Wireless communication device, control method for wireless communication device, and program

Abstract

To improve operability in connecting to external APs in a radio communication device that can actuate a plurality of STA functions in parallel.SOLUTION: A radio communication device has a plurality of station functions and can be connected to a plurality of access points in parallel, and the radio communication device detects access points, and selects an access point to which the device connects from the plurality of detected access points. At that time, the radio communication device performs control so that an access point being connected by using a first station function is not selected as an access point to be connected by using a second station function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a communication standard related to a wireless local area network (LAN), the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard is known. Also known are the Wi-Fi standard and the Wi-Fi Direct standard defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

[0003] Conventionally, for example, in one wireless communication device compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the Wi-Fi standard, a system has been proposed in which a station (STA) function and an access point (AP) function can operate in parallel. By the STA function, it can connect to an external AP and participate in the network formed by the external AP. Also, by the AP function, it can connect to an external STA and allow the external STA to participate in the network formed by the own device. Similarly, it has also been proposed to operate the STA function and the Wi-Fi Direct function in parallel.

[0004] For example, in the system described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to connect to a wireless communication device compliant with the Wi-Fi Direct standard by the Wi-Fi Direct function in parallel with connecting to an AP by the STA function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] On the other hand, by configuring a single wireless communication device to have multiple STA functions, it becomes possible to connect to multiple external APs simultaneously. In this configuration, where multiple STA functions operate in parallel, the number of networks that the wireless communication device can connect to can be increased by connecting each STA function to a different AP. However, if the same AP is connected to each STA function of the wireless communication device, the number of networks that the wireless communication device can connect to cannot be increased. For example, when one STA function of the wireless communication device is already connected to an AP, and the user attempts to connect another STA function to an AP, they may mistakenly select the same AP as the one already connected as the connection destination for the other STA function. Thus, when the goal is to increase the number of connected networks, connecting multiple STA functions to the same AP prevents the wireless communication device from increasing the number of networks it can connect to. Furthermore, careful operation by the user is required to avoid selecting the same AP as the one already connected as the connection destination for other STA functions, which is unhelpful.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to improve the operability when connecting to an external access point in a wireless communication device having multiple station functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A communication device according to one aspect of this disclosure is: A wireless communication device having multiple station functions and capable of connecting to multiple access points in parallel, A detection means for detecting an access point, A display control means that causes the access point detected by the detection means to be displayed on the display unit, Based on the user operation to select the access point displayed on the aforementioned display unit, The aforementioned Display on the display unit A selection means for selecting an access point to which the wireless communication device will connect from among a plurality of access points, It has, The display control means is The access point that is already connected using the first station function To prevent the user from selecting a particular access point, the system controls the display unit to show multiple access points that can be connected using the second station function detected by the detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in a wireless communication device having multiple station functions, the operability when connecting to an external access point can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Network configuration to which the present invention can be applied [Figure 2] Configuration of Printer 101 [Figure 3] Flowchart for setting up printer 101 [Figure 4] Flowchart for displaying AP list [Figure 5] Display transition example 1 [Figure 6] Display transition example 2 [Figure 7] Display transition example 3 [Figure 8] Display transition example 4 [Figure 9] Display transition example 5 [Figure 10] Display transition example 6 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

[0012] Hereinafter, an example of a wireless LAN system compliant with the IEEE802.11 standard will be described. In addition to the IEEE802.11 standard, it may also be compliant with other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, Zigbee, MBOA, etc. Here, UWB is the acronym for Ultra Wide Band, and MBOA is the acronym for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. Note that OFDM is the acronym for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. Also, NFC is the acronym for Near Field Communication. UWB includes wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus), wireless 1394, etc. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a network configuration to which the present invention can be applied, but is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient to have a plurality of wireless communication devices having a plurality of station functions and another wireless communication device having an access point function that can be connected to the wireless communication devices.

[0014] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a printer which is a wireless communication device having a plurality of STA functions. Note that the printer 101 may be, for example, an IoT device such as a camera, a PC, a TV, a projector, a smart home appliance, a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or any wireless communication device having a plurality of station functions.

[0015] 111 is a wireless router with AP functionality. 121, 122, and 123 are smart devices with AP functionality. Here, the wireless router 111 and smart devices 121, 122, and 123 have AP functionality and can connect to the STA as APs. The SSIDs of the network formed by the wireless router 111 and smart devices 121, 122, and 123 are "Office ap", "My phone", "Your phone", and "His phone", respectively. Note that 111, 121, 122, and 123 can be any wireless communication devices with AP functionality, and may include wireless routers, modems, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or PCs. Printer 101 can selectively connect to the wireless router 111 and smart devices 121, 122, and 123.

