Communication device, control method for communication device, program

Abstract

To provide a technique that makes it easier for a user to recognize a frequency band used by an access point.SOLUTION: A communication device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating frequency bands used by access points for each of the one or more access points, a determination unit that uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine which of the one or more access points uses a first frequency band, and a control unit that performs display control to display a list of the one or more access points in a manner that allows the access point determined by the determination unit to use the first frequency band to be identified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various devices such as digital cameras and smartphones have been equipped with wireless LAN (Local Area Network). This makes it possible to easily perform data communication between devices. The establishment of wireless LAN communication generally starts with an access point constructing a network (transmitting a beacon) and the client searching for that network. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses searching for a network constructed by surrounding access points and displaying the SSIDs and channel numbers of the found multiple networks. By grasping this SSID and channel, the user can select an appropriate network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above display method, it may be difficult to distinguish networks when SSIDs overlap.

[0005] Furthermore, there are channel numbers that can be used in the 6 GHz band of wireless LAN that overlap with the channel numbers that can be used in the 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band. That is, when there is another frequency band (2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band) using the same channel number as the 6 GHz band around, the above display method has the problem that it is difficult for the user to distinguish the 6 GHz band from other frequency bands.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a technology that makes it easier for users to recognize the frequency band of a network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The communication device according to the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the frequency band used at each of the one or more access points; a determination unit that uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band; and a control unit that performs display control to display a list of the one or more access points in a manner that allows the determination unit to identify the access points that use the first frequency band. The first frequency band is 6 GHz, and the control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the channel corresponding to the first frequency band is a PSC (Preferred Scanning Channel). This is a communication device characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for users to recognize the frequency band used by the access point (AP) in a communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the connection configuration between the digital camera and AP according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates the display screen of a digital camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the process performed by the digital camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the display screen of a digital camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the process performed by the digital camera according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of means for realizing the present invention, and may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0011] <First Embodiment> A communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a digital camera 100, which is an example of a communication device according to this embodiment. Although a digital camera is assumed here as an example of a communication device, the communication device is not limited to this. The communication device according to this embodiment may be, for example, a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, a personal computer, or other information processing device.

[0012] The control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls various parts of the digital camera 100 according to signals input to the control unit 101 and the program described later. Alternatively, instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0013] The imaging unit 102 includes, for example, an optical lens unit, an optical system that performs optical control such as aperture, zoom, and focus, and an image sensor that converts light (image) entering the device through the optical lens unit into an electrical image signal. CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) are used as the image sensor. The imaging unit 102, in accordance with the control unit 101, converts the subject light imaged by the lens of the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal using the image sensor, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs the resulting digital data as image data. In the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, the image data is stored in the storage medium 110 in accordance with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard.

[0014] The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and non-volatile memory, and programs and the like, which will be executed by the control unit 101 (described later), are stored in the non-volatile memory 103. The working memory 104 is used as a buffer memory to temporarily hold image data captured by the imaging unit 102, as well as an image display memory for the display unit 106 and as a working area for the control unit 101. The working memory 104 is also used as a buffer memory to temporarily store audio data input from the microphone 107.

[0015] The control unit 105 is used to receive instructions from the user for the digital camera 100. The control unit 105 includes, for example, a power button for instructing the user to turn the digital camera 100 on or off, a shutter release switch for instructing the user to take a picture, and a playback button for instructing the user to play back image data. It also includes operating elements such as a dedicated connection button for initiating communication with an external device via the connection unit 111, which will be described later. The touch panel formed on the display unit 106, which will be described later, is also included in the control unit 105. The shutter release switch is It has two switches (SW1 and SW2). When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, switch SW1 turns ON. As a result, the operation unit 105 receives instructions for performing shooting preparations such as AF (Auto Focus) processing, AE (Auto Exposure) processing, AWB (Auto White Balance) processing, and EF (Flash Pre-Firing) processing. Also, when the release switch is in a so-called fully pressed state, switch SW2 turns ON. As a result, the operation unit 105 receives an instruction for performing shooting.

[0016] The display unit 106 performs display of the viewfinder image during shooting, display of the captured image data, character display for interactive operations with the user, etc. Note that the display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be provided in the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106 and only needs to have at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 106.

