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

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: communication between a mobile terminal and an access point of an infrastructure is established and the mobile terminal connects with a network via the access point; in order to connect an information processing terminal present on the network with the mobile terminal, a user needs to perform operation such as inputting an IP address of an information processing device on the mobile terminal, which is bothersome for the user.SOLUTION: When an acquired two-dimensional code is connection information for connecting to an access point of an infrastructure, a mobile terminal performs the following process. That is, according to connection to the access point of the infrastructure using the acquired connection information, the mobile terminal performs a search process of a device present on the network connected via the access point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a technology for performing communication connection based on information obtained by analyzing a two-dimensional code.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method in which an access point and a mobile terminal directly communicate via wireless is known. In order for a mobile terminal to wirelessly connect to an access point, the user needs to input an SSID and a Pass key into the mobile terminal. Here, the SSID is identification information of the access point. Also, the Pass key is an encryption key.

[0003] As a method for saving the trouble of the user inputting the SSID and Pass key into the mobile terminal, conventionally, a method in which an information processing device displays a two-dimensional code for providing information indicating the SSID and Pass key of an access point provided by the information processing device is known. The mobile terminal can obtain the SSID and Pass key of the access point by photographing and analyzing the two-dimensional code displayed on the information processing device. The mobile terminal can wirelessly connect to the access point of the information processing device based on the SSID and Pass key thus obtained.

[0004] Also conventionally, a method is known in which an information processing device and an access point as a device independent of the information processing device are connected via a network, and the mobile terminal connects to the access point, thereby enabling communication between the information processing device and the mobile terminal.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile terminal having an application for reading a two-dimensional code and obtaining communication information for connecting to an access point.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] In a connection format (infrastructure connection) where a mobile terminal and an information processing device communicate via an infrastructure access point, it is conceivable to use the aforementioned two-dimensional code to connect the mobile terminal to the infrastructure access point.

[0008] In this case, communication is established between the mobile device and the infrastructure's access point, allowing the mobile device to connect to the network via that access point. However, connecting the mobile device to an information processing terminal on the network requires the user to perform operations such as entering the IP address of the information processing device on the mobile device, which is cumbersome for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A program that causes a computer of an information processing device having a reading means to execute a control method, and a program for an application that runs on the information processing device, wherein the control method comprises an acquisition step of acquiring information from a two-dimensional code read using the reading means, and information indicating a company and communication connection information obtained in the acquisition step. Information If information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing the above, the system will control the connection process, and the acquisition process will not include information indicating the company, but will include information indicating the communication connection. Information A control process that controls the connection process to be performed even when information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing the following: The control step includes, if information that does not include an SSID is obtained in the acquisition step, the control is set to establish an infrastructure connection with the communication device. A program characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] With this configuration, after connecting the mobile terminal to the infrastructure's access point, the user can perform a device search operation on the mobile terminal 100, saving the user the trouble of searching for devices on the network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] (A) This diagram shows the configuration of the communication system (infrastructure connection). (B) This diagram shows the configuration of the communication system (direct connection). [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of mobile terminal 100. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the software configuration of mobile terminal 100. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the MFP110. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the software configuration of the MFP110. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the communication connection process in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] (A) An example of a two-dimensional code (for infrastructure connection). (B) An example of a two-dimensional code (for direct connection). (C) An example of a two-dimensional code (for access point connection). [Figure 8] This is an example of the screen of the mobile terminal 100 in Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0013] First, using FIG. 1(A), the configuration of a communication system when a mobile terminal 100 as an information processing device and an MFP 110 as a communication device perform an infrastructure connection will be described. In the communication system shown in FIG. 1(A), the mobile terminal 100 and an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 110 are connected to an access point 120. The mobile terminal 100 and the MFP 110 communicate via the access point 120. In the present embodiment, the MFP will be described as an example, but an SFP (Single Function Printer) may be used instead of the MFP 110. Alternatively, a communication device other than an image forming device such as an MFP or an SFP may be used.

[0014] Next, using FIG. 1(B), the configuration of a communication system when the mobile terminal 100 and the MFP 110 perform a direct connection will be described. The communication system shown in FIG. 1(B) includes the mobile terminal 100 and the MFP 110. The MFP 110 operates as an access point and executes wireless communication such as a wireless communication LAN (Local Area Network) with the mobile terminal 100. In this way, the mobile terminal 100 and the MFP 110 can perform wireless communication without going through the access point 120.

