JP5362088B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication parameter setting technique.

  In wireless communication represented by a wireless LAN compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard series, there are many setting items that must be set before use. For example, as setting items, there are communication parameters necessary for wireless communication such as SSID as a network identifier, encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, authentication key, etc., which are very complicated for the user to set manually. It is.

  Therefore, various manufacturers have devised automatic setting methods for easily setting communication parameters in wireless devices. In these automatic setting methods, communication parameters are automatically set by providing communication parameters from one device to the other device according to a predetermined procedure and message between connected devices.

  In many cases, each manufacturer adopts a unique method for automatically setting communication parameters. Therefore, between devices that do not support the common communication parameter automatic setting method, the communication parameter setting procedure is different or the readable message is different, and the communication parameter cannot be set using the automatic setting method. On the other hand, communication parameters can be easily set between devices compatible with a common communication parameter automatic setting method using the automatic setting method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an example of automatic communication parameter setting.

JP 2003-338821 A

  In the communication parameter automatic setting method, a role of a providing device that provides communication parameters to other wireless devices and a receiving device that receives the communication parameters provided from the providing device and sets the communication parameters in the own device are necessary.

  Therefore, when a wireless device receives provision of communication parameters by automatic setting, the wireless device must search for a communication parameter providing device.

  However, since there is a problem that the providing device does not always respond to a signal for searching for the providing device, it is not possible to easily find a communication parameter providing device.

  For example, in an IEEE 802.11 standard IBSS ad hoc network, a station that returns a response to a probe request that is a search request signal is the station that last transmitted a beacon. For this reason, even if a probe request is transmitted to search for a providing device, devices other than the providing device may respond and there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the communication parameter providing device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and quickly determine a providing device that provides communication parameters.

  The present invention is a communication device that performs communication parameter setting processing as a communication parameter providing device or receiving device, and communication parameter setting processing for sharing communication parameters with other communication devices is instructed by a user operation. When detecting the user operation of the communication parameter setting process by the detecting means while participating in the network using the communication parameter received from another communication device as the receiving device, Operates as a providing device for providing communication parameters of the network, and controls to operate as at least the receiving device when a user operation of the communication parameter setting process is detected by the detecting means when not participating in the network And a control means.

  The present invention also relates to a communication device control method for performing communication parameter setting processing as a communication parameter providing device or receiving device, which participates in a network using communication parameters received from another communication device as the receiving device. When a user operation of communication parameter setting processing for sharing communication parameters with other communication devices is detected during operation, the device operates as a providing device that provides communication parameters of the network and participates in the network If a user operation of the communication parameter setting process is detected when the communication parameter setting process is not performed, control is performed so that at least the receiving apparatus operates.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the provision apparatus which provides a communication parameter can be determined easily and rapidly.

The block block diagram of the terminal in embodiment of this invention Software functional block diagram in the terminal in the embodiment of the present invention The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the terminal B at the time of performing communication parameter automatic setting processing first The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the terminal B when setting operation is performed in the terminal B after the communication parameter automatic setting process is completed. The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the terminal B at the time of enabling the provision function of a communication parameter The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the terminal B when the terminal B does not have a password input function The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the terminal B when the terminal B has the input function of a PIN code The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the terminal B when selecting the input or display of a PIN code Sequence diagram when performing communication parameter automatic setting processing between terminal A and terminal B and subsequently setting communication parameters for terminal C Sequence diagram when setting operation is performed in terminal A after executing communication parameter automatic setting processing between terminal A and terminal B Network configuration diagram of terminal A and terminal B in the embodiment of the present invention Network configuration diagram of terminal A, terminal B, and terminal C in the embodiment of the present invention

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, a wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, an example using a wireless LAN system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series will be described, but the communication form is not necessarily limited to the wireless LAN compliant with IEEE 802.11.

  A hardware configuration in a case suitable for the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of each terminal configuration described later according to an embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes the entire terminal. Reference numeral 102 denotes a control unit that controls the entire terminal by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 102 also performs setting control of communication parameters used for communication with other terminals.

