JP2014220700A - Communication device, communication device control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to join a convenient network while maintaining security.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises control means for controlling the own device to operate in any mode among a plurality of modes including an AP mode of creating a network and accepting joining of another device to the network, and a CL mode of causing the own device to join a network created by another device, in which the control means notifies when the own device receives a request of joining to the network from another device through near field communication means in a state of the CL mode, other devices in the same network where the own device joins of the fact that the own device operates in the AP mode and subsequently controls the own device to operate in the AP mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device having a proximity wireless communication function.

  In recent years, communication is performed using a wireless LAN between a plurality of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras. When wireless communication is performed by a plurality of devices as described above, communication in an infrastructure mode in which communication of a plurality of clients (CL) is relayed by one access point (AP) is generally performed. When setting the infrastructure mode, it is necessary for the user to input the network SSID (Service Set Identifier) and password (hereinafter referred to as AP information) generated by the AP device to the CL device, which is troublesome. .

  On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of acquiring information for participating in a wireless network from one of a plurality of devices that have already participated in the wireless network via close proximity wireless communication. Yes. Accordingly, it is possible to save the user from inputting various parameters for participating in the wireless network, and to provide the user with a highly convenient method of participating in the wireless network.

JP2009-239573

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the CL device needs to transmit AP information of a device other than its own device by proximity wireless communication, which is not preferable in terms of security. On the other hand, if the AP information can be acquired only from the AP device, the security is maintained, but in order to participate in the network, it must be close to the AP device. Therefore, the user needs to be aware of which device is the AP device, and convenience is impaired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable participation in a highly convenient network while maintaining security.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication device of the present invention includes a proximity wireless communication unit that performs proximity wireless communication by approaching another device, a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication over a longer communication distance than the proximity wireless communication, An access point mode for generating a network by the wireless communication means and accepting participation of another device in the network; and a client mode for allowing the wireless device to participate in a network already generated by another device. Control means for controlling the own apparatus to operate in any one of a plurality of modes, and participation in the network from the other apparatus via the proximity wireless communication means in the client mode state When the request is received, the control means confirms that the own device will operate in the access point mode. After to other equipment in the work notified via the wireless communication means, characterized by wherein the controller controls so as to operate the ship in the access point mode.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to participate in a highly convenient network while maintaining security.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to a first embodiment. (A), (b), (c) It is a figure for demonstrating the joining process of the network of the digital cameras in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the participation sequence of the network of the digital cameras in 1st Embodiment. (A) It is a conceptual diagram of the information which the digital cameras participating in the network in 1st Embodiment exchange. (B) It is a conceptual diagram of the information which the digital camera in 1st Embodiment transmits / receives via close proximity wireless communication. (C) It is a conceptual diagram of the information for participating in the network which the digital camera in 1st Embodiment newly produces | generates. (A), (b) It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the digital camera in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a process in case the digital camera in 1st Embodiment operate | moves as AP apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a process in case the digital camera in 1st Embodiment operate | moves as CL apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the digital camera in 1st Embodiment participating in a network. It is a flowchart which shows a process in case the digital camera in 2nd Embodiment operate | moves as AP apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram of the information which the digital camera in 2nd Embodiment transmits / receives via close proximity wireless communication. It is a flowchart which shows a process in case the digital camera in 2nd Embodiment operate | moves as CL apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the digital camera in 2nd Embodiment joining a network.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail using attached drawing.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration of digital camera>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera 100 that is an example of a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. Although a digital camera is described here as an example of a communication device, the communication device is not limited to this. For example, the communication apparatus may be an information processing apparatus such as a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, or a personal computer.

  The control unit 101 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire apparatus, a plurality of hardware may share the processing to control the entire apparatus.

  The imaging unit 102 includes, for example, an optical lens unit, an optical system that controls the aperture, zoom, focus, and the like, and an imaging device that converts light (video) introduced through the optical lens unit into an electrical video signal. Composed. As the imaging device, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device image sensor (CCD) is generally used. The imaging unit 102 is controlled by the control unit 101 to convert subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal by the imaging device, and perform noise reduction processing or the like to convert the digital data into an image. Output as data. In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, the image data is recorded on the recording medium 110 in accordance with the DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard.

  The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the control unit 101.

  The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily holds image data picked up by the image pickup unit 102, an image display memory of the display unit 106, a work area of the control unit 101, and the like.

  The operation unit 105 is used for the user to accept an instruction for the digital camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the digital camera 100, a release switch for instructing photographing, and a reproduction button for instructing reproduction of image data. Furthermore, an operation member such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with an external device via a connection unit 111 described later is included. A touch panel formed on the display unit 106 described later is also included in the operation unit 105. The release switch (not shown) has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for making preparations for shooting such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is accepted. Further, when the release switch is in a fully-pressed state, SW2 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for photographing is received.

  The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, displays shot image data, and displays characters for interactive operation. Note that the display unit 106 is not necessarily built in the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can be connected not only to the display unit 106 provided on the rear surface of the camera but also to a display unit 106 outside the camera, and it is sufficient that the digital camera 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 106. .

  The recording medium 110 can record the image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100 or may be built in the digital camera 100. That is, the digital camera 100 only needs to have a means for accessing at least the recording medium 110.

  The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The digital camera 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the connection unit 111. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via a so-called wireless LAN in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with an external device by controlling the connection unit 111. Note that the communication method is not limited to the wireless LAN, and includes, for example, an infrared communication method.

