execution step for executing specific control to control the connection information for connecting to the access point to be transmitted to the communication device via communication based on IEEE802.11 using the second protocol with the communication device; Causing to execute 、 Based on the result of the determination process, it is controlled whether the predetermined control is executed; In the predetermined control, connection information for connecting to a first access point is transmitted, and in the specific control, connection information for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point is transmitted; The determination process includes a process for determining whether the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the communication device; Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the communication device, the predetermined control is executed, and based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is not an encryption method supported by the communication device, the specific control is executed It is characterized by the above. Also, the program of the present invention on a computer of an information processing device An acquisition step for acquiring predetermined information for executing communication based on IEEE802.11 using a first protocol with a communication device via communication based on IEEE802.11 using a second protocol with the communication device; A determination step for executing a determination process regarding whether to execute predetermined control for controlling the information processing device to transmit connection information for connecting to an access point to the communication device via communication based on IEEE802.11 using the first protocol with the communication device in which the predetermined information is used; A control step for executing the predetermined control; An execution step for executing specific control to control the connection information for connecting to the access point to be transmitted to the communication device via communication based on IEEE802.11 using the second protocol with the communication device; to be executed, Based on the result of the determination process, it is controlled whether the predetermined control is executed; In the predetermined control, connection information for connecting to a first access point is transmitted, and in the specific control, connection information for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point is transmitted. The determination process includes a process of determining whether an encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the first protocol. Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the first protocol, the predetermined control is executed. Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is not an encryption method supported by the first protocol, the specific control or a third control for controlling the information processing apparatus to transmit the connection information for connecting to the first access point to the communication apparatus via communication with the communication apparatus using the second protocol is executed. Also, the program of the present invention causes a computer of an information processing apparatus to execute an acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information for executing communication based on IEEE802.11 using a first protocol with a communication apparatus via communication based on IEEE802.11 using a second protocol with the communication apparatus, a determination step of executing a determination process regarding whether to execute a predetermined control for controlling the information processing apparatus to transmit connection information for connecting to an access point to the communication apparatus via communication based on IEEE802.11 using the first protocol with the communication apparatus in which the predetermined information is used, a control step of executing the predetermined control, an execution step of executing a specific control for controlling to transmit the connection information for connecting to the access point to the communication apparatus via communication based on IEEE802.11 using the second protocol with the communication apparatus, and causes control to be performed on whether the predetermined control is executed based on the result of the determination process. In the predetermined control, connection information for connecting to a first access point is transmitted, and in the specific control, connection information for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point is transmitted. The encryption methods supported by the first protocol are WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) 2 and WPA3, and the encryption methods not supported by the first protocol are WPA and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the convenience of the function of connecting a communication device and an access point can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention also includes those in which appropriate changes and improvements are made to the embodiments described below based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] (First Embodiment) An information processing apparatus and a communication apparatus included in the communication system according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing apparatus, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as the information processing apparatus, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera can be applied. Further, in this embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the communication apparatus, but it is not limited thereto, and various devices can be applied as long as they can perform wireless communication with the information processing apparatus. For example, in the case of a printer, it can be applied to an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, and the like. Further, it can be applied not only to printers but also to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like. In addition, it can also be applied to a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function.

[0011] Also, in this embodiment, when the information processing apparatus supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter referred to as WEC) (registered trademark), the apparatus can execute the function. WEC is a function that uses the Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter referred to as DPP) formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance to perform network setup of other devices. Specifically, the network setup of other devices is a process of connecting other devices to an access point that forms a network. In WEC, communication is performed between a device operating in the role of "Configurator" (hereinafter referred to as Configurator device) and a device operating in the role of "Enrollee" (hereinafter referred to as Enrollee device). The Configurator device acquires Bootstrapping information from the Enrollee device. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information (such as MAC address) of the Enrollee device and public key information used for secure communication with the Enrollee device. In this embodiment, the Bootstrapping information is described as "WEC-related information". Note that other information may also be treated as WEC-related information. Then, the Configurator device executes wireless communication with the Enrollee device using the acquired Bootstrapping information. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device encrypts a protocol key using the public key included in the Bootstrapping information and transmits the encrypted protocol key to the Enrollee device. Then, based on the encrypted protocol key, the common key is encrypted, and the information encrypted using the common key is transmitted to the Enrollee device. Note that the information transmitted here is specifically, for example, connection information for connecting to an access point. Then, the Enrollee device establishes a wireless connection with the access point using the connection information received from the Configurator device. Note that in the network setup process by WEC in this embodiment, the information processing apparatus supporting WEC is described as operating as a Configurator device, and the communication apparatus supporting WEC is described as operating as an Enrollee device.

[0012] First, the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment and the communication apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the following configuration will be described as an example, but the present embodiment is applicable to an apparatus capable of communicating with a communication apparatus, and the functions are not particularly limited as shown in this figure.

[0013] The information processing apparatus 101 is the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, and the like. A computer of the information processing apparatus 101 is formed by the CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, and the like.

[0014] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from a user when an operation unit such as a keyboard 109 is operated. Note that the operation unit may be a physical keyboard or physical buttons, or may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 108. That is, the input interface 102 may receive input from the user via the display unit 108.

[0015] The CPU 103 is a system control unit that controls the entire information processing apparatus 101.

[0016] The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as a control program executed by the CPU 103, a data table, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In the present embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0017] The RAM 105 is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power supply. Since the data in the RAM 105 is retained by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without being volatile. Also, a memory area for storing the setting information of the information processing apparatus 101, the management data of the information processing apparatus 101, etc. is also provided in the RAM 105. Further, the RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and the work memory of the CPU 103.

