Communication device, its control method, and program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a function that connects a communication device and an access point.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer of an information processing device that communicates with a first communication device and a second communication device different from the first communication device to execute: a first acquisition step of acquiring connection information for connecting with an access point from the first communication device; and a first transmission step of transmitting the connection information to the second communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method thereof, 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 regarding an access point 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] By the way, as the function of transmitting connection information for connecting to an access point to a communication device and connecting the communication device and the access point becomes widespread, it is required to improve the convenience of the function.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Based on the computer of the information processing device receiving an execution instruction of the registration process of the communication device from the user, from a first communication device, specific information regarding the first communication device is acquired, and a registration process of registering the first communication device based on the acquired specific information, and ​An acquisition process for acquiring first connection information from the first communication device, which is information for connecting to the first access point and includes the password used when the first communication device connected to the first access point; A recording process that controls the recording of the first connection information acquired in the acquisition process, A processing means that processes to execute, The An acquisition means for acquiring search result information indicating one or more access points discovered by the communication device 2 performing an AP search from the second communication device by communication using a communication method that does not go through an access point, If the search result information acquired by the acquisition means includes information of a first access point corresponding to the first connection information recorded in the recording process, the transmission means controls the transmission of the first connection information to the second communication device by communication using a communication method that does not involve an access point. A program characterized by being designed to function as such. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform network configuration operations that are highly convenient. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of an information processing device, a communication device, and an access point. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the network configuration of information processing equipment, communication equipment, and access points. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by the information processing device and the communication device. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by the information processing device and the communication device. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by an information processing device. [Figure 6]This diagram shows the network configuration of information processing equipment, communication equipment, and access points. [Figure 7] This is an example of a list of AP connection information obtained during the connection information acquisition process. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by an information processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] (First Embodiment) This section describes the information processing device and communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment. While a smartphone is used as an example of the information processing device in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, various devices such as mobile terminals, PCs (personal computers), tablet terminals, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and digital cameras can be used as information processing devices. Similarly, while a printer is used as an example of the communication device in this embodiment, it is not limited to this; various devices capable of wireless communication with the information processing device can be used. For example, inkjet printers, full-color laser beam printers, monochrome printers, etc., can be used. Furthermore, it can be applied not only to printers but also to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, etc. It can also be applied to multifunction devices equipped with multiple functions such as copying, faxing, and printing.

[0011] Also, in this embodiment, the information processing apparatus can execute network setup processing for other apparatuses. Note that the network setup of other apparatuses is processing for connecting other apparatuses to an access point that forms a network. Specifically, the information processing apparatus transmits connection information of the access point to the communication apparatus via Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus operating as a network setup mode described later and the information processing apparatus. Then, the communication apparatus can connect to the network formed by the access point by connecting to the access point using the received connection information of the access point. Note that the communication method used for the network setup processing is Wi-Fi communication, but it is not limited to this. For example, the network setup may be executed by a communication method other than Wi-Fi, such as BLE.

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

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

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

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

[0016] The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as 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.

[0017] The RAM 105 is composed of an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) etc. that 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 volatile. Also, a memory area for storing the setting information of the information processing apparatus 101 and the management data of the information processing apparatus 101 etc. is also provided in the RAM 105. Further, the RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103.

[0018] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as the "configuration app") for performing network setup of 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 for configuring the access point (AP) to which the communication device 151 is connected. The configuration app may also have functions other than network setup. For example, the configuration app may have a function to make the communication device 151 perform printing, a function to scan a document set in the communication device 151, a function to check the status of the communication device 151, etc. The 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 information transmission and reception control programs that are transmitted and received with the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

[0019] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101.

[0020] The display unit 108 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and is used to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point within the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or it may communicate via an external device located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. External devices include 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 assumed to be Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark), a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. The network setup process described above is performed by communication via the communication unit 110. Furthermore, the access point 131 can be, for example, a wireless LAN router or other device. 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.

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

[0023] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 performs network setup based on an instruction to execute network setup processing by the settings application.

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

[0025] 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 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 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. The network setup described above is performed by communication by the communication unit 156. The communication unit 156 may have 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.

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

[0027] Infrastructure mode is a configuration 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, the access point 131). The connection with the external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as an 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, the master station is a device that determines the communication channel used in the network to which the master station belongs, and the slave station is a device that does not determine the communication channel used in the network to which the slave station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0028] 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. The master station may be determined without performing Group Owner Negotiation. A device that is WFD-compatible and 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.

[0029] Furthermore, 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 setup access point that is valid during operation 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 enabled 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. Also, this setup access point shall be an access point that does not require a password for connection. Furthermore, the communication device 151 operating in network setup mode shall use a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specifically, the setup communication protocol is, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). After 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 does not require a password, and if it is enabled for an extended period, it increases the likelihood of unauthorized devices requesting a connection. However, the setup access point may require a password. In that case, the password used to connect to the setup access point should be a fixed (user-unchangeable) password that the configuration app has pre-programmed. Furthermore, if the information processing device supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark), it can perform this function.WEC is a function that uses the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP), developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, to perform network setup for other devices. In other words, information processing devices may perform network setup using protocols other than SNMP. In addition to DPP, protocols such as HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) may also be used as protocols other than SNMP.

