JP2016187135A - Communication apparatus, communication method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus capable of allowing plural communication apparatuses to easily be included with a wireless network.SOLUTION: The communication apparatus acquires a piece of information relevant to a first another communication apparatus from a first pick-up image, acquires a piece of information relevant to a second another communication apparatus from a second pick-up image, and transmits the information relevant to the first another communication apparatus to a wireless network establishment unit. Upon reception of a notification that a series of communication parameter sharing processing to share a communication parameter necessary for being involved in the wireless network established by the wireless network establishment unit has been completed between the wireless network establishment unit and the first another communication apparatus, the communication apparatus transmits the information relevant to the second another communication apparatus to the wireless network establishment unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to communication technology.

  In recent years, electronic devices such as digital cameras, printers, mobile phones and smartphones are equipped with a wireless communication function, and these devices are increasingly connected to a wireless network for use.

  In order to connect an electronic device to a wireless network, it is necessary to set various communication parameters such as an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. As a technique for facilitating the setting of these communication parameters, there is a technique in which a portable terminal reads a QR code (registered trademark) displayed by an electronic device and indicating a communication parameter, and sets the read communication parameter in an access point. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-60623 A

  According to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, although communication parameters can be easily set in an access point using a QR code (registered trademark), in order for a communication device to participate in a wireless network constructed by the access point. A complicated user operation is required again. In particular, in order to join a plurality of communication devices to a wireless network constructed by an access point, a more complicated user operation is required.

  An object of the present invention is to allow a plurality of communication devices to participate in a wireless network more easily with respect to such a problem.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a communication device, a first acquisition unit that acquires information about a first other communication device from a captured first image, and a captured first image. Second acquisition means for acquiring information about the second other communication device from the second image, transmission means for transmitting the information acquired by the first acquisition means to the construction device for constructing a wireless network, and A completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process for sharing the communication parameters necessary for participating in the wireless network constructed by the construction device is completed between the construction device and the first other communication device, Receiving means for receiving from the construction apparatus, and the transmission means sends the information acquired by the second acquisition means to the construction apparatus in response to receiving the completion notification by the reception means. Characterized in that it.

  In addition, the present invention is a communication device, wherein a first acquisition unit that acquires information related to a first other communication device from a captured first image, and a second acquired from the captured second image Second acquisition means for acquiring information related to other communication devices, and transmission for transmitting the information acquired by the first acquisition means and the information acquired by the second acquisition means to the construction device for constructing a wireless network Means that the communication parameter sharing process for sharing the communication parameters necessary for participating in the wireless network constructed by the construction device is completed between the construction device and the first other communication device. It has a receiving means for receiving a completion notice and a completion notice indicating completion between the construction apparatus and the second other communication apparatus from the construction apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of communication devices can be more easily joined to a wireless network.

It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows the software function structure of a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a communication system. It is a figure which shows an example of the sequence of the communication system of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the sequence of the communication system of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the sequence of the communication system of Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the sequence of the communication system of Embodiment 3. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a digital camera. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an access point. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the smart phone of Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the smart phone of Embodiment 3.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example using a wireless LAN system compliant with the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 series will be described. However, the communication mode is not necessarily limited to a wireless LAN compliant with IEEE 802.11.

  FIG. 3 shows the communication system of this embodiment. The communication system shown in FIG. 3 includes communication devices such as a first camera 32, a smartphone 33, an access point 34 (hereinafter referred to as AP), and a second camera 35. The wireless network 31 is a wireless LAN network formed by the AP 34.

  In this embodiment, the AP 34 operates as an access point in the infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. Other devices operate as a station (STA) in an infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. The first camera 32, the smartphone 33, and the second camera 35 participate in the wireless network 31 constructed by the access point 34 and perform wireless communication with each other via the access point 34. In addition, although the communication apparatus in the communication system of this embodiment is demonstrated as a camera and a smart phone, other communication apparatuses, such as a printer, a mobile phone, PC, a video camera, a smart watch, PDA, may be sufficient, for example.

  Next, the hardware configuration of each communication apparatus of the communication system shown in FIG. 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes the entire apparatus. A control unit 102 controls the entire apparatus by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 102 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A storage unit 103 stores various information such as a control program executed by the control unit 102, image data, and communication parameters. Various operations described later are performed by the control unit 102 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. The storage unit 103 is configured by a storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, HDD, flash memory, or removable SD card, for example.

