Program, control method, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technology for improving convenience in performing network setup of a communication device.SOLUTION: A program makes a computer of an information processing device that can perform radio communication with a communication device acquire correspondence method information about a setup method to which the communication device corresponds, perform control to transmit, to the communication device, a specification signal to make network setup by a first method to connect the communication device to an access point different from the communication device executable, and perform control to transmit the specification signal to the communication device in the case that the correspondence method information shows that the communication device corresponds to the network setup by the first method, and not to transmit the specification signal in the case that the correspondence method information shows that the communication device does not correspond to the network setup by the first method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program for network setup of a communication device , regulation control method, and information processing device and relates to.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases where electronic devices such as digital cameras, printers, mobile phones, and smartphones are equipped with a wireless communication function and these devices are connected to a wireless network and used as a communication device. To connect an electronic device to a wireless network, it is necessary to set various communication parameters such as an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. Therefore, the setting of communication parameters is complicated and the threshold is high for users of digital cameras and printers. Therefore, a mechanism for simplifying the setting of communication parameters is used. In addition, in order to prevent information leakage of communication parameters, etc., a mechanism for encrypting communication parameters by a public key encryption method and notifying a user terminal is also used.

[0003] As one of them, a mechanism for transmitting and receiving network information between devices called WEC (Wi-Fi Easy Connect) using DPP (Device Provisioning Protocol) by the Wi-Fi Alliance has been standardized. In WEC, examples of means for Bootstrapping that triggers the transmission and reception of network information include QR code (registered trademark), BLE, NFC, etc., and communication is started by providing a public key to a device that becomes a communication partner.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a technique for facilitating the setting of communication parameters in a communication terminal by mediating a QR code (registered trademark) image including information on communication parameters is described. In addition, Patent Document 2 describes that a printer outputs a QR code (registered trademark) to an output unit after receiving a specific signal from a terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-261938 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-180036 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In Patent Document 2, even when the printer is not compatible with WEC, the terminal sends a specific signal to the printer. As a result, the printer does not respond to the specific signal, the printer's network setup fails, and the convenience for the user when setting up the network of the communication device is reduced.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology that improves the convenience of network setup for communication devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the program according to the present invention A computer for a communication device and an information processing device capable of wireless communication, By transmitting an inquiry signal to the communication device and receiving a response signal from the communication device as a response to the inquiry signal, A first acquisition means for acquiring compatible method information regarding the setup method supported by the aforementioned communication device, A method for connecting the aforementioned communication device to an access point different from the aforementioned communication device. The first method uses the Device Provisioning Protocol. A transmission control means that controls the transmission of a specific signal to the communication device to enable network setup by, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control means that controls the transmission, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support network setup by the first method, and the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup by a second method different from the first method, a display control means that displays an option to connect the communication device to the access point by network setup by the second method, To make it function as such. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that improves the convenience of setting up a network for communication devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of a communication system including an information processing device and a communication device. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by the information processing device and the communication device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a WEC start screen displayed by an information processing device using a WEC application. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the network setup process for a communication device performed by an information processing device that is not yet connected to an access point. [Figure 5] Figures (A) to (D) show examples of UI screens for information processing devices. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the network setup process for a communication device performed by an information processing device connected to an access point. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the process performed by a communication device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] [First Embodiment] The information processing apparatus 101 and the communication apparatus 151 included in the communication system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing apparatus 101, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as the information processing apparatus 101, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, etc. can be applied. Further, a printer is exemplified as the communication apparatus 151, but it is not limited thereto, and various devices can be applied as long as they can perform wireless communication with the information processing apparatus 101. For example, in the case of a printer, an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, etc. can be applied. Further, not only printers but also copiers, facsimile devices, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, etc. can be applied. In addition, a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, a printing function, etc. can also be applied.

[0013] Further, in the present embodiment, when the information processing apparatus 101 supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark), the apparatus can execute the function. WEC is a function that executes network setup of other devices using the Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter, DPP) formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Note that the network setup of other devices is a process of connecting other devices to an access point that forms a network.

[0014] In WEC, communication is performed between a device operating as a "Configurator" (hereinafter referred to as the Configurator device) and a device operating as an "Enrollee" (hereinafter referred to as the Enrollee device). The Configurator device acquires Bootstrapping information from the Enrollee device. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, the identification information (MAC address, etc.) of the Enrollee device and the public key information used for secure communication with the Enrollee device. In this embodiment, the Bootstrapping information is described as "WEC-related information". Note that other information may be used as WEC-related information. Then, the Configurator device executes wireless communication with the Enrollee device using the acquired Bootstrapping information. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device encrypts the protocol key using the public key included in the Bootstrapping information and transmits the encrypted protocol key to the Enrollee device. Then, the Configurator device encrypts the common key based on the encrypted protocol key and transmits the information encrypted using the common key to the Enrollee device. Note that the information transmitted here is, specifically, for example, the connection information for connecting to the access point. Then, the Enrollee device establishes a wireless connection with the access point using the connection information received from the Configurator device. In the network setup process by WEC in this embodiment, the information processing device 101 corresponding to WEC is described as operating as the Configurator device. Also, the communication device 151 corresponding to WEC is described as operating as the Enrollee device.

[0015] First, the configuration of the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 capable of communicating with the information processing device 101 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram in Figure 1. Furthermore, while the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, it is not limited to the illustrated functions. The configuration may appropriately include those corresponding to functions that can be implemented by devices that are applicable as devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0016] The information processing device 101 includes an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, and an imaging unit 112. The CPU 103, ROM 104, RAM 105, etc., form the computer of the information processing device 101 that executes programs.

[0017] 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 from the user via the display unit 108.

