Information processing device, control method and program for information processing device

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for enhancing the convenience of a user when data is exchanged with an external terminal by wireless communication.SOLUTION: Whether an MFP 101 having a wireless network interface 122 uses wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (R) as direct wireless communication via a wireless interface or whether wireless communication not conforming to Wi-Fi Direct is used can be set. The MFP 101 also provide connection information for establishing network communication between an external apparatus and the MFP 101 to the external apparatus in a method different from wireless communication using a wireless interface. The MFP 101 provides different connection information depending on a case in which the wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (R) is used as direct wireless communication and a case in which the wireless communication is not used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device capable of communicating with an external terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, an increasing number of information processing devices have been equipped with wireless communication functions that comply with IEEE 802.11. Information processing devices equipped with wireless communication functions that comply with IEEE 802.11 receive data from external devices such as PCs and mobile terminals via access points and perform processing based on the received data.

[0003] Furthermore, some information processing devices are capable of performing wireless communication with external devices without going through a relay device such as an external access point (hereinafter referred to as direct wireless communication).

[0004] Some information processing devices are equipped with a short-range wireless function such as NFC (Near Field Communication). Short-range wireless communication is sometimes used for the purpose of handing over to wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11 (Patent Document 1). The information processing device of Patent Document 1 transmits settings (SSID, encryption method, password, etc.) to be used in a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) network to an external terminal. The external terminal that receives the connection settings establishes direct wireless communication with the information processing device and transitions to a state in which it can transmit data to the information processing device using direct wireless communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-69720 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, when establishing direct wireless communication between an information processing device and an external terminal, one of several methods can be adopted. One method is to establish direct wireless communication by having the information processing device operate as a software access point and the external terminal connect to the software access point. Another method is to establish direct wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct. In Wi-Fi Direct, one of multiple wireless communication devices that make up a group operates as an access point, and the other wireless communication devices communicate with the access point via P2P wireless communication. The wireless communication device operating as the access point is called a group owner (GO), and the other wireless communication devices are called clients. The GO is determined by group owner negotiation. It is also possible to make the information processing device behave so that it always serves as the GO, so that multiple communication terminals can stably connect to the information processing device. It is possible to vary which of these methods is adopted depending on the settings and operation mode of the information processing device.

[0007] In addition, there are cases where connection information used to establish direct wireless communication by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) LE is transmitted to the external terminal, and handover to direct wireless communication is performed. In addition, there are cases where a QR code (registered trademark) containing connection information is displayed on the operation unit of the information processing device, and the QR code is read by the external terminal, thereby transmitting the connection information used to establish direct wireless communication.

[0008] However, conventionally, no consideration has been given to control, such as appropriately rewriting connection information transmitted to a communication terminal via short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bleetooth LE depending on the settings or operation mode of the information processing device. Therefore, when an external terminal attempts to establish direct wireless communication using connection information acquired via short-range wireless communication, there is a risk that the connection request transmitted from the communication terminal may not be processed correctly depending on the operation mode of the direct wireless communication of the information processing device.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and aims to provide a mechanism for improving user convenience when exchanging data with an external terminal via wireless communication.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for appropriately changing connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on the settings and status related to wireless communication of the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides an information processing device having a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, a first display control means for displaying a first screen including a first two-dimensional code including an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device; A second two-dimensional code including an IP address and an area related to the first two-dimensional code are controlled so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device via the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed. This is indicated by graying out a second display control means for displaying a second screen which is a screen including a predetermined area and is different from the first screen; The present invention is characterized by having the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanism for improving user convenience when exchanging data with an external terminal via wireless communication.

[0013] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for appropriately changing connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on the settings and status related to wireless communication of the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP 101. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a communication terminal 102. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP 101. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of network settings of the MFP 101. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP 101. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating data communication using Bluetooth LE. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a flowchart showing control of the MFP 101. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP 101. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0016] First Embodiment First, the configuration of a communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The communication system according to this embodiment includes a communication terminal 102 and an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101.

[0017] The communication terminal 102 functions as a wireless client conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard and can perform wireless communication via an external access point. The communication terminal 102 can also perform direct wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

[0018] The MFP 101 is an information processing apparatus having a printing function for receiving and printing print data via a network and a transmission function for transmitting scanned data to a communication terminal on the network. The MFP 101 can communicate with external devices on the LAN 100. The MFP 101 can also establish direct wireless communication with a peripheral communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102). The MFP 101 can perform direct wireless communication that complies with Wi-Fi Direct. The MFP 101 can also perform direct wireless communication that does not comply with Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, the MFP 101 operates as a software access point (hereinafter referred to as a software AP), and direct wireless communication between devices is realized by peripheral communication terminals connecting to the software AP provided by the MFP 101.

[0019] In this embodiment, the wireless network used in the direct wireless communication is a WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) that complies with IEEE 802.11. In other words, the direct wireless communication is a closed wireless communication that is not interconnected with the LAN 100 or the Internet.

[0020] The MFP 101 is also connected to the LAN 100 via an external AP 103. The MFP 101 transmits image data and information to external devices (such as a mail server, a file server, or a PC) on the LAN 100, and receives print data and information from external devices on the LAN 100. In this embodiment, a connection via an intranetwork of an organization or company, such as the LAN 100, is called an infrastructure connection.

[0021] The communication system of this embodiment also includes a mobile link function that provides functions to the user by linking the communication terminal 102 and the MFP 101. For example, the MFP 101 and the communication terminal 102 can link to execute a scan link function that scans a paper document and transmits or saves the document. The MFP 101 can also execute a print function that receives print data from the communication terminal 102 and prints an image on a sheet based on the print data.

[0022] These linkages are performed after the communication terminal 102 and the MFP 101 establish a wireless communication link conforming to IEEE802.11, or after the communication terminal 102 and the MFP 101 establish communication via the LAN 100.

[0023] In this embodiment, a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer) is assumed as an example of a communication terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. A smartphone or a tablet PC is an example of a communication terminal capable of performing short-range wireless communication, and other communication terminals such as a wearable device may also be used.