  A storage unit 103 stores a control program executed by the control unit 102 and various types of information such as communication parameters. Various operations described later are performed by the control unit 102 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a wireless unit for performing wireless communication. Reference numeral 105 denotes a display unit that performs various displays, and has a function capable of outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED, or outputting sound such as a speaker. The display unit 105 displays the setting status, the setting result, and other errors.

  A setting operation unit 106 is used by the user to perform various operations related to the communication parameter automatic setting process. Using the setting operation unit 106, the user can press a button for instructing the start of the communication parameter automatic setting process, and can input a personal identification number for performing an authentication process with the partner terminal. The setting operation unit 106 may be a physical button or a virtual button realized by a software user interface. The control unit 102 detects the operation of the setting operation unit 106 by the user, and starts a communication parameter setting operation to be described later.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an antenna control unit, and 108 denotes an antenna.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of software function blocks executed by each terminal to be described later, according to an embodiment to which the present invention can be applied. A control program for controlling the software mechanism is stored in the storage unit 103, and the software unit operates when the control unit 102 executes the control program.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes the entire terminal. Reference numeral 202 denotes a communication parameter accepting unit that accepts communication parameters from the providing device in the communication parameter automatic setting process. A communication parameter providing unit 203 provides communication parameters to the receiving device in the communication parameter automatic setting process. 202 and 203 are combined to form a communication parameter automatic setting function block. In the present embodiment, communication parameters necessary for wireless communication such as SSID as a network identifier, encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, and authentication key are automatically set.

  A setting function changing unit 204 selectively changes the validation / invalidation of the communication parameter providing function. When the communication parameter providing function is enabled, the communication parameter providing unit 203 can provide communication parameters to other terminals.

  A provision function notification unit 205 notifies that the communication parameter provision function is valid by adding device information to a beacon, a probe response, and the like.

  The beacon is a notification signal for notifying various information related to the network, and is a signal that can control increase / decrease in transmission frequency by changing the transmission interval.

  The probe response is a response signal of a probe request that is a search signal, and can add terminal function information, network information, and the like.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a network management unit that manages information about terminals existing on the network to which the own apparatus belongs, the number of terminals, and the like.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a terminal number comparison unit that compares whether the number of terminals participating in the network exceeds the limit number.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes a provision function valid timer unit. The setting function changing unit 204 and the providing function notifying unit 205 manage the time limit during which the communication parameter providing function is valid by managing the providing function valid timer unit 208.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes a communication parameter storage unit that reads and writes the provided communication parameters to and from the storage unit 103.

  A setting operation control unit 210 detects an operation by the setting operation unit 106.

  A display control unit 211 controls the content displayed on the display unit 105.

  An activation notification receiving unit 212 receives an activation notification signal indicating that communication parameter automatic setting processing has been activated from another terminal in communication.

  Reference numeral 213 denotes an activation notification transmission unit, which transmits an activation notification signal indicating that it has been activated to another terminal in communication when the communication parameter automatic setting process is activated in its own terminal.

  An activation notification encryption processing unit 214 encrypts or decrypts an activation notification signal when the activation notification signal is transmitted or received.

  A wireless processing unit 215 performs search, connection / disconnection, power saving, communication rate setting, channel setting, acquisition of information indicating received signal strength, which are basic functions of wireless communication, and the like.

  Also, control of encryption or decryption of a wireless packet encrypted by various communication ciphers such as CCMP, TKIP, and WEP is performed.

  All the functional blocks have a mutual relationship in terms of software or hardware.

  Further, the functional block is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may constitute one functional block, or any functional block may be further divided into blocks that perform a plurality of functions.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating terminal A, terminal B, and an ad hoc network 1101 formed by terminal A.

  Similarly, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating terminal A, terminal B, terminal C, and an ad hoc network 1201 formed by terminal A and terminal B.

  Each terminal has an IEEE802.11 wireless LAN communication function, performs wireless communication by wireless LAN ad hoc (hereinafter, ad hoc) communication, and has the configuration described above with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 shows a situation in which terminal B participates in an ad hoc network configured by terminal A and communication parameter automatic setting processing is performed.

  Here, terminal A operates as a providing device and terminal B as a receiving device, and communication parameters are provided from terminal A to terminal B.