  The close proximity wireless communication unit 112 includes, for example, an antenna for wireless communication and a modulation / demodulation circuit and a communication controller for processing a wireless signal. The proximity wireless communication unit 112 outputs a modulated wireless signal from an antenna, and demodulates the wireless signal received by the antenna, thereby non-contact proximity communication in accordance with the ISO / IEC 18092 standard (so-called NFC: Near Field Communication). Is realized. The close proximity wireless transfer unit 112 of the present embodiment is disposed on the side of the digital camera 100.

  The digital cameras 100 are connected by starting communication by bringing the close proximity wireless communication units 112 close to each other. When the digital cameras 100 are connected using the close proximity wireless communication unit 112, the close proximity wireless communication units 112 do not necessarily need to be in contact with each other. Since the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 can communicate even if they are separated by a certain distance, the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 may be brought close to a range where close proximity wireless communication is possible. In the following description, it will be described as bringing close to the range where close proximity wireless communication is possible.

  Further, if the close proximity wireless communication units 112 are within a range where close proximity wireless communication is not possible, communication is not started. Further, when the close proximity wireless communication units 112 are within a range in which close proximity wireless communication is possible and the digital cameras 100 are connected to each other, the close proximity wireless communication units 112 are separated from the range in which close proximity wireless communication is not possible. If this happens, the communication connection is canceled. The contactless proximity communication realized by the proximity wireless communication unit 112 is not limited to NFC, and other wireless communication may be employed. For example, non-contact proximity communication according to the ISO / IEC 14443 standard may be adopted as non-contact proximity communication realized by the proximity wireless communication unit 112.

  Note that the connection unit 111 of the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment has an AP mode that operates as an access point in the infrastructure mode, and a CL mode that operates as a client in the infrastructure mode. Then, by operating the connection unit 111 in the CL mode, the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment can operate as a CL device in the infrastructure mode. When the digital camera 100 operates as a CL device, it can participate in a network formed by the AP device by connecting to a peripheral AP device.

  In addition, by operating the connection unit 111 in the AP mode, the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment is a kind of AP, but operates as a simple AP (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP) with more limited functions. Is also possible. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 forms a network by itself. Devices around the digital camera 100 can recognize the digital camera 100 as an AP device and participate in a network formed by the digital camera 100. It is assumed that a program for operating the digital camera 100 is held in the nonvolatile memory 103 as described above.

  Note that although the digital camera 100 in this embodiment is a kind of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a CL device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if data is received from another device participating in the network formed by the own device, it cannot be transferred to a network such as the Internet.

  The above is the description of the digital camera 100.

<System overview>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the communication system according to the present embodiment. In the communication system of the present embodiment, a plurality of digital cameras are connected to each other. Note that any digital camera in the system has the same configuration as the digital camera 100 described in FIG.

  In the communication system of FIG. 2A, the digital camera 210 operates as a simple AP and generates a network 200. The wireless network generated here is a so-called wireless LAN. The digital camera 220 and the digital camera 230 detect a beacon signal periodically transmitted by the digital camera 210 and participate in a wireless network formed by the digital camera 210. Each digital camera including the digital camera 210 that operates as a simple AP device can participate in the same wireless network, and can transmit and receive data via a wireless LAN through mutual device discovery, device capability acquisition, and the like ( Establish communication between devices). The digital camera 240 is a digital camera that does not participate in the network 200.

  Now, consider that the digital camera 240 participates in the network 200. In this embodiment, the proximity wireless communication unit 112 of the digital camera 240 that has been subjected to a predetermined operation for participating in the network is connected to the proximity wireless communication of the already connected digital camera 230 as shown in FIG. Close to the unit 112 (close to the communicable range). A predetermined operation for joining the network will be described later.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 230 does not transmit information regarding the network generated by the digital camera 210 to the digital camera 240. Instead, the digital camera 230 generates a new network in place of the digital camera 210.

  Then, the digital camera 230 transmits information for participating in the newly generated network to the digital camera 240 via the proximity wireless communication. In addition, the digital camera 230 notifies the digital camera 210 or the digital camera 220 that the network is to be reconfigured in advance, thereby enabling the digital camera 210 or the digital camera 220 to quickly move to the reconfigured network. . As a result, the digital camera network is configured as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the digital camera according to the present embodiment transmits not the network information generated by the other device but the network information generated by the own device in the proximity wireless communication. As a result, there is no possibility that the network information of the AP device is unintentionally disclosed by the CL device, and thus security can be maintained.

  Moreover, it is possible to newly join the digital camera 240 to the network while maintaining the situation that the digital cameras 210, 220, and 230 that have already joined the network are participating in the same network.

  In addition, the device that establishes close proximity wireless communication for the digital camera 240 to participate in the network may be an AP device or a CL device as long as it is a device in the network. Therefore, the user of the digital camera 240 can join the digital camera 240 to the network without being aware of whether the digital camera participating in the network is an AP device or a CL device.

  An outline of processing of each digital camera for realizing the above-described operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an overview of network participation processing of the digital camera of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, a period during which the digital camera operates as a simple AP device is represented by a hatched area as a period 301. Further, a period during which the digital camera operates as a CL device is represented by a plain area as a period 302. Further, a period in which the proximity wireless communication is established is represented by a shaded area as a period 303.

  In addition, this sequence starts when the number of devices participating in the network is increased or decreased.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the digital camera 210 is operating as a simple AP device at the start of the sequence. The digital camera 220 operates as a CL device and participates in a network generated by the digital camera 210. The digital camera 230 is a camera that newly participates in the network and operates as a CL device. In addition, the digital camera 240 does not participate in the network and is about to participate in the network.