[0016] 131 is the internet. Note that the internet 131 may be accessed via a cloud network or a public telephone network.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the configuration of printer 101.

[0018] Unit 201 is the power supply unit. Power supply unit 201 supplies power to each piece of hardware. Power supply unit 201 obtains power from sources such as AC power or a battery.

[0019] 211 is an input unit. The input unit 211 receives various operations from the user. For example, it includes operation buttons.

[0020] 221 is the output unit. The output unit 221 provides various outputs to the user. Outputs from the output unit 221 include, for example, LED displays, screen displays, speaker audio output, vibration output, etc. Alternatively, both the input unit 211 and the output unit 221 may be implemented as a single module with a display unit, similar to a touch panel. Furthermore, the input unit 211 and the output unit 221 do not necessarily need to be built into the printer 101; input and output may be performed on a different terminal or device. The following explanation assumes that input and output are performed using a touch panel.

[0021] 231 is the first STA function unit. 232 is the second STA function unit. The first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232 perform wireless LAN control and radio wave transmission / reception in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard and connect to the AP. The printer 101 is configured to operate two STA functions in parallel and can connect to two APs at the same time. The printer 101 may have three or more STA function units, and the printer 101 can operate any number of STA functions in parallel. In addition, the STA function units of the printer 101 may be capable of wireless communication using Wi-Fi Direct functionality in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct standard. The Wi-Fi Direct standard specifies a protocol that determines whether each wireless communication device operates as a Group Owner (hereinafter referred to as GO) or a Client. By executing the above protocol, it is automatically determined which wireless communication device will be the GO and which will be the Client, so that the GO and Client can connect and communicate.

[0022] 241 is the control unit. The control unit 241 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire printer 101 by executing a program stored in the memory unit 251. Alternatively, instead of the control unit 241 controlling the entire device, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0023] 251 is a memory unit. The memory unit 251 is composed of memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores programs for performing various processes described later, as well as information about APs, GOs, and Clients to which the STA is connected. In addition, the STA function unit may be used to acquire and store various information in advance, such as information necessary for the printer 101 to connect with other communication devices.

[0024] The information required for connection includes the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) ​​of the network formed by the AP, as well as encryption information and signal strength information. It may also include additional information contained in the Beacon frame and Probe Response frame transmitted by the AP, as well as information obtainable from the AP and information that may be used to connect to the AP.

[0025] Furthermore, the information necessary for connection may include the SSID and BSSID of the network formed by the wireless communication device with Wi-Fi Direct functionality, as well as encryption information and signal strength information. It may also include additional information contained in the Beacon frame and Probe Response frame transmitted by the wireless communication device with Wi-Fi Direct functionality. Moreover, it may include information obtainable from the wireless communication device with Wi-Fi Direct functionality, or information necessary or potentially used to connect to the wireless communication device with Wi-Fi Direct functionality.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the printer 101 configuration process. This configuration process is initiated when configuring the connection destination of the printer 101 using the STA function unit. For example, this occurs when the user operates the input unit 211 and selects a configuration menu to configure the connection destination of the printer 101 using the STA function unit. Once the configuration process begins, the printer 101 searches for APs (Access Points) in its vicinity, detects and obtains information about the surrounding APs, and then creates and displays an AP list from the obtained AP information (S301). Further explanation of the AP list display S301 will be provided later.

[0027] After the AP list is displayed, the printer 101 selects the AP to connect to using the STA function unit (S302). This selection may be based on user input via the input unit 211, or it may be based on automatic selection by the control unit 241. Note that if user input is not used during AP selection S302, the step of displaying the AP list may be omitted.

[0028] Next, the STA function unit of printer 101 is used to connect printer 101 to the AP selected in AP selection process S302 (S303).

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the AP list display process S301. First, the printer 101 selects an STA function unit from among its multiple STA function units to be used to connect to the AP (S401). The selection may be based on input from the user via the input unit 211, or it may be based on automatic selection by the control unit 241. Note that the selection of the STA function unit to be used for connection may be performed at a different time. For example, in the STA function unit selection process S401, it may be decided which function to use for the connection, and the selection of the STA function unit to be used for connection may be performed after the AP selection process S302. In this case, the STA function unit with a stronger received signal strength may be identified for the AP selected in the AP selection process S302.

