JP5627659B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

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

  In wireless communication represented by a wireless LAN compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard series, there are many setting items that must be set before use.

  For example, as setting items, there are communication parameters necessary for wireless communication such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) as a network identifier, an encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method, and an authentication key. It is very complicated for the user to set all of these manually.

  On the other hand, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter referred to as WPS), which is an industry-standard automatic setting method for easily setting communication parameters in a wireless device, has been standardized and is being installed in wireless devices.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an example of automatic setting of communication parameters by WPS.

  In the automatic setting of Non-Patent Document 1, either an access point (base station) or a device that can communicate with the access point is a device that provides communication parameters (hereinafter, a providing device). A device that desires to receive communication parameters (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device) temporarily wirelessly connects to an access point and receives communication parameters from the providing device. In WPS, the providing device is called “Registrar”, and the receiving device is called “Enrollee”.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED (TM) for Wi-Fi Protected Setup: Easing the User Experience for Home and Small Office Wi-Fi (R) Networks, http: // www. wi-fi. org / wp / wifi-protected-setup

  Here, consider a case where a receiving apparatus temporarily makes a wireless connection to an access point in order to receive communication parameters from a providing apparatus in WPS.

  In this case, the receiving apparatus needs to select an access point to be connected wirelessly in order to communicate with the providing apparatus from among the access points existing in the vicinity.

  However, a method for automatically selecting an access point for wireless connection from access points existing in the vicinity is not particularly determined in WPS.

  For example, when wireless connection is made indiscriminately to a plurality of access points existing in the vicinity, it may take a long time to connect to a desired access point. Also, a method of detecting an access point that can communicate with a providing apparatus that has started automatic setting processing by WPS and wirelessly connecting is also conceivable. However, a providing apparatus that does not start automatic setting processing until after the presence of a receiving apparatus is recognized. Therefore, the method lacks certainty.

  For this reason, conventionally, a method is used in which a user manually selects an access point to be wirelessly connected from access points existing in the vicinity, and there is a problem that usability is not good.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for selecting a base station when setting communication parameters.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a communication device, a selection unit that selects a base station to be connected to receive communication parameters, a base station selected by the selection unit, or the base station Receiving means for receiving communication parameters from an external device for communication, and the selecting means sets communication parameters as a providing device for providing communication parameters to a base station connected when reception of the communication parameters fails When the processing is started, the base station is selