JP2024084450A - Information processing device, method, program, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing device that improves user convenience even when code information displayed on a communication device does not correspond to a function instructed on the information processing device.
[Solution] When an instruction to execute a first function is received by a receiving means, a first message screen prompting the user to photograph a code displayed on the communication device is displayed on the display unit. After the first message screen is displayed, information on the code is acquired by photographing the code. If the acquired code information corresponds to a second function, first display control is performed based on a user's instruction to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the acquired code information, or second display control is performed to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the user to display a code corresponding to the first function on the communication device.
[Selected figure] Figure 12

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, method, program, and system.

There is a known technology in which an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) or a mobile terminal transmits information about an access point of an external device to an image forming device such as a printer, thereby connecting the image forming device to the external device. Patent Document 1 describes a method for connecting the image forming device to the information processing device according to the DPP method. In one method of the DPP method, the image forming device and the information processing device can be connected by having the information processing device photograph a QR code displayed on the image forming device. In addition, a method is known in which a QR code containing information enabling a wireless connection is used to wirelessly connect an information processing device and a communication device (Patent Document 2).

JP 2020-113955 A JP 2017-34319 A

In a configuration in which an information processing device photographs code information displayed on a communication device to execute a function corresponding to the code information, there may be cases in which the code information displayed on the communication device does not correspond to the function instructed on the information processing device.

The present invention aims to provide an information processing device, method, program, and system that improves user convenience when code information displayed on a communication device does not correspond to a function specified on an information processing device.

To solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a computer of an information processing device to function as: a reception means for receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function; a display control means for displaying a first message screen on a display unit that prompts the user to take a picture of a code displayed on a communication device when the reception means receives an instruction to execute the first function; and an acquisition means for acquiring information on the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed; and the display control means performs, based on a user's instruction, a first display control for displaying a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the information on the code acquired by the acquisition means on the display unit, or a second display control for displaying a second message screen on the display unit that prompts the user to display a code corresponding to the first function on the communication device when the information on the code acquired by the acquisition means corresponds to the second function.

The present invention can improve user convenience when the code information displayed on the communication device does not correspond to the function specified on the information processing device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device and a communication device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the information processing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the communication device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on a display unit of the communication device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing code information displayed on a communication device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the information processing device. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the information processing device. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the information processing device. 1 is a diagram for explaining the processing of a WEC using a DPP; 11 is a diagram for explaining processing in a DPP standby mode in a communication device;

The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[First embodiment]
The information processing device and the communication device included in the communication system of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a smartphone is exemplified as the information processing device, but is not limited thereto. For example, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), and a digital camera can be applied as the information processing device. In addition, in the present embodiment, a printer is exemplified as the communication device, but is not limited thereto, and various devices can be applied as long as they are capable of wireless communication with the information processing device. For example, if it is a printer, an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, etc. can be applied. In addition to printers, copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smartphones, notebook PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, smart speakers, etc. can be applied. In addition, a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a copy function, a fax function, and a print function can be applied.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the information processing device supports a function called Wi-Fi Easy Connect (hereinafter, WEC) (registered trademark), the information processing device can execute the function. WEC is a function that executes network setup of other devices using Device Provisioning Protocol (hereinafter, DPP) established by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Specifically, the network setup of other devices is a process of connecting other devices to an access point that forms a network. In WEC, communication is performed between a device that operates in the role of "Configurator" (hereinafter, Configurator device) and a device that operates in the role of "Enrollee" (hereinafter, Enrollee device). In this embodiment, the Configurator device is the Initiator in DPP, and the Enrollee device is the Responder in DPP. In bootstrapping, the configurator device acquires bootstrapping information from the enrollee device. In this embodiment, the bootstrapping information is acquired, for example, by reading a QR code displayed on a communication device and analyzing the read QR code. The bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information of the enrollee device (such as a MAC address) and public key information used to perform secure communication with the enrollee device. In this embodiment, the bootstrapping information is described as "WEC-related information." Note that other information may also be treated as WEC-related information.

Then, the Configurator device performs wireless communication with the Enrollee device using the acquired Bootstrapping information. Specifically, for example, the Configurator device multiplies the bootstrapping public key Br included in the Bootstrapping information by the temporarily generated ephemeral private key pi to generate a shared secret k1. In addition, the Configurator device transmits a DPP Authentication request including the ephemeral public key Pi, which is a pair of the above-mentioned ephemeral private key pi, to the Enrollee device. The Enrollee device that receives the request multiplies the bootstrapping private key br, which is a pair of the bootstrapping public key Br, by the received ephemeral public key Pi to derive k1. Through this process, the Configurator device and the Enrollee device share the shared secret k1. This process is equivalent to sharing an encryption key based on the Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key agreement (ECDH) method.

The Enrollee device also multiplies the received ephemeral public key Pi by the ephemeral private key pr held by the Enrollee device to derive the shared secret k2. The Enrollee device then sends a DPP Authentication response including the ephemeral public key Pr that pairs with the ephemeral private key pr to the Configurator device. The Configurator device generates the shared secret k2 using the received ephemeral public key Pr and the ephemeral private key pi held by the Enrollee device. This process corresponds to key sharing based on the Ephemeral Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key sharing (ECDHE) method, in which encryption keys are shared using public and private keys that are temporarily generated by each party.

Finally, the Configurator device and the Enrollee device, which share k1 and k2, input k1 and k2 as input parameters to a key derivation function to derive a common key ke to be used for DPP communication.

After that, the DPP configuration process is executed using the common key ke shared between the two. Specifically, the Enrollee device sends a DPP Configuration request to the Configurator device. The contents of the request are encrypted with the common key ke. The Configurator device that receives the request sends a DPP Configuration response including information about the access point selected by the user to the Enrollee device. The access point information is the SSID (Service Set Identifier) of the access point and the password of the access point. The Enrollee device that receives the response decrypts the contents of the response with ke to obtain the access point information. Finally, the Enrollee device establishes a wireless connection with the access point based on the access point information obtained by decryption.

In the network setup process using WEC in this embodiment, the information processing device that supports WEC will be described as operating as a Configurator device, and the communication device that supports WEC will be described as operating as an Enrollee device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system in this embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 101, a wireless LAN terminal 11, and an image forming device 151, and the wireless LAN terminal 11 is connected to a network 10. The information processing device 101 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and runs an operating system for small terminals and programs that control calls and data communications. The information processing device 101 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

The wireless LAN terminal 11 has an access point function and acts as a wireless LAN base station with a general network router function, providing a wireless LAN using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) within the home, office, etc.

The communication device 151 is a digital multifunction device (image forming device) equipped with various job execution functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a scan function, and a fax transmission function. By operating the information processing device 101, a user can instruct the communication device 151 to execute a job and execute various functions of the communication device 151.