[0018] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as the setting app) for executing the network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information interpretable by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting app is an application program for setting the access point of the connection destination of the communication device 151 by means of a WEC or the like. Note that the setting app may have other functions than the network setup function. For example, the setting app may have a function of causing the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function of scanning the original document set in the communication device 151, a function of checking the state of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting app is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server via Internet communication through the communication unit 110, for example. Also, the external storage device 106 stores various programs such as an information transmission / reception control program for transmitting and receiving information to and from the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

[0019] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to perform data display and notification of the state of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0020] The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc., and performs data display and notification of the state of the information processing apparatus 101.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 and perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can be connected to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 and the access point within the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. Note that the communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device existing outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) existing outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, and a device capable of relaying communication other than the access point. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard compliant with the IEEE802.11 series. And it is assumed that the above-mentioned WEC is executed by the communication by the communication unit 110. In addition, examples of the access point 131 include devices such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without passing through an external access point is called a direct connection method. Also, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0022] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to wirelessly connect to a device such as the communication device 151 at a short range and perform data communication, and communicates by a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 within the communication device 151. Examples of the communication method include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi Aware, and the like.

[0023] In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 101 executes the WEC by the OS of the information processing apparatus 101 based on an execution instruction of network setup processing by the setting application.

[0024] The communication apparatus 151 is a communication apparatus of this embodiment. The communication apparatus 151 includes a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, and the like. A computer of the communication apparatus 151 is formed by the ROM 152, the RAM 153, the CPU 154, and the like.

[0025] The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to devices such as the information processing apparatus 101 as an access point inside the communication apparatus 151. Note that the access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing apparatus 101. By activating the access point, the communication apparatus 151 operates as an access point. Note that the communication unit 156 may be directly wirelessly connected to the information processing apparatus 101 or may be wirelessly connected via the access point 131. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 conforms to the communication standard of the IEEE802.11 series. Also, in the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. Also, if the communication apparatus 151 supports the WEC, the above-described WEC is executed by communication by the communication unit 156. Also, the communication unit 156 may include hardware that functions as an access point or may operate as an access point by software for causing it to function as an access point.

[0026] The communication apparatus 151 of this embodiment can operate in an infrastructure mode and a P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0027] The infrastructure mode is a form in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 via an external device (e.g., the access point 131) that forms a network. The connection with the external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is referred to as an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, an infra connection). In the present embodiment, in the infra connection, the communication device 151 operates as a slave station, and the external access point operates as a master station. Note that in the present embodiment, the master station is a device that determines the communication channel used in the network to which the master station belongs, and the slave station is a device that does not determine the communication channel used in the network to which the slave station belongs and uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0028] The P2P mode is a form in which the communication device 151 directly communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 without going through an external device that forms a network. In the present embodiment, the P2P mode is assumed to include the AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 during the AP mode is assumed to be arbitrarily settable by the user. Note that the P2P mode may include, for example, the WFD mode for the communication device 151 to communicate via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Note that which of a plurality of WFD-compatible devices operates as the master station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. Note that the master station may be determined without executing the Group Owner Negotiation. A device that is a WFD-compatible device and serves as the master station is particularly referred to as a Group Owner. The direct connection with other devices established by the communication device 151 operating in the P2P mode is referred to as a direct connection. In the present embodiment, in the direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as the master station, and the other device operates as the slave station.

[0029] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode, which is a mode for executing the network setup of the communication device 151 by receiving a predetermined operation from the user. When the communication device 151 operates in the network setup mode, by using the communication unit 156, it operates as a setup access point that is valid during the operation in the network setup mode. The setup access point is different from the access point activated in the above-described AP mode. Also, the SSID of the setup access point shall include a predetermined character string recognizable by the setting application of the information processing device 101. Also, the setup access point is assumed to be an access point that does not require a password for connection. Also, the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode shall use a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specifically, the setup communication protocol is, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). After starting the operation in the network setup mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the communication device 151 stops the operation in the network setup mode and invalidates the setup access point. This is because, as described above, the setup access point does not require a password, and if it is activated for a long time, the possibility of being requested to connect from an inappropriate device increases. Note that the setup access point may be an access point that requires a password. In that case, the password used for connection to the setup access point shall be a fixed (unchangeable by the user) password that the setting application has grasped in advance.

[0030] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the information processing device 101 at a short distance, and for example, it can be connected to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the information processing device 101. Examples of the communication method include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, Wi-Fi Aware, etc.

[0031] The RAM 153 is composed of SRAM etc. that require a backup power supply. Since the data in the RAM 153 is held by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without being volatile. Also, a memory area for storing the setting information of the communication device 151, the management data of the communication device 151, etc. is also provided in the RAM 153. Further, the RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 154, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily saving the print information received from the information processing device 101 etc. and various kinds of information.

[0032] The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 154, data tables, and OS programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

[0033] The CPU 154 is a system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151.

[0034] Based on the print engine 155, the information stored in the RAM 153, and the print job received from the information processing device 101 etc., an image is formed on a recording medium such as paper by adding a recording agent such as ink onto the recording medium, and the print result is output. Generally, since the data volume of the print job transmitted from the information processing device 101 etc. is large, it is required to use a communication method capable of high-speed communication for the communication of the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156 capable of higher-speed communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0035] Note that a memory such as an external HDD or an SD card may be attached to the communication device 151 as an optional device, and the information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 101 in the network setup process of the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a setup application stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, etc. into the RAM 105 and executing it. Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is started in response to a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as a setup operation) for network setup being performed on the screen displayed by the setup application.

