program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that improves convenience when connecting an information processing device and a communication device.SOLUTION: A computer of an information processing device function as detection means that detects a signal transmitted from an external communication device, and display control means that displays information on a communication device corresponding to the signal on a display unit of the information processing device on the basis of the signal detected by the detection means. When the detection means detects a first signal, the display control means causes the display unit to display a notification screen prompting the user to perform a specific operation on the communication device, and displays information on the communication device corresponding to the second signal on the display unit when the second signal corresponds to the specific operation in a case in which the second signal is detected by the detection means after displaying the notification screen on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is capable of communicating with an access point. Napu Regarding the program. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to enable communication between an information processing device (hereafter referred to as a PC) and a wireless terminal device (hereafter referred to as a device), a technology is known in which the PC and the device are connected to an access point (hereafter referred to as an AP) to establish an infrastructure connection. Note that information processing devices include not only PCs but also smartphones.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a device to an AP by temporarily establishing a wireless connection between the PC and the device and transmitting connection information from the PC to the device for the device to connect to the AP. Patent Document 1 also discloses a technique for detecting a device that is temporarily connected wirelessly, in which the device changes the character string of the SSID that it emits, and the PC identifies the device whose SSID has changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-88572 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The identification information unique to a communication device included in an SSID is often a string of letters or alphanumeric characters, making it difficult for a user to easily recognize whether the communication device is the one they wish to connect to.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for improving convenience when connecting an information processing device and a communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to the present invention causes a computer of an information processing device to function as detection means for detecting a signal transmitted from an external communication device, and display control means for causing a display unit of the information processing device to display, based on the signal detected by the detection means, information about the communication device corresponding to the signal, wherein the display control means, when detecting a first signal by the detection means, causes the display unit to display a notification screen urging a user to perform a specific operation on the communication device, and after displaying the notification screen on the display unit, when detecting a second signal by the detection means, if the second signal corresponds to the specific operation, causes the display unit to display information about the communication device corresponding to the second signal. when the detection means detects the first signal and the second signal, the display control means displays on the display unit a second notification screen that prompts the user to perform a second specific operation on the communication device that is different from the specific operation, and after the second notification screen is displayed on the display unit, when the detection means detects a third signal, if the third signal corresponds to the second specific operation, the display control means displays on the display unit information about the communication device that corresponds to the third signal. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience when connecting an information processing device and a communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing device and a communication device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a recording apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating processing executed in an information processing device and a communication device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating processing executed in an information processing device and a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] [First embodiment] An information processing device 101 and a communication device 151 included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing device 101, but this is not limiting. For example, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), and a digital camera can be applied as the information processing device 101. Furthermore, a printer is exemplified as the communication device 151, but this is not limiting. Various devices capable of wireless communication with the information processing device 101 can be applied. For example, inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, and the like can be applied as printers. In addition to printers, copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, and the like can be applied. Furthermore, multifunction peripherals having multiple functions such as a copying function, a fax function, and a printing function can also be applied.

[0012] First, the configuration of an information processing device 101 of this embodiment and a communication device 151 capable of communicating with the information processing device 101 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 1. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but is not limited to the functions shown in the figure. The device has a configuration corresponding to functions that can be implemented by devices that can be used as devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0013] The information processing device 101 has an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, and a short-range wireless communication unit 111. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the information processing device 101 that executes a program.

[0014] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operational instructions from a user by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may receive input from the user via the display unit 108.

[0015] The CPU 103 is a system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0016] The RAM 105 is configured with an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101, management data for the information processing device 101, and the like. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0017] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter, a setting application) for executing network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is, for example, an application program for configuring an access point to which the communication device 151 is connected using Wi-Fi Easy Connect (registered trademark) or the like. The setting application may also have functions other than network setup. For example, the setting application may have a function for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function for causing the communication device 151 to scan a document placed on a document tray (not shown) of the communication device 151, a function for checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server, for example, via Internet communication via the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission / reception control program, transmitted and received between the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110 and the communication device 151, as well as various information used by these programs. The external storage device 106 also stores a set of specific operations performed by the user on the communication device 151, which are associated with character strings. The specific operations will be described later. A plurality of sets may be stored. The contents stored in the external storage device 106 are the same as the sets of specific operations and character strings stored in the communication device 151, which will be described later.