[0017] The microphone 107 picks up sound waves such as voices and generates voice data. When shooting a video with sound, the control unit 101 generates video data with sound from the voice data generated by the microphone 107 and the image data generated by the imaging unit 102. Also, the control unit 101 can associate and store the voice data generated by the microphone 107 with the image data generated by the imaging unit 102. In this embodiment, the microphone 107 is built into the digital camera 100. Note that the process of the microphone 107 generating voice data from sound waves may be executed by other hardware (e.g., the control unit 101) sharing some of the processing.

[0018] The storage medium 110 stores the image data output from the imaging unit 102. In this embodiment, the storage medium 110 is configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100. For example, the storage medium 110 is a detachable storage medium for a digital camera, such as an SD card or a CFExpress card.

[0019] The connection unit 111 is an interface for communicating with a smart device via a so-called wireless LAN that complies with the IEEE802.11 standard. The digital camera 100 transmits and receives data with the smart device via the connection unit 111. For example, the digital camera 100 can transmit the image data generated by the imaging unit 102 to the smart device via the connection unit 111.

[0020] Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the frequency bands available for use in the wireless LAN include the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. In 6 GHz band communication, the digital camera 100 has so-called Standard Power (SP) mode, Low Power Indoor (LPI) mode, and Very Low Power (VLP) mode with respect to transmission output. The SP mode is a mode assumed for outdoor and indoor use at high output, and is a mode for determining the channel and output according to the installation location of the AP. The LPI mode is a mode that can be used only indoors, and the VLP mode is a mode that can be used outdoors without restrictions on the usage location by reducing the transmission output. It is assumed that the digital camera 100 in this embodiment supports the VLP mode.

[0021] Note that the connection unit 111 does not necessarily have to be built into the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 only needs to have at least a connection control function for controlling the operation of the internal or external connection unit 111. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with the smart device by controlling the connection unit 111.

[0022] The short-range wireless communication unit 112 is composed of, for example, an antenna for wireless communication, a modulation / demodulation circuit for processing wireless signals, and a communication controller. The short-range wireless communication unit 112 By outputting a controlled wireless signal from the antenna and demodulating the wireless signal received by the antenna, short-range wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.15 standard (so-called Bluetooth®) is realized. In this embodiment, it is assumed that Bluetooth® Low Energy version 4.0, which has low power consumption, is used for Bluetooth® communication. This Bluetooth® communication has a narrower communication range (i.e., a shorter communication distance) compared to wireless LAN communication. Also, Bluetooth® communication is slower than wireless LAN communication. On the other hand, Bluetooth® communication consumes less power than wireless LAN communication.

[0023] The digital camera 100 of this embodiment can send and receive data with a smart device via the short-range wireless communication unit 112. For example, when the control unit 101 receives a shooting command from a smart device via the short-range wireless communication unit 112, it controls the imaging unit 102 to perform the shooting operation. Then, when the control unit 101 receives a command to send and receive data via wireless LAN communication, it controls the connection unit 111 to start wireless LAN communication.

[0024] The wired communication unit 113 is an interface for wired connection with a smart device. In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 can send and receive data with a smart device via the wired communication unit 113. In this embodiment, the wired communication unit 113 includes an interface for communication with a smart device over a wired LAN. The control unit 101 realizes wired communication with the smart device by controlling the wired communication unit 113. Note that the communication method is not limited to a wired LAN.

[0025] The connection unit 111 has an AP (Access Point) mode in which it operates as an access point in infrastructure mode, and a CL (Client) mode in which it operates as a client in infrastructure mode. By operating the connection unit 111 in CL mode, the digital camera 100 in this embodiment can operate as a CL device in infrastructure mode. When the digital camera 100 operates as a CL device, it can connect to a nearby access point and participate in the network formed by the access point.

[0026] Furthermore, by operating the connection unit 111 in AP mode, the digital camera 100 in this embodiment can also operate as a simpler access point with more limited functionality (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP), although it is a type of access point. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, it forms a network. Peripheral devices of the digital camera 100 recognize the digital camera 100 as an access point and can participate in the network formed by the digital camera 100. The program for operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP is stored in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0027] The digital camera 100, which operates as a simple AP in this embodiment, is a type of access point, but it does not have a gateway function to transfer data received from client devices to an internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if the digital camera 100 receives data from other devices participating in the network it has formed, it cannot transfer the received data to a network such as the internet. This concludes the explanation of the digital camera 100.

