Communication device, method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for improving usability when communicating using a specified communication method. [Solution] A communication device having a communication means for sending or receiving the same content data via multiple external access points via wireless LAN communication, and a control means for controlling, when a first situation occurs in which communication can be performed using a first communication method via multiple access points belonging to a first group, to display specific information about the multiple access points belonging to the first group and output a first type of information indicating the radio wave conditions of the currently connected access point, and when a second situation occurs in which communication can be performed using a second communication method via multiple access points belonging to a second group, to not display the specific information about the multiple access points belonging to the second group and output a second type of information indicating the radio wave conditions of the currently connected access point.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a communication device compatible with IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. Also, a mechanism for Multi-AP communication in which multiple access points (APs) cooperate to transmit data to a station (STA) is being studied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-50133 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In multi-AP communication, there is room for improvement in favorable communication and usability. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for improving usability when communication is performed using a predetermined communication method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The communication device of the present invention is characterized by having a communication means for transmitting or receiving the same content data via a plurality of external access points via wireless LAN communication, and a control means for controlling, when a first situation is present in which communication can be performed using a first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a first group, to display specific information about the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and to output a first type of information indicating the radio wave conditions of the currently connected access point, and when a second situation is present in which communication can be performed using a second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a second group, to not display the specific information about the plurality of access points belonging to the second group and to output a second type of information indicating the radio wave conditions of the currently connected access point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve usability when performing communication using a predetermined communication method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an access point. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram between a STA and an AP in multi-AP communication. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the communication device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the communication device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating classification of connection states of access points. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating radio wave intensity of an access point. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of icons corresponding to connection states of access points. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of icons corresponding to connection states of access points. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of icons corresponding to connection states of access points. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit of a communication device. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit of a mobile terminal device. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a printout example of setting information of a communication device. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation display unit and icons of a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] (System Configuration) Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which multiple communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. The system in Fig. 1 includes an MFP 100, which is a communication device, a mobile terminal device 101, a multi-AP group 110 including multiple access points (APs), a DHCP server 114, a DNS server 115, and a network 120. The multi-AP group 110 will be described as including AP 111, AP 112, and AP 113, but the multi-AP group 110 may include more APs.

[0011] The mobile terminal device 101 is a device having a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN. Note that hereinafter, wireless LAN may be referred to as WLAN. The mobile terminal device 101 may be a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone terminal (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a digital camera, a personal computer, etc.

[0012] The MFP 100 is a printing device having a printing function, and may also have a reading function (scanner), a fax function, and a telephone function. The MFP 100 of this embodiment also has a communication function that enables wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 101. While the present embodiment describes a case in which the MFP 100 is used as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a scanner device, a projector, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music playback device, a television, a smart speaker, or the like, each having a communication function, may be used instead of the MFP 100. Note that MFP is an acronym for Multi-Function Peripheral.

[0013] The AP 111 is provided separately (externally) from the mobile terminal device 101 and the MFP 100, and operates as a WLAN base station device. A communication device having a WLAN communication function can communicate in WLAN infrastructure mode via the AP 111. The infrastructure mode is also sometimes called a "wireless infrastructure mode." The AP 111 performs wireless communication with a communication device that has been authorized to connect to the AP 111 (that has been authenticated), and relays wireless communication between the communication device and other communication devices. The AP 111 is also connected to, for example, a wired communication network, and can relay communication between a communication device connected to the wired communication network and another communication device wirelessly connected to the AP 111.

[0014] The APs 112 and 113 have the same hardware configuration as the AP 111. The APs 111, 112, and 113 are APs that support multi-AP communication, which will be described later, and operate cooperatively by forming a group (multi-AP group 110).

[0015] The DHCP server 114 connects to the MFP 100 via the AP 111 and the network 120, and provides services to the MFP 100 by responding to requests from the MFP 100. Note that, although the configuration in Fig. 1 has been described in which the DHCP server 114 is connected as a separate device from the APs 111, 112, and 113, the APs 111, 112, and 113 may each have a DHCP server function.

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

[0017] (MFP external configuration) FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the external configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 has, for example, a platen 201, a platen cover 202, a print paper insertion slot 203, a print paper ejection slot 204, and an operation display unit 220. Platen 201 is a stand on which a document to be read is placed. Platen cover 202 is a cover that holds down the document placed on platen 201 and prevents light from irradiating the document during reading (scanning) from leaking to the outside. Print paper insertion slot 203 is an insertion slot that allows paper of various sizes to be set. Print paper ejection slot 204 is an ejection slot through which paper after printing is ejected. Paper set in print paper insertion slot 203 is transported one sheet at a time to the printing unit, where it is printed and then ejected from print paper ejection slot 204. Operation display unit 220 includes a touch panel display and is configured to accept user input to activate various MFP functions and operate various settings. The operation display unit 220 may also be configured to include physical operation keys such as character input keys, cursor keys, a decision key, and a cancel key, as well as an LED, an LCD, and the like.

[0018] The MFP 100 has a wireless communication function using WLAN, and although it does not necessarily need to be visible from the exterior, it is configured to include a wireless communication antenna 206 for that wireless communication. Like the mobile terminal device 101, the MFP 100 can perform wireless communication using WLAN.

[0019] (MFP configuration) 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of MFP 100. MFP 100 includes a main board 211 that performs main control of the device itself, and a wireless unit 250, which is a communication module that performs WLAN communication using at least one antenna. MFP 100 may also include, for example, a wired LAN unit for performing wired LAN communication.

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

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

[0022] The RAM 214 is a volatile memory configured from an SRAM or the like. The RAM 214 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data for the MFP 100. The RAM 214 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The non-volatile memory 215 is configured from a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the power to the MFP 100 is turned off. The image memory 216 is configured from a memory such as a DRAM. The image memory 216 accumulates image data received via the wireless unit 250, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 221, and the like. Note that the memory configuration of the MFP 100 is not limited to the configuration described above. The data conversion unit 218 analyzes data in various formats and converts image data into print data.

[0023] The reading control unit 217 controls the reading unit 219 (for example, a CIS (contact image sensor)) to optically read (scan) the document placed on the document table 201. The reading control unit 217 converts the image obtained by optically reading the document into electrical image data (image signals) and outputs the converted data. At this time, the reading control unit 217 may output the image data after performing various image processes such as binarization and halftoning.

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

[0025] The encoding / decoding processor 221 performs encoding and decoding processes on image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 100, as well as scaling processes.

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

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

[0028] The wireless unit 250 is a unit that can provide a WLAN communication function, and can provide, for example, the same function as the wireless unit 401 of the mobile terminal device 101. That is, the wireless unit 250 converts data into packets in accordance with the WLAN standard and transmits the packets to other devices, and also restores packets from other external devices to the original data and outputs the data to the CPU 212.

[0029] The wireless unit 250 is capable of communication as a station (hereinafter referred to as STA) or access point (AP) conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard series. Specifically, communication conforming to the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn standards is possible. The wireless unit 250 includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing a program.

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

[0031] (MFP operation display section) FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen display on a display (touch panel display) included in operation display unit 220 of MFP 100. In FIG.

[0032] FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a home screen displayed when the MFP 100 is powered on and no operations such as printing or scanning are being performed (idle state, standby state). Area 310 at the top of the home screen is a basic menu area, displaying menu items to be selected when issuing a copy or scan instruction. In FIG. 3(a), area 310 displays a list of icons 311 to 313 corresponding to copy, scan, and print, respectively, as menu items (display items) of the basic menu. When a menu item of the basic menu is selected, a corresponding detailed menu is displayed, and the MFP 100 can execute the operation or function (copy or scan) corresponding to the selected menu item. By performing an operation to display another page of the basic menu (such as sliding area 310 left or right), menu items other than icons 311 to 313 can be displayed in area 310. For example, an icon corresponding to the cloud can be displayed. The cloud is a menu item related to cloud functions using Internet communication.

[0033] The network display area 321 is an area that displays an icon indicating the network status. In the example shown, an icon indicating that both Wireless Infrastructure and Wireless Direct are disabled is displayed in the network display area 321. Furthermore, by touching the network display area 321, a communication setting menu can be displayed.

[0034] Icon 322 is an operation icon that accepts an instruction to set up on a PC / smartphone. When icon 322 is touched, the same operation as when "Set up on PC / smartphone" in Figure 3(d) described below is selected is performed.

[0035] Icon 323 is an operation icon that is selected when changing the settings of MFP 100 or when performing maintenance.

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

[0037] Figure 3(c) is an example of the wireless LAN setting menu screen that is displayed when the "Wireless LAN" item is selected on the screen in Figure 3(d). The wireless LAN setting menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Enable / Disable Wireless LAN," "Wireless LAN Setup," and "Display Wireless LAN Settings." By selecting the "Enable / Disable Wireless LAN" item, the wireless infrastructure mode can be switched between enabled and disabled. When the "Wireless LAN Setup" item is selected, the wireless LAN setup menu in Figure 3(d) is displayed. When "Display Wireless LAN Settings" is selected, a details screen (wireless LAN setting display screen) is displayed that displays details such as the current wireless LAN settings and communication status.

[0038] Figure 3(d) is an example of the wireless LAN setup menu screen that is displayed when the "Wireless LAN Setup" item is selected on the screen in Figure 3(c). The wireless LAN setup menu screen displays the following menu items (options): "Set up with PC / smartphone," "Set up by entering a password," and "Set up with router buttons." These options allow you to perform wireless LAN setup using the network setup mode (described below), by entering a password, or by using the push button method.

[0039] (External configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the mobile terminal device 101. In this embodiment, as an example, the mobile terminal device 101 is a general-type smartphone. The mobile terminal device 101 includes, for example, a display unit 420, an operation unit 418, and a power key 404. The display unit 420 is a display including a display mechanism such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) type or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type. The display unit 420 may display information using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The mobile terminal device 101 may also have a function to output information by voice in addition to or instead of the display unit 420. The operation unit 418 includes hard keys such as keys and buttons, a touch panel, and the like for detecting user operations. In this example, the display unit 420 displays information and the operation unit 418 receives user operations using a common touch panel display, so the display unit 420 and the operation unit 418 are implemented by a single device. In this case, for example, button icons and a software keyboard are displayed using the display function of display unit 420, and the touch of the user on those locations is detected by the operation reception function of operation unit 418. Note that display unit 420 and operation unit 418 may be separated, and hardware for display and hardware for operation reception may be provided separately. Power key 404 is a hardware key for receiving a user operation to turn on or off the power of mobile terminal device 101.