[0018] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls display so that the display unit 108 displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode), an LCD (liquid crystal display), etc., and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101. The imaging unit 112 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the outside.

[0019] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point within the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, and a device other than an access point that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. The above-mentioned WEC can be performed through communication by the communication unit 110. The access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router. In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. A method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected through an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

[0020] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 at a short distance, and performs communication using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0021] The communication device 151 is a communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 has a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a communication unit 156, and a short-range wireless communication unit 157. The ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc. form a computer of the communication device 151 that executes a program.

[0022] The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to an external device such as the information processing device 101 as an access point within the communication device 151. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. When the communication unit 156 enables the access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may wirelessly connect to the information processing device 101 directly or via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. If the communication device 151 supports WEC, the WEC described above is executed by communication by the communication unit 156. The communication unit 156 may be provided with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes it to function as an access point.

[0023] The communication device 151 of this embodiment is operable in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0024] The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 via an external device (e.g., the access point 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, referred to as an infra connection). In this embodiment, in the infra connection, the communication device 151 operates as a client device, and the external access point operates as a master device. In this embodiment, the master device is a device that determines a communication channel to be used in the network to which the master device belongs, and the slave device is a device that does not determine a communication channel to be used in the network to which the slave device belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master device.

[0025] The P2P mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices, such as the information processing device 101, without going through an external device that forms a network. In this embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point enabled in the communication device 151 in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. The P2P mode may also include, for example, a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of multiple WFD-compatible devices operates as a parent device is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. The parent device may also be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A WFD-compatible device that serves as a parent device is particularly referred to as a Group Owner. A direct connection with another device established by the communication device 151 operating in P2P mode is referred to as a direct connection. For example, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a parent device, and the other device operates as a child device.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode, which is a mode for executing network setup of the communication device 151 using a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol), by receiving a predetermined operation from a user. When operating in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates as a setup access point that is valid while operating in the network setup mode, by using the communication unit 156. The setup access point is an access point that is different from the access point that is valid in the AP mode described above. The SSID of the setup access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by a setting application of the information processing device 101. The setup access point is an access point that does not require a password for connection. The communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode uses the setup communication protocol in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specific examples of the setup communication protocol include SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol). After starting operation in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 stops operation in the network setup mode and disables the setup access point when the timeout period for the network setup mode has elapsed. This is because, as described above, the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password, and if it is enabled for a long period of time, there is a high possibility that an inappropriate device will request connection. Note that the setup access point may be an access point that requires a password. In this case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (that cannot be changed by the user) that is known in advance by the setting application.

[0027] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with a device such as the information processing device 101, and can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the information processing device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0028] The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, it can store important data such as program control variables without volatilizing it. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the communication device 151, management data for the communication device 151, and the like. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and stores a receive buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101, etc., as well as various other information.

[0029] ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of an embedded OS stored in ROM 152. CPU 154 is a system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151. ROM 152 also stores sets that associate specific operations performed by a user on communication device 151 with character strings. The specific operations will be described later. Multiple sets may be stored. The contents stored in ROM 152 are the same as the sets of specific operations and character strings stored in the information processing device 101.

[0030] Based on information stored in the print engine 155 and RAM 153 and a print job received from the information processing device 101 or the like, the print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium, and outputs the print result. Note that, since the amount of data for a print job transmitted from the information processing device 101 or the like is generally large, a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for communicating the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via a communication unit 156 capable of communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157. The display unit 158 ​​is, for example, a panel, and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151.

[0031] Note that the communication device 151 may be equipped with an optional memory such as an external HDD or SD card, and the information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in the memory.

[0032] In this embodiment, the communication units 110 and 156 execute a communication parameter sharing process for sharing communication parameters between devices. The communication parameter sharing process is a process in which a providing device provides communication parameters for wireless communication to a receiving device, and can be executed in both infrastructure mode and P2P mode. Here, the communication parameters include, for example, wireless communication parameters required for WLAN communication, such as a service set identifier (SSID) as a network identifier, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. They also include identification information such as a MAC address, a password, an IP address for communication at the IP layer, and information required for higher-level services. The communication parameter sharing process executed by the communication units 110 and 156 may be, for example, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Furthermore, the communication parameter sharing process executed by the communication units 110 and 156 may employ a method for securely transferring communication parameters using public key cryptography.