[0024] In addition, in this embodiment, an MFP is used as an example of an information processing device that cooperates with a communication terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device may be a single-function scanner, printer, 3D printer, or other information processing device. Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied to, for example, a terminal for a remote conference system, a car navigation device, an interactive whiteboard, digital signage, a content delivery terminal, or other home appliances.

[0025] <mfp> Next, the MFP 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 has a reading function for reading an image and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet.

[0026] A control unit 110 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads control programs stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 or storage 114 to perform various types of control, such as print control and read control. The ROM 112 stores control programs executable by the CPU 111. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 is the main storage memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for expanding commands of various control programs. The storage 114 stores print data, image data, various programs, and various setting information. Each element of the control unit 110, such as the CPU 111, RAM 113, ROM 112, and storage 114, operates as a computer.

[0027] In the MFP 101 of this embodiment, one CPU 111 executes each process shown in the flowcharts described below using one memory (RAM 113), but other configurations are also possible. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts described below can be executed by multiple processors, RAM, ROM, and storage working together. Also, some of the processes can be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0028] An operation unit I / F (interface) 115 connects the operation unit 116 and the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel function, various hard keys, and the like, and functions as a display unit that displays information and a reception unit that receives instructions from the user.

[0029] The scanner I / F 117 connects the scanner 118 and the control unit 110. The scanner 118 reads an original and generates a read image. The generated read image is sent to an external device or used for printing.

[0030] The printer I / F 119 connects the printer 120 and the control unit 110. The printer 120 prints an image on a sheet based on print data received from an external device.

[0031] The control unit 110 can also be connected to a network such as the LAN 100 via a wired LAN I / F 121 .

[0032] The control unit 110 further includes a wireless LAN I / F 122. The wireless LAN I / F 122 is a wireless network interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with IEEE 802.11. The CPU 111 cooperates with the wireless LAN I / F 122 to provide a wireless client function for connecting to an external AP (e.g., AP 103) and performing wireless communication. The CPU 111 also cooperates with the wireless LAN I / F 122 to provide a direct wireless communication function for achieving wireless communication with a surrounding communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102) without going through a relay device such as an external AP. In this embodiment, the MFP 101 can operate in either a direct wireless communication mode that complies with Wi-Fi Direct or a direct wireless communication mode that does not comply with Wi-Fi Direct. Hereinafter, the direct wireless communication mode that complies with Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as Wi-Fi Direct mode, and the direct wireless communication mode that does not comply with Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as access point mode.

[0033] The Bluetooth I / F 123 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from various peripheral devices via short-range wireless communication. The MFP 101 of this embodiment can communicate with the communication terminal 102 using short-range wireless communication compliant with Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as Bluetooth LE). In this embodiment, the MFP 101 can notify an external terminal with which Bluetooth LE communication has been established, via Bluetooth LE communication, of connection information for handing over to wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11. The MFP 101 can also notify the external terminal of its status information, etc., via Bluetooth LE communication.

[0034] The NFC (Near Field Communication) I / F 124 connects the NFC tag 125 to the control unit 110. The NFC tag 125 can perform short-range wireless communication with a communication terminal having an NFC reader / writer based on the international standards ISO / IEC 21481 or ISO / IEC 18092. The NFC tag 125 includes a nonvolatile memory, and tag data to be read by the communication terminal is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Tag data including a record of connection information for handover to wireless communication compliant with IEEE 802.11 and a record of startup information for starting an associated application is written in the nonvolatile memory. The control unit 110 can rewrite the tag data stored in the NFC tag 125 via the NFC I / F 124.

[0035] <Communication terminal> Next, the hardware configuration of the communication terminal 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. A CPU 131 included in the control unit 130 reads out a control program stored in a ROM 132 or storage 134 to control the communication terminal 102.

[0036] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, a storage 134, an operation unit I / F 135, and a camera I / F 137, all connected to a bus. The control unit 130 also has a wireless LAN I / F 142, a Bluetooth I / F 143, and an NFC I / F 144 as communication interfaces for communicating with external devices.

[0037] The CPU 131 is a central processing unit (processor) that controls the overall operation of the control unit 130. The RAM 133 is a volatile memory, and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the ROM 132 and storage 134.

[0038] The ROM 132 is a nonvolatile memory that stores a boot program and the like for the communication terminal 102. The storage 134 is a nonvolatile flash memory that has a larger capacity than the RAM 133. The storage 134 stores a control program for the communication terminal 102. The storage 134 also stores an OS (Operating System) and cooperative applications.

[0039] When the communications terminal is started up, the CPU 131 executes a boot program stored in the ROM 132. This boot program reads out the OS program stored in the storage 134 and expands it on the RAM 133. After executing the boot program, the CPU 131 subsequently executes the OS program expanded on the RAM 133, and controls the communications terminal 102. The CPU 131 also stores data used for operations according to the control program on the RAM 133 and reads and writes the data.

[0040] In addition, in the communication terminal 102, one CPU 131 executes the control described below, but other configurations are also possible. For example, it is also possible for a plurality of processors to cooperate to execute the control described below.

[0041] The operation unit I / F 135 connects the operation unit 136 and the control unit 130. The operation unit 136 includes a touch panel that can detect touch operations by the user and a display panel that displays various screens. The operation unit 136 functions as a display unit that displays information and a reception unit that receives instructions from the user. The operation unit 136 displays various screens provided by cooperative applications and the OS.

[0042] The camera I / F 137 connects the control unit 130 and the camera 138. The camera 138 takes an image in response to an image capture instruction from the user. The photograph taken by the camera 138 is stored in the storage 134.

[0043] The wireless LAN I / F 142 provides a wireless client function for performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The wireless LAN I / F 142 also connects to an external AP to perform wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The external AP may be the MFP 101 operating in access point mode or the AP 103.

[0044] Furthermore, the CPU 131 can cooperate with the wireless LAN I / F 142 to establish communication with a nearby communication terminal (for example, the MFP 101) by direct wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct.

[0045] The Bluetooth I / F 143 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from various peripheral devices via short-range wireless communication. In this embodiment, it is assumed that data can be transmitted and received to and from external devices using Bluetooth LE communication.