[0030] 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, connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the information processing device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0031] RAM 153 is composed of SRAM and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM 153's data is maintained by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. RAM 153 also includes a memory area for storing setting information and management data for the communication device 151. Furthermore, RAM 153 is used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, storing a receive buffer for temporarily saving print information received from the information processing device 101, and various other information.

[0032] ROM152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under the management of the embedded OS also stored in ROM152.

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

[0034] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by adding a recording agent such as ink to the recording medium based on the information stored in the RAM 153 and the print job received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs the print result. 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 the communication unit 156, which is capable of high-speed communication than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

[0035] Furthermore, the communication device 151 may be equipped with an external HDD or SD card as an optional memory device, and the information stored in the communication device 151 may be stored in such memory.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the state in which the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-a are connected to the network 132 formed by AP131. In other words, the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-a are in an infrastructure connection state and are able to communicate with each other. Here, for example, if a user purchases a new communication device 151-b, it is preferable that the communication device 151-b is also connected to the network 132 by performing the network setup described above. However, in order to enhance security, network setup may require operations to perform the network setup (such as password entry by the user or selection of an AP). Thus, there is a problem that operations to perform network setup are required every time a situation arises in which a communication device needs to be newly connected to the network.

[0037] Therefore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 101-a executes a connection information acquisition process to obtain connection information for AP131, including the SSID and password, from the communication device 101-a which is already connected to network 132. The reason for obtaining connection information from communication device 151-a, even if the information processing device 101-a is already connected to network 132, is that the configuration application cannot obtain the password for connecting to network 132 from the OS of the information processing device 101-a. Then, when performing network setup for communication device 151-b, the acquired connection information for AP131 is sent to communication device 151-b. As a result, when performing network setup for communication device 151-b, the user can connect communication device 151-b to AP131 (network 132) without selecting an AP or entering a password. In addition, the connection information for connecting communication device 151-b to network 132 can be passed on to communication device 151-b. These measures improve usability.

[0038] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the processes executed by the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-a during the execution of the connection information acquisition process. The processes shown in the sequence diagram of Figure 3 are realized, for example, when the CPU 103 of the information processing device reads the program of the setting application stored in the memory of the information processing device into the RAM 105 of the information processing device and executes it.

[0039] First, in S301, the information processing device 101-a establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP131.

[0040] Next, in S302, the communication device 151-a establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP131. Alternatively, the communication device 151-a may establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP131 by executing the network setup process described above. Alternatively, the communication device 151-a may establish a Wi-Fi connection with AP131 based on a predetermined operation on the communication device 151-a itself for establishing a Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151-a and AP131.

[0041] Next, in S303, the information processing device 101-a receives an instruction from the user via the configuration application to execute the registration process for the communication device 151-a.

[0042] Next, in S304, the information processing device 101-a searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which it belongs (i.e., the network formed by AP131). When the information processing device 101-a receives information indicating a response from the communication device 151, it determines that the communication device 151 has been found. The information processing device 101-a then displays a list of the found communication devices 151 on the display unit 108. Here, we assume that only the communication device 151-a has been found. Based on the user selecting the information of the communication device 151-a displayed on the display unit 108, the information processing device 101-a executes the registration process for the communication device 151-a. Specifically, the information processing device 101-a requests capability information from the communication device 151-a, and the communication device 151-a sends the capability information to the information processing device 101-a. As a result, the information of the communication device 151-a is registered on the configuration application, and thereafter, communication with the communication device 151-a can be performed by the configuration application. The capability information for communication device 151-a includes various information about communication device 151-a, such as its name and MAC address. It also includes information related to print settings, such as the paper sizes and types that communication device 151-a can use, and the print settings (border settings, duplex settings) that communication device 151-a can use.

[0043] Next, in S305, the information processing device 101-a executes connection information acquisition processing. That is, it acquires connection information for AP131 from the communication device 151-a. The connection information includes the SSID name (SSID) of AP131, the password (authentication information), and the encryption method of AP131. The connection information only needs to include the password. Note that the connection information is not limited to the above and may also include information about the frequency used by AP131 and information about the channel used by AP131. If the information processing device 101-a successfully acquires the SSID name and encryption method of AP131, it may acquire the password according to the acquired encryption method. Specifically, the information processing device 101-a may determine whether the acquired encryption method is an encryption method that supports the network setup process, and if it is, it may execute a notification (display) allowing the user to choose whether or not to acquire the password. If the user makes an input indicating that they want to acquire the password, the information processing device 101-a may acquire the password from the communication device 151-a. Furthermore, the information processing device 101-a may determine whether the acquired encryption method is compatible with the network setup process, and if it is not compatible, it does not need to execute a notification (display) asking the user whether or not to acquire a password. Examples of encryption methods compatible with the network setup process include WPA2 and WEP, while an example of an encryption method not compatible with the network setup process is WPA2 Enterprise. Additionally, the information processing device 101-a may compare newly acquired connection information with stored connection information and acquire the connection information only if it differs. Alternatively, it may determine whether it is communicating on a different network than the previous communication with the communication device 151-a, and acquire (update) the connection information if it is communicating on a different network.

