Communication device

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: due to the recent increasing cases of using radio communication, there is a demand for improving the convenience of radio communication.SOLUTION: When an image forming apparatus operates in a state where it can acquire, from an external device, frequency information available in radio communication in the 6 GHz band, it displays a setting screen including options corresponding to 6 GHz as options for frequency bands that can be used in operating as a key station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to communication an apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A technique in which an image forming apparatus can execute wireless communication in infrastructure mode and wireless communication in ad hoc mode in parallel via an access point is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, wireless communication has been used in various cases, and it is desired to provide highly convenient wireless communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, The communication device of the present invention is when the communication device is operating in a state where frequency The frequency that indicates information available in 6 GHz band wireless communication can be obtained from the outside system the communication device is advantageous uses do the frequency obi and to display a first setting screen for the 6 GHz band Configurable and when the communication device is operating in a state where frequency information is The aforementioned obtained from the outside The aforementioned the communication device system obtains I can't and when operating in a state There are [[ID= 71]]the communication device is advantageous uses do the frequency obi and to display a first setting screen for the 6 GHz band​ Cannot be set Display the second setting screen Control it so that Display control means, the first setting screen Based on the operation on 6 GHz band It can be set to use when done, the external system from acquisition done The aforementioned Based on the frequency information 、 Specific means for identifying communication channels in the 6 GHz band, the By specific means identified communication Using the channel There is no Line communication Control to perform Control means and, has characterized by ru.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a more efficient wireless communication technology.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration in this embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal. (b) It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart executed in a communication device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a communication device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart executed in a communication device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and specific examples of components, processing steps, display screens, etc. are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto without special description.

[0009] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the system according to this embodiment. In one example, this system is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication devices can communicate with each other wirelessly. In the example of FIG. 1, it includes an access point (AP) 131, an MFP 151, and a mobile terminal 101. Note that the mobile terminal 101 is an example of a mobile terminal and is a notebook computer or a smartphone. Also, this system includes an Automated Frequency Cordinaion (AFC) system 100. The MFP 151 can communicate with the AFC 100 via the AP 131. Note that the MFP 151 in this embodiment can perform wireless communication using at least 6 GHz and operates as a Standard Power Device. Standard Power Devices have a less restrictive transmission power compared to Very Low Power Devices and Low Power Indoor-Only Devices. On the other hand, a device operating as a Standard Power Device queries the AFC system 100 for the frequency range or channels available for 6 GHz wireless communication and determines the frequency range or channels to be used at 6 GHz by receiving the response.

[0010] The MFP151 has printing, scanning, and faxing functions. Furthermore, the MFP151 in this embodiment has a communication function that allows it to communicate wirelessly with the 101. While this embodiment describes the use of the MFP151 as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, a facsimile machine, scanner, projector, or single-function printer may be used instead of the MFP151. MFP is an abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral. In this embodiment, a device equipped with printing functionality may also be referred to as an image forming apparatus.

[0011] Access point 131 is located separately (externally) from the mobile terminal 101 and MFP 151, and operates as a base station device for wireless LAN (WLAN). Access point 131 may also be referred to as external access point 131 or external wireless base station (or external master station). MFP 151, which has WLAN communication capabilities, can communicate in WLAN infrastructure mode via access point 131. In the following, access point may be referred to as "AP". Infrastructure mode may also be referred to as "wireless infrastructure mode" or "infrastructure mode".

[0012] Infrastructure mode is a mode in which the MFP151 communicates with other devices via external devices that form a network (e.g., access point 131). The connection with an external access point established by the MFP151 operating in infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as an infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in an infrastructure connection, the MFP151 operates as a slave station, and the external access point operates as a master station. In this embodiment, a master station is a device that determines the communication channel used in the network to which the master station belongs, and a slave station is a device that does not determine the communication channel used in the network to which the slave station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master station.