In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are capable of wireless communication via Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication device 151 is capable of displaying two-dimensional codes such as QR (registered trademark) codes on an operation panel or the like. Below, a QR code will be described as an example of a two-dimensional code, but the code is not limited to this form and may be other information such as a barcode or multiplexed information. The information processing device 101 photographs the displayed QR code and executes various functions according to the QR code.

When the information processing device 101 and the wireless LAN terminal 11 are connected, if the QR code displayed on the communication device 151 captured by the information processing device 101 is a QR code for DPP, the information processing device 101 performs the above-mentioned DPP communication. Then, the communication device 151 is made to participate in a network formed by an external access point such as the wireless LAN terminal 11. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the communication device 151 is made to participate in a network of an external access point (e.g., the wireless LAN terminal 11) to which the information processing device 101 is connected, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 101 may display a list of external access points stored as saved networks and accept a selection from the list. In this case, the information processing device 101 transmits connection information corresponding to the external access point selected by the user by DPP. As a result, the communication device 151 is connected to the selected external access point, and is made to participate in the network formed by the selected external access point.

When the QR code displayed on the communication device 151 acquired by the information processing device 101 is a QR code for mobile connection, a connection process between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is performed. The connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 may be a direct connection or a connection via the same LAN. When the communication device 151 is operating as an access point, the displayed QR code includes the SSID and password of the access point of the communication device 151 and the model information such as the IP address of the communication device 151. The information processing device 101 uses the acquired SSID to establish a connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 operating as an access point. After that, a device search process is performed on the network formed by the communication device 151 operating as an access point. The device search process performed here is, for example, a search process by unicast, and is a search process performed using the IP address acquired from the QR code. When the communication device 151 is not operating as an access point and is connected to an access point (external access point) outside the communication device 151 and outside the information processing device 101, the displayed QR code includes model information such as the IP address of the communication device 151. The information processing device 101 performs a device search process in the network to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected, using the acquired model information. The device search process executed here is also, for example, a search process by unicast, and is a search process executed using the IP address acquired from the QR code. The network to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected is, in other words, a network formed by the external access point to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected. When the device search process is executed, the information processing device 101 displays a list of the device search results, which are the result of the device search process, on a screen not shown, and registers a device that has been selected by the user as an output destination printer. By the registration, communication with the communication device 151 can be executed by a setting app thereafter. Specifically, for example, a print job can be sent to the communication device 151 by the setting app. Specifically, when registering the communication device 151 in the setting app, the information processing device 101 acquires capability information of the communication device 151 through a connection with the communication device 151, and saves the information by the setting app. When a device search process is executed, the information processing device 101 may automatically register the communication device 151 discovered by the device search process in the setting app without displaying the device search results. The information included in the mobile connection QR code is not limited to the above-mentioned form. For example, the MAC address of the communication device 151 or the device name of the communication device 151 may be included. In other words, the information included in the QR code is information obtained by the information processing device 101 by reading and analyzing the QR code.

The various QR codes of the communication device 151 are displayed by accepting a user operation on a menu screen displayed on the communication device 151. Meanwhile, in the information processing device 101, preparations for reading the various QR codes are made in response to the user operation.

Here, there may be cases where the user operation on the communication device 151 does not correspond to the user operation on the information processing device 101. For example, when a user is trying to connect the communication device 151 to an access point using the information processing device 101, the communication device 151 displays a QR code for mobile connection. Also, when a user is trying to connect the information processing device 101 to the communication device 151, the communication device 151 displays a QR code for DPP. In these cases, even if the information processing device 101 reads the QR code, an error occurs because the QR code is not the expected QR code in the first place, and as a result, the processing desired by the user is not executed. It is also difficult for the user to determine whether the operation on the information processing device 101 side is incorrect and the operation needs to be redone, or the QR code displayed on the communication device 151 side is incorrect and the display of the QR code needs to be changed. According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of executing various functions on the communication device 151 using the information processing device 101.

First, the configuration of the information processing device of this embodiment and the communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 2. In addition, the following configuration will be described as an example in this embodiment, but this embodiment is applicable to devices capable of communicating with the communication device, and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2.

The information processing device 101 is an information processing device of this embodiment. The information processing device 101 has an input interface 102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an external storage device 106, an output interface 107, a display unit 108, a communication unit 110, a short-range wireless communication unit 111, an image capturing unit 112, etc. The CPU 103, the ROM 104, the RAM 105, etc. form a computer of the information processing device 101.

The input interface 102 is an interface for accepting data input and operational instructions from a user by operating an operation unit such as the keyboard 109. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard, physical buttons, etc., or a soft keyboard, soft buttons, etc. displayed on the display unit 108. In other words, the input interface 102 may accept input (operation) from the user via the display unit 108.

The CPU 103 is a system control unit, and controls the entire information processing device 101. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as control programs and data tables executed by the CPU 103, and embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 104 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104.

The RAM 105 is composed of a static random access memory (SRAM) that requires a backup power source. The RAM 105 holds data using a primary battery (not shown) for data backup, so important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 105 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the information processing device 101 and management data for the information processing device 101. The RAM 105 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 103.

The external storage device 106 stores an application program (hereinafter, a setting application) for executing the network setup of the communication device 151, a print information generation program for generating print information that can be interpreted by the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is an application program for setting the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected using a WEC or the like. The setting application may have functions other than the network setup function. For example, the setting application may have a function for causing the communication device 151 to execute printing, a function for causing a document set in the communication device 151 to be scanned, a function for checking the status of the communication device 151, and the like. The setting application is stored in the external storage device 106 by being installed from an external server, for example, by Internet communication via the communication unit 110. The external storage device 106 also stores various programs, such as an information transmission/reception control program, transmitted and received between the communication device 151 connected via the communication unit 110, and various information used by these programs.

The output interface 107 is an interface that controls the display unit 108 to display data and notify the status of the information processing device 101. The display unit 108 is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) and an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the information processing device 101.

The communication unit 110 is configured to connect to a device such as the communication device 151 or the access point 131 to perform data communication. For example, the communication unit 110 can be connected to an access point (not shown) in the communication device 151. By connecting the communication unit 110 to the access point in the communication device 151, the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may directly communicate with the communication device 151 by wireless communication, or may communicate via an external device that exists outside the information processing device 101 or the communication device 151. The external device includes an external access point (such as the access point 131) that exists outside the information processing device 101 and outside the communication device 151, and a device that can relay communication other than an access point. For example, the external device corresponds to the wireless LAN terminal 11 in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 110 is Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), which is a communication standard conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series. The above-mentioned WEC is executed by communication by the communication unit 110. In addition, the access point 131 may be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router (wireless LAN terminal 11). In this embodiment, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are directly connected without going through an external access point is called a direct connection method. In addition, a method in which the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 are connected through an external access point is called an infrastructure connection method.