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

[0041] (Configuration of mobile terminal device) FIG. 4(b) shows an example configuration of the mobile terminal device 101. In one example, the mobile terminal device 101 includes a main board 411 that performs main control of the device itself and a wireless unit 429 that performs WLAN communication. The main board 411 includes, for example, a CPU 412, a ROM 413, a RAM 414, an image memory 415, a data conversion unit 416, a telephone unit 417, a GPS 419, a camera unit 421, a non-volatile memory 422, a data storage unit 423, a speaker unit 424, and a power supply unit 425. Here, CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. The mobile terminal device 101 also includes a display unit 420 and an operation unit 418. These functional units within the main board 411 are connected to each other via a system bus 428 managed by the CPU 412. Furthermore, the main board 411 and the wireless unit 429 (the wireless unit 401 described above) are connected via a dedicated bus 426, for example.

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

[0043] The RAM 414 is configured with a static RAM (SRAM) or the like. The RAM 414 stores data such as program control variables, setting values ​​registered by the user, and management data for the mobile terminal device 101. The RAM 414 can also be used as a buffer for various types of work. The image memory 415 is configured with a memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The image memory 415 temporarily stores image data received via the wireless unit 429 and image data read from the data storage unit 423 for processing by the CPU 412. The nonvolatile memory 422 is configured with a memory such as a flash memory, and continues to store data even when the mobile terminal device 101 is powered off. Note that the memory configuration of the mobile terminal device 101 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the image memory 415 and the RAM 414 may be shared, or data may be backed up using the data storage unit 423. In this embodiment, although a DRAM is given as an example of the image memory 415, other storage media such as a hard disk or nonvolatile memory may also be used.

[0044] The data conversion unit 416 analyzes data in various formats and performs data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 417 controls telephone lines and realizes telephone communication by processing audio data input and output via a speaker unit 424. The GPS 419 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites and acquires location information such as the current latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal device 101.

[0045] The camera unit 421 has the function of electronically recording and encoding an image input through a lens. Image data obtained by capturing an image with the camera unit 421 is stored in a data storage unit 423. The speaker unit 424 controls the input and output of audio for telephone functions, as well as other functions such as alarm notification. The power supply unit 425 is, for example, a portable battery, and controls the supply of power to the device. Power supply states include, for example, a dead battery state in which there is no remaining battery power, a power-off state in which the power key 404 is not pressed, a running state in which the device is normally running, and a power-saving state in which the device is running but is in power-saving mode.

[0046] The display unit 420, under the control of the CPU 412, performs various input operations and displays the operating status and status of the MFP 100. Upon receiving a user operation, the operation unit 418 executes control such as generating an electrical signal corresponding to the operation and outputting it to the CPU 412.

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

[0048] (Access point configuration) 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an AP 111 having a wireless LAN access point function. The AP 111 is configured to include a main board 510 that controls the AP 111, a wireless LAN unit 516, a wired LAN unit 518, and an operation button 520.

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

[0050] The CPU 511 also controls a wired LAN unit 518 via a wired LAN communication control unit 517 to perform wired LAN communication with other communication devices. The CPU 511 controls an operation unit control circuit 519 to accept operations from a user via an operation button 520. The CPU 511 includes at least one processor.

[0051] The AP 111 also includes an interference wave detection unit 521 and a channel change unit 522. The interference wave detection unit 521 performs processing to detect interference waves when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) is implemented. If an interference wave is detected when wireless communication is being performed in a band where DFS is implemented, the channel change unit 522 performs processing to change the channel to be used when it is necessary to immediately change to an available channel.

[0052] The AP 112 and AP 113 have the same configuration as the AP 111.

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

[0054] The following two P2P modes are envisioned: Soft AP mode Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode A communication device capable of P2P communication may be configured to support at least one of these modes, but even a communication device capable of P2P communication does not have to support all of these modes and may be configured to support only some of them.

[0055] A communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 104) having a WFD communication function receives user operations via its operation unit, thereby invoking a (possibly dedicated) application for realizing the communication function. The communication device then displays a UI (user interface) screen provided by the application to prompt the user to perform an operation, and can execute WFD communication based on the received user operations.

[0056] ●Soft AP mode In the soft AP mode, a communication device (e.g., the mobile terminal device 101) operates as a client that requests various services. The other communication device (e.g., the MFP 100) operates as a soft AP that can execute the functions of a WLAN AP through software configuration. Note that commands and parameters transmitted and received when establishing a wireless connection between the client and the soft AP are sufficient if they are specified in the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, and therefore will not be described here. Furthermore, the MFP 100 operating in the soft AP mode determines the frequency band and frequency channel as a master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0057] WFD mode The MFP 100 may be configured to be permanently activated as a master station in WFD mode (Autonomous Group Owner). In this case, GO negotiation processing to determine the role is not required. In addition, in this case, the MFP 100 determines the frequency band and frequency channel as the master station. Therefore, the MFP 100 can select which frequency band to use, 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0058] (Wireless infrastructure mode) In the wireless infrastructure mode, communication devices (e.g., the mobile terminal device 101 and the MFP 100) that communicate with each other are connected to an external AP (e.g., the AP 111) that manages the network, and communication between the communication devices is performed via the AP. In other words, communication between the communication devices is performed via a network established by the external AP. The mobile terminal device 101 and the MFP 100 each discover the AP 111, send a connection request to the AP 111, and connect to it, thereby enabling communication between these communication devices in the wireless infrastructure mode via the AP 111. Note that multiple communication devices may be connected to different APs. In this case, data transfer between the APs enables communication between the communication devices. Commands and parameters transmitted and received during communication between the communication devices via an access point may be those specified in the Wi-Fi standard, and therefore will not be described here. In this case, the AP 111 determines the frequency band and frequency channel. Therefore, the AP 111 can select which frequency band to use from 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 6 GHz, and which frequency channel to use within that frequency band.

[0059] (Multi-AP News) The IEEE802.11be standard specifies multi-link communication in which one AP (Access Point) establishes multiple links with one STA (Station) via multiple different frequency channels, and communicates in parallel.

[0060] In addition, the IEEE802.11bn standard, which is the successor to the IEEE802.11be standard, is being considered as a method for improving usability by using multi-AP communication.

[0061] For example, there is distributed MIMO technology, which is based on a technology called MIMO (multi-user multi-output), which uses multiple transmit and receive antennas simultaneously on the same channel. In distributed MIMO, in an environment where multiple APs and multiple STAs exist, the APs form groups to share information about the communication status and the status of each AP, and data is sent to the STAs in parallel from multiple APs at the same time. By using joint transmission from multiple APs, the number of spatial streams can be increased compared to the case of a single AP, which is expected to improve throughput.

[0062] Another example is a technology in which multiple APs transmit data to STAs at different times using time division, thereby improving the reception quality at the STAs by taking advantage of the effects of time diversity and space diversity.

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

[0064] Hereinafter, in Multi-AP communication, an AP that manages APs will be referred to as a "Coordinator AP" or a "Sharing AP." An AP that operates under the management of a Coordinator AP will be referred to as a "Coordinated AP" or a "Shared AP." The Coordinator AP and the Coordinated AP can send and receive signals to each other. Each of the multiple APs, including APs 111 to 113, may be connected wirelessly to perform wireless LAN communication, or may be connected wired to perform wired LAN communication. APs 111 to 113 are capable of Multi-AP communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, and support a configuration in which multiple APs cooperate to communicate with a common STA.

[0065] Multi-AP communication methods include Co-OFDMA and Joint-TX. Co-OFDMA (Coordinated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) separates available frequency resources among multiple BSSs (Basic Service Sets). For example, the frequency resources used by the AP 112 and the MFP 100 (STA) are separated so that they do not overlap with the frequency resources used by the AP 113 and the MFP 100 (STA). This prevents mutual interference between BSSs. If a STA is capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving data on multiple frequency bands (multiple resource units within the same channel or across different channels, multiple channels, or multiple frequencies in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands), multiple APs can cooperatively transmit and receive data to the same STA. This data includes content data such as image data, audio data, document data, and print data. In this case, for example, transmission of packet 1 of content A from AP 112 to MFP 100 (STA) and transmission of packet 2 of content A from AP 113 to MFP 100 (STA) can be performed in parallel.

[0066] In the Joint-TX (Joint-Transmission) method, the same signal is transmitted and received between multiple APs and one STA. The radio waves output from the multiple APs are amplified by interference, resulting in a multiplexed signal (superimposed radio waves, multiplexed radio waves, composite wave) that is received by the STA. This allows the STA to receive a stronger signal (amplified signal) than a signal from a single AP. For example, the same signal is multiplexed and transmitted between the AP 112 and the MFP 100 (STA) and between the AP 113 and the MFP 100 (STA) so that it is amplified at the MFP 100 (STA). For example, packet 1 of content A is transmitted from the AP 112 to the MFP 100 (STA) and packet 1 of content A is transmitted from the AP 113 to the MFP 100 (STA) at the same time. The radio waves of content A are transmitted so that they are multiplexed at the MFP 100 (STA). This improves the reliability (connectivity) of communication between the STA and the AP and the speed of data transmission and reception.

[0067] 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in which AP 111 operates as a Coordinator AP, and APs 112 and 113, which are Coordinated APs, cooperate to transmit and receive data to and from MFP 100 (STA). In this sequence, the processes executed by each device are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in memory such as ROM into RAM and executing them.

[0068] In S601, the APs 111 to 113 perform a multi-AP setup process, in which the APs exchange capability information and parameters with each other and form a group for performing multi-AP communication.