[0028] <Overview of connection types> Next, with reference to Figure 2, the connection configuration of the digital camera 100 and AP200 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 shows the connection configuration of the digital camera 100 and AP200 in this embodiment. This is a diagram schematically showing the connection form. The control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 detects the AP 200 around the digital camera 100 by controlling the connection unit 111. The digital camera 100 receives the beacon transmitted from the AP 200 and acquires the information of the AP 200. The acquisition of the AP information will be specifically described. The information of the AP 200 includes information such as the SSID of the AP 200, the corresponding authentication method, the encryption type, the channel, the frequency band, etc. Among these, the SSID, the corresponding authentication method, and the encryption type are the information included in the beacon, so they are acquired by referring to the information included in the received beacon. On the other hand, for the channel and the frequency band, among the information included in the beacon, the frequency information of the beacon being transmitted is referred to for acquisition. Specifically, a table associating the frequency with the channel number is held, and the channel number is acquired by referring to the table using the frequency included in the beacon as a key. Also, the frequency band can be obtained in the same way. Note that the method of obtaining the frequency is not limited to this. When receiving the beacon, the digital camera 100 performs a scanning operation. The scanning operation determines whether a beacon has been received at the frequency to be scanned. When a beacon has been received, it can be known that it is a beacon of that frequency. Therefore, the frequency may be specified by referring to the information grasped by the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 as to which frequency is being scanned. Also, the AP 200 is not limited to an AP such as a wireless LAN router, and other digital cameras, smartphones, etc. may also be used.

[0029] <Display processing of AP detection result> Next, the display process of AP detection results in the digital camera 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 3A to 3G and Figure 4. Figures 3A to 3G show examples of UI screens displayed on the display unit 106 of the digital camera 100. Figure 4 shows an example of a flowchart of the process for displaying APs detected by the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the control unit 101 controlling each part of the digital camera 100 according to the input signal and program. The process in this flowchart is started when the user of the digital camera 100 selects the "New Setting" item 301 to set up a new connection with an AP on the communication setting screen shown in Figure 3A, according to the menu operation, and presses the "OK" button 302. Furthermore, each process in this flowchart is realized by the control unit 101 loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the working memory 104 and executing it.

[0030] First, in step S401, the control unit 101 controls the connection unit 111 to search for access points (APs) present around the digital camera 100, acquires information about the detected APs, and stores the acquired information in the working memory 104. The surrounding APs broadcast beacons that include the SSID and channel number. Searching for surrounding APs here means that the connection unit 111 detects the network of surrounding APs by receiving these beacons. The same applies hereafter. Here, the control unit 101 is an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the frequency band used by each of the one or more access points.

[0031] Next, in step S402, the control unit 101 uses the AP information stored in the working memory 104 in step S401 to identify the frequency band used by the detected AP. Next, in step S403, the control unit 101 determines whether the frequency band used by the AP identified in step S402 is the 6GHz band. Here, the control unit 101 is a determination unit that determines which of one or more access points uses the first frequency band (6GHz band). If the control unit 101 determines that the frequency band used by the AP is the 6GHz band (S403:YES), the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines that the frequency band of the AP is not the 6GHz band (S403:NO), the process proceeds to step S405.

[0032] In step S404, the control unit 101 stores in the working memory 104 information indicating that the AP determined to be in the 6GHz band in step S403 is an AP that "displays in a manner that allows the user to identify that the frequency band being used is the 6GHz band."

[0033] Next, in step S405, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it has determined the frequency bands of all APs acquired in step S402. If the control unit 101 determines that it has determined the frequency bands of all APs (S405: YES), it proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines that it has not determined the frequency bands of all APs (S405: NO), it returns to step S402.

[0034] Next, in step S406, the control unit 101 displays a list of detected access points based on the information stored in the working memory 104 in step S404, which indicates that the access point is one that displays in a manner that allows the user to identify that it uses the 6GHz frequency band. Here, the control unit 101 is a control unit that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in a manner that allows the determination unit to identify the access points that have been determined to use the first frequency band. Details of the display control by the control unit 101 will be described below.

