Communication system, communication device and its control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a communication system, a communication device and a method for controlling the same, and a program that control presentation of information necessary for radio settings to a user without reducing usability.SOLUTION: In a communication system including an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone and a communication device such as a printer, network setup processing performed by the communication device is to present, to a user, information necessary for radio settings for performing radio communication with the information processing apparatus based on a first condition where the user can start the ratio settings, or based on a second condition different from the first condition, to display a screen including information indicating that the user can start the radio settings and present, to the user, the information necessary for the radio settings according to the user's instruction. When the communication device receives a request for the radio settings from the information processing apparatus that has acquired connection information based on the thus presented information, it executes the radio settings in response to the received request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication device and its control method, and a program.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a setup process in which when a communication device receives a specific signal from an information processing device, a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the operation panel of the communication device, and the information processing device reads the displayed QR code to connect the communication device and the access point. However, in this method, since a malicious third party can display a QR code on the operation panel of the communication device, there is a risk that the communication device may be connected to the information processing device of the malicious third party and the operation of the communication device may be disturbed.

[0005] In recent years, as a function of transmitting connection information for connecting a communication device to an access point and connecting the communication device and the access point has become widespread, it has been demanded to improve the convenience of the function.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to control the presentation of information necessary for wireless setting to a user without degrading usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a communication device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A communication device that communicates with an information processing device, The aforementioned communication device manually The system is in a state where it can start setting up wireless communication for wireless communication with the aforementioned information processing device. octopus Based on that, Without displaying a screen containing information indicating that the wireless setup can be initiated, A first presentation means for presenting the user with the information necessary for the wireless settings, The aforementioned communication device automatically The wireless setup can now be initiated. octopus Based on this, it indicates that the wireless setup can be initiated. A first area and a second area for receiving instructions to perform at least one of printing and scanning. Display a screen that includes, For the first region A second presentation means that presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless settings in response to the user's instructions, A receiving means for receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means, The receiving means includes a setting means that performs wireless configuration in response to the received request, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the convenience of wireless setup can be improved by controlling the presentation of information necessary for wireless setup to the user.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing device and a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A sequence diagram illustrating the communication process performed by an information processing device and a communication device according to an embodiment using WEC utilizing DPP. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a WEC start screen displayed by the WEC application in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the DPP waiting mode start process performed by the communication device according to the embodiment at S200 in Figure 2. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the WEC execution process performed by the communication device according to the embodiment in steps S203 to S206 of Figure 2. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the network setup process in a communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit of the communication device in S604. [Figure 8] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displaying that network setup mode has been started on the S609. [Figure 9] Figure 6 shows an example of the selection screen displayed on the display unit of the communication device at step S611. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. While multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] An information processing apparatus and a communication apparatus included in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As the information processing apparatus, a smartphone is exemplified in the present embodiment, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as the information processing apparatus, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, etc. can be applied. Further, as the communication apparatus, a printer is exemplified in the embodiment, but it is not limited thereto, and various devices can be applied as long as they can perform wireless communication with the information processing apparatus. For example, in the case of a printer, it can be applied to an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, etc. Further, it is applicable not only to printers but also to copiers, facsimile devices, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, etc. In addition, it is also applicable to a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, a printing function, etc.

[0013] Further, in the embodiment, when the information processing apparatus supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark), the apparatus can execute the function. WEC is a function that uses the Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter, DPP) formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance to perform network setup (wireless setting) of other devices. Note that the network setup of other devices specifically refers to a process of connecting other devices to an access point that forms a network. In WEC, communication is performed between a device operating in the role of "Configurator" (hereinafter, Configurator device) and a device operating in the role of "Enrollee" (hereinafter, Enrollee device). Note that in the present embodiment, the Configurator device is the Initiator in DPP, and the Enrollee device is the Responder in DPP.

[0014] The Configurator device acquires Bootstrapping information from the Enrollee device. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, the identification information (such as the MAC address) of the Enrollee device and the public key information used for secure communication with the Enrollee device. In this embodiment, the Bootstrapping information is described as "WEC-related information". Note that other information may also be treated as WEC-related information. Then, the Configurator device executes wireless communication with the Enrollee device using the acquired Bootstrapping information. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device communicates with the Enrollee device using the public key included in the Bootstrapping information. Furthermore, a common key is generated based on the information obtained in the communication, and the information encrypted using the common key is transmitted to the Enrollee device. Note that the information transmitted here is, specifically, for example, the connection information for connecting to the access point. Then, the Enrollee device establishes a wireless connection with the access point using the connection information received from the Configurator device. Note that in the network setup process by WEC in this embodiment, the information processing device compatible with WEC operates as the Configurator device, and the communication device compatible with WEC operates as the Enrollee device for the purpose of explanation.

[0015] First, the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment and the communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1. Also, in the embodiment, the following configuration is described as an example, but this embodiment is applicable to a device capable of communicating with a communication device, and is not particularly limited to the functions as shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] First, the configuration of the information processing device 101 will be described.

[0018] The information processing device 101 is an information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, etc. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc. form the control unit of the information processing device 101.

[0019] The input interface 102 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user when an operation unit such as a keyboard 109 is operated. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard or physical buttons, or it may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may also receive input (operation) from the user via the display unit 108.

[0020] The CPU 103 functions as a system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 103, data tables, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. 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. The RAM 105 is composed of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like, which requires a backup power supply. Since the data in the RAM 105 is held by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. The RAM 105 also contains a memory area for storing setting information and management data for the information processing device 101, as well as a program area where programs are deployed. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103.