[0033] The configuration of the information processing device 101 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1 and may include other configurations. For example, the information processing device 101 may further include a barcode reading control unit. The barcode reading control unit analyzes an image captured by the imaging unit 112, which is, for example, a camera, and acquires encoded code information. The barcode reading control unit performs analysis processing of code information such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and QR codes (registered trademark).

[0034] The configuration of communication device 151 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and may include other configurations. For example, communication device 151 may further include a barcode generation control unit. The barcode generation control unit is realized, for example, by CPU 154 executing a program. The barcode generation control unit generates code information such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a QR code, and controls display unit 158 ​​to display the generated code information. The barcode generation control unit causes display unit 158 ​​to display a QR code or the like that encodes information necessary for setting communication parameters. Note that display unit 158 ​​may be configured to be able to display soft buttons or the like as an input interface for the user.

[0035] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing an outline of the configuration of the communication device 151. FIG. 2(a) shows the external appearance of the communication device 151. The communication device 151 includes a power button 201, an operation button 202, a paper feed tray 203, a paper output tray 204, an access cover 205, and a cover sensor (not shown). FIG. 2(b) shows the access cover 205 of FIG. 2(a) in an open state. The opening 206 of FIG. 2(b) is configured to appear when the access cover 205 is opened.

[0036] Figure 2(b) shows a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of opening 206 in Figure 2(a). Ink holder 210 holds an ink tank (ink cartridge) (not shown) and is configured to be able to move back and forth from side to side in the figure along shaft 211. The ink tank stores ink of each color, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and each color of ink is ejected onto recording paper from nozzles of a recording head (not shown) in which the ink tank is mounted. The recording paper is fed by paper feed roller 212.

[0037] The information processing device 101 establishes an infrastructure connection via the access point 131 in order to perform mutual communication with the communication device 151, such as transmitting a print job. Here, it is assumed that the information processing device 101 is already connected to the access point 131, and the communication device 151 is not connected to the access point 131. In order for the communication device 151 to connect to the access point 131, connection information for the access point 131 is required. Therefore, the communication device 151 becomes an access point and establishes a temporary wireless connection with the information processing device 101. Then, the information processing device 101 transmits the connection information for the access point 131 to the communication device 151. Having received the connection information for the access point 131, the communication device 151 establishes a connection with the access point 131.

[0038] In order for the communication device 151 to establish a temporary wireless connection with the information processing device 101, the information processing device 101 needs to acquire a beacon emitted by a surrounding device and identify the device to be connected to based on the information contained in the beacon. Depending on the OS (Operating System) of a PC or smartphone, there may be an OS restriction that only the SSID can be acquired from the information contained in the beacon. Therefore, the information processing device 101 identifies the device to be connected based only on the character string information contained in the SSID.

[0039] For example, an app screen displayed on a smartphone notifies a user of the SSID detected by the smartphone, allowing the user to identify the device to which the smartphone is to connect. If a user identifies the device to which the smartphone is to connect using only the character string information contained in the SSID, the SSID must include character string information, such as a model name or product model number, that can identify the model. However, the model name or product model number alone only allows a user to identify the device model. If multiple devices of the same model exist, the user cannot identify the device to which the smartphone is to connect. Therefore, by including identification information unique to each individual product, such as a serial number, the SSID can be used to distinguish between devices even when multiple devices of the same model exist. However, identification information unique to each individual product is often a string of alphanumeric characters or a long, complex string of characters, which is difficult for users to remember even when visually recognizing it.

[0040] Therefore, it is difficult for users to identify the device to connect to using the identification information unique to each individual product included in the SSID. Also, due to the small size of the product housing and the management burden involved in product production, identification information unique to each individual product is often not printed on the product exterior or in the packaging.

[0041] As described above, it is assumed that it is difficult for users to know the identification information unique to each individual product. Therefore, it is difficult for users to identify the device to be connected based only on the character string information included in the SSID.

[0042] Therefore, in this embodiment, when identifying a communication device 151 to establish a temporary wireless connection, the information processing device 101 displays on the display unit 108 a screen prompting the user to perform a specific operation on the communication device 151. After the specific operation is performed on the communication device 151, the communication device 151 changes its SSID by adding information about the specific operation to the SSID. The information processing device 101 then detects the changed SSID and identifies the communication device 151 to which the connection is to be made.