[0046] The NFC I / F 144 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from various peripheral devices via short-range wireless communication, and operates as an NFC reader / writer. For example, the communication terminal 102 can read tag data stored in the NFC tag 125 of the MFP 101. When the user brings the communication terminal 102 close to the NFC tag 125 and the communication terminal 102 is within the communication range of NFC communication, the communication terminal 102 reads the tag data from the NFC tag 125. This allows the communication terminal 102 to obtain connection information for handing over to wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11 and startup information for starting an associated application.

[0047] <Direct wireless communication mode> Next, a description will be given of the direct wireless communication modes of the MFP 101. In this embodiment, the MFP 101 is configured to be able to use a plurality of methods when using direct wireless communication between surrounding communication terminals. Specifically, the MFP 101 is configured to be able to operate in either the Wi-Fi Direct mode or the access point mode described in FIG. 1.

[0048] Furthermore, when operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, the operation settings for Wi-Fi Direct mode can be further configured. Specifically, it is possible to set whether to turn on Autonomous Go mode, in which MFP 101 operates preferentially as a Wi-Fi Direct group owner (GO). When Autonomous Go mode is ON, MFP 101 becomes a Wi-Fi Direct GO and activates a software AP. A communication terminal that finds MFP 101 operating in Autonomous GO mode becomes a client and sends a connection request to the software AP to establish direct wireless communication. On the other hand, when Autonomous Go mode is set to OFF, whether MFP 101 or a surrounding communication terminal acts as the AP is determined by group owner negotiation.

[0049] Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a case where the MFP 101 supports both the Autonomous Go mode and the negotiation mode of Wi-Fi Direct, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to an MFP 101 that supports only one of the Wi-Fi Direct modes. In this case, it is sufficient to provide different connection information to an external terminal using near-field wireless communication or a QR code in the access point mode and the Wi-Fi Direct mode.

[0050] Here, there is a case where handover to direct wireless communication is performed by transmitting connection information used to establish direct wireless communication by short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth LE to an external terminal such as communication terminal 102. Also, there is a case where a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) including connection information is displayed on operation unit 116 of MFP 101, and the QR code is read by the external terminal to transmit the connection information used to establish direct wireless communication.

[0051] However, conventionally, there has been no consideration given to control such as appropriately rewriting connection information used in short-range wireless communication such as NFC or Bleetooth LE according to the settings and mode of the MFP 101. Therefore, when an external terminal attempts to establish direct wireless communication using connection information acquired through short-range wireless communication, there is a risk that the connection request transmitted from the communication terminal may not be properly processed depending on the operating mode of the direct wireless communication of the information processing device. In other words, there is a concern that the connection information transmitted through short-range wireless communication may not match the method for establishing direct wireless communication, and the wireless direct connection may not be properly established.

[0052] In view of at least one of the above concerns, this embodiment provides a mechanism for improving user convenience when exchanging data with an external terminal via wireless communication, and also provides a mechanism for appropriately changing connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on the settings and operation mode of the MFP 101 related to wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11.

[0053] First, the network settings of the MFP 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The user can configure network settings as one of the settings that control the operation of the MFP 101. FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) show examples of screens displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101, illustrating screens for configuring the network settings of the MFP. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the network settings, which are settings that control the operation of the MFP 101. A user such as an administrator can change each of the settings shown in FIG. 5 via the setting screen displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101. These network settings are stored in a nonvolatile storage area such as the storage 114, and are referred to as appropriate in control in the flowcharts described below.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 4, a screen 400 in Fig. 4(a) shows an example of a screen for setting the mode of direct wireless communication. A user such as an administrator can select either an access point mode key 401 or a Wi-Fi Direct mode key 402 as the mode of direct wireless communication.

[0055] In this embodiment, keys 401 and 402 are set to an exclusive setting, and it is possible to turn either key ON. It is also possible to turn both keys 401 and 402 OFF. When both keys 401 and 402 are set to OFF, MFP 101 enters a mode in which direct wireless communication is prohibited. On the other hand, when either key 401 or key 402 is set to ON, MFP 101 enters a mode in which direct wireless communication is permitted.

[0056] When the MFP 101 detects that the key 402 has been selected, the screen transitions to a screen for setting the operation mode in Wi-Fi Direct mode. Screen 410 in Fig. 4(b) is an example of a screen for setting the operation mode in Wi-Fi Direct mode.

[0057] A user such as an administrator can set whether to turn on Autonomous GO mode. Key 411 and key 412 are mutually exclusive, and it is possible to turn on either key. When it detects that OK key 413 has been selected, MFP 101 stores the setting related to the Wi-Fi Direct operation mode set via screen 410 as the network setting, and returns the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to screen 400.

[0058] When Autonomous GO mode is changed to ON via key 411, Autonomous GO mode is set as the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct mode. When Autonomous GO mode is changed to OFF via key 412, negotiation mode is set as the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct mode.

[0059] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4(a), the cancel key 403 is a key used to discard the settings made via the screen 400 and end the settings. The OK key 404 is a key used to apply the settings made via the screen 400. When the MFP 101 detects that the OK key 404 has been selected, the MFP 101 stores the settings related to the direct wireless communication mode made via the screen 400 as network settings, and transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to a screen one level higher. The screen one level higher is, for example, a network setting screen (not shown).

[0060] 4(a) and 4(b) are stored in a non-volatile storage area such as the storage 114 and are referred to as appropriate in the control of the flowcharts described later. In addition, other network settings can also be set by an administrator or the like via the operation unit 116.

[0061] Next, network settings according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, items that can be changed on the MFP 101 include a setting 501 for a wireless client. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless LAN I / F 122 is set to ON and connection information (such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier), a password, and an IP address) for connecting to an external AP is set. The settings made via FIGS. 4A and 4B are stored as a setting 502. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that an administrator can also set a setting 503, which is an operation setting at power-on, as a setting related to direct wireless communication. If the setting 503 is set to turn on direct wireless communication, the CPU 111 controls the MFP 101 to start up with the direct wireless communication function turned on. On the other hand, if the setting 503 is set to turn off direct wireless communication, the CPU 111 controls the MFP 101 to start up with the direct wireless communication function turned off.