[0021] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as the "configuration app") for performing network setup for the communication device 151, a print information generation program that generates print information that the communication device 151 can interpret, and the like. The configuration app is an application program used to configure the access point to which the communication device 151 will connect using WEC or similar. This configuration app may also have functions other than network setup. For example, the configuration app may have functions to cause the communication device 151 to print, functions to scan documents placed in the communication device 151, and functions to check the status of the communication device 151. This configuration app is stored in the external storage device 106 after being installed from an external server, for example, via internet communication through the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as a transmission / reception control program that sends and receives information with the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

[0022] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display of data on the display unit 108 and the status of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 includes LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and is used to display data and indicate the status of the information processing device 101.

[0023] The communication unit 110 connects 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 become able to communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or it may communicate via an external device located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. This external device includes external access points (such as access point 131) located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, as well as devices other than access points that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark), a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. The aforementioned WEC is performed by communication via the communication unit 110. Examples of access point 131 include devices such as wireless LAN routers. In this embodiment, the method by which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called the direct connection method. The method by which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an external access point is called the infrastructure connection method.

[0024] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 wirelessly connects to devices such as the communication device 151 at short range to perform data communication, and communicates using a different communication method than the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can, for example, wirelessly connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 157 within the communication device 151. Examples of such communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0025] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 executes WEC using its OS based on an instruction to execute the network setup process by the configuration application.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the communication device 151 will be explained.

[0027] The communication device 151 is a communication device according to this embodiment. The communication device 151 includes a ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, print engine 155, scan engine 162, communication unit 156, short-range wireless communication unit 157, etc. The control unit of the communication device 151 is formed by the ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc.

[0028] The communication unit 156 has an access point within the communication device 151 for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101. This access point can be wirelessly connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. When the communication unit 156 activates this access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may connect wirelessly to the information processing device 101 directly, or it may connect wirelessly via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is assumed to be a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) refers to a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. Furthermore, if the communication device 151 supports WEC, the aforementioned WEC will be executed by communication via the communication unit 156. Furthermore, the communication unit 156 may be equipped with hardware that functions as an access point, or it may operate as an access point through software that enables it to function as an access point.

[0029] The communication device 151 can operate in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156. Infrastructure mode is a form in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 via external devices that form a network (for example, access point 131). The connection with an external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in an infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 operates as a slave station, and the external access point operates as a master station. In this embodiment, a master station is a device that determines the communication channel used in the network to which the master station belongs, and a slave station is a device that does not determine the communication channel used in the network to which the slave station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0030] P2P mode is a configuration in which the communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices such as the information processing device 101 without going through external devices that form a network. In this embodiment, P2P mode includes AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The access point connection information (SSID and password) enabled within the communication device 151 in AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. P2P mode may also include, for example, a WFD mode for the communication device 151 to communicate using Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of the multiple WFD-compatible devices will operate as the master station is determined according to a sequence such as Group Owner Negotiation. Alternatively, the master station may be determined without performing Group Owner Negotiation. A WFD-compatible device that also acts as the master station is specifically called the Group Owner. A direct connection with other devices established by the communication device 151 operating in P2P mode is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as the master station, and the other devices operate as slave stations.

[0031] In this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in network setup mode, which is a mode for performing network setup of the communication device 151, by receiving a predetermined operation from the user. When the communication device 151 operates in network setup mode, it operates as a valid setup access point while operating in network setup mode by using the communication unit 156. This setup access point is a different access point from the access point that is activated in AP mode as described above. The SSID of this setup access point shall contain a predetermined string that can be recognized by the setting application of the information processing device 101. Furthermore, the setup access point shall be an access point that does not require a password for connection.

[0032] The communication device 151, operating in network setup mode, shall use a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) when communicating with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specifically, the setup communication protocol is, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). After the communication device 151 starts operating in network setup mode, it stops operating in network setup mode and disables the setup access point after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, as mentioned above, the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password, and if it is enabled for a long time, the possibility of connection requests from inappropriate devices increases. However, this setup access point may be an access point that requires a password. In that case, the password used to connect to the setup access point shall be a fixed (user-unchangeable) password that is known in advance by the configuration application.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for performing network setup using a communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol. In this embodiment, the communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol is the DPP described above, and this mode is referred to as the DPP waiting mode. When the communication device 151 is operating in the DPP waiting mode and receives a network setup request via DPP from the information processing device 101, it performs network setup via DPP. Therefore, the DPP waiting mode is, in other words, a mode that is waiting for a network setup request via DPP.

[0034] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the information processing device 101 at short range, and can, for example, wirelessly connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the information processing device 101. Examples of this communication method include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0035] RAM 153 is composed of SRAM or the like, which requires a backup power supply. Because data in RAM 153 is held by a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information and management data for the communication device 151. Furthermore, RAM 153 has a program area for the CPU 154 and is used as both main memory and work memory, storing a receive buffer for temporarily saving print information received from the information processing device 101, and various other information. ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 152 is loaded into RAM 153, and the CPU 154 executes these loaded programs to perform software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS. The CPU 154 functions as a system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151.

[0036] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording material such as ink to a recording medium based on information stored in the RAM 153 and print jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs a printed document. Generally, the amount of data for print jobs transmitted from the information processing device 101, etc. is large, so it is necessary to use a communication method that enables high-speed communication for the communication of print jobs. For this reason, the communication device 151 receives print jobs via a communication unit 156 that enables higher-speed communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0037] The scan engine 162 reads image data and document data from the set documents, etc., based on input from the operation unit 159 and scan jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc. The read data is either saved in the RAM 153 as a scan result or transmitted to the information processing device 101, etc. Generally, the amount of scan result data transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101, etc. is large, so it is necessary to use a communication method that enables high-speed communication for this communication. Therefore, the communication device 151 transmits the scan results via the communication unit 156, which is capable of high-speed communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157. The communication device 151 may be equipped with memory such as an external HDD or SD card as an optional device, and information such as scan results stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in such memory.