[0069] In S602, a Multi-AP coordination process is performed between the APs 111 to 113. For example, the Multi-AP communication method is determined, the role of the AP (Coordinator AP or Coordinated AP) is determined, and parameters and network information are exchanged between the APs. The Multi-AP communication method and the role of the AP are determined by exchanging and comparing parameters between the APs 111 to 113. At this time, the Coordinator AP (AP 111) notifies the Coordinated APs (APs 112 and 113) of network information to be used in common (such as the SSID to be used in common and the BSSID (Basic Service Set color ID) to be used in common). Note that the BSSID to be used in common is notified in the case of the Joint-TX method.

[0070] In S603, the AP 112 and AP 113 transmit Beacon frames (information that the APs transmit periodically and autonomously) according to the network information notified in S602. The Beacon frames include information indicating to the connected STA that multi-AP communication is possible and information indicating the multi-AP communication method. A Beacon frame transmitted by an AP that supports multi-AP communication may include a Multi-AP Information Element (IE). The Multi-AP IE includes at least one of the following information (one or more of the following information): SSID used by multiple Coordinated APs belonging to the same multi-AP group (ESSID to be used in common, notified in S602) BSSID (BSSID to be used commonly by APs belonging to multi-AP group 110, notified in S602 in the case of Joint-TX method) BSS color value (identifier) ​​for Multi-AP communication Operating wireless channel (in the case of the Joint-TX method, this is a communication channel to be used in common. In the case of the Co-OFDMA method, this is a communication channel and / or resource unit used by the source AP. In the case of the Co-OFDMA method, this may also include communication channels and / or resource units used by other APs in the multi-AP group 110.) Multi-AP communication method (information specifying whether it is a Co-OFDMA method or a Joint-TX method) The storage method and configuration of this information are not limited to this, and similar information may be stored in a similar format and transmitted. Note that the Multi-AP IE may be called a different name such as Multi-AP Element. The Multi-AP IE may also be included in a wireless frame such as the probe response frame of S605 or other action frames.

[0071] In S604, the MFP 100 (STA) starts establishing a connection with the AP in wireless infrastructure mode. The MFP 100 (STA) starts searching for the AP by transmitting a device discovery request (ProbeRequest) frame to determine whether the AP supports Multi-AP communication.

[0072] In S605, the MFP 100 (STA) searches for and finds an AP by receiving a device search response (ProbeResponse) frame or a Beacon frame transmitted from the AP as a response to the AP search.

[0073] In S606, the MFP 100 (STA) performs connection processing with at least one of the Coordinated APs based on the information included in the frame received in S605. In this example, the MFP 100 (STA) transmits a connection request to the AP 112 to perform a connection attempt (connection processing). This connection processing includes processes such as authentication and association defined in IEEE 802.11. The MFP 100 (STA) may add a Multi-AP IE to the Association Request frame it transmits to indicate a request for multi-AP communication. The AP 112, which receives the Association Request frame, transmits an Association Response frame in response. This establishes a wireless LAN connection between the MFP 100 (STA) and the AP 112.

[0074] In S607, when a connection is established between the AP 112 and the MFP 100 (STA), the AP 112 notifies the Coordinator AP (AP 111) of information indicating that a connection state with the MFP 100 (STA) has been established, together with connection parameters related to the connected MFP 100 (STA). The connection parameters related to the connected MFP 100 (STA) include information used during connection processing between the AP 112 and the MFP 100 or information generated during the connection processing (such as a PMK cache, information required for roaming, and authentication information), an STA identifier, etc. Note that when the AP 113 and the MFP 100 (STA) are connected, the AP 113 similarly notifies the Coordinator AP (AP 111) that a connection state has been established.

[0075] After S607, the AP 111 transmits the connection parameters related to the MFP 100 (STA) transmitted in S607 to the AP 113. The AP 113 may perform processing to establish a connection with the MFP 100 using the transmitted connection parameters related to the MFP 100 (STA). However, in the case of the Joint-TX method, data can also be transmitted from an AP with which a connection has not been established. In other words, an AP with which a connection has not been established can also be the source of multiplexed radio waves. Therefore, processing to establish a connection between the AP 113 and the MFP 100 does not need to be performed.

[0076] In S608, the Coordinator AP (AP 111) determines transmission parameters (information necessary to determine the transmission timing and transmission output power of each Coordinated AP and each antenna, and / or resource unit allocation information, etc.) based on the connection parameters (parameters received in S607) of the Coordinated AP that has established a connection state with the MFP 100 (STA), and allocates subsequent transmission data. Information on the determined transmission parameters is notified to each Coordinated AP using a Multi-AP Trigger frame. AP 112 and AP 113 set their own transmission parameters (transmission timing, transmission output power, resource units to be used) based on the notified information. Note that the Multi-AP Trigger frame may be called something different. Also, the Multi-AP Trigger frame may be an extension of the Trigger frame of the IEEE 802.11ax / be standard.

[0077] In S609, the Coordinator AP (AP 111) transmits data to be sent to the MFP 100 (STA) (for example, content data such as image data, document data, and print data) to the Coordinated AP.

[0078] In S610, when the Coordinated APs (APs 112 and 113) receive data to be transmitted from the Coordinator AP (AP 111), they cooperatively transmit the data to the MFP 100. Furthermore, when the Coordinated APs (APs 112 and 113) receive data from the MFP 100 (STA), they transmit the received data to the Coordinator AP (AP 111). Note that this order of data transmission and reception is an example, and for example, data may be received from the STA before data is transmitted to the STA.

[0079] The Coordinator AP may also directly transmit and receive signals with the STA. For example, the AP 111 may function as both the Coordinator AP and the Coordinated AP. In this case, for example, the AP 111 may transmit and receive wireless frames between itself and the STA while issuing instructions to the AP 112 or AP 113 to transmit and receive wireless frames between the AP 112 or AP 113 and the STA. When the Coordinator AP causes the Coordinated AP to transmit wireless frames, the Coordinator AP may transmit data to be transmitted to the Coordinated AP. However, this is not limited thereto, and the Coordinated AP may obtain the data to be transmitted directly from, for example, the Internet. The Coordinator AP may also receive data received from the STA from the Coordinated AP, but the Coordinated AP may forward the data received from the STA to the STA's partner device without forwarding it to the Coordinator AP.

[0080] Any AP in the same network can operate as a Coordinator AP, and it may be determined based on some criteria which AP will operate as the Coordinator AP. The Coordinator AP may not operate as an AP that transmits Beacon frames, but may only perform the role of the Coordinator AP, such as sending instructions to each AP. Each AP may have multiple wireless LAN communication control units 515 and operate as multiple Coordinated APs. The Coordinator AP may be realized as a logical function, and one physical AP may operate as one or more Coordinated APs while also operating as a Coordinator AP.

[0081] The following describes a process for dynamically switching the display method of information relating to the AP currently connected to MFP 100 in accordance with the communication method with the AP. The information relating to the AP includes information indicating the radio wave conditions of the AP currently connected, as will be described later.

[0082] 7 is a flowchart showing the process of connecting MFP 100 to an AP (S701 to S711) and the process of displaying information about the AP currently connected to MFP 100 in accordance with the AP's communication method (S712 to S722). Each process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is realized by CPU 212 of MFP 100 expanding various programs stored in computer-readable memory in ROM 213 into RAM 214 and executing them.

[0083] This process is initiated when the MFP 100 is started or when the communication mode is enabled. This process is initiated, for example, when the MFP 100 is powered on based on a user operation on the MFP 100. This process is initiated based on a user operation to start setting the wireless infrastructure mode after selecting the "Wireless LAN Setup" option on the screen of FIG. 3(c) displayed on the operation display unit 220. This process may also be initiated by receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the mobile terminal device 101. This process may also be initiated when the radio wave environment deteriorates, deteriorating the connection status between the MFP 100 and an external AP, and the AP to which the MFP 100 is to be connected is re-determined. This process may also be initiated when the communication method used for communication between the MFP 100 and the external AP is changed. The processes of S712 to S723 in FIG. 7 may be executed periodically while the MFP 100 is connected to the AP, or may be executed when the connection status between the MFP 100 and the AP changes.

[0084] In S701, the CPU 212 acquires AP information necessary for setting the wireless infrastructure mode. The CPU 212 acquires the AP information, for example, by searching for an AP using the MFP 100. Specifically, in S701, the CPU 212 starts searching for an AP by transmitting a device discovery request (ProbeRequest). This process corresponds to the process of S604 in FIG. 6 described above.

[0085] Thereafter, the CPU 212 searches for and finds the AP by receiving a device search response (ProbeResponse) and a Beacon (information that the AP voluntarily periodically transmits) transmitted from the AP. This process corresponds to the process of S605 in FIG. 6 described above.

[0086] The information acquired from the AP by the AP search in S701 includes at least one of the AP's SSID, radio wave strength (Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)), communication quality (Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)), link speed, frequency band, MAC address, authentication method, encryption method, and information indicating the Multi-AP related information (Multi-AP IE) described with reference to FIG. 6 . Note that the content of the information acquired from the AP in this process differs depending on the AP's model, model number, settings, etc. Furthermore, if the AP does not support a security method (authentication method, encryption method) supported by the MFP 100, the information of the corresponding AP may be excluded from the search results. Furthermore, if the MFP 100 does not support a security method supported by the AP and / or if the security methods supported by the AP are restricted by the MFP 100, the information of the corresponding AP may be excluded from the search results.

[0087] In step S701, after completing the search for the AP, the CPU 212 displays a list of the APs on the operation display unit 220 of the MFP 100 and accepts input of the password of the AP selected by the user.

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

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

[0090] Next, in S703 to S709, the CPU 212 performs processing to connect to the AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard using the AP information stored in memory such as the RAM 112 in S702. This processing corresponds to the processing of S606 in FIG.

[0091] In S703 to S705, the CPU 212 determines the communication method supported by the AP to be connected, and then in S706 to S709, the CPU 212 performs connection processing with the AP.

[0092] In S703, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP is capable of performing multi-AP communication. Whether the AP is capable of performing multi-AP communication is determined based on information acquired from the AP, as described with reference to Fig. 6. For example, if a multi-AP IE is included in a beacon frame (information that the AP voluntarily transmits periodically) or a probe response received from the AP in the processing of S701, the CPU 212 determines that the AP is capable of performing multi-AP communication and proceeds to S704; otherwise, the CPU 212 proceeds to S706.