[0044] Next, in S306, the information processing device 101-a stores (stores) the connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a in the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a. At this time, the SSID name and password may be stored in an encrypted state. If there is already stored connection information, it will be overwritten with the newly acquired connection information. Alternatively, the stored connection information and the newly acquired connection information may be compared, and if it is determined that they are different, the stored connection information may be overwritten with the newly acquired connection information. In S305, the information processing device 101-a determines whether the acquired encryption method is compatible with the network setup process, and if it is not compatible, the acquired SSID and encryption method do not need to be stored.

[0045] Furthermore, the timing of AP131's connection information acquisition process is not limited to when the communication device 151-a is registered with the configuration application; it can be executed at any time when communication with the communication device 151-a is possible. For example, if the configuration application has printing or scanning functions, it can be executed when a print job or scan job is executed. This increases the frequency of connection information acquisition, allowing the latest connection information to be saved in the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a. In addition, even if a malfunction occurs in the communication device 151-a and communication becomes difficult, acquiring connection information when communication is possible ensures that the acquisition of connection information is performed more reliably.

[0046] Next, the network setup process performed by the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-b will be explained using Figures 2 and 4. The sequence shown in Figure 4 is realized, for example, when the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101-a reads the program of the setting application stored in the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a or an external storage device into the RAM 105 of the information processing device 101-a and executes it. As mentioned above, a setup communication protocol is used for communication between the communication device 151-b, which is operating in network setup mode, and the information processing device 101-a via a Wi-Fi connection. In Figure 2, the information processing device 101-a is assumed to have acquired and stored the connection information of AP131 from the communication device 151-a through the connection information acquisition process described above. Furthermore, when the network setup of the communication device 151-b is executed, the communication device 151-a may not be present on the network 132 (not connected to AP131).

[0047] In S401, the information processing device 101-a establishes a Wi-Fi connection with AP131. Note that the AP with which the information processing device 101-a establishes a connection may be different from AP131.

[0048] In S402, the communication device 151-b starts operating in the network setup mode described above. Operation in network setup mode is initiated when the power-on operation is performed on the communication device 151-b, which is in a state where initial setup is not yet complete, and power is supplied to the communication device 151-b. Alternatively, it is initiated when the predetermined operation for network setup is performed on the communication device 151-b, which is already powered on.

[0049] In S403, the information processing device 101-a accepts a predetermined operation for network setup (hereinafter referred to as "setting operation") on the screen displayed by the setting application. Note that the setting operation is a different operation from the instruction to execute the registration process of the communication device 151-a, which is the operation in which the connection information acquisition process described in Figure 3 is executed. The information processing device 101-a then acquires information about the access point to which the information processing device 101 was wirelessly connected via Wi-Fi (hereinafter referred to as "connected AP") at least when the setting operation was performed. In this embodiment, since the information processing device 101 has not switched the connected access point after the setting operation has been performed, this access point is also the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected in S403. This information includes information for connecting to the access point to which the information processing device 101-a is wirelessly connected via Wi-Fi (SSID, information indicating the encryption method, etc.). The acquired information is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory of the information processing device 101-a. If the information processing device 101-a is not connected to any access point via Wi-Fi when the configuration operation is performed, this process will be omitted. In Figure 2, the connected AP is AP131, but the connected AP may be a different AP from AP131.

[0050] In S404, the information processing device 101-a disconnects the Wi-Fi connection with the connected AP.

[0051] In S405, the information processing device 101-a establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the communication device 151-b. Specifically, the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101-a instructs the OS of the information processing device 101-a to search for access points around the information processing device 101, and obtains the search results using the configuration application. Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not there is an access point enabled by the communication device 151-b operating in network setup mode among the obtained search results. As described above, in this embodiment, the SSID of an access point enabled by the communication device 151-b operating in network setup mode contains a predetermined string that is recognized in advance by the configuration application. Therefore, in this determination, the CPU 103 specifically determines whether or not there is an access point with an SSID containing the predetermined string among the obtained search results. If the determination is YES, the CPU 103 of the information processing device 101-a attempts to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the access point enabled by the communication device 151-b operating in network setup mode, which was included in the search results, and the information processing device 101-a. This Wi-Fi connection corresponds to the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151-b and the information processing device 101-a, which are operating in the network setup mode.