  In FIG. 12, after the communication parameter automatic setting process is completed between the terminal A and the terminal B, the network 1201 is formed by the communication parameter, and then the terminal C is newly added to the network 1201 as a communication parameter receiving apparatus. Indicates the status of participation.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal B until the communication parameter automatic setting process is first performed between the terminal A and the terminal B and then communication is performed using the set communication parameter.

  After the operation starts (S301), the terminal B confirms whether or not a setting operation for instructing the start of the communication parameter automatic setting process such as a button press has been performed (S302). When the setting operation is performed, the terminal B starts the timer 1 in which the time until the timeout of the communication parameter automatic setting process is set (S303).

  Subsequently, in order to search for a communication parameter providing device, the terminal B transmits a probe request to which information for requesting communication parameter automatic setting processing is added (S304). The probe request corresponds to the provided function inquiry probe request in S304. Thereafter, the terminal B waits for a probe response to which information indicating that the communication parameter automatic setting function is provided is added (S305).

  If the probe response is not received before the timer 1 expires (Yes in S312), the terminal B displays a setting timeout error (S313) and executes an end process (S314).

  If the probe response is received before the timer 1 expires (Yes in S305), the terminal B confirms the additional information included in the received probe response and determines whether or not communication parameter automatic setting can be performed. Check (S306).

  If not feasible (No in S306), the terminal B transmits a probe request again to search for a terminal with an effective providing function (S304).

  If communication parameter automatic setting can be executed, the terminal B executes communication parameter automatic setting processing (S307). If the communication parameter is successfully accepted (Yes in S308), the terminal B stops the timer 1 (S309) and stores the accepted communication parameter (S310). Then, terminal B activates wireless communication using the accepted communication parameter (S311). Thus, the communication parameters common to the terminal A are set in the terminal B, and the ad hoc network 1201 shown in FIG. 12 is formed.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to FIG. 5, where the terminal B enables the communication parameter providing function, and provides the communication parameter to the terminal C that wishes to participate in the ad hoc network 1201 (S315).

  Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described. Here, the operation of terminal B when the communication parameter automatic setting process by pressing a button is started in terminal C will be described.

  First, the terminal B enables the function of the communication parameter providing unit (S502). Subsequently, the terminal B starts the timer 2 in which the valid period of the provided function is set (S503). Furthermore, the terminal B sets the permitted number N indicating the upper limit number of terminals that can participate in the ad hoc network 1201 (the upper limit number of terminals that permit the communication parameter setting) (S504). When a value larger than 1 is set in the permitted number N, it means that the communication parameter automatic setting processing of a plurality of terminals can be performed by a single setting operation (button pressing). The permitted number N may be determined by the user through the setting operation unit 106 or may be stored in advance in the storage unit 103 of the terminal.

  Next, the terminal B confirms whether or not a probe request as a search signal has been received (S505). When the probe request is received, the terminal B transmits a probe response to which information indicating that the communication parameter providing function is valid is added (S506). At this time, the providing function is set to be valid for both the terminal A and the terminal B. Therefore, in response to the probe request from terminal C, either terminal A or terminal B returns a probe response to which information indicating that the communication parameter providing function is valid is added. As a result, the terminal C can surely find the communication parameter providing device.

  Next, when the terminal B receives the communication parameter provision request (S507), the communication parameter automatic setting process is executed (S508). Here, terminal B operates as a communication parameter providing device, and provides communication parameters to terminal C, which is a receiving device. If the communication parameter is successfully provided (Yes in S509), the permitted number N is decremented by 1 and updated as N-1 (S510).

  Here, although not shown in the flowchart, the terminal B can easily notify the updated number of permitted devices to another providing device (here, the terminal A) on the same network. For example, by using a beacon, a probe request / response, an EAP packet (protocol located in OSI layer 2), etc., the number of devices that are currently allowed to participate in the network can be notified.

  Next, if the permitted number N is not 0 (zero) (No in S511), the terminal B continues to perform additional registration of new terminals.

  When the number of allowed devices reaches 0 (Yes in S511), or when the timer 2 indicating the valid period of the provided function expires (Yes in S512), the terminal B sets the communication parameter providing function to invalid (S513). ). Furthermore, the terminal B displays that the additional participants to the network have been closed, and notifies the user that the additional registration processing has been completed (S514). Thereafter, the terminal B performs an end process (S515).

