JP6364099B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication device control method, and a program.

  In wireless communication typified by a wireless LAN compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard series, access points (base stations) and terminal devices are defined and the connection procedure is standardized. As a result, the terminal device can perform Internet communication via the access point in a home, office, public wireless LAN spot, or the like. Furthermore, by supporting a multi-BSS (Basic Service Set) function capable of configuring a plurality of networks with one terminal device, a method of communicating with another terminal device in ad hoc mode at the same time as connecting to a base station in infrastructure mode has been proposed. (See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-055350

  Consider a case in which communication parameters are set (set up) by a simple user operation such as pressing a button in a terminal device that supports multi-BSS. The terminal device has the ability to connect to a plurality of networks, but it is assumed that it is designated by a user's selection operation as to which BSS is used for communication. For example, the user needs to set up after selecting whether to set the infrastructure mode or the ad hoc mode and clearly indicate it to the terminal device. In particular, when setting communication parameters while the terminal device is connected to another communication device, it is necessary to accurately grasp the status of the communication partner that the user is currently connecting and starting a new connection, There was a problem of poor usability. For example, if a communication device connected in the infrastructure mode erroneously selects the infrastructure mode and starts communication setting, the currently connected network is disconnected.

  An object of the present invention is to improve user convenience when setting communication parameters in a communication device.

One aspect of the present invention is a communication device, wherein a detection unit that detects a user operation for starting a communication parameter setting process for connecting to a wireless network, and a state of the communication device relating to wireless communication are determined. When the setting operation is performed by determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter based on the determination of the determination unit when the user operation is detected by the determination unit and the detection unit, Selection means for causing a user to select a partner apparatus for processing, and when the user operation is detected , without determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter based on the determination of the determination means When the communication apparatus performs the setting process by providing the communication parameter, the selection by the selection unit is omitted. .

  According to the present invention, convenience for the user when setting communication parameters is improved.

The block block diagram of the apparatus concerning embodiment. FIG. 3 is a software function diagram of the apparatus according to the embodiment. The network block diagram concerning embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart of the communication parameter setting by 1st embodiment. The operation | movement sequence diagram of communication apparatus AC in 1st embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart of the communication parameter setting by 2nd embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart of the communication parameter setting by 2nd embodiment. The operation | movement sequence diagram of communication apparatus AC in 2nd embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment 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 illustrating a configuration example of the communication apparatus 101. In the communication apparatus 101, reference numeral 102 denotes a control unit, which controls the entire apparatus by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 102 is, for example, a computer such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 102 also controls a communication parameter automatic setting system performed with other devices. Reference numeral 103 denotes a storage unit that stores various information such as a computer program for control executed by the control unit 102 and communication parameters. Various operations described later are performed by the control unit 102 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. As the storage unit 103, a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, 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 DVD, or the like can be used. . A wireless unit 104 can perform wireless communication simultaneously with a plurality of networks. Reference numeral 105 denotes a display unit that performs various displays. The display unit 105 has a function capable of outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED, or outputting sound such as a speaker. Reference numeral 106 denotes an input unit, which is an input unit for a user to perform various inputs. Reference numeral 107 denotes an antenna control unit, and reference numeral 108 denotes an antenna.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration example of software function blocks executed by the communication apparatus 101 that supports the multi-BSS function in processing operations described later. Each function shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 101 cooperating with the other configuration shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes the entire apparatus. A packet transmission unit 202 transmits packets related to various types of communication. Transmission of each signal to be described later is performed by the packet transmission unit 202. A packet receiving unit 203 receives packets related to various communications. Reception of each signal to be described later is performed by the packet receiving unit 203. A BSS-STA function control unit 204 controls the operation as a terminal station (STA) in the infrastructure mode (BSS). Processing operations as an infrastructure terminal station in the wireless LAN network, such as transmission / reception of a search signal of the base station and connection processing with the base station, are performed by the BSS-STA function control unit 204. Reference numeral 205 denotes an IBSS-STA function control unit which controls the operation as a terminal station (STA) in an ad hoc mode (IBSS). The processing operation as an ad hoc mode terminal station described later is performed by the IBSS-STA function control unit 205.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a connection network confirmation control unit, which confirms a network type in which the present apparatus is in a connected state. The connection network type confirmation process described later is performed by the connection network confirmation control unit 206. A communication parameter provision control unit 207 provides communication parameters to a communication partner apparatus. A communication parameter acceptance control unit 208 accepts communication parameters from a communication partner apparatus. Reference numeral 209 denotes a communication parameter activation control unit that detects activation of communication parameter setting processing. For example, the input unit 106 performs control related to user button operation detection, menu selection operation detection, and the like. A communication parameter determination control unit 210 determines whether to start the communication parameter provision control unit 207 or the communication parameter reception control unit 208 when setting communication parameters. The communication parameter determination control unit 210 also detects other communication devices that are executing communication parameter operations.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a network including the communication device A301, the communication device B302, and the communication device C303. The communication device A301 has the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above. Accordingly, the communication device A301 operates as a terminal station that supports multi-BSS. For example, the communication device B302 (first other communication device) in the BSS network 304 and the communication device C303 (second other device in the IBSS network 305). Communication). In this case, the communication device B302 may be rephrased as an access point (base station). Note that when the communication device A301 is connected to another communication device, the communication device A301 stores information on communication parameters such as a MAC address, encryption type, and encryption key related to the other connected communication device in the storage unit 103 as device connection information.

  FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of communication parameter setting activated when the communication parameter setting process for network connection is started in the communication apparatus A301 in the first embodiment. The process shown by the flowchart in FIG. 4 is performed by the control unit 102 reading and executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 103.

  After the activation, the communication parameter activation control unit 209 detects that a parameter setting operation has been performed by the user at the input unit 106 (step S401). When a setting operation by the user is detected, the connection network confirmation control unit 206 is connected to an access point (here, the communication apparatus B is an access point), that is, connected in the infrastructure mode. Whether or not (step S402). If the result of determination in step S402 is that there is a connection to an access point, processing proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the connection network confirmation control unit 206 determines whether or not the device is currently connected to another device in the ad hoc mode, that is, whether or not the device is connected to the IBSS network. In step S403, when it is determined that the connection is not established in the ad hoc mode (when the connection is not established), the IBSS-STA function control unit 205 creates an IBSS network (ad hoc) (step S404). Next, based on the determination by the communication parameter determination control unit 210, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 starts the setting process as a communication parameter providing device, and provides the communication parameter to the communication device C that is the setting target device (step S405). ). The communication parameter provision control unit 207 determines whether the provision of communication parameters to the communication device C has been completed (step S406). When the communication parameters have been provided, the communication device A and the communication device C perform communication in the ad hoc mode. Start (step S407).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S403 that the communication device other than the communication device C is connected in the ad hoc mode, a new IBSS network is not generated, and the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 should make the setting target device (here, assumed to be the communication device C) participate in the already formed IBSS network, and communicate with the connected IBSS network. Provide parameters to the target device.

  On the other hand, if the access point is not connected in step S402 (if it is not connected), in step S408, the external device making a network setting request and a list of available networks are displayed on the display unit 105. The user is notified via. The list of available networks includes networks that the communication device A can participate in, and networks that the communication device A has generated or can generate. The user selects a network to be used for connection with the setting target device at the input unit 106 (step S409). Note that this network selection may be configured to select either the setting in the infrastructure mode or the setting in the ad hoc mode. In any case, at this time, the user only selects an arbitrary type of network, and such a selection operation does not place an operation burden on the user. Next, based on the determination of the communication parameter determination control unit 210, either the communication parameter provision control unit 207 or the communication parameter reception control unit 208 is activated to start setting processing as a communication parameter provision device or a reception device. (Step S410).

  Subsequently, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 or the communication parameter acceptance control unit 208 determines whether the reception or provision of the communication parameters has been completed (step S411). If accepted, the communication is performed based on the communication parameter accepted in the storage unit 103. If provided, the communication is performed based on the provided communication parameter stored in the storage unit 103 (step S407). Although not specified in this embodiment, when the communication parameter setting is completed and communication is started, the user may be notified of the connection via the display unit 105. In order to notify the user of the multi-BSS function, the network connection state for each BSS (BBS or IBSS in this embodiment) may be notified to the user via the display unit 105.