[0015] The mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of obtaining connection information used for communication connection with another device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a device) by reading code information (for example, a two-dimensional code). As an example of a two-dimensional code, a QR code (registered trademark) is known. An example of a QR code for device connection will be described using FIGS. 7(A) to (C).

[0016] An example of a QR code for infrastructure connection is shown in FIG. 7(A). By reading the QR code shown in FIG. 7(A), the mobile terminal 100 can obtain the IP address of the MFP 110 for connecting to the MFP 110 connected to the LAN via the access point 120. The QR code for infrastructure connection is displayed, for example, on the operation panel 206 of the MFP 110.

[0017] [[ID=An example of a QR code for direct connection is shown in (B) of FIG. 7. By reading the QR code shown in FIG. 7(B), the mobile terminal 100 can obtain connection information such as the SSID, Pass key, and the IP address of the MFP 110 of the access point activated in the MFP 110. The QR code for direct connection is displayed, for example, on the operation panel 206 of the MFP 110.

[0018] An example of a QR code used to connect to an access point is shown in (C) of FIG. 7. By reading the QR code shown in FIG. 7(C), the mobile terminal 100 can obtain connection information such as the SSID, Pass key, and authentication method for connecting to devices such as the access point 120 connected to the LAN. The QR code for access point connection is affixed, for example, to the housing of the access point 120 so that it can be read by the mobile terminal 100. The location where the QR code for access point connection exists is not particularly limited. For example, it is also possible to read, with the mobile terminal 100, a QR code for infrastructure connection described in a paper medium or displayed on a display.

[0019] Next, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 100 will be described using FIG. 2.

[0020] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 reads out the control program stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 and executes processing for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100. The ROM 202 stores the control program. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 201. The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 stores data such as captured images and electronic documents. Also, the OS (Operating System) 310 and the MFP application 300 described later are also stored in the HDD 204.

[0021] In the case of the mobile terminal 100, one CPU 201 is assumed to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other configurations are also acceptable. For example, multiple CPUs can cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later.

[0022] The control panel 206 has a touch panel function that can detect user touch operations and also functions as a display unit that shows various screens provided by the OS 310 and MFP application 300. By performing operations such as touch operations on the control panel 206, the user can input desired operation instructions to the mobile terminal 100.

[0023] Speaker 207 and microphone 208 are used when the user makes phone calls to other mobile devices or landlines.

[0024] Camera 209 captures images in response to user instructions to capture images. In this embodiment, camera 209 performs a process to read a two-dimensional code. The images captured by camera 209 are stored in a predetermined area of ​​HDD 204. Wireless communication unit 205 performs wireless communication such as wireless communication LAN.

[0025] Next, the software configuration of the mobile terminal 100 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the software that is realized when the CPU 201 reads the control program stored in the ROM 202 and HDD 204.

[0026] OS310 is software for controlling the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. Various applications can be installed on the mobile terminal 100, including the MFP application 300 described later. OS310 exchanges information with these applications and changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 206 according to instructions received from the applications. In addition, OS310 is equipped with a set of device drivers for controlling various hardware and provides APIs for applications running on the OS to utilize various hardware.

[0027] In this embodiment, the wireless network control unit 352 is part of the device driver group. The wireless network control unit 352 is a device driver for controlling the wireless communication unit 205. The camera control unit 351 is a device driver for controlling the camera 209.

[0028] The MFP application 300 is an application installed on the mobile terminal 100. The MFP application 300 provides functions for performing operations such as printing and scanning on the MFP 110 from the mobile terminal 100.

[0029] Further details about the software configuration of MFP Application 300 will be provided.

[0030] The display control unit 301 controls the screen displayed on the operation panel 206. The display control unit 301 displays the application screen on the operation panel 206. The display control unit 301 also identifies operation instructions entered by the user via the operation panel 206.

[0031] The communication unit 302 controls the wireless communication performed by the wireless communication unit 205 via the wireless network control unit 352 of the OS 310, and performs tasks such as sending and receiving commands.