[0013] Access point 131 communicates wirelessly with communication devices that it has authorized to connect to its device (authenticated) and relays wireless communication between those communication devices and other communication devices. In addition, access point 131 may be connected to a wired communication network, for example, and can relay communication between communication devices connected to that wired communication network and other communication devices that are wirelessly connected to access point 131.

[0014] The mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151 can use their respective WLAN communication functions to perform wireless communication in wireless infrastructure mode via the external access point 131, or in peer-to-peer mode without the external access point 131. Hereafter, peer-to-peer communication will be referred to as "P2P". Alternatively, communication without the external access point 131 may be referred to as direct wireless communication. P2P mode includes Wi-Fi Direct® and soft AP mode, etc. Hereafter, Wi-Fi Direct® may be referred to as WFD. P2P mode can also be described as communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series.

[0015] P2P mode is a mode in which the MFP151 communicates directly with other devices such as the mobile terminal 101 without going through external devices that form a network. In this embodiment, P2P mode includes AP mode in which the MFP151 operates as an access point. The access point connection information (SSID and password) enabled within the MFP151 in AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. P2P mode may also include, for example, a WFD mode for the MFP151 to communicate via Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of the multiple WFD-compatible devices will operate as the master station is determined according to a sequence such as Group Owner Negotiation. The master station may be determined without performing Group Owner Negotiation. A device that is WFD-compatible and also acts as the master station is specifically called the Group Owner. A direct connection with other devices established by the MFP151 operating in P2P mode is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the MFP151 operates as the master station, and other devices (such as the mobile terminal 101) operate as slave stations.

[0016] As described above, the AFC system 100 responds to inquiries from the device (inquired frequency range or inquired channels) with the available frequency range and channels.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal of this embodiment and the communication device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. In addition, the following configuration is described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices that can communicate with a communication device and does not particularly limit the functions as shown in this figure.

[0018] The mobile terminal 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a keyboard 109, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, a network interface 112, a USB interface 113, and the like. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc., form the computer of the mobile terminal 101.

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

[0020] The CPU 103 is the system control unit and controls the entire mobile terminal 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs executed by the CPU 103, data tables, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0021] RAM105 consists of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM105's data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. RAM105 also includes a memory area for storing the settings information and management data of the mobile terminal 101. Furthermore, RAM105 is used as both the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103.

[0022] The external storage device 106 stores, for example, a print information generation program that generates print information that can be interpreted by the printing device 115. The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the mobile terminal 101.

[0023] The display unit 108 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays) and displays data and notifies the status of the mobile terminal 101. The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the MFP 151 and access point (AP) 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) inside the MFP 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 and the access point inside the MFP 151, the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151 can communicate via P2P. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the MFP 151 via wireless communication, or it may communicate via an AP 131 unit located outside the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151. External devices include external access points (such as access point 131) located outside the mobile terminal 101 and the MFP 151, as well as devices other than access points that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark), a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. The access point 131 may be, for example, a wireless LAN router or similar device.

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

[0025] The network interface 112 is a connection interface that controls communication via wireless and communication processing via wired LAN cables.

[0026] The USB interface 113 is a connection interface that controls USB connections via a USB cable. Specifically, the USB interface 113 is an interface for connecting to devices such as the MFP 151 and the external access point 131 via USB and performing data communication.

[0027] Next, I will explain the MFP151. The MFP151 includes a ROM152, RAM153, CPU154, print engine155, communication unit156, short-range wireless communication unit157, input interface158, operation unit159, output interface160, display unit161, network interface162, USB interface163, etc. The ROM152, RAM153, CPU154, etc. form the computer of the MFP151.

[0028] The communication unit 156 controls the communication processing using each interface. For example, the MFP 151 can operate in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0029] Specifically, the communication unit 156 can operate as an access point within the MFP 151. For example, the MFP 151 will operate as an access point if the user instructs it to activate the internal access point. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is at least a communication standard compliant with IEEE 802.11ax. In the following description, Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) refers to a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. The communication unit 156 may also be equipped with hardware that functions as an access point, or it may operate as an access point through software that enables it to function as an access point. When the communication unit 156 operates as a master station, it can maintain parallel P2P wireless connections with a predetermined number of slave station devices (e.g., 3 or fewer). Furthermore, the communication unit 156 can perform wireless communication using a frequency band selected from 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz.