[0030] Next, using the STA function unit selected in the STA function unit selection process S401, the system searches for nearby APs that can be connected using the selected STA function unit and obtains information about the surrounding APs (S402).

[0031] Next, the AP search process S402 generates an AP list (S403) as a list of connectable APs based on the AP information it has detected and obtained. While the SSID and BSSID of the network formed by the searched APs are often used in this AP list, the AP information can be used arbitrarily.

[0032] After the AP list generation process S403, it is determined whether printer 101 is already connected to an AP using an STA function unit other than the one selected in S401 (S404). If printer 101 is not already connected to an AP using an STA function unit other than the one selected in S401, the process proceeds to S407. If printer 101 is already connected to an AP using an STA function unit other than the one selected in S401, the process proceeds to S405.

[0033] In S405, a different STA function unit than the one selected in S401 is used to determine whether the information of the AP to which printer 101 is already connected is included in the AP list generated in S403. Here, for example, the determination is based on whether the SSID and BSSID, which are information of the already connected AP, are included in the AP list. If it is determined that the information of the AP to which printer 101 is already connected is included in the AP list, the process proceeds to S406. If it is determined that it is not included, the process proceeds to S407.

[0034] In S406, the STA function unit is used to remove the information of APs that printer 101 is already connected to from the AP list. This leaves the AP list as a list of potential APs to connect to, and the process proceeds to S407.

[0035] If S404 determines that no STA function unit other than the one selected in S401 is connected to an AP, the AP list generated in S403 becomes the list of candidate APs for connection. Also, if S405 does not contain information on an AP to which another STA function unit is connected, the AP list generated in S403 becomes the list of candidate APs for connection.

[0036] In S407, a list of candidate APs is displayed on the output unit 221, and the AP list display process flow ends. The candidate AP list is obtained by removing the information of APs that are already connected to the STA function unit of the printer 101 from the AP information detected and acquired in S402. Alternatively, instead of removing the information of APs that are already connected, in S407, the information of APs that the printer 101 is already connected to using the STA function unit may be displayed in a way that indicates that they are already connected. For example, the information of APs that are already connected may be displayed grayed out, or displayed along with a statement that they are already connected. Alternatively, the information of APs that are already connected may be displayed in a way that prevents selection. In this way, if the information of APs that the printer 101 is already connected to is displayed in S407, the process in S406 may be skipped. Then, based on the user input via the input unit 211 or the selection of AP information by the control unit 241 from the displayed AP list, the AP to which the printer 101 is connected using the STA function unit selected in S401 is selected (S302). Then, the connection process between the printer 101 using the STA function unit selected in S401 and the AP selected in S302 is performed (S303). Note that the AP list display process S407 may be omitted if user input is not accepted during the AP selection process S302.

[0037] By removing information about already connected APs from the AP list in this way, it is possible to prevent the wireless communication device using the selected STA function unit from selecting an already connected AP as its destination AP. Furthermore, by displaying information about already connected APs in a way that indicates they are already connected, it is also possible to prevent unintended AP selection.

[0038] [Example of operation 1] The first operational example of the present invention will be described below. Figures 5 and 6 show examples of the display transitions of the communication settings in this operational example, but are not limited to these. In this operational example, when connecting using the second STA function unit 232, the first STA function unit 231 will be used to delete the information of already connected APs from the AP list and present the AP list to the user, and an example of the display transition will also be described.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of display transition 1. 501 is the display when a menu that allows communication settings such as the settings menu is selected by operating the input unit 211, and the AP list creation flow may be started at this point. In this example, it is assumed that the printer 101 is not connected to the wireless router 111 or any of the smart devices 121, 122, or 123.

[0040] In the "Communication Settings" screen of Display Transition Example 1, there are setting menus for "Wireless LAN 1 Settings," "Wireless LAN 2 Settings," and "Wireless Direct." On the "Communication Settings" screen, you select the STA function unit in S401. In this example, "Wireless LAN 1 Settings" is used to configure settings related to wireless LAN communication using the first STA function unit 231. "Wireless LAN 2 Settings" is used to configure settings related to wireless LAN communication using the second STA function unit 232. "Wireless Direct" is used to configure settings related to wireless LAN communication using the Wi-Fi Direct function with the second STA function unit 232.