[0032] The QR code acquisition unit 309 acquires the QR code captured by the user via the camera control unit of the OS 310.

[0033] The QR code analysis processing unit 308 analyzes the QR code acquired by the QR code acquisition unit 309 and extracts connection information. Based on the two-dimensional code read by the camera 209, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 acquires connection information for establishing a communication connection with another device (MFP 110 or access point 120).

[0034] The device search control unit 307 performs device search processing based on the connection information extracted by the QR code analysis processing unit 308.

[0035] The print job generation unit 303 generates print jobs. The print jobs generated by the print job generation unit 303 are transmitted to the MFP 110 by the wireless communication unit 205. The MFP 110 executes printing according to the received print jobs. The storage unit 304 temporarily stores information used by the application to operate.

[0036] The scan job control unit 305 issues a scan command to the MFP via the wireless communication unit 205 and displays the scan data received from the MFP 110. If the scan data is to be saved, it is stored in the storage unit 304. The stored scan data is managed by the document management unit 306.

[0037] The configuration of the MFP110 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0038] The MFP110 includes a CPU 3020 that executes software stored in the ROM 3030 or, for example, the HDD 3110, and the CPU 3020 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 3010.

[0039] RAM3040 functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU3020. External input controller (PANELC)3060 controls instruction input from various buttons or touch panel (PANEL)3070 on the multifunction printer. Display controller (DISPC)3080 controls the display of the display module (DISPLAY)3090, which is composed of, for example, an LCD display. Disk controller 3100 controls the HDD3110.

[0040] The network interface card (NIC) 3050 exchanges data bidirectionally with other network devices or file servers via network 10. The wireless communication module (WLAN) 3400 performs processing for connecting to the access point. Furthermore, when the MFP operates as an access point, the wireless module 3400 performs processing for direct connection with the mobile terminal 100.

[0041] The printing unit (PRINTER) 3200 performs printing. Printing is performed, for example, by an electrophotographic method. The printing method is not limited to electrophotography, but may also be an inkjet method, etc. The image reading unit (SCANNER) 3300 performs the process of reading an image printed on a recording medium such as paper.

[0042] The software configuration of the MFP110 will be explained using Figure 5. Each piece of software shown in Figure 5 is stored in ROM 3030 and executed by CPU 3020.

[0043] The network control unit 500 controls the network interface 3050. The QR code display unit 501 acquires the connection information set by the network control unit 500, generates a QR code from the acquired connection information, and displays it on the operation panel. The printer control unit 502 controls the printing unit 3200. The scanner control unit 503 controls the image reading unit 3300.

[0044] Next, the screens displayed on the operation panel 206 of the mobile terminal 100 will be explained using Figure 8. Each screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the operation panel 206 under the control of the screen control unit 301. The QR code reading process is performed under the control of the QR code acquisition unit 309.

[0045] The QR code reading screen 800 is used when the QR code displayed on the MFP's control panel is photographed using the camera 209. When the user of the mobile terminal 100 launches the MFP application 300 and instructs it to read the QR code, the MFP application 300 displays the QR code reading screen 800.

[0046] The shooting area screen 801 is the area that displays the image being captured by the camera 209. The shooting area screen 801 displays a guide frame that indicates the position to align the QR code. When the mobile terminal 100 successfully reads the QR code, the camera 209 terminates the QR code capture process. When the user presses the cancel button 402, the QR code acquisition unit 309 interrupts QR code reading and returns to the previous screen.

[0047] The QR code analysis processing unit 308 analyzes the information read from the QR code. If the information read from the QR code is connection information for direct connection, the screen transitions to screen 810. If the information read from the QR code is connection information for infrastructure connection, the screen transitions to screen 820. Furthermore, if the information read from the QR code is connection information for the access point used by the mobile terminal 100 to connect to the network, the screen transitions to screen 840. The connection information for the access point used by the mobile terminal 100 to connect to the network is for a different access point than the access point provided by the MFP 110. For convenience, the connection information for the access point used to connect to the network may be simply referred to as "connection information for access point connection" or "connection information for connecting to an access point" below.

[0048] Whether the connection information read from the QR code is for a direct connection, an infrastructure connection, or an access point connection can be determined, for example, based on whether the read connection information has a predetermined format. Here, the format of the connection information refers to, for example, the format in which one or more types of information, such as IP address, SSID, and MAC address, are listed in a predetermined order, or the format of what types of information are listed as connection information.