[0035] Figures 3B to 3G show examples of the AP detection result screen displayed on the display unit 106 in step S406. In the example in Figure 3B, the detection result screen displays a list including the SSID 311 of the detected AP, an icon 312 indicating that the AP is password protected, and the channel 313 of the AP. In the examples in Figures 3C to 3G, the list of APs is displayed in the same manner as in Figure 3B. In Figure 3B, it is indicated that the frequency band used by the AP with the SSID "Network-0004" is the 6GHz band. Specifically, on the display unit 106, an icon 303 indicating "6GHz" is displayed between the SSID ("Network-0004") and the channel ("13ch"). This allows the user to identify that the frequency band used by the AP is the 6GHz band on the display unit 106.

[0036] Furthermore, if none of the detected APs use the 6GHz band, the control unit 101 displays a list 304 of the detected APs and channels on the display unit 106, as shown in Figure 3C, and does not display the 6GHz band as illustrated in Figure 3B.

[0037] The display method for indicating that the AP is using the 6GHz band on the display unit 106 is not limited to the method shown in Figure 3B. For example, the control unit 101 can display that the AP is using the 6GHz band in a way that allows the user to identify it by changing the color or font of the SSID of the AP that is using the 6GHz band. As an example, as shown in Figure 3D, a display method using a display tab 305 that switches the display of APs detected for each frequency band may be adopted.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3E, the 6GHz band may be displayed only if there is an AP306 ("Network-0001") that belongs to the same channel as AP307 ("Network-0008") which uses the 6GHz band. For example, in Figure 3E, consider the case where there is no AP that belongs to the same channel (in this example, "36ch") as an AP that uses the 6GHz band (for example, an AP with SSID "Network-0003"). In this case, the display unit 106 will not display that the AP with SSID "Network-0003" uses the 6GHz band.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3F, the display unit 106 displays the best channel in the 6GHz band. The Preferred Scanning Channel (PSC), which is the channel searched first, may also be displayed in a manner that is recognizable to the user. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3F, for an AP with the SSID "Network-0009", the frequency band used is the 6GHz band and the PSC is displayed in a manner that is recognizable to the user (the "6GHz (PSC)" icon 308). Note that in the display unit 106, the fact that the frequency band used is the 6GHz band and that it is the PSC may be displayed by changing the color or font. Furthermore, in the display unit 106, only the 6GHz band is displayed in a manner that is recognizable to the user; the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands do not need to be displayed in a manner that is recognizable to the user. This is because only the channel numbers for the 6GHz band overlap with other frequency bands. The channel numbers for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands do not overlap, so even without displaying that it is the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band, it is possible to identify whether it is the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band by looking at the channel number. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3F, non-PSC 6GHz channels may be displayed more prominently than PSC channels. This is because PSC channels are preferentially searched, and therefore have a relatively higher chance of network congestion and slower communication speeds due to the large number of devices connected to them. By highlighting non-PSC 6GHz channels, it becomes easier to select a less congested network.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3G, the display unit 106 may also display the frequency band used for each detected AP. This makes it easier for users with limited knowledge of channel numbers to distinguish between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. In this case, as shown in Figure 3G, the display unit 106 displays an icon 309 indicating that the frequency band used is the 2.4GHz band and an icon 310 indicating that the frequency band used is the 5GHz band. In addition, the display unit 106 displays an icon 311 indicating that the frequency band used is the 6GHz band in a display manner that is more conspicuous to the user than icons 309 and 310.

[0041] Here, we will explain the conspicuous display methods described in the explanations of Figure 3F and Figure 3G. In this embodiment, conspicuous display methods include, for example, using icons such as 311, which indicates the 6GHz band, to have different font colors or background colors from icons such as 309, which indicates the 2.4GHz band, and 310, which indicates the 5GHz band.

[0042] In this case, it is preferable that the font and background color of icon 311 be more eye-catching than the font and background colors of icon 309 and icon 310. For example, if the background color of the network list is achromatic, it is preferable that the font and background color of icon 311 be a chromatic color, a warm color, with high saturation and brightness. Also, in that case, it is preferable that the font and background colors of icon 309 and icon 310 be achromatic or a chromatic color, a cool color, with low saturation and brightness. In other words, it is preferable that the font and background color of icon 311 be a color that is closer in hue and brightness to the background color of the network list than the font and background colors of icon 309 and icon 310.

[0043] Alternatively, the font size of icon 311 can be made larger or bolder than that of icon 309 and icon 310. Furthermore, the icon size of icon 311 itself can be made larger than that of icon 309 and icon 310. In addition, further display modes can be adopted, such as making icon 311 blink while icons 309 and icon 310 do not blink. Although omitted in Figure 3G for simplicity of explanation, even with a display mode like that in Figure 3G, it may be displayed in a way that allows it to be identified as a PSC, similar to Figure 3F.