[0037] First, in S200, the CPU 103 acquires information regarding an access point (hereinafter referred to as a connected AP) to which the information processing apparatus 101 was wirelessly connected by Wi-Fi at least when the setup operation was performed. In the present embodiment, after the setup operation is performed, since the information processing apparatus 101 has not executed switching of the access point to be connected, the access point is also the access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 is currently connected in S200. The information includes information for connecting to the access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 is wirelessly connected by Wi-Fi (such as SSID, information indicating the encryption method, etc.). The acquired information is stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory of the information processing apparatus 101. If the information processing apparatus 101 is not connected to any access point by Wi-Fi when the setup operation is performed, this process is omitted.

[0038] Next, in S201, the CPU 103 instructs the OS of the information processing apparatus 101 to search for access points around the information processing apparatus 101, and acquires the search result by the setup application.

[0039] Next, in S202, the CPU 103 determines whether there is an access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode among the search results obtained in S201. As described above, in this embodiment, the SSID of the access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode includes a predetermined character string that has been recognized in advance by the setting application. Therefore, in this determination, specifically, the CPU 103 determines whether there is an access point having an SSID containing the predetermined character string among the search results obtained in S201. If the CPU 103 makes a YES determination, it proceeds to S203, and if it makes a NO determination, it proceeds to S219.

[0040] In S203, the CPU 103 attempts to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode, which was included in the search results, and the information processing device 101. Note that the Wi-Fi connection corresponds to the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101.

[0041] Next, in S204, the CPU 103 determines whether the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection was successful in S203. If the CPU 103 makes a YES determination, it proceeds to S205, and if it makes a NO determination, it proceeds to S219.

[0042] In S205, the CPU 103 acquires the capability information of the information processing device 101 from the OS. In this embodiment, the capability information includes information indicating whether the information processing device 101 supports WEC. Note that the content of the capability information differs depending on the model, model number, etc. of the information processing device 101.

[0043] Next, in S206, the CPU 103 determines whether the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to an access point via Wi-Fi when a setting operation is performed, and whether the information processing apparatus 101 supports WEC. Here, for example, if the information processing apparatus 101 is not connected to an access point via Wi-Fi when the setting operation is performed, a NO determination is made. Also, for example, if the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to an access point via Wi-Fi when the setting operation is performed, but the information processing apparatus 101 does not support WEC, a NO determination is made. Whether the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to an access point via Wi-Fi when the setting operation is performed is determined based on whether information about the connected AP is stored in the above-described predetermined storage area. Also, whether the information processing apparatus 101 supports WEC is determined based on the content of the capability information acquired in S205. If the CPU 103 makes a YES determination, it proceeds to S207, and if it makes a NO determination, it proceeds to S224.

[0044] In S207, the CPU 103 attempts to acquire various information from the communication device 151 via the Wi-Fi connection between the access point activated by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101. Note that in the communication via the Wi-Fi connection between the access point activated by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101 as described above, a setup communication protocol is used. Also, the information thus acquired includes, for example, the above-described WEC-related information and information indicating whether the communication device 151 supports WEC. Note that when the communication device 151 does not support WEC, information indicating that the communication device 151 does not support WEC is acquired, and WEC-related information is not acquired. Also, when the communication device 151 does not support WEC, it is possible that neither the WEC-related information nor the information indicating whether the communication device 151 supports WEC is acquired. Generally, the WEC-related information can also be acquired by the communication device 151 displaying a QR code corresponding to the WEC-related information on the display unit and the information processing device 101 reading the QR code with a camera unit or the like. However, in this embodiment, the WEC-related information is acquired via the Wi-Fi connection between the access point activated by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101. With this form, even if the communication device 151 does not have a display unit for displaying the QR code or the information processing device 101 does not have a camera unit for reading the QR code, the information processing device 101 can be made to acquire the WEC-related information.

[0045] Next, in S208, the CPU 103 determines whether the communication device 151 supports WEC based on the information acquired in S207. If information indicating that the communication device 151 supports WEC is acquired, it is determined as YES, and if information indicating that the communication device 151 supports WEC is not acquired, it is determined as NO. The CPU 103 proceeds to S209 in the case of a YES determination and proceeds to S224 in the case of a NO determination. Note that if information could not be acquired in S207, the result of this determination is NO.

[0046] Next, in S209, the CPU 103 determines whether it was able to obtain WEC-related information from the communication device 151 in S207. If the CPU 103 determines YES, it proceeds to S210, and if it determines NO, it proceeds to S222. Note that a case where the determination is NO is, for example, a case where information indicating that the communication device 151 supports WEC was obtained, but WEC-related information was not obtained due to a communication error or the like.

[0047] In S210, the CPU 103 obtains the capability information of the communication device 151 via the Wi-Fi connection between the access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the capability information of the communication device 151 includes information indicating the encryption method supported by the communication device 151 and information indicating the frequency band supported by the communication device 151. Examples of the encryption method supported by the communication device 151 are WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, and WPA3. Also, the information indicating the frequency band supported by the communication device 151 may be information indicating the communication channel corresponding to the frequency band supported by the communication device 151. Note that in a form in which the determination regarding the encryption method supported by the communication device 151 and the determination regarding the frequency band supported by the communication device 151, which will be described later, are not executed, this process may be omitted. Note that the capability information may be included in the setting application in advance. That is, the CPU 103 may specify the capability information corresponding to the communication device 151 from among a plurality of pieces of capability information prepared for each type and model number of each communication device included in the setting application in advance, and obtain the specified capability information from the setting application.

[0048] Next, in S211, based on the capability information acquired in S210, the CPU 103 determines whether the encryption method used for the connection with the connected AP is an encryption method supported by the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the encryption methods supported by the communication device 151 are WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, and the encryption method not supported by the communication device 151 is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). If the CPU 103 determines YES, it proceeds to S212, and if it determines NO, it proceeds to S224. Note that this determination may be executed at other timings. Specifically, for example, this determination may be executed after S204 - YES. If the determination is YES, it proceeds to S205, and if it is NO, it proceeds to S224.