[0049] For example, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine whether the read connection information is for infrastructure connection or direct connection if it contains predetermined identification information such as a predetermined company name. In the example in Figures 7(A) and (B), if AAA is written as the company name, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine whether the connection information is for infrastructure connection or direct connection. Furthermore, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 determines that the connection information is for direct connection if it contains predetermined identification information such as a predetermined company name and also contains predetermined information (string) indicating that it is for direct connection, such as "DIRECT". Alternatively, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 may determine that the connection information is for direct connection if it contains predetermined identification information such as a predetermined company name and also contains SSID and Pass Key information. On the other hand, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine that the connection information is for infrastructure connection if it contains predetermined identification information such as a predetermined company name but does not contain SSID or Pass Key information. Alternatively, if the connection information includes a designated company name or other identifying information, but does not include designated information indicating that it is connection information for direct connection, it may be determined to be connection information for infrastructure connection.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(C), the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine that the connection information is for access point connection if it contains predetermined information (strings) such as WIFI. Alternatively, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 may determine that the connection information is for access point connection if it does not contain an IP address. The method for determining the type of connection information is not limited to the above method, and may be determined by other methods.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of the display screen, screen 810 is the screen displayed on the control panel when the information read from the QR code is connection information for direct connection. The wireless communication unit 205 uses the connection information (SSID, Pass key) obtained from the QR code to connect to the access point running on the MFP110. The wireless communication unit 205 then obtains connection information from the MFP110 for establishing a Wi-Fi connection with the MFP110. Dialog 811 is a display to inform the user that the MFP110 is currently obtaining connection information for establishing a Wi-Fi connection.

[0052] Screen 820 is displayed while the MFP110 is being searched for using the IP address included in the connection information. When the MFP110 connects to an active access point, or after connecting to the infrastructure access point 120, under the control of the communication unit 302, the device search control unit 307 searches for the MFP110 indicated by the IP address included in the connection information. When the MFP110 indicated by the IP address included in the connection information is detected, the communication unit 302 establishes a communication connection with the MFP110. Once communication with the MFP110 is established, the screen control unit 301 displays screen 830 on the operation panel 206.

[0053] Screen 830 is the top screen of the MFP application 300. An icon 831 is displayed on the screen as information containing identification information indicating the detected MFP. The user of the mobile terminal 100 can perform operations such as issuing print instructions for a predetermined image to the MFP 110 or setting the destination for image transmission via the screen of the MFP application 300.

[0054] Next, we will explain the screen 840 that is displayed when the QR code analysis processing unit 308 determines that the connection information is connection information for connecting to an access point (an access point for connecting to a network).

[0055] On screen 840, dialog 841 is displayed. Dialog 841 notifies the user of information indicating the connection destination shown by the connection information read from the QR code. For example, dialog 841 notifies the user of information indicating the SSID of the connection destination device. Dialog 841 also notifies the user of information that allows the user to identify that the connection destination is different from the MFP110 or the access point provided by the MFP110. For example, dialog 841 notifies the user that the connection destination is different from the MFP110 or the access point provided by the MFP110 by displaying a string such as "Wi-Fi QR code". In this embodiment, an example of notification using dialog 841 is described, but notification is not limited to dialogs; notification may also be performed on the destination screen after a screen transition.

[0056] When a user touches dialog 841, the screen control unit 301 displays screen 850. Screen 850 displays dialog 851 to ask the user whether to allow connection to the destination indicated by the QR code. When the user responds to dialog 851 by allowing the connection, the communication unit 302 starts a Wi-Fi connection with the destination device (access point) indicated by the connection information read from the QR code. Once the connection is established, the device search control unit 307 searches for (finds) devices on the LAN to which the mobile terminal 100 is connected via the destination device (for example, an image forming apparatus). The device search control unit 307 sends a search command to the connected LAN and detects devices on the LAN based on the response to the command. The search command is, for example, a command to receive a response from a device on the LAN that can provide a predetermined service. For example, if a search command is sent to search for a device with image forming capabilities, a device with image forming capabilities, such as a printer on the LAN, will respond to the sender of the search command with information including its own identification information and connection information. This response includes connection information, such as the IP address for connecting to the responding device. While services such as WS-Discovery and mDNS can be used as search services, the search method is not particularly limited.