The short-range wireless communication unit 111 is configured to perform data communication by wirelessly connecting to a device such as the communication device 151 at a short distance, and communicates using a communication method different from that of the communication unit 110. The short-range wireless communication unit 111 can be connected to, for example, the short-range wireless communication unit 157 in the communication device 151. Examples of communication methods include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi Aware.

The photographing unit 112 operates when a photographing function is executed by an application running on the information processing device 101. When the photographing function is executed by the application, for example, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and displayed on the display unit 108 as a live view. Here, when a photographing operation is executed by the application, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and stored in the RAM 105 as a photographed image. Furthermore, when a QR code acquisition function is executed by the application, information acquired from the photographing unit 112 is processed by the CPU 103 and analyzed as a QR code, and various information included in the QR code is acquired. For example, information included in the QR code is WEC-related information. Note that in this embodiment, the QR code is treated as an example of a two-dimensional code. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 can execute WEC by the OS of the information processing device 101 based on an instruction to execute a network setup process by a setting app.

The communication device 151 is the communication device of this embodiment. The communication device 151 has a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a CPU 154, a print engine 155, a scan engine 162, a communication unit 156, a short-range wireless communication unit 157, etc. The ROM 152, the RAM 153, the CPU 154, etc. form a computer of the communication device 151.

The communication unit 156 has an access point for connecting to devices such as the information processing device 101 as an access point inside the communication device 151. The access point can be connected to the communication unit 110 of the information processing device 101. When the communication unit 156 activates the access point, the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The communication unit 156 may wirelessly connect directly to the information processing device 101 or may wirelessly connect via the access point 131. In this embodiment, the wireless communication method used by the communication unit 156 is a communication standard that complies with the IEEE 802.11 series. In the following description, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) (Wi-Fi communication) is a communication standard that complies with the IEEE 802.11 series. If the communication device 151 supports WEC, the above-mentioned WEC is executed by communication through the communication unit 156. Additionally, the communication unit 156 may be equipped with hardware that functions as an access point, or may operate as an access point using software that causes it to function as an access point.

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

The infrastructure mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates with other devices such as the information processing device 101 via an external device (e.g., the access point 131) that forms a network. A connection with an external access point established by the communication device 151 operating in the infrastructure mode is called an infrastructure connection (hereinafter, infrastructure connection). In this embodiment, in the infrastructure connection, the communication device 151 operates as a child station, and the external access point operates as a parent station. Note that in this embodiment, the parent station is a device that determines the communication channel to be used in the network to which the parent station belongs, and the child station is a device that does not determine the communication channel to be used in the network to which the child station belongs, but uses the communication channel determined by the parent station.

The P2P mode is a mode in which the communication device 151 communicates directly with other devices such as the information processing device 101 without going through an external device that forms a network. In this embodiment, the P2P mode includes an AP mode in which the communication device 151 operates as an access point. The connection information (SSID and password) of the access point that is enabled in the communication device 151 in the AP mode can be arbitrarily set by the user. The P2P mode includes, for example, a WFD mode in which the communication device 151 communicates by Wi-Fi Direct (WFD). Which of the multiple WFD-compatible devices operates as a parent station is determined, for example, according to a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. The parent station may be determined without executing Group Owner Negotiation. A device that is a WFD-compatible device and plays the role of a parent station is particularly called a Group Owner. A direct connection established by the communication device 151 operating in P2P mode with another device is called a direct connection. In this embodiment, in a direct connection, the communication device 151 operates as a parent station, and the other device operates as a child station.

In addition, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can operate in a network setup mode, which is a mode for executing the network setup of the communication device 151, by accepting a predetermined operation from the user. When the communication device 151 operates in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates as a setup access point that is valid during operation in the network setup mode by using the communication unit 156. The setup access point is an access point different from the access point that is enabled in the AP mode described above. The SSID of the setup access point includes a predetermined character string that can be recognized by the setting application of the information processing device 101. The setup access point is an access point that does not require a password for connection. The communication device 151 operating in the network setup mode uses a predetermined communication protocol (setup communication protocol) in communication with the information processing device 101 connected to the setup access point. Specifically, the setup communication protocol is, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Another specific example of the setup communication protocol is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). After starting operation in the network setup mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the communication device 151 stops operation in the network setup mode and disables the setup access point. This is because, since the setup access point is an access point that does not require a password as described above, if it is enabled for a long period of time, there is an increased possibility that an inappropriate device may request connection. Note that the setup access point may be an access point that requires a password. In this case, the password used to connect to the setup access point is a fixed password (that cannot be changed by the user) that is known in advance by the setting application.

In addition, in this embodiment, the communication device 151 can also operate in a mode for executing the network setup of the communication device 151 using a communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol. In this embodiment, the communication protocol different from the setup communication protocol is the above-mentioned DPP, and this mode is referred to as the DPP standby mode. When the communication device 151 is operating in the DPP standby mode and a network setup request by DPP is received from the information processing device 101, the network setup by DPP is executed. Therefore, the DPP standby mode is, in other words, a mode in which the communication device 151 waits for a network setup request by DPP.

The short-range wireless communication unit 157 is configured to wirelessly connect to a device such as the information processing device 101 at a short distance, and can be connected to the short-range wireless communication unit 111 in the information processing device 101, for example. Examples of communication methods include NFC, Bluetooth Classic, BLE, and Wi-Fi Aware.

The CPU 154 is a system control unit and controls the entire communication device 151. The RAM 153 is composed of an SRAM or the like that requires a backup power source. Since the RAM 153 holds data using a primary battery for data backup (not shown), important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM 153 also has a memory area for storing setting information for the communication device 151 and management data for the communication device 151. The RAM 153 is also used as the main memory and work memory for the CPU 154, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing device 101, etc., and various information. The ROM 152 stores fixed data such as the control program executed by the CPU 154, data tables, and OS programs. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 152 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 152.

The print engine 155 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink based on information stored in the RAM 153 and a print job received from the information processing device 101, etc., and outputs the print result. Generally, since the amount of data of a print job sent from the information processing device 101, etc. is large, it is necessary to use a communication method capable of high-speed communication for communication of the print job. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the print job via the communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

The scan engine 162 reads image data or document data from a set document or the like, based on input from the operation unit 159 or a scan job received from the information processing device 101 or the like. The read data is stored in the RAM 153 as the scan result, or transmitted to the information processing device 101 or the like. Generally, the amount of data of the scan result transmitted from the communication device 151 to the information processing device 101 or the like is large, so that a communication method capable of high-speed communication is required for such communication. Therefore, the communication device 151 transmits the scan result via the communication unit 156, which is capable of communication at a higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 157.

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

The input interface 158 is an interface for accepting data input and operation instructions from the user by operating the operation unit 159 such as a physical button. The operation unit 159 may be a soft keyboard or soft buttons displayed on the display unit 161. That is, the input interface 158 may accept input from the user via the display unit 161. The output interface 160 is an interface that controls the display unit 161 to display data and notify the status of the communication device 151. The display unit 161 is composed of an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and notifies the status of the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the operation unit 159 and the display unit 161 are configured as an operation display unit composed of a touch panel display.