[0049] Next, in S212, the CPU 103 determines whether the encryption method used for the connection with the connected AP is an encryption method corresponding to WEC (corresponding to DPP). The encryption methods corresponding to WEC are, for example, WPA2 and WPA3, and the encryption methods not corresponding to WEC are, for example, WPA and WEP. Note that the CPU 103 may grasp which encryption methods correspond to WEC based on the information pre - held by the setting application or based on the information acquired from the communication device 151. If the CPU 103 determines YES, it proceeds to S213, and if it determines NO, it proceeds to S224.

[0050] Next, in S213, the CPU 103 determines, based on the capability information acquired in S210, whether the frequency band used for the connection with the connected AP is a frequency band supported by the communication device 151. In this embodiment, assume that the communication device 151 includes types that support both the 2.4 GHz frequency band and the 5 GHz frequency band, and types that support the 2.4 GHz frequency band but not the 5 GHz frequency band. And the communication device 151 cannot connect to the access point depending on the unsupported frequency band. Therefore, for example, if the frequency band used for the connection with the connected AP is the 5 GHz frequency band and the communication device 151 does not support the 5 GHz frequency band, the result of this determination is a NO determination. The CPU 103 proceeds to S214 in the case of a YES determination and proceeds to S224 in the case of a NO determination.

[0051] In S214, the CPU 103 disconnects the Wi-Fi connection between the access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101.

[0052] Next, in S215, the CPU 103 re - establishes the connection between the access point to which the information processing device 101 was connected via Wi-Fi when the setting operation was performed and the information processing device 101. In the WEC, information about the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected during the execution of the WEC is transmitted. Therefore, this process is executed in preparation for the execution of the WEC in S216.

[0053] Next, in S216, the CPU 103 executes the WEC using the acquired WEC - related information. This process is realized by the CPU 103 requesting the OS to execute the WEC through the setting application. That is, the setting application does not directly execute the WEC, but makes a request to the OS to execute the WEC as control for executing the WEC. The details of this process will be described later.

[0054] In S217, the CPU 103 determines, based on the executed WEC, whether the establishment of the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 was successful. This determination is made based on whether the execution of the WEC was canceled and information indicating the success or failure of the connection to the access point obtained from the communication device 151. If the CPU 103 determines YES, the process ends; if it determines NO, it proceeds to S218.

[0055] In S218, the CPU 103 determines, based on the executed WEC, whether the cause of the failure to establish the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 is a specific cause. In this embodiment, it is assumed that information regarding the cause of the failure to establish the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 is obtained from the communication device 151 based on the executed WEC, and this determination is made based on this information. Also, in this embodiment, specific causes include, for example, that the communication in the WEC resulted in an error (cause 1), that the encryption method used for the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point is an encryption method that the communication device 151 does not support (cause 2), or that the encryption method used for the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point is an encryption method that the WEC does not support (cause 3). Note that the connection failure due to cause 2 or cause 3 can occur when the WEC is executed after S221 - YES. This is because when the WEC is executed after S221 - YES, different from when the WEC is executed after S215, the capability information of the communication device 151 has not been obtained and determinations such as those in S211 and S212 have not been executed. If the CPU 103 determines YES, it proceeds to S224; if it determines NO, the process ends.

[0056] Note that the processes in S217 and S218 may be omitted. Specifically, for example, after S216, the process may end without executing S217 and S218. Also, when S217 - NO, the process may end without executing S218.

[0057] Next, S219, which is executed in the case of S202-NO or S204-NO, will be described. In S219, the CPU 103 determines whether the information processing apparatus 101 was connected to an access point by Wi-Fi when the setting operation was performed. This determination is executed based on whether information regarding the access point is stored in the above-described predetermined storage area. If the CPU 103 determines YES, it proceeds to S220, and if it determines NO, the process ends.

[0058] In S220, an attempt is made to acquire WEC-related information by a method different from the method for acquiring WEC-related information in S207. Specifically, for example, an attempt is made to acquire WEC-related information by reading a QR code as described above. FIG. 3 is an example of a screen for QR code shooting displayed by the setting application. A frame 301 is displayed on the QR code shooting screen 300, and further, an image captured by the camera unit provided in the information processing apparatus 101 is displayed on the screen 300. The user operates the information processing apparatus 101 so that the QR code displayed by the communication device 151 and captured by the camera unit fits within the frame 301. When it is detected that the QR code fits within the frame 301, the CPU 103 analyzes the QR code and acquires WEC-related information. Note that the acquisition of WEC-related information is not limited to this form. For example, WEC-related information may be acquired from the communication device 151 by NFC or BLE. Note that when the communication device 151 does not support WEC, the communication device 151 cannot execute the display of the QR code or the transmission of WEC-related information by NFC or BLE. In that case, the CPU 103 ends the process by accepting a cancel operation on the setting application from the user.

[0059] Next, in S221, it is determined whether the WEC-related information could be obtained in S220. If the CPU103 determines YES, it proceeds to S216; if it determines NO, the process ends. For example, if the QR code read in S220 is not a QR code for obtaining WEC-related information, or if the reading of the QR code fails, the determination is NO. Also, in the case of a NO determination, the CPU103 may proceed to S224 without ending the process. Further, in the case of S221-YES, the CPU103 may determine whether the encryption method used for the connection with the connected AP corresponds to the encryption method for WEC (corresponding to DPP). And if the CPU103 determines YES, it proceeds to S216; if it determines NO, the process may end or it may proceed to S224. In this case, it is assumed that the CPU103 grasps which encryption method corresponds to WEC based on the information previously held by the setting application.