  Here, although not shown in the flowchart, the terminal B can notify other providing apparatuses (here, the terminal A) on the same network that the communication parameter providing unit is set to be invalid. For example, notification can be made by using a beacon, a probe request / response, an EAP packet, or the like.

  Up to this point, a case has been described in which terminal B performs communication parameter automatic setting processing with terminal A and then provides communication parameters to terminal C that wants to join the network. It is not necessary to continue the processes of FIGS.

  Next, after completing the communication parameter setting process between the terminal A and the terminal B, a process for performing additional setting of the communication parameter for the terminal C by performing a setting operation by the user at the terminal A or the terminal B Will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of terminal B in this case.

  First, the terminal B establishes wireless communication using the communication parameters previously accepted by the communication parameter setting process (S402). Here, in order to accept the participation of the terminal C in the network, when there is a setting operation for instructing the start of the communication parameter automatic setting process in the terminal B (S403), the terminal B contacts the terminal A in communication An activation notification signal is transmitted to the server (S405). As described above, the activation notification signal is a signal indicating that the communication parameter automatic setting process has been activated.

  Even when the setting operation is not performed at the terminal B, when the setting operation is performed at the terminal A, the terminal B receives the activation notification signal transmitted from the terminal A (S404). Here, the activation notification signal is transmitted using a beacon, a probe request / response, an EAP packet, or the like. When transmitting the activation notification signal, it is necessary to prevent impersonation, replay counter attack, wiretapping, and the like from the viewpoint of security. Therefore, for example, it is desirable to encrypt and transmit the activation notification signal using a technique for encrypting a management frame (planned to be established by IEEE 802.11w).

  After transmitting the activation notification signal (S405) or receiving the activation notification signal (S404), the terminal B proceeds to FIG. 5 and performs the above-described processing (S406).

  In the above description, the processing in FIG. 4 is performed instead of the processing in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 continuously. However, after the processing in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 is performed, the processing in FIG. 4 is performed. You may do it. That is, the terminal B first executes the communication parameter automatic setting process with the terminal A, then enables the communication parameter providing function, and provides the communication parameter to the terminal that desires to participate in the network for a certain period. Then, after the predetermined period has elapsed, the providing function is invalidated. After that, when a setting operation for instructing the start of the communication parameter automatic setting process is performed again at the terminal B or the terminal A, the terminal B enables the communication parameter providing function and desires to participate in the network for a certain period of time. Provides communication parameters to. When the setting operation is performed and the number of terminals already participating in the network has reached the permitted number, the providing function may not be enabled.

  6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating processing examples in the case of performing authentication processing using a password in order to improve security in the communication parameter automatic setting processing. 6 to 8, when a probe request to which information for requesting a communication parameter automatic setting process accompanied by an authentication process using a personal identification number is added is received, a terminal B is used instead of the process of FIG. 5. Is a process performed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the terminal B when the terminal B does not have the function for inputting the personal identification number and the personal identification number is displayed on the display unit and the value is input on the partner terminal side.

  Note that the processing from S601 to S604 in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing from S501 to S504 in FIG.

  Upon receiving the probe request (S605), the terminal B transmits, as a response, a probe response including information indicating that the provided function is valid and information indicating that the personal identification number is displayed (S606). .

  Thereafter, terminal B waits until a communication parameter provision request is received from the partner terminal (here, terminal C) (S607), and when received, displays the personal identification number on the display unit (S608) and executes communication parameter automatic setting processing. (S609). Here, when the user on the terminal C side inputs the personal identification number displayed on the display unit of the terminal B to the terminal C, the inputted personal identification number is transmitted to the terminal B. The terminal B determines whether or not the transmitted personal identification number matches the personal identification number displayed by the own device (S610).

  If they do not match, terminal B displays an error (S611) and returns to S605. Note that the terminal B may end the communication parameter automatic setting process after displaying the error. If they match, the process proceeds to S612. Since the process of S612-S618 is the same as the process of S509-515 of FIG. 5, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above description, the terminal B has been described as transmitting a probe response including information indicating that it has a password display function when it does not have the password input function. The information indicating that the input function is not included may be transmitted. In this case, when the terminal C receives the probe response including the information, the terminal C determines that the personal identification number is input in the own device.