[0041] Note that the "Communication Settings" screen display is not limited to this; it may also be possible to first select which STA function unit to use, and then select which function to use within the selected STA function unit (whether or not to execute the Wi-Fi Direct function). Alternatively, it may be possible to first select which function to use (whether or not to execute the Wi-Fi Direct function), and then select which STA function unit to use. Furthermore, as in this example, it may be possible to select the STA function unit and function to use in a single selection. In this example, it is assumed that "Wireless LAN 1 Settings" has been selected by the user in 501.

[0042] 502 is displayed when searching for a connectable AP using the first STA function unit 231 selected in 501.

[0043] 503 is the "Access Point Selection" screen displayed after 502, and displays the AP list created by the AP list creation flow shown in Figure 4, which represents the candidate connection destinations. In this example, the AP list will display the SSIDs and signal strengths of the wireless networks established by the AP functions of the wireless router 111 and smart devices 121, 122, and 123. Note that the display format of the AP list is not limited to this; for example, it may be displayed in order of signal strength, or in order of proximity to the STA function unit.

[0044] 504 is displayed when the user operates the input unit 211 and selects the wireless router 111.

[0045] 505 is a display during the connection process following 504. In this example, at 505, the connection process to the wireless router 111 is performed using the first STA function unit 231. Note that when connecting to an AP, depending on the wireless LAN encryption method set on the AP, it may be necessary to enter a password required for encryption, but in this example, password entry is omitted. Alternatively, after the user selects the AP to connect to at 504, a password entry screen may be displayed and the user can enter the password.

[0046] Note that Figure 5 is an example of a display transition, and the display of 501 does not need to be shown if the STA function unit or function selection does not accept user selection. Also, 502 and 505 are displays during each process, and may be displayed in conjunction with other screen displays, different displays may be used, or they may not be displayed at all. Furthermore, instead of displaying the status of each process, only a display for the completion of each process may be shown, and the screen display is not limited to this.

[0047] Figure 6 shows display transition example 2. This is an example of a display transition to be set on the "Communication Settings" screen after the display transition shown in Figure 5. That is, the printer 101 is connected to the wireless router 111 using the first STA function unit 231.

[0048] 601 is the display of the "Communication Settings" screen, where the user enters information using the input unit 211. Here, since the printer 101 is already connected to the wireless router 111 using the first STA function unit 231, the "Wireless LAN1 Settings" may be configured to display a message indicating that it is already connected. The display may be in text, or it may be displayed using symbols or colors to make it easily understandable. It may also be displayed in a way that the user can understand, including information about already connected APs. For example, the SSID "Office ap", which is the AP information for the wireless router 111, may be included in the display. For "Wireless LAN2 Settings" and "Wireless Direct", since they are not connected to the AP using the second STA function unit 232, the connection information is not displayed. In this case, it may be possible to distinguish between connected and disconnected states by displaying a message only for the disconnected state.

[0049] In this example, it is assumed that the user has selected "Wireless LAN 2 settings" in unit 601.

[0050] 602 is displayed when searching for an AP that can connect to the second STA function unit 232 selected in 601.

[0051] 603 is the "Access Point Selection" screen displayed after 602, and a list of APs that are candidates for connection using the second STA function unit 232 selected in 601 is displayed. When the AP list is displayed in 601 to 603, the AP list creation flow shown in Figure 4 is performed. Here, let's assume that in S402, the wireless router 111 was searched for as an AP that can be connected using the second STA function unit 232. In other words, let's assume that the AP list at the time of AP list generation in S404 included the SSID "Office ap", which is the information of the wireless router 111. The wireless router 111 is already connected using the first STA function unit 231. Therefore, according to the AP list creation process flow shown in Figure 4, "Office ap", which is the information of the AP already connected using the first STA function unit 231, is deleted from the AP list that can be connected using the second STA function unit 232. In 603, the resulting list of candidate APs for connection is displayed, and in 603, the information of "My phone", "Your phone", and "His phone" is displayed, excluding "Office ap".

[0052] 604 is the display when the user operates the input unit 211 and selects "My phone," which is information from the smart device 121.

[0053] 605 is a display during the connection process following 604. In 605, the connection process to the smart device 121 is performed using the second STA function unit 232.

[0054] The above describes the case where, when connecting to an AP using the second STA function unit 232, the information of the wireless router 111 already connected using the first STA function unit 231 is removed from the list of destination APs and displayed in the AP list. This prevents the second STA function unit 232 from selecting the wireless router 111 already connected using the first STA function unit 231 as the destination for the printer 101. Therefore, it prevents two communication links from being established simultaneously for the wireless router 111 by the first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232.