[0018] The CPU 103 is the system control unit and controls the entire information processing device 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 processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

[0019] 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 configuration information and management data for the information processing device 101. Furthermore, RAM105 is used as both the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

[0020] The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as the "configuration app") for performing network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program that generates print information that the communication device 151 can interpret, and the like. The configuration app is an application program for configuring the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected using WEC or the like. The configuration app may also have functions other than network setup. For example, the configuration app may have functions to cause the communication device 151 to print, functions to scan documents placed on the document glass of the communication device 151, and functions to check the status of the communication device 151. The configuration app is stored in the external storage device 106 after being installed from an external server, for example, via internet communication through the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as information transmission and reception control programs that are transmitted and received with the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

[0021] The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 for displaying data and notifying the status of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101.

[0022] The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to devices such as the communication device 151 and the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can connect to an access point (not shown) within the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point within the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may communicate directly with the communication device 151 via wireless communication, or it may communicate via an external device located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. External devices include external access points (such as access point 131) located outside the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, as well as devices other than access points that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is assumed to be Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity) (registered trademark), a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. The aforementioned WEC is performed by communication via the communication unit 110. Furthermore, the access point 131 can be, for example, a wireless LAN router or other device. In this embodiment, the method by which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called the direct connection method. The method by which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected via an external access point is called the infrastructure connection method.

[0023] The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the communication device 151 at short range and perform data communication, and communicates using a different communication method than the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can connect to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 within the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0024] The imaging unit 112 is, for example, a camera that captures images of the outside. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 further includes a barcode reading control unit (not shown). The barcode reading control unit analyzes the image captured by the imaging unit 112, which is, for example, a camera, and obtains encoded code information. The barcode reading control unit performs analysis processing of code information such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and QR codes (registered trademarks).

[0025] In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 executes WEC using its OS based on an instruction to execute network setup processing by the configuration application.

[0026] The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 has a ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, print engine 155, communication unit 156, and short-range wireless communication unit 157. The ROM 152, RAM 153, CPU 154, etc. form the computer of the communication device 151 that executes programs.

[0027] The communication unit 156 has an access point within the communication device 151 for connecting to external devices such as the information processing device 101. This access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. When the communication unit 156 activates this access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may connect wirelessly to the information processing device 101 directly, or it may connect wirelessly via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is assumed to be a communication standard compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series. Furthermore, if the communication device 151 supports WEC, the aforementioned WEC will be executed by communication by the communication unit 156. The communication unit 156 may have hardware that functions as an access point, or it may operate as an access point through software that enables it to function as an access point.

[0028] The communication device 151 of this embodiment can operate in infrastructure mode and P2P (Peer to Peer) mode as modes for performing communication using the communication unit 156.

[0029] Infrastructure mode is a configuration in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 via external devices (e.g., access point 131) that form a network. The connection with the external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter referred to as infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in an infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 operates as a slave device, and the external access point operates as a master device. In this embodiment, the master device is a device that determines the communication channel used in the network to which the master device belongs, and the slave device is a device that does not determine the communication channel used in the network to which the slave device belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the master device.

[0030] P2P mode is a configuration in which the communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices such as the information processing device 101 without going through external devices that form a network. In this embodiment, P2P mode includes AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The access point connection information (SSID and password) enabled within the communication device 151 in AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. P2P mode may also include, for example, a WFD mode for the communication device 151 to communicate using Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of the multiple WFD-compatible devices will operate as the master unit is determined according to a sequence such as Group Owner Negotiation. The master unit may be determined without performing Group Owner Negotiation (hereinafter abbreviated as GO Negotiation). A device that is WFD-compatible and also acts as the master unit is specifically called the Group Owner. A direct connection with other devices established by the communication device 151 operating in P2P mode is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as the master unit, and the other devices operate as slave units.

[0031] The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to wirelessly connect to devices such as the information processing device 101 at short range, and can, for example, connect to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 within the information processing device 101. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

[0032] RAM 153 is composed of SRAM and other components that require a backup power supply. Since RAM 153'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. RAM 153 also includes a memory area for storing setting information and management data for the communication device 151. Furthermore, RAM 153 is used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 154, storing a receive buffer for temporarily saving print information received from the information processing device 101, and various other information.

[0033] ROM 152 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by CPU 154. In this embodiment, each control program stored in ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under the management of the embedded OS stored in ROM 152. CPU 154 is the system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151.

[0034] The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording material such as ink to the recording medium based on information stored in the RAM 153 and print jobs received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs the print result. Generally, the amount of data for print jobs transmitted from the information processing device 101, etc. is large, so it is necessary to use a communication method that enables high-speed communication for the communication of print jobs. For this reason, the communication device 151 receives print jobs via a communication unit 156 that enables communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157. The display unit 161 is, for example, a panel, and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151.

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

[0036] In this embodiment, communication units 110 and 156 perform communication parameter sharing processing to share communication parameters between devices. Communication parameter sharing processing is the process by which the providing device provides communication parameters for wireless communication to the receiving device, and can be performed in both infrastructure mode and P2P mode. Here, communication parameters include, for example, wireless communication parameters necessary for wireless LAN communication, such as SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​as a network identifier, encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, and authentication key. They also include identification information such as MAC addresses, passwords, IP addresses for communication at the IP layer, and information necessary for higher-level services. Wireless communication parameters used to connect to these access points are also called connection information. The communication parameter sharing processing performed by communication units 110 and 156 may be, for example, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) as defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Furthermore, the communication parameter sharing processing performed by communication units 110 and 156 may use a method that securely transfers communication parameters using public-key cryptography.

[0037] Furthermore, the communication device 151 includes an image code generation unit (not shown). Although not shown in Figure 1, the image code generation unit is implemented, for example, by the CPU 154 executing a program. The image code generation unit generates image codes (code information) such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and QR codes (registered trademarks), and controls the display unit 161 to display the generated image codes. The image code generation unit displays a code image containing the information necessary for setting communication parameters on the display unit 161. The display unit 161 may also be configured to display soft buttons or the like as an input interface for the user.

[0038] The operation of the communication system having the above configuration will be described below. In the following description, the information processing device 101 will explain the process of performing transmission control, which switches whether or not to transmit a specific signal in order to perform network setup of the communication device 151, when the information processing device 101 is not connected to an external access point.