  A wireless unit 104 performs wireless LAN communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. The wireless unit 104 is configured by a chip that performs wireless communication. Reference numeral 105 denotes a display unit that performs various displays, and has a function capable of outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED, or outputting sound such as a speaker. The display unit 105 has a function of outputting at least one of visual information and sound information. When displaying visual information, the display unit 105 includes a VRAM (Video RAM) that holds image data corresponding to the visual information to be displayed. The display unit 105 performs display control for continuously displaying the image data stored in the VRAM on the LCD or LED.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes an image capturing unit that includes an image sensor, a lens, and the like and captures a photograph or a moving image. The imaging unit 106 captures an image such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a QR code (registered trademark). Reference numeral 107 denotes an antenna control unit that performs output control of the antenna 108, and reference numeral 108 denotes an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band and / or the 5 GHz band for communication via a wireless LAN. Reference numeral 109 denotes an input unit for the user to perform various inputs and operate the communication apparatus 101. The input unit 109 stores a flag corresponding to the input in a memory such as the storage unit 103. Note that the example of FIG. 1 is an example, and the communication apparatus may have other hardware configurations. For example, when the communication device is a printer, it may have a printing unit in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. Further, when the communication device is AP34, the photographing unit 106 and the display unit 105 may not be provided.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of software function blocks that execute a communication control function described later. In the present embodiment, the functional blocks of each communication device are stored as programs in the storage unit 103, and the functions are implemented when the control unit 102 executes the programs. The control unit 102 implements each function by performing control of each hardware and calculation and processing of information according to a control program. A part or all of the functional blocks may be implemented as hardware. In this case, a part or all of the functional blocks are configured by, for example, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  In FIG. 2, 201 indicates the entire software function block. Reference numeral 202 denotes a communication parameter control unit. The communication parameter control unit 202 executes communication parameter sharing processing for sharing communication parameters between devices. In the communication parameter sharing process, the providing device provides communication parameters for wireless communication to the receiving device. Here, the communication parameters include wireless communication parameters necessary for performing wireless LAN communication such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) as a network identifier, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. Further, it may include a MAC address, a passphrase, an IP address for performing communication at the IP layer, information necessary for a higher level service, and the like. The communication parameter sharing process executed by the communication parameter control unit 202 may be WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or Wi-Fi Direct defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a barcode reading control unit. The barcode reading control unit 203 analyzes an image such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a QR code (registered trademark) photographed by the photographing unit 106, and acquires encoded information.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a barcode generation control unit. Bar code, two-dimensional code, QR code (registered trademark), and the like are generated, and control for displaying the generated barcode, two-dimensional code, QR code (registered trademark), and the like on the display unit 105 is performed. Reference numeral 205 denotes a service control unit in the application layer. The application layer here refers to a service providing layer in an upper layer higher than the fifth layer in the OSI reference model. That is, the service control unit 205 executes print processing, image streaming processing, file transfer processing, and the like using wireless communication by the wireless unit 104.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a packet receiving unit, and 207 denotes a packet transmitting unit, which controls transmission / reception of all packets including upper layer communication protocols. Further, the packet reception 206 and the packet transmission unit 207 control the wireless unit 104 in order to transmit and receive packets conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard with the opposite device.

  A station function control unit 208 provides a STA function that operates as a station (STA) in an infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. The STA function control unit 208 performs authentication / encryption processing and the like when operating as an STA. An access point function control unit 209 provides an AP function that operates as an access point (AP) in an infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. The AP function control unit 209 forms a wireless network, and performs authentication / encryption processing for the STA, management of the STA, and the like. Reference numeral 210 denotes a data storage unit that controls writing and reading of software itself, communication parameters, and barcode information to the storage unit 103.

  Further, the functional block is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may constitute one functional block, or any functional block may be further divided into blocks that perform a plurality of functions. When the communication device is AP 34, the station function control unit 208 may not be provided. Further, when the communication device is the first camera 32, the second camera 35, or the smartphone 33, the access point function control unit 209 may not be provided.

  The operation of the communication system having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 4 shows a connection sequence at the time of communication setting among the respective communication devices with the first camera 32, the smartphone 33, and the AP 34. In this example, a case where the first camera 32 is allowed to participate in the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 will be described. In FIG. 4, the smartphone 33 is connected to the wireless LAN network 31 formed by the AP 34 and already holds communication parameters for communication, and the smartphone 33 is performing data communication processing via the AP 34 ( F401).

  The first camera 32 displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded on the display unit 105 of the own apparatus according to a user operation. In addition, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the first camera 32 displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F402).

  The smartphone 33 reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the first camera 32 by the photographing unit 106 of the smartphone 33 (F403). The smartphone 33 decodes the read QR code (registered trademark) and acquires information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters.