[0060] Next, S222 executed in the case of S209-NO will be described. In S222, the CPU103 disconnects the Wi-Fi connection between the access point enabled by the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101.

[0061] Next, in S223, the CPU103 re-establishes the connection between the access point to which the information processing device 101 was connected by Wi-Fi when the setting operation was performed and the information processing device 101. After that, the CPU103 proceeds to S220 described above.

[0062] Thus, in this embodiment, when the WEC-related information cannot be obtained by the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101, an attempt is made to obtain the WEC-related information by other methods. Specifically, for example, an attempt is made to obtain the WEC-related information by reading a QR code. Thereby, even when the WEC-related information cannot be obtained by the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101, WEC can be executed.

[0063] Next, S224, which is executed in the case of S206-NO, S208-NO, S212-NO, or S218-YES, will be described. In S224, the CPU 103 executes the network setup of the communication device 151 by a method different from that of the WEC. In the present embodiment, the method different from that of the WEC is a method of executing the network setup of the communication device 151 using a setup communication protocol that is a protocol different from the protocol (DPP) for the WEC. Details of this process will be described later. Then, the process ends.

[0064] Note that the content of the processing in the above flowchart is not limited to the above-described content. For example, when the CPU 103 cannot obtain WEC-related information by Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101, the CPU 103 may end the process without attempting to obtain the WEC-related information by other methods. Specifically, the case where the WEC-related information cannot be obtained by Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101 is, for example, the case of S202-NO, S204-NO, or S209-NO. That is, in the case of S202-NO, S204-NO, or S209-NO, the subsequent processes (S219 to S223) may not be executed and the process may end.

[0065] Also, for example, in the above, after S207, two determinations of S208 and S209 have been made, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, after S207, instead of the two determinations of S208 and S209, a determination as to whether WEC-related information has been obtained may be executed. Then, when the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to S210, and when the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to S224, and the processes of S220 to S222 may not be executed.

[0066] In this embodiment, among the encryption methods supported by the communication device 151, an encryption method corresponding to WEC is included. Therefore, it may be a form in which the determination in S211 is not executed. Specifically, for example, after S210, the determination in S211 may not be executed, and the determination in S212 may be executed.

[0067] Also, for example, a form in which the encryption method supported by the communication device 151 is only WPA3, and the encryption methods corresponding to WEC are WPA2 and WPA3, etc., in which the encryption method corresponding to the communication device 151 is included in the encryption methods corresponding to WEC may also be possible. In that case, it may be a form in which the determination in S212 is not executed. Specifically, for example, after S211 - YES, the determination in S212 may not be executed, and the process in S214 may be executed.

[0068] Using FIG. 4, the processes executed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in S216 will be described. The sequence shown in FIG. 4 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each device reading out the programs stored in the ROM, external storage device, etc. of each device into the RAM of each device and executing them.

[0069] First, in S400, the information processing apparatus 101 starts WEC using DPP by the function of the OS. Specifically, first, the information processing apparatus 101 instructs the OS from the setting application to display an instruction to display the WEC start screen, and thus displays the WEC start screen. FIG. 5 is an example of the WEC start screen. In the WEC start screen 300, regions 501, 502, and 503 are displayed. Region 501 is a region for changing the access point set as the setting target by WEC. Before region 501 is operated, the access point set as the setting target by WEC is the access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 is currently connected. When region 501 is selected, the information processing apparatus 101 displays a list of access points, and newly sets the access point selected by the user from the list as the setting target by WEC. The list of access points includes, for example, access points discovered by the information processing apparatus 101 through AP search and access points to which the information processing apparatus 101 has been connected. Region 502 is a region for canceling the execution of WEC, and region 503 is a region for instructing the execution of WEC. When region 502 is operated, the information processing apparatus 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram and proceeds to S217. In this case, it is regarded that WEC has failed. Also, when region 503 is pressed, the information processing apparatus 101 proceeds to S401.

[0070] In S401, a process called DPP Authentication is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by the function of the OS. In DPP Authentication, authentication information, information used for encrypting information, etc. are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, thereby authenticating the communication between the devices. Note that various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 in the communication in DPP Authentication is encrypted based on the WEC-related information acquired by the information processing device 101 in the process shown in FIG. 2. When the communication device 151 successfully decrypts the information received from the information processing device 101 with a decryption key held in advance, it authenticates the communication with the information processing device 101. Note that if the information processing device 101 fails to acquire accurate WEC-related information and fails to accurately encrypt the information, the decryption in the communication device 151 fails, so the authentication fails. Also, in DPP Authentication, DPP is used to execute the communication.

[0071] Next, in S402, a process called DPP Configuration is executed between the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 by the function of the OS. In DPP Configuration, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits, to the communication apparatus 151 via the WEC, connection information for connecting to the access point set as the setting target by the WEC. The connection information includes, for example, the SSID of the access point set as the setting target by the WEC, the password, information indicating the encryption method, and the like. The password transmitted at this time is information input by the user on the screen displayed by the OS-compatible application when the connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the access point is established. Further, it is information held by the OS when the connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the access point is established. Also, the password is information not held by the setting application. Further, since the password transmitted at this time is information already held by the OS, it is not necessary for the user to newly input it on the screen displayed by the setting application. By transmitting the connection information by the WEC as in the present embodiment, the password can be transmitted to the communication apparatus 151 in a secure communication without newly accepting the input of the password from the user on the screen displayed by the setting application. Note that also in DPP Configuration, communication is executed using DPP.