[0039] First, using Figures 2 and 3, we will explain an example of network setup processing performed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in a WEC using DPP. The sequence shown in Figure 2 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each device reading programs stored in the ROM or external storage device of each device into the RAM of each device and executing them.

[0040] First, in S200, the communication device 151 starts DPP standby mode. The trigger for starting DPP standby mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or it may be receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. Once DPP standby mode is started, WEC-related information can be read. For example, if a code image such as a QR code (registered trademark) is used for the Bootstrapping shown in S201, the communication device 151 generates a code image in which the WEC-related information is encoded and displays it on the display unit 161.

[0041] In S201, the information processing device 101 obtains WEC-related information through bootstrapping. For example, if a code image is used for bootstrapping, the information processing device 101 executes a code image capture function in the settings application. The code image capture function uses the capture unit 112 to capture a code image, analyzes the code image from the captured image, and obtains WEC-related information such as the encoded public key. This allows the settings application to obtain WEC-related information based on the code image.

[0042] In S202, the information processing unit 101 initiates WEC using DPP through the OS's functions. Specifically, the information processing unit 101 first launches the WEC application by instructing the OS from the configuration application to launch the WEC application. This causes the WEC application to run in the foreground and the configuration application to run in the background. For example, the execution of this instruction corresponds to the instruction to run WEC. As a result, the information processing unit 101 displays the WEC start screen from the WEC application. The WEC application is a program pre-installed on the information processing unit 101 and is provided by the OS vendor of the information processing unit 101. When the WEC application is launched, WEC-related information acquired by the configuration application is provided to the WEC application.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of the WEC start screen displayed by the WEC application. The WEC start screen 300 displays areas 301, 302, and 303. Area 301 is for changing the access point set as the target for WEC configuration. Before area 301 is operated, the access point set as the target for WEC configuration is the access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. When area 301 is selected, the information processing device 101 displays a list of access points and newly sets the access point selected by the user from the list as the target for WEC configuration. The list of access points includes access points to which the information processing device 101 has previously connected. Area 302 is for canceling the execution of WEC, and area 303 is for instructing the execution of WEC.

[0044] If area 302 is operated, the information processing device 101 terminates the processing in this sequence diagram. Also, if area 303 is pressed, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S203. However, as another example, the process may proceed to S203 without displaying Figure 3, even if area 303 is not pressed. In S203, the WEC application instructs the OS to execute WEC by executing a WEC API using WEC-related information and information about access points set as targets for WEC configuration. Then, the OS performs an authentication request process called DPP Authentication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151.

[0045] In DPP Authentication, authentication of communication between the devices is performed by the communication of authentication information and information used for information encryption between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In DPP Authentication, the various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 is encrypted by the information processing device 101 based on the public key included in the WEC-related information obtained from the communication device 151. Specifically, in DPP Authentication, the information processing device 101 first sends an Authentication Request as an authentication request.

[0046] Next, the communication device 151, operating in DPP waiting mode, receives the Authentication Request sent from the information processing device 101. Upon receiving the Authentication Request, the communication device 151 attempts to decrypt it using the decryption key it currently possesses. If the decryption is successful, the communication device 151 sends an Authentication response to the information processing device 101 as an authentication response, thereby authenticating communication with the information processing device 101. However, if the information processing device 101 has not been able to obtain accurate WEC-related information and has not been able to encrypt the information accurately, the decryption by the communication device 151 will fail, authentication will fail, and the Authentication response will not be sent. DPP Authentication is completed when the information processing device 101 receives the Authentication response. Furthermore, DPP is used to execute communication during DPP Authentication.

[0047] Next, in S204, the OS performs a process called DPP Configuration between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In DPP Configuration, the information processing device 101 sends connection information to the communication device 151 via WEC to connect to the access point that has been configured as a target for WEC configuration. The connection information includes at least one piece of information such as the SSID, password, and encryption method of the access point that has been configured as a target for WEC configuration. The password sent at this time is the information entered by the user on the screen displayed by the OS-compatible application when the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point is established. Furthermore, the password sent is information that the OS has already held when the connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point is established. Also, the password is information that the configuration application does not hold. Moreover, since the password sent at this time is information that the OS already holds, and DPP Configuration is a process executed by the OS, it does not need to be newly entered by the user on the screen displayed by the configuration application.

[0048] As in this embodiment, by transmitting connection information via WEC, the password can be sent to the communication device 151 via secure communication without requiring the user to enter a password again on the screen displayed by the configuration application. In DPP Configuration, DPP is also used for communication.

[0049] In S205, the communication device 151 terminates the DPP waiting mode in response to the completion of the DPP configuration.

[0050] In S206, the communication device 151 transitions to infrastructure mode after successfully obtaining connection information via DPP Configuration. The communication device 151 then attempts to connect to the access point corresponding to that connection information using the connection information. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151 can then perform communication via the network formed by the connected access point. Note that communication via the network formed by the connected access point is performed using a protocol different from DPP (specifically, for example, Port9100, SNMP, HTTP, or a vendor-specific protocol of the communication device 151).

[0051] The communication device 151 may also transmit information to the information processing device 101 indicating whether the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained by WEC was successful or not. Furthermore, if the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained by WEC fails, the communication device 151 may also transmit information indicating the cause of the failure to the information processing device 101. These information transmissions may be performed using DPP. The reasons for the failure to connect to the access point corresponding to the connection information obtained by WEC may include communication errors in WEC, the access point not being found, or the WEC-related information obtained from the communication device 151 being inappropriate. For example, the reason for the failure to connect to an access point may be that the encryption method used for connecting to the access point set as a target for WEC configuration is an encryption method not supported by the communication device 151. For example, the reason for the failure to connect to an access point may be that the encryption method used for connecting to the access point set as a target for WEC configuration is an encryption method not supported by WEC. The information processing device 101 may also display information on the display unit 108 indicating whether the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC was successful or not. Furthermore, if the connection between the access point and the communication device 151 corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC fails, the display unit 108 may also display information indicating the cause of the failure.