[0093] In S704, the CPU 212 determines whether the AP is capable of performing communication using the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication. Whether the AP is capable of performing communication using the Joint-TX method is determined based on information acquired from the AP, as in S703. For example, the determination is made based on the value of the Multi-AP IE included in the Beacon frame or device discovery response (Probe Response) received from the AP in S701. If the CPU 212 determines that the AP is capable of communication using the Joint-TX method, the process proceeds to S707; otherwise, the process proceeds to S705.

[0094] In S705, CPU 212 determines whether the AP is capable of Co-OFDMA communication in Multi-AP communication. Whether the AP is capable of Co-OFDMA communication is determined based on information acquired from the AP, as in S704. In S705, CPU 212 determines based on, for example, the value of the Multi-AP IE included in the Beacon frame or probe response received from the AP in S701. If CPU 212 determines that the AP is capable of Co-OFDMA communication, it proceeds to S708; otherwise, it proceeds to S709.

[0095] In S706, the CPU 212 performs processing to connect to the AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, using the AP information stored in memory such as the RAM 112 in S702. Note that the processing to connect to the AP in S706 may be processing to connect in accordance with one or more standards including IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be.

[0096] In S707, the CPU 212 performs processing to connect to the AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, using the AP information stored in memory such as the RAM 112 in S702. Specifically, in S707, the CPU 212 performs processing to connect to the AP using the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication.

[0097] In S708, the CPU 212 performs a process of connecting to the AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard using the AP information stored in a memory such as the RAM 112 in S702. Specifically, in S708, the CPU 212 performs a process of connecting to the AP using the Co-OFDMA method in Multi-AP communication.

[0098] In S709, the CPU 212 performs a process of connecting to the AP in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard using the AP information stored in a memory such as the RAM 112 in S702. Specifically, in S709, the CPU 212 performs a process of connecting to the AP by Multi-AP communication, which is a method different from both the Joint-TX method and the Co-OFDMA method.

[0099] In S710, CPU 212 determines whether connection between MFP 100 and the AP has been successful through any of the connection processes in S706 to S709. If CPU 212 determines that the connection has been successful, it proceeds to S711. On the other hand, if CPU 212 determines that the connection has failed, it returns to S701 and again acquires connection information for the AP and connects to the AP. Note that depending on the reason for the failure to connect to the AP, CPU 212 may omit the processes of S701 and / or S702. For example, if CPU 212 determines in S710 that the connection has failed because the AP could not be found, it may again attempt to connect to the AP using information about the AP previously stored in a memory such as RAM 112 in S702.

[0100] In S711, similarly to S702, based on the information acquired from the AP in the connection processing with any one of the APs in S706 to S709, CPU 212 stores AP information in RAM 214 and / or non-volatile memory 215. The AP information stored in memory such as RAM 112 in S711 includes at least one of the following: connection status with the AP (connected), security method, frequency band, MAC address of the AP, IPv4 address assigned to MFP 100, IPv6 address, radio wave strength, communication quality, link speed, information indicating the Multi-AP communication method, etc.

[0101] The radio wave strength of the AP may be stored by converting the RSSI acquired from the wireless unit 250 when connected to the AP using a predetermined method. For example, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the converted value may be stored so that the RSSI is 0% when it is -100 dBm or less, 20% when it is -85 dBm, and 100% when it is -35 dBm or more.

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

[0103] Steps S712 to S722 in FIG. 7 are processes for displaying information about the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected.

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

[0105] Next, in steps S713 to S716, the CPU 212 uses the value acquired in step S712 to determine a display method for information indicating the radio wave condition of the currently connected AP.

[0106] In S713, the CPU 212 determines whether the wireless infrastructure communication mode is enabled and operating, using the value acquired in S712. If the CPU 212 determines that the wireless infrastructure communication mode is enabled and operating, the process proceeds to S714; otherwise, the process proceeds to S720.

[0107] In S714, the CPU 212 determines whether the communication method used in communication with the AP is the Multi-AP method. If the CPU 212 determines that the communication method is the Multi-AP communication based on the value acquired in S712, the CPU 212 proceeds to S715, and otherwise proceeds to S721.

[0108] In S715, the CPU 212 determines whether the communication method used in communication with the AP is the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication. If the CPU 212 determines that the communication method is the Joint-TX method based on the value acquired in S712, the CPU 212 proceeds to S721; otherwise, the CPU 212 proceeds to S716.

[0109] In S716, the CPU 212 determines whether the communication method used in communication with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method in multi-AP communication. If the CPU 212 determines that the connection method with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method from the value acquired in S712, the CPU 212 proceeds to S717, and otherwise proceeds to S721.

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

[0111] In a situation where the MFP 100 is capable of multi-AP communication, the MFP 100 may be connected to multiple APs. If the MFP 100 is connected to multiple APs and the display area is smaller than a predetermined size, displaying information about the multiple connected APs may make it difficult for the user to recognize the AP information. Also, there is a possibility that the display area will not be able to display all of the information about the multiple APs. Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined in S717 that the display area is smaller than a predetermined size, the process proceeds to S721, where the AP information is displayed together.

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

[0113] The display area for AP information on the home screen is, for example, network display area 321 in Fig. 3(a). Furthermore, as described above, in a situation where MFP 100 is capable of multi-AP communication, MFP 100 may be connected to multiple APs. When MFP 100 is connected to multiple APs, there is a possibility that the display space is insufficient to display information about each AP in network display area 321. Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is determined in S718 that the display area is the home screen, the AP information is displayed together by processing in S721, which will be described later.

[0114] In S719, CPU 212 refers to the authority (role) of the logged-in user and determines whether the user currently logged in to MFP 100 is a user authorized to change the communication mode settings (network settings of MFP 100). If CPU 212 determines that the logged-in user has the authority to change the settings, it proceeds to S722; otherwise, it proceeds to S721. Note that the determination in S719 may be omitted.

[0115] In S720, the CPU 212 displays information indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled. For example, the CPU 212 displays an icon indicating the wireless infrastructure connection status (disconnected) in the network display area 321 of FIG. 3(a) and ends the process. FIG. 11(a) shows an example of an icon indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled. The CPU 212 may also display text information indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled on the wireless LAN setting display screen. FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c) show an example of the wireless LAN setting display screen. The wireless LAN setting display screen is a screen that displays the setting status, etc., of the wireless LAN of the MFP 100. The wireless LAN setting display screen displays display items such as "SSID," "connection status," "communication method (number of APs)," "frequency band," "radio signal strength," and "link speed." In other words, the wireless LAN setting display screen can be said to be a screen for displaying the setting status, etc., of the wireless LAN of the MFP 100 in more detail than the home screen of FIG. 3(a). In S720, the CPU 212 may display text information such as "disconnected" or "not connected" indicating that the wireless infrastructure mode is disabled as the content corresponding to the "connection status."

[0116] In S721, the CPU 212 collectively displays information about the APs currently connected in wireless infrastructure mode. Note that if the determination in S714 is No, the MFP 100 is not performing multi-AP communication with any AP and is connected to a single AP. Therefore, if the determination in S714 is No, in S721, the process displays the connection status with the single AP currently connected, rather than collectively displaying information about multiple APs currently connected in wireless infrastructure mode.

[0117] On the other hand, if S714 is judged as Yes and the processing of S721 is executed, MFP100 is performing multi-AP communication and is connected to multiple APs, but rather than displaying individual information about the multiple APs to which it is connected, it displays summarized information about the multiple APs to which it is connected.

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

[0119] In S722, the CPU 212 displays AP information of the connection destination in wireless infrastructure mode without grouping it together. That is, in S722, the CPU 212 displays individual information about multiple APs to which the MFP 100 is connected. In other words, in S722, information about multiple APs that are targets of multi-AP communication is displayed. For example, when the AP information is displayed on the home screen of FIG. 3(a), icons corresponding to the radio wave strengths of multiple APs that can be used in parallel with communication by the MFP 100 may be displayed side by side in the network display area 321, as shown in FIG. 11(d). Furthermore, even in the same connection status, when the AP information is displayed on the wireless LAN setting display screen of FIG. 14(a), the radio wave strength, frequency band, and link speed of each AP may be displayed side by side, as shown in the figure. In the example of Figure 14(a), the MFP100 is connected to three CoordinatedAPs, and the frequency band / signal strength / link speed are 2.4GHz / 100% / 45Mbps for the first CoordinatedAP, 5GHz / 75% / 30Mbps for the second CoordinatedAP, and 6GHz / 45% / 15Mbps for the third CoordinatedAP.

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

[0121] In addition, when all of S714 to S719 are omitted, if the determination in S713 is Yes, the process of S722 may be performed.

[0122] In S723, CPU 212 determines whether or not MFP 100 is currently connected to the AP in wireless infrastructure mode. In S723, CPU 212 makes the determination based on the value acquired in S712. For example, if MFP 100 receives a Beacon frame or a device search response (Probe Response) from the AP within a certain time period, CPU 212 determines that MFP 100 is currently connected to the AP and proceeds to S712; otherwise, CPU 212 determines that MFP 100 is currently disconnected from the AP (changed from a connected state to a disconnected state) and proceeds to S724.

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

[0124] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of S721. Each process in the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 is realized by the CPU 212 of the MFP 100 expanding various programs stored in the computer-readable memory of the ROM 213 into the RAM 214 and executing them.

[0125] The CPU 212 checks the range of radio wave strength of the destination AP in steps S801 to S803, and displays the radio wave strength in steps S804 to S807.

[0126] In S801, the CPU 212 determines whether the radio wave strength of the AP calculated based on the RSSI acquired from the AP in S712 of Fig. 7 is within a first range. If the CPU 212 determines that the radio wave strength is within the first range, the CPU 212 proceeds to S804, and otherwise proceeds to S802.