[0043] 3(a) to 3(d) are diagrams showing screens displayed by a setup application on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing by the information processing device 101 to identify the communication device 151 to which the information processing device 101 is to connect. Through the processing in FIG. 4, the user operates the communication device 151 to which the information processing device 101 is to connect in accordance with instructions notified to the user by the information processing device 101, and the information processing device 101 thereby identifies the communication device 151 corresponding to the changed SSID. The processing of the information processing device 101 in FIG. 4 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 104. The processing of the communication device 151 in FIG. 4 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 152.

[0044] When a setup application in the information processing device 101 starts setup for connecting the communication device 151 to the access point 131, the processing of the information processing device 101 in Fig. 4 starts (S400). When the processing starts, the information processing device 101 searches for a beacon (S401) and receives a beacon transmitted in the vicinity of the information processing device 101 (S402). Meanwhile, in the communication device 151, a predetermined operation for operating the communication device 151 as an access point is performed, thereby starting the processing of the communication device 151 in Fig. 4 (S450). The predetermined operation for operating the communication device 151 as an access point is, for example, the predetermined operation for operating the communication device 151 in the above-mentioned network setup mode.

[0045] Upon receiving a predetermined operation, the communication device 151 enters the above-described mode for temporary connection (hereinafter referred to as temporary connection mode) (S451) and transmits a beacon (signal) indicating an SSID for temporary connection (hereinafter referred to as temporary connection SSID) to the surrounding area (S452). If the information processing device 101 is present in the vicinity of the communication device 151, this beacon is received by the information processing device 101 in S402. In this embodiment, the temporary connection SSID is configured, in this order, of a character string for Wi-Fi setup, a product name character string, and an identification information character string uniquely determined for each individual product. For example, the temporary connection SSID is configured as "WifiSetup-DeviceName-12345". In this case, "WifiSetup" is the character string for Wi-Fi setup, "DeviceName" is the product name character string, and "12345" is the identification information character string uniquely determined for each individual product. Thereafter, the communication device 151 determines whether or not it has been connected to any information processing device 101 in temporary connection mode (S453). Here, the determination of whether or not it has been connected to any information processing device 101 is made, for example, based on the start of communication for receiving connection information of an access point. The communication for receiving the connection information is, for example, communication using DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol). In this case, for example, when a network setup request based on DPP is received from the information processing device 101, it may be determined that it has been connected to the information processing device 101.

[0046] If it is determined in S453 that the communication device 151 has been connected to any information processing device 101, the communication device 151 waits to receive connection information of the access point 131 in order to connect to the access point 131 (S460). On the other hand, if it is determined in S453 that the communication device 151 has not been connected to any information processing device 101, the communication device 151 waits to receive a specific user operation (hereinafter referred to as a specific operation) on the communication device 151 that is commonly stored in the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 (S454). Here, the specific operation is a user operation performed on the communication device 151 and is commonly stored in advance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. Examples of the specific operation include pressing the operation button 202 of the communication device 151 multiple times, opening and closing the access cover 205 of the communication device 151, and feeding paper into the paper feed tray 203 of the communication device 151. In S454, for example, if a predetermined time set by a timer has elapsed, it is determined that the specific operation has not been performed. If it is determined in S454 that the specific operation has not been performed, the process from S453 is repeated.

[0047] Meanwhile, the information processing device 101 determines whether or not a beacon including a temporary connection SSID has been detected based on the SSID received in S401 and S402 (S403). For example, the information processing device 101 determines that a beacon including a temporary connection SSID has been detected because the SSID included in the received beacon is composed of a character string for Wi-Fi setup, a product name character string, and an identification information character string uniquely determined for each individual product. If it is determined in S403 that a beacon including a temporary connection SSID has not been detected, the information processing device 101 repeats the processing from S401. On the other hand, if it is determined in S403 that a beacon including a temporary connection SSID has been detected, the information processing device 101 notifies the user to perform a specific operation on the communication device 151 to be connected (S404). For example, if the specific operation is "pressing a button multiple times," the information processing device 101 displays a notification screen 310 as shown in FIG. 3(a) on the display unit 108. The notification screen 310 includes wording 311 that prompts the user to press the operation button 202 of the communication device 151 to be connected multiple times. The notification screen 310 also includes an image 312 that indicates the position of the operation button 202 of the communication device 151. When the user presses the "Next" button 313 on the notification screen 310, the information processing device 101 displays a search screen 330 as shown in FIG. 3(c) on the display unit 108. For example, if the specific operation is "open cover," the information processing device 101 displays a notification screen 320 as shown in FIG. 3(b) on the display unit 108. The notification screen 320 includes wording 321 that prompts the user to open the cover of the communication device 151 to be connected. The notification screen 320 also includes an image 322 that indicates that the access cover 205 of the communication device 151 should be opened. When the user presses the "Next" button 323 on the notification screen 320, the information processing device 101 displays a search screen 330 as shown in Fig. 3(c) on the display unit 108. The search screen 330 includes a progress bar 331 that indicates the progress of the search process. Note that if it is determined that multiple beacons including the temporary connection SSID have been detected, the process may proceed to S404.If it is determined that only one beacon including the temporary connection SSID has been detected, the process may proceed to S408 without proceeding to S404, and the communication device 151 that transmitted the beacon including the only detected SSID may be identified as the communication device 151 to be connected.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined in S454 that the specific operation has been performed, the communication device 151 ends the temporary connection mode (S455). In S455, the communication device 151 stops transmitting a beacon signal, for example.