[0052] In S406, the information processing device 101-a requests a list of access points from the communication device 151-b via a Wi-Fi connection between the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-b, which is operating in network setup mode, using a configuration application.

[0053] Next, in S407, the communication device 151-b transmits a list of access points to the information processing device 101-a via a Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151-b, which is operating in network setup mode, and the information processing device 101-a. The list transmitted here is a list of one or more access points that the communication device 151-b can connect to, which were discovered by the communication device 151-b performing an AP search.

[0054] Next, in S408, the information processing device 101-a transmits connection information for one of the access points included in the received list to the communication device 151-b via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151-b, which is operating in network setup mode, and the information processing device 101-a. This process is achieved by the setup application controlling the information processing device 101 to transmit connection information for one of the access points included in the received list. Details of the process in S408 will be described later in Figure 5. The communication device 151-b may also notify the information processing device 101-a that it has received connection information via the Wi-Fi connection between the communication device 151-b, which is operating in network setup mode, and the information processing device 101-a.

[0055] In S409, the information processing device 101-a disconnects the Wi-Fi connection between the information processing device 101-a and the access point enabled by the communication device 151-b, which is operating in network setup mode.

[0056] In S410, the information processing device 101-a re-establishes a connection with the already connected AP using the stored connection information. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the information processing device 101-a has sent connection information for another access point different from the already connected AP to the communication device 151-b, it may connect to that other access point. For example, in S408, if the information processing device 101-a sends connection information for an AP corresponding to the connection information acquired in the connection setting acquisition process to the communication device 151-b, that AP may be a different AP from the already connected AP. In this case, the information processing device 101-a may connect to the AP corresponding to the connection information acquired in the connection setting acquisition process. Also, for example, if the information processing device 101-a sends connection information for an access point selected by the user to the communication device 151-b, it connects to that access point. This enables communication with the communication device 151-b via the network formed by the connected access point.

[0057] In S411, the communication device 151-b terminates its operation in network setup mode and transitions to infrastructure mode. The communication device 151-b then attempts to connect to the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained in S408. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151-b can then perform communication via the network formed by the connected access point.

[0058] Subsequently, the information processing device 101-a may search for the communication device 151-b on the network to which it belongs using the configuration application. If the communication device 151-b is found, the information processing device 101-a requests capability information from the communication device 151-b, and the communication device 151-b sends the capability information to the information processing device 101-a. In other words, the information processing device 101-a may perform the registration process for the communication device 151-b. This registers the information of the communication device 151-b on the configuration application, and thereafter, communication with the communication device 151-b becomes possible via the configuration application. Specifically, for example, the configuration application can be used to send print jobs to the communication device 151-b. At this time, if the information processing device 101-a belongs to the network formed by the access point to which the communication device 151-b is connected via the network setup, communication with the communication device 151-b becomes possible via that access point. Here, the registration process for communication device 151-b includes an addition process and a replacement process. The addition process is the process for newly connecting the purchased communication device 151-b to network 132 while maintaining the connection of communication device 151-a, which is already connected to network 132, to network 132. In other words, it is the process for enabling communication between information processing device 101-a and communication device 151-b while maintaining the state in which communication is possible between information processing device 101-a and communication device 151-a. The replacement process is the process for disconnecting communication device 151-a, which is already connected to network 132, from network 132, and connecting the purchased communication device 151-b to network 132 in its place. In other words, it is the process for canceling the state in which communication is possible between information processing device 101-a and communication device 151-a, and for enabling communication between information processing device 101-a and communication device 151-b. Therefore, if the registration information for communication device 151-a is already saved in the settings application, the operation screen for issuing instructions to execute the registration process for communication device 151-b may display an object indicating the addition process for communication device 151-b and an object indicating the replacement process for communication device 151-b.This allows the user to choose whether to perform the process of adding communication device 151-b or the process of replacing communication device 151-b. For example, the processes S501 to S511 are executed based on the operation of either object. If the object indicating the process of adding communication device 151-b is operated, in the subsequent registration process, the registration information for communication device 151-a may remain stored in the settings app, while the registration information for communication device 151-b is newly stored in the settings app. Alternatively, for example, if the object indicating the process of replacing communication device 151-b is operated, in the subsequent registration process, the registration information for communication device 151-a stored in the settings app may be deleted, and the registration information for communication device 151-b may be newly stored in the settings app. Note that the above objects do not need to be displayed if no registration information for communication device 151 is stored in the settings app, and the purchased communication device 151-b is the first communication device 151 connected to network 132. Alternatively, the object is displayed regardless of whether one or more registration entries for communication device 151 are saved in the settings app, but in either case, the registration entry for communication device 151-b may simply be saved. Furthermore, only one of the objects may be displayed. For example, if no registration entries for communication device 151 are saved in the settings app, the object indicating the addition process may be displayed, while the object indicating the replacement process may not be displayed. In this case, the object indicating the replacement process may be displayed in a non-operable state. Note that if communication between information processing device 101-a and communication device 151-b cannot be performed, the request and acquisition of capability information is omitted. For example, this may occur if the access point to which communication device 151-b is connected is not the same access point to which information processing device 101-a is connected. Also, the timing at which the above-mentioned objects are displayed is not limited to the above-mentioned form; for example, it may also be displayed when information processing device 101-a receives capability information. And, if the object displayed at this timing is selected, either the addition process or the replacement process may be executed.