  Here, the information necessary for setting the communication parameter is, for example, information used for encryption and communication device identification information when communicating the communication parameter. The information used for encryption when communicating the communication parameters may be a public key or a certificate. Note that, as a method of encrypting communication parameters using a public key during communication parameter sharing processing, for example, a technique described in JP2013-17237A may be used. The device identification information may be a MAC address or UUID that uniquely identifies the device. Further, the information necessary for setting the communication parameter may be an identifier indicating the communication parameter sharing process. In addition, identification information such as a one-time password method using a QR code (registered trademark) may be included.

  When the information obtained by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 notifies the AP 34 of the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) ( F406). The information to be transmitted here may be all information included in the QR code (registered trademark) or a part of the information. Furthermore, you may notify what added the information intrinsic | native to the smart phone 33. FIG.

  Furthermore, the smartphone 33 notifies the identification information of the AP 34 to the first camera 32 (F407). The identification information here is information necessary for specifying the AP when the first camera 32 transmits a parameter sharing processing start request signal to the AP 34. For example, the identification information is unique to the device such as a MAC address, BSSID, UUID, and the like. Information.

  The first camera 32 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the identification information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F407 (F408). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing process start request signal returns a parameter sharing process start response to the first camera 32 if the process for sharing the communication parameters can be performed (F409).

  Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the first camera 32 and the AP 34 (F410). The communication parameter sharing process in F410 may conform to the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter referred to as WPS) formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance, or may be a parameter sharing process unique to each company that is not a standardized technology. Good. In the present embodiment, communication parameters are provided from the AP 34 to the first camera 32. When the sharing process performed in F410 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process is completed to the smartphone 33 (F411).

  Through the above connection sequence, the first camera 32 can connect to the wireless network constructed by the AP 34 and execute the data communication process (F412). In the description of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the smartphone 33 participates in a wireless network constructed by the AP 34. However, if direct communication is possible between the smartphone 33 and the AP 34 using an action frame defined by IEEE 802.11, it is not always necessary that the smartphone 33 participates in a wireless network constructed by the AP 34.

  In the operation sequence of FIG. 4, the case where only one communication device is newly added to the wireless network established by the AP 34 is described. Next, an example in which there are a plurality of first and second communication devices, that is, the first camera 32 and the second camera 35, will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

  FIG. 5 shows a connection sequence at the time of communication setting among communication devices with the first camera 32, the smartphone 33, the AP 34, and the second camera 35. In this example, a case where the first camera 32 and the second camera 35 are allowed to participate in the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 will be described. In FIG. 5, the smartphone 33 is connected to the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 and already holds communication parameters for communication, and the smartphone 33 is performing data communication processing via the AP 34 (F401). ). Note that, as described in the description of FIG. 4, the data communication process may not be performed.

  The first camera 32 and the second camera 35 display a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded on the display unit 105 of the own apparatus according to a user operation. In addition, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the first camera 32 displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F402). Similarly, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the second camera 35 also displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F501).

  In the first embodiment, the communication parameter setting process for the first camera and the second camera is performed one by one in order. That is, after one QR code (registered trademark) is photographed and communication parameter setting is completed, the next one QR code (registered trademark) is photographed and communication parameter setting is performed.

  First, the smartphone 33 reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the first camera 32 by the photographing unit 106 of the smartphone 33 (F403). The smartphone 33 decodes the read QR code (registered trademark) and acquires information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters. When the content of the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 notifies the AP 34 of the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) (F406). As described with reference to FIG. 4, the information to be transmitted here may be all information included in the QR code (registered trademark) or a part of the information. Furthermore, you may notify what added the information intrinsic | native to the smart phone 33. FIG. Furthermore, the smartphone 33 notifies the first camera 32 of the identification information of the AP 34 that is scheduled to provide communication parameters (F407).

  The first camera 32 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the identification information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F407 (F408). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing process start request signal returns a parameter sharing process start response to the first camera 32 if the process for sharing the communication parameters can be performed (F409).

  Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the first camera 32 and the AP 34 (F410). When the sharing process performed in F410 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process is completed to the smartphone 33 (F411).

  Since the first camera 32 can be connected to the AP 34 as described above, the smartphone 33 uses the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the second camera 35 to connect the second camera 35 to the AP 34. The image is read by the 33 photographing units 106 (F502). The smartphone 33 decodes the read QR code (registered trademark) and acquires information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters.

  If the content of the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 notifies the AP 34 of the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) (F503). As described above, the information to be transmitted here may be all information included in the QR code (registered trademark) or a part of the information. Furthermore, you may notify what added the information intrinsic | native to the smart phone 33. FIG. Furthermore, the smartphone 33 notifies the second camera 35 of identification information of the AP 34 that is scheduled to provide communication parameters (F504).