[0049] Then, the communication device 151 generates a temporary connection SSID (hereinafter referred to as a changed temporary connection SSID) by adding an operation information string for the specific operation to the end of the temporary connection SSID (S456). The operation information string for the specific operation is a string in a format that is commonly stored in advance between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. For example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 store the operation information string for "press button" as "-B" and the following numeric string as "number of presses." For example, if the specific operation is "press button three times," the operation information string for the specific operation is stored as "-B3." Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 store the operation information string for "open cover" as "-CO." For example, if the specific operation is "open cover," the operation information string for the specific operation is stored as "-CO." The changed temporary connection SSID is composed of the temporary connection SSID and the operation information string for the specific operation. The changed temporary connection SSID does not change the character string of the temporary connection SSID, but instead has the operation information string for the specific operation added to the end of the temporary connection SSID. For example, suppose the temporary connection SSID is "WifiSetup-DeviceName-12345" and the operation information string for the specific operation is "-B3." In that case, the changed temporary connection SSID becomes "WifiSetup-DeviceName-12345-B3."

[0050] When the changed temporary connection SSID is generated, the communication device 151 enters temporary connection mode again (S457) and transmits a beacon (signal) indicating the changed temporary connection SSID generated in S456 to the surrounding area (S458). The communication device 151 determines whether or not it has connected to any information processing device 101 in temporary connection mode (S459). This determination is made based on the start of communication for receiving connection information of the access point, as in S453. The processing of S459 is repeated until it is determined that it has connected to any information processing device 101.

[0051] Meanwhile, the information processing device 101 displays the search screen 330 on the display unit 108 to search for beacons (S405) and receives beacons transmitted around the information processing device 101 (S406). The information processing device 101 determines whether or not a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID has been detected, based on the SSID included in the beacon received in S405 and S406 (S407). For example, the information processing device 101 determines that a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID has been detected because the SSID included in the received beacon is composed of a character string for Wi-Fi setup, a product name character string, an identification information character string unique to the individual product, and an operation information character string for a specific operation. If it is determined in S407 that a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID has not been detected, the process from S405 is repeated.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in S407 that a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID has been detected, the information processing device 101 identifies the communication device 151 that transmitted the beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID as the communication device 151 to be connected (S408). In S408, the information processing device 101 displays a result screen 340 as shown in FIG. 3(d) on the display unit 108. The result screen 340 includes a device information string 341 that is a string of characters that can identify the identified communication device 151. When the user presses a "Next" button 342 on the result screen 340, the information processing device 101 connects to the communication device 151 using the changed temporary connection SSID transmitted by the communication device 151 (S409). In S409, for example, a network setup request using DPP is transmitted to the communication device 151. The information processing device 101 transmits connection information of the access point 131 to the communication device 151 with which the connection has been established (S410), and then disconnects the connection with the communication device 151 (S411). After S411, the processing of the information processing device 101 ends (S412).

[0053] On the other hand, if the communication device 151 determines in S459 that it has connected to any information processing device 101, the communication device 151 waits to receive connection information of the access point 131 in order to connect to the access point 131 (S460). The process of S460 is repeated until the connection information of the access point 131 is received. When the connection information of the access point 131 is received from the information processing device 101 connected in S460, the communication device 151 ends the temporary connection mode (S461). Then, the communication device 151 connects to the access point 131 using the received connection information of the access point 131 (S462). After S462, the process of the communication device 151 ends (S463).