In this embodiment, the communication units 110 and 156 execute a communication parameter sharing process for sharing communication parameters between the devices. The communication parameter sharing process is a process in which a providing device provides communication parameters for wireless communication to a receiving device, and can be executed in both infrastructure mode and P2P mode. Here, the communication parameters include wireless communication parameters required for 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. In addition, identification information such as a MAC address, a password, an IP address for communication at the IP layer, information required for higher-level services, and the like are also included. The communication parameter sharing process executed by the communication units 110 and 156 may be, for example, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In addition, the communication parameter sharing process executed by the communication units 110 and 156 may use a method for securely transferring communication parameters using a public key encryption method.

The communication device 151 also includes a barcode generation control unit. The barcode generation control unit is not shown, but is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 executing a program. The barcode generation control unit generates code information such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and QR codes, and controls the display unit 161 to display the generated code information. The barcode generation control unit causes the display unit 161 to display a QR code or the like that encodes information necessary for setting communication parameters. The display unit 161 may be configured to display soft buttons or the like as an input interface for the user.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing device 101. Each functional block in Figure 3 is realized by the CPU 103 reading out a control program stored in the ROM 104.

The OS 350 is software for controlling the overall operation of the information processing device 101. In addition to the MFP application 300 described below, various applications can be installed in the information processing device 101. The OS 350 communicates information with these applications, and displays various user interface screens on the display unit 108 according to instructions received from the applications. The OS 350 also includes a group of device drivers for controlling various hardware, and provides an API for making the various hardware available to applications running on the OS 350. The group of device drivers includes, for example, a wireless LAN control unit 353. The wireless LAN control unit 353 is a device driver for controlling the communication unit 110 and the short-range wireless communication unit 111.

The MFP application 300 is an application installed in the information processing device 101. The MFP application 300 can execute printing, scanning, and the like on the communication device 151. In addition to the MFP application 300, various other applications are installed in the information processing device 101, but a description of these will be omitted.

The software configuration of the MFP application 300 will be described. The screen control unit 301 controls the screen display on the display unit 108 via the OS 350. The screen control unit 301 causes the screen of the MFP application to be displayed on the display unit 108. The screen control unit 301 also determines the operation instructions input by the user via the display unit 108. The communication unit 302 controls wireless communication by the communication unit 110 or the short-range wireless communication unit 111 via the OS 350, and performs transmission and reception of commands, etc.

The device search control unit 311 generates search data for searching for a communication device 151 to connect to, transmits the data to a device on the network via the communication unit 110 or the short-range wireless communication unit 111, and receives a response from the corresponding communication device 151. The search data may be broadcast to all devices on the network, or may be transmitted by specifying the address of a single device.

The print job generation unit 305 generates a print job. The print job generated by the print job generation unit 305 is sent to the communication device 151 by the communication unit 110 or the short-range wireless communication unit 111, and printing is performed in the communication device 151.

The scan job control unit 307 issues a scan instruction to the communication device 151 via the communication unit 110 or the short-range wireless communication unit 111, and displays the scan data received from the communication device 151. The scan job control unit 307 saves the scan data in the external storage device 106. The saved scan data is managed by the document management unit 308.

The wireless LAN connection control unit 310 controls wireless LAN connection, including network settings for the communication device 151. The wireless LAN setting unit 312 instructs the OS 350 to execute the above-mentioned WEC, and performs network settings for the communication device 151. In this embodiment, the information processing device 101 executes the WEC by the OS 350 based on an instruction to execute a network setting process by the MFP application 300. The application storage unit 306 temporarily stores various information related to the application. The timer unit 304 measures time.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the communication device 151. The application 501 is software executed by the CPU 154 of the communication device 151 and is stored in the RAM 153.

The user interface (UI) control unit 502 receives an instruction input by the user via the operation unit 159 and controls the screen display on the display unit 161. When an instruction for network setting is received, a network setting screen is displayed, and when an instruction for connection to the communication device 151 is received, a connection screen is displayed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 161 of the communication device 151. The user can use a desired function by pressing a menu button on the menu screen 910. When the network setting menu 912 is pressed, a network setting screen 920 is displayed. A DPP QR code is displayed on the network setting screen 920. The information processing device 101 can execute a WEC connection process by photographing the DPP QR code. FIG. 6(a) is an example of a DPP QR code, and a QR code such as that shown in the DPP QR code 1011 contains information of a character string 1012.

When the mobile portal menu 911 is pressed (instruction to connect to the communication device 151), a mobile connection screen 930 is displayed. In the mobile connection screen 930, a QR code for mobile connection is displayed. By photographing the QR code for mobile connection, the information processing device 101 can acquire wireless information (hereinafter, mobile wireless connection information) for the information processing device 101 to connect to the communication device 151, and execute a connection process between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101. FIG. 6B is an example of a QR code for mobile connection, and a QR code such as that shown in the QR code for mobile connection 1021 contains information of a character string 1022. For example, the information processing device 101 connects to an access point using SSID information contained in the QR code for mobile connection, and when the connection is successful, broadcasts a search packet and registers the device that responded as an output printer. Note that the QR code for mobile connection may contain an IP address. In that case, it is possible to search for the device by unicast after the connection. On the other hand, if only the IP address is included, the device may be searched for by unicast on the network to which the information processing device 101 is currently connected.

The scan processing unit 511 executes a scan process based on a scan job, and the print processing unit 512 executes a print job based on a print job. The network control unit 505 receives print jobs, scan jobs, and the like from the information processing device 101 via the network. Furthermore, the network control unit 505 can transmit image data scanned by the scan processing unit 511 to the information processing device 101 via the network.

The device connection unit 504 activates the access point mode, which is a mode for establishing a direct connection between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151. When displaying the mobile connection screen 930, the UI control unit 502 generates a QR code for mobile connection.

The WEC processing unit 503 starts the network setup mode, which is a mode for executing the network setup of the communication device 151, by accepting a predetermined operation from the user via the operation unit 159. Specifically, the network setup mode is started at the same time as the network setting screen 920 is displayed. When the UI control unit 502 displays the network setting screen 920, it generates a QR code for DPP. When operating in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 operates in a state of waiting for DPP setup in the network setup mode. That is, it is in a state of waiting for the above-mentioned DPP Authentication request. After starting operation in the network setup mode, the communication device 151 stops operating in the network setup mode when a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, when the network setup mode is stopped, it transitions to an operation mode in which it does not respond to the above-mentioned DPP Authentication request. That is, it is in a state in which it does not accept setup based on DPP. This is because if the setup mode is enabled for a long time, there is an increased possibility that a setup process using DPP will be performed from an inappropriate device.

The operation of the communication system having the above configuration will be described. In the following description, as an example, a configuration will be described in which the information processing device 101 starts from a state in which it is not connected to an external access point, and the information processing device 101 captures a QR code for DPP displayed on the communication device 151 using the imaging unit 112. In this configuration, the information processing device 101 performs network setup using the WEC, using information from the captured QR code for DPP.

First, the process executed by the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 in a WEC using DPP will be described with reference to FIG. 14. The sequence shown in FIG. 14 is realized, for example, by the CPU of each device reading a program stored in the ROM or an external storage device of each device into the RAM of each device and executing it.

First, in S200, the communication device 151 starts the DPP standby mode. The trigger for starting the DPP standby mode may be, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 159, or the receipt of a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101. Specific examples of receiving a specific signal from an external device such as the information processing device 101 include the receipt of a specific BLE beacon or a specific wireless LAN communication. When the DPP standby mode is started, it becomes possible to read the WEC-related information. For example, when a QR code is used for the Bootstrapping shown in S201, the communication device 151 generates a QR code for DPP based on the WEC-related information and displays it on the display unit 161.

When starting the DPP standby mode in S200, the communication device 151 may be operating in parallel in another mode. For example, it may be operating in parallel in the network setup mode described above.

Now, with reference to FIG. 15, we will explain the processing of the DPP standby mode executed by the communication device 151 in a WEC using DPP. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is realized, for example, by the CPU 154 of the communication device 151 reading a program stored in the ROM 152 or the like into the RAM 153 and executing it.

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the DPP standby mode start process. Also, the flowchart in Figure 15 starts, for example, when the communication device 151 starts the DPP standby mode in S200.

In S601, the CPU 154 determines a standby channel for DPP communication. The standby channel for DPP communication is a channel that waits for a network setup request by DPP transmitted from the information processing device 101. The same channel is also used for DPP configuration processing. Note that the user may set which channel to use as the standby channel for DPP communication from, for example, an operation screen of the communication device 151.

In S602, the CPU 154 generates the public key information used to perform secure communication with the information processing device 101 as described above.

In S603, the CPU 154 generates the above-mentioned Bootstrapping information. The Bootstrapping information includes, for example, identification information (such as a MAC address) of the communication device 151, information about the waiting channel for DPP communication, and the public key information generated in S602.

In S604, the CPU 154 starts the DPP standby mode. When the DPP standby mode starts, communication by DPP Authentication becomes possible between the communication device 151 and the information processing device 101.

In S605, the CPU 154 starts a timer for timeout of the DPP standby mode. After starting operation in the DPP standby mode, the CPU 154 stops operation in the DPP standby mode when a predetermined time has elapsed. By stopping operation in the DPP standby mode, for example, the process transitions to a network setup process using a network setup protocol.

Refer to FIG. 14 again. In S201, the information processing device 101 acquires WEC-related information as Bootstrapping information. For example, when a DPP QR code is used to acquire the Bootstrapping information, the information processing device 101 executes a QR code capturing function in the setting app. In the QR code capturing function, the image capturing unit 112 is used to capture an image of the DPP QR code, and the QR code is analyzed from the captured image. As a result, the setting app acquires the WEC-related information contained in the DPP QR code.

In S202, the information processing device 101 starts WEC using DPP using a function of the OS. Specifically, the information processing device 101 first starts the WEC app by issuing an instruction to start the WEC app from the setting app to the OS. As a result, the WEC app runs in the foreground and the setting app runs in the background. Note that, for example, execution of this instruction corresponds to an instruction to run WEC. As a result, the information processing device 101 displays a WEC start screen by the WEC app. Note that the WEC app is a program pre-installed in the information processing device 101 and is a program provided by the OS vendor of the information processing device 101. Furthermore, when the WEC app is started, WEC-related information acquired by the setting app is provided to the WEC app.

In S202, the WEC application of the information processing device 101 instructs the OS to execute WEC by executing an API for WEC using WEC-related information and information about the access point set as a target for setting by WEC. Then, in S203, a process called DPP Authentication is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by a function of the OS. In DPP Authentication, authentication information and information used for encrypting information are communicated between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151, thereby authenticating communication between the devices. Note that various information transmitted from the information processing device 101 in communication in DPP Authentication is encrypted based on the WEC-related information acquired by the information processing device 101 from the communication device 151. In DPP Authentication, specifically, first, the information processing device 101 transmits an Authentication Request as a network setup request by DPP. Next, the communication device 151 operating in a DPP standby mode operates in a DPP standby mode that is a mode for waiting for an Authentication Request. Therefore, the communication device 151 receives the Authentication Request transmitted from the information processing device 101. The communication device 151 that has received the Authentication Request attempts to decrypt the received Authentication Request using a decryption key that it currently has. If the decryption is successful, the communication device 151 transmits an Authentication response to the information processing device 101 and authenticates communication with the information processing device 101. Note that if the information processing device 101 is unable to acquire accurate WEC-related information and is unable to encrypt information accurately, decryption in the communication device 151 fails, authentication fails, and an Authentication response is not transmitted. When the Authentication response is received by the information processing device 101, DPP Authentication is completed. In addition, in DPP Authentication, communication is performed using DPP.

Next, in S204, a process called DPP Configuration is executed between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 by a function of the OS of the information processing device 101. In DPP Configuration, the information processing device 101 transmits connection information for connecting to an access point set as a setting target by the WEC to the communication device 151 by the WEC. The connection information includes at least one of the SSID, password, and encryption method of the access point set as a setting target by the WEC. The password transmitted at this time is information that was input by the user on a screen displayed by an OS-compatible application when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point was established. The password is information that was held by the OS when a connection between the information processing device 101 and the access point was established. The password is information that is not held by the setting application. Furthermore, since the password transmitted at this time is information already held by the OS, and DPP Configuration is a process executed by the OS, there is no need for the user to newly input the password on the screen displayed by the setting application. In this embodiment, by transmitting connection information by WEC, it is possible to transmit the password to the communication device 151 through secure communication without receiving a new password input from the user on the screen displayed by the setting application. Note that communication is also performed using DPP in DPP Configuration.

In S205, the communication device 151 ends the DPP standby mode in response to the completion of the DPP configuration. The DPP standby mode is ended, for example, by the end of displaying the DPP QR code.

In S206, the communication device 151 transitions to infrastructure mode by acquiring connection information through DPP Configuration. If the communication device 151 is operating in network setup mode at this time, the communication device 151 ends the network setup mode. The communication device 151 attempts to connect to an access point corresponding to the acquired connection information using the acquired connection information. If the connection is successful, the communication device 151 can then communicate through a network formed by the connected access point. Note that communication through a network formed by the connected access point is performed by a protocol different from DPP (specifically, for example, Port9100, SNMP, HTTP, or a protocol unique to the vendor of the communication device 151). Note that the communication device 151 may transmit information indicating whether or not the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC has been successful to the information processing device 101. Furthermore, if the connection to the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by WEC has failed, information indicating the cause of the failure may be transmitted to the information processing device 101. The information transmission may be performed using DPP. The cause of failure in connection with the access point corresponding to the acquired connection information may be a communication error in the WEC, the access point not being found, or the WEC-related information acquired from the communication device 151 being inappropriate. For example, the encryption method used in connection with the access point set as the setting target by the WEC is an encryption method that the communication device 151 does not support. For example, the encryption method used in connection with the access point set as the setting target by the WEC is an encryption method that the WEC does not support. The information processing device 101 may display information indicating whether or not the connection between the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by the WEC and the communication device 151 is successful on the display unit 108. Furthermore, if the connection between the access point corresponding to the connection information acquired by the WEC and the communication device 151 fails, the information processing device 101 may display information indicating the cause of the failure on the display unit 108.

In S207, the information processing device 101 switches the application running in the foreground from the WEC application to the setting application based on the completion of the execution of the WEC. Then, the information processing device 101 searches for the communication device 151 on the network to which the information processing device 101 belongs. This process may be a broadcast search or a unicast search. The IP address or MAC address of the communication device 151, which is information used for the search, may be acquired by a QR code for DPP. This process is realized by the setting application that receives a notification from the OS that the execution of the WEC has been completed. Then, when the information processing device 101 finds the communication device 151, it requests capability information from the communication device 151, and the communication device 151 transmits the capability information to the information processing device 101. As a result, information about the communication device 151 is registered on the setting application, and thereafter, communication with the communication device 151 can be executed by the setting application. Specifically, for example, a print job can be sent to the communication device 151 by the setting application. At this time, if the information processing device 101 belongs to a network formed by the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected, communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 can be performed via the access point. If communication between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 cannot be performed, such as when the access point to which the communication device 151 is connected is not the access point to which the information processing device 101 is connected, the request and acquisition of capability information is omitted. Note that the communication in S207 is performed using, for example, a communication protocol different from DPP and the setup communication protocol. After that, the information processing device 101 ends the processing in this sequence diagram.

In the above description, the WEC start screen is displayed by the WEC app, and the WEC app executes an API for WEC to instruct the OS to run WEC, but this is not limiting. For example, the WEC start screen may be displayed by a settings app. Also, the settings app may execute an API for WEC to instruct the OS to run WEC.

Next, a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the information processing device 101 when performing network settings for the communication device 151 and a screen displayed when performing connection processing between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the connection processing between the information processing device 101 and the communication device 151 is also referred to as mobile connection.

When the information processing device 101 is started, the home screen 810 in FIG. 7(a) is displayed on the display unit 108. The MFP app icon 811 is an icon representing the MFP application 300, and when the MFP app icon 811 is selected, the MFP application 300 is started.

When the MFP application 300 is launched, the application home screen 820 in FIG. 7B is displayed. The application home screen 820 shows a state in which an output printer has not been selected. The selected device icon 821 shows the currently selected device. If no device is selected, "No Printer" is displayed. The device search button 822 is a button for searching for devices. When the execute scan function button 823 is pressed, the screen transitions to a scan setting screen (not shown). When the execute print function button 824 is pressed, the screen transitions to a print setting screen (not shown). When the other functions button 825 is pressed, the screen transitions to an other functions list screen (not shown).

When the device search button 822 is selected, the device selection screen 830 in FIG. 7(c) is displayed. When the automatic search menu 831 is selected on the device selection screen 830, the screen transitions to the device automatic search screen 840 in FIG. 8(a). On the other hand, when the QR code menu 832 is selected on the device selection screen 830, the screen transitions to the device search QR capture screen 860 in FIG. 10(a).

In the device automatic search screen 840, if a device is found, a list of the found devices is displayed, but if no device is found, a message 841 is displayed as shown in FIG. 8A. At that time, a menu 842 of "Set up the printer's wireless LAN using QR code" is displayed. When the menu 842 is pressed, the screen transitions to the wireless LAN setting QR shooting screen 850 of FIG. 8B. The information processing device 101 photographs the QR code displayed on the communication device 151 using the wireless LAN setting QR shooting screen 850 of FIG. 8B and acquires WEC-related information. The information processing device 101 executes WEC using the acquired WEC-related information and displays the wireless LAN setting QR shooting screen (setting in progress) 851 of FIG. 8C. The network setting process is executed based on the DPP protocol described above in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. When the network setting process is completed, the information processing device 101 displays the wireless LAN setting QR shooting screen (setting completed) 852 of FIG. 9A and ends the network setting process.

The above is the screen transition that occurs when an attempt is made to execute network settings for the communication device 151 using the information processing device 101 and a DPP QR code for network settings, such as that shown in FIG. 5(b), is displayed on the communication device 151.

The information processing device 101 photographs the QR code displayed on the communication device 151 using the device search QR photographing screen 860 in FIG. 10(a) and acquires mobile wireless connection information. The information processing device 101 executes wireless connection processing with the communication device 151 using the acquired mobile wireless connection information and displays the device search QR photographing screen (connecting) 865 in FIG. 10(b). When the wireless connection processing is completed, the information processing device 101 displays the application home screen (device selected) 870 in FIG. 10(c). The application home screen 870 (device selected) indicates that the device has been selected.

The above is the screen transition that occurs when the information processing device 101 attempts to execute a connection process with the communication device 151 and a QR code for mobile connection such as that shown in Figure 5 (c) is displayed on the communication device 151.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the display control process executed by the information processing device 101 in this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 12 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, etc., into the RAM 105 and executing it.

In S101, when the CPU 103 detects that the MFP app icon 811 on the home screen 810 in FIG. 7A has been selected, it launches the MFP application 811.

In S102, the CPU 103 determines whether or not a device search instruction using a QR code has been received. Specifically, for example, when the QR code menu 832 is selected on the device selection screen 830 in FIG. 7(c), the CPU 103 determines that a device search instruction using a QR code has been received. If it is determined that a device search instruction using a QR code has been received, the process proceeds to S103, and if it is determined that a device search instruction using a QR code has not been received, the process proceeds to S111.

In S103, the CPU 103 displays the device search QR capture screen 860 of FIG. 10(a). In S104, the CPU 103 reads the QR code displayed on the communication device 151 using the capture unit 112, and proceeds to S105.

In S105, the CPU 103 determines whether the QR code read in S104 is a QR code for mobile connection. If it is determined that it is a QR code for mobile connection, the process proceeds to S106. If it is determined that it is not a QR code for mobile connection, the CPU 103 determines that it is a QR code for DPP, and the process proceeds to S107. Specifically, if the character string included in the acquired QR code starts with "WIFI", the CPU 103 determines that it is a QR code for mobile connection. In S106, the CPU 103 displays the device search QR shooting screen (connecting) 865 in FIG. 10(b), performs the above-mentioned establishment process and device search process using the information of the read QR code for mobile connection, and ends the process in FIG. 12.