[0044] In the above explanation, the flowchart in Figure 4 describes the process performed by the user on the operation unit 105. The process was initiated by pressing the "OK" button 302, but the trigger for starting the process is not limited to this. For example, in the example of Figure 3B, the display unit 106 may further display the "Update" button 314, and when the user presses the "Update" button 314, the process of the flowchart in Figure 4 may be restarted. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the control unit 101 may automatically restart the process of the flowchart in Figure 4 after any amount of time has elapsed since the completion of the process of the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0045] In the examples shown in Figures 3B to 3G, the display order of the APs when displaying the AP detection results may be the order in which the APs were detected by the digital camera 100, or it may be in order of the most recent connection time according to the connection history with the digital camera 100. Alternatively, the display order of the APs when displaying the AP detection results may be in the order of 6GHz band, 5GHz band, and 2.4GHz band according to the frequency band used by the AP, or it may be in order of strongest signal strength according to the signal strength of the AP. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used for the display order of the APs when displaying the AP detection results, or any other display order may be used as appropriate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 can perform display control in a manner that allows identification that the first frequency band (6GHz band) enables faster communication than the second frequency band (2.4GHz band or 5GHz band).

[0046] According to the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, when the AP detection result is displayed on the display unit 106, it is identifiable that the frequency band used by the AP is the 6GHz band. This allows the user of the digital camera 100 to identify the frequency band used by the detected AP and select the desired AP.

[0047] <Second Embodiment> Next, a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components and processes similar to those in the first embodiment of the communication device will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0048] <Processing for displaying the settings screen of the simplified AP> Referring to Figures 5A to 5G and Figure 6, the process related to setting the AP displayed on the display unit 106 when operating the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figures 5A to 5G are diagrams showing examples of UI screens displayed on the display unit 106 of the digital camera 100. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the process related to setting the AP by the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100.

[0049] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 operates the connection unit 111 in AP (access point) mode, causing the digital camera 100 to operate as a simplified access point (hereinafter referred to as a simplified AP) with limited functionality. Here, the control unit 101 is an operation control unit that performs operation control to operate the digital camera 100, which is a communication device, as an access point. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simplified AP, the digital camera 100 forms a network for communicating with devices in its vicinity.

[0050] Peripheral devices of the digital camera 100 can recognize the digital camera 100 as an AP and participate in the network formed by the digital camera 100. The program for operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP and the program for executing the following processes are stored in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0051] First, in step S601, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display the network selection screen. As an example, the network selection screen may include the following in the first embodiment: The SSID of the AP detected by the process described above, and the option to operate the digital camera 100 as an access point are displayed. The user operates the operation unit 105 to select the SSID of the AP to connect to, or select the option to operate the digital camera 100 as a simple AP, on the selection screen. When the control unit 101 receives the user's selection, it determines whether or not to operate the digital camera 100 as a simple AP based on the received selection. If the control unit 101 determines that the digital camera 100 should be operated as a simple AP (S601: YES), it proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines that the digital camera 100 should not be operated as a simple AP (S601: NO), it terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0052] In step S602, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display the input screen for the SSID of the digital camera 100, which is acting as a simple access point. The user operates the SSID input screen displayed on the display unit 106 to input the SSID. Once the control unit 101 receives the SSID input from the user, it proceeds to step S603.

[0053] In step S603, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display a screen for selecting the frequency band and channel settings method to be used when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP. The user selects whether to set the frequency band and channel automatically or manually on the frequency band and channel setting method selection screen displayed on the display unit 106. After receiving the user's selection, the control unit 101 determines whether to set the frequency band and channel automatically based on the received selection. If the control unit 101 determines to set the frequency band and channel automatically (S603: YES), the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines not to set the frequency band and channel automatically (to set manually) (S603: NO), the process proceeds to step S604.

[0054] In step S604, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display a screen for setting the frequency band and channel to be used when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP. Then, in step S605, the control unit 101 accepts the setting of the frequency band and channel to be used when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP, in response to the user's operation on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 106. Details of the display process of the setting screen in step S604 and the acceptance process of the setting in step S605 will be described later. After completing the process in step S605, the control unit 101 terminates the process of this flowchart.