[0030] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to establish a short-range wireless connection with a device such as a mobile terminal 101, and can, for example, connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the mobile terminal 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0031] RAM153 consists of SRAM and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM153's data is held by a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without being lost. RAM153 also includes a memory area for storing MFP151 configuration information and management data. Furthermore, RAM153 is used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU154, storing a receive buffer for temporarily saving print information received from mobile terminals such as the 101, and various other information.

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

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

[0034] The print engine 155 performs a printing process to form an image on a recording medium by adding a recording material such as ink to paper, based on information stored in the RAM 153 or print jobs received from a mobile terminal 101, and outputs the print result. Generally, the amount of data for print jobs transmitted from a mobile terminal 101 is large, so it is necessary to use a communication method that enables high-speed communication for the communication of print jobs. For this reason, the MFP 151 receives print jobs via a communication unit 156 that enables communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157. Note that printing using ink is just one example, and printing may also be performed using an electrophotographic method with toner. Furthermore, the MFP may be a cartridge type that uses cartridges, or an MFP that refills ink from an ink bottle into its ink tank.

[0035] Furthermore, the MFP151 may be equipped with optional memory such as an external HDD or SD card, and the information stored in the MFP151 may be stored in such memory.

[0036] The input interface 158 is an interface for receiving data input and operation instructions from the user when an operation unit 159, such as a physical button, is operated. The operation unit may also be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 161. In other words, the input interface 158 may also receive input from the user via the display unit 161.

[0037] The output interface 160 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the MFP 151.

[0038] The display unit 161 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and is used to display data and notify the status of the MFP 151.

[0039] The USB interface 163 is an interface that controls USB connections via a USB cable. Specifically, the USB interface 163 is an interface for connecting to devices such as the MFP 151 or external access points via USB and performing data communication.

[0040] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the flowchart of this embodiment executed in the MFP151. The flowchart of this embodiment is realized when the CPU154 reads and executes a program related to the processing of the flowchart from the ROM152. Note that the flowchart in Figure 3 is started when the frequency band setting 401 is selected by the user in the setting screen 400 shown in Figure 4(a).

[0041] The CPU 154 determines whether or not it can communicate with the AFC system 100 (S301). S301 may be achieved, for example, by determining whether infrastructure mode is enabled, or by determining whether or not an infrastructure connection has been established. Alternatively, S301 may be achieved by the MFP 151 determining whether or not it can communicate with the AFC system 100.

[0042] If the response in S301 is determined to be Yes, the CPU 154 displays a settings screen that includes the 6GHz option (S302). If the response in S301 is determined to be No, the CPU 154 displays a settings screen that does not include the 6GHz option (S303). For example, in S302, the settings screen 402 shown in Figure 4(b) is displayed, and in S303, the settings screen 403 shown in Figure 4(c) is displayed. Note that in Figure 4(c), the 6GHz option is missing from the screen, but any screen that prevents the user from selecting the 6GHz option is acceptable; for example, a screen where the 6GHz option is grayed out may be displayed. Alternatively, if the response in S301 is determined to be No, the CPU 154 may display a screen like that shown in Figure 4(b) and display a message indicating that the 6GHz option cannot be selected if it is selected.

[0043] CPU154 activates the internal access point in the frequency band selected on setting screen 402 or setting screen 403 and operates as the master station (S304).

[0044] Here, the detailed processing of S304 will be explained using Figure 5.

[0045] The CPU 154 determines the frequency band selected on the screen shown in Figure 4(b) or Figure 4(c) (S501).

[0046] If CPU154 determines that the 2.4GHz option is selected, CPU154 selects a 2.4GHz channel and operates as the master station (S502). In this case, the selected channel may be the same as the channel used for infrastructure communication, or it may be a different channel from the channel used for infrastructure communication.