[0072] In S403, the communication device 151 ends the network setup mode and transitions to the infrastructure mode. Then, the communication device 151 attempts to connect to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by the WEC. If the connection is successful, hereafter, the communication device 151 can execute communication via the network formed by the connected access point. Note that communication via the network formed by the connected access point is executed by a protocol different from DPP (specifically, for example, Port9100, SNMP, or a protocol unique to the vendor of the communication device 151). The communication device 151 may also send information indicating the success or failure of the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by the WEC to the information processing device 101. Further, if the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by the WEC fails, information indicating the cause of the failure may be sent to the information processing device 101. Also, these information transmissions may be executed using DPP. The causes of the failure of the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by the WEC include communication errors in the WEC, the access point not being discovered, the WEC-related information acquired from the communication device 151 not being appropriate information, etc. Also, for example, the encryption method used for the connection to the access point set as the setting target by the WEC is an encryption method that the communication device 151 does not support. Also, for example, the encryption method used for the connection to the access point set as the setting target by the WEC is an encryption method that the WEC does not support.

[0073] In S404, the information processing apparatus 101 searches for the communication apparatus 151 on the network to which it belongs. This process is realized by the setup application that has received a notification from the OS that the execution of WEC has ended. Then, when the communication apparatus 151 is discovered, the information processing apparatus 101 requests the capability information from the communication apparatus 151, and the communication apparatus 151 transmits the capability information to the information processing apparatus 101. Thereby, the information of the communication apparatus 151 is registered on the setup application, and thereafter, communication with the communication apparatus 151 can be executed by the setup application. Specifically, for example, it becomes possible to transmit a print job to the communication apparatus 151 by the setup application. At this time, if the information processing apparatus 101 belongs to the network formed by the access point to which the communication apparatus 151 is connected by WEC, communication with the communication apparatus 151 can be executed via the access point. Also, when the access point to which the communication apparatus 151 is connected is not the access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 is connected, etc., and communication between the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 cannot be executed, the request and acquisition of the capability information are omitted. Note that the communication in S404 is executed using a communication protocol (specifically, for example, CHMP) that is different from both DPP and the setup communication protocol. Thereafter, the information processing apparatus 101 ends the process in this sequence diagram and proceeds to S217.

[0074] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the processes executed by the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 in S224 will be described. The sequence shown in FIG. 6 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each apparatus reading out the programs stored in the ROM, external storage device, etc. of each apparatus into the RAM of each apparatus and executing them. As described above, in the communication via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing apparatus 101, the setup communication protocol is used.

[0075] In S600, the information processing apparatus 101 requests, via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing apparatus 101, a list of access points from the communication apparatus 151 by means of a setting application.

[0076] Next, in S601, the communication apparatus 151 transmits, via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing apparatus 101, a list of access points to the information processing apparatus 101. Note that the list transmitted here is a list indicating one or more access points to which the communication apparatus 151 can connect, which are discovered by the communication apparatus 151 performing an AP search.

[0077] Next, in S602, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits the connection information of any access point included in the received list to the communication apparatus 151 via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing apparatus 101. This process is realized by the setting application controlling the information processing apparatus 101 to transmit the connection information of any access point included in the received list. Specifically, in this process, when the received list includes the connected AP, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits the connection information of the connected AP. In the present embodiment, since the list includes only the access points to which the communication apparatus 151 can connect, the case where the received list includes the connected AP means that the communication apparatus 151 can connect to the connected AP. Also, when the received list does not include the connected AP, the information processing apparatus 101 displays the received list and accepts from the user the selection of any access point. Then, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits the connection information of the selected access point. In the present embodiment, since the list includes only the access points to which the communication apparatus 151 can connect, the case where the received list does not include the connected AP means that the communication apparatus 151 cannot connect to the connected AP. Also, the access points that can be connected by an encryption method not corresponding to the communication apparatus 151 are not included in the list because the communication apparatus 151 cannot connect to them. Also, the access points that can be connected by a frequency band not corresponding to the communication apparatus 151 are not included in the list because the communication apparatus 151 cannot connect to them. Therefore, in S224 executed in the case of S211-NO or the case of S213-NO, the connection information of an access point different from the connected AP is transmitted. Note that in the case of S212-NO, since there may be a case where the connected AP and the communication apparatus 151 can connect, it is possible that the connection information of the connected AP is transmitted or the connection information of an access point different from the connected AP is transmitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to this form, and it may always display the list and accept from the user the selection of the access point every time.Before the connection information is transmitted, the information processing apparatus 101 receives from the user, on the screen displayed by the setting application, an input of a password for connecting to the access point. Then, the received password is included in the connection information, and the connection information is transmitted.

[0078] In S603, the communication apparatus 151 notifies the information processing apparatus 101 that it has received the connection information via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing apparatus 101.

[0079] In S604, the communication apparatus 151 ends the network setup mode and shifts to the infrastructure mode. Then, the communication apparatus 151 attempts to connect to the access point corresponding to the connection information using the connection information acquired in S602. If the connection is successful, thereafter, the communication apparatus 151 can execute communication via the network formed by the connected access point.

[0080] In S605, the information processing apparatus 101 reconnects, by the setting application, to the access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 was connected when the setting operation was performed, using the saved connection information. Note that this is not limited to this form. For example, when the information processing apparatus 101 has transmitted to the communication apparatus 151 connection information of another access point different from the access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 was connected by Wi-Fi when the setting operation was performed, the information processing apparatus 101 may connect to the other access point.