[0055] Furthermore, in step S606, the control unit 101 automatically sets the frequency band and channel to be used when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP. Here, the control unit 101 is a setting unit that sets the channel used by the AP when the digital camera 100, which is a communication device, is operated as an AP. Note that the process related to the automatic setting of the frequency band and channel can be implemented using well-known technology, so the details of the process will not be explained here. After completing the process in step S606, the control unit 101 terminates the process of this flowchart.

[0056] Figures 5A to 5G show examples of AP setting screens displayed on the display unit 106 when the digital camera 100 is operated by the user in the process of the flowchart described above, and the digital camera 100 is operated as a simple AP.

[0057] Figure 5A shows an example of the network selection screen displayed on the display unit 106 in step S601. In the example shown in Figure 5A, the user operates on the UI screen displayed on the display unit 106 to select the "Camera Access Point Mode" item 501 and presses the "OK" button 502. As a result, the control unit 101 proceeds the process from step S601 to step S602. "Camera Access Point Mode" is a mode that operates the digital camera 100 as a simple access point.

[0058] Figures 5B and 5C show examples of setting screens for a simple access point (AP). Figure 5B is a setting screen for configuring the SSID of the simple AP. Figure 5C is a setting screen for configuring the channel of the frequency band used by the simple AP. Note that the setting screens for the simple AP displayed on the display unit 106 are not limited to these; setting screens for passwords and other settings related to the simple AP may also be displayed on the display unit 106.

[0059] When the control unit 101 proceeds to step S602, the UI screen displayed on the display unit 106 transitions to a settings screen for configuring the SSID of the simple AP, as shown in Figure 5B. In the example in Figure 5B, the user inputs the SSID "camera-AP6," which is used when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP, into the input box 503 on the settings screen. The user then presses the "OK" button 504. As a result, the control unit 101 proceeds from step S602 to step S603. Note that although the SSID was input by the user here, this is not the only way. For example, a random SSID could be generated and displayed. Alternatively, a random SSID could be generated and entered into the input box 503 when entering this settings screen, and then displayed. In that case, the user can modify the randomly generated SSID to any string.

[0060] In step S603, the display unit 106 displays a channel selection screen for operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP, as shown in Figure 5C. On the selection screen, the user can choose either the "Automatic Setting" item or the "Manual Setting" item. In the example in Figure 5C, the user selects the "Manual Setting" item 505.

[0061] Then, in step S604, the user operates the channel switching button 507 displayed on the selection screen to switch channels and select the desired frequency band and channel. Here, the channel can be selected from channels in the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band. Furthermore, if the user switches to a 6GHz band channel by operating the channel switching button 507, a "6GHz" icon 508 will be displayed along with the channel, as shown in Figure 5D. This makes it possible to identify on the selection screen that the frequency band used by the simple AP is the 6GHz band. Note that the display of the identifiable 6GHz band on the selection screen is not limited to the icon 508; any display method that allows the user to identify that the frequency band used by the simple AP is the 6GHz band may be adopted.

[0062] Furthermore, as in the case of Figure 3F, the fact that it is a 6GHz band PSC may be displayed in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other 6GHz band channels. In this case, unlike when connecting to surrounding APs in Figure 3F, the digital camera 100 is in a position to have surrounding devices discover the network, so it is preferable to display that it is a PSC in a manner that stands out more than other channels. The variations described above can be used for the manner in which it stands out. In addition, for example, it may be made difficult to switch to other channel numbers when a channel number that you want to stand out is selected. For example, the operation of the channel switching button 507 may be disabled for a certain period of time after a channel number that you want to stand out is selected. Also, for example, a haptic feedback system may be adopted in which the digital camera 100 vibrates each time a channel number is selected, by providing a vibrating part consisting of a motor (not shown), for example. In such a case, when a channel number that you want to stand out is selected, the degree of feedback may be increased (i.e., the vibration may be increased) compared to when a channel number that you do not want to stand out is selected. The same applies when providing audio feedback for selection. Furthermore, channels may be switched not only by operating the channel switching button 507, but also by a touch-move operation on the area where the channel number is displayed.

[0063] Here, we will describe another example of the display of a selection screen in step S603. In this example, the display unit 106 displays a selection screen for the frequency band to be used when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP, as shown in Figure 5E. On the selection screen, the user selects one of three items: "2.4GHz", "5GHz", or "6GHz". In the example in Figure 5E, the user selects the "6GHz" item 509. Then, the user presses the "OK" button 510. As a result, the display unit 106 displays a selection screen for channels where the frequency band usable for the simple AP is the 6GHz band, as shown in Figure 5F.