  FIG. 5 shows a new communication device C when the communication device A is connected to the communication device B operating as an access point of the BSS network and the user performs a setting operation on the communication device A. It is a processing sequence until it connects. This processing sequence corresponds to steps S401 to S407 in FIG.

  The communication device A is being connected to the communication device B on the BSS network (F501). In the communication apparatus A, the user performs a communication parameter setting processing operation (steps S401 and F502). Also in the communication device C, the user performs a communication parameter setting processing operation (F503). The communication device A is connected to the BSS network but is not connected to the IBSS network (Yes in step S403, No in step S403). Accordingly, in step S404, the communication device A generates an IBSS network (steps S404, F504), and subsequently starts a communication parameter providing function (step S405), and waits for connection with a new communication device (F505). After the setting operation, the communication device C transmits a search request (for example, a Probe Request signal) including an information element indicating a request for communication parameter processing, and searches for surrounding devices that have started the communication parameter setting processing ( F506). The communication device A returns a search response (for example, Probe Response signal) including an information element indicating that communication parameter provision processing is being performed (F507).

  When the communication device C receives the search response from the communication device A and determines that the communication parameter provision processing is in progress, the communication device C starts a communication parameter reception function (F508). The communication device C transmits a setting start request for requesting the start of communication parameter setting (F509), and the communication device A returns a communication parameter setting start response (F510). Subsequently, the communication apparatus C requests provision of communication parameters (F511), and the communication apparatus A provides communication parameters in response to the request (steps S406 and F512). The communication device C selects the SSID and security method and sets the security key based on the received communication parameters, transmits a connection request to the communication device A, and requests the start of security communication (F513). The communication device A responds to the security communication and transmits a connection confirmation to the communication device C (F514). Here, the communication device A and the communication device C are in the connection state of the IBSS network (F515), and the communication device A can simultaneously communicate with the communication device B and the communication device C through different networks (steps). S407). Although not shown in the figure, in the communication apparatus A having the multi-BSS function, the network connection status is displayed on the display unit 105 for each BSS network, so that the user can determine whether the result of the setting operation is successful or error. It becomes possible.

  Note that a timeout may be set for the determinations in steps S407 and S411. That is, the timer may be activated when the network setting is started in step S406 or step S410, and the process may be terminated when the timer expires before the communication parameter setting is completed.

  As described above, when a communication parameter setting operation occurs while a device supporting the multi-BSS function is connected to one BSS network, a new device and another BSS network can be automatically set and connected. It becomes possible. That is, it is possible to connect without requiring a complicated selection operation from the user. Further, since the ad hoc network is immediately configured by the setting operation while connected to the access point, it is possible to prevent erroneous setting with another access point by mistake.

  In the first embodiment, when a communication parameter setting operation for network connection is detected in a state where the network is connected in the infrastructure mode (a state where the access point is connected), the connection in the ad hoc mode is performed. Be started. In ad hoc mode connection, if there is no network connected in ad hoc mode, use the newly created network, and if there is a network connected in ad hoc mode, use that network to connect to the other terminal device. Try. Therefore, a network connection is attempted while maintaining an existing network connection (a network connection connected to an access point or a network connection in an ad hoc mode). Thus, in this embodiment, if there is an unused network during the setting operation among a plurality of networks, a network connection using the network is performed, and if all the networks are in use, the network is being connected. The one that does not affect the network is used. Therefore, the user can instruct setting of network connection without considering the connected network, and convenience is improved.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, in the apparatus that supports the multi-BSS function, when communication parameter setting operation is performed, the processing after determining whether or not the connection to the access point (BBS network) has already been described has been described. In contrast, in the present embodiment, when a communication parameter setting operation is performed in a communication device that supports the multi-BSS function, it is determined whether there is a network that is already connected. A description will be given of processing in the case of performing control according to the type of network being connected, and connecting to the network without requiring a selection operation by the user if not connected. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the selection operation by the user is unnecessary even when there is no BSS network being connected. Also in the present embodiment, the communication apparatus has the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2 described in the first embodiment, and the network configured by the communication apparatus A301, the communication apparatus B302, and the communication apparatus C303 is illustrated in FIG. It is the same.

  FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of communication parameter setting activated when the setting process is started in the communication device A according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed by the control unit 102 reading and executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 103.