[0052] In S207, the information processing unit 101 switches the application running in the foreground from the WEC application to the configuration application based on the completion of WEC execution. The information processing unit 101 then searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which it belongs. This process is carried out by the configuration application, which has received notification from the OS that WEC execution has finished. When the information processing unit 101 finds the communication device 151, it queries the communication device 151 to request capability information. The communication device 151 executes a response sending capability information to the information processing unit 101. As a result, the information of the communication device 151 is registered in the configuration application, and thereafter, the configuration application can perform communication with the communication device 151. Specifically, for example, the configuration application can send print jobs to the communication device 151.

[0053] At this time, if the information processing device 101 belongs to a network formed by the access points to which the communication device 151 is connected via WEC, communication with the communication device 151 becomes possible via those access points. If the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the same access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, or if communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is not possible, the request and acquisition of capability information is omitted. Note that the communication in S207 can be performed using a communication protocol different from, for example, DPP or the setup communication protocol. After that, the information processing device 101 terminates the processing in this sequence diagram.

[0054] The above description assumes that a WEC application displays the WEC start screen and instructs the OS to run WEC by executing a WEC API. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration application may display the WEC start screen. Alternatively, a configuration application may execute a WEC API to instruct the OS to run WEC.

[0055] Furthermore, while the above example illustrates the use of code images as a means of bootstrapping, the system is not limited to this form. For example, short-range wireless communication such as NFC or BLE may be used as a means of bootstrapping. Alternatively, communication using communication protocols such as SNMP or HTTP via a setup access point running in DPP standby mode may be used.

[0056] Next, using Figures 4, 5(A) to 5(D), and 7, we will explain the transmission control process sequence that controls whether or not to send a specific signal to the communication device 151, which is initiated when the information processing device 101 is not connected to the access point.

[0057] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the connection process executed by the information processing device 101 when it is not connected to the access point. The process shown in Figure 4 is initiated, for example, based on a user operating the information processing device 101 and instructing it to launch a configuration application. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is also realized, for example, by the CPU 103 loading the configuration application stored in ROM 104 or memory into RAM 105 and executing it. In the following explanation, the process shown in Figure 4 will be described as being executed by the configuration application, but it can also be realized by other applications executed by the information processing device 101, the communication unit 110, and other combinations of software and hardware of the information processing device 101.

[0058] In S400, the information processing device 101 launches a configuration application via user operation. In S401, the configuration application displays a screen on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101 asking whether or not to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. The configuration application then determines whether or not to initiate a connection with the communication device 151. Note that this connection with the communication device 151 is for the purpose of performing network setup on the communication device 151.

[0059] Figure 5(A) is an example of the connection start screen with the communication device 151 displayed on the display unit 108 by the settings application. The connection start screen 500 displays areas 501 and 502. Area 501 is for receiving instructions to start the connection process with the communication device 151. Area 502 is for receiving instructions not to start the connection process with the communication device 151.

[0060] In S401, if the system detects that area 502 has been pressed (No in S401), the information processing device 101 terminates the process shown in Figure 4 without sending a specific signal to the communication device 151. On the other hand, in S401, if the setting application detects that the area to start the connection process has been pressed (Yes in S401), the information processing device 101 proceeds to S402. In S402, the setting application performs an access point search process to find an access point located near the information processing device 101. Here, the access point search process is either a passive scan, which waits for network information reported from the access point, or an active scan, which sends a Probe Request signal to the access point to obtain network information.

[0061] Next, in S403, the settings application obtains information on the network setup methods supported by the communication device 151. The supported method information includes information such as a specific string indicating the supported network setup methods, such as WEC or Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, if the communication device 151 supports multiple methods, the supported method information may include information indicating multiple methods. In another example, the supported method information may include a flag indicating whether or not the communication device 151 supports a specific network setup method such as WEC. For example, the supported method information may include multiple flags indicating whether or not each of multiple network setup methods is supported.

[0062] Here are four examples of how the information processing device 101 acquires the corresponding method information of the communication device 151.

[0063] In the first example, the communication device 151 operates in AP mode and sends a beacon containing the identifier of the communication device 151 and the supported method information to the service set identifier (SSID) of the access point. In this case, the information processing device 101 can determine the network setup method supported by the communication device 151 to be set up, based on the service set identifier (SSID) of the access point detected in S402.

[0064] In the second example, the SSID of the access point detected in S402 contains the identifier of the communication device 151, and the ProbeResponse signal, which is a response to the ProbeRequest signal, contains the supported method information of the communication device 151. In this case, the information processing device 101 identifies the communication device 151 based on the SSID of the access point detected in S402. Then, by sending a ProbeRequest signal in S403 and receiving a ProbeResponse signal containing the supported method information, the information processing device 101 can determine the network setup method supported by the communication device 151.

[0065] In a third example, to obtain the corresponding method information from the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 establishes a connection different from the connection used for network setup, and obtains the corresponding method information from the communication device 151 through the established connection. For example, the information processing device 101 can establish a direct wireless connection with the communication device 151 and obtain the corresponding method information regarding the network setup method supported by the communication device 151.

[0066] In the fourth example, the information processing device 101 uses the information stored in the memory unit to determine the network setup method supported by the communication device 151. For example, the information processing device 101 stores information regarding the network setup method supported by each communication device 151 that has been connected in the past in a memory unit such as the external memory device 106. The information processing device 101 identifies the communication device 151 based on the SSID detected in S402 and obtains the supported method information for the identified communication device 151 from the memory unit. This allows the information processing device 101 to determine the network setup method supported by the communication device 151.