  First, in step S310, the digital cameras 210, 220, and 230 have their own ID, information indicating whether the own device is operating as a simple AP device or a CL device (hereinafter referred to as a WLAN state), and an IP address. Send and receive each other. The mutual information is recorded in each work memory 104 as WLAN management information. In the example of FIG. 3, the WLAN management information recorded in the work memory 104 of the digital camera 210 or digital camera 220 that has already joined the network is updated. On the other hand, new WLAN management information is recorded in the work memory 104 of the newly joined digital camera 230.

  A conceptual diagram of the WLAN management information is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4A, an ID 401 is an identifier that uniquely identifies a digital camera and is given at the time of manufacture. The WLAN state 402 indicates whether each device operates as a simple AP device or a CL device. An IP address 403 is a number for determining a device that transmits and receives a packet in IP (Internet Protocol). An IP address is generated by a device that operates as a simple AP device and becomes a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, so that a device that operates as a simple AP device is generated and assigned to each CL device. Through the processing in step S310, the newly joined digital camera 230 can acquire information regarding other devices participating in the network.

  On the other hand, in step S311, the digital camera 240 that intends to participate in the network receives a predetermined operation for participating in the network from the user and performs a preparation operation for participating in the network.

  Here, a predetermined operation for joining the network will be described. FIG. 5A is an example of a menu screen for using the network displayed on the display unit of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. When the icon 502 is selected on this screen, the screen shifts to the display of FIG. 5B and is used for receiving information necessary for participating in the network from other devices using the proximity wireless communication. Start processing. In the present embodiment, when the digital camera 240 that is going to participate in the network 200 has already participated in another network, the transition to the screen in FIG. Executed. This is because the act of selecting this icon is an act of deciding to join another network, not the currently participating network.

  In addition, there may be a case where the user selects the icon 502 without noticing that the device has already joined the network. For example, when a communication process or the like operates in the background, it is difficult to recognize whether or not the own device has already joined the network. Therefore, the user may confirm whether or not he / she can actually leave the participating network before transitioning to the screen of FIG. Of course, when the own device does not participate in the network, the process of leaving is not executed. Therefore, the above confirmation is not performed.

  If the user manually enters information and joins the network without using close proximity wireless communication, the icon 501 may be selected on the screen of FIG. In this case, the screen transits to a screen (not shown) for inputting information on the network to be joined, and participation in the network is performed according to an existing sequence.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  Subsequently, in a state where the screen of FIG. 5B is displayed, the user brings the digital camera 240 and the digital camera 230 close to each other so that close proximity wireless communication is possible. Specifically, the proximity wireless communication units 112 of the respective digital cameras are brought close to each other so that they can communicate with each other. As a result, in step S312, close proximity wireless communication between the digital camera 230 and the digital camera 240 is established.

  In subsequent step S313, the digital camera 240 that intends to participate in the network 200 transmits a request for information for participating in the network to the digital camera 230 by proximity wireless communication.

  The digital camera 230 that has received this request first calculates the AP switching time in step S314. The AP switching time is a time required for the digital camera 230 itself to operate as a simple AP device instead of the digital camera 210 and newly construct a network. If the digital camera 230 is simply switched from the CL device to the AP device, it will take almost a fixed time. However, there may be a case where the digital camera 230 is exchanging data with other cameras in the network. In this case, the time until the end of data exchange is added as a certain time for switching to the AP device, and is calculated as the AP switching time. In this case, after the exchange of data is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S315.

  In subsequent step S315, the digital camera 230 transmits information for participating in the network (network information) to the digital camera 240. Here, an example of the network information is shown in FIG. The network information shown in FIG. 4B includes a network SSID 411, a password 412, and an encryption method 413 that the digital camera 230 will generate. The SSID 411 and the password 412 are network parameters generated when the own device operates as a simple AP device. Such information can be set in advance by the user inputting an arbitrary character string. The device ID 401 of the digital camera 230 itself is also included. Furthermore, the AP switching time 415 calculated in step S313 is also included.

  The digital camera 240 that has received the network information waits for the AP switching time, and waits for the digital camera 230 to generate a network. On the other hand, in step S316, the digital camera 230 notifies each digital camera in the current network that the AP can be switched in order to reconstruct the network instead of the digital camera 210. This notification includes information for participating in the network to be reconstructed, for example, as shown in FIG. With this information, the digital camera 210 and the digital camera 220 can move to the reconstructed network.

  When the notification is completed, in step S317, the digital camera 230 leaves the network generated by the digital camera 210 and starts operating as a simple AP device. That is, a new network is generated instead of the digital camera 210.

  On the other hand, the digital camera 240 starts the operation as the CL device in step S318 in response to the end of the waiting for the AP switching time. In step S321, the digital camera 240 participates in the network newly generated by the digital camera 230 based on the information received in step S315.

  In addition, the digital camera 210 that has received the notification from the digital camera 230 ends the operation as the simple AP device in step S319 and starts the operation as the CL device. In subsequent step S322, the digital camera 210 participates in the network newly generated by the digital camera 230 based on the information received in step S316.

  Also, the digital camera 220 that has received the notification from the digital camera 230 leaves the network that the digital camera 210 has generated in step S320. In step S323, the digital camera 220 participates in the network newly generated by the digital camera 230 based on the information received in step S316.

  As described above, by switching the device to be a simple AP device, it is possible to easily join the digital camera to the network and maintain security.

<Operation of each digital camera>
Next, each operation of the digital camera for realizing the above operation will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing when the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment operates as a simple AP device. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 controlling each unit of the digital camera 100 in accordance with an input signal or a program. In addition, processing for transmitting and receiving data such as image exchange with other cameras participating in the same network is executed in parallel with the processing shown in this flowchart. The same applies to other flowcharts showing processing of the digital camera 100 unless otherwise specified.