  The second camera 35 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F504 (F505). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing start processing request signal returns a parameter sharing processing start response to the second camera 35 if processing for sharing communication parameters can be performed (F506).

  Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the second camera 35 and the AP 34 (F507). When the sharing process performed in F507 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification to the smartphone 33 indicating that the communication parameter sharing process has been completed to the smartphone 33 (F508).

  With the above connection sequence, the first camera 32 and the second camera 35 can connect to the wireless network of the AP 34 and execute data communication processing with each other via the AP 34.

  Next, a processing flow executed by the first camera 32 or the second camera 35 in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation flow executed in the first camera 32 or the second camera 35. Each step of the flowchart is executed by the control unit 102 executing the control program stored in the storage unit 103. It is processed.

  The camera activates the communication parameter setting application by the operation of the input unit 109 by the user (S801). When the communication parameter setting application is activated, the communication parameter setting mode is started, and the application displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded on the display unit 105 (S802). .

  In addition, about step S802, in the case of a digital camera or the like that does not have a display unit, it may be a QR code (registered trademark) affixed to the housing in the form of a seal or the like. Alternatively, the QR code (registered trademark) to be read may be affixed to a packaging such as an instruction manual or cardboard at the time of sales of the communication device. Further, instead of the QR code (registered trademark), a bar code or a two-dimensional code may be used. Further, instead of information that can be read by a machine such as a QR code (registered trademark), information in a format that can be read by the user may be used. In these cases, steps S801 and S802 or step S802 are omitted as appropriate.

  Thereafter, the camera receives the identification information of the access point to be connected, transmitted from the smartphone (S803). After receiving the access point identification information, the camera searches for an access point (S804). Specifically, an access point is searched by transmitting a probe request specifying identification information of an access point and detecting a probe response that is a response to the probe request. As a result, the camera determines whether or not an AP has been detected (S805). If no AP is detected, the search process in S804 is repeated a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time. If the AP is not detected as a result of repeating the search process a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time, the camera notifies the user of an error and ends the process. If the AP can be detected in step S805, the camera transmits a parameter sharing process start request to the AP (S806). Thereafter, the camera determines whether a parameter sharing process start response has been received from the AP in response to the parameter sharing process start request (S807). If the parameter sharing process start response is not received even after waiting for the parameter sharing process start response for a predetermined time, the camera returns to step S806 and retransmits the parameter sharing process start request. If a parameter sharing process start response is received in step S807, the camera analyzes the contents (S808). As a result of the analysis in step S808, if the response indicates that the start of the parameter sharing process is accepted, the camera performs an actual parameter exchange process (S809). That is, a communication parameter transmission request is transmitted to the AP. Thereafter, the camera connects to the wireless network constructed by the AP using the provided communication parameters, and establishes data communication processing with the AP (S810). On the other hand, if the parameter sharing process start response is a response to reject the start of the parameter sharing process in step S808, the camera waits for a predetermined time (S811). After waiting for a predetermined time, the camera repeats the process from step S804 or S806 again. In S808, there are various cases where a response to reject the start of the parameter sharing process is transmitted. Therefore, the AP may transmit the reason together with the response to reject. The camera determines the content of the received response, and if the reason is that the AP is being processed and is busy, the process proceeds to S811, and waits for a certain period of time. On the other hand, if the reason is that it does not change to the permitted state even after waiting for a certain time due to an authentication error or failure of the AP itself, the camera does not wait for a certain time and notifies the user of the error and performs processing. You may make it complete | finish.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the camera can be newly added to the wireless network constructed by the AP by a simple operation of photographing the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the camera with the smartphone. As a result, user convenience is improved. In particular, even when a plurality of cameras are newly added to a wireless network constructed by the AP, the QR codes (registered trademark) displayed on the plurality of cameras may be sequentially photographed with a smartphone, which is convenient for the user. Is further improved.

  In the first embodiment, in order to ensure that a plurality of communication devices sequentially join a wireless network constructed by the AP, if the smartphone does not receive a parameter exchange completion notification (F411), a further QR code ( (Registered trademark) may be restricted so that it cannot be taken. In that case, when the user instructs the mode for photographing the QR code (registered trademark) in the smartphone, it is determined whether the parameter exchange completion notification has been received from the AP, and the QR code (registered trademark) is determined according to the result. ) To prevent the shooting mode from being activated. In this way, it is possible to prevent the AP from simultaneously starting parameter sharing processing with a plurality of communication devices, and to reduce the processing load on the AP.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example in which the smartphone captures the QR code (registered trademark) of the second camera after completing the communication parameter setting of the first camera has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the smartphone has a plurality of cameras in advance. An example of taking a QR code (registered trademark) will be described. The configuration of the communication system and the configuration of each communication device are the same as those in FIGS.