If it is determined in S105 that the QR code is not for mobile connection, i.e., that the QR code is for DPP, in S107, the CPU 103 displays the inquiry screen 866 in FIG. 11(a) to inquire of the user whether to perform network settings of the device. Then, the CPU 103 determines whether to perform network settings of the device based on the user's instruction. For example, the CPU 103 determines whether to perform network settings of the device based on whether the "Yes" button or the "No" button on the inquiry screen 866 in FIG. 11(a) is selected. If it is determined that the network settings of the device are to be performed, for example, the "Yes" button is selected, the process proceeds to S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that the network settings of the device are not to be performed, for example, the "No" button is selected, the process proceeds to S108. In S108, the CPU 103 displays the message screen 867 in FIG. 11(b), displays a message prompting the communication device 151 to display the QR code for mobile connection, and ends the process in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 11B, the message screen 867 is a guidance screen for displaying a QR code for mobile connection on the communication device 151. If it is determined in S107 that the device network settings are to be performed, in S109, the CPU 103 displays the wireless LAN setting QR capture screen (setting) 851 in FIG. 8C. In S110, the CPU 103 executes the WEC using the WEC-related information acquired from the QR code, and ends the processing in FIG. 12.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when an attempt is made to perform a mobile connection with the information processing device 101 and a QR code for DPP is displayed on the communication device 151, a notification is given that the QR code is not for mobile connection. Then, when an instruction not to perform network settings is received, the communication device 151 is prompted to display a QR code for mobile connection. Also, when an instruction to perform network settings is received, the network settings are performed as is. With this configuration, when an attempt is made to perform a mobile connection with the information processing device 101 and a QR code for DPP is displayed on the communication device 151, the convenience of executing various functions on the communication device 151 using the information processing device 101 can be improved.

Below, a case where it is determined in S102 that a device search instruction using a QR code has not been accepted will be described. In S111, the CPU 103 determines whether or not an instruction for network settings of the communication device 151 has been accepted. For example, the CPU 103 determines whether or not an instruction for network settings of the communication device 151 has been accepted based on whether or not the menu 842 represented by "Set up printer wireless LAN using QR code" on the automatic device search screen 840 in FIG. 8(a) has been selected. If it is determined that the menu 842 has been selected and an instruction for network settings has been accepted, the process proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction for network settings has not been accepted, the process repeats from S102.

In S112, the CPU 103 displays the wireless LAN setting QR capture screen 850 in FIG. 8(b). In S113, the CPU 103 reads the QR code using the capture unit 112 and proceeds to S114.

In S114, the CPU 103 determines whether the QR code read in S113 is a QR code for DPP. For example, if the character string contained in the read QR code begins with "DPP", the CPU 103 determines that it is a QR code for DPP. If it is determined that it is a QR code for DPP, the process proceeds to S115. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a QR code for DPP, the CPU 103 determines that it is a QR code for mobile connection, and the process proceeds to S116. In S115, the CPU 103 displays the wireless LAN setting QR shooting screen (setting) 851 in FIG. 8(c), and performs network setting processing of the communication device 151 using the WEC-related information obtained from the read QR code for DPP, and ends the processing in FIG. 12.

In S116, the CPU 103 displays a message as shown in the inquiry screen 856 in FIG. 9B, and asks the user whether to perform a device search and connect to the device. The CPU 103 then determines whether to perform a device search based on the user's instruction. For example, the CPU 103 determines whether to perform a device search based on whether the "Yes" button or the "No" button on the inquiry screen 856 in FIG. 9B is selected. If it is determined that a device search is to be performed, for example, if the "Yes" button is pressed, the process proceeds to S118. On the other hand, if it is determined that a device search is not to be performed, for example, if the "No" button is pressed, the process proceeds to S117. In S117, the CPU 103 displays the message screen 857 in FIG. 9C, displays a message prompting the communication device 151 to display a QR code for DPP, and ends the process in FIG. 12.

In S118, the CPU 103 displays the device search QR capture screen (connected) 865 in FIG. 10(b). In S119, the CPU 103 uses the mobile wireless connection information acquired from the QR code to perform the above-mentioned establishment process and device search process, and ends the process in FIG. 12.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when network settings are to be performed on the information processing device 101 and a QR code for mobile connection is displayed on the communication device 151, a notification is given that the QR code is not for DPP. Then, when an instruction not to perform a mobile connection is received, the communication device 151 is prompted to display a QR code for DPP. Also, when an instruction to perform a mobile connection is received, the mobile connection is performed as is. In this embodiment, when network settings are to be performed on the information processing device 101 and a QR code for mobile connection is displayed on the communication device 151, the convenience of executing various functions on the communication device 151 using the information processing device 101 can be improved.

In this way, if the process to be executed by the information processing device 101 does not correspond to the QR code displayed on the communication device 151, it is possible to switch between displaying a message to switch the QR code, or executing the process on the information processing device 101 according to the displayed QR code, thereby improving convenience.

[Second embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described below with respect to differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when a process that the information processing device 101 is about to execute does not correspond to a QR code displayed on the communication device 151, a message is displayed to switch between the QR code and the information processing device 151 executes a process according to the displayed QR code.

In this embodiment, if the QR code photographed on the device search screen on the information processing device 101 is a QR code for DPP and the network settings are switched to, a device search process is also performed.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the display control process of the information processing device 101 in this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 13 is realized, for example, by the CPU 103 reading a program stored in the ROM 104, the external storage device 106, etc. into the RAM 105 and executing it. Steps S101 to S119 in Figure 13 are the same as those described in steps S101 to S119 in Figure 12, and therefore their description will be omitted.

After S110, in S301, the CPU 103 performs the above-mentioned device search process for the network connected in S110, and registers the searched communication device 151 in the app as the output destination printer. That is, in this embodiment, if the QR code photographed on the device search screen on the information processing device 101 is a QR code for DPP, the process switches to network setting processing and also performs device search processing. With such a configuration, it is no longer necessary for the user to instruct the device search process again, and convenience can be further improved.