  This flowchart is started in response to the digital camera 100 starting an operation as a simple AP device. When the digital camera 100 starts an operation as an AP device, for example, it may start in response to receiving an instruction by a user's menu operation, or may start by a process in step S709 in FIG. .

  First, in step S601, the control unit 101 transmits / receives the device ID 401 / WLAN state 402 / IP address 403 to / from other devices participating in the same network via the connection unit 111, and updates the WLAN management information 400. To do. This process corresponds to step S310 in FIG.

  Next, in step S602, the control unit 101 detects increase / decrease of devices participating in the same network. For example, when the other device joins the network generated by the digital camera 100 or when any of the other digital cameras already participating in the network generated by the digital camera 100 leaves, Is detected. If the control unit 101 detects an increase / decrease in devices participating in the same network, the process returns to step S601. On the other hand, when no increase or decrease is detected, the process proceeds to step S603.

  In step S <b> 603, the control unit 101 determines whether a request for information for participating in the network is received from another device via the close proximity wireless communication unit 112.

  First, a case where it is determined that a request for network information has been received will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S604. Hereinafter, the requesting device that has requested network information in step S603 is referred to as a counterpart device.

  In step S604, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the partner device can participate in the network. In the network generated when the digital camera 100 of this embodiment operates as a simple AP device, an upper limit is set on the number of CL devices that can participate. The upper limit of the number of participating devices (maximum number of connections) is a decrease in so-called communication performance, such as a decrease in communication speed due to excessive traffic in the network and a decrease in signal encryption / decryption stability. In order to prevent this, it is set for each device individually. The value of the maximum number of connections may be arbitrarily set by the user, or may be determined in advance according to the AP performance, for example. The value of the maximum number of connections is held in the nonvolatile memory of the digital camera 100.

  The control unit 101 acquires the number of CL devices participating in the current network by referring to the WLAN information 400. A value obtained by adding 1 to the number of CL devices participating in the current network is the total number of participating devices in the network when the counterpart device is allowed to participate in the network. The processing of this step is executed by comparing this value with the maximum number of connections read from the nonvolatile memory of the own device operating as a simple AP device. If the control unit 101 determines that the maximum number of connections is exceeded, the process advances to step S607 to notify the partner device that participation in the network is impossible.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that the maximum number of connections is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S605, the control unit 101 transmits information for participating in the network to the counterpart device via the close proximity wireless transfer unit 110. Here, since the own device operates as an AP and the network is generated by the own device, the parameters used when the own device generates are transmitted. For example, the information shown in FIG. 4B is transmitted. Here, since the own device is an AP device and there is no need to switch to another AP device, the AP switching time includes information indicating 0 sec. In response, the counterpart device executes processing for joining the network based on the received information.

  In step S606, the control unit 101 receives a request to join the network from the counterpart device via the connection unit 111, and connects to the counterpart device.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S603 that a request for network information has not been received will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S608, the control unit 101 determines whether the AP switching notification information 420 has been received from another device in the network via the connection unit 111. If it is determined that it has not been received, the process returns to step S602. On the other hand, if it is determined that the AP switching notification information 420 has been received, the process proceeds to step S609. This AP switching notification information corresponds to the information transmitted in step S316 in FIG.

  In step S609, the control unit 101 deletes the generated network and stops the operation as the simple AP device.

  Subsequently, in step S610, the control unit 101 operates the digital camera 100 as a CL device. The processes in steps S609 and S610 correspond to step S319 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 611, the control unit 101 executes processing for participating in a network newly generated by the transmission source device of the AP switching notification information 420 based on the AP switching notification information 420 received in step S <b> 608. The processing in this step corresponds to step S322 in FIG.

  The above is the description of the processing when the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP device.

  Next, processing when the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment operates as a CL device will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing when the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment operates as a CL device. This flowchart is started in response to the digital camera 100 starting an operation as a CL device. When the digital camera 100 starts the operation as the CL device, for example, when the digital camera 100 starts in response to receiving an instruction by a user's menu operation, the above-described step S610 in FIG. 6 or the later-described step S808 in FIG. The case where it starts by processing is considered.

  About step S701-step S703, since the process similar to step S601-step S603 of FIG. 6 is performed, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, a case where it is determined in step S703 that a request for network information has been received will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S704. Hereinafter, the request source device that requested the network information in step S703 is referred to as a counterpart device.

  In step S704, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the partner device can participate in the network generated when the own device operates as a simple AP device. Specifically, the control unit 110 compares the total number of participating devices when the counterpart device participates in the network and the maximum number of connections recorded in the nonvolatile memory of the own device. Then, it is determined whether or not the total number of participating devices exceeds the maximum number of connections when the counterpart device participates in the network. Although the processing of this step is the same as the operation of the digital camera 100, it is determined whether or not the own device can participate in the newly generated network, not the network of the other device currently generated. This is different from step S604 in FIG.

  If the control unit 101 determines in step S704 that the maximum number of connections has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S711 to notify the counterpart device that participation is not possible.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the maximum number of connections is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S705, the control unit 101 calculates the AP switching time as the time required for the own device to operate as a simple AP device and reconstruct the network instead of the device that is currently generating the network. This process corresponds to the process of step S314 in FIG.

  In step S706, the control unit 101 transmits information for participating in the network to the counterpart device via the close proximity wireless transfer unit 110. The information transmitted here is not information for participating in the current network but information for participating in the network generated by the own device instead of the current network. An example of the item of information to be transmitted is shown in FIG. 4B, similarly to the information transmitted in step S605. In the case of this flowchart, since the simple AP device is switched, the AP switching time calculated in step S705 is also transmitted to the counterpart device as a guide for the time to wait until a new network is generated. In addition, the partner device that has received this waits until a new network is generated, and then starts to operate as a CL device, and a process for joining the network that the digital camera 100 newly generates based on the received information. Execute. As described above, the network information generated by the own device is output while the network information generated by the other device is not output to the outside. As a result, it is possible to realize easy network participation for the user while maintaining the security of the network.