[0127] In S802, the CPU 212 determines whether the radio wave strength of the AP calculated based on the RSSI acquired from the AP in S712 of Fig. 7 is within a second range. If it is within the second range, the CPU 212 proceeds to S805, and otherwise proceeds to S803.

[0128] In S803, the CPU 212 determines whether the radio wave strength calculated based on the RSSI acquired from the AP in S712 of Fig. 7 is within the third range. If it is within the third range, the CPU 212 proceeds to S806, and otherwise (i.e., if it is within the fourth range), the CPU 212 proceeds to S807. It is assumed that the magnitude relationship between the ranges of radio wave strength is first range > second range > third range > fourth range.

[0129] In S804 to S807, the CPU 212 displays an icon corresponding to the radio wave intensity.

[0130] In S804, the CPU 212 displays an icon corresponding to the first range.

[0131] In S805, the CPU 212 displays an icon corresponding to the second range.

[0132] In S806, the CPU 212 displays an icon corresponding to the third range.

[0133] In S807, the CPU 212 displays an icon corresponding to the fourth range.

[0134] FIG. 11(c) shows examples of icons corresponding to the first to fourth ranges. The icons in FIG. 11(c) indicate the level of radio wave strength of the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected. The icons in FIG. 11(c) are fan-shaped, and the level of radio wave strength of the destination AP is represented by the number of lines in the fan. Note that the shape of the icon indicating the level of radio wave strength is not limited to the fan shape shown in FIG. 11(c). For example, any icon may be used as long as its display form changes according to the radio wave strength of the destination AP. Alternatively, the icon may change in stages according to the radio wave strength of the destination AP. Specifically, the icon may be as shown in FIG. 17(f), which will be described later.

[0135] Next, in S808 to S810, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the conditions for displaying specific information (the number of connected APs) related to the APs currently connected in the Multi-AP communication are met.

[0136] In S808, the CPU 212 determines whether the communication method used in communication with the AP is the Multi-AP communication method. If it is determined that the communication method is the Multi-AP communication method based on the value acquired in S712, the process proceeds to S809; if not, the process in FIG. 8 ends without displaying the number of connected APs.

[0137] In S809, the CPU 212 determines whether the communication method used in communication with the AP is the Joint-TX method in Multi-AP communication. If the CPU 212 determines that the communication method is the Joint-TX method based on the value acquired in S712, it ends the processing in Fig. 9, and if not, it proceeds to S810.

[0138] Depending on the communication method, it may or may not be advisable to display information about each of the multiple APs currently connected to the MFP 100. In the Joint-TX method, multiple APs communicate with a single STA in a coordinated manner. Therefore, even if the MFP 100 is connected to multiple APs, the number of APs available for communication in the Joint-TX method (the number of communication devices) may not necessarily match. Furthermore, when the communication method is the Joint-TX method, the communication speed does not increase in proportion to the increase in the number of communication devices. Therefore, if information about each of the multiple APs currently connected to the MFP 100 is displayed, the user may mistakenly believe that the radio wave conditions are better than they actually are. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the communication method used for communication with the AP is the Joint-TX method, the CPU 212 ends the processing of FIG. 8 without displaying the number of connected APs.

[0139] In S810, the CPU 212 determines whether the communication method used in communication with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method in multi-AP communication. If the CPU 212 determines from the value acquired in S712 that the communication method with the AP is the Co-OFDMA method, it proceeds to S811; otherwise, it ends the processing in FIG. 8 without displaying the number of connected APs.

[0140] In the Co-OFDMA method, multiple APs cooperate to manage resources and communicate with STAs. Therefore, as the number of APs connected to the MFP 100 increases, the communication speed improves. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the communication method used for communication with the APs is the Co-OFDMA method, the CPU 212 proceeds to S811 and displays the number of connected APs.

[0141] In S811, the CPU 212 adds information corresponding to the number of APs currently connected to the MFP 100 (specific information related to the APs) to the icon displayed by any of the processes in S804 to S807, and displays the added information. FIG. 11(e) shows an example of an icon to which information corresponding to the number of APs has been added. In the example of FIG. 11(e), an icon is shown to which a number indicating the number of APs currently connected to the MFP 100 has been added as information corresponding to the number of connected APs. By displaying an icon to which information corresponding to the number of APs has been added, the user can distinguish whether the number of connected APs in multi-AP communication is high or low when the radio wave strength is in each of the first, second, and third ranges. Therefore, even if the radio wave strength is in the second or third range rather than the first range, the user can recognize that the MFP 100 is able to communicate with multiple APs operating in cooperation, and that the communication quality may not be particularly poor.

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, if the situation allows communication via the Co-OFDMA scheme via multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group (Yes in S810), the CPU 212 proceeds to S811. That is, the CPU 212 indicates specific information regarding the multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group and outputs (displays) type information (a single display item) indicating the radio wave conditions of the currently connected AP. On the other hand, if the situation allows communication via the multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group via the Joint-TX scheme (Yes in S809), the CPU 212 ends the processing of FIG. 8 without proceeding to S811. That is, the CPU 212 outputs (displays) type information (a single display item) indicating the radio wave conditions of the currently connected AP without indicating specific information regarding the multiple APs belonging to the multi-AP group. Note that in the example of FIG. 11(e), the specific information regarding the multiple APs is a number indicating the number of APs currently connected to the MFP 100. Also, in the example of FIG. 11(e), the type information is an icon. This control allows the MFP 100 to appropriately output type information related to the AP depending on the communication method used for communication with the AP. Note that, after S807 and before S808, similar to S719, it may be determined whether the logged-in user has the authority to change the communication mode setting, and if the determination is Yes, the process proceeds to S811, and if the determination is No, the process proceeds to S808. In other words, if the logged-in user is a user who can change the network settings, the process may proceed to S811 in both cases where communication is possible using the Joint-TX method and where communication is possible using the Co-OFDMA method, and control may be performed to display information about multiple access points that are targets of Multi-AP communication.

[0143] In the example of FIG. 11(e), the icon when the radio wave strength is in the fourth range does not display the number of connected devices in multi-AP communication. This means that even if MFP 100 is connected to multiple APs with low radio wave strength, high communication quality cannot be expected. In other words, even if MFP 100 connects to multiple APs with low radio wave strength, the radio wave conditions will not improve. Therefore, when the radio wave strength is in the fourth range, which is lower than the first to third ranges, in S811, CPU 212 does not add information corresponding to the number of APs to the icon. In this way, even if the number of APs connected to MFP 100 (number of connections) is large, by not displaying the number of connections when the radio wave conditions are not good, it is possible to prevent the user from mistaking the display of a large number of connections for high communication quality.

[0144] 11(e), an icon with a number indicating the number of APs to which MFP 100 is connected is used as an example of specific information related to the AP, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the method of adding information according to the number of APs is not limited to this, and any display that changes according to the number of APs may be used.

[0145] 13(a) to 13(d) show another example of the display in the situation in which FIG. 11(e) is displayed. The icons shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(d) are single icons (single items) that can indicate the radio wave strength levels of each of multiple destination APs. As shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(d), the area of ​​the icon is divided by the number of connected APs, and the radio wave strength level of each destination AP is represented in each area by the number of sector lines. That is, the single item in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(d) indicates, in each of the multiple areas divided within the single item, the radio wave conditions of each of multiple APs that can be used in parallel with communication by MFP 100 when MFP 100 can communicate using Co-OFDMA.

[0146] 13(a) and 13(b) show an example in which the icon area is divided into three when the MFP 100 is connected to three APs. The first to third areas in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) display the radio wave strength of each of the three connected APs. The order in which the APs are displayed in the first to third areas may be, for example, in descending order of radio wave strength or descending order of link speed. The width of the first to third areas may also be determined based on the ratio of the link speed of each AP to the total link speed of the APs. FIG. 13(a) shows a display example in which the radio wave strength range of each AP is a first range. FIG. 13(b) shows a display example in which the radio wave strength range of each AP is a first range, a second range, and a third range.

[0147] 13(c) and 13(d) show examples in which the icon area is divided into two when two APs are connected. Fig. 13(c) is a display example in which the ranges of radio wave strength from each AP are a first range and a second range. Fig. 13(d) is a display example in which the ranges of radio wave strength from each AP are a first range and a third range.

[0148] The method of adding information according to the number of APs may be, for example, displaying the frequency bands of multiple Coordinated APs connected via multi-AP communication, as shown in Fig. 12(g). Alternatively, the method may be displaying the link speeds of multiple Coordinated APs connected via multi-AP communication, as shown in Fig. 12(i). Alternatively, the method may be displaying the combined link speeds of multiple Coordinated APs connected via multi-AP communication, as shown in Fig. 12(j).

[0149] The first range is a range where wireless infrastructure communication can be performed stably. The second range is a range where wireless infrastructure communication may become unstable. The third range is a range where wireless infrastructure communication is likely to become unstable. The fourth range is a range where wireless infrastructure communication is not possible or where connection with the AP is cut off.

[0150] 9(a) shows examples of ranges 1 to 4. In this example, the first range is when the radio wave strength of the AP is between 80% and 100%, the second range is when the radio wave strength of the AP is between 50% and 80%, the third range is when the radio wave strength of the AP is between 1% and 50%, and the fourth range is when the radio wave strength is less than 1%.

[0151] 7, if it is determined that the communication method with the AP is the multi-AP communication method, there is a possibility that the MFP 100 is currently connected to multiple APs. If it is determined in S714 that the communication method with the AP is the multi-AP communication method, the value of the radio wave strength used to select an icon that displays AP information in the processing of FIG. 8 may be a value calculated from the values ​​of the radio wave strength of the multiple APs currently connected.

[0152] For example, if MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, an icon corresponding to the maximum value of the radio wave strength of each AP may be displayed. In this case, if the radio wave strength of any of the multiple connected APs is within a first range, a first icon is displayed. Similarly, if the maximum value of the radio wave strength of the AP is within a second range, a second icon is displayed. Similarly, if the maximum value of the radio wave strength of the AP is within a third range, a third icon is displayed, and otherwise a fourth icon is displayed.