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, in order for the information processing device 101 to identify the communication device 151 to which the information processing device 101 will temporarily connect wirelessly, the user is notified to perform a specific operation on the communication device 151 to which the connection is to be made. Then, by performing the specific operation, the communication device 151 corresponding to the SSID whose contents have been changed is identified as the communication device 151 to which the connection is to be made. With such a configuration, any communication device 151 to which the connection is to be made can be identified by a specific user operation on the communication device 151 to which the connection is to be made. Therefore, the user does not need to know in advance the identification information that is uniquely determined for each individual product, which is a complex character string, thereby improving convenience.

[0055] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below in terms of differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the information processing device 101 detects a beacon including a temporary connection SSID, and then issues a notification to the communication device 151 prompting the communication device 151 to perform a specific operation. When the specific operation is performed, the temporary connection SSID is changed, and the communication device 151 to be connected is identified by the changed temporary connection SSID. In this embodiment, when the information processing device 101 detects that the SSID of a communication device 151 (assumed to be communication device 500) that is not a connection target includes an operation information character string for a specific operation, the information processing device 101 issues a notification to the communication device 151 to be connected prompting the communication device 151 to perform a different specific operation, and identifies the communication device 151 to be connected. This embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), and 5.

[0056] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing by which the information processing device 101 in this embodiment identifies the communication device 151 to which it is to connect. If the processing in FIG. 5 detects that the SSID of the communication device 500 that is not the connection target includes an operation information character string for a specific operation, the communication device 151 to which it is to connect is notified to prompt the communication device 151 to perform a different specific operation, thereby identifying the communication device 151 to which it is to connect. The processing of the information processing device 101 in FIG. 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 104. The processing of the communication device 151 in FIG. 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 152.

[0057] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication device 500 is executing the processes of S450 to S456 in Fig. 4. The communication device 500 starts the temporary connection mode (S501) and transmits a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID to the surrounding area (S502). S501 and S502 correspond to S457 and S458 in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the communication device 500 does not change from the state in which the temporary connection mode has started, and therefore the process of the communication device 500 ends (S503).

[0058] On the other hand, when a setup application starts setup in the information processing device 101 for connecting the communication device 151 to the access point 131, the processing of the information processing device 101 in Fig. 5 starts (S510). When the processing starts, the information processing device 101 searches for a beacon (S511) and receives a beacon transmitted around the information processing device 101 (S512).

[0059] 5 is started by performing a predetermined operation in communication device 151 to operate communication device 151 as an access point (S550). The predetermined operation to operate communication device 151 as an access point is, for example, the predetermined operation to operate communication device 151 in the network setup mode described above.

[0060] When a predetermined operation is received, the communication device 151 enters a temporary connection mode for a temporary connection (S551) and transmits a beacon indicating the temporary connection SSID to the surrounding area (S552). After that, the communication device 151 determines whether or not it has been connected to any information processing device 101 in the temporary connection mode (S553).

[0061] If it is determined in S553 that the communication device 151 has been connected to any of the information processing devices 101, the communication device 151 waits to receive connection information of the access point 131 in order to connect to the access point 131 (S560). On the other hand, if it is determined in S553 that the communication device 151 has not been connected to any of the information processing devices 101, the communication device 151 waits to receive a specific operation (S554). In S554, for example, if a predetermined time set by a timer has elapsed, it is determined that the specific operation has not been performed.

[0062] On the other hand, the information processing device 101 determines whether or not the changed temporary connection SSID and a beacon including the temporary connection SSID have been detected based on the SSID included in the beacon received in S511 and S512 (S513). If it is determined in S513 that the changed temporary connection SSID and a beacon including the temporary connection SSID have not been detected, the process from S511 is repeated.