[0067] Next, in S404, if the configuration application determines that the communication device 151 does not support WEC, the configuration application does not transmit the specific signal (S413). Subsequently, in S414, the configuration application determines whether the communication device 151 supports network setup methods other than WEC. If the configuration application determines that the communication device 151 does not support network setup methods other than WEC (No in S414), the configuration application proceeds to S417 and instructs the user to perform a manual network setup (manual setup). Here, manual setup refers to the user directly operating the communication device 151 to connect to an access point different from the communication device 151. The information processing device 101 may display a screen instructing the user to perform a manual setup. The configuration application may also send an instruction signal to the communication device 151 to display an input screen for manual setup. This allows the communication device 151 to switch to the manual setup process at high speed.

[0068] If the configuration application determines that the communication device 151 supports a network setup method other than WEC (Yes in S414), the configuration application proceeds to S415. In S415, the configuration application displays a choice on the information processing device 101 for the user to select whether to perform network setup using a method other than WEC. If the user refuses to perform network setup using a method other than WEC, S417 instructs the user to perform network setup manually. If the user selects to perform network setup using a method other than WEC in S415, in S416, the information processing device 101 performs network setup processing with the communication device 151 using a method other than WEC. A network setup method other than WEC is, for example, a method using a direct connection such as Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) or μAP, in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected. With this method, specific information used by the communication device 151 to connect to an access point different from the communication device 151 is transmitted from the information processing device 101 using a direct connection. In addition to the methods mentioned above, direct connection may also be via other connection methods such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0069] On the other hand, if the communication device 151 is determined to be compatible with WEC, then in S405, the configuration application determines whether the signal strength of the detected access point is above a threshold as a result of the access point search. Specifically, the signal strength is represented by SNR (Signal Noise Ratio) as an example. If it is determined in S405 that the signal strength is not above the threshold, the information processing device 101 does not transmit a specific signal in S413. Then, in S414 and S415, the configuration application performs network setup processing using a method other than WEC, as selected by the user, or performs setup processing by manual operation by the user (manual setup processing).

[0070] On the other hand, if the access point's signal strength is determined to be above a threshold, the information processing device 101 proceeds to S406 to determine whether or not an access point compatible with WEC has been detected. For example, the determination in S404 may be made based on whether or not the beacon advertised by the access point in S402, or the AKM of the ProveResponse, contains information indicating DPP. AKM stands for Authentication and Key Management. In S406, if it is determined that the detected access point is not compatible with WEC, the device is configured in S413 not to transmit a specific signal. Then, in S414 and S415, the configuration application instructs the user to either perform a network setup process using a method other than WEC, or a network setup process performed manually by the user, depending on the determination.

[0071] On the other hand, if a WEC-compatible access point is found in S406, the configuration application then displays a list of access points in S407. Figure 5(B) is an example of the access point list screen displayed by the configuration application. The access point list screen 510 displays areas 511 and 512. Area 511 is an area for receiving instructions to start network setup to connect the access point and the communication device 151, and displays a list of access point SSIDs. Selecting any SSID in area 511 starts the network setup process to connect that access point and the communication device 151.

[0072] Here, to make it easier for users to select WEC-compatible access points, WEC-compatible access points may be displayed at the top SSID of area 511 (SSID:XXXXYYYYZZZZ1). Alternatively, the SSID of a WEC-compatible access point may be labeled with a phrase such as "Recommended," or its SSID string may be colored to make it identifiable. This makes it easier for users to select WEC-compatible access points. In other words, it prevents users from unintentionally selecting access points that are not WEC-compatible. When area 512 is selected, it can accept requests for access points that are not displayed in the list of area 511. For example, access points not displayed in the list of area 511 may be displayed, or an access point search may be performed again and the search results displayed. In other words, area 512 is an area that accepts instructions to start the network setup of the communication device 151 via access points other than those displayed in area 511.

[0073] Furthermore, to make it easier to select an access point that supports WEC, the access point connection confirmation screen 520 shown in Figure 5(C) may be displayed instead of Figure 5(B). Area 521 is for receiving instructions to connect to the access point with the displayed SSID. Area 522 is for receiving instructions to specify other access points that are not displayed. When Area 521 is pressed, the connection process between the access point with the displayed SSID and the information processing device 101 is started. When Area 522 is pressed, access points that are not displayed may be displayed, or other access points that support WEC may be displayed. Alternatively, an access point search may be performed again, and access points that support WEC but are different from the displayed access points may be displayed.

[0074] Next, in S408, the configuration application establishes a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point selected in S407. Note that the setup method may be other than WEC. In this case, the user may be required to enter the access point's password into the information processing device 101 in order to connect the access point and the information processing device 101.

[0075] Next, in S409, the configuration application determines whether an access point compatible with WEC was selected in S407. Here, an example is given where the determination is based on the selected access point, but other determination configurations may be used. For example, the determination may be based on whether the connected access point in S408 is compatible with WEC.

[0076] If, in S409, it is determined that no access point compatible with WEC was selected (No in S409), the configuration application proceeds to S413 and configures the application not to transmit a specific signal. Then, in S414 and S415, the configuration application performs network setup processing using a method other than WEC, depending on the user's selection.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that an access point compatible with WEC has been selected (Yes in S409), the configuration application proceeds to S410 and displays a connection confirmation screen between the communication device 151 and the access point. Figure 5(d) is an example of a connection confirmation screen displayed by the configuration application. The connection confirmation screen 530 displays area 531, area 532, the SSID of the communication device 151, and the serial number of the communication device 151. Area 531 is an area for receiving instructions not to perform the connection process between the access point and the communication device 151 using the network setup method by WEC. Area 532 is an area for receiving instructions to perform the connection process between the access point and the communication device 151 using the network setup method by WEC.

[0078] If area 531 is pressed, the settings application proceeds to S413, configures not to send a specific signal, and performs connection processing using a setup method other than WEC in S414 and S415. The SSID of the communication device 151 displayed on the connection confirmation screen 530 is, for example, the SSID of the communication device 151 detected in the access point search in S402 and determined to be WEC compatible in S404. The serial number of the communication device 151 displayed is, for example, the serial number included in the capabilities of the communication device 151 acquired by the information processing device 101 as described above. Alternatively, it may be a MAC address instead of a serial number. If it is a MAC address, it may be obtained, for example, from a beacon acquired in the access point search in S402 or from the BSSID included in ProbeResponse. Displaying the serial number allows the user to recognize that a specific signal is being sent to the device they intended. Also, the serial number does not have to be displayed on the connection confirmation screen 530.