[0055] [Example of operation 2] In Operation Example 1, the communication settings for the second STA function unit 232 were described as being established when the first STA function unit 231 is already connected. In Operation Example 1, the case of deleting information about an AP that is already connected using the first STA function unit 231 from the AP list of the second STA function unit 232 was also described.

[0056] The following describes a second example of operation of the present invention. Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the display transitions for communication settings in this example of operation, and differ from Figures 5 and 6 of Example 1 in that only the communication functions to be used can be selected. Also, this example differs from Example 1 in that, when displaying the AP list without performing step S406, the information of APs already connected to the printer 101 is displayed in a way that makes it possible to identify that they are already connected. In this example of operation, when connecting using the second STA function unit 232, the APs connected using the first STA function unit 231 are displayed in a way that makes it possible to identify that they are already connected, and the AP list is presented to the user. The display transition examples in this example of operation are not limited to Figures 7 and 8, as with Example 1 of operation.

[0057] Figure 7 shows example 3 of the display transition.

[0058] 701 is the "Communication Settings" screen where the user makes inputs using the input unit 211. The "Communication Settings" screen has "Wireless LAN Settings" and "Wireless Direct" as setting menus. In this example, "Wireless LAN Settings" is used to configure settings related to wireless LAN communication using the first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232. "Wireless Direct" is used to configure settings related to Wi-Fi Direct communication using the second STA function unit 232, similar to Example 1. In this embodiment, it is assumed that "Wireless LAN Settings" is selected by the user in 701.

[0059] 702 is displayed when searching for connectable APs around the printer 101. In this example, the first STA function unit 231 is used to search for connectable APs in the surrounding area. However, this is not the only option, and the search may also be performed using the second STA function unit 232. If there is an STA function unit already connected to an AP, the search may be performed using an unconnected STA function unit. Alternatively, the search may be performed using both the unconnected first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232. In this case, if the same AP is found, the search results from both may be combined to generate an AP list, such as registering it as a single AP in the AP list.

[0060] 703 is the "Access Point Selection" screen displayed after 702, and shows a list of APs that are searched as potential connection destinations. When displaying the AP list in 701 to 703, the flow is performed by omitting step S406 from the AP list creation process shown in Figure 4. In this example, the AP list will display the SSIDs and signal strengths of the networks established by wireless router 111 and smart devices 121, 122, and 123.

[0061] 704 is the display when the user operates the input unit 211 and selects the wireless router 111.

[0062] 705 is a display indicating the connection process is underway after 704. At 705, the connection process to the wireless router 111 is performed. In this example, the connection process to the wireless router 111 is performed using the first STA function unit 231, which searched for available APs at 702.

[0063] Figure 8 shows display transition example 4. This is an example of a display transition to be set on the "Communication Settings" screen after the display transition in Figure 7 has been performed. That is, the printer 101 is connected to the wireless router 111 using the first STA function unit 231.

[0064] 801 is the display of the "Communication Settings" screen, where the user makes inputs using the input unit 211. In 801, it is assumed that the user has selected "Wireless LAN Settings".

[0065] 802 is displayed when searching for available APs. In this example, since the printer 101 is already connected using the first STA function unit 231, the second STA function unit 232 is used to search for available APs.

[0066] 803 is the "Access Point Selection" screen displayed after 802, showing a list of potential APs (Access Points) to connect to. In this case, printer 101 is already connected to wireless router 111 using the first STA function unit 231. Therefore, to let the user know that it is already connected to wireless router 111, the SSID of wireless router 111, "Office ap," and the message "Connecting" are displayed. The indication that it is already connected may be displayed in text, or it may be displayed in a way that can be identified by symbols or colors. It may also be displayed in a way that the user can understand, including the information of the already connected wireless router 111. In addition, 803 displays information of APs that are not connected as "Multi-connection." Here, the list of potential APs to connect to is displayed, including "Office ap," "My phone," "Your phone," and "His phone." In this example of operation, the SSID "Office ap," which is the information of wireless router 111 that is already connected using the first STA function unit 231 as determined in S405, is displayed as unavailable for selection. If the information for an already connected AP is displayed in a way that prevents selection, it may be acceptable to display the information for both the already connected AP and other APs together as "Multi-connection."

[0067] 804 is the display when the user operates the input unit 211 and selects the smart device 122.

[0068] 805 is a display during the connection process following 804. In 805, the second STA function unit 232 is used to perform the connection process to the smart device 122 selected based on the selection in 804.