  FIG. 6 shows a connection sequence at the time of communication setting among communication devices with the first camera 32, the smartphone 33, the AP 34, and the second camera 35. In this example, a case where the first camera 32 and the second camera 35 are allowed to participate in the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 will be described. In FIG. 5, the smartphone 33 is connected to the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 and already holds communication parameters for communication, and the smartphone 33 is performing data communication processing via the AP 34 (F401). ).

  The first camera 32 and the second camera 35 display a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded on the display unit 105 of the own apparatus according to a user operation. In addition, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the first camera 32 displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F402). Similarly, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the second camera 35 also displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F601).

  The smartphone 33 reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the first camera 32 by the photographing unit 106 of the smartphone 33 (F403). Thereafter, the smartphone 33 similarly reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the second camera 35 by the photographing unit 106 of the smartphone 33 (F602). The smartphone 33 decodes the QR code (registered trademark) read from the first camera 32 and acquires information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters. When the content of the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 notifies the AP 34 of the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) (F406). Furthermore, the smartphone 33 notifies the first camera 32 of the identification information of the AP 34 that is scheduled to provide communication parameters (F407). The first camera 32 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the identification information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F407 (F408). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing process start request signal returns a parameter sharing process start response to the first camera 32 if the process for sharing the communication parameters can be performed (F409).

  Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the first camera 32 and the AP 34 (F410). When the sharing process performed in F410 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process is completed to the smartphone 33 (F411).

  In order to continue to connect the second camera 35 to the AP 34, the smartphone 33 decodes the QR code (registered trademark) of the second camera 35 that has been read in advance in F602, and displays the information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). get. The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters. When the content of the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 notifies the AP 34 of the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) (F603). The trigger for starting the processing of F603 in the smartphone 33 is reception of a parameter exchange completion notification from the first camera 32 in F411. The analysis of the QR code (registered trademark) may be performed not at the timing of F603 but at the time when the QR code (registered trademark) is read in F602. Furthermore, the smartphone 33 notifies the second camera 35 of information on the AP 34 that is scheduled to provide communication parameters (F604).

  The second camera 35 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F604 (F605). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing start processing request signal returns a parameter sharing processing start response to the second camera 35 if processing for sharing communication parameters can be performed (F606).

  Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the second camera 35 and the AP 34 (F607). When the sharing process performed in F607 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification to the smartphone 33 indicating that the communication parameter sharing process has been completed to the smartphone 33 (F608). With the above connection sequence, the first camera 32 and the second camera 35 can connect to the wireless network of the AP 34 and execute data communication processing with each other via the AP 34.

  In the description of FIG. 6, the example of setting the second camera 35 after completing the setting of the first camera 32 has been described. However, the setting of the second camera 35 is performed first, and the first camera 32 is set second. May be set. Further, the number of cameras set simultaneously is not limited to two. The operation flow of the digital camera is the same as in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation flow of the smartphone 33 in the present embodiment. Each step of the flowchart is processed by the control unit 102 executing the control program stored in the storage unit 103.

  The smartphone activates the communication parameter setting application by the operation of the input unit 109 by the user (S1001). After starting the application, a desired QR code (registered trademark) is photographed. That is, in the present embodiment, the QR code (registered trademark) of the first camera or the second camera is photographed (S1002). Thereafter, the smartphone analyzes the captured QR code (registered trademark) (S1003). When the information obtained by analyzing the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone reads the QR code (registered trademark) in the device according to the first embodiment. If there is, the number of first cameras or second cameras) is counted (S1004). Then, the smartphone determines whether or not the shooting of the QR code (registered trademark) is completed (S1005). The QR code (registered trademark) photographing end determination is made after the communication parameter setting application is started, or when the predetermined time has elapsed since the first QR code (registered trademark) photographing after the application is started. You may judge. Alternatively, it may be determined that the photographing has ended when the photographing is finished or when the user inputs a transmission instruction to the AP to the smartphone. Alternatively, it may be determined that the shooting has ended when the user inputs an instruction to end the communication parameter setting application to the smartphone. Alternatively, the number of QR codes (registered trademark) that can be photographed at one time is registered in advance (for example, 10), and the photographing is finished when the number of photographed QR codes (registered trademark) has reached that number. You may judge that you did. The smartphone repeats the processing from S1002 to S1005 and holds the read QR code (registered trademark) information until it is determined in S1005 that shooting of the QR code (registered trademark) is completed.