[0153] Furthermore, when the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the method of calculating the value of radio wave strength used to select an icon is not limited to this. For example, an icon corresponding to the average value of the radio wave strength of each AP may be displayed. FIG. 10(c) shows an example when the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to two Coordinated APs. In FIG. 10(c), if the average value of the radio wave strength of the first AP and the second AP is within a first range, a first icon is displayed. Similarly, if the average value of the radio wave strength of the AP is within a second range, a second icon is displayed. Similarly, if the average value of the radio wave strength of the AP is within a third range, a third icon is displayed, and if it is within a fourth range, a fourth icon is displayed.

[0154] Furthermore, when the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the range of radio wave strength corresponding to each icon may be different from the range when the MFP 100 is connected to a single AP. For example, the range of radio wave strength when the MFP 100 is connected to a single AP may be the range shown in FIG. 9(a). Furthermore, the range of radio wave strength when the MFP 100 is connected to multiple APs may be the ranges shown in FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 10(d). In the examples of FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 10(d), the first range is when the radio wave strength of the AP is between 70% and 100%, the second range is when the radio wave strength of the AP is between 40% and 70%, the third range is when the radio wave strength of the AP is between 1% and 70%, and the fourth range is when the radio wave strength is less than 1%.

[0155] Furthermore, when the communication method with the AP to which MFP 100 is connected is the Multi-AP communication method and MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, an icon different from the icon (FIG. 11(c)) displayed when MFP 100 is connected to a single AP may be displayed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11(f) and 12(a) to 12(g), an icon indicating that MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs may be displayed in addition to the icon (FIG. 11(c)) indicating radio wave strength.

[0156] Fig. 11(f) is an example of displaying an icon indicating radio wave strength with a display indicating that the connection is in the Multi-AP communication method. As shown in Fig. 11(f), the icon indicating radio wave strength (Fig. 11(c)) may be displayed with a display such as "M," "Multi-AP," "Multi," "Multi-AP," "Multi," "Cooperative," or "Cooperative mode." In other words, information indicating that multiple APs are available for parallel communication with the MFP 100 may be displayed with the display.

[0157] Furthermore, if the communication method with the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected is the Multi-AP communication (Co-OFDMA) method and the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the icon indicating the radio wave strength (FIG. 11(c)) may be displayed with an indication that the connection is via the Multi-AP (Co-OFDMA) method. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), an indication such as "O" or "Co-OFDMA" may be added to the icon indicating the radio wave strength (FIG. 11(c)). Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12(b), an indication such as "UHT," "Ultra High throughput," "High speed," or "High speed mode" may be added to the icon indicating the radio wave strength (FIG. 11(c)).

[0158] Furthermore, when the communication method with the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected is the Multi-AP communication (Joint-TX) method and the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the icon indicating the radio wave strength (FIG. 11(c)) may be displayed with an indication that the connection is via the Multi-AP (Joint-TX) method. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(c), an indication such as "J" or "Joint-TX" may be added to the icon indicating the radio wave strength (FIG. 11(c)). Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12(b), an indication such as "UHR," "Ultra High Reliability," "High Reliability," or "High Reliability Mode" may be added to the icon indicating the radio wave strength (FIG. 11(c)).

[0159] In the process of FIG. 8, an example was described in which the MFP 100 displays an icon corresponding to the radio wave strength of the AP as information about the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected. Specifically, in the process of FIG. 8, the CPU 212 checks the radio wave strength range of the destination AP and displays an icon such as that shown in FIG. 11(c) corresponding to the radio wave strength range shown in FIG. 9(a). However, this is not limiting. For example, an icon corresponding to the link speed of the AP may be displayed. For example, the CPU 212 may determine the link speed range of the destination AP in steps S801 to S803 of FIG. 8 and display an icon corresponding to the link speed range based on the determination result. FIG. 9(c) shows an example of a link speed range. In the example of FIG. 9(c), the first range corresponds to a link speed of 20 Mbps, the second range corresponds to a link speed of 10 Mbps or more but less than 20 Mbps, the third range corresponds to a link speed of 1 Mbps or more but less than 10 Mbps, and the fourth range corresponds to a link speed of less than 1 Mbps. FIG. 12(h) shows an example of icons corresponding to link speed ranges.

[0160] Furthermore, if the connection method with the AP to which the MFP 100 is currently connected is the Multi-AP (Co-OFDMA) method and the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs, the link speeds of the multiple Coordinated APs connected via Multi-AP communication may be summed up, and an icon (FIG. 12(h)) corresponding to the range of link speeds (FIG. 9(c)) may be displayed.

[0161] The display of the icon indicating the infrastructure connection status (radio wave status) of the wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) described above is not limited to the MFP 100, but can be applied to various STA devices such as smartphones.

[0162] FIG. 15(a) shows an example of a display on the display unit 420 of the mobile terminal device 101, which is a smartphone. The status bar 1500 is a display area that indicates various states of the mobile terminal device 101. In the example of FIG. 15(a), an icon indicating the remaining battery level, an icon indicating the signal strength of mobile communication (cellular phone line), and an icon 1501 indicating the signal strength of Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) are displayed, from right to left. The status bar 1500 is an area that is displayed under the control of the operating system (OS) of the mobile terminal device 101, regardless of the active app running on the mobile terminal device 101. That is, even if the active application software (hereinafter, "app") is switched from app A to app B, the same icon 1501 is displayed on the status bar 1500 as long as the signal strength of the mobile terminal device 101 remains the same. However, when the entire screen is used to display the contents of an app, such as edge-to-edge (when the display area of ​​the status bar 1500 is also used to display the contents of the app), the status bar 1500 is hidden.

[0163] The above-described embodiment is applicable when displaying icon 1501 indicating Wi-Fi connection information in status bar 1500. Icon 1501 is an icon in the case where the number of APs connected to mobile terminal device 101 in multi-AP communication is three and the radio wave strength range is a first range, as shown in FIG. 11(e) above. This icon 1501 allows the user to recognize that mobile terminal device 101 is connected to three Coordinated APs in multi-AP communication and the radio wave strength is in the first range (good).

[0164] In this way, the status bar 1500 displays icons 1501 depending on whether the mobile terminal device 101 is performing Multi-AP communication (whether it is possible to perform Multi-AP communication), the communication method of Multi-AP communication, the number of connected Coordinated APs, etc. Note that the icon 1501 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 15(a), and as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, any of the icons shown in Figs. 11(a) to 11(f) and 12(a) to (j) can be displayed depending on the radio wave conditions and communication conditions of the mobile terminal device 101.

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

[0166] Display area 1510 in FIG. 15(a) is an example of a screen displayed by printer application software (hereinafter, print app) installed on the mobile terminal device 101. When the print app is launched and activated, content provided by the print app is displayed in display area 1510. Within display area 1510, area 1520 is a status display area that displays the status of a printer that is an instruction target device (control target device) from the mobile terminal device 101. Here, an example is described in which MFP 100 is set as the instruction target device. In the example of FIG. 15(a), a printer with a model series name of the A1234 series (the series name of the MFP 100) is registered and selected as the instruction target device. Area 1520 displays an icon 1521 indicating the communication status of Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) in the instruction target device and information indicating whether or not the mobile terminal device 101 and the instruction target device are in a communication-enabled state (online).

[0167] Icon 1521 indicates the radio wave condition between MFP 100 and AP, not the radio wave condition between mobile terminal device 101 and AP. Mobile terminal device 101 acquires the radio wave condition between MFP 100 and AP from the instruction target device using a specific protocol. The specific protocol is, for example, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The above-described embodiment is applicable when icon 1521 indicating the Wi-Fi communication status (connection information) of the instruction target device is displayed in this area 1520. Icon 1521 is an icon in the case where the number of APs connected via Multi-AP communication is three and the radio wave strength range is a first range, as shown in FIG. 11(e) above. This icon 1521 allows the user to recognize that MFP 100, which is the control target, is connected to three Coordinated APs via Multi-AP communication and the radio wave strength is in the first range (good). In this way, in area 1520, icons 1521 are displayed according to the radio wave conditions, whether or not multi-AP communication is being performed (whether or not it is possible), the communication method of multi-AP communication, the number of connected Coordinated APs, etc. Note that icon 1521 is not limited to the example of Fig. 15(a), and as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, any of the icons shown in Figs. 11(a) to 11(f) and 12(a) to (j) can be displayed according to the radio wave conditions and communication conditions of MFP 100.

[0168] Furthermore, on the print application screen, below area 1520, icons indicating commands that can be instructed to the target device are displayed. In the illustrated example, "Print," "Scan," "Copy," and "Cloud" are displayed, and by operating these icons, the corresponding operations can be performed on the target device (MFP 100). Furthermore, the "Menu" icon further below can be used to display the wireless LAN settings of the target device. The wireless LAN settings display displayed here shows the setting status of the wireless LAN settings on the target device, MFP 100, and is displayed in the same manner as in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c).

[0169] Furthermore, the information on the instruction target device (control target device) is not limited to being displayed by a printer application (control application software), but can also be displayed by browser application software (hereinafter referred to as browser application) of the mobile terminal device 101. By specifying the IP address or URL of the instruction target device, MFP 100, the browser application of the mobile terminal device 101 can acquire the settings of MFP 100 and display them on the display unit 420.

[0170] FIG. 15(b) shows an example of the settings of the MFP 100 displayed by the browser application. Area 1530 is an example of a screen displayed by the browser application. When the browser application is launched and activated, an area similar to the status bar 1500 described in FIG. 15(a) is also displayed on the display unit 420. Area 1530 includes area 1531. Area 1531 displays the wireless LAN setting status of the MFP 100 acquired by the browser application from the MFP 100. Area 1531 can display the same content as in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c). In the example of FIG. 15(b), area 1531 displays the same setting status as in FIG. 14(a). The items "Communication Method" and "Number of Connected APs" indicate that the MFP 100 is connected to three Coordinated APs using the Multi-AP communication method. Items such as "Frequency Band," "Radio Signal Strength," and "Link Speed" display the same content as in FIG. 14(a).

[0171] In addition, although the above description has been given of a form in which the infrastructure connection status (signal strength, etc.) of a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) is displayed, the present invention is not limited to this. The infrastructure connection status (signal strength, etc.) of the wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) may be printed and output by the MFP 100.