[0069] The above explains how to display a list of candidate APs that include information on already connected APs, in a way that clearly indicates that an AP is already connected. This prevents users from unintentionally selecting an AP that is already connected to another STA function unit as the connection destination for the STA function unit.

[0070] In this example, the STA function unit to be used was automatically selected after selecting the communication method during communication setup, but this is not the only option. For example, the STA function unit to be used does not need to be selected after setting the communication method during communication setup. In that case, the system may arbitrarily use an STA function unit that is capable of performing the selected communication method and is not currently connected to search for APs. An AP list is then generated based on the search results. After that, S405 may determine whether the AP list includes information on an already connected AP, and if an AP is already connected, the AP list may be displayed in a way that indicates this. Then, when an AP is selected in S303, the STA function unit may be selected based on the selected AP.

[0071] Furthermore, while this example describes a case where an already connected AP cannot be selected, it is not always necessary to display it in a way that prevents selection; it may also be displayed as selectable. For example, an already connected AP may be displayed in a way that makes it clear that it is already connected and allows selection. In this case as well, as in this example, the user can select the destination AP after recognizing that an already connected AP is available, preventing the STA function unit from unintentionally selecting an AP that another STA function unit is already connected to as the connection destination.

[0072] [Example of operation 3] Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2 describe the case where the first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232 operate using the STA function.

[0073] The following describes a third operational example of the present invention. Figures 9 and 10 show examples of the display transitions of the communication settings in this embodiment. This operational example differs from operational examples 1 and 2 in that the second STA function unit 232 uses the Wi-Fi Direct function.

[0074] In this example, smart devices 121 and 122 are assumed to be capable of operating with Wi-Fi Direct functionality. Furthermore, smart device 121 is assumed to already be operating as GO and to have established a network with the SSID "DIRECT-AB-My phone".

[0075] Figure 9 shows display transition example 5. 901 is the "Communication Settings" screen where the user inputs information by operating the input unit 211. In this example, similar to example 2, the "Communication Settings" screen has "Wireless LAN Settings" and "Wireless Direct" as setting menus. Note that the setting menu may be the same as in example 1. In this example, "Wireless LAN Settings" is used to configure settings related to wireless LAN communication using the STA function with the first STA function unit 231 or the second STA function unit 232. "Wireless Direct" is used to configure settings related to wireless LAN communication using the Wi-Fi Direct function with the second STA function unit 232.

[0076] In step 901, the user selects "Wireless Direct". Here, printer 101 is not connected to any of the wireless router 111 or smart devices 121, 122, or 123.

[0077] 902 is displayed when the second STA function unit 232 is searching for nearby Wi-Fi Direct functions.

[0078] 903 is the "Wi-Fi Direct Device Selection" screen displayed after 902, which shows a list of wireless communication devices with Wi-Fi Direct functionality that can be used as connection targets.

[0079] In this example, the AP search process S402 searches for the Wi-Fi Direct function, so S403 generates a list of connection candidates using the Wi-Fi Direct function information. In this example, since the Wi-Fi Direct function is used, S405 uses the STA function unit to determine if the information includes a Wi-Fi Direct function to which printer 101 is already connected.

[0080] In 903, smart devices 121 and 122 will be displayed as AP list. The device name configured for Wi-Fi Direct and whether or not it is operating as GO will be displayed for each device. Note that the display method is not limited to this; any other method displaying Wi-Fi Direct functionality information may be used.

[0081] 904 is the display when the user operates the input unit 211 to select the smart device 121. 905 is the display during the connection process that follows 904. In 905, the connection process to the smart device 121 is performed using the Wi-Fi Direct function of the second STA function unit 232.

[0082] Figure 10 shows display transition example 6. This is an example of a display transition to be set on the "Communication Settings" screen after the display transition in Figure 9 has been performed. Specifically, the printer 101 is set to operate the second STA function unit 232 as a Wi-Fi Direct Client and is already connected to the smart device 121 which is running GO.

[0083] 1001 is the display of the "Communication Settings" screen, where the user makes input using the input unit 211. Here, since the printer 101 is already connected to the smart device 121 using the Wi-Fi Direct function of the second STA function unit 232, a message indicating that it is already connected may be displayed for "Wireless Direct". Assume that "Wireless LAN Settings" is selected by the user in 1001.

[0084] 1002 is displayed when searching for nearby available access points (APs).

[0085] 1003 is the "Access Point Selection" screen displayed after 1002, showing a list of potential access points (APs) to connect to.

[0086] When displaying the AP list for 1003, the AP list creation flow described in Figure 4 is executed.