[0057] When the user responds to dialog 851 by refusing to allow the connection (cancel operation), the screen control unit 301 returns the screen display to screen 801.

[0058] Screen 860 is a screen that notifies the user that the mobile terminal 100 is searching for devices on the LAN to which it is connected. When a device is found, the screen control unit 301 displays screen 870. Screen 870 is a screen that notifies the user of the device search results. A list of one or more devices found on the LAN as a result of the automatic search is displayed. The user can select the device that the mobile terminal 100 should connect to from the identification information of one or more devices displayed. When a device is selected, the communication unit 302 performs communication connection processing to the selected device based on the connection information contained in the response from the selected device.

[0059] When the connection to the device selected by the user is successful, the screen control unit 301 transitions the display screen to screen 830, which is the top screen of the MFP application 300. On screen 830, an icon 831 is displayed as information including the identification information of the connected device.

[0060] Next, the process flow when the mobile terminal 100 establishes communication with the MFP 110 using a QR code will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6. Each step shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is processed by the CPU 201 loading the procedures according to the program stored in memory such as the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing them.

[0061] The QR code acquisition unit 309 reads the QR code captured by the camera 209 and extracts the information as a string (S601).

[0062] Next, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 determines whether the information extracted from the read QR code is connection information for connecting to an access point to a network (S602). As described above, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine that the connection information is for connecting to an access point if it contains predetermined information (strings) such as WIFI, as shown in Figure 7(C). Furthermore, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 may also use whether or not the string WIFI is written at the beginning of the connection information as a criterion for determination.

[0063] If CPU201 determines that the information extracted from the QR code is connection information for access point connection, it proceeds to step S603; otherwise, it proceeds to step S609.

[0064] In step S603, the screen control unit 301 displays a dialog box 851 asking the user whether to allow a Wi-Fi connection using the connection information (for access point connection) extracted from the QR code.

[0065] Next, in step S604, the screen control unit 301 determines whether "Allow" has been selected. If "Allow" is selected by the user, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if "Cancel" is selected by the user, the CPU 201 terminates the process.

[0066] In step S605, the communication unit 302 establishes a Wi-Fi connection to the access point based on the connection information obtained from the QR code.

[0067] In step S606, the communication unit 302 determines whether the Wi-Fi connection process was successful. If successful, the process proceeds to step S607; otherwise, it proceeds to step S608. In step S608, the screen control unit 301 displays an error and terminates the process.

[0068] In step S607, the device search control unit 307 performs an automatic search on the connected LAN. Specifically, if the device search control unit 307 determines that the connection information extracted from the QR code is connection information for an access point, it sends a search command to the network connected via the access point indicated by that connection information. This search command is used to search for communication devices (such as the MFP110) connected to the network.

[0069] A search command may include instructions that request a response from a device capable of providing a specific service (e.g., printing or scanning). For example, if a search command is sent to search for a device with image forming capabilities, the device, such as a printer on the LAN, will respond to the sender of the search command with information including its own identification and connection information.

[0070] Alternatively, the mobile terminal 100 may use a search command to request a response from devices that possess specific identification information, such as the manufacturer's identification information of the device. For example, if a search command is sent to search for devices that possess the identifier of a specific manufacturer, devices on the LAN that possess identification information indicating that the manufacturer of that device is that specific manufacturer will respond to the sender of the search command.

[0071] The screen control unit 301 performs display control to display a list of identification information of one or more devices (communication devices) that have responded as search results on the screen (S618).

[0072] Thus, if the acquired connection information is the connection information for an access point to connect to a network, control is performed to search for communication devices connected to that network, based on the connection information to the access point.

[0073] The user selects a device to connect to from one or more displayed devices and instructs the mobile terminal 100 to connect to the selected device. This instruction is an instruction to select a communication device to connect to via an access point. The image control unit 301 functions as a receiving means for receiving the selection of the communication device to connect to. Once the user's device selection is received (S619), the communication unit 302 connects to the selected device (for example, MFP110) (S620). The communication unit 302 connects to the selected device via the access point to which it is connected. At this time, connection information such as the IP address responded by the device is used as a response to the search command. In this way, the mobile terminal 100 can establish an infrastructure connection to the device selected by the user.