[0059] Figure 5 is a flowchart detailing the process executed by the information processing device 101-a in step S408 of the network setup process shown in Figure 4. The flowchart shown in Figure 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a configuration application stored in the ROM 104 or external storage device 106 into the RAM 105 and executing it.

[0060] In S501, the CPU 103, in the connection information acquisition process, obtains the connection information of AP131, which was acquired and stored from the communication device 151-a, from the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a.

[0061] In S502, the CPU 103 determines whether the list of access points obtained from the communication device 151-b in S406 includes AP131, which corresponds to the connection information obtained in S501. Since the list of access points obtained from the communication device 151-b contains information about the access points, the CPU 103 specifically determines whether the SSID of AP131, which corresponds to the connection information obtained in S501, is included in the list. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on information indicating that the devices are of the same standard or use the same encryption method, rather than the SSID. If the CPU 103 determines YES in S502, it proceeds to S503; if it determines NO in S502, it proceeds to S504.

[0062] In S503, the CPU 103 transmits the connection information for AP 131, including the password, obtained from the communication device 151-a in the connection information acquisition process described above, to the communication device 151-b. Note that if the process proceeds to S503, the user will not be prompted to enter a password. In the connection information acquisition process, the connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a is transmitted to the communication device 151-b, but information other than the password in the connection information may be information that the information processing device 101-a has previously stored. For example, instead of the SSID name obtained from the communication device 151-a in the connection information acquisition process, the SSID name of the AP that the information processing device 101-a has previously obtained may be transmitted to the communication device 151-b. The process in S503 corresponds to the process in S408 in Figure 4.

[0063] In S504, the CPU 103 determines whether the list of access points obtained from the communication device 151-b in S406 includes connected APs. If the CPU 103 determines YES in S504, it proceeds to S505; if it determines NO in S504, it proceeds to S506. In this embodiment, the list includes only access points discovered by the search performed by the communication device 151-b. Therefore, if a connected AP is included in the received list, it means that the communication device 151-b can connect to the connected AP. Conversely, if a connected AP is not included in the received list, it means that the communication device 151-b cannot connect to the connected AP. Furthermore, access points that can be connected using encryption methods not supported by the communication device 151-b are not included in the list because the communication device 151-b cannot connect to them. Also, access points that can be connected using frequency bands not supported by the communication device 151-b are not included in the list because the communication device 151-b cannot connect to them. Therefore, connection information for an access point different from the already connected AP will be transmitted to the communication device 151-b.

[0064] In S505, the CPU 103 displays a screen on the display unit 108 that accepts the password input of the connected AP from the user. When the user inputs the password, the CPU 103 transmits the connection information of the connected AP, including the password, to the communication device 151-b. The process in S505 corresponds to the process in S408 in Figure 5.

[0065] In S506, the CPU 103 displays the list received from the communication device 151-b in S406 on the display unit 108 and accepts the user's selection of one of the access points in the list.

[0066] In S507, the CPU 103 receives a password input request for the access point selected in S506 from the user via the display unit 108, etc., and transmits the connection information of the selected access point, including the password, to the communication device 151-b. The processing in S507 corresponds to the processing in S408 in Figure 4.

[0067] The processing shown in the flowchart above is not limited to what has been described. For example, if NO is determined in S504, the list may always be displayed and the user may be asked to select an access point each time. Alternatively, if NO is determined in S504, the connection information for the access point may not be transmitted. Furthermore, the information processing device 101-a does not need to attempt to establish a connection between the communication device 151-b and the access point. In this case, the information processing device 101-a may receive the connection information for the access point that is enabled within the communication device 151-b when in AP mode, and attempt to establish a connection between the communication device 151-b, which is operating in AP mode, and the information processing device 101-a. In this configuration, the communication device 151-b transmits the connection information for the access point that is enabled within the communication device 151-b when in AP mode, then exits network setup mode and transitions to AP mode.

[0068] Furthermore, if NO is determined in S502, the communication device 151-b will connect to an AP different from the AP 131 corresponding to the connection information acquired by the information processing device 101-a in the connection information acquisition process. In this case, the CPU 103 establishes a connection with the AP to which the communication device 151-b has connected in S410 and communicates with the communication device 151-b. The CPU 103 may then acquire the connection information of the AP to which the communication device 151-b has connected from the communication device 151-b and update (save) the previously stored connection information. In other words, when network setup is subsequently performed on the communication device 151-c, the connection information acquired from the communication device 151-b will be transmitted.