[0038] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user when the operation unit 159, such as a physical button, is operated. The operation unit 159 may also include a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 161. In other words, the input interface 158 may also receive input from the user via the display unit 161. The output interface 160 is an interface for controlling the display unit 161 to display data and indicate the status of the communication device 151. The display unit 161 may include an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays data and indicates the status of the communication device 151.

[0039] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the communication process performed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 according to this embodiment using WEC with DPP. The process shown in Figure 2 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each device loading a program stored in the ROM or external storage device of that device into the RAM of that device and executing it.

[0040] First, in S200, the communication device 151 starts the DPP waiting mode. The trigger for starting this DPP waiting mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or it may be receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. Details of the process for starting the DPP waiting mode will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0041] When the DPP waiting mode is started, WEC-related information can be read. For example, if a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code (registered trademark), is used for the bootstrapping shown in S201, the communication device 151 generates a two-dimensional barcode based on the WEC-related information and displays it on the display unit 161. In S201, the information processing device 101 acquires WEC-related information through bootstrapping. For example, if a two-dimensional barcode is used for bootstrapping, the information processing device 101 executes a two-dimensional barcode capture function in the setting application. In the two-dimensional barcode capture function, the capture unit 112 is used to capture the two-dimensional barcode, and the two-dimensional barcode is analyzed from the captured image. This allows the setting application to acquire WEC-related information contained in the two-dimensional barcode, such as the identification information and public key of the communication device 151.

[0042] In S202, the information processing unit 101 initiates WEC using DPP through the OS's functions. Specifically, the information processing unit 101 first launches the WEC application by instructing the OS from the configuration application to launch the WEC application. This causes the WEC application to run in the foreground and the configuration application to run in the background. For example, the execution of this launch instruction corresponds to the instruction to execute WEC.

[0043] As a result, the information processing device 101 displays the WEC start screen (Figure 3) using the WEC application. The WEC application is a program pre-installed on the information processing device 101 and is provided by the OS vendor of the information processing device 101. When the WEC application is launched, WEC-related information acquired by the configuration application is provided to the WEC application.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an example of a WEC start screen displayed by the WEC application on the information processing device 101 according to the embodiment.

[0045] The WEC start screen 300 displays buttons 301, 302, and 303. Button 301 is the "Select a different access point" button, which instructs the user to change the access point currently set as the target for WEC configuration. Before button 301 is pressed, the access point currently set as the target for WEC configuration is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected. When button 301 is selected, the information processing device 101 displays a list of access points and newly sets the access point selected by the user from that list as the target for WEC configuration. This list of access points includes access points that the information processing device 101 has previously connected to.

[0046] The "No" button 302 is used to cancel the execution of WEC, and the "Yes" button 303 is used to instruct the execution of WEC. If the "No" button 302 is pressed, the information processing device 101 terminates the process shown in the sequence diagram of Figure 2. If the "Yes" button 303 is pressed, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S203.

[0047] In S203, the WEC application instructs the OS to execute WEC by executing a WEC API using WEC-related information and information about access points configured as targets for WEC configuration. Then, the OS performs an authentication process called DPP Authentication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In DPP Authentication, authentication information and information used for information encryption are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 to authenticate communication between the devices. In this DPP Authentication communication, various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 is encrypted by the information processing device 101 based on WEC-related information obtained from the communication device 151. Specifically, in DPP Authentication, the information processing device 101 first sends an Authentication Request as a request to set up the network by DPP. At this time, the communication device 151, which is operating in DPP waiting mode, is operating in DPP waiting mode, which is a mode that waits for the Authentication Request. Therefore, upon receiving an Authentication Request from the information processing device 101, the communication device 151 attempts to decrypt the received Authentication Request using the decryption key it currently possesses. If the communication device 151 succeeds in decryption, it sends an Authentication response to the information processing device 101 to authenticate communication with the information processing device 101. However, if the information processing device 101 has not been able to obtain accurate WEC-related information and has not been able to encrypt the information accurately, the decryption by the communication device 151 will fail. In this case, authentication will fail, and the communication device 151 will not send an Authentication response to the information processing device 101. DPP Authentication is completed when the information processing device 101 receives the Authentication response. Furthermore, DPP is used to execute communication during DPP Authentication.

[0048] Next, in S204, the OS performs a process called DPP Configuration between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In DPP Configuration, the information processing device 101 sends connection information to the communication device 151 via WEC to connect to the access point that has been configured as a target for WEC configuration. This connection information includes at least one piece of information such as the SSID, password, and encryption method of the access point that has been configured as a target for WEC configuration. The password sent at this time is information entered by the user on the screen displayed by the OS-compatible application when the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point is established. It is also information that the OS retains when the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point is established. Furthermore, this password is information that the configuration application does not retain. Since the password sent at this time is information that the OS already retains, and DPP Configuration is a process executed by the OS, it does not need to be newly entered by the user on the screen displayed by the configuration application.

[0049] As in the embodiment, by transmitting connection information via WEC, the password can be sent to the communication device 151 via secure communication without requiring the user to enter a password again on the screen displayed by the configuration application. In addition, DPP is used for communication in DPP Configuration as well.

[0050] Next, in S205, the communication device 151 exits DPP listening mode in response to the completion of DPP Configuration. Then, in S206, the communication device 151 transitions to infrastructure mode, having obtained connection information through DPP Configuration. The communication device 151 then attempts to connect to the corresponding access point (e.g., access point 131) using that connection information. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151 can then perform communication via the network formed by the connected access point. Here, communication via the network formed by the connected access point is performed using a protocol different from DPP (specifically, for example, Port9100, SNMP, or a vendor-specific protocol for the communication device 151).