[0172] 16(a) to 16(e) are examples of LAN settings printed by MFP 100 when "Print LAN Settings" in FIG. 3(b) displayed on MFP 100 is selected, or when "Print Information" in FIG. 15(b) displayed on mobile terminal device 101 is selected. FIGS. 16(a) to 16(b) show examples of LAN settings printed when MFP 100 is not performing multi-AP communication and is connected to one AP. FIGS. 16(c) to 16(e) show examples of LAN settings printed when MFP 100 is performing multi-AP communication and is connected to multiple APs.

[0173] 16(a), the LAN settings printout includes the following print items: "Diagnosis Results," "Connection Type," "Connection Status," "SSID," "Communication Method," "Frequency Band," "Radio Wave Intensity," "Link Speed," etc. In addition to these items, items such as IPv4 address and IPv6 address may also be printed.

[0174] As with the process in Fig. 7, the information on the APs to which the MFP 100 is connected may be displayed collectively or separately depending on the communication method between the APs to which the MFP 100 is connected. When displayed collectively (when LAN setting information is printed in a state where the conditions for proceeding to S721 in Fig. 7 are met), maximum and average values ​​of radio wave strength, communication quality, and link speed are printed, as shown in Fig. 16(c) and Fig. 16(d), as with the process in Fig. 8. When displayed separately (when LAN setting information is printed in a state where the conditions for proceeding to S722 in Fig. 7 are met), values ​​for radio wave strength, communication quality, and link speed are printed, as shown in Fig. 16(e).

[0175] In addition, when printing information about the AP to which MFP100 is connected in Figures 16(a) to 16(e), an icon indicating the connection status between MFP100 and the AP (Figures 11(a) to 11(f), Figures 12(a) to 12(j)) may be printed depending on the communication status of MFP100.

[0176] Furthermore, in the "Diagnosis Results" of the LAN Settings Print, the results of diagnosis of problems related to the AP to which MFP 100 is connected or the network are printed, as shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(e). Specifically, if the radio wave strength of the AP to which MFP 100 is connected is strong, text information such as "No Problem" is printed. On the other hand, if the radio wave strength of the AP to which MFP 100 is connected is weak, text information such as "Radio wave strength is weak" is printed.

[0177] The range of radio wave strength corresponding to "Weak radio wave strength" in the "Diagnosis result" may be the "third range" to the "fourth range" in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). Furthermore, when the MFP 100 is simultaneously connected to multiple APs using the multi-AP communication method, the range of radio wave strength corresponding to the "Diagnosis result" in the LAN setting printout may be different from the range when the MFP 100 is connected to a single AP. For example, when the MFP 100 is connected to a single AP, "Diagnosis result: Weak radio wave strength" may be printed when the radio wave strength is between 1% and 50%, as shown in FIG. 9(a). Furthermore, when the MFP 100 is connected to two APs, "Diagnosis result: Weak radio wave strength" may be printed when the radio wave strength is between 1% and 40%, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0178] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which operation display unit 220 of MFP 100 is configured to include a touch panel display, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0179] 17(a) shows a first example of operation / display unit 205 that MFP 100 includes in place of or in addition to operation / display unit 220. Operation / display unit 205 includes display unit 1711 with a relatively small display area and operation unit 1712 including hardware keys such as cursor keys and an enter key. Specifically, display unit 1711 is a dot-matrix monochrome LCD capable of displaying graphics. Display unit 1711 has a lower resolution than the touch panel of operation / display unit 220.

[0180] 17(b) shows a second example of operation / display unit 205 that MFP 100 includes in place of operation / display unit 220 or in addition to operation / display unit 220. Operation / display unit 205 of the second example includes display unit 1721 with a smaller display area than the first example shown in FIG. 17(a), and operation unit 1722 including hardware keys such as cursor keys and an enter key. Specifically, display unit 1721 is a dot-matrix character LCD that can display a limited number of characters and symbols. Display unit 1721 has a lower resolution than display unit 1711.

[0181] 17(c) shows a third example of operation / display unit 205 that MFP 100 includes in place of or in addition to operation / display unit 220. Operation / display unit 205 of the third example includes display unit 1731 that has more limited information that can be displayed than the second example shown in FIG. 17(b), and operation unit 1732 that includes hardware keys such as cursor keys and an enter key. Specifically, display unit 1731 is a segment LCD 1733 that can display predetermined figures and numbers.

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(c), even when the operation display unit 205 is configured to include a display unit with a relatively small display area, as described in the above-described embodiment, it may display an indication of the connection status of Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) and display any of the icons shown in FIGS. 11(c) to 11(f) and 12(a) to 12(j) depending on the situation. Icon 1713 in FIG. 17(a) is an icon indicating the connection status of Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) and is the icon of the first range in FIG. 11(c). In other words, it indicates that the MFP 100 is not performing multi-AP communication and the radio wave conditions are in the first range (good). When the MFP 100 is performing multi-AP communication, it may display any of the icons shown in FIGS. 11(e) to 11(f) and 12(a) to 12(j).

[0183] 17(a) to 17(c), when the operation display unit 205 is configured to include a display unit with a relatively small display area, the connection status of Wi-Fi (infrastructure connection) may be displayed in a display format different from the icons shown in FIGS. 11(c) to 11(f) and 12(a) to 12(j). For example, icons in the display formats shown in FIGS. 17(e) and 17(f) may be displayed.

[0184] 17(e) shows the signal strength indicated by the display status of three dots, with the more black dots there are, the stronger the signal strength. Also, when the letter "M" (symbol) is attached, it indicates that the MFP 100 is connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (multi-AP connected). When the letter "M" is not attached, it indicates that the MFP 100 is not connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (not multi-AP connected).

[0185] 17(f) shows the signal strength indicated by the fill of vertical bars of different heights, with the more black vertical bars there are, the stronger the signal strength. Also, when the letter "M" (symbol) is attached, it indicates that the MFP 100 is connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (multi-AP connected). When the letter "M" is not attached, it indicates that the MFP 100 is not connected to an AP using the Multi-AP communication method (not multi-AP connected).

[0186] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17(g) to 17(j), when a multi-AP connection is established using multiple segments arranged vertically and horizontally (in rows and columns), the radio wave conditions of each of the connected Coordinated APs may be displayed. Each column in Figures 17(g) to 17(j) corresponds to the radio wave conditions of a different Coordinated AP, and the number of black dots in the vertical direction indicates the radio wave conditions of the Coordinated AP in each column. For example, the example in Figure 17(h) shows a connection with three Coordinated APs. The radio wave strength range of the first Coordinated AP is shown as the first range, the second Coordinated AP as the second range, and the third Coordinated AP as the third range. This shows the same situation as Figure 13(b). Similarly, Figure 17(g) shows the same situation as Figure 13(a), and Figures 17(i) to (j) show the same situations as Figures 13(c) and 13(d). That is, the multiple segments in Figures 17(g) to 17(j) show the radio wave conditions of each of the multiple APs that can be used in parallel with MFP100's communication in a situation where MFP100 can communicate using the Co-OFDMA method, in each of the multiple areas divided within a single item.

[0187] FIG. 17(d) shows a fourth example of the operation / display unit 205 that the MFP 100 includes instead of or in addition to the operation / display unit 220. The operation / display unit 205 of the fourth example includes a light-emitting unit 1741 and an operation unit 1742 that includes hardware keys such as a START key. The light-emitting unit 1741 includes three light-emitting units, each corresponding to one of the three hard keys included in the operation unit 1742. The light-emitting unit 1743 included in the light-emitting unit 1741 corresponds to the hard key labeled "Wi-Fi" and is used to indicate the connection status of the Wi-Fi infrastructure connection. Specifically, each light-emitting unit 1741 is an LED (light-emitting diode). The operation / display unit 205 of the fourth example indicates the connection status of the Wi-Fi infrastructure connection by the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 1743. For example, the ratio of the lighting time per cycle in the blinking pattern is changed depending on the radio wave intensity. Specifically, for example, as follows:

[0188] (A1) When the radio wave intensity is in the first range, the lighting time per period T of the blinking pattern is set to T×(4 / 4) (that is, lighting continues without turning off).

[0189] (A2) When the radio wave intensity is in the second range, the lighting time per period T of the blinking pattern is set to T×(3 / 4) (that is, the lighting time is set to T×(1 / 4)).

[0190] (A3) When the radio wave intensity is in the third range, the lighting time per period T of the blinking pattern is set to T×(2 / 4) (that is, the light is turned off for a period of T×(2 / 4)).

[0191] (A4) When the radio wave intensity is in the fourth range, the lighting time per time T of one cycle of the blinking pattern is set to T×(1 / 4) (that is, the lighting time is set to T×(3 / 4)).

[0192] In each of (A1) to (A4), the color of the light indicates whether or not a multi-AP connection is in progress. For example, if the MFP 100 is in a multi-AP connection, the color is green, and if not (if the MFP 100 is connected to one AP), the color is red.

[0193] Alternatively, the multi-AP connection and the radio wave intensity may be indicated only by the light pattern, without using different light colors. For example, as follows:

[0194] (B1) When the radio wave strength is in the first range and a multi-AP connection is in progress, the lighting time per period T of the blinking pattern is set to T×(4 / 4) (i.e., the lighting continues without turning off).

[0195] (B2) When the radio wave strength is in the second range and the device is connected to multiple APs, the lighting time per cycle of the blinking pattern, T, is set to T × (3 / 4) (i.e., the light is off for T × (1 / 4)). Also, when the radio wave strength is in the first range and the device is connected to a single AP, not a multi-AP, the lighting pattern is the same.

[0196] (B3) When the radio wave strength is in the third range and the device is connected to multiple APs, the lighting time per cycle of the blinking pattern, T, is set to T × (2 / 4) (i.e., the light is off for T × (2 / 4)). Also, when the radio wave strength is in the second range and the device is connected to a single AP, not a multi-AP, the lighting pattern is the same.