[0069] Furthermore, if the CPU 103 fails to obtain the connection information for AP131 from the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a in S501, it may proceed to S504. The failure to obtain the connection information for AP131 refers, for example, to the case where the encryption method obtained by the information processing device 101-a in the connection information acquisition process is an encryption method that is not compatible with the network setup process, and the connection information for AP131 is not stored.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 103 acquires connection information for AP131 from the communication device 151-a connected to the network formed by AP131 during the connection information acquisition process. Then, when the network setup of the communication device 151-b that the user wishes to set up is performed, the CPU 103 transmits the connection information for AP131, including the password, acquired during the connection information acquisition process, to the communication device 151-b. As a result, when the network setup of the communication device 151-b is performed, the user can connect the communication device 151-b to AP131 (network 132) without having to select an AP or enter a password. Furthermore, the connection information for connecting the communication device 151-b to network 132 can be transferred to the communication device 151-b. This improves usability. Moreover, by acquiring the connection information for AP131 from the communication device 151-a connected to the network formed by AP131, more reliable connection information can be obtained.

[0071] (Second Embodiment) Embodiment 1 describes a configuration in which connection information for one AP131 acquired from the communication device 151-a is stored during the connection information acquisition process.

[0072] Embodiment 2 describes a configuration in which connection information for multiple APs is stored when connection information acquisition processing is performed for multiple communication devices. The following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a state in which the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-a are connected to network 132 formed by AP131. It also shows a state in which the information processing device 101-a and the communication device 151-c are connected to network 134 formed by AP133. Note that the communication device 151-b is not connected to network 132 or network 134. Furthermore, it is assumed that the information processing device 101-a has acquired and stored the connection information for AP131 from the communication device 151-a through the connection information acquisition process described above. It is also assumed that the information processing device 101-a has acquired and stored the connection information for AP133 from the communication device 151-c. Note that when the network setup of communication device 151-b is executed, communication devices 151-a and 151-c may not be present in network 132 and network 134, respectively.

[0074] Figure 7 shows an example of a list of AP connection information (hereinafter referred to as the AP connection information list) obtained during the connection information acquisition process. In S305, following the same sequence as in Figure 3, the CPU 103 obtains connection information for AP 131 from communication device 151-a. It also obtains connection information for AP 133 from communication device 151-c. For example, at least the printer name of the communication device that is the source of the AP connection information, the AP's SSID name, and password are associated and stored in the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a. Other information related to the AP may also be associated. Furthermore, the information processing device 101-a may compare newly acquired connection information with the stored connection information and save it only if the connection information is different. Alternatively, it may determine whether it is communicating on a different network than the previous communication with communication device 151-a, and acquire (update) the connection information if it is communicating on a different network.

[0075] Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the process executed by the information processing device 101-a in step S408 of the network setup process shown in Figure 4. The flowchart shown in Figure 8 is realized, for example, when the CPU 103 reads a configuration application stored in the ROM 104 or external storage device 106 into the RAM 105 and executes it.

[0076] In S801, the CPU 103, in the connection information acquisition process, obtains a list of AP connection information, which contains connection information for one or more APs acquired and stored from the communication device 151-a or the communication device 151-c, from the ROM 104 of the information processing device 101-a.

[0077] In S802, the CPU 103 compares the list of access points obtained from the communication device 151-b in S406 (hereinafter referred to as the AP list) with the AP connection information list obtained in S801. The CPU 103 then determines whether any of the APs included in the AP connection information list are also included in the AP list. Alternatively, it may be determined whether any of the APs included in the AP list are also included in the AP connection information list, or whether any APs are included in both lists. If the CPU 103 determines YES in S802, it proceeds to S803; if it determines NO in S802, it proceeds to S806.

[0078] In S803, CPU103 determines whether multiple APs in the AP connection information list are included in the AP list. If CPU103 determines YES in S803, it proceeds to S804; if it determines NO in S803, it proceeds to S805. Note that if only one AP is included in the AP connection information list, S803 determines NO.

[0079] In S804, if multiple APs are included in the AP list, the CPU 103 transmits the connection information of the APs included in the AP list to the communication device 151-b. If no connected APs are included in the AP list, the CPU 103 may compare the AP connection information list with the AP list and transmit the connection information of the first matching AP to the communication device 151-b. Specifically, for example, if the AP connection information list is numbered, the CPU 103 may compare it with the AP list in numerical order. Then, the CPU 103 may transmit the connection information of the AP with the first matching number to the communication device 151-b.

[0080] In S805, the CPU 103 transmits the connection information of APs that are included in the AP connection information list to the communication device 151-b.

[0081] Since steps S806 to S809 are the same as steps S504 to S507 in Figure 5, their explanation will be omitted.