  Further, when the terminal B does not have a password input function, information indicating that the communication parameter providing function is valid may not be added to the probe response. In this way, when a communication parameter automatic setting process accompanied by an authentication process is requested, the terminal B switches whether to provide communication parameters according to whether or not the own apparatus has an input function. be able to.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the terminal B when the personal identification number is input on the own device side when the terminal B has a personal identification number input function.

Note that the processing from S701 to S704 in FIG. 7 is the same as the processing from S501 to S504 in FIG. 5, and thus the description thereof is omitted. When terminal B receives the probe request (S705), the response Then, a probe response including information indicating that the providing function is valid and information indicating that the security code input function is provided is transmitted (S706).

  Thereafter, the terminal B waits until a communication parameter provision request is received from the partner terminal (here, terminal C) (S707), and when received, instructs the user to input a personal identification number (S708). The user on the terminal B side inputs the same value as the password displayed on the display unit of the terminal C to the terminal B.

  Next, the terminal B executes communication parameter automatic setting processing (S709). Here, the personal identification number displayed on the terminal C side is transmitted to the terminal B, and the terminal B determines whether or not the transmitted personal identification number matches the personal identification number input in the own device (S710). .

  If they do not match, terminal B displays an error (S711), and returns to S705. Note that the terminal B may end the communication parameter automatic setting process after displaying the error. If they match, the process proceeds to S712. Since the processing of S712 to S718 is the same as the processing of S509 to 515 in FIG. 5, a description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the terminal B when selecting whether to display or input the password on the terminal B side.

  Note that the processing from S801 to S804 in FIG. 8 is the same as the processing from S501 to S504 in FIG.

  The terminal B instructs the user whether to input or display the personal identification number, and accepts the selection operation by the user (S805).

  Upon receiving the probe request (S806), the terminal B returns a probe response including information indicating that the provided function is valid and information indicating the input of the security code or the display function according to the selection result in S802. (S807).

  Thereafter, when the terminal B receives the communication parameter provision request (S805), if the input of the password is selected in S802 (Yes in S809), the terminal B instructs the user to input the password (S810). ). If the display of the personal identification number is selected in S802, the terminal B displays the personal identification number (S811). The terminal B executes the communication parameter automatic setting process after inputting or displaying the password (S812). Here, the terminal B determines whether or not the password transmitted from the partner terminal (here, the terminal C) matches the password entered or displayed on the terminal B side (S813).

  If they do not match, the terminal B displays an error (S814) and returns to S806. Note that the terminal B may end the communication parameter automatic setting process after displaying the error. If they match, the process proceeds to S815. Since the process of S815-S821 is the same as the process of S509-515 of FIG. 5, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above description, it has been described that the user inputs the password or selects the display in S802. However, the setting information on which to select is stored in the storage unit 103 of the terminal B in advance. Good. The priority of input and display may be stored in advance. For example, a terminal having a password input function can be made to select an input, and only a terminal not having the input function can be made to select a display.

  As described above, according to FIGS. 6 to 8, when receiving a probe request, a terminal for which the provision function is enabled adds information indicating a role in authentication processing together with information indicating that the provision function is valid. The probe response is returned.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating control until the communication parameter is continuously set for the terminal C after the communication parameter automatic setting process is performed between the terminal A and the terminal B.

  In the first stage, the terminal A, the terminal B, and the terminal C are in an unconfigured state for which communication parameters have not yet been set (F901, F902, F903).

  First, when a setting start operation for instructing the start of the communication parameter automatic setting process is performed at the terminal A (F904), the terminal A operates as a providing device and indicates that communication parameter automatic setting is possible. The transmission of the beacon with the added information is started (F905).

  Next, when an operation for starting setting is performed in the same manner in terminal B (F906), in order for terminal B to search for a communication parameter providing device, information for requesting communication parameter automatic setting processing is added. A request is transmitted (F907).

  Since the terminal A operates as a providing device, when receiving the probe request, the terminal A transmits a probe response to which information indicating that the providing function is valid is added (F908).