  If it is determined in S1005 that the shooting of the QR code (registered trademark) has been completed, the smartphone first transmits information included in the first QR code (registered trademark) to the AP (S1006). In this embodiment, for example, information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) of the first camera is transmitted to the AP. Next, the smartphone refers to the device information in the QR code (registered trademark) and transmits the identification information of the AP to the first camera (S1007). After step S1007, since the parameter exchange process is performed between the AP and the first camera, the smartphone waits for a parameter exchange completion notification to be transmitted from the AP (S1008). Thereafter, the smartphone determines whether a parameter exchange completion notification has been received from the AP (S1009). When the parameter exchange completion notification is received, the smartphone determines whether there is information that has not been transmitted to the AP among the information obtained from each of the plurality of QR codes (registered trademark) photographed in step S1002 (S1010). ). At this time, since only the information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) of the first camera has been transmitted, the smartphone processes from step S1006 to transmit the information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) of the second camera. repeat. In step S1010, when transmission of information obtained from all the QR codes (registered trademark) that have been shot is completed, the process ends.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the second and subsequent QR codes (registered trademarks) are not waited until the communication parameter sharing process based on the first read QR code (registered trademark) is completed in the smartphone. ) Reading can be started. Thereby, in addition to the effect acquired by Embodiment 1, a user's convenience improves more.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the example has been described in which the smartphone captures the QR code (registered trademark) of the second camera after completing the communication parameter setting of the first camera. In the second embodiment, the example has been described in which the smartphone transmits information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) of the second camera to the AP after the communication parameter setting of the first camera is completed. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a smartphone transmits information obtained from a QR code (registered trademark) of a second camera to an AP without waiting for completion of communication parameter setting of the first camera. The configuration of the communication system and the configuration of each communication device are the same as those in FIGS.

  FIG. 7 shows a connection sequence at the time of communication setting among communication devices with the first camera 32, the smartphone 33, the AP 34, and the second camera 35. In this example, a case where the first camera 32 and the second camera 35 are allowed to participate in the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 will be described. In FIG. 7, the smartphone 33 is already connected to the wireless network 31 constructed by the AP 34 and already holds communication parameters for communication, and the smartphone 33 is performing data communication processing via the AP 34 (F401). ).

  The first camera 32 and the second camera 35 display a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded on the display unit 105 of the own apparatus according to a user operation. In addition, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the first camera 32 displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F402). Similarly, when the communication parameter setting mode is instructed by the user, the second camera 35 also displays a QR code (registered trademark) in which information necessary for setting communication parameters is embedded (F701).

  The smartphone 33 reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the first camera 32 by the photographing unit 106 of the smartphone 33 (F403). Thereafter, the smartphone 33 similarly reads the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the second camera 35 by the photographing unit 106 of the smartphone 33 (F702). The smartphone 33 decodes the QR code (registered trademark) read from the first camera 32 and acquires information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters. When the content of the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 holds the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) as information to notify the AP 34. Keep it. Next, the smartphone 33 decodes the QR code (registered trademark) read from the second camera 32 and acquires information indicated by the QR code (registered trademark). The smartphone 33 determines whether the information acquired by the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting communication parameters. When the content of the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone 33 holds the information included in the QR code (registered trademark) as information for notifying the AP 34. . Then, the smartphone notifies the AP 34 of information held as information to be notified to the AP 34 (F703). That is, both the information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) of the first camera and the information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) of the second camera are notified to the AP 34. In this case, both information may be included in one message to be transmitted to the AP, or each message may be included in separate messages, and both messages may be continuously notified to the AP. May be.

  Next, the smartphone 33 notifies the first camera 32 and the second camera 35 of identification information of the AP 34 that is scheduled to provide communication parameters (F407, F704).

  The first camera 32 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the identification information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F407 (F408). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing process start request signal returns a parameter sharing process start response to the first camera 32 if the process for sharing the communication parameters can be performed (F409). Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the first camera 32 and the AP 34 (F410).

  The second camera 35 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 based on the identification information of the AP 34 obtained from the smartphone 33 in F704 (F705). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing process start request signal is currently performing the communication parameter sharing process between the first camera 32 and the AP 34 described in F410. Therefore, an error response is returned to the second camera 35 as a parameter sharing process start response indicating that the process of sharing communication parameters cannot be performed (F706). Here, as an error response, for example, information indicating “busy” is transmitted to the second camera. Receiving the error response, the second camera 35 stops processing for a predetermined time. When the sharing process performed in F410 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process is completed to the smartphone 33 (F411).