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, connection information of multiple APs obtained from communication devices 151-a and 151-c is stored during the connection information acquisition process. This increases the likelihood that, when performing network setup of communication device 151-b, the user can connect communication device 151-b to AP 131 (network 132) without having to select an AP or enter a password. The CPU 103 also compares the AP list with the AP connection information list, and if multiple APs in the AP connection information list are included in the AP list, it sends the connection information of the connected APs from among the APs included in both lists to communication device 151-b. This increases the likelihood that the infrastructure connection between information processing device 101-a and communication device 151-b will be established.

[0083] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101-a has been described as acquiring and storing connection information for multiple APs by acquiring connection information for each AP from communication devices 151-a and 151-c connected to multiple different networks. However, this embodiment may also be applied to a configuration in which connection information for multiple APs is acquired from a communication device 151-a connected to a single network. Specifically, in Figure 2, it is possible that connection information for other APs, not just AP 131, may be acquired from communication device 151-a. In this case, for example, if connection information for another AP is newly acquired after the connection information for AP 131 has been acquired, the connection information for AP 131 is not overwritten with the connection information for AP 131, but rather the connection information for both APs is saved. Then, in the network setup process of communication device 151-b, when the process proceeds to S804 in Figure 8, the connection information for connected APs among the APs corresponding to the connection information acquired in the connection information acquisition process is transmitted to communication device 151-b.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if multiple APs in the AP connection information list are included in the AP list, the CPU 103 transmits the connection information of the connected APs to the communication device 151-b. However, regardless of whether a connected AP is included in the AP list or not, the CPU 103 may compare the AP connection information list with the AP list and transmit the connection information of the first matching AP to the communication device 151-b. Specifically, for example, the AP connection information list may be numbered, and the CPU 103 may compare it with the AP list in numerical order. The CPU 103 may then transmit the connection information of the AP corresponding to the first matching number to the communication device 151-b. In addition, the location information of the APs, such as GPS information, obtained through the connection information acquisition process may be associated with the AP connection information list, and the connection information of APs that are close to the information processing device 101-a may be transmitted to the communication device 151-b.

[0085] (Other embodiments) In the embodiment described above, the CPU 103 determines whether the AP list obtained from the communication device 151-b contains APs corresponding to the connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a and the communication device 151-c during the connection information acquisition process. Specifically, the determinations in S502 and S802 are performed. However, the CPU 103 may transmit the connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a and the communication device 151-c during the connection information acquisition process to the communication device 151-b without performing the determination. In other words, the CPU 103 may transmit the connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a and the communication device 151-c to the communication device 151-b without receiving the AP list from the communication device 151-b. Alternatively, the CPU 103 may receive the AP list from the communication device 151-b but transmit the connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a and the communication device 151-c to the communication device 151-b without performing the determination.

[0086] In the embodiment described above, the CPU 103 may determine whether a connected AP corresponds to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a during the connection information acquisition process, before requesting a list of APs from the communication device 151-b. If it is determined that a connected AP does not correspond to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a, the CPU 103 may determine whether the information processing device 101-a can connect to the AP corresponding to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a. If it is determined that the information processing device can connect to the AP corresponding to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a, the CPU 103 may connect the information processing device 101-a to the AP corresponding to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a. In other words, the information processing device 101-a is pre-connected to the AP corresponding to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a. This increases the likelihood that the information processing device 101-a can communicate with the communication device 151-b via the AP when the communication device 151-b connects to that AP. The case in which the information processing device 101-a cannot connect to the AP corresponding to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a is when the information processing device 101-a does not support the standards or encryption methods used for connecting to the AP. For example, this may occur when switching information processing devices 101-a. However, if the information processing device 101-a after the switch is an information processing device 101-a that has restored backup data from the information processing device 101-a before the switch, the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a is saved. Alternatively, if the information processing device 101-a after the switch is an information processing device 101-a that is synchronized with the information processing device 101-a before the switch, the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a is saved. Therefore, even if the information processing device 101-a after the switch cannot connect to the AP corresponding to the AP connection information obtained from the communication device 151-a, it is still possible to transmit the AP connection information to the communication device 151-b.

[0087] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the CPU 103 acquires AP connection information from the communication device 151-a and stores it in the ROM 104 or memory, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, devices belonging to network 132 in Figure 2 may be able to use external cloud servers and various web pages or other internet services. In such an environment, the CPU 103 can store the AP connection information acquired from the communication device on the cloud server. By linking the configuration application with the user's own account information on the cloud server, the user can skip entering their ID and password when accessing the cloud server. Also, if the communication device is linked with the user's own account information on the cloud server, the communication device can directly store the AP connection information on the cloud server without going through the information processing device 101-a. This simplifies the process of saving AP connection information.

[0088] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a network setup in which connection information is transmitted via a Wi-Fi connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, network setup may also involve transmitting connection information via a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 using a communication method other than Wi-Fi, such as BLE. In this configuration, the information processing device 101 can maintain a Wi-Fi connection with the connected AP while connecting to the communication device 151 via BLE. In addition, the communication device 151-a may transmit AP connection information to the communication device 151-b by executing WEC using DPP, or it may transmit AP connection information to the communication device 151-b by executing setup using HTTP.