[0074] Next, we will explain the process (processing from step S609 onwards) when the QR code analysis processing unit 308 determines in step S602 that the connection information read from the QR code is not connection information for access point connection.

[0075] In step S609, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 determines whether the extracted information is connection information for either infrastructure connection or direct connection to the MFP110 as a specific communication device. For example, if the extracted information contains the string "AAA" as a company name, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine that the information is either connection information for either infrastructure connection or direct connection to the MFP110. Hereinafter, connection information for infrastructure connection and connection information for direct connection may be collectively referred to as connection information for MFP connection.

[0076] If, in step S609, it is determined that the connection information is neither for infrastructure connection nor for direct connection (i.e., not for MFP connection), the screen control unit 301 displays an error on the screen of the mobile terminal 100 (S617). The CPU 201 then terminates processing.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S609 that the information is connection information for MFP connection, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 performs the processing in step S610.

[0078] If the format is for MFP connection, proceed to step S610; otherwise, display an error in step S617 and terminate the process.

[0079] In step S610, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 determines whether the connection information read from the QR code is connection information for direct connection. The QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine that the connection information is for direct connection if it contains identification information such as a predetermined company name and also contains predetermined information indicating that it is connection information for direct connection, such as "DIRECT".

[0080] In this way, the QR code analysis processing unit 308 can determine whether the acquired connection information is for direct connection or for infrastructure connection. Infrastructure connection information is connection information for connecting to a specific communication device via an access point. Direct connection information is connection information for connecting to an access point provided by a specific communication device (e.g., MFP110).

[0081] CPU201 proceeds to step S611 if the connection information read from the QR code is for direct connection; otherwise, it proceeds to step S612.

[0082] In step S612, the communication unit 302 enables the Wi-Fi communication function of the mobile terminal and proceeds to step S615.

[0083] In step S615, the Wi-Fi communication unit 302 establishes communication with the device using the IP address contained in the information obtained from the QR code. This allows the mobile terminal 100 to connect to the MFP 110 infrastructure.

[0084] Meanwhile, in step S611, the screen control unit 301 displays a dialog box 811 on the display unit of the mobile terminal 100 indicating that a direct connection is in progress (S611).

[0085] Dialog 811 displays a cancel button for canceling the direct connection, controlled by the screen control unit 301. The screen control unit 301 determines whether or not cancellation was instructed via the cancel button (S613). If "Cancel" is selected (S613 Yes), the direct connection process is terminated.

[0086] On the other hand, if cancellation is not instructed, step S614 determines whether the direct connection using the connection information obtained from the QR code was successful.

[0087] If CPU201 fails to establish a direct connection, it proceeds to step S616. Failure to establish a direct connection includes, for example, cases where communication is not established and a timeout occurs. In step S616, an error is displayed and processing terminates.

[0088] If the connection to the access point provided by the MFP is successful, the process proceeds to step S615, and communication with the MFP110 is initiated via the connected access point. In this way, the mobile terminal 100 can establish a direct connection with the MFP110.

[0089] According to this embodiment, if the two-dimensional code captured by the camera 209 of the mobile terminal 100 is connection information for connecting to an access point different from the access point provided by the MFP 110, the mobile terminal 100 performs the following processing: In other words, in response to connecting to an access point using the acquired connection information, it performs a search process for devices present on the network connected via that access point. The mobile terminal 100 then presents the search results to the user.

[0090] With this configuration, after connecting the mobile terminal 100 to the access point, the user can avoid the trouble of performing a device search operation on the mobile terminal 100 to find devices on the network.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a two-dimensional code displayed on the device is scanned, the mobile terminal 100 performs connection processing (infrastructure connection or direct connection) with that device. Also, if a two-dimensional code for connecting to an access point different from the access point provided by the MFP 110 is scanned, the device search processing is performed on the network connected via that access point.

[0092] With this configuration, the connection processing procedure can be automatically switched according to the content of the connection information obtained by reading the two-dimensional code. In other words, the mobile terminal 100 performs the connection processing using a connection method that corresponds to the result of determining the format of the connection information. Since the mobile terminal 100 performs the connection processing using a connection procedure appropriate for each connection type simply by the user scanning the two-dimensional code, user convenience can be improved.