  The second camera 35 transmits a parameter sharing process start request signal to the AP 34 again after the predetermined time is over (F707). The AP 34 that has received the parameter sharing process start request signal returns a parameter sharing process start response to the second camera 35 if the process for sharing the communication parameters can be performed (F708). Thereafter, the communication parameter sharing process is performed between the second camera 35 and the AP 34 (F709). When the sharing process performed in F709 is completed, the AP 34 transmits a parameter exchange completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process is completed to the smartphone 33 (F710).

  In the description of FIG. 7, the example of setting the second camera 35 after completing the setting of the first camera 32 has been described. However, the setting of the second camera 35 is performed first, and the first camera 32 is set second. May be set. Further, the number of cameras set simultaneously is not limited to two. The operation flow of the digital camera is the same as in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation flow of the smartphone 33 in the present embodiment. Each step of the flowchart is processed by the control unit 102 executing the control program stored in the storage unit 103.

  The smartphone activates the communication parameter setting application by the operation of the input unit 109 by the user (S1001). After starting the application, a desired QR code (registered trademark) is photographed. That is, in the present embodiment, the QR code (registered trademark) of the first camera or the second camera is photographed (S1002).

  Thereafter, the smartphone analyzes the captured QR code (registered trademark) (S1003). When the information obtained by analyzing the QR code (registered trademark) is information necessary for setting the communication parameter, the smartphone reads the QR code (registered trademark) in the device according to the first embodiment. If there is, the number of first cameras or second cameras) is counted (S1004). Then, the smartphone determines whether or not the shooting of the QR code (registered trademark) is completed (S1005). The QR code (registered trademark) photographing end determination is made after the communication parameter setting application is started, or when the predetermined time has elapsed since the first QR code (registered trademark) photographing after the application is started. You may judge. Alternatively, it may be determined that the photographing has ended when the photographing is finished or when the user inputs a transmission instruction to the AP to the smartphone. Alternatively, it may be determined that the shooting has ended when the user inputs an instruction to end the communication parameter setting application to the smartphone. Alternatively, the number of QR codes (registered trademark) that can be photographed at one time is registered in advance (for example, 10), and the photographing is finished when the number of photographed QR codes (registered trademark) has reached that number. You may judge that you did. The smartphone repeats the processing from S1002 to S1005 and holds the read QR code (registered trademark) information until it is determined in S1005 that shooting of the QR code (registered trademark) is completed.

  If it is determined in S1005 that the shooting of the QR code (registered trademark) has ended, the smartphone notifies the AP 34 of the information obtained by analyzing the QR code (registered trademark) that is held (S1101). ). If a plurality of pieces of information obtained by analyzing a plurality of QR codes (registered trademark) are held, the information is also notified to the AP 34. As described above, the smartphone may notify both of the information included in one message to be transmitted to the AP, or include each information in separate messages and continuously send both messages to the AP. You may be notified.

  Next, the smartphone refers to the device information in the QR code (registered trademark), and transmits AP identification information to the first camera and the second camera (S1007). After step S1007, since the parameter exchange process is performed between the AP and the first camera, the smartphone waits for a parameter exchange completion notification to be transmitted from the AP (S1008). Thereafter, the smartphone determines whether a parameter exchange completion notification has been received from the AP (S1009). When the parameter exchange completion notification is received, the smartphone determines whether or not the parameter exchange completion notification for the number of units counted in S1004 has been received (S1102). In step S1102, if the parameter exchange completion notification for the number of units counted in S1004 is received, the process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the access point 34 in the present embodiment. Each step of the flowchart is processed by the control unit 102 executing the control program stored in the storage unit 103.

  First, the AP determines whether camera information has been received from the smartphone (S901). Thereafter, it waits for reception of a parameter sharing processing start request (S902). The AP confirms the presence or absence of reception (S903). If not received, the AP returns to step S902 and continues to wait. If the parameter sharing process start notification is received in step S903, it is determined whether the AP is executing a process with another device (S904). The process with another device is, for example, a parameter sharing process executed with another communication apparatus. In the case of implementation, this corresponds to F706 in the sequence diagram of FIG. 7, and the AP transmits an acceptance rejection message as a parameter sharing processing start response (S906). In addition, as an example of notification of acceptance refusal, whether or not processing with another device is being performed has been described, but not limited to this, it may be determined whether or not acceptance is rejected by a user operation or a security policy good. On the other hand, if the process with another device is not performed in step S904, this corresponds to F706 in the sequence diagram of FIG. 7, and the AP returns an acceptance and acceptance message as a parameter sharing process start response (S905).