[0051] At this time, the communication device 151 may transmit information to the information processing device 101 indicating whether the connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained by WEC was successful or not. Furthermore, if the connection with the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained by WEC fails, the communication device 151 may transmit information to the information processing device 101 indicating the cause of the failure. DPP may be used to transmit this information. Possible causes of connection failure with the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained by WEC include communication errors in WEC, the access point not being found, or the WEC-related information obtained from the communication device 151 not being appropriate. Another possible cause is that the encryption method used for connecting to the access point configured as a target for WEC is an encryption method not supported by the communication device 151.

[0052] Furthermore, the information processing device 101 may display on the display unit 108 information indicating whether the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC has been successful or not. In addition, if the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC has failed, the display unit 108 may display on the display unit 108 information indicating the cause of the failure.

[0053] Then, in S207, the information processing unit 101 switches the application running in the foreground from the WEC application to the configuration application, based on the completion of WEC execution. The information processing unit 101 then searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which it belongs. This process is performed by the configuration application, which has received notification from the OS that WEC execution has finished. When the information processing unit 101 finds the communication device 151, it requests capability information from the communication device 151, and the communication device 151 sends the capability information to the information processing unit 101. As a result, the information processing unit 101 registers the information of the communication device 151 in the configuration application. From this point onward, the configuration application can perform communication with the communication device 151. Specifically, for example, the information processing unit 101 can send print jobs to the communication device 151 using the configuration application.

[0054] At this time, if the information processing device 101 belongs to a network formed by access points to which the communication device 151 is connected via WEC, communication with the communication device 151 becomes possible via those access points. If the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the same access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, or if communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is not possible, the request and acquisition of capability information is omitted. Note that the network communication in S207 is performed using a communication protocol different from setup communication protocols such as DPP or SNMP. When the information processing device 101 finishes this network communication, it terminates this process.

[0055] In the above description, the WEC start screen is displayed by a WEC application, and the WEC application instructs the OS to execute WEC by executing a WEC API. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the WEC start screen may be displayed by a configuration application. Alternatively, the configuration application may instruct the OS to execute WEC by executing a WEC API.

[0056] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the DPP waiting mode start process performed by the communication device 151 according to this embodiment at S200 in Figure 2. The process shown in this flowchart is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 loading the configuration application stored in ROM 152 or memory into RAM 153 and executing it. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is also started, for example, based on the communication device 151 starting the network setup mode.

[0057] In S401, the CPU 154 determines the listening channel for DPP communication. The listening channel for DPP communication is the channel that listens for network setup requests via DPP transmitted from the information processing device 101. The same channel is also used for DPP configuration processing. Note that the channel used for DPP communication listening may be set by the user, for example, from the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151.

[0058] Next, in S402, the CPU 154 generates public key information used for secure communication with the information processing device 101. Then, in S403, the CPU 154 generates bootstrapping information including the identification information of the communication device 151 (e.g., MAC address), information about the listening channel for DPP communication, and the public key information generated in S402. Finally, in S404, the CPU 154 starts the DPP listening mode. Once the DPP listening mode is started, communication in DPP Authentication becomes possible between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101.

[0059] Next, proceeding to S405, CPU154 starts the DPP waiting mode timeout timer. After CPU154 starts operating in DPP waiting mode, if a predetermined time has elapsed and the value counted by the DPP waiting mode timeout timer exceeds the threshold, a DPP waiting mode timeout occurs, CPU154 terminates the DPP waiting mode.

[0060] Furthermore, the CPU 154 may determine whether the communication device 151 has started network setup mode before executing S401 in Figure 4. If the communication device 151 has started network setup mode, the CPU 154 proceeds to S401. If the communication device 151 has not started network setup mode, the CPU 154 may terminate the process shown in this flowchart without starting DPP waiting mode.

[0061] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the WEC execution process performed by the communication device 151 according to this embodiment in steps S203 to S206 of Figure 2. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 loading a configuration application stored in ROM 152 or memory into RAM 153 and executing it. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 is started based on the communication device 151 receiving a DPP Authentication request from the information processing device 101.

[0062] In S501, the CPU 154 executes the DPP Authentication process. As described above, in the DPP Authentication process, authentication information and information used for information encryption are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, thereby authenticating communication between the devices. Next, in S502, the CPU 154 determines whether the DPP Authentication process with the information processing device 101 was successful. As described above, the various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 during this DPP Authentication process is encrypted by the information processing device 101 before transmission. If the CPU 154 successfully decrypts the information received from the information processing device 101 using a pre-held decryption key, it authenticates communication with the information processing device 101. If the information processing device 101 has not been able to obtain accurate WEC-related information and has not been able to encrypt the information accurately, decryption by the communication device 151 will fail, and authentication will fail. If the CPU 154 has successfully authenticated communication with the information processing device 101, it determines that the DPP Authentication process was successful and proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if decryption fails, the DPP Authentication process determines that authentication has failed, proceeds to S503, terminates the DPP waiting mode, and ends this process.

[0063] If authentication is determined to be successful in S502, the CPU 154 executes the DPP Configuration process in S504. In this DPP Configuration process, the CPU 154 receives connection information via WEC from the information processing device 101 to connect to the access point configured as a WEC target. This connection information includes the SSID, password, and encryption method of the access point configured as a WEC target. Next, in S505, the CPU 154 determines whether the DPP Configuration process with the information processing device 101 was successful or not. Specifically, the CPU 154 determines that it was successful if it received connection information via WEC from the information processing device 101 to connect to the access point configured as a WEC target, and that it failed if it did not receive the information. If the CPU 154 determines in S505 that the DPP Configuration process has failed, it proceeds to S503 to exit the DPP waiting mode and terminate this process. On the other hand, if the DPP Configuration process in S505 success If it determines that it has done so, the process proceeds to S506. In this case, the CPU154 has obtained the access point's SSID, encryption method, and password.