[0197] (B4) When the radio wave strength is in the fourth range and a multi-AP connection is in progress, the lighting time per cycle time T of the blinking pattern is T × (1 / 4) (i.e., the light is off for T × (3 / 4)). The same lighting pattern is also used when the radio wave strength is in the third range and a single AP connection is in progress, not a multi-AP connection. The same lighting pattern is also used when the radio wave strength is in the fourth range and a single AP connection is in progress, not a multi-AP connection.

[0198] In (B1) to (B4), the lighting time is increased when a multi-AP connection is in progress compared to when it is not, even with the same signal strength. This is because a multi-AP connection is expected to improve communication throughput and reliability even with the same signal strength.

[0199] The present invention is not limited to the above example, and the radio wave intensity and whether or not a multi-AP connection is established may be indicated by different light emission patterns.

[0200] As described above, according to this embodiment, when radio wave condition information of the AP to which the MFP 100 is connected should be displayed, the CPU 212 switches the display method of the AP information based on the communication method with the connected AP. When the communication method with the connected AP is the Multi-AP Co-OFDMA method, the CPU 212 controls the display so that the information of the connected APs is not summarized, but when the communication method with the connected AP is the Joint-TX method, the CPU 212 controls the display so that the AP information is summarized. This control makes it possible to appropriately display information indicating the radio wave condition according to the communication method and communication conditions between the MFP 100 and the AP. Furthermore, for example, even in a wireless communication device with a limited display area, the connection status with the AP can be efficiently displayed.

[0201] The various controls described above as being performed by the CPU of each device may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0202] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

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

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

[0205] <Summary of the embodiment> The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following communication device, method, program, and storage medium. (Item 1) a communication means for transmitting or receiving the same content data via a plurality of external access points by wireless LAN communication; When a first situation exists in which communication can be performed using a first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a first group, outputting specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and a first type of information indicating a radio wave condition of a currently connected access point; and a control means for controlling, when a second situation is present in which communication can be performed in a second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a second group, to output a second type of information indicating the radio wave conditions of a currently connected access point, without indicating the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the second group. A communication device comprising: (Item 2) The first communication method is a communication method in which each of a plurality of access points belonging to the first group communicates with the communication device using a different resource unit; 2. The communication device according to item 1, (Item 3) The first communication method is This is a Co-OFDMA (Coordinated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) method for multi-AP communication that complies with the IEEE802.11 series of standards. 3. The communication device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) The second communication method is a communication method in which radio waves transmitted from each of a plurality of access points belonging to the second group are combined so as to be amplified at the location of the communication device; 4. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) The second communication method is This is a Joint-TX (Joint Transmission) method for Multi-AP communication that complies with the IEEE802.11 series of standards. 5. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) The specific information is Information indicating that there are multiple access points available for communication with the communication device; Information indicating the number of access points available for communication with the communication device in parallel; information corresponding to the radio wave strength of each of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; information indicating communication methods with a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the communication device; information indicating frequency bands of each of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; information corresponding to the link speeds of each of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; information based on a total value of link speeds of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; At least one of 6. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5, (Item 7) The specific information is The information includes information about a plurality of Coordinated APs belonging to the first group, but does not include information about a plurality of Coordinator APs belonging to the first group. 7. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 6, (Item 8) The first type of information is A single icon showing the specific information and radio wave conditions. 8. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7, (Item 9) The first type of information is The icon is a fan-shaped motif indicating radio wave conditions with text indicating the specific information. 9. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 8, (Item 10) The first type of information is a plurality of icons corresponding to radio wave intensities of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; 10. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9, (Item 11) The second type of information is A single icon showing the radio wave status of the currently connected access point without showing the specific information. 11. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10, (Item 12) The control means On the first screen, whether the first type of information or the second type of information is displayed is changed depending on whether the first situation is the first situation or the second situation; a second screen, which is different from the first screen and is for displaying a setting status of a wireless LAN in more detail than the first screen, is controlled so as to display information about a plurality of access points included in a group that is a target of Multi-AP communication in both the first status and the second status; 12. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 11, (Item 13) The control means On the first screen, whether the first type of information or the second type of information is displayed is changed depending on whether the first situation is the first situation or the second situation; On a second screen different from the first screen, if the user logged in to the communication device is not a user who is allowed to change network settings, whether the first type of information or the second type of information is displayed is changed between the first situation and the second situation; If the user logged in to the communication device is a user who is allowed to change network settings, control is performed so that information about multiple access points that are targets of Multi-AP communication is displayed in both the first situation and the second situation. 13. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 12, (Item 14) The control means controlling the display of the first type of information or the second type of information according to the first situation and the second situation in an area that is displayed both when the first application software is activated and when the second application software is activated; 14. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 13, (Item 15) the communication device is a mobile terminal, The control means controlling the display of the first type of information or the second type of information according to the first situation and the second situation in a status bar that displays the remaining battery level of the communication device; Item 15. A communication device according to item 14. (Item 16) The control means As the radio wave conditions of an external device that can communicate with the communication device, When the external device can communicate using the first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to the first group, displaying the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and displaying the first type of information indicating a radio wave condition of the access point to which the external device is connected; When the external device can communicate using the second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to the second group, the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the second group is not displayed, and the second type of information indicating the radio wave status of the access point currently connected to the external device is displayed. 16. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that: (Item 17) The output is printing. 17. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 16, characterized in that: (Item 18) the first communication method and the second communication method are communication methods conforming to IEEE802.11bn; 18. A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 17. (Item 19) 1. A method performed in a communication device, comprising: a communication step of transmitting or receiving the same content data via a plurality of external access points by wireless LAN communication; When a first situation exists in which communication can be performed using a first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a first group, outputting specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and a first type of information indicating a radio wave condition of a currently connected access point; and a control step of controlling the device to output, when it is in a second situation where communication can be performed in a second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a second group, the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the second group not to be displayed, but to output a second type of information indicating the radio wave condition of the currently connected access point. A method characterized by: (Item 20) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the communication device described in any one of items 1 to 18. (Item 21) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each means of the communication device described in any one of items 1 to 18.

[0206] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 100 Communication device: 101 Mobile terminal device: 111, 112, 113 AP: 212, 412, 511 CPU

Claims

1. a communication means for transmitting or receiving the same content data via a plurality of external access points by wireless LAN communication; When a first situation is present in which communication can be performed using a first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a first group, outputting specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and a first type of information indicating a radio wave condition of the currently connected access point; and a control means for controlling, when a second situation is present in which communication can be performed in a second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a second group, to output second type of information indicating the radio wave condition of a currently connected access point, without indicating the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the second group. A communication device comprising:

2. The first communication method is a communication method in which each of a plurality of access points belonging to the first group communicates with the communication device using a different resource unit; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The first communication method is Co-OFDMA (Coordinated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) method for multi-AP communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series standards.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The second communication method is a communication method in which radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of access points belonging to the second group are combined so as to be amplified at the location of the communication device; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. The second communication method is It is a Joint-TX (Joint Transmission) method for Multi-AP communication that complies with the IEEE 802.11 series standards.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. The specific information is Information indicating that there are multiple access points available for communication with the communication device; Information indicating the number of access points available for communication with the communication device in parallel; information corresponding to the radio wave strength of each of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; information indicating communication methods with a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel with communication with the communication device; information indicating frequency bands of each of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; information corresponding to the link speeds of each of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; information based on a total value of link speeds of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; At least one of 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

7. The specific information is The information includes information about a plurality of Coordinated APs belonging to the first group, but does not include information about a plurality of Coordinator APs belonging to the first group.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

8. The first type of information is A single icon showing the specific information and radio wave conditions.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. The first type of information is The icon is a fan-shaped motif indicating radio wave conditions with text indicating the specific information.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

10. The first type of information is a plurality of icons corresponding to radio wave intensities of a plurality of access points that can be used in parallel for communication with the communication device; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

11. The second type of information is A single icon showing the radio wave status of the currently connected access point without showing the specific information.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

12. The control means On the first screen, whether the first type of information or the second type of information is displayed is changed depending on whether the first situation is the first situation or the second situation; a second screen, which is different from the first screen and is for displaying a setting status of the wireless LAN in more detail than the first screen, is controlled so as to display information about a plurality of access points included in a group that is a target of Multi-AP communication in both the first status and the second status; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

13. The control means On the first screen, whether the first type of information or the second type of information is displayed is made different depending on whether the first situation is the first situation or the second situation; On a second screen different from the first screen, if a user who has logged in to the communication device is not a user who is allowed to change network settings, whether the first type of information or the second type of information is displayed is changed between the first situation and the second situation; If the user logged in to the communication device is a user who is allowed to change network settings, control is performed so that information about multiple access points that are targets of Multi-AP communication is displayed in both the first situation and the second situation.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

14. The control means controlling the display of the first type of information or the second type of information according to the first situation and the second situation in an area that is displayed both when the first application software is activated and when the second application software is activated; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

15. the communication device is a mobile terminal, The control means controlling the display of the first type of information or the second type of information according to the first situation and the second situation in a status bar that displays a remaining battery level of the communication device; 15. The communication device according to claim 14.

16. The control means As the radio wave conditions of an external device that can communicate with the communication device, When the external device can communicate using the first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to the first group, displaying the specific information related to the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and displaying the first type of information indicating a radio wave condition of the access point to which the external device is connected; When the external device can communicate using the second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to the second group, the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the second group is not displayed, and the second type of information indicating the radio wave status of the access point currently connected to the external device is displayed.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

17. The output is printing.

2. The communication device according to claim 1.

18. the first communication method and the second communication method are communication methods conforming to IEEE 802.11bn; 2. The communication device according to claim 1.

19. 1. A method performed in a communication device, comprising: a communication step of transmitting or receiving the same content data via a plurality of external access points by wireless LAN communication; When a first situation is present in which communication can be performed using a first communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a first group, outputting specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the first group and a first type of information indicating a radio wave condition of the currently connected access point; and a control step of controlling, when a second situation is present in which communication can be performed in a second communication method via a plurality of access points belonging to a second group, to output second type of information indicating a radio wave condition of a currently connected access point, without indicating the specific information regarding the plurality of access points belonging to the second group. A method characterized by:

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

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

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