  Similarly, in step S707, the control unit 101 also participates in the network generated by itself instead of the current network via the connection unit 111 for other devices participating in the current network. Send information for.

  In step S708, the control unit 101 causes the digital camera 100 to leave the current network.

  In step S709, the control unit 101 ends the operation as the CL device, and instead starts the operation as the simple AP device. That is, a new network based on the information transmitted in the previous step S706 or step S707 is generated, and a connection from each device is waited for.

  Finally, in step S710, the control unit 101 accepts participation in the network from the counterpart device operating as the CL device and each device participating in the previous network. Specifically, each device is allowed to participate in the network through a response to the connection request and an IP address allocation by a function as a DHCP server. As a result, the digital camera 100, the counterpart device, and each device participating in the previous network can communicate with each other at the application level. Note that the IP address assigned to the device that participated in the original network is assigned the same value as that used when joining the original network by referring to the WLAN management information. Good.

  The above is the case where it is determined in step S703 that a network information request has been received.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S703 that a network information request has not been received will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S712.

  In step S712, processing similar to that in step S608 in FIG. 6 is executed. If it is determined in step S712 that AP switching notification information has been received, the process proceeds to step S713.

  In step S713, the control unit 101 leaves the current network.

  Subsequently, in step S714, the control unit 101 requests participation in a new network based on the AP switching notification information 420 received in step S712. The processing in this step corresponds to step S323 in FIG.

  The above is the description of the processing when the digital camera 100 operates as a CL device.

  Next, an operation when the digital camera 100 participates in a network using close proximity wireless communication in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. This flowchart is started in response to the user selecting the icon 502 shown in FIG. 5A via the operation unit 105.

  In step S801, the control unit 101 determines whether the own device has already generated a network or has already joined any network. Specifically, reference is made to whether or not the own device is operating as either an AP device or a CL device. If the control unit 101 determines that the own device is not operating as an AP device or a CL device, the process proceeds to step S804. If the control unit 101 determines that the own device is operating as an AP device, the process proceeds to step S802. In step S802, the control unit 101 deletes the generated network, and the process proceeds to step S804. If the control unit 101 determines that the own device is operating as a CL device, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the control unit 101 leaves the participating network and proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the control unit 101 determines whether close proximity wireless communication with a device participating in the network has been established. When it is determined that the close proximity wireless communication has not been established, the process of this step is repeated. If it is determined that close proximity wireless communication has been established, the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, the control unit 101 requests information for participating in the network (that is, information shown in FIG. 4B) from the device participating in the network via the proximity wireless communication, and responds to the request. To receive information from the devices participating in the network.

  Subsequently, in step S806, the control unit 101 determines whether it is possible to participate in the network. Specifically, as a result of the request in step S805, if the device that is participating in the network is notified that participation in the network is impossible, the control unit 101 cannot participate in the network. to decide. Such a determination is made, for example, when a notification indicating that participation is not possible transmitted in step S607 in FIG. 6 or step S711 in FIG. 7 is received. In this case, the process of this flowchart is terminated. Before the end, for example, a message such as “Cannot join the network because the number of connections has been exceeded” may be displayed to notify the user that the connection could not be made.

  On the other hand, as a result of the request in step S805, when the information for participating in the network is received, the control unit 101 determines that it can participate in the network. For example, the determination is made when information as shown in FIG. 4B transmitted in step S605 of FIG. 6 or step S706 of FIG. 7 is received. In this case, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the control unit 101 starts a timer and waits until the AP switching time included in the information received in step S806 has elapsed. Note that when the counterpart device is operating as an AP device, there is no need to switch the AP device, so the AP switching time is 0 sec. That is, in this case, the process proceeds to step S808 substantially without executing the process of this step.

  In subsequent step S808, the control unit 101 starts an operation as a CL device.

  In step S809, the control unit 101 transmits a participation request to the network based on the information received in step S806, and participates in the network through reception of the response.

  The above is the description of the operation when the digital camera 100 participates in the network using the proximity wireless communication.

  As described above, in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the network information generated by the other device is not output to the outside while the network information generated by the own device is output. As a result, it is possible to realize easy network participation while maintaining security.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when a device that participates in the network selects the icon 502 in FIG. 5 for example, the network is extinguished / detached, and after joining the network, the process of joining the network Mentioned when doing. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the icon 502 is selected, the network is not disconnected and the network to be prioritized is controlled in consideration of the state of both devices with which close proximity wireless communication has been established. Is described. Since this embodiment has many parts in common with the first embodiment, the description will focus on the parts specific to this embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the network participation process is controlled in consideration of the states of both devices that have established close proximity wireless communication. In particular, in this embodiment, the network generated by the AP device is given the highest priority. That is, control is performed so that the AP device network does not disappear. For example, when close proximity wireless communication is established between an AP device generating a certain network and a CL device participating in another network, the CL device leaves the network and joins the network of the AP device. To do.

  Further, when close proximity wireless communication between AP devices is established, the network of both devices is maintained in this embodiment. That is, the network participation process is not performed. This is because there is a possibility that communication of other devices participating in the network generated by each device may be hindered.