[0064] In S506, the CPU 154 determines whether the connection information received from the information processing device 101 includes the SSID. If the CPU 154 determines in S506 that the SSID is not included, it proceeds to S503 to exit the DPP waiting mode and terminates this process. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines in S506 that the SSID is included, it proceeds to S507. In S507, the CPU 154 determines whether the connection information received from the information processing device 101 includes the encryption method. Here, if the CPU 154 determines that the encryption method is not included, it proceeds to S503, and if it determines in S507 that the encryption method is included, it proceeds to S508. In S508, the CPU 154 determines whether the connection information received from the information processing device 101 includes the password. Note that, when connecting to an access point using DPP communication, the CPU 154 may determine whether public key information is included instead of the password. Also, if the security setting of the access point set as the target of configuration is disabled, the password does not need to be included. If CPU 154 determines in S508 that no password is included, it proceeds to S503 to exit DPP waiting mode and terminates this process. If CPU 154 determines in S508 that a password is included, it proceeds to S509 to exit DPP waiting mode and proceeds to S510. Note that once CPU 154 exits DPP waiting mode, it cannot respond to DPP Authentication processing requests from information processing device 101.

[0065] In S510, CPU154 exits the network setup mode and disables the setup access point. Note that the termination of the network setup mode operation in S510 and the termination of the DPP waiting mode operation in S509 may occur in any order. That is, CPU154 may terminate the DPP waiting mode operation after terminating the network setup mode operation. Also, the termination of the network setup mode operation and the termination of the DPP waiting mode operation may occur simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of the termination process of the network setup mode operation or the termination process of the DPP waiting mode operation and the connection process with the access point does not matter.

[0066] Next, proceeding to S511, CPU 154 connects to the corresponding access point based on the various information (SSID, password, encryption method) of the access point configured as a target by WEC received from the information processing device 101. Then CPU 154 terminates this flowchart.

[0067] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the network setup process in the communication device 151 according to this embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is initiated based on operations such as the user powering on the communication device 151, the user initializing the network settings of the communication device 151, or the user starting the setup mode from the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 154 loading a setting application stored in the ROM 152 or memory into the RAM 153 and executing it.

[0068] In S601, CPU154 starts operating in network setup mode, which is the mode for performing network setup. Subsequently, in S602, it starts DPP listening mode. The process in S602 corresponds to the processes in S401 to S405 in Figure 4.

[0069] Next, in S603, the CPU 154 determines whether the network setup mode was started manually. An operation that is determined to be started manually is, for example, when a user directly starts the network setup mode from the operation unit 159 of the communication device 151. In contrast, the network setup mode that is started when a user powers on the communication device 151 or initializes the network settings of the communication device 151 is determined to be started automatically. If the CPU 154 determines in S603 that the network setup mode was started manually, it proceeds to S604 and displays information including a two-dimensional barcode on the display unit 161. Here, the two-dimensional barcode includes, for example, bootstrapping information for executing network settings by WEC. This bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information (MAC address, etc.) of the enrollee device (in this case, the communication device 151) and public key information used for secure communication with the enrollee device.

[0070] Figure 7 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 161 in step S604 of Figure 6.

[0071] Screen 700 displays areas 701 and 702. Area 701 displays an example of a procedure description for performing network setup. Area 702 displays the Bootstrapping information for performing the aforementioned network settings as a two-dimensional barcode. The information processing device 101 can obtain WEC-related information by using the camera unit 112 to capture the two-dimensional barcode in the settings application and analyzing the two-dimensional barcode from the captured image. This allows the information processing device 101 to request DPP Authentication processing from the communication device 151.

[0072] Next, in S605, the CPU 154 determines whether or not it has received a network setup request from the information processing device 101. Here, the network setup request may be a setup request using WEC with DPP, or a setup request using a setup method other than WEC. For example, if a network setup request using WEC is received, at the time of S605, the processing equivalent to S501 to S508 in Figure 5 is being executed. Therefore, at this point, the communication device 151 has received connection information from the information processing device 101 regarding the access point that it wants to connect to. If the CPU 154 determines in S605 that it has received a network setup request, it proceeds to S606 and terminates the DPP waiting mode. Note that once the CPU 154 terminates the DPP waiting mode, it cannot respond to requests for DPP Authentication processing from the information processing device 101. Then, in S607, the CPU 154 terminates the network setup mode and disables the access point for setup. Furthermore, the termination of the network setup mode operation in S607 and the termination of the DPP waiting mode operation in S606 may occur in either order. That is, CPU 154 may terminate the DPP waiting mode operation after terminating the network setup mode operation. Also, the termination of the network setup mode operation and the termination of the DPP waiting mode operation may occur simultaneously. Moreover, the order of the termination process of the network setup mode operation or the termination process of the DPP waiting mode operation and the connection process with the access point does not matter.

[0073] Then, proceeding to S608, the CPU 154 connects to the corresponding access point based on the various access point information (SSID, password, encryption method) received from the information processing device 101, and terminates this process.

[0074] On the other hand, if the CPU 154 does not determine in S603 that the network setup mode has been started manually, the process proceeds to S609, where the CPU 154 displays on the display unit 161 that the network setup mode has been started. Here, the display indicating that the network setup mode has been started is shown in a portion of the display unit 161 area to allow the user to perform operations other than network setup.

[0075] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen indicating that network setup mode has been started in S609 in Figure 6.

[0076] Figure 8(A) shows an example of the arrival process screen displayed on the display unit 161 when the communication device 151 is powered on for the first time. In Figure 8(A), the display unit 161 is assumed to be a touch panel. The screen 800 displays area 801 and icon 802. Area 801 displays text to explain the necessary procedures to the user upon arrival. Icon 802 indicates whether or not the network setup mode has been started. Icon 802, for example, shows an icon indicating that the network setup mode has not been started.