[0047] If CPU154 determines that the 5GHz option has been selected, it will select a non-DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) channel within the 5GHz band and operate as the master station (S502). The non-DFS channel is the W52 channel. The reason for selecting a non-DFS channel is that MFP151 does not have DFS functionality.

[0048] If CPU 154 determines that the 6GHz option has been selected, CPU 154 queries AFC system 100 for available channels (S504). At this time, CPU 154 queries AFC system 100 for available channels at 80MHz, for example, in UNII-5. Upon receiving this query, AFC system 100 replies with channels within UNII-5 (5925MHz to 6425MHz) that are available for 80MHz communication.

[0049] CPU 154 operates as a master station using the available channels received from the AFC system 100 (S505). If multiple channels are received as available channels in S505, CPU 154 may select a channel based on the channel used for infrastructure communication. For example, CPU 154 may select a channel different from the channel used for infrastructure communication.

[0050] The above process enables direct communication between the MFP151, which is operating as the master station, and the terminal device 101. For example, the MFP151 may execute a printing process based on the print data received from the terminal device 101. The MFP151 may also use this direct communication to send the remaining amount of consumables to the terminal device 101. The remaining amount of consumables refers to, for example, the remaining amount of ink or toner.

[0051] Although the above embodiment was described using the MFP151 as an example, it may be implemented with other devices. For example, devices such as digital cameras, single-function printers, single-function scanners, projectors, and smartphones may perform the processing of the above embodiment.

[0052] 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.

[0053] This embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0054] (Composition 1) A communication device capable of performing a first wireless communication via an external access point and a second wireless communication without using the external access point, When the communication device is operating in a state where it can acquire usable frequency information for 6GHz band wireless communication from an external device, a display control means displays a first setting screen that includes an option corresponding to the 6GHz band as an option for the frequency band that can be used when the communication device operates as a master station in the second wireless communication; when the communication device is not operating in a state where it can acquire usable frequency information for 6GHz band wireless communication from an external device, a display control means displays a second setting screen that restricts the selection of the 6GHz band as an option for the frequency band that can be used when the communication device operates as a master station in the second wireless communication; When an option corresponding to the 6GHz band is selected in the first setting screen, the system includes a means for identifying a 6GHz band communication channel based on frequency information received from the external device, The system includes wireless communication control means that operates as a master station in the second wireless communication using the specified channel, A communication device characterized in that the master station in the second wireless communication determines the communication channel to be used in the second wireless communication.

[0055] (Configuration 2) The communication device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that, when multiple available 6GHz band communication channels are identified based on the frequency information, the identification means identifies a 6GHz band communication channel based on the communication channel used in the first wireless communication.

[0056] (Composition 3) The communication device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the identifying means identifies a communication channel different from the communication channel used in the first wireless communication.

[0057] (Composition 4) A communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by comprising a print control means that performs a printing process on paper based on print data received via the second wireless communication.

[0058] (Composition 5) A communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that it transmits the remaining amount of ink to a communication partner device via the second wireless communication.

[0059] (Composition 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the second setting screen in which the selection of the 6GHz band is restricted is a screen that does not include an option corresponding to 6GHz.

[0060] (Composition 7) The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the second setting screen in which the selection of the 6GHz band is restricted is a screen in which a predetermined message is notified when an option corresponding to 6GHz is selected.

[0061] (Composition 8) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the state in which the communication device can acquire usable frequency information in 6GHz band wireless communication from an external device is the state in which the first wireless communication can be performed.

[0062] (Composition 9) The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the state in which the communication device can acquire usable frequency information in 6GHz band wireless communication from an external device is a state in which it can communicate with the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system, which is the external device.

[0063] (Composition 10) The communication device according to configuration 8, characterized in that the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series, the first wireless communication is an infrastructure mode communication, and the second wireless communication is a peer-to-peer mode communication.