  After the activation, the communication parameter activation control unit 209 detects that the setting operation by the user has been performed at the input unit 106 (step S601). When a user setting operation is detected, the connection network confirmation control unit 206 determines whether or not the connection network confirmation control unit 206 is connected to another communication device (here, communication device B or communication device C) ( Step S602). If it is not connected to another communication apparatus (if not connected) (No in step S602), the process proceeds to step S701 in FIG. The processing after step S701 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when connected to another communication device (here, communication device B) (Yes in step S602), the connected network confirmation control unit 206 determines whether the connected network type is infrastructure mode. That is, it is determined whether another communication apparatus is an access point (step S603). If the other communication device is an access point, it is further determined whether or not it is connected to another communication device in the ad hoc mode (IBSS) (step S604). If it is determined that a connection is established with another communication device in the ad hoc mode (Yes in step S604), a new IBSS network is not generated, and the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 sets the communication parameter of the currently connected network so that the setting target device (here, the communication terminal C) is allowed to participate in the formed ad hoc mode network. This is provided to the communication device C which is a setting target device.

  On the other hand, when the connection is not established in the ad hoc mode (No in step S604), the IBSS-STA function control unit 205 creates an IBSS network (ad hoc) (step S605). Next, based on the determination by the communication parameter determination control unit 210, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 starts a setting process as a communication parameter providing device, and provides the communication parameter to the communication device C that is a setting target device (step). S606). The communication parameter provision control unit 207 determines whether or not provision of communication parameters to the communication device C has been completed (step S607). When provision of communication parameters is completed, the communication device A and the communication device C are in ad hoc mode (IBSS). Is started (step S614).

  When the connected network type is only the ad hoc mode (IBSS) (No in step S603), the communication apparatus A joins the BSS network, so that the BSS-STA function control unit 204 searches for the BSS network. Processing is started (step S608). Next, the communication parameter determination control unit 210 of the communication apparatus A determines whether a communication apparatus that has started the communication parameter providing function of the BSS network, that is, a communication apparatus as an access point has been detected (step S609). When the communication parameter determination control unit 210 of the communication device A detects the communication device B that has started the communication parameter providing function, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 of the communication device A starts setting communication parameters (step S610). When the communication parameter acceptance control unit 208 of the communication device A receives the communication parameter from the communication device B (step S611), connection / security communication is started using the communication parameter (step S614). On the other hand, when the communication parameter determination control unit 210 of the communication device A cannot detect the communication device that has started the communication parameter providing function (No in step S609), the providing device search is stopped (step S612). Then, an error is notified to the user via the display unit 105 such as an LED, a display, or a buzzer sound (step S613).

  FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of communication parameter setting that is started in response to a setting operation start operation by the user when the communication device A in the second embodiment is not connected to another communication device. 7 is a part of the operation flowchart in FIG. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed by the control unit 102 reading and executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 103. As a case where it is not connected to another communication device, for example, a case where the setting operation is performed for the first time can be considered. Further, when the setting information of another communication device is changed after the setting is completed, the communication device A or another communication device moves and wireless communication is performed with the other communication device although the setting is completed with the other communication device. It is also possible to become out of service area.

  The communication parameter determination control unit 210 of the communication device A activates a timer (not shown) that confirms the set timeout (step S701). Subsequently, the communication parameter determination control unit 210 activates a standby operation for waiting for a communication parameter setting request signal from another communication device (step S702), and the IBSS-STA function control unit 205 establishes an IBSS network (ad hoc). Create (step S703). Thereby, the communication apparatus A instructs the other communication apparatus to perform an operation using the communication parameter of the IBSS network of the own communication apparatus. That is, it is possible to urge other communication devices to participate in the IBSS network of the own device. Next, the communication parameter acceptance control unit 208 determines reception of a communication parameter setting request from the communication device C that desires an IBSS network configuration (step S704). If received (Yes in step S704), the communication parameter determination control unit 210 starts the setting operation and operates the communication parameter providing function (step S711). Although not shown in the figure, after the providing function is operated, a setting response signal can be responded to a communication parameter setting request of another device. Next, the communication parameter provision control unit 207 starts communication parameter setting with the communication apparatus C, and determines whether the communication parameter has been provided (step S712). When the provision of the communication parameter is completed, the process proceeds to step S614 (FIG. 6), and communication with another communication apparatus (here, communication apparatus C) that has provided the communication parameter is started (step S614).