[0062] In addition, a setting 504 is set as to whether or not to use external cooperation via NFC, and a setting 505 is set as to whether or not to use external cooperation via Bluetooth LE.

[0063] Next, starting or stopping direct wireless communication will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of screens displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101 and transitions of the screens.

[0064] A user of the MFP 101 can use each function of the MFP by selecting a key (display item) for using the copy function or scan function of the MFP 101 via a main menu screen (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 116. The main menu provides a mobile link key to be used when linking with a communication terminal 102 such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. When the user selects the mobile link key, the MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to the mobile portal screen shown in FIG. 6.

[0065] The user can check, via the mobile portal screen, information regarding the connection by direct wireless communication between communication terminal 102 and MFP 101. Furthermore, based on a user operation via operation unit 116, CPU 111 transitions MFP 101 from a state in which direct wireless communication is stopped to a state in which it is running, or transitions MFP 101 from the running state to a stopped state.

[0066] 6 shows an example of a mobile portal screen displayed on the operation unit 116 when direct wireless communication is stopped. When direct wireless communication is stopped, direct wireless communication cannot be performed, but communication via the LAN 100 to which the MFP 101 is connected can be performed. The screen 600 displays information 601 as connection information used for communication via the LAN 100. The screen 600 also displays a QR code 603 including connection information such as an IP address for accessing the MFP 101 from the LAN 100. A cooperative application installed on the communication terminal 102 reads the QR code 603 using the camera 138 of the communication terminal 102 to acquire the connection information. The cooperative application can communicate with the MFP 101 via the LAN 100 using the acquired connection information. Furthermore, when direct wireless communication is stopped, the MFP 101 controls the connection information provided to an external terminal via NFC or Bluetooth LE so that the connection information includes an IP address for accessing the MFP 101 from the LAN 100. This process enables the MFP 101 to properly notify the communication terminal 102 of connection information for accessing the MFP 101 via the LAN 100 using short-range wireless communication.

[0067] The start key 602 is a key used to switch to a state in which direct wireless communication is in progress. The MFP 101 can also gray out the start key and disable the start key based on the network settings. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to the settings 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the use of direct connection is prohibited, displays the start key 602 in gray out. When the CPU 111 detects that the grayed-out start key 602 has been selected, it displays a pop-up message such as "Direct wireless communication cannot be used with the current settings. Please contact your administrator."

[0068] On the other hand, when the start key 602 is enabled, the CPU 111, in response to the user's selection of the start key 602, starts control related to direct wireless communication based on the network settings described with reference to FIG. 5. When the direct wireless communication mode is set to "access point mode," the MFP 101 controls the wireless LAN I / F 122 to activate a software AP for direct wireless communication. The MFP 101 also transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to a confirmation screen for access point mode. Screen 610 illustrates an example of the confirmation screen for access point mode. Information 611 related to the currently activated software AP is displayed on the screen 610. A QR code 613 including connection information such as the SSID, network key, and IP address is also displayed on the screen 610. The end key 612 is used to stop the software AP. In response to the user's selection of the end key 612, the MFP 101 stops the currently activated software AP and transitions to a state in which direct wireless communication is stopped. When the stop processing is completed, the MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on the operation unit 116 to screen 600.

[0069] The cooperative application installed on communication terminal 102 reads QR code 613 using camera 138 of communication terminal 102 and acquires connection information. The cooperative application uses the acquired connection information to connect to the software AP and join the wireless network provided by the software AP. The cooperative application can also connect to the software AP by having the user input an SSID or network key. The user can understand the connection information to be input into the print application by viewing information 611. In addition, upon starting the access point mode, CPU 111 also rewrites the NFC connection information and Bluetooth LE connection information to information for connecting to the software AP for direct wireless communication that is running on MFP 101. This process enables MFP 101 to appropriately notify communication terminal 102 of connection information for direct wireless communication using various types of close proximity wireless communication.

[0070] Furthermore, when the direct wireless communication mode is set to "Wi-Fi Direct mode," MFP 101 further varies the control depending on the Wi-Fi Direct operation mode. Specifically, when "Wi-Fi Direct mode" is set and the Wi-Fi Direct operation mode is set to "negotiation mode," MFP 101 transitions the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to screen 620. Furthermore, MFP 101 transitions to an operation mode in which it waits for a Wi-Fi Direct connection request from an external device and searches for nearby Wi-Fi Direct compatible devices via operation unit 116.

[0071] Here, when the operation mode is set to "negotiation mode," whether the MFP 101 or the external device will be GO is determined after group owner negotiation. Therefore, when the screen transitions to screen 620, the MFP 101 does not launch a software AP. Therefore, as connection information displayed on screen 620, only information 621 indicating a direct name for identifying a device in Wi-Fi Direct is displayed. In this embodiment, the direct name for identifying a device is also referred to as a device name. Screen 620 also displays information 624 indicating that a connection can be initiated from a device compatible with Wi-Fi Direct and that pressing a search key allows the MFP 101 to search for nearby compatible devices. Direct search key 623 is a key used when the MFP 101 searches for nearby Wi-Fi Direct-compatible devices. When a Wi-Fi Direct connection request is received from an external terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102), the MFP 101 proceeds to group owner negotiation and establishes a wireless communication link with the external terminal that complies with Wi-Fi Direct. Furthermore, the MFP 101 can transmit a Wi-Fi Direct connection request to an external terminal found by the search, and establish wireless communication.

[0072] Furthermore, when the negotiation mode starts, the CPU 111 also rewrites the NFC connection information and the Bluetooth LE connection information to information indicating the direct name. This processing enables the MFP 101 to appropriately notify the communication terminal 102 of the connection information for direct wireless communication via various types of close proximity wireless communication.

[0073] The end key 622 is a key used to stop direct wireless communication that complies with Wi-Fi Direct. When the end key 622 is selected by the user, the MFP 101 stops waiting for Wi-Fi Direct and transitions to a state in which direct wireless communication is stopped.