[0079] If area 532 is pressed, in S411, the configuration application sends a specific signal to the communication device 151. If area 532 is pressed, in S411, the configuration application starts the WEC-based network setup process for the communication device 151. First, the configuration application sends a specific signal to the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the specific signal is, for example, a WFD-type ServiceDiscoveryRequest or ProbeRequest (specifying the SSID of the communication device 151).

[0080] In S412, as explained in Figure 2, the information processing device 101 executes a WEC-based network setup process for the communication device 151. That is, as explained in Figure 2, the communication device 151 starts DPP waiting mode upon receiving a specific signal and displays a code image. After that, the information processing device 101 terminates the process shown in Figure 4. In S401, S404, S405, S406, S409, and S410, a sequence is described in which a determination process is performed and a decision is made on whether or not to transmit a specific signal according to the determination result, but some of the determination processes may be omitted. Also, in S414 and S415, a sequence is described in which a network setup process using a method other than WEC is performed, but some of the determination processes may be omitted. For example, if the communication device 151 does not support WEC, the process shown in Figure 4 may be changed to instruct a manual network setup process. In addition, although each process in Figure 4 is described as being executed by instruction from a configuration application, it may also be executed by instruction from a WEC application or by instruction from the OS.

[0081] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process until the communication device 151 starts DPP standby mode. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 is realized, for example, when the CPU 154 of the communication device 151 reads a configuration application stored in ROM 152 or memory into RAM 153 and executes it. Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 7 is started, for example, when the communication device 151 receives an instruction to start network setup. In the example of Figure 7, the information processing device 101 sends a ProbeRequest signal to the communication device 151 in S403 and receives a ProbeResponse signal containing corresponding method information regarding the network setup method supported by the communication device 151. That is, this explanation is given as the second of the four examples of how the information processing device 101 acquires the corresponding method information of the communication device 151, as explained in S403.

[0082] In S701, the communication device 151 enters a mode for waiting for query signals. Here, the query signal is assumed to be a ProbeRequest signal transmitted from the information processing device 101. For example, during the waiting mode, the communication device 151 waits for query signals until a predetermined length of time has elapsed.

[0083] In S702, the communication device 151 determines whether or not it has received a query signal. If it has received a query signal (Yes in S702), the communication device 151 proceeds to S703. In S703, the communication device 151 generates a response signal containing corresponding method information. That is, the communication device 151 generates a response signal containing information that allows it to determine whether or not the communication device 151 supports network setup by WEC. In the example in Figure 7, the response signal is a ProbeResponse signal. Next, the communication device 151 proceeds to S704 and transmits the response signal generated in S703 to the information processing device 101. Based on the response signal transmitted in S704, the information processing device 101 can obtain information that allows it to determine whether or not the communication device 151 supports network setup by WEC.

[0084] Next, the communication device 151 proceeds to S705. If the communication device 151 supports network setup by WEC (Yes in S705), the communication device 151 proceeds to S706 and begins waiting for a specific signal. The specific signal may be the DPP Probe Request signal, as described above. When the communication device 151 receives the specific signal, it starts DPP waiting mode and can execute the network setup process by WEC shown in Figure 2.

[0085] If the communication device 151 does not support network setup by WEC (No in S705), the communication device 151 proceeds to S707 and is configured not to wait for a specific signal. For example, it may wait for a request to start another setup method, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 101 does not transmit a specific signal to the communication device 151 if the communication device 151 does not support network setup by WEC. This prevents the network setup process from failing due to the information processing device 101 transmitting a specific signal to the communication device 151 when the communication device 151 does not support WEC and receiving no response. This reduces the time required for the network setup process of the communication device 151 from becoming unnecessarily long and reduces the consumption of network bandwidth due to the unnecessary transmission of a specific signal. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 can avoid executing the WEC-based network setup process and transmitting a specific signal to the communication device when there is a communication device that does not support WEC and other devices that do support WEC. This prevents other devices from reacting to a device that the user did not intend, such as another device that supports WEC in the above example, and from performing actions that the user did not intend.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 101 is shown to identify the network setup method supported by the communication device 151 from the acquired information in S403. However, the information processing device 101 may only determine whether or not the communication device 151 supports a specific network setup method such as WEC. In this case, the information processing device 101 does not need to be able to determine in S414 of Figure 4 whether or not the communication device 151 supports a network setup method other than WEC. In such a case, the information processing device 101 may proceed to network setup with user manual settings (S417) after S413.

[0088] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the process shown in Figure 4 started when the information processing device 101 was not connected to an external access point, and control was described to switch between the process of sending a specific signal to the communication device 151 and the process of not sending a specific signal. In the second embodiment, the process of controlling the switching between the above two processes started when the information processing device 101 was connected to an external access point.

[0089] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling the transmission of a specific signal in this embodiment. The process in Figure 6 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104 into the RAM 105 and executing it.

[0090] In S600, the information processing device 101 launches its configuration application based on user input. In S601, the configuration application displays a screen that accepts instructions on whether or not to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. In S601, the connection start screen 500 shown in Figure 5(A) is displayed, similar to the first embodiment. The configuration application then determines whether or not to start the network setup of the communication device 151. If the configuration application detects that area 502 has been pressed in S601, it determines not to perform the network setup process for the communication device 151. The process shown in Figure 6 then ends without the information processing device 101 transmitting any specific signals. On the other hand, if the configuration application detects that area 501 has been pressed, it proceeds to S602.

[0091] In S602, the configuration application obtains the corresponding method information from the communication device 151. This is the same as in S403 in Figure 4, so the explanation is omitted. Note that in Figure 4, an access point search is performed before the determination in S403, but in this embodiment, the information processing device 101 uses the access point that is connected to the network setup of the communication device 151. For this reason, the information processing device 101 does not perform an access point search before the determination in S602. However, an access point search may be performed before S602, and, as in S403, the search results may be used to determine whether or not the communication device 151 supports a specific setup method.