[0087] Here, we assume that when the AP list was generated, the SSID "DIRECT-AB-My phone" of the network that smart device 121 has built using GO was included in the AP list in S403. Since GO is found like a normal AP when searched using the STA function, the information of the GO function of smart device 121, which is functioning as GO, will also be included in the AP list. Smart device 121 is already connected to the second STA function unit 232 using the Wi-Fi Direct function. Therefore, in this example, in S406, the SSID "DIRECT-AB-My phone" of the network that smart device 121 has built as GO is removed from the AP list.

[0088] The result becomes a list of potential APs to connect to, and in the case of 1003, information for "Your phone," "His phone," and "Office ap" will be displayed, excluding "DIRECT-AB-My phone."

[0089] 1004 is the display when the user operates the input unit 211 and selects the wireless router 111.

[0090] 1005 is a display during the connection process following 1004. At 1005, the connection process to the wireless router 111 is performed using the first STA function unit 231.

[0091] The above describes the case where the first STA function unit 231 selects an AP to connect to when the second STA function unit 232 is already connected to the GO as a client using the Wi-Fi Direct function. In the AP list of candidate destinations using the first STA function unit 231, the information of the AP that is the GO to which the second STA function unit 232 is already connected as a client using the Wi-Fi Direct function is not included in the display. This prevents the user from mistakenly selecting the smart device 121, which is the GO to which the second STA function unit 232 is already connected, as the destination using the first STA function unit 231. As a result, it is possible to prevent two communication links from being established redundantly for the smart device 121 by the first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232.

[0092] [Example of operation 4] Example 3 describes the case where a new connection is made using another STA function unit, when a connection to the GO is already established using the Wi-Fi Direct function of one STA function unit.

[0093] The fourth operational example of the present invention will be described below. The difference between this operational example and operational examples 1, 2, and 3 is that both the first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232 connect to GO as Wi-Fi Direct clients. This operational example will describe the case where both the first STA function unit 231 and the second STA function unit 232 connect using the Wi-Fi Direct function.

[0094] In this example, we assume that printer 101 is already connected to smart device 121, which is running GO, using the Wi-Fi Direct Client function of the first STA function unit 231. At this point, we will configure the communication settings of the second STA function unit 232. First, in S401, we assume that the Wi-Fi Direct function is selected. Therefore, the second STA function unit searches for wireless communication devices that can be connected using the Wi-Fi Direct function, and the Wi-Fi Direct function information of the search results is generated as an AP list. At this time, since we are already connected to smart device 121, which is running GO, using the first STA function unit 231, the information of smart device 121 is deleted from the generated AP list in S406. In this way, even when connecting using the Wi-Fi Direct function, the information of GO, which is already connected, can be excluded from the AP list.

[0095] This means that the present invention can be applied not only to connections using the STA function, but also to prevent unintended connections when multiple STA function units connect using the Wi-Fi Direct function.

[0096] [Other examples of operation] The above examples of operation described cases where a connection is made using one STA function unit while a connection has already been made using another STA function unit, but this is not the only case. For example, it is possible to determine whether an AP in the generated AP list is an AP that may be connected using another STA function unit, and to not display information about APs that may be connected in the AP list, as in Operation Example 1. Alternatively, as in Operation Example 2, it is possible to display a message indicating that a connection may be made and to prevent selection, while still displaying the AP list.

[0097] Similar to Operation Example 1, the AP list when connecting with the second STA function unit 232 will be explained. For example, the first STA function unit 231 keeps information about APs that it has connected to once as connection history information. Therefore, when setting up a connection using the second STA function unit 232, if the AP list generated in S403 contains information about APs that were included in the connection history information using the first STA function unit 231, the information of the target AP may be deleted from the AP list. Alternatively, as in Operation Example 2, the AP information may be displayed to indicate that it is possible to connect.

[0098] Furthermore, the present invention may also be applied when the first STA function unit 231 has received information necessary to connect to a predetermined AP via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or the like. The relevant wireless LAN parameters are information about APs that may be connected to using the first STA function unit 231. When connecting using the second STA function unit 232, if information about an AP corresponding to the wireless LAN parameters already received by the first STA function unit 231 via WPS is found in the AP list, the information about that AP is removed from the AP list. Alternatively, it may be made unavailable for selection before being displayed.