[0074] Finally, when the "Wi-Fi Direct mode" is set and the operation mode of Wi-Fi Direct is set to "Autonomous GO mode," MFP 101 changes the screen displayed on operation unit 116 to screen 630. Furthermore, MFP 101 changes to a mode in which it waits for a Wi-Fi Direct connection request from an external device, and activates the access point to be used with Wi-Fi Direct.

[0075] Screen 630 also displays information 631 including connection information for the currently running software AP and information indicating a direct name for identifying the device in Wi-Fi Direct. Screen 630 also displays a QR code 633 including connection information such as the SSID, network key, and direct name. End key 632 is a key used to stop direct wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct.

[0076] The OS of communication terminal 102 reads QR code 633 using camera 138 of communication terminal 102 and acquires connection information for wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct. Using the acquired connection information, the OS connects to the software AP and joins the wireless network provided by the software AP. The OS can also establish wireless communication with the software AP found in the search by prompting the user to select a Wi-Fi Direct software AP found in the search. The user can determine which software AP to select by viewing information 631. Upon starting GO mode, CPU 111 also rewrites the NFC connection information and Bluetooth LE connection information to connection information for connecting to the Wi-Fi Direct software AP and information including a direct name. This process enables MFP 101 to appropriately notify communication terminal 102 of connection information for direct wireless communication using various types of close proximity wireless communication.

[0077] A specific control method for appropriately changing the connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 8 and 10 to 11.

[0078] 7 to 8 and 10 to 11 are flowcharts showing the control of MFP 101. Each operation (step) shown in the flowcharts of Fig. 7 to 8 and 10 to 11 is realized by CPU 111 reading into RAM 113 a program for implementing each control module stored in ROM 112 or storage 114 and executing the program. Note that some of the processing is realized in cooperation with interfaces such as wireless LAN I / F 122, Bluetooth I / F 123, and NFC I / F 124.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 101 that is executed when power is supplied to the MFP 101 and the MFP 101 starts up.

[0080] In S701, the CPU 111 executes startup processing. When the startup processing of the scanner 118 or printer 120 progresses to the stage where network settings are made, the CPU 111 advances the processing to S702. In S702, the CPU 111 refers to whether or not a setting has been made to turn on direct wireless communication when the power is turned on. The CPU 111 refers to the settings 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the setting to turn on direct wireless communication has been made as the operation setting when the power is turned on, the processing advances to S705. On the other hand, if the setting to turn on direct wireless communication has been made as the operation setting when the power is turned on, the processing advances to S703.

[0081] In step S703, the CPU 111 performs processing for setting cooperation information for infrastructure wireless communication. Specific processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0082] In S801, CPU 111 acquires connection information for an infrastructure connection. Specifically, CPU 111 references wireless client settings 501 stored in storage 114 and acquires an IP address as connection information used by MFP 101 for infrastructure connection. Note that, while the present embodiment illustrates, as an example, a case where connection to LAN 100 is made via an external AP using the wireless client function of wireless LAN I / F 122, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case where connection to LAN 100 is made via wired LAN I / F 121. In this case, CPU 111 acquires, as connection information, the IP address of MFP 101 stored as settings for a wired LAN (not shown).

[0083] In S802, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using NFC has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 504 for whether or not to use external collaboration via NFC, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 504 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S803, and if the setting 504 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S804.

[0084] In S803, the CPU 111 writes tag data to the NFC tag 125 based on the connection information for the infrastructure connection acquired in S801. The CPU 111 writes the connection information for the infrastructure connection to a record of connection information for handing over to wireless communication. Note that the tag data written here also includes a record of identification information for starting a cooperative application.

[0085] In step S804, the CPU 111 writes blank data to the NFC tag. This process is an exception process when a setting is made not to use external cooperation via NFC.

[0086] In S805, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using Bluetooth LE has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 505 for whether or not to use external cooperation via Bluetooth LE, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 505 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S806, and if the setting 505 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S808.

[0087] Subsequently, in S806, the CPU 111 sets the characteristics to be used in GATT (Generic Attributes) communication of Bluetooth LE based on the connection information of the infrastructure connection.

[0088] Here, GATT communication will be described. The MFP 101 of this embodiment includes a GATT server in which a GATT profile for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external terminal via Bluetooth LE is defined. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining GATT communication, showing an example of a GATT server made public by the MFP 101. The GATT server makes public a status notification service 910 and a Wi-Fi connection information notification service 911.

[0089] Each service has a characteristic defined in a GATT profile. In GATT, a profile and a characteristic have a relationship similar to that between an object-oriented class and a member variable. The status notification service 910 is a service that notifies the status of the MFP. When there is a change in the status of the MFP 101, the CPU 111 writes the status into the value of the characteristic, Status. For example, the state of the MFP, such as whether it is in a sleep state or a normal mode, is written into the characteristic. The communication terminal 102 can read the characteristic of Status to obtain the status of the MFP 101.

[0090] Furthermore, a Wi-Fi connection information notification service 911 is a service for notifying a communication terminal of connection information to the MFP. These services are used as appropriate when handing over wireless communication used between devices from Bluetooth LE communication to wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11.

[0091] 8, in the process of S806, the CPU 111 appropriately rewrites the characteristic of the Wi-Fi connection information notification service 911 of the GATT server. Specifically, the CPU 111 sets the IP address of the infrastructure connection to the IP address characteristic, and sets NULL to the other characteristics. This process allows the communication terminal 102 to set the IP address of the infrastructure connection as the connection information that can be acquired through Bluetooth LE communication.

[0092] Subsequently, in S807, the CPU 111 starts transmitting Bluetooth LE advertising packets in cooperation with the Bluetooth I / F 123. The advertising packets are assumed to be transmitted at intervals of, for example, several tens of msec.

[0093] When the communication terminal 102 receives the advertising packet, it transmits a Bluetooth LE connection request to the MFP 101 based on the information included in the advertising packet. The processing of the connection request will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 11. When Bluetooth LE communication is established by the connection request, the communication terminal 102 becomes able to read and write the characteristics of the GATT server described in FIG. 10. When transmission of the advertising packet is started, the CPU 111 advances the processing to step S808.