[0064] In step S604, the user operates the channel switching button 512 displayed on the selection screen in Figure 5F to switch channels and select the desired channel. Since "6GHz" was selected on the frequency band selection screen in Figure 5E, the "6GHz" icon 511 is displayed on the channel selection screen in Figure 5F. This allows the selection screen to display in a manner that allows the user to identify that the frequency band used by the simple AP is the 6GHz band. Note that the display in a manner that allows the user to identify that the 6GHz band is used on the selection screen is not limited to the icon 511; any display in a manner that allows the user to identify that the frequency band used by the simple AP is the 6GHz band may be adopted.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 5D, channel "5ch," which displays the "6GHz" icon 508, is selected on the selection screen, and the user presses the "OK" button 506. In the example shown in Figure 5F, channel "5ch" is selected on the selection screen, and the user presses the "OK" button 513. As a result, the control unit 101 proceeds from step S604 to step S605.

[0066] In the above example, in step S605, the control unit 101 sets the frequency band to 6GHz and the channel to 5ch when operating the digital camera 100 as a simple AP. In this embodiment, the control unit 101 stores the settings for the simple AP, as described above, in the non-volatile memory 103. Then, based on the information of the settings stored in the non-volatile memory 103, the control unit 101 displays a confirmation screen of the settings on the display unit 106. As shown in Figure 5G, the confirmation screen of the settings displays the SSID ("camera-AP6") entered in step S602 (Figure 5B), an icon 514 indicating the frequency band ("6GHz") used by the simple AP, and the channel ("5ch"). Note that the information indicating the settings for the simple AP may be stored in the working memory 104 or the storage medium 110, and the storage location of the information is not limited to these. Also, the timing of when the control unit 101 stores the information indicating the settings for the simple AP in the non-volatile memory 103 may be after or before the simple AP is started. Furthermore, the control unit 101 can control the display unit 106 to display a confirmation screen of the settings at any time, whether before or after the startup of the simplified AP.

[0067] As described above, according to the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, when the digital camera 100 is operated as a simple AP, the user can identify that the frequency band used by the simple AP is the 6GHz band. This allows the user of the digital camera 100 to identify the frequency band corresponding to the channel used by the simple AP and select a channel corresponding to the desired frequency band.

[0068] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not specific The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included. Some of the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the present invention also includes cases in which a software program that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above is supplied directly from a storage medium or via wired / wireless communication to a system or device having a computer capable of executing the program, and that program is executed. Therefore, the program code itself supplied to and installed on a computer in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention also realizes the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention. In this case, the form of the program is not limited as long as it has the function of a program, such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS. As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic storage medium such as magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory may be used. Furthermore, as a method of supplying the program, a method in which a computer program forming the present invention is stored on a server on a computer network, and a connected client computer downloads the computer program and runs the program, can also be considered.

[0069] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). Multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0070] Furthermore, the above-mentioned processors are processors in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors and specialized processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Specialized processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0071] Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0072] (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 that implements one or more functions.