  The terminal B receives the probe response, finds the providing apparatus A, and accepts communication parameters from the terminal A (F909). After the communication parameter is successfully provided and accepted, the terminal A and the terminal B enter the configured state indicating the state where the communication parameter is set (F910, F911).

  Subsequently, the terminal B effectively changes its own communication parameter providing function (F912). Terminal A starts transmitting beacons (F913), and terminal B also starts transmitting beacons (F914). Here, as described above, in the IEEE 802.11-compliant IBSS ad hoc network, it is specified that the terminal that last transmitted the beacon returns a probe response that is a response to the probe request.

  Here, when a setting start operation is performed at the terminal C (F915), the terminal C searches for a terminal having a valid providing function, and a probe request to which information for requesting communication parameter automatic setting processing is added. Is transmitted (F916). In accordance with the above-mentioned rules, the terminal B that lastly transmitted the beacon responds with a probe response to which information indicating that the provided function is valid is added (F917).

  The terminal C finds the providing apparatus B by receiving the probe response and receives the communication parameter from the terminal B (F918).

  After the communication parameter is successfully provided and accepted, the terminal C also enters the configured state indicating the state where the communication parameter is set (F919). Similarly, the terminal C effectively changes its own communication parameter providing function (F920).

  In this way, wireless communication is possible between the terminal A, the terminal B, and the terminal C.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating control after the communication parameter automatic setting process is completed between the terminal A and the terminal B until the communication parameter is set for the terminal C as an additional setting during wireless communication.

  Terminal A and terminal B are in the configured state in which communication parameters have already been set, and terminal C is in an unconfigured state in which communication parameters have not yet been set (F1001, F1002, and F1003).

  Terminal A and terminal B have started wireless communication using the communication parameters that have already been set (F1004).

  Here, in order to cause terminal C to participate in the network, a setting start operation for instructing start of the communication parameter automatic setting process is performed in terminal A (F1005). Terminal A operates as a providing device and starts transmitting a beacon to which information indicating that communication parameter automatic setting is possible is added (F1006). Terminal A effectively changes its own communication parameter providing function (F1007).

  At this time, the terminal B transmits a beacon without adding information indicating that communication parameter automatic setting is possible (F1008). Terminal A transmits an activation notification signal to terminal B to notify that the communication parameter automatic setting process has been activated (F1009). Here, a probe request including information indicating that the communication parameter automatic setting process has been activated is encrypted and transmitted using the management frame encryption function (scheduled to be established by IEEE802.11w) (F1009). .

  The terminal B that has received the probe request decrypts the encrypted information and confirms the contents, and then encrypts and returns a probe response to which information indicating that the providing function is valid is added (F1010). Also, the terminal B changes the communication parameter providing function to be valid (F1011). Subsequently, the terminal B starts operating as a providing device, and starts transmitting a beacon to which additional information indicating that communication parameter automatic setting is possible (F1012).

  Next, in terminal C, a setting start operation is performed in order to participate in the same network as terminal A and terminal B (F1013). In order to search for a providing device, the terminal C transmits a probe request to which information for requesting communication parameter automatic setting processing is added (F1014).

  Here again, based on the provisions of the IEEE 802.11-compliant IBSS ad hoc network, the terminal B that last transmitted the beacon responds with a probe response to which information indicating that the provided function is valid is added (F1015).

  Thereafter, the communication parameter currently being communicated between the terminal A and the terminal B is provided from the terminal B to the terminal C (F1016), and the terminal C also enters the configured state indicating the state where the communication parameter is set (F1017). If terminal B stores a plurality of communication parameters, the communication parameter used for wireless communication is provided when a communication parameter provision request is received.

  In this way, wireless communication is possible between the terminal A, the terminal B, and the terminal C.

  In the present embodiment, at the time of the setting start operation at the terminal A, the start of the communication parameter automatic setting process is notified from the terminal A to the terminal B using the encrypted probe request. However, an OSI layer 2 protocol such as an encrypted EAP packet or an OSI layer 3 protocol such as an encrypted IP packet may be used.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the terminal B validates the communication parameter providing function after receiving the communication parameter as a receiving device. As a result, when the terminal C transmits a probe request to search for a providing device, either the terminal A or the terminal B returns a probe response indicating that the providing function is valid. Accordingly, the terminal C can easily and quickly detect the providing device and accept the communication parameter.