[0094] In S808, the CPU 111 generates a QR code to be used in the infrastructure connection based on the connection information acquired in S801. The generated QR code is displayed, for example, on the screen 600 illustrated in Fig. 6. When the QR code generation process is completed, the process proceeds to S704 in Fig. 7. By the series of processes described in Fig. 8, in a situation where direct wireless communication is not used, the IP address of the infrastructure connection can be set as handover information for various short-range wireless communication.

[0095] 7, in S704, CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to start direct wireless communication from the user has been accepted. If an instruction to start direct wireless communication from the user has been accepted, the process proceeds to S705, and if an instruction to start direct wireless communication from the user has not been accepted, the process proceeds to S708. Note that the instruction to start direct wireless communication from the user is, for example, pressing direct connection start key 602 on screen 600.

[0096] In S705, the CPU 111 performs processing for setting cooperation information for direct wireless communication. Specific processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. In S1001, the CPU 111 determines the type of direct wireless communication mode. Specifically, the CPU 111 references the direct wireless communication settings 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the access point mode is set as the direct wireless communication mode, the processing proceeds to S1002. On the other hand, if the Wi-Fi Direct mode is set as the direct wireless communication mode, the processing proceeds to S1003.

[0097] In S1002, the CPU 111 generates connection information including the SSID of the software AP used in the access point mode, a network key, and an IP address for connecting to the MFP 101, and the process proceeds to S1006.

[0098] Meanwhile, in S1003, the CPU 111 determines the type of Wi-Fi Direct mode. Specifically, the CPU 111 references the direct wireless communication settings 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the negotiation mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1004. On the other hand, if the Autonomous GO mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1005.

[0099] In step S1004, the CPU 111 generates connection information that includes a Wi-Fi Direct name but does not include an SSID or a network key. When operating in negotiation mode, it is not determined whether the MFP 101 or a peripheral terminal will be the access point for Wi-Fi Direct, so the connection information does not include an SSID or a network key.

[0100] In step S1005, the CPU 111 generates connection information including an SSID, a network key, and a direct name. When operating in Autonomous GO mode, the MFP 101 activates a software AP as the Wi-Fi Direct group owner. Therefore, the connection information includes an SSID, a network key, and a direct name for connecting to the software AP.

[0101] In S1006, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using NFC has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 504 for whether or not to use external collaboration via NFC, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 504 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S1007, and if the setting 504 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0102] In S1007, the CPU 111 writes tag data to the NFC tag based on the generated connection information. The CPU 111 writes the generated connection information to a record of connection information for handing over to wireless communication. Note that the tag data written here also includes a record of startup information for starting a cooperative application.

[0103] On the other hand, in step S1008, the CPU 111 writes blank data to the NFC tag. This process is an exceptional process when a setting is made not to use external cooperation via NFC.

[0104] Next, in S1009, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a setting for using Bluetooth LE has been made. Specifically, the CPU 111 refers to a setting 505 for whether or not to use external cooperation via Bluetooth LE, which is stored in the storage 114. If the setting 505 is set to ON, the process proceeds to S1010, and if the setting 505 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0105] In S1010, the CPU 111 sets the characteristics to be used in the Bluetooth LE GATT communication based on the generated connection information.

[0106] For example, in access point mode, the SSID, KEY, and Direct IP Address characteristics are set based on the connection information generated in S1002, and other characteristics are set to NULL. Also, for example, in Autonomous GO mode, the SSID, KEY, and Direct Name characteristics are set based on the connection information generated in S1005, and other characteristics are set to NULL. Also, for example, in negotiation mode, the Direct Name characteristic is set based on the connection information generated in S1004, and other characteristics are set to NULL. The processing of S1010 makes it possible to provide appropriate connection information depending on the operating mode and settings of the direct wireless connection.

[0107] Returning to the description of FIG. 10, in S1011, the CPU 111 cooperates with the Bluetooth I / F 123 to start transmitting a Bluetooth LE advertising packet.

[0108] In S1012, CPU 111 generates a QR code based on the generated connection information. The generated QR code is displayed, for example, on the screen shown in FIG. 6. By the process of FIG. 10, in a situation where direct wireless communication is used, appropriate connection information can be provided according to the settings and operation mode of the direct wireless communication. When the generation of the QR code is completed, CPU 111 proceeds to S706 in FIG. 7.

[0109] 7, in S706, CPU 111 determines whether or not a user operation has been performed to start direct wireless communication. If a user operation has been performed to start direct wireless communication, the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if a user operation has not been performed to start direct wireless communication (for example, if the process proceeds to S705 during startup processing), the process skips S707 and proceeds to S704.

[0110] In S707, CPU 111 displays a connection confirmation screen based on the settings for direct wireless communication. For example, in the case of access point mode, screen 610 described in Fig. 6 is displayed. In the case of Autonomous GO mode, screen 630 described in Fig. 6 is displayed. In the case of negotiation mode, screen 620 described in Fig. 6 is displayed. When the display process is completed, CPU 111 advances the process to S704.

[0111] On the other hand, in S708, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to end direct wireless communication has been received. If an instruction to end direct wireless communication has been received, the process proceeds to S703, and if an instruction to end direct wireless communication has not been received, the process proceeds to S709. By the determination process of S708, in a case where direct wireless communication is stopped, it becomes possible to appropriately switch the connection information used for NFC or Bluetooth LE to that for infrastructure connection.

[0112] In S709, the CPU 111 determines whether a wireless communication connection request has been received from the communication terminal. If a wireless communication connection request has been received from the external terminal, the process proceeds to S710. If a wireless communication connection request has not been received from the external terminal, the process proceeds to S711.

[0113] In step S710, the CPU 111 executes a connection establishment process based on a connection request from the communication terminal. Specific control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0114] In S1101, CPU 111 determines whether or not a Bluetooth LE connection request has been received from an external terminal. When a communication terminal (for example, communication terminal 102) determines that it has approached (communicated close to) MFP 101, which transmits an advertising packet, it transmits a Bluetooth LE connection request to MFP 101. If CPU 111 has received a Bluetooth LE connection request from the external terminal, it proceeds to S1102; if it has not received a Bluetooth LE connection request from the external terminal, it proceeds to S1105.