[0081] In S606, the information processing device 101 searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which it belongs using the setting application. When the communication device 151 is discovered, the information processing device 101 requests the communication device 151 for capability information, and the communication device 151 transmits the capability information to the information processing device 101. As a result, the information of the communication device 151 is registered on the setting application, and thereafter, communication with the communication device 151 can be executed by the setting application. Specifically, for example, it becomes possible to transmit a print job to the communication device 151 by the setting application. At this time, if the information processing device 101 belongs to the network formed by the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected by network setup, communication with the communication device 151 can be executed via the access point. If communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 cannot be executed, such as when the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, the request and acquisition of capability information are omitted. The communication in S606 is executed using a communication protocol (specifically, for example, CHMP) that is different from both DPP and the setup communication protocol. Thereafter, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram.

[0082] Note that the content of the processing in the above sequence diagram is not limited to the above-described content. For example, when the received list does not include the access point to which the information processing device 101 was connected by Wi-Fi when a setting operation was performed, it is not necessary to transmit the connection information of the access point and it is not necessary to attempt to establish a connection between the communication device 151 and the access point. Also, it is possible to receive the connection information of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 in AP mode from the communication device 151 and attempt to establish a connection between the communication device 151 operating in AP mode and the information processing device 101. In that case, after transmitting the connection information of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 in AP mode, the communication device 151 ends the network setup mode and shifts to the AP mode.

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, when the communication device 151 can be connected to a predetermined access point to be set, the information processing device 101 is controlled by the WEC to transmit the connection information of the predetermined access point to the communication device 151. When the communication device 151 cannot be connected to the predetermined access point to be set, the information processing device 101 is controlled by the network setup to transmit the connection information of an access point different from the predetermined access point to the communication device 151. Note that the case where the communication device 151 can be connected to the predetermined access point means, for example, that the communication device 151 supports the encryption method used for the connection to the predetermined access point, or that the communication device 151 supports the frequency band used for the connection to the predetermined access point. And the case where the communication device 151 cannot be connected to the predetermined access point means, for example, that the communication device 151 does not support the encryption method used for the connection to the predetermined access point, or that the communication device 151 does not support the frequency band used for the connection to the predetermined access point. In this embodiment, even when the communication device 151 can be connected to the predetermined access point, if the WEC does not support the encryption method used for the connection to the predetermined access point, the information processing device 101 is controlled by the network setup to transmit the connection information of an access point different from the predetermined access point to the communication device 151.

[0084] By adopting such a configuration, when the connection between the predetermined access point and the communication device 151 can be established by the WEC, a simple setup that omits the input of a password by the user can be realized by performing the setup by the WEC. Also, when the connection between the predetermined access point and the communication device 151 cannot be established by the WEC, the establishment of the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 can be more reliably achieved by performing the setup by a function different from the WEC.

[0085] (Second Embodiment) A configuration for solving the problems of the present invention will be described in a form different from the first embodiment.

[0086] In this embodiment, without executing a determination as to whether the connection between the connected AP and the communication device 151, which corresponds to S211 to S213 in the first embodiment, can be established by the WEC, the WEC is executed. Then, when the WEC fails, a network setup using a protocol different from DPP is executed. In this form, if the connection establishment fails by the WEC, the WEC will be executed in vain. However, the subsequent network setup can more reliably establish the connection between the access point and the communication device 151. Also, if the connection establishment is successful by the WEC, the setup can be realized with fewer processes than in the first embodiment.

[0087] The communication system of this embodiment is assumed to be the same communication system as that of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0088] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information processing apparatus 101 in the network setup processing of this embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading out a setup application stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, etc. into the RAM 105 and executing it. Also, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is started in response to a setup operation being performed on the screen displayed by the setup application.

[0089] S701 to S709 are the same processing as S201 to S209. And S710 to S713 are the same processing as S214 to S217. And S714 is the same processing as S224. And S715 to S719 are the same processing as S219 to S223.

[0090] Note that, as described above, in this embodiment, the determinations corresponding to S211 to S213 are not executed. Therefore, even when the communication device 151 does not support the encryption method used for the connection with the connected AP, or when the communication device 151 does not support the frequency band used for the connection with the connected AP, or when the WEC does not support the encryption method used for the connection with the connected AP, the WEC will be attempted. In these cases, even if the WEC is attempted, the establishment of the connection between the connected AP and the communication device 151 by the WEC will not succeed. Therefore, the determination result in S713 will be NO, and the network setup will be executed in S714.

[0091] Note that when the CPU 103 cannot obtain the WEC-related information through the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode and the information processing device 101, the CPU 103 may also end the process without attempting to obtain the WEC-related information by other methods. This point is the same as that in the first embodiment. Also, for example, after S707, instead of the two determinations in S708 and S709, a determination as to whether the WEC-related information has been obtained may be executed. And it may be a form in which, when the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to S710, and when the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to S714.

[0092] (Other Embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the WEC transmits the connection information of the connected AP, and in various determinations such as S211 to S213, the determination is made regarding the connected AP. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. It is also possible to transmit the connection information of an AP different from the connected AP or to make a determination regarding an AP different from the connected AP. Specifically, an AP different from the connected AP may be, for example, an access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 was not connected when a setting operation was performed but to which the information processing apparatus 101 was connected at some timing before the setting operation was performed. Further, it may be an access point selected by the user from a list of access points to which the information processing apparatus 101 has been connected at some time. This is because if it is connection information of an access point to which the information processing apparatus 101 has been connected at some timing and is connection information stored in the OS, it can be transmitted by the WEC.

[0093] In S224 and S714, the network setup has been described in a form in which connection information is transmitted via the connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 by Wi-Fi. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, in the network setup, connection information may be transmitted via the connection between the information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 by a communication method other than Wi-Fi, such as BLE. In this case, the information processing apparatus 101 can be connected to the communication apparatus 151 by BLE while maintaining the Wi-Fi connection with the connected AP. That is, as the connection information of the connected AP, the connection information of the currently connected access point can be transmitted. Also in this form, it is assumed that a communication protocol different from DPP is used.