[0077] Figure 8(B) shows an example of the arrival process screen displayed on the display unit 161 when the communication device 151 is powered on for the first time. In Figure 8(B), the display unit 161 is assumed to be a touch panel. The display screen 803 shows area 804 and icon 805. Area 804, like area 801 in Figure 8(A), displays text to explain the necessary procedures to the user upon arrival. Icon 805, like icon 802 in Figure 8(A), is an icon that indicates whether or not the network setup mode has been started. Icon 805 indicates that the network setup mode has been started.

[0078] Figure 8(C) shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 161 when the power is turned on after the receiving process of the communication device 151 is complete. In Figure 8(C), the display unit 161 is assumed to be a touch panel. The display screen 806 shows area 807 and icon 808. Area 807 may display icons for performing operations such as copying, printing, or scanning, or icons for displaying the settings screen, or icons for performing other operations. Icon 808 displays an icon indicating whether or not the network setup mode has been started. Icon 808 shows, for example, the icon for when the network setup mode has not been started.

[0079] Figure 8(D) shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit 161 when the power is turned on after the receiving process of the communication device 151 is complete. In Figure 8(D), the display unit 161 is assumed to be a touch panel. The display screen 809 shows area 810 and icon 811. Area 810, like area 807 in Figure 8(C), may display icons for performing operations such as copying, printing, or scanning, or icons for displaying the settings screen, or it may display icons for performing other operations. Icon 811, like icon 808 in Figure 8(C), is an icon that indicates whether or not the network setup mode has been started. Icon 811 indicates the state in which the network setup mode has been started.

[0080] Thus, the indicator showing that the network setup mode has started is displayed in a portion of the display unit 161 in order to allow user operations other than network setup to be performed. In this embodiment, the status of whether or not the network setup mode has started is represented by an icon on the touch panel, but it may also be represented by the off, on, or blinking of an LED.

[0081] Next, in S610, the CPU 154 determines whether the user has instructed the display of the network setup mode. Instructing the display of the network setup mode is, for example, pressing icon 805 in Figure 8(B) or icon 811 in Figure 8(D). If the CPU 154 determines in S610 that the icon has not been pressed, it returns to the process in S609. On the other hand, if the CPU 154 determines in S610 that the icon has been pressed, it proceeds to S611. In S611, the CPU 154 displays a selection screen on the display unit 161 to determine whether or not to display a two-dimensional barcode. Here, the display unit 161 is a touch panel, and the example shown is that the display of the network setup mode is instructed by pressing icon 805 in Figure 8(B) or icon 811 in Figure 8(D). However, it is not limited to this; for example, displaying icon 805 in Figure 8(B) or icon 811 in Figure 8(D) will make the user aware that the network setup mode has started. Furthermore, the instruction to display the network setup mode may be performed by pressing a separately provided physical button.

[0082] Figure 9 shows an example of a selection screen displayed on the display unit 161 of the communication device 151 in step S611 of Figure 6.

[0083] This selection screen 900 includes area 901, button 902, and button 903. Area 901 displays text asking the user whether or not to display a two-dimensional barcode. The "Yes" button 902 is a button that instructs the user to display the two-dimensional barcode, and the "No" button 903 is a button that cancels the display of the two-dimensional barcode. Next, the process proceeds to S612, where the CPU 154 determines whether or not the user selected the "Yes" button 902. If it is determined that the user pressed the "Yes" button 902 as shown in Figure 9 above, the process proceeds to S604; if it is determined that the user pressed the "No" button 903, the process returns to S609. Here, the display unit 161 is a touch panel, and the display unit 161 is equipped with the "Yes" button 902 and the "No" button 903. However, the process is not limited to this configuration; the display unit 161 may only display text asking the user whether or not to display a two-dimensional barcode, and the "Yes" and "No" buttons may be provided as physical buttons.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the user presses the icon instructing the display of the network setup mode in S610, a screen is displayed in S611 asking whether or not to display a two-dimensional barcode on the display unit 161. If the user selects the "Yes" button 902, the two-dimensional barcode is displayed in S604. However, when the user presses the display of the network setup mode in S610, the system may proceed to S604 and display the two-dimensional barcode without displaying the confirmation screen for whether or not to display the two-dimensional barcode.

[0085] Furthermore, in S605, if the CPU 154 has not received a network setup request from the peer device (in this case, the information processing device 101), it proceeds to S613. In S613, the CPU 154 determines whether the elapsed time since the start of the network setup mode has exceeded a predetermined time. In S613, if the CPU 154 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, it proceeds to S605. On the other hand, in S613, if the CPU 154 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, it proceeds to S614. In S614, the CPU 154 terminates the DPP waiting mode, and in S615, it terminates the network setup mode. Note that the processing in S614 is the same as the processing in S606. And the processing in S615 is the same as the processing in S607.

[0086] As described above, according to the embodiment, when the network setup mode of the communication device 151 is automatically started, an indication that the network setup mode has started is displayed. Here, the indication that the network setup mode has started is displayed on a part of the screen of the display unit 161 in order to allow user operations other than network setup. Then, depending on the user's selection, a confirmation screen is displayed asking whether or not to display a two-dimensional barcode for performing network setup using WEC with DPP. This makes it possible to notify the user that network setup is possible even if the user is not aware that the network is in a state where it can be set up. Furthermore, since user operations other than network setup are also possible, usability is improved.

[0087] If the user manually initiates the network setup mode of the communication device 151, the two-dimensional barcode is displayed on the display unit 161 from the start, as this indicates the user intends to perform network setup.