[0092] Next, in S603, a determination is made as to whether the communication device 151 is WEC compatible or not based on the compatibility information obtained in S602. This is the same as S404 in Figure 4, so the explanation is omitted. If the communication device 151 is not compatible with network setup by WEC, in S608, a setting is made to not transmit a specific signal.

[0093] Next, in S609, the configuration application determines whether the communication device 151 supports network setup using a method other than WEC. If it does not support a setup method other than WEC, the configuration application instructs the user to perform manual setup in S612. If it does support a setup method other than WEC in S609, in S610, the information processing device 101 displays a screen asking the user whether to perform setup using a method other than WEC and waits for user input. If the user instructs not to perform network setup using a method other than WEC, in S612 the information processing device 101 instructs the user to perform manual setup. If the user instructs to perform network setup using a method other than WEC in S610, in S611 the information processing device 101 performs network setup of the communication device 151 using a method other than WEC.

[0094] Next, in S604, the configuration application determines whether the access point currently connected to the information processing device 101 is a WEC-compatible access point. For example, the determination in S604 may be based on whether the connected access point previously advertised a beacon or whether the AKM of the ProbeResponse included DPP. Alternatively, the determination in S604 may use information stored in the non-volatile memory of the information processing device 101. Although not shown in Figure 6, communication may also be performed with the connected access point to obtain the AKM, and the determination in S604 may be based on the obtained information.

[0095] If the access point connected to the information processing device 101 is determined not to support WEC (No in S604), the configuration application sets the transmission of a specific signal to non-transmission in S608 and performs network setup using a method other than WEC in S609 and S610. Network setup using a method other than WEC may be performed by infrastructure connection via the access point, or by direct connection without an access point. Alternatively, the process from S402 onwards in Figure 4 may be executed to search for a WEC-compatible access point other than the currently connected access point, and network setup using WEC may be performed via the WEC-compatible access point. This allows network setup using WEC to be prioritized over other network setup methods.

[0096] If the connected access point is determined to be WEC-compatible in S604 (Yes in S604), the configuration application proceeds to S605 and displays a connection confirmation screen between the communication device 151 and the access point. In S605, the connection confirmation screen 530 shown in Figure 5(D) is displayed, similar to the first embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, steps S606 and S607 are the same as steps S411 and S412 in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0098] As described above, according to this embodiment, if the communication device 151 does not support WEC, the transmission of a specific signal to the communication device 151 is prevented. This prevents the information processing device 101 from transmitting a specific signal to the communication device 151 even when network setup using WEC is not possible.

[0099] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0100] <Summary of Embodiments> The disclosure of this embodiment is as follows:

[0101] (Item 1) A computer for a communication device and an information processing device capable of wireless communication, A first acquisition means for acquiring compatible method information regarding the setup method supported by the aforementioned communication device, A transmission control means that controls the transmission of a specific signal to the communication device to enable a first method of network setup to connect the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control means that controls the transmission, A program designed to function as such.

[0102] (Item 2) The program according to item 1, characterized in that when the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup using multiple methods, including the first method, the transmission control means transmits the specific signal.

[0103] (Item 3) The computer of the aforementioned information processing device When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support network setup by the first method, and the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup by a second method different from the first method, a display means for displaying whether or not to connect the communication device to the access point by network setup by the second method, The program according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that it further functions as such.

[0104] (Item 4) If the display means displays a selection of whether or not to connect the communication device to the access point by the second method of network setup, and the user selects not to perform the second method of network setup, the display means displays a screen that accepts the user's selection of whether or not to perform a manual network setup. The transmission control means, when manual network setup is selected, transmits an instruction signal to the communication device to display an input screen for manual setup. The program described in item 3, characterized by the features described herein.

[0105] (Item 5) The computer of the information processing device is further configured to function as a second acquisition means for acquiring second corresponding method information regarding the setup method supported by the access point. The transmission control means controls the transmission of the specific signal when the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, and the second corresponding method information indicates that the access point supports the network setup according to the first method. A program described in any one of items 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

[0106] (Item 6) The program described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the first method is Wi-Fi Easy Connect.

[0107] (Item 7) The computer of the aforementioned information processing device When the aforementioned specific signal is transmitted, a second acquisition means obtains specific information from the communication device using the output public key, A first transmission means that, after obtaining the specific information with the second acquisition means, transmits an authentication request using the public key, A receiving means for receiving an authentication response from the communication device to the authentication request transmitted by the first transmitting means, A second transmitting means transmits connection information used to establish a wireless connection between the communication device and the access point to the communication device after the receiving means has received the authentication response, A program according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that it further functions as such.

[0108] (Item 8) The aforementioned specific information is a code image obtained by encoding the public key, The program according to item 7, characterized in that the second acquisition means acquires the specific information from the code image captured by the imaging unit of the information processing device.

[0109] (Item 9) The program according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the first acquisition means transmits a first signal to the communication device to inquire about the corresponding method information relating to the setup method supported by the communication device, and acquires the corresponding method information by receiving a response from the communication device in response to the first signal, which includes the corresponding method information relating to the setup method supported by the communication device.

[0110] (Item 10) A control method for an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, A first acquisition step involves acquiring information on the network setup method supported by the aforementioned communication device, A transmission control step of transmitting a specific signal to the communication device to enable a first method of network setup for connecting the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control process that controls the transmission, A control method characterized by including

[0111] (Item 11) A communication device capable of wireless communication with an information processing device, Receiving means for receiving a first signal from the information processing device that queries the corresponding method information regarding the network setup method supported by the communication device, A transmitting means that transmits a response including the corresponding scheme information as a response to the first signal received by the receiving means, When the transmission means transmits the response, the waiting means waits for a specific signal that enables a first method of network setup to connect the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, A communication device characterized by comprising:

[0112] (Item 12) The computer in the information processing device and the communication device capable of wireless communication, Receiving means for receiving a first signal from the information processing device that queries the corresponding method information regarding the network setup method supported by the communication device, A transmitting means that transmits a response including the corresponding scheme information as a response to the first signal received by the receiving means, When the transmission means transmits the response, the waiting means waits for a specific signal that enables a first method of network setup to connect the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, A program designed to function as such.