[0073] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the frequency band used at each of the access points, A determination unit that uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band, The determination unit identifies the access point that it has determined to use the first frequency band. A control unit that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in an otherwise possible manner, A communication device characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The communication device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the first frequency band enables faster communication than the second frequency band. (Configuration 3) The first frequency band is 6 GHz, The control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the channel corresponding to the first frequency band is a PSC (Preferred Scanning Channel). A communication device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 4) The communication device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control to display that it is the PSC in a manner different from the manner in which it displays that it is the first frequency band. (Composition 5) The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in the order in which the plurality of access points are detected. (Composition 6) The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in an order corresponding to the connection history with the communication device. (Composition 7) The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in an order corresponding to the frequency band used by the plurality of access points. (Composition 8) The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in an order corresponding to the radio wave strength of the plurality of access points. (Composition 9) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control when a frequency band different from the first frequency band belongs to the same channel. (Composition 10) A communication device, When the aforementioned communication device is operated as an access point, a setting unit is provided for setting the channel to be used by the access point, The setting unit determines whether the channel for which the setting unit is to be set is a channel corresponding to a first frequency band, When the determination unit determines that the channel to be set by the setting unit is a channel corresponding to the first frequency band, the control unit performs display control to display the channel in a manner that can identify that the channel to be set by the setting unit is a channel corresponding to the first frequency band, A communication device characterized by having the following features. (Composition 11) The communication device according to configuration 10, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the first frequency band enables faster communication than the second frequency band. (Composition 13) The first frequency band is 6 GHz, The control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the channel corresponding to the first frequency band is a PSC. A communication device according to configuration 10 or 11, characterized by the above. (Composition 13) The communication device according to configuration 12, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control to display that it is the PSC in a manner different from the manner in which it displays that it is the first frequency band. (Method 1) An acquisition step to obtain information indicating the frequency band used at each of the access points, A determination step in which, using the information obtained in the acquisition step, a determination step is made to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band, A control step that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in a manner that allows identification of the access points determined by the determination step to use the first frequency band, A method for controlling a communication device, characterized by including the following: (Method 2) A method for controlling a communication device, When the aforementioned communication device is operated as an access point, a setting step is performed to configure the channel used by the access point, The setting step includes a determination step of determining whether the channel on which the setting is performed is a channel corresponding to a first frequency band, If the determination step determines that the channel to be set by the setting step is a channel corresponding to the first frequency band, a control step is performed to display the channel in a manner that can identify that the channel to be set by the setting step is a channel corresponding to the first frequency band. A method for controlling a communication device, characterized by including the following: (program) A program to cause a computer to function as one of the components of a communication device described in any of configurations 1 to 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 Digital camera, 101 Control unit, 106 Display unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the frequency band used at each of the access points, A determination unit that uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band, A control unit that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in a manner that allows the determination unit to identify the access points that have been determined to use the first frequency band, It has, The first frequency band is 6 GHz, The communication device is characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the channel corresponding to the first frequency band is a PSC (Preferred Scanning Channel).

2. An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the frequency band used in each of the access points, A determination unit that uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band, A control unit that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in a manner that allows the determination unit to identify the access points that have been determined to use the first frequency band, It has, The communication device is characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that a channel corresponding to the first frequency band is a channel that is scanned preferentially over other channels of the first frequency band.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in a manner that can identify that the first frequency band enables faster communication than the second frequency band. 。

4. The first frequency band is 6 GHz, The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the channel that is scanned preferentially over other channels of the first frequency band is a PSC.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control to display that it is the PSC in a manner different from the manner in which it displays that it is the first frequency band.

6. The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in the order in which the plurality of access points are detected.

7. The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in an order corresponding to the connection history with the communication device.

8. The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in an order corresponding to the frequency bands used by the plurality of access points.

9. The acquisition unit acquires the information for each of the multiple access points, The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control in an order corresponding to the radio wave strength of the plurality of access points.

10. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the display control when a frequency band different from the first frequency band belongs to the same channel.

11. The communication device further comprises a setting unit for setting the channel used by the communication device when the communication device is operated as an access point, The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the channel set by the setting unit is a channel corresponding to the first frequency band, the control unit performs a second display control to display the channel set by the setting unit in a manner that can identify that the channel set by the setting unit is a channel corresponding to the first frequency band.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit performs the second display control in a manner that can identify that the first frequency band enables communication at a higher speed than the second frequency band.

13. The first frequency band is 6 GHz, The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit performs the second display control in a manner that can identify that the channel corresponding to the first frequency band is a PSC.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit performs the second display control to display that it is the PSC in a manner different from the manner in which it displays that it is the first frequency band.

15. An acquisition step to obtain information indicating the frequency band used at each of the access points, A determination step in which, using the information obtained in the acquisition step, a determination step is made to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band, A control step that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in a manner that allows identification of the access points determined by the determination step to use the first frequency band, Includes, The first frequency band is 6 GHz, A control method for a communication device, characterized in that the control step involves performing the display control in a manner that allows identification of the channel corresponding to the first frequency band as being a PSC.

16. An acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the frequency band used in each of one or more access points, A determination step in which, using the information obtained in the acquisition step, a determination step is made to determine which of the one or more access points uses the first frequency band, A control step that performs display control to display a list of one or more access points in a manner that allows identification of the access points determined by the determination step to use the first frequency band, Includes, A control method for a communication device, characterized in that the control step involves performing the display control in a manner that allows identification of a channel corresponding to the first frequency band as a channel that is scanned preferentially over other channels of the first frequency band.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as a component of a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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