  As described above, in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, which network is to be prioritized is appropriately controlled according to the state of both devices in which close proximity wireless communication is established. When close proximity wireless communication between CL devices is established, the device with the icon 502 selected leaves the network, and the other device becomes an AP device and participates in the generated network. That is, it controls which network maintenance is prioritized according to the selection of the icon 502.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 100 will be described for each of three cases: when the own device is operating as an AP device, when operating as a CL device, and when neither device is in either state.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing when the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment operates as an AP device. This flowchart is started when the digital camera 100 starts an operation as a simple AP device. When the digital camera 100 starts operating as an AP device, for example, when it starts in response to receiving an instruction by a user's menu operation, or by processing in step S1117 in FIG. 11 and step S1210 in FIG. It is possible to start.

  Steps S901 and S902 are the same as steps S601 and S6902 in FIG.

  In step S903, the control unit 101 detects the proximity of another device via the close proximity wireless communication unit 112, and determines whether close proximity wireless communication has been established. If the control unit 101 determines that close proximity wireless communication has not been established, the process proceeds to step S911. The processing in steps S911 to S914 is the same as the processing in steps S608 to S611 in FIG. On the other hand, if control unit 110 determines that close proximity wireless communication has been established, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, the control unit 101 exchanges information as illustrated in FIG. 10 with a partner (hereinafter referred to as a partner device) with which close proximity wireless communication has been established via the close proximity wireless communication unit 112. That is, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 transmits the information of each item shown in FIG. 10 to the counterpart device via the proximity wireless communication, and the information of the counterpart device of each item shown in FIG. Receive from the partner device via proximity wireless communication.

  In addition to the information shown in FIG. 4B, the information shown in FIG. 10 includes information indicating whether the device is operating as a CL device / AP device or not operating as either of them. State 1001 is included. Furthermore, the information used in the determination in step S604 in FIG. 6 and indicating the upper limit of devices that can be joined to the network generated by the own device, that is, the maximum number of connections 1002, and the number of devices participating in the current network. 1003 is also included. These pieces of information are used by the counterpart device to determine whether the digital camera 100 can participate in the network. This determination will be described later. Here, since the own device is operating as an AP device, the AP device is not switched. That is, the AP switching time is 0 sec here.

  In subsequent step S905, the control unit 101 refers to the information received in step S904, and the digital camera 100 determines the operation state of the counterpart device. If the control unit 101 determines that the counterpart device is not operating as an AP device or a CL device, that is, is in an unconnected state, the process proceeds to step S907. In steps S907 and S908, processing similar to that in steps S604 and S606 in FIG. 6 is executed.

  When the control unit 101 determines that the counterpart device is operating as an AP device, both devices operate as AP devices and generate a network. That is, in this case, in order for both devices to connect, one of the networks must be deleted, which may cause inconvenience in communication with other devices participating in the network to be deleted.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, control is performed so that devices operating as AP devices cannot be connected. That is, in this case, the process proceeds to step S909, and the control unit 101 notifies the user that participation in the network is impossible. For example, the control unit 101 notifies the display unit 106 by displaying a message such as “cannot participate in the same network”.

  If the control unit 101 determines that the counterpart device is operating as a CL device, the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, the control unit 101 determines whether the counterpart device is a device in the same network. Specifically, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the IP address of the counterpart device included in the information received in step S904 is included in the WLAN management information. When the control unit 101 determines that the IP address of the counterpart device is included in the WLAN management information, it is determined that the counterpart device is a device in the same network. In this case, since the network has already been joined, it is not necessary to perform the processing in step S907 and step S908. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S909. On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines that the IP address of the counterpart device is not included in the WLAN management information, it is determined that the counterpart device is not a device in the same network. In this case, the processing of step S907 and step S908 is executed, and participation of the counterpart device in the network is accepted.

  The above is the processing when the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment is operating as an AP device. Thus, when the own device is operating as an AP device, priority is given to maintaining the network of the own device.

  Next, processing when the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment operates as a CL device will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing when the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment operates as a CL device. This flowchart is started in response to the digital camera 100 starting an operation as a CL device. When the digital camera 100 starts operating as a CL device, for example, in response to receiving an instruction by a user's menu operation, the above-described step S912 in FIG. 9 or step S1207 in FIG. The case where it starts by processing is considered.

  In steps S1101 to S1103, processing similar to that in steps S901 to S903 in FIG. 9 is executed. Moreover, the process of step S1120-step S1122 performs the process similar to the process of step S712-step S714 of FIG.

  In step S1104, the control unit 101 executes the process of step S705 of FIG. That is, the AP switching time is calculated.

  In subsequent steps S1105 and S1106, processing similar to that in steps S904 and S905 in FIG. 9 is executed.

  Next, a case where the control unit 101 determines in step S1106 that the counterpart device is operating as an AP device will be described. In this case, the digital camera 100 operates as a device that participates in the network of the counterpart device. That is, priority is given to the network of the counterpart device. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1108.

  In step S1108, the control unit 101 determines whether the counterpart device is a device in the same network. If it is determined that the counterpart device is a device in the same network, it has already been joined to the network, so there is no need to perform the network joining process again. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S1119, and the control unit 101 transmits to the user that participation in the network is impossible. On the other hand, if the control unit 101 determines in step S1108 that the counterpart device is not a device in the same network, the process proceeds to step S1109.

  In step S1109, the control unit 101 determines whether it is possible to participate in the network of the counterpart device. Specifically, the control unit 101 compares the maximum connection included in the information received from the counterpart device in step S1105 with the number obtained by adding 1 to the current number of connected devices of the counterpart device. As a result of the comparison, when the number of the connected devices plus 1 is greater than the maximum number of connected devices, it is determined that the own device cannot join the network of the connected device. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1119, and the control unit 110 transmits to the counterpart device that the network participation process is not executed. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the number obtained by adding 1 to the current number of connected devices of the partner device does not exceed the maximum number of connections, it is determined that the own device can join the network of the partner device. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1110. In step S1110, processing similar to that in step S713 in FIG. 7 is executed.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 1111, the control unit 101 waits for the AP switching time included in the information from the counterpart device received in step S <b> 1105. If it is determined in step S1106 that the counterpart device is operating as an AP device, the AP switching time is 0 sec. Therefore, the process of this step is not substantially performed and the process proceeds to the next step. This process is the same as step S807 in FIG.