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

The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following communication device, control method, and program.
(Item 1)
a receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function;
a display control means for causing a display unit to display a first message screen prompting the user to take an image of a code displayed on the communication device when the instruction to execute the first function is received by the receiving means;
an acquisition means for acquiring information about the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed;
and causing the computer of the information processing device to function as the
When the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means corresponds to the second function, the display control means performs a first display control to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means, or a second display control to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the communication device to display the code corresponding to the first function, based on an instruction from a user.
A program characterized by:
(Item 2)
a determination unit that determines whether to execute the second function or the first function corresponding to the information of the code acquired by the acquisition unit, when the information of the code acquired by the acquisition unit corresponds to the second function;
The display control means performs the first display control or the second display control based on a result of the determination by the determination means.
2. The program according to item 1,
(Item 3)
The program described in item 2, wherein the display control means causes the display unit to display a third message screen inquiring of a user as to whether or not to execute the second function corresponding to the code information acquired by the acquisition means.
(Item 4)
The program described in item 3, characterized in that when an instruction to execute the second function is received via the third message screen, the determination means determines that the second function will be executed, and the display control means performs the first display control.
(Item 5)
The program described in item 3 or 4, characterized in that when an instruction not to execute the second function is received via the third message screen, the determination means determines that the first function will be executed, and the display control means performs the second display control.
(Item 6)
6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first function is a function for establishing a direct connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external access point.
(Item 7)
7. The program according to item 6, wherein the second function is a function for connecting the communication device to the external access point.
(Item 8)
The program according to item 6 or 7, wherein the display control means, in the first display control, causes the display unit to display a screen indicating that the communication device is being configured.
(Item 9)
The program described in any one of items 6 to 8, further comprising a search means for searching for the communication device after the first display control is performed by the display control means and the communication device is connected to the external access point.
(Item 10)
6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the first function is a function for connecting the communication device to an external access point.
(Item 11)
11. The program according to item 10, wherein the second function is a function for establishing a direct connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external access point.
(Item 12)
12. The program according to item 10 or 11, wherein the display control means, in the first display control, causes the display unit to display a screen indicating that a connection to the communication device is being established.
(Item 13)
Item 13. The program according to item 12, wherein the display control means, in the first display control, causes the display unit to display information about the connected communication device.
(Item 14)
14. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second message screen includes guidance for causing the communication device to display a code corresponding to the first function.
(Item 15)
15. The program according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the code displayed on the communication device is a two-dimensional code.
(Item 16)
16. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the communication device is a printer.
(Item 17)
A method executed in an information processing device, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function;
a display control step of displaying, on a display unit, a first message screen prompting a user to take an image of a code displayed on the communication device when the instruction to execute the first function is received in the receiving step;
an acquisition step of acquiring information about the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed;
having
In the display control step, when the code information acquired in the acquisition step corresponds to the second function, a first display control is performed to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the code information acquired in the acquisition step, or a second display control is performed to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the communication device to display the code corresponding to the first function, based on an instruction from a user.
A method comprising:
(Item 18)
17. An information processing apparatus comprising the means described in the program according to any one of items 1 to 16.
(Item 19)
A system including an information processing device and a communication device,
The information processing device includes:
a first receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function;
a first display control means for causing a display unit to display a first message screen prompting a user to take an image of a code displayed on a communication device when an instruction to execute the first function is received by the first reception means;
an acquisition means for acquiring information about the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed;
Equipped with
the first display control means, when the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means corresponds to the second function, performs a first display control to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means, or a second display control to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the communication device to display a code corresponding to the first function, based on an instruction from a user;
The communication device includes:
a second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display a code corresponding to the first function or an instruction to display a code corresponding to the second function;
a second display control means for causing a display unit to display a code corresponding to the instruction received by the second reception means;
A system comprising:

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention.

101 Information processing device: 103, 154 CPU: 104, 152 ROM: 105, 153 RAM: 151 Communication device

Claims (19)

a receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function;
a display control means for causing a display unit to display a first message screen prompting the user to take an image of a code displayed on the communication device when the instruction to execute the first function is received by the receiving means;
an acquisition means for acquiring information about the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed;
and causing the computer of the information processing device to function as the
the display control means, when the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means corresponds to the second function, performs a first display control to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means, or a second display control to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the communication device to display the code corresponding to the first function, based on an instruction from a user.
A program characterized by: a determination unit that determines whether to execute the second function or the first function corresponding to the information of the code acquired by the acquisition unit, when the information of the code acquired by the acquisition unit corresponds to the second function;
The display control means performs the first display control or the second display control based on a result of the determination by the determination means.
2. The program according to claim 1 . The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the display control means causes the display unit to display a third message screen that asks the user whether or not to execute the second function corresponding to the code information acquired by the acquisition means. The program according to claim 3, characterized in that, when an instruction to execute the second function is received via the third message screen, the determination means determines that the second function is to be executed, and the display control means performs the first display control. The program according to claim 3, characterized in that, when an instruction not to execute the second function is received via the third message screen, the determination means determines that the first function is to be executed, and the display control means performs the second display control. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first function is a function for establishing a direct connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external access point. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that the second function is a function for connecting the communication device to the external access point. The program according to claim 6, characterized in that the display control means, in the first display control, causes the display unit to display a screen indicating that the communication device is being configured. The program according to claim 6, further comprising a search means for searching for the communication device after the first display control is performed by the display control means and the communication device is connected to the external access point. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the first function is a function for connecting the communication device to an external access point. The program according to claim 10, characterized in that the second function is a function for establishing a direct connection between the information processing device and the communication device without going through an external access point. The program according to claim 10, characterized in that the display control means, in the first display control, causes the display unit to display a screen indicating that the communication device is currently connected. The program according to claim 12, characterized in that the display control means, in the first display control, causes the display unit to display information about the connected communication device. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the second message screen includes guidance for causing the communication device to display a code corresponding to the first function. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the code displayed on the communication device is a two-dimensional code. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device is a printer. A method executed in an information processing device, comprising:
a receiving step of receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function;
a display control step of displaying, on a display unit, a first message screen prompting a user to take an image of a code displayed on the communication device when the instruction to execute the first function is received in the receiving step;
an acquisition step of acquiring information about the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed;
having
In the display control step, when the code information acquired in the acquisition step corresponds to the second function, a first display control is performed to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the code information acquired in the acquisition step, or a second display control is performed to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the communication device to display the code corresponding to the first function, based on an instruction from a user.
A method comprising: An information processing device comprising the means described in the program according to any one of claims 1 to 16. A system including an information processing device and a communication device,
The information processing device includes:
a first receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a first function or an instruction to execute a second function different from the first function;
a first display control means for causing a display unit to display a first message screen prompting a user to take an image of a code displayed on a communication device when an instruction to execute the first function is received by the first reception means;
an acquisition means for acquiring information about the code by photographing the code after the first message screen is displayed;
Equipped with
the first display control means, when the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means corresponds to the second function, performs a first display control to cause the display unit to display a screen associated with the execution of the second function corresponding to the information of the code acquired by the acquisition means, or a second display control to cause the display unit to display a second message screen prompting the communication device to display a code corresponding to the first function, based on an instruction from a user;
The communication device includes:
a second receiving means for receiving an instruction to display a code corresponding to the first function or an instruction to display a code corresponding to the second function;
a second display control means for causing a display unit to display a code corresponding to the instruction received by the second reception means;
A system comprising:

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