  If the communication parameter acceptance control unit 208 has not received a communication parameter setting request from the communication device C (No in step S704), the communication parameter determination control unit 210 switches the standby operation to the search operation. That is, a search signal representing a setting request is transmitted to another communication device that has started the setting operation (step S705). The standby operation in step S702 and the search operation in step S705 operate while switching at a predetermined interval until a timeout occurs (step S709). If a timeout occurs in step S709, an error is notified to the user (step S710). When the setting response signal is received from the communication device B that has started the setting operation in the BSS network (Yes in step S706), the BSS-STA function control unit 204 connects to the communication device B and performs communication parameter acceptance control. The unit 208 is activated and the communication parameter acceptance function is started (step S707). Communication parameter setting with the communication device B is started, and it is determined whether or not the communication parameter has been accepted (step S708). When the reception of the communication parameters is completed, the process proceeds to step S614 (FIG. 6), and communication with the communication parameter provider (communication device B in this case) is started (step S614).

  FIG. 8 is a processing sequence until the communication apparatus B is connected to the communication apparatus B for setting communication parameters that are activated in response to the setting process start operation when the communication apparatus A is not connected to another communication apparatus. This processing sequence corresponds to steps S601 to S602 in FIG. 6, steps S701 to S708 in FIG. 7, and step S614 in FIG.

  In the communication apparatus A, the user performs a communication parameter setting processing operation (F801). The communication device A starts waiting (S702, F802) and creates an IBSS network (F803). Here, it cannot be determined whether the other communication device to be set is a BSS network or an IBSS network. On the other hand, the communication device B operates in the BSS network (F805). Device A starts a search to switch from the standby operation to the search operation (F804). Here, the communication apparatus A transmits a search request signal including information indicating that the setting is being activated (F806). Since communication apparatus B has not started setting at that time, it responds with a search response signal including information indicating that setting has not been started (F807). Thereafter, the communication apparatus A starts waiting after a predetermined period (F808), creates an IBSS network (S703, F809), and determines whether there is a communication parameter setting request from a communication terminal connected to the IBSS network. . Here, it is assumed that there is no communication parameter setting request (No in step S704). Next, a setting start operation is performed in the communication device B (F810). The communication device B immediately starts the communication parameter providing function (F811). Next, the communication apparatus A starts the search again to switch from the standby operation to the search operation (F812). The communication device A transmits a search request signal including information indicating that the setting is being activated (steps S705 and F813). Since the communication device B has started the setting, the communication device B responds with a search response signal including information indicating the setting activation (F814).

  The communication device A starts the communication parameter reception function by receiving this response signal (steps S706 and F815). Subsequently, the communication device A transmits a setting start request for requesting the communication device B to start setting communication parameters (steps S707 and F816), and the communication device B returns a response to start setting communication parameters (F817). . The communication device A requests provision of communication parameters (F818), and the communication device B provides communication parameters in response to the request (steps S708 and F819). The communication device A selects the SSID and security method and sets the security key based on the accepted communication parameters, transmits a connection request to the communication device B, and requests the start of security communication (F820). The communication device B transmits a connection confirmation to the communication device A as a security communication response (F821). Here, the communication device A and the communication device B are in a BSS network connection state (steps S614, F822).

As described above, even when a setting operation occurs while a communication apparatus supporting the multi-BSS function is not connected to any BSS network, a new communication apparatus and an IBSS network (ad hoc mode) or a BSS network (infrastructure mode) ) Can be automatically set and connected. In other words, it is possible to connect to a network by simply executing a connectable network type while switching between a standby operation and a search operation without requiring a complicated selection operation from the user.
In addition, when a connection is being established through an IBSS network, an erroneous connection with another ad hoc network can be prevented by immediately searching for a BSS network providing device.

  As described above, when a setting start operation is performed while a communication device supporting multi-BSS is connected to an access point, an ad hoc network that can be quickly connected is created, and a method for operating as a communication parameter providing device is described. did. This makes it possible to perform operations from setting to connection in a desired and usable network by a simple operation such as pressing a button without being aware of the network type of the partner BSS.