  When the standby is finished, in step S1112, the control unit 101 executes a process for participating in the network constructed by the counterpart device.

  The above is the description when the control unit 101 determines in step S1106 that the counterpart device is operating as an AP device.

  Next, a case will be described in which the control unit 101 determines in step S1106 that the counterpart device is operating as a CL device. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1107.

  In step S1107, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the own device is a network participation side. Specifically, the control unit 101 determines whether selection of the icon 502 in FIG. 5 is accepted before the close proximity wireless communication is established. If it is determined that the selection of the icon 502 has been accepted, the digital camera 100 determines that the device is a device that is participating in the network of the partner device. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1108, and the same process as that performed when it is determined that the counterpart device is operating as an AP device is executed. In other words, priority is given to the network of the participating device. As a result, the counterpart device operates as an AP device instead of a CL device to generate a network, and the digital camera 100 participates in this network.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the icon 502 has not been received, the control unit 101 determines that the own device is a device to be joined to the network. That is, priority is given to its own network. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1113.

  In step S1113, the same processing as in step S1108 is executed. That is, when the control unit 101 determines that the counterpart device is a device in the same network, the process of this flowchart is ended through step S1119. On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines that the counterpart device is not a device in the same network, the process proceeds to step S1114.

  The process in step S1114 is the same as that in step S704. If the control unit 101 determines in step S1114 that the partner device cannot participate in the network, the process ends through step S1119. On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines that the partner device can participate in the network, the process proceeds to step S1115.

  Processing in steps S1115 to S1118 is the same as that in steps S707 to S710 in FIG.

  The above is the description when the control unit 101 determines in step S1106 that the counterpart device is operating as a CL device.

  If the control unit 101 determines in step S1106 that the counterpart device is not operating as an AP device or a CL device, that is, if the counterpart device is not connected to the network, the process proceeds to step S1114. move on. The processing after step S1114 is as described above.

  The above is the processing when the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is operating as a CL device.

  Next, processing when the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment is not connected will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. This flowchart is started in response to the user selecting the icon 502 shown in FIG. 5A via the operation unit 105.

  In step S1201, the same processing as step S801 in FIG. 8 is executed.

  Subsequently, in steps S1202 to S1204, processing similar to that in steps S1104 to S1106 in FIG. 11 is executed.

  Next, the case where the control unit 101 determines in step S1204 that the counterpart device is operating as an AP device or a CL device will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1205.

  In steps S1205 to S1208, processing similar to that in steps S806 to S809 in FIG. 8 is executed.

  Next, a case where the control unit 101 determines in step S1204 that the counterpart device is not operating as an AP device or a CL device will be described. That is, a case where the counterpart device is not connected to the network will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1209.

  In step S1209, the control unit 101 executes the same processing as in step S1107 in FIG. If the control unit 101 determines in step S1209 that the own device is a device participating in the network, the process proceeds to step S1205. The processing after step S1205 is as described above. If the control unit 101 determines in step S1209 that the own device is not a device participating in the network, the process proceeds to step S1210. In step S1210 and step S1211, processing similar to that in step S709 and step S710 in FIG. 7 is executed.

  The above is the description of the processing when the digital camera 100 is not connected in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the process for joining the network is appropriately controlled according to the operating state of both devices that have established close proximity wireless communication. That is, if the partner device that has established close proximity wireless communication is a device that has created a network, that network is given the highest priority, and if the partner device that has established close proximity wireless communication is not the device that is creating the network, the network Prioritize the network of participating devices. Thereby, the user can participate in the network without being aware of the operation state of each device, and can reduce the possibility of the disappearance / detachment of the network unintended by the user.

[Other Embodiments]
In the second embodiment described above, a case has been described in which, when digital cameras operating as AP devices establish close proximity wireless communication, control is performed so as not to perform network participation processing. With respect to this, as in the case of digital cameras operating as CL devices, one of the networks may be prioritized based on an instruction by a user operation (for example, selection of the icon 502).

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, in addition to the information shown in FIG. 10, network maintenance information (NW maintenance information) indicating whether or not to give priority to the maintenance of the own network is exchanged. Good. For example, when the NW maintenance information is set to “maintain”, control is performed so that the network in which the device is participating does not disappear or leave. In such a case, it is determined whether or not the NW maintenance information of the device that has to leave the network is set to “maintain” among both devices that have established close proximity wireless communication, and “maintain” is determined. If set, the process of joining the network is interrupted.

  Specifically, between step S1109 and step S1110 in FIG. 11, control unit 101 confirms the NW maintenance information of the own device. If the NW maintenance information of the own device is set to “maintain”, the process proceeds to step S1119, and the process of joining the network ends. On the other hand, if the NW maintenance information of the own device is set to “do not maintain”, the process proceeds to step S1110, and the process of joining the network is continued.

  Correspondingly, between step S1114 and step S1115 in FIG. 11, the control unit 101 confirms the NW maintenance information of the counterpart device. If the NW maintenance information of the counterpart device is set to “maintain”, the process proceeds to step S1119, and the network participation process ends. On the other hand, if the NW maintenance information of the counterpart device is set to “do not maintain”, the process proceeds to step S1115 to continue the process of joining the network. Thereby, possibility that a user will leave | separate from a network unintentionally can be reduced.