[0063] Here, it is assumed that the information processing device 101 receives a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID of the communication device 500 and the temporary connection SSID of the communication device 151. In this case, it is determined in S513 that the beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID and the temporary connection SSID has been detected. Then, the information processing device 101 acquires an operation information string for a specific operation included in the changed temporary connection SSID (S514). Here, the changed temporary connection SSID acquired from the communication device 500 is set as the changed temporary connection SSID (A). For example, if the changed temporary connection SSID (A) is "WifiSetup-DeviceName-12345-B3," the information processing device 101 acquires "-B3," which is the operation information string for the specific operation. Then, the information processing device 101 determines the specific operation from the operation information string for the specific operation. Then, the information processing device 101 specifies a specific operation that avoids the determined specific operation (S515). For example, assume that the operation information character string for the specific operation acquired by the information processing device 101 is "-B3." Furthermore, assume that the information processing device 101 stores the operation information character string for "pressing the button" as "-B" and the following numeric character string as "number of presses." In this case, the information processing device 101 determines that "-B3" is the specific operation of "pressing the button three times." The information processing device 101 then specifies the specific operation of "pressing the button four times" to avoid the determined specific operation of "pressing the button three times." That is, in S515, a specific operation that specifies content different from the specific operation acquired in S514 may be specified. The information processing device 101 then notifies the user to perform the specific operation specified in S515 on the communication device 151 to be connected (S516). In S516, the information processing device 101 displays a notification screen 310 as shown in FIG. 3A on the display unit 108. When the user presses the "Next" button 313 on the notification screen 310, the information processing device 101 displays a search screen 330 as shown in FIG. 3(c) on the display unit .

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined in S554 that the specific operation has been performed, the communication device 151 ends the temporary connection mode (S555). In S555, the communication device 151 stops transmitting a beacon signal, for example. Then, the communication device 151 generates a changed temporary connection SSID (S556). Here, the changed temporary connection SSID generated by the communication device 151 is referred to as changed temporary connection SSID(B).

[0065] When the changed temporary connection SSID is generated, the communication device 151 enters temporary connection mode again (S557) and transmits a beacon indicating the changed temporary connection SSID (B) generated in S556 to the surrounding area (S558). The communication device 151 determines whether or not it has connected to any of the information processing devices 101 in temporary connection mode (S559). Here, the process of S559 is repeated until it is determined that it has connected to any of the information processing devices 101.

[0066] Meanwhile, the information processing device 101 displays the search screen 330 on the display unit 108 to search for beacons (S517) and receives beacons transmitted around the information processing device 101 (S518). Based on the SSID received in S518, the information processing device 101 determines whether or not a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID (B) has been detected (S519). The information processing device 101 determines that the changed temporary connection SSID (B) has been detected because the received SSID is composed of character strings for Wi-Fi setup, a product name character string, an identification information character string uniquely determined for each individual product, and an operation information character string for a specific operation. If it is determined in S519 that a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID (B) has not been detected, the process repeats from S517. On the other hand, if it is determined in S519 that a beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID(B) has been detected, the information processing device 101 identifies the communication device 151 that transmitted the beacon including the changed temporary connection SSID(B) as the communication device 151 to be connected (S520). In S520, the information processing device 101 displays a result screen 340 as shown in FIG. 3(d) on the display unit 108. The result screen 340 includes a device information string 341 that is a string of characters that can identify the identified communication device 151. When the user presses a "Next" button 342 on the result screen 340, the information processing device 101 connects to the communication device 151 using the changed temporary connection SSID(B) transmitted by the communication device 151 (S521). In S521, for example, a network setup request using DPP is transmitted to the communication device 151. The information processing device 101 transmits connection information of the access point 131 to the communication device 151 with which the connection has been established (S522), and then disconnects the connection with the communication device 151 (S523). After S523, the processing of the information processing device 101 ends (S524).

[0067] On the other hand, if the communication device 151 determines in S559 that it has connected to any information processing device 101, the communication device 151 waits to receive connection information of the access point 131 in order to connect to the access point 131 (S560). The process of S560 is repeated until the connection information of the access point 131 is received. When the connection information of the access point 131 is received from the connected information processing device 101 in S560, the communication device 151 ends the temporary connection mode (S561). Then, the communication device 151 connects to the access point 131 using the received connection information of the access point 131 (S562). After S562, the process of the communication device 151 ends (S563).

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, even if there are multiple communication devices and a specific operation has already been performed on a communication device that is not a connection target, the user is notified to perform a different specific operation on the communication device that is a connection target. This configuration prevents a situation in which the communication device that is a connection target cannot be identified due to the status of the SSID included in the beacon transmitted by the surrounding communication devices. Therefore, the user does not need to be aware of the SSIDs or the status of the communication devices of the surrounding communication devices, thereby improving convenience.