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the smartphone can transmit the information obtained from the QR code (registered trademark) read from each of the plurality of cameras together to the AP, the processing of the entire communication system can be performed. Efficiency can be improved. Further, when communication parameter sharing processing is concentrated at the access point, it is possible to distribute the load.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration has been described in which information for setting communication parameters is exchanged between apparatuses using a QR code (registered trademark) image. However, wireless communication such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used instead of QR code (registered trademark) shooting. Alternatively, wireless communication such as IEEE802.11ad or TransferJet (registered trademark) may be used.

  Note that the QR code (registered trademark) to be read is not only the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display unit, but also a QR code (registered trademark) pasted in the form of a seal or the like on the housing of the communication device. It's okay. Further, the QR code (registered trademark) to be read may be affixed to a packaging such as an instruction manual or cardboard at the time of sales of the communication device. Further, instead of the QR code (registered trademark), a bar code or a two-dimensional code may be used. Further, instead of information that can be read by a machine such as a QR code (registered trademark), information in a format that can be read by the user may be used.

  In each embodiment, the case where communication between apparatuses is performed by wireless LAN communication conforming to IEEE 802.11 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may implement using wireless communication media, such as wireless USB, MBOA, Bluetooth (trademark), UWB, ZigBee, and NFC. Here, MBOA is an abbreviation for Multi Band OFDM Alliance. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WINET, and the like.

  In each embodiment, the case where the access point of the wireless LAN provides the wireless parameter has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a group owner of Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) may provide wireless parameters.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

102 control unit 103 storage unit 104 wireless unit 105 display unit 106 imaging unit

Claims (13)

A communication device,
First acquisition means for acquiring information on the first other communication device from the first image taken;
Second acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the second other communication device from the captured second image;
Transmitting means for transmitting the information acquired by the first acquisition means to a construction device for constructing a wireless network;
A completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process for sharing the communication parameters necessary for participating in the wireless network constructed by the construction device is completed between the construction device and the first other communication device. Receiving means for receiving from the construction device;
Have
The communication device transmits the information acquired by the second acquisition device to the construction device in response to the completion notification received by the reception device. A communication device,
First acquisition means for acquiring information on the first other communication device from the first image taken;
Second acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the second other communication device from the captured second image;
Transmitting means for transmitting the information acquired by the first acquisition means and the information acquired by the second acquisition means to a construction apparatus that constructs a wireless network;
A completion notification indicating that the communication parameter sharing process for sharing the communication parameters necessary for participating in the wireless network constructed by the construction device is completed between the construction device and the first other communication device; Receiving means for receiving from the construction device a completion notification indicating completion between the construction device and the second other communication device;
A communication apparatus comprising:   The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits a message including the information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit to the construction device. . It further has a photographing means for photographing an image,
The first acquisition unit analyzes the first image captured by the imaging unit to acquire information about the first other communication device;
The said 2nd acquisition means analyzes the 2nd image image | photographed by the said imaging | photography means, and acquires the information regarding said 2nd other communication apparatus, It is any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The communication device according to item.   The transmission means transmits information on the first other communication device and information on the second other communication device via a wireless network constructed by the construction device. 5. The communication device according to any one of 4.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the communication parameter includes at least one of a network identifier, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key of the wireless network.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the information to the construction device according to an instruction from a user.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wireless network is a wireless LAN network conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is one of a bar code, a two-dimensional code, and a QR code (registered trademark).   The information related to the first other communication device is information of a public key held by the first other communication device and identification information of the first other communication device, and the construction device and the first other communication device The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication parameter sharing process executed with the communication apparatus is executed using the public key and the identification information. A first acquisition step of acquiring information about the first communication device from the captured first image;
A second acquisition step of acquiring information about the second communication device from the captured second image;
A communication parameter sharing process for sharing communication parameters necessary for joining the wireless network constructed by the construction device after transmitting the information obtained by the first obtaining step to the construction device constructing the wireless network, In response to receiving from the construction device a completion notification indicating completion between the construction device and the first communication device, the information obtained by the second obtaining unit is transmitted to the construction device. And a transmitting step. A first acquisition step of acquiring information about the first communication device from the captured first image;
A second acquisition step of acquiring information about the second communication device from the captured second image;
A transmission step of transmitting the information acquired by the first acquisition step and the information acquired by the second acquisition step to a construction apparatus that constructs a wireless network;
A completion notification indicating that communication parameter sharing processing for sharing communication parameters necessary for participating in a wireless network constructed by the construction device is completed between the construction device and the first communication device; A reception step of receiving from the construction device a completion notification indicating completion between the construction device and the second communication device;
A communication method characterized by comprising:   The program for operating a computer as a communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.

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