[0088] This allows for a simple setup process that eliminates the need for user password entry, etc., by performing the setup using WEC when the connection between the designated access point and the communication device 151 can be established by WEC. Furthermore, if the connection between the designated access point and the communication device 151 cannot be established by WEC, the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 can be more reliably established by performing the setup using a different function than WEC.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, if the communication device 151 can connect to the predetermined access point to be configured, the information processing device 101 is controlled to transmit connection information of the predetermined access point to the communication device 151 via WEC. If the communication device 151 cannot connect to the predetermined access point to be configured, the information processing device 101 is controlled to transmit connection information of an access point different from the predetermined access point to the communication device 151 by setting up the network using a setup protocol. The case in which the communication device 151 can connect to the predetermined access point is, for example, when the communication device 151 supports the encryption method used for connecting to the predetermined access point, or when the communication device 151 supports the frequency band used for connecting to the predetermined access point. The case in which the communication device 151 cannot connect to the predetermined access point is, for example, when the communication device 151 does not support the encryption method used for connecting to the predetermined access point, or when the communication device 151 does not support the frequency band used for connecting to the predetermined access point. In this embodiment, even if the communication device 151 can connect to a predetermined access point, if the encryption method does not support WEC, the information processing device 101 is controlled to transmit connection information for an access point different from the predetermined access point.

[0090] Furthermore, the input to authorize the execution of settings related to the wireless connection of the communication device 151 may be provided by a physical button or the like, located outside the screen. Alternatively, the input to authorize the execution of settings related to the wireless connection of the communication device 151 may be provided by voice via an audio output unit (not shown) instead of a screen display.

[0091] In this embodiment, the DPP waiting mode is started after the network setup mode is started, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the network setup mode may be started after the DPP waiting mode is started. That is, if the start conditions for the network setup mode and the DPP waiting mode are the same, the start order does not matter, and both modes may be started simultaneously. Alternatively, the other mode may be started only after either the network setup mode or the DPP waiting mode has been started.

[0092] In this embodiment, the communication device 151 terminates the DPP waiting mode if the execution of WEC fails, but it may also remain in a configuration where it does not terminate. This makes it possible to perform network setup again in response to a request to perform network setup from the information processing device or a request to perform WEC.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the communication device 151 receives either a request to execute network setup or a request to execute WEC, it maintains the activation of the mode related to the other execution request. In other words, even when a request to execute network setup is received, the DPP waiting mode is kept active. However, when the communication device 151 receives either a request to execute network setup or a request to execute WEC, it may disable the mode related to the other execution request. For example, when a request to execute WEC is received, the network setup mode may be terminated. This prevents unintended network setup from being executed by disabling the mode related to the other execution request when either a request to execute network setup or a request to execute WEC is received.

[0094] Furthermore, if a WEC execution request is received and the network setup mode is terminated, and the WEC execution fails, the network setup mode is restarted based on the WEC execution failure. This makes it possible to perform network setup again in response to a network setup execution request from the information processing device.

[0095] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0096] [Item 1] A communication device that communicates with an information processing device, Based on the condition that the user is in a state where wireless setup for wireless communication with the information processing device can be initiated, a first presentation means presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup, A second presentation means that, based on the condition that the wireless setup can be initiated being a second condition different from the first condition, displays a screen containing information indicating that the wireless setup can be initiated, and presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup in response to user instructions. A receiving means for receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means, The receiving means includes a setting means that performs wireless configuration in response to the received request, A communication device characterized by having the following features.

[0097] [Item 2] The communication device according to item 1, characterized in that the first condition is when the user is able to manually initiate the wireless setup.

[0098] [Item 3] The communication device according to item 1, characterized in that the second condition is when the communication device is in a state where it can automatically start the wireless setup.

[0099] [Item 4] The communication device according to item 2, characterized in that the second condition is the power being turned on to the communication device.

[0100] [Item 5] The communication device according to item 2, characterized in that the second condition is met by the initialization of the communication device.

[0101] [Item 6] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the request received by the receiving means includes information about an access point used for wireless communication with the information processing device.

[0102] [Item 7] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the information necessary for the wireless settings is displayed as a two-dimensional barcode.

[0103] [Item 8] The communication device according to item 7, further comprising means for allowing the user to choose whether or not to display the two-dimensional barcode in response to the user's instructions.

[0104] [Item 9] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the information necessary for the wireless setting includes the identification information and public key information of the communication device.

[0105] [Item 10] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the information displayed on the screen indicating that the wireless settings can be started includes an icon indicating whether or not the wireless settings can be started.

[0106] [Item 11] The communication device according to item 10, characterized in that the user's instruction is a user operation on the icon by the user.

[0107] [Item 12] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the connection information is connection information for connecting to an access point.

[0108] [Item 13] The communication device according to item 12, characterized in that the setting means sets an infrastructure mode via the access point.

[0109] [Item 14] The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that the information processing device supports the Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) function, and the wireless settings are performed using the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP).

[0110] [Item 15] A communication system having an information processing device and a communication device, The aforementioned communication device is Based on the condition that the user is in a state where wireless setup for wireless communication with the information processing device can be initiated, a first presentation means presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup, A second presentation means that, based on the condition that the wireless setup can be initiated being a second condition different from the first condition, displays a screen containing information indicating that the wireless setup can be initiated, and presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup in response to user instructions. A receiving means for receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means, The receiving means includes a setting means that performs wireless settings in response to the request received, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition means for capturing information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means to acquire information necessary for the wireless setting, A transmission means that acquires the connection information based on the information acquired by the acquisition means and the information of the access point to be configured, and transmits it to the communication device as a request for wireless configuration, A communication system characterized by having the following features.

[0111] [Item 16] The communication system according to item 15, further comprising a selection means for selecting the access point to be set, wherein the information processing device further comprises a selection means for selecting the access point to be set.

[0112] [Item 17] The communication system according to item 15 or 16, characterized in that the information processing device authenticates the communication device using information necessary for the wireless setting, and the transmission means transmits a request for the wireless setting to the communication device upon successful authentication.

[0113] [Item 18] The communication system according to any one of items 15 to 17, characterized in that the authentication of the communication device is successful when the communication device receives encrypted information based on the information processing device necessary for the wireless setting, and the communication device is able to decrypt the encrypted information with the decryption key of the communication device.