[0089] In addition, the above-described embodiments can also be realized by performing the following process: sharing software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments with a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program. The program may be executed on a single computer or by having multiple computers work together. Furthermore, it is not necessary to implement all of the above-described processes in software; some or all of the processes may be implemented in hardware such as an ASIC. Also, the CPU is not limited to a single CPU that performs all the processing; multiple CPUs may work together as appropriate to perform the processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 101 Information Processing Device 151 Communication equipment 103 CPU

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, Based on receiving a user's instruction to execute the registration process for the communication device, A registration process that obtains specific information relating to the first communication device from the first communication device and registers the first communication device based on the obtained specific information, An acquisition process for acquiring first connection information from the first communication device, which is information for connecting to the first access point and includes the password used when the first communication device connected to the first access point; A recording process that controls the recording of the first connection information acquired in the acquisition process, A processing means that processes to execute, An acquisition means for acquiring search result information indicating one or more access points discovered by the second communication device performing an AP search from the second communication device by communication using a communication method that does not involve access points, If the search result information acquired by the acquisition means includes information of a first access point corresponding to the first connection information recorded in the recording process, the transmission means controls the transmission of the first connection information to the second communication device via a communication method that does not involve an access point. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific information includes information relating to the name of the first communication device.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the specific information includes the MAC address of the first communication device.

4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the specific information includes at least one of the following: information on paper size, paper type, border setting, and duplex setting, which can be used by the first communication device having a printing function.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the registration process is a process of registering the first communication device with a specific application installed in the information processing device, which is capable of being controlled by the transmission means.

6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first connection information transmitted to the second communication device includes the SSID of the first access point.

7. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the recording process controls the recording of the first connection information in the storage area of ​​the information processing device.

8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the recording process controls the recording of the first connection information to an external server.

9. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transmitting means controls the program to transmit the first connection information to the second communication device if the search result information acquired by the acquisition means includes the first access point corresponding to the first connection information to which the second communication device can connect.

10. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transmitting means controls not to transmit the first connection information to the second communication device if the search result information acquired by the acquisition means does not include the first access point corresponding to the first connection information to which the second communication device can connect.

11. The computer of the aforementioned information processing device is further, If the search result information acquired by the acquisition means does not include the first access point corresponding to the first connection information to which the second communication device can connect, the display control means is configured to display a reception screen that accepts the user input of a password for a second access point included in the search result information, which is different from the first access point. The transmission means controls the transmission means to transmit to the second communication device, when the password for the second access point is entered on the reception screen, the second connection information for connecting to the second access point, which includes the password entered on the reception screen. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The program according to claim 11, characterized in that the second access point is the access point to which the information processing device was connected.

13. The program according to claim 11, characterized in that the second access point is an access point selected by the user from among the access points included in the search result information.

14. The display control means is If the access point included in the search result information is an access point to which the information processing device was connected, the reception screen will display a reception screen that accepts input of the password for the access point to which the information processing device was connected. If the access point to which the information processing device was connected is not included in the search result information, the reception screen will display a reception screen that accepts the input of the password for the access point selected by the user from among the access points included in the search result information. Control it so that The program according to feature 11.

15. The computer of the aforementioned information processing device is further, Control means for controlling the acquisition of the second connection information from the second communication device when the second communication device has established a connection with the access point using the second connection information transmitted by the transmission means. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it functions as such.

16. If the search result information includes information of the first access point corresponding to the first connection information, the transmission means controls the transmission means to transmit the first connection information to the second communication device based on the information recorded in the recording process, without displaying a reception screen for password input. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The computer of the aforementioned information processing device is further, After the transmission means transmits the first connection information to the second communication device using a communication method that does not involve an access point, the communication means then communicates with the second communication device using a communication method that involves the first access point. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it functions as such.

18. The aforementioned specific information includes capability information relating to printing of the first communication device, The registration process is a process of registering information of the first communication device in the information processing device in order to enable the transmission of print jobs to the first communication device. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it functions as such.

19. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the first communication device and the second communication device are printers.

20. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. An information processing apparatus characterized by having each of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A method for controlling an information processing device, Based on receiving a user's instruction to execute the registration process for the communication device, A registration process that obtains specific information relating to the first communication device from the first communication device and registers the first communication device based on the obtained specific information, An acquisition process for acquiring first connection information from the first communication device, which is information for connecting to the first access point and includes the password used when the first communication device connected to the first access point; A recording process that controls the recording of the first connection information acquired in the acquisition process, A processing step that processes to execute, The acquisition step involves obtaining search result information indicating one or more access points discovered by the second communication device performing an AP search from the second communication device via a communication method that does not involve access points. A transmission step which controls the transmission of the first connection information to the second communication device by a communication method that does not go through the access point, if the search result information acquired in the acquisition step includes information of the first access point corresponding to the first connection information recorded in the recording process, A control method characterized by having the following features.

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