  In addition, since the terminal B disables the providing function after a certain period of time has elapsed since the providing function is enabled or when a certain number of terminals that have provided communication parameters reach a certain number, the security can be improved.

  In addition, when there is a terminal that desires additional participation in the network, a setting operation is performed on either terminal A or terminal B, thereby enabling the function for providing communication parameters for both terminal A and terminal B, and communication. Parameters can be provided.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, a newly added device that requests communication parameter setting can easily and reliably detect a communication parameter providing device. Therefore, even when an ad hoc network is formed by a plurality of communication devices, the communication parameter setting process can be easily performed.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, this is merely an example for explaining the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this example. The embodiment can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above description of the embodiment, the probe request / probe response is used. However, the signal to be transmitted is not limited, and any signal may be used as long as it can perform the same role. .

  Also, the above description has been made with reference to an IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless LAN as an example. However, the present invention may be implemented in other wireless media such as wireless USB, MBOA, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB, and ZigBee. Moreover, you may implement in wired communication media, such as wired LAN.

  Here, MBOA is an abbreviation for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WINET, and the like.

  In addition, the network identifier, the encryption method, the encryption key, the authentication method, and the authentication key are exemplified as communication parameters, but other information may be used, and other information may be included in the communication parameters. Needless to say.

  The present invention supplies a recording medium recording a software computer program for realizing the above-described functions to a system or apparatus, and the computer (CPU, MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the recording medium. You may do it. In this case, the computer program itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the computer program constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the computer program, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD, or the like is used. it can.

  In addition, by executing the computer program read by the computer, not only the above-described functions are realized, but also the OS running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. The above-described functions may be realized. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

  Further, the computer program read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform part or all of the actual processing to realize the above-described function.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Communication apparatus 202 Communication parameter reception part 203 Communication parameter provision part 204 Setting function change part 205 Provision function notification part 206 Network management part 207 Number of apparatus comparison part 208 Provision function effective timer part 209 Communication parameter memory | storage part 210 Setting operation part 211 Display part 212 Activation Notification Receiving Unit 213 Activation Notification Transmitting Unit 214 Activation Notification Encryption Processing Unit 215 Wireless Processing Unit

Claims (10)

A communication device that performs communication parameter setting processing as a communication parameter providing device or receiving device,
Detection means for detecting that communication parameter setting processing for sharing communication parameters with other communication devices is instructed by a user operation, and participation in a network using communication parameters received from other communication devices as the receiving device When the user operation of the communication parameter setting process is detected by the detection unit during the operation, the detection unit operates as a providing device that provides the communication parameter of the network, and when the user does not participate in the network, When a user operation of the communication parameter setting process is detected, at least control means for controlling to operate as the receiving device;
A communication apparatus comprising:   When a user operation of the communication parameter setting process is detected by the detection means while participating in a network using a communication parameter received from another communication apparatus as the receiving apparatus, the communication parameter setting process is The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit a signal indicating that it has been activated. Having an operation means for instructing the start of the communication parameter setting process;
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects that an instruction to start a communication parameter setting process is issued when the operation unit is operated by a user.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication parameter includes at least one of a network identifier, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus performs wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 series.   2. The communication parameter of the network is provided to the other communication device in response to a request from the other communication device when operating as the providing device under the control of the control means. The communication device according to any one of 5. Having a management means for managing the number of communication devices participating in the network;
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to operate as the providing device based on a number of communication devices managed by the management unit. . A communication device control method for performing communication parameter setting processing as a communication parameter providing device or receiving device,
When a user operation of a communication parameter setting process for sharing a communication parameter with another communication device is detected while participating in a network using a communication parameter received from another communication device as the receiving device, It operates as a providing device that provides communication parameters of the network, and controls to operate as at least the receiving device when a user operation of the communication parameter setting process is detected when not participating in the network. Control method.   A computer program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8.   A computer program for causing a computer to function as the communication device according to claim 1.

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