[0069] In the above description, the signal including the SSID is a beacon based on the IEEE 802.11 series, and communication between the information processing device and the communication device is performed based on the IEEE 802.11 series. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the signal including the SSID may be a signal based on Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, or Wi-Fi Aware. Furthermore, communication between the information processing device and the communication device may be performed based on Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy, or Wi-Fi Aware.

[0070] In the above description, the communication between the information processing device and the communication device is described as a communication in which connection information for the access point 131 is communicated and the communication device connects to the access point using the connection information. However, the communication is not limited to this. For example, the communication between the information processing device and the communication device may be communication in which connection information is communicated for connecting directly to a communication device in a direct communication mode, which is different from the temporary connection mode, without going through an external access point. The information processing device may then connect directly to the communication device using the connection information. Note that the connection information includes a password that the user can change at will by operating the communication device, so a direct connection with a communication device in the direct communication mode is more secure than a direct connection with a communication device in the temporary connection mode. Furthermore, the communication between the information processing device and the communication device is not limited to communication for configuring the connection settings of the communication device, and may be communication, for example, sending a print job to the communication device.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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]

[0073] 101 Information processing device: 103, 154 CPU: 104, 152 ROM: 105, 153 RAM: 151 Communication device

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, a detection means for detecting a signal transmitted from an external communication device; a display control means for displaying, on a display unit of the information processing device, information about a communication device corresponding to the signal detected by the detection means; It functions as The display control means When the detection means detects a first signal, a notification screen is displayed on the display unit to prompt a user to perform a specific operation on the communication device; after displaying the notification screen on the display unit, when a second signal is detected by the detection means and the second signal corresponds to the specific operation, displaying information of a communication device corresponding to the second signal on the display unit; when the detection means detects the first signal and the second signal, the display control means causes the display unit to display a second notification screen prompting the user to perform a second specific operation on the communication device that is different from the specific operation; and after the second notification screen is displayed on the display unit, when a third signal is detected by the detection means, if the third signal corresponds to the second specific operation, displaying information of the communication device corresponding to the third signal on the display unit. A program characterized by:

2. a determining unit that determines whether the second signal corresponds to the specific operation; the display control means, when the determination means determines that the second signal corresponds to the specific operation, causes the display unit to display information about the communication device corresponding to the second signal.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. an establishment means for establishing a connection with a communication device corresponding to the second signal in response to an instruction from a user; a transmitting means for transmitting, to the communication device when the connection is established by the establishing means, information on the information processing device and an access point different from the communication device; 3. The program according to claim 1, further causing the computer to function as:

4. 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second signal includes information representing the specific operation.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, further causing the computer to function as a storage means for storing information corresponding to the specific operation.

6. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the second signal is a signal obtained by adding information corresponding to the specific operation to the information contained in the first signal.

7. A computer of an information processing device, a detection means for detecting a signal transmitted from an external communication device; a display control means for displaying, on a display unit of the information processing device, information about a communication device corresponding to the signal detected by the detection means; It functions as The display control means When the detection means detects a first signal, a notification screen is displayed on the display unit to prompt a user to perform a specific operation on the communication device; after displaying the notification screen on the display unit, when a second signal is detected by the detection means and the second signal corresponds to the specific operation, displaying information of a communication device corresponding to the second signal on the display unit; the second signal includes information representing the specific operation; A program characterized by:

8. The computer of the communication device, a transmitting means for transmitting a signal that can be detected by an external information processing device; a generating means for generating a second signal corresponding to a specific operation based on reception of the specific operation after the transmitting means has transmitted the first signal; a control means for causing the transmitting means to transmit the second signal generated by the generating means; Make the computer function as the second signal includes information representing the specific operation; A program characterized by:

9. an establishing means for establishing a connection with the information processing device after the transmitting means transmits the second signal; a receiving means for receiving, when the connection is established by the establishing means, information on the information processing device and an access point different from the communication device from the information processing device; 9. The program according to claim 8, further causing a computer to function as:

10. 10. The program according to claim 8, further causing the computer to function as a storage unit that stores information corresponding to the specific operation.

11. 11. The program according to claim 8, wherein the second signal is a signal obtained by adding information corresponding to the specific operation to information contained in the first signal.

12. 12. The program according to claim 8, wherein the communication device is a printer.

13. 13. The program according to claim 8, wherein the specific operation includes at least one of pressing a button provided on the communication device, opening or closing a tray, and feeding paper into a tray.

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