[0115] In S1102, the CPU 111 establishes Bluetooth LE communication with the communication terminal. The communication terminal that has established Bluetooth LE communication with the MFP 101 can read and write the characteristics of the GATT server described in FIG. 9 as appropriate.

[0116] In S1103, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a request for wireless LAN connection information has been received from the communication terminal. Specifically, if the CPU 111 receives a request to acquire each characteristic of the Wi-Fi connection information notification service through GATT communication from the communication terminal, the CPU 111 proceeds to processing in S1104. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 has not received a request to acquire each characteristic of the Wi-Fi connection information notification service through GATT communication from the communication terminal, the CPU 111 waits for a request from the communication terminal.

[0117] In S1104, the CPU 111 notifies the connection information using GATT communication as a response to the request received in S1103. The communication terminal (e.g., the communication terminal 102) that has received the connection information attempts handover to a wireless LAN (wireless communication compliant with IEEE802.11) based on the received connection information.

[0118] Next, a connection request for direct wireless communication will be described. In S1105, CPU 111 determines whether or not a connection request for establishing direct wireless communication has been received from the communication terminal. If a connection request for establishing direct wireless communication has been received from the communication terminal, the process proceeds to S1106. If a connection request for establishing direct wireless communication has not been received from the communication terminal, the series of establishment processes ends and the process returns to S704 in FIG. 7.

[0119] In S1106, the CPU 111 determines the type of the direct wireless communication mode. If the direct wireless communication mode is the access point mode, the process proceeds to S1108, and if the direct wireless communication mode is the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1109.

[0120] In S1108, the CPU 111 establishes direct wireless communication with the communication terminal that sent the connection request and assigns an IP address to the communication terminal. When the assignment is complete, the series of connection establishment processes ends and the process returns to S704.

[0121] In S1109, the CPU 111 determines the type of Wi-Fi Direct mode. Specifically, the CPU 111 references the direct wireless communication settings 502 stored in the storage 114, and if the negotiation mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1110. On the other hand, if the Autonomous GO mode is set as the Wi-Fi Direct mode, the process proceeds to S1112.

[0122] In S1110, based on the received connection request for establishing direct wireless communication, CPU 111 performs group owner negotiation with the communication terminal that received the connection request to determine which one will act as the GO. If it is determined that MFP 101 will act as the GO, CPU 111 starts a software AP. On the other hand, if it is determined that a communication terminal (e.g., communication terminal 102) will act as the GO, CPU 111 transmits connection information to the communication terminal.

[0123] In S1111, the CPU 111 establishes direct wireless communication with the communication terminal using Wi-Fi Direct. When the MFP 101 operates as a GO, it establishes communication with the communication terminal and assigns an IP address to the communication terminal. On the other hand, when the communication terminal operates as a GO, the CPU 111 transmits a connection request to the communication terminal based on the connection information received from the communication terminal. The communication terminal that receives the connection request establishes direct wireless communication with the MFP 101 and assigns an IP address to the MFP 101. When direct wireless communication is established between the MFP 101 and the communication terminal, the series of connection establishment processes ends, and the process returns to S704.

[0124] In S1112, the CPU 111 establishes direct wireless communication with the communication terminal using Wi-Fi Direct, and assigns an IP address to the communication terminal. When the assignment is complete, the series of connection establishment processes ends, and the process returns to S704.

[0125] 7, in S711, the CPU 111 determines whether or not other instructions or data have been received. If other instructions or data have been received, the process proceeds to S712, and if other instructions or data have not been received, the process proceeds to S713.

[0126] In S712, the CPU 111 executes processing based on other instructions and data. For example, it executes processing of a copy function that prints an image obtained by reading an original onto a sheet. Furthermore, if print data is received, it executes printing that prints an image onto a sheet based on the print data. Note that other processing is performed based on user operations via the operation unit 116, or based on instructions received from a cooperative application, etc. When other processing is completed, the process returns to S704.

[0127] In S713, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an instruction to turn off the power has been received. If an instruction to turn off the power has been received, the process proceeds to S714, and if an instruction to turn off the power has not been received, the process returns to S704. In S714, the CPU 111 performs a shutdown process for the MFP 101, and ends the series of processes.

[0128] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately change the connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication based on the settings and status related to wireless communication of the MFP 101.

[0129] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, it has been described that connection information provided to an external terminal using short-range wireless communication is appropriately changed based on the settings and operation mode related to wireless communication of the MFP 101. In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, it will be described that when the MFP 101 is operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, the connection information provided to an external device using short-range wireless communication is connection information for an infrastructure connection.

[0130] When establishing direct wireless communication in Wi-Fi Direct mode, a screen for selecting whether to permit direct connection may be displayed on the operation unit 116 of the MFP 101 or the operation unit 136 of the communication terminal 102. Providing permission through these screens can be cumbersome for the user. Furthermore, if the user mistakenly selects connection denial on the screen or fails to connect due to a timeout, the user must resubmit the connection request, which is time-consuming. In view of this, in this embodiment, when operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, the connection information provided to an external device using short-range wireless communication is treated as connection information for an infrastructure connection. As a result, if the communication terminal 102 or the like is able to access the LAN 100, it becomes possible to receive the connection information via short-range wireless communication and communicate with the MFP 101 via the LAN 100.

[0131] In the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the device that is the premise is the same as that of the first embodiment, and detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0132] The CPU 111 executes the flowchart of Fig. 12 instead of the process of S705 of Fig. 7 in the first embodiment. The processes of S1201 to S1203 and S1205 are similar to the processes of S1001 to S1003 and S1005 of Fig. 10, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] If the Wi-Fi Direct mode is the negotiation mode, in S1204, the CPU 111 generates connection information including an IP address of the infrastructure connection, and the process proceeds to S1006 in Fig. 10. Note that the control from S1006 onwards is the same as the process in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] This process enables the connection information provided to the external device using short-range wireless communication to be the connection information for the infrastructure connection in the negotiation mode. As a result, if the communication terminal 102 or the like can access the LAN 100, it becomes possible to receive the connection information via short-range wireless communication and communicate with the MFP 101 via the LAN 100.