[0114] [Item 19] A control method for controlling a communication device that communicates with an information processing device, Based on the condition that the user is in a state where they can start wireless setting for wireless communication with the information processing device, a first presentation step is performed to present the user with the information necessary for the wireless setting. A second presentation step is performed based on the fact that the conditions under which the wireless setup can be initiated are different from the first condition, by displaying a screen containing information indicating that the wireless setup can be initiated, and presenting the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup in accordance with the user's instructions. A receiving step of receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented in the first presentation step or the second presentation step, The receiving step includes a setting step in which the wireless settings are performed in response to the received request, A control method characterized by having the following features.

[0115] [Item 20] A program that causes a computer to perform each step of the control method described in item 19.

[0116] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 101...Information processing unit, 103...CPU, 104...ROM, 105...RAM, 106...External storage device, 108...Display unit, 110...Communication unit, 111...Short-range wireless communication unit, 112...Photography unit, 131...Access point, 151...Communication device, 152...ROM, 153...RAM, 154...CPU, 156...Communication unit, 157...Short-range wireless communication unit, 159...Operation unit, 160...Output interface, 161...Display unit

Claims

1. A communication device that communicates with an information processing device, Based on the fact that the communication device has reached a state where it can manually initiate wireless settings for wireless communication with the information processing device, a first presentation means presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless settings without displaying a screen containing information indicating that it is in a state where it can initiate wireless settings, Based on the fact that the communication device has automatically entered a state where it can start the wireless setup, a screen is displayed including a first area indicating that it is in a state where it can start the wireless setup, and a second area for receiving instructions to perform at least one of printing and scanning, and a second presentation means presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup in response to the user's instructions to the first area. A receiving means for receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means, The receiving means includes a setting means that performs wireless configuration in response to the received request, A communication device characterized by having the following features.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device automatically enters a state where it can start the wireless setup when the power of the communication device is turned on.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device automatically becomes ready to start the wireless setup upon initialization of the communication device.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the request received by the receiving means includes information about an access point used for wireless communication with the information processing device.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information necessary for the wireless settings is displayed as a two-dimensional barcode.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, further comprising means for allowing the user to choose whether or not to display the two-dimensional barcode in response to the user's instructions.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information necessary for the wireless setting includes the identification information and public key information of the communication device.

8. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information displayed on the screen indicating that the wireless settings can be started includes an icon indicating whether or not the wireless settings can be started.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that the user's instruction is a user operation on the icon by the user.

10. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection information is connection information for connecting to an access point.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that the setting means sets an infrastructure mode via the access point.

12. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information processing device supports the Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) function, and the wireless settings are performed using the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP).

13. The communication device further comprises a determination means for determining whether the communication device is in a state where it can manually start the wireless setting or whether it is in a state where it can automatically start the wireless setting. The first presentation means, when the determination means determines that the communication device is in a state where it can manually start the wireless setup, presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup without displaying a screen containing information indicating that it is in a state where it can start the wireless setup. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second presentation means displays a screen including the first area and the second area when the determination means determines that the communication device is ready to automatically start the wireless setup, and presents the user with information necessary for the wireless setup in response to user instructions on the first area.

14. The first region is displayed together with the second region as part of the display area of ​​the communication device, The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is possible to receive an instruction to perform at least one of printing and scanning in the second area while the first area is being displayed.

15. A communication system having an information processing device and a communication device, The aforementioned communication device is Based on the fact that the communication device has reached a state where it can manually initiate wireless settings for wireless communication with the information processing device, a first presentation means presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless settings without displaying a screen containing information indicating that it is in a state where it can initiate wireless settings, Based on the fact that the communication device has automatically entered a state where it can start the wireless setup, a screen is displayed including a first area indicating that it is in a state where it can start the wireless setup, and a second area for receiving instructions to perform at least one of printing and scanning, and a second presentation means presents the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup in response to the user's instructions to the first area. A receiving means for receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means, The receiving means includes a setting means that performs wireless settings in response to the request received, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition means for capturing information presented by the first presentation means or the second presentation means and acquiring information necessary for the wireless setting, A transmission means that acquires the connection information based on the information acquired by the acquisition means and the information of the access point to be configured, and transmits it to the communication device as a request for wireless configuration, A communication system characterized by having the following features.

16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein the information processing device further comprises a selection means for selecting the access point to be set.

17. The communication system according to claim 15, characterized in that the information processing device authenticates the communication device using information necessary for the wireless setting, and the transmission means transmits a request for the wireless setting to the communication device upon successful authentication.

18. The communication system according to claim 15, characterized in that the authentication of the communication device is successful when the communication device receives encrypted information based on the information processing device necessary for the wireless setting, and the communication device is able to decrypt the encrypted information with the decryption key of the communication device.

19. A control method for controlling a communication device that communicates with an information processing device, Based on the fact that the communication device has reached a state where it can manually initiate wireless settings for wireless communication with the information processing device, a first presentation step is to present the user with the information necessary for the wireless settings without displaying a screen containing information indicating that it is in a state where it can initiate wireless settings. Based on the fact that the communication device has automatically entered a state where it can start the wireless setup, a screen is displayed including a first area indicating that it is in a state where it can start the wireless setup, and a second area for receiving instructions to perform at least one of the following: printing and scanning, and a second presentation step is made to present the user with the information necessary for the wireless setup in response to the user's instructions to the first area. A receiving step of receiving a request for wireless settings from the information processing device that has acquired connection information based on the information presented in the first presentation step or the second presentation step, The receiving step includes a setting step in which the wireless settings are performed in response to the received request, A control method characterized by having the following features.

20. A program for causing a computer to perform each step of the control method described in claim 19.

Images