[0099] Furthermore, suppose that while connected to the wireless router 111 using the first STA function unit 231, the AP list of connected devices is displayed using the second STA function unit 232, and the connection to the wireless router 111 using the first STA function unit 231 is disconnected. In that case, the information of the wireless router 111 may be added to the AP list and displayed, or the display indicating that it is already connected may be changed. By appropriately determining the connection and disconnection status of other STA function units in this way and controlling their display and hiding in the AP list, flexible connection settings can be provided to the user.

[0100] Furthermore, while the above examples of operation described the case where the destination AP is selected from the AP list, this is not the only case. For example, when setting the destination AP using the second STA function unit 232, it is possible to accept manual input of parameters using the input unit 211. In that case, if the entered SSID etc. is the same as the SSID of an AP that is already connected to or may be connected to using the first STA function unit 231, a warning may be displayed to the user. Alternatively, the first STA function unit 231 may be used to display to the user that it is already connected. As long as it is possible to prevent the user from connecting to the same AP using multiple STA function units, it is not limited to these examples.

[0101] Furthermore, while the above examples of operation described the connection settings for an STA function unit when already connected using another STA function unit, this is not the only way to configure it. For example, if already connected using the first STA function unit, you may configure the connection settings for the first STA function unit to change the connection destination using the first STA function unit. In this case, S406 will remove the information of the AP already connected using the first STA function unit from the AP list. This prevents accidentally selecting an already connected AP again when changing the connection destination of the STA function unit.

[0102] The above example described a case where the STA function unit has two STA function units, but it is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to wireless communication devices that have three or more STA function units and can connect to three or more APs in parallel.

[0103] Furthermore, while the explanation focused on the Wi-Fi Direct function, the process is not limited to this. The determination process for creating the AP list shown in Figure 4 may be applied to any wireless LAN network that each STA function unit can connect to.

[0104] The present invention has described a case in which communication between devices is performed by wireless LAN communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, but is not limited to this. For example, a storage medium containing program code for software that realizes the above-described functions may be supplied to a system or device, and a computer (CPU, MPU) may read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium containing that program code constitutes the present invention.

[0105] For storing program code, storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and DVDs can be used.

[0106] Furthermore, the aforementioned functions may be realized not only by the computer executing the program code it reads, but also by the operating system (OS) running on the computer performing some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of that program code. OS stands for Operating System.

[0107] Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of that program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform some or all of the actual processing to realize the aforementioned functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 101 Printer 111 Wireless Router 121-123 Smart devices 131 Internet 211 Printer 101 Input Section 221 Output section of printer 101

Claims

1. A wireless communication device having multiple station functions and capable of connecting to multiple access points in parallel, A detection means for detecting an access point, A display control means that causes the access point detected by the detection means to be displayed on the display unit, The system includes a selection means that, based on a user operation to select an access point displayed on the display unit, selects an access point to which the wireless communication device will connect from among a plurality of access points displayed on the display unit. The display control means controls the display unit to display multiple access points that can be connected using the second station function, as detected by the detection means, so that the user cannot select an access point that is already connected using the first station function. A wireless communication device characterized by the following features.

2. The display control means causes the display unit to display, from among the plurality of access points detected by the detection means, the access points excluding those already connected using the first station function. The wireless communication device according to feature 1.

3. The display control means causes the display unit to display access points that are already connected using the first station function in an identifiable manner. A wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The display control means causes the display unit to display an access point that has already been connected using the first station function so that it can be identified that it has already been connected to the communication device. The wireless communication device according to feature 3.

5. The detection means includes a determination means for determining whether the plurality of access points detected by the detection means include an access point that is already connected using the first station function, The determination means performs the determination using the information necessary to connect to the access point. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The information required for the aforementioned connection is either or both of the SSID and BSID of the network formed by the access point. The wireless communication device according to feature 5.

7. The access point already connected using the first station function described above is an access point operating as a Group Owner as defined by the Wi-Fi Direct standard. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first station function and the second station function connect to the access point using a protocol compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first station function and the second station function are capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the Wi-Fi Direct standard. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A control method for a wireless communication device that has multiple station functions and can connect to multiple access points in parallel, A detection process for detecting access points, A display control step which causes the access point detected by the above detection step to be displayed on the display unit, The system includes a selection step in which, based on a user operation to select an access point displayed on the display unit, the wireless communication device selects an access point from among the multiple access points detected in the detection step to which the wireless communication device will connect. The display control step controls the display unit to display multiple access points that can be connected using the second station function detected in the detection step, so that the user cannot select an access point that is already connected using the first station function. Control method for wireless communication device, characterized by

11. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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