[0113] (Item 13) A communication system including a communication device and an information processing device capable of wireless communication with the communication device, The aforementioned information processing device is A first acquisition means for acquiring information on the network setup method supported by the aforementioned communication device, A transmission control means for transmitting a specific signal to the communication device to enable a first method of network setup for connecting the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control means that controls the transmission, Equipped with, The aforementioned communication device is Receiving means for receiving a first signal from the information processing device that queries the corresponding method information regarding the network setup method supported by the communication device, A transmitting means that transmits a response including the corresponding scheme information as a response to the first signal received by the receiving means, When the transmission means transmits the response, the waiting means waits for a specific signal that enables a first method of network setup to connect the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, A communication system characterized by comprising the following features.

[0114] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 101: Information processing unit, 102: Input interface, 103: CPU, 104: ROM, 105: RAM, 106: External storage device, 107: Output interface, 108: Display unit, 109: Keyboard, 110: Communication unit, 111: Short-range wireless communication unit, 112: Imaging unit, 131: Access point, 151: Communication device, 152: ROM, 153: RAM, 154: CPU, 155: Print engine, 156: Communication unit, 157: Short-range wireless communication unit, 158: Input interface, 159: Operation unit, 160: Output interface, 161: Display unit, 162: Scan engine

Claims

1. A computer for a communication device and an information processing device capable of wireless communication, A first acquisition means that obtains corresponding method information regarding the setup method supported by the communication device by transmitting an inquiry signal to the communication device and receiving a response signal from the communication device as a response to the inquiry signal, A method for connecting the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, comprising a transmission control means that controls the transmission of a specific signal to the communication device to enable the execution of a network setup using a first method employing a Device Provisioning Protocol, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control means that controls the transmission, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support network setup by the first method, and the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup by a second method different from the first method, a display control means that displays an option to connect the communication device to the access point by network setup by the second method, A program designed to function as such.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein if the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup using multiple methods, including the first method, the transmission control means transmits the specific signal.

3. When the display control means displays an option to connect the communication device to the access point by network setup according to the second method, and it is selected not to perform network setup according to the second method, the display control means displays a screen that accepts the option to perform manual network setup or not. The transmission control means, when manual network setup is selected, transmits an instruction signal to the communication device to display an input screen for manual setup. The program according to feature 1.

4. The computer of the information processing device is further configured to function as a second acquisition means for acquiring second corresponding method information regarding the setup method supported by the access point. The transmission control means controls the transmission of the specific signal when the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, and the second corresponding method information indicates that the access point supports the network setup according to the first method. The program according to feature 1.

5. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first method is Wi-Fi Easy Connect.

6. The computer of the aforementioned information processing device When the aforementioned specific signal is transmitted, a second acquisition means obtains specific information from the communication device using the output public key, A first transmission means that, after obtaining the specific information with the second acquisition means, transmits an authentication request using the public key, A receiving means for receiving an authentication response from the communication device to the authentication request transmitted by the first transmitting means, A second transmitting means transmits connection information used to establish a wireless connection between the communication device and the access point to the communication device after the receiving means has received the authentication response, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that it further functions as such.

7. The aforementioned specific information is a code image obtained by encoding the public key, The program according to claim 6, characterized in that the second acquisition means acquires the specific information from the code image captured by the imaging unit of the information processing device.

8. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the query signal is a Probe Request and the response signal is a Probe Response.

9. The computer of the information processing device, A second display control means for displaying a list of access points so as to distinguish between access points that support the network setup by the first method and access points that do not support the network setup by the first method, The program according to claim 4, characterized in that it functions as such.

10. The program according to claim 9, characterized in that if, among the access points displayed by the second display control means, the access point selected by the user does not correspond to the network setup according to the first method, the transmission control means does not transmit the specific signal to the communication device.

11. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific signal is a Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Request or a Probe Request specifying the SSID of the communication device.

12. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the second method is a method of transmitting from the information processing device to the communication device information used for the communication device to connect to the access point via a direct connection between the information processing device and the communication device.

13. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the second method is a method using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth Low Energy.

14. The program according to claim 1, wherein the transmission control means transmits the specific signal to the communication device based on the corresponding method information indicating that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, and the radio wave strength of the access point being above a predetermined threshold.

15. A control method for an information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, A first acquisition step involves transmitting an inquiry signal to the communication device and receiving a response signal from the communication device as a response to the inquiry signal, thereby acquiring corresponding method information regarding the network setup method supported by the communication device. A method for connecting the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, comprising a transmission control step of transmitting a specific signal to the communication device to enable network setup using a first method employing a Device Provisioning Protocol, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control process that controls the transmission, If the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support network setup by the first method, and the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup by a second method different from the first method, a display control step is provided to display an option to whether or not to connect the communication device to the access point by network setup by the second method. A control method characterized by including

16. An information processing device capable of wireless communication with a communication device, A first acquisition means that obtains corresponding method information regarding the setup method supported by the communication device by transmitting an inquiry signal to the communication device and receiving a response signal from the communication device as a response to the inquiry signal, A first method for connecting the communication device to an access point different from the communication device, comprising a transmission control means that controls the transmission of a specific signal to the communication device to enable the execution of a network setup using the first method employing the Device Provisioning Protocol, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is transmitted to the communication device. If the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support the network setup according to the first method, the specific signal is not transmitted. A transmission control means that controls the transmission, When the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device does not support network setup by the first method, and the corresponding method information indicates that the communication device supports network setup by a second method different from the first method, a display control means that displays an option to connect the communication device to the access point by network setup by the second method, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

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