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

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  In the embodiment, a combination of a BBS network (infrastructure mode) and an IBSS network (ad hoc mode) is shown as a plurality of BSS networks that can be configured simultaneously. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a first network that itself connects to an external access point as a terminal in the infrastructure mode and a second network that itself serves as an access point may be configured. In this case, for example, the BSS network in the first embodiment may be replaced with the first network, and the IBSS network may be replaced with the second network. Here, it can be said that the first network is one in which the communication device A of the embodiment always operates as a device for receiving communication parameters when setting communication parameters. The second network can be said to be one in which the communication device A can operate as a communication parameter providing device when setting communication parameters.

101 communication device 102 control unit 103 storage unit 104 wireless unit 105 display unit 106 input unit 107 antenna control unit 108 antenna 202 packet transmission unit 203 packet reception unit 204 BSS-STA function control unit 205 IBSS-STA function control unit, 206 connection network confirmation control unit, 207 communication parameter provision control unit, 208 communication parameter acceptance control unit, 209 communication parameter activation control unit, 210 communication parameter determination control unit

Claims (18)

A communication device,
Detection means for detecting a user operation for starting communication parameter setting processing for connecting to a wireless network;
Determining means for determining a state of the communication device relating to wireless communication;
When the user operation is detected by the detection unit, when the setting process is performed by determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter based on the determination of the determination unit, the counterpart device of the setting process Selection means for allowing the user to select,
Have
When the user operation is detected , based on the determination by the determination unit , the communication apparatus provides the communication parameter without determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter. When performing, the communication apparatus characterized by omitting the selection by the selection means. A display means for displaying a list of devices capable of executing the communication parameter setting process;
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit causes the user to select the counterpart device based on a display by the display unit.   When the communication apparatus performs the setting process by providing the communication parameter without determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter, the display by the display unit is omitted. The communication apparatus according to claim 2. Providing means capable of providing the communication parameter to the counterpart device selected by the selecting means;
Receiving means capable of receiving the communication parameter from the counterpart device selected by the selecting means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 series using the communication parameter.   The communication means transmits and receives a request signal for requesting connection to a wireless network and a response to the request signal when starting wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series using the communication parameter. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein:   6. The communication device according to claim 5, further comprising notification means for notifying a user that a connection is being established when starting wireless communication in conformity with the IEEE 802.11 series using the communication parameter. Or the communication apparatus of 6.   Based on a predetermined condition, the communication device determines whether to provide or receive the communication parameter and performs the setting process, or determines whether to provide or receive the communication parameter, The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches whether to perform the setting process by providing a parameter. Said determination means, said communication device is a communication device according to any one of claims 1, wherein the determining whether the currently connected to the access point 8.   The communication device wirelessly communicates with another device different from the access point via a second wireless network different from the first wireless network during wireless connection with the access point via the first wireless network. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus can be connected.   The communication apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an apparatus that generates the first wireless network and an apparatus that generates the second wireless network are different apparatuses.   The communication apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first wireless network is a network connected in an infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 series.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second wireless network is a network connected in an ad hoc mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 series.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ending unit that terminates the setting process without completing the setting process when the setting process is not completed within a predetermined time.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication parameter includes information on an encryption type and an encryption key.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a generation unit that generates a wireless network when the communication parameter is provided. A communication device control method comprising:
A detection step of detecting a user operation for starting a communication parameter setting process for connecting to a wireless network;
A determination step of determining a state of the communication device related to wireless communication;
When the user operation is detected in the detection step, based on the determination in the determination step , when determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter and performing the setting process, the counterpart device of the setting process A selection step that allows the user to select,
When the user operation is detected , based on the determination in the determination step , the communication apparatus provides the communication parameter without determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter. And a control step of omitting selection in the selection step when performing the control method. In the computer equipped with the communication device,
A detection step of detecting a user operation for starting a communication parameter setting process for connecting to a wireless network;
A determination step of determining a state of the communication device related to wireless communication;
When the user operation is detected in the detection step, based on the determination in the determination step , when determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter and performing the setting process, the counterpart device of the setting process A selection step that allows the user to select,
When the user operation is detected , based on the determination in the determination step , the communication apparatus provides the communication parameter without determining whether to provide or receive the communication parameter. When performing, a control process that omits selection in the selection process;
A program for running

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