[0064] (Composition 11) The communication device according to configuration 9, characterized in that the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series, the first wireless communication is an infrastructure mode communication, and the second wireless communication is a peer-to-peer mode communication. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 151 MFP

Claims

1. A communication device, When the communication device is operating in a state where it can acquire frequency information indicating frequencies available for wireless communication in the 6 GHz band from an external system, a first setting screen is displayed that allows the 6 GHz band to be set as the frequency band used by the communication device. If the communication device is operating in a state where it cannot acquire the frequency information from the external system, a second setting screen will be displayed indicating that the 6GHz band cannot be set as the frequency band used by the communication device. A display control means that controls the display in such a way, When the use of the 6GHz band is set based on the operation on the first setting screen, the system includes a means for identifying a communication channel in the 6GHz band based on the frequency information obtained from the external system, Control means for controlling wireless communication to be performed using the communication channel identified by the specified means, A communication device characterized by having the following features.

2. Print control means that controls the execution of printing on paper based on print data received via wireless communication using the communication channel identified by the specified means. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that it transmits the remaining amount of ink to the communication partner's device via wireless communication using the communication channel identified by the specified means.

4. The first setting screen is a screen that displays options for setting the 6GHz band as the frequency band used by the communication device. The second settings screen is a screen in which no option is displayed for setting the 6GHz band as the frequency band used by the communication device. The communication device according to feature 1.

5. The first setting screen is a screen that displays options for setting the 6GHz band as the frequency band used by the communication device, The second settings screen is a screen in which the option to set the 6GHz band as the frequency band used by the communication device is disabled. The communication device according to feature 1.

6. Based on the selection of the option corresponding to the 6GHz band displayed on the first setting screen, the 6GHz band is set as the frequency band used by the communication device for wireless communication. Even if the option corresponding to the 6GHz band displayed on the second setting screen is selected, the 6GHz band is not set as the frequency band used by the communication device for wireless communication. The communication device according to feature 1.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the display control means controls the display to show a notification indicating that the option corresponding to 6GHz cannot be selected, without setting the 6GHz band as the frequency band used by the communication device in wireless communication, in response to the selection of the option corresponding to 6GHz displayed on the second setting screen.

8. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the state in which the frequency information can be acquired from the external system is a state in which the first wireless communication via an external access point can be performed.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the state in which the frequency information can be acquired from the external system is a state in which communication is possible with the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system, which is the external system.

10. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wireless communication using the communication channel identified by the specified means is a communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series.

11. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device operates as a Standard Power Device.

12. The communication device is capable of performing a first wireless communication via an external access point and a second wireless communication without the external access point, and the wireless communication using the communication channel specified by the specific means is the second wireless communication, as described in claim 1.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein, if the frequency information obtained from the external system indicates that multiple communication channels in the 6 GHz band are available, the identifying means identifies a 6 GHz band communication channel to be used for the second wireless communication based on the communication channel used for the first wireless communication.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, characterized in that the identifying means identifies a communication channel different from the communication channel used in the first wireless communication as a 6GHz band communication channel used in the second wireless communication.

15. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are communications compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series, the first wireless communication is an infrastructure mode communication, and the second wireless communication is a peer-to-peer mode communication.

16. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that the master station in the second wireless communication determines the communication channel used in the second wireless communication.

17. A program for causing at least one computer to function as one of the means of a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as one of the means of a communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A method for controlling a communication device, When the communication device is operating in a state where it can acquire frequency information indicating frequencies available for wireless communication in the 6 GHz band from an external system, a first setting screen is displayed that allows the 6 GHz band to be set as the frequency band used by the communication device. If the communication device is operating in a state where it cannot acquire the frequency information from the external system, a second setting screen will be displayed indicating that the 6GHz band cannot be set as the frequency band used by the communication device. A display control step that controls the display in this manner, If the use of the 6GHz band is set based on the operation on the first setting screen, the process includes a selection step of identifying a communication channel in the 6GHz band based on the frequency information obtained from the external system, A control step that controls the system to perform wireless communication using the communication channel identified in the specified step, A method for controlling a communication device, characterized by having the following features.

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