[0094] In the above-described embodiments, in S207 and S707, a form has been described in which various types of information are acquired via a Wi-Fi connection between an access point activated by a communication device 151 operating in a network setup mode and an information processing device 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. It may be acquired by reading a QR code such as in S220, or may be acquired via communication using other communication methods such as NFC or BLE.

[0095] The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is shared with a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (such as a CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program. Also, the program may be executed by one computer, or may be executed by linking a plurality of computers. Further, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processing by software, and a part or all of the processing may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Also, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processing, and a plurality of CPUs may perform processing while appropriately cooperating.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 101 Information processing device 103 CPU 151 Communication device

Claims

1. In a computer of an information processing apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information for performing communication based on IEEE 802.11 using a first protocol with a communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using a second protocol with the communication device; a determination step of performing a determination process regarding whether to execute predetermined control for controlling the information processing apparatus to transmit connection information for connecting to an access point to the communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the first protocol with the communication device in which the predetermined information is used; a control step of executing the predetermined control; an execution step of performing specific control for controlling to transmit connection information for connecting to the access point to the communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the second protocol with the communication device; to execute, based on the result of the determination process, control whether the predetermined control is executed, in the predetermined control, connection information for connecting to a first access point is transmitted, and in the specific control, connection information for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point is transmitted, the determination process includes a process of determining whether an encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the communication device, based on a determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the communication device, the predetermined control is executed, and based on a determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is not an encryption method supported by the communication device, the specific control is executed. A program characterized by the above.

2. In a computer of an information processing apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information for performing communication based on IEEE 802.11 using a first protocol with a communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using a second protocol with the communication device; Execute a determination step that performs a determination process regarding whether to execute a predetermined control for controlling the information processing device to transmit connection information for connecting to an access point to the communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the first protocol with the communication device where the predetermined information is used. A control step of executing the predetermined control. An execution step of executing a specific control for controlling to transmit connection information for connecting to the access point to the communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the second protocol with the communication device. Cause to be executed. Based on the result of the determination process, control whether the predetermined control is executed. In the predetermined control, connection information for connecting to a first access point is transmitted, and in the specific control, connection information for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point is transmitted. The determination process includes a process of determining whether an encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the first protocol. Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the first protocol, the predetermined control is executed. Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is not an encryption method supported by the first protocol, the specific control or a third control for controlling the information processing device to transmit connection information for connecting to the first access point to the communication device via communication with the communication device using the second protocol is executed. A program characterized by this.

3. On a computer of an information processing device, An acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information for executing communication based on IEEE 802.11 using a first protocol with a communication device via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using a second protocol with the communication device. A determination step of executing a determination process regarding whether to execute a predetermined control for controlling the information processing apparatus to transmit connection information for connecting to an access point to the communication apparatus via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the first protocol with the communication apparatus in which the predetermined information is used; A control step of executing the predetermined control; An execution step of executing a specific control for controlling to transmit connection information for connecting to the access point to the communication apparatus via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the second protocol with the communication apparatus; To be executed; Based on the result of the determination process, whether the predetermined control is executed is controlled; In the predetermined control, connection information for connecting to a first access point is transmitted, and in the specific control, connection information for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point is transmitted; A program characterized in that the encryption methods supported by the first protocol are WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) 2 and WPA3, and the encryption methods not supported by the first protocol are WPA and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

4. The determination process includes a process of determining whether a frequency band used for connection to the first access point is a frequency band supported by the communication apparatus; Based on the determination that the frequency band used for connection to the first access point is a frequency band supported by the communication apparatus, the predetermined control is executed, and based on the determination that the frequency band used for connection to the first access point is not a frequency band supported by the communication apparatus, the specific control is executed. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The determination process includes a process of determining whether an encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the first protocol; Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is an encryption method supported by the first protocol, the predetermined control is executed. Based on the determination that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is not an encryption method supported by the first protocol, the third control for controlling the information processing apparatus to transmit the specific control or the connection information for connecting to the first access point to the communication apparatus via communication with the communication apparatus using the second protocol is executed. The program according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that.

6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an acquisition step of acquiring, via communication based on IEEE 802.11 using the second protocol with the communication apparatus, information used in the determination process from the communication apparatus.

7. The frequency band used for connection to the first access point is a 2.4 GHz frequency band or a 5 GHz frequency band, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the frequency band supported by the communication apparatus is both a 2.4 GHz frequency band and a 5 GHz frequency band, or only a 2.4 GHz frequency band.

8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the encryption method used for connection to the first access point is any one of WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, WPA3, and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

9. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the encryption methods supported by the communication apparatus are WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, and WPA3, and the encryption method not supported by the communication apparatus is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

10. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the encryption methods supported by the first protocol are WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) 2 and WPA3, and the encryption methods not supported by the first protocol are WPA and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

11. The program is a predetermined application program, and connection information for connecting to the access point including the password is transmitted to the communication device via communication with the communication device according to the first protocol by the predetermined control without receiving user input of the password for connecting to the access point on a screen displayed by the predetermined application program. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that.

12. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first protocol is a Device Provisioning Protocol.

13. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the predetermined control is a control that requests the operating system of the information processing device to execute a function for executing a function of transmitting connection information for connecting to the access point to the communication device via communication with the communication device according to the Device Provisioning Protocol.

14. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second protocol is a Simple Network Management Protocol.

15. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting a print job for causing the communication device to execute printing via an access point connected by the communication device by the predetermined control.

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