[0135] Fig. 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 116 in the second embodiment, instead of the screens 620 and 630 in Fig. 6 described in the first embodiment. Screen 1320 in Fig. 13(a) shows an example of a screen displayed in place of screen 620 displaying connection information in negotiation mode. Screen 1330 in Fig. 13(b) shows an example of a screen displayed in place of screen 620 displaying connection information in Autonomous Go mode.

[0136] In addition to the display items of screen 620, screen 1320 displays information 1325 indicating that a device participating in the same network can connect to MFP 101 using NFC or Bluetooth LE. Also, information 1326 indicating an IP address for accessing MFP 101 via LAN 100 is displayed as connection information related to infrastructure connection. Also, screen 1330 displays information 1335 that is similar to information 1325, and information 1336 that is similar to information 1326. These displays make it possible to properly notify the user that, in order to perform handover by short-range wireless communication when MFP 101 is operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, communication terminal 102 must participate in the same network.

[0137] <Modification> In the second embodiment, the example illustrates a case in which infrastructure connection information is provided via short-range wireless communication in Wi-Fi Direct mode. However, this is not limiting. For example, even when operating in Wi-Fi Direct Autonomous GO mode, connection information including connection information (SSID, key) for accessing a software AP but excluding a direct name may be provided via short-range wireless communication. This is based on the fact that a software AP activated for Wi-Fi Direct can be connected without using the Wi-Fi Direct connection procedure. If the communication terminal 102 knows the SSID and key for connecting to the software AP activated on the MFP 101, it can also connect to a Wi-Fi Direct access point using the procedure for connecting to a normal access point. In this case, even when operating in Wi-Fi Direct mode, the CPU 111 may provide the same connection information to an external terminal via short-range wireless communication as in step S1202 when operating in Autonomous GO mode. Specifically, if it is determined in step S1203 that the mode is Autonomous GO mode, the process proceeds to step S1202. In this case, information such as "You can connect directly to the MFP 101 using NFC and Bluetooth LE" is displayed instead of information 1335 on the screen 1330. The infrastructure connection information shown as information 1336 is not displayed because it is not necessary for connecting to the software AP of the MFP 101.

[0138] In the above embodiment, GATT communication is used as an example of a method for notifying an external terminal of connection information using Bluetooth LE, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, connection information for handover may be included in a Bluetooth LE advertising packet.

[0139] <Other embodiments> In this embodiment, the access point mode and the Wi-Fi Direct mode are exemplified as examples of the direct wireless communication mode, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, consider a case where the MFP 101 supports a direct wireless communication mode that complies with Wi-Fi Aware (registered trademark) (for the sake of explanation, it is assumed to be the Wi-Fi Aware mode). In this case, when the MFP 101 operates in the Wi-Fi Aware mode, connection information required for connection in the Wi-Fi Aware mode may be set as connection information to be notified via short-range wireless communication.

[0140] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of each 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC or FPGA) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 101 MFP 102 Communication terminal 111 CPU 114 Storage 123 Bluetooth I / F 124 NFC I / F< / mfp>

Claims

1. An information processing device having a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, a first display control means for displaying a first screen including a first two-dimensional code including an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device; a second display control means for displaying a second screen, which is a screen including a second two-dimensional code including an IP address and a predetermined area which is an area related to the first two-dimensional code but is grayed out to indicate that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed, and which is a screen different from the first screen; An information processing device comprising:

2. the second screen, which is a screen including the predetermined area, is displayed based on the contents of a network setting of the information processing device; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. When the area relating to the first two-dimensional code is not grayed out, control is performed so that direct wireless communication with the information processing device can be performed using the first two-dimensional code.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. When an area relating to the first two-dimensional code that is not grayed out is selected, the first screen including the first two-dimensional code is displayed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. Even if the grayed-out predetermined area is selected, the first screen including the first two-dimensional code is not displayed.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

6. When the grayed-out predetermined area is selected, a pop-up is displayed indicating that direct wireless communication with the information processing device is not possible.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

7. an operating means for operating a function as an access point corresponding to the SSID and the network key while the first screen is displayed; further comprising 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first screen is displayed and the function as the access point is activated based on an operation on a screen displayed on the information processing apparatus.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display is switched from the first screen to the second screen when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first screen is being displayed.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a user operation on the display screen is accepted while the second screen is being displayed, the display is switched from the second screen to the first screen.

11. a third display control means for displaying a third screen, which is different from the first screen and the second screen and displays an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device; 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first screen and the third screen include different text, and the different text is different from an SSID and a network key.

13. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third screen includes a message prompting the user to perform a connection operation from the corresponding device.

14. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third screen includes a message prompting the user to perform a connection operation on the other device.

15. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direct wireless communication is a communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

16. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direct wireless communication is communication that does not comply with Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark).

17. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direct wireless communication is wireless LAN communication.

18. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the information processing apparatus communicates image data with a partner apparatus through the wireless LAN communication.

19. 19. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first screen and the second screen includes a message prompting a connection operation on the other device.

20. 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first screen and the second screen includes a message prompting a user to perform a connection operation from a corresponding device.

21. 21. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device performs direct wireless communication with the partner device based on information included on the first screen or the second screen.

22. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the information processing device is any one of a scanner, a printer, a 3D printer, a terminal of a remote conferencing system, a car navigation device, an interactive whiteboard, a digital signage, a content delivery terminal, and a home appliance device.

23. A control method for an information processing device having a direct wireless communication function for directly communicating wirelessly with a partner device without going through an external access point, comprising: a first display control step of displaying a first screen including a first two-dimensional code including an SSID and a network key for performing direct wireless communication with the information processing device; a second display control step of displaying a second screen, which is a screen including a second two-dimensional code including an IP address and a predetermined area that is an area related to the first two-dimensional code but is grayed out to indicate that direct wireless communication with the information processing device using the first two-dimensional code cannot be performed, and which is different from the first screen; A control method comprising:

24. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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