  In addition, information (permission information) indicating permission to pass to a third party can be included in a signal transmitted and received by proximity wireless communication. Therefore, in addition to the above-described embodiment, network participation processing may be switched using permission information.

  For example, when the digital camera 230 joins the network 200 generated by the digital camera 210 by establishing close proximity wireless communication with the digital camera 210 operating as an AP device, the digital camera 210 communicates with permission information. Send parameters. Thereby, the digital camera 230 can recognize that the received data may be transferred to another device. Thereafter, for example, when the digital camera 240 establishes close proximity wireless communication with the digital camera 230 and attempts to join the network 200, the digital camera 230 may pass the communication parameters directly by close proximity wireless communication. In other words, there is no need to switch between AP devices.

  In this case, for example, prior to the determination in step S704 in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the information of the network in which the own device participates is obtained together with the permission information. If it is determined that the information is obtained together with the permission information, the network information is transmitted to the counterpart device instead of proceeding to step S704. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load that bothers the network.

  The present invention is also 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, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program code. It is a process to be executed. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims (21)

Proximity wireless communication means for performing proximity wireless communication by approaching another device,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication over a longer communication distance than the proximity wireless communication;
An access point mode for generating a network by the wireless communication means and accepting participation of another device in the network; and a client mode for allowing the wireless device to participate in a network already generated by another device. Control means for controlling the device to operate in any one of a plurality of modes,
When the own device receives a request for joining the network from the other device via the proximity wireless communication means in the client mode, the control means confirms that the own device operates in the access point mode. A communication apparatus characterized by controlling an own device to operate in an access point mode after notifying another device in the same network through the wireless communication means.   When the own device receives a request to join the network from the other device via the close proximity wireless communication means in the client mode, the control means can determine whether the own device is in the access point mode before the own device enters the access point mode. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information for participating in a network generated when a device enters an access point mode is controlled to be transmitted to the other device via the close proximity wireless communication means. Communication device.   When the own device receives a request for joining the network from the other device via the close proximity wireless communication means in the access point mode, the control means generates the own device operating in the access point mode. 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information for participating in a network is controlled to be transmitted to the other device via the proximity wireless communication unit. 4.   When the device itself is in the access point mode, if the wireless communication means of another device in the network generated by the wireless communication means receives notification that the wireless communication means operates in the access point mode, the control means The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is controlled to operate in a client mode.   When the device itself is in the client mode and receives a notification that the wireless communication means of another device in the network participating via the wireless communication means operates in the access point mode, the control means 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is controlled to leave the currently participating network via the wireless communication means and to participate in a network generated by the notification transmission source device. The communication apparatus according to claim 1.   6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for holding information related to devices in a network participating via the wireless communication means.   The communication according to claim 6, further comprising an updating unit that updates information held by the holding unit in response to an increase or decrease in devices participating in the network via the wireless communication unit. apparatus.   8. The information for joining a network, which is transmitted to the other device by the close proximity wireless communication means, includes a part of the information held by the holding means. Communication device.   In a state where data is transmitted / received between the own device operating in the client mode and another device in the network via the wireless communication unit, the other device is transmitted via the proximity wireless communication unit. 9. When receiving a request to join a network from the network, the control unit controls the wireless communication unit to operate in an access point mode after transmission / reception of the data is completed. The communication device according to any one of the above.   In a state where data is transmitted / received between the own device operating in the client mode and another device in the network via the wireless communication unit, the other device is transmitted via the proximity wireless communication unit. The control means controls the wireless communication means to operate in an access point mode after interrupting the transmission / reception of the data when receiving a request for participation in the network from the network. The communication device according to any one of the above.   The control means does not change the mode of the own device upon receiving a request for participation in the network via the proximity wireless communication means from a device in the network participating via the wireless communication means. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a device. When a request to join the network from the other device is received via the proximity wireless communication means, the other device joins the network based on the number of devices that can be joined to the network generated by the wireless communication means. A determination means for determining whether or not it is possible,
If the determination means determines that the other device cannot participate in the network, the control means notifies the other device that it is impossible to participate in the network via the proximity wireless communication means. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as to perform the control.   When the own device and the other device are participating in different networks, and when receiving a request to join the network from the other device via the proximity wireless communication device, the control device Based on the mode of the machine and the mode of the own machine, it is determined whether to join the other machine to a network generated by the own machine or to join the own machine to a network generated by the other machine. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. An image capturing unit that captures an image of the subject and generates image data;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit is capable of transmitting the image data generated by the imaging unit to other devices in the network.   15. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit is capable of receiving image data from another device in the network.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the proximity wireless communication unit performs communication according to an NFC standard.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the wireless communication unit performs communication according to an IEEE 802.11 standard.   The close proximity wireless communication means in a state in which information for participating in the network is permitted to be disclosed to other devices from a device generating the network in which the device is participating in the client mode. When the request for joining the network is received from another device via the network, the control means does not control the device to operate in the access point mode, and the information for joining the network is transmitted to the proximity wireless communication. 18. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to transmit to the other device via a means. Proximity wireless communication step for performing proximity wireless communication by approaching another device,
An access point step of generating a network using wireless communication having a longer communication distance than the proximity wireless communication and accepting participation of another device in the network; and
A client step of participating in a network already generated by another device using wireless communication having a communication distance longer than the proximity wireless communication;
A control step for controlling to execute the access point step when a request for participation in the network is received from the other device via the proximity wireless communication during the execution of the client step;
When a request to join the network from the other device is received via the close proximity wireless communication during the execution of the client step, the control step performs the access point step before executing the access point step. A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising: notifying another device in the same network in which the own device participates through the wireless communication that a new network is to be generated.   A program for causing a computer to execute the steps according to claim 19.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 20 is recorded.