[0093] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100 mobile devices 110 MFP 120 access points 209 Camera 201 CPU 206 Control Panel 211 Wireless Communication Section 309 QR code acquisition unit 308 QR Code Analysis Processing Unit

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer of an information processing device having a reading means to execute a control method, and a program for an application that runs on the information processing device, The control method described above is An acquisition step of obtaining information from a two-dimensional code read using the aforementioned reading means, The system includes a control step that controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing company information and communication connection information in the acquisition step, and also controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing communication connection information but not containing company information in the acquisition step. The control step is characterized by a program that, if information that does not include an SSID is acquired in the acquisition step, controls the program to establish an infrastructure connection with a communication device.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the application is an application that instructs an image forming apparatus to print.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application is an application that instructs an image forming apparatus to perform a scan.

4. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when information is acquired from a two-dimensional code containing information indicating the company in the acquisition step, the information processing device makes a direct connection or infrastructure connection to the image forming apparatus.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the control step, if the SSID, Pass key, and IP address are obtained in the acquisition step, the program is controlled to establish a direct connection with the communication device.

6. The control method includes, if the communication connection information acquired in the acquisition step is first connection information that includes connection information for an access point for connecting to a network but does not include a predetermined address, a second control step which performs a search process to search for a communication device connected to the network based on the first connection information and in accordance with the fact that a connection has been made to the access point; If one or more communication devices are found through the search process, a display control step is performed to display a selection screen for selecting a communication device to be used from among the found communication devices. It has, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, if the communication connection information acquired in the acquisition step is second connection information including the predetermined address, a connection process is performed to connect to the communication device identified by the predetermined address without displaying the selection screen by the display control step.

7. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the application is an application that issues print and scan instructions to an MFP.

8. An information processing device having a reading means, An acquisition means for acquiring information from a two-dimensional code read using the aforementioned reading means, The acquisition means controls the acquisition means to perform connection processing when it acquires information from a two-dimensional code containing company information and communication connection information, and also controls the acquisition means to perform connection processing when it acquires information from a two-dimensional code containing communication connection information but not company information. The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls the acquisition means to establish an infrastructure connection with a communication device when it acquires information that does not include an SSID.

9. A control method performed by an information processing device having a reading means, An acquisition step of obtaining information from a two-dimensional code read using the aforementioned reading means, The system includes a control step that controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing company information and communication connection information in the acquisition step, and also controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing communication connection information but not containing company information in the acquisition step. The control method is characterized in that, in the control step, if information that does not include an SSID is acquired in the acquisition step, the control is performed to establish an infrastructure connection with a communication device.

10. A program that causes a computer of an information processing device having a reading means to execute a control method, and a program for an application that operates on the information processing device, The control method described above is An acquisition step of obtaining information from a two-dimensional code read using the aforementioned reading means, The system includes a control step that controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing company information and communication connection information in the acquisition step, and also controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing communication connection information but not containing company information in the acquisition step. The control step is characterized by a program that, when the SSID, password key, and IP address are obtained in the acquisition step, controls the system to establish a direct connection with the communication device.

11. An information processing device having a reading means, An acquisition means for acquiring information from a two-dimensional code read using the aforementioned reading means, The acquisition means controls the acquisition means to perform connection processing when it acquires information from a two-dimensional code containing company information and communication connection information, and also controls the acquisition means to perform connection processing when it acquires information from a two-dimensional code containing communication connection information but not company information. The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls the system to establish a direct connection with a communication device when the acquisition means has acquired the SSID, password, and IP address.

12. A control method performed by an information processing device having a reading means, An acquisition step of obtaining information from a two-dimensional code read using the aforementioned reading means, The system includes a control step that controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing company information and communication connection information in the acquisition step, and also controls the system to perform connection processing if information is obtained from a two-dimensional code containing communication connection information but not containing company information in the acquisition step. The control method is characterized in that, in the control step, if the SSID, Pass key, and IP address are obtained in the acquisition step, the system is controlled to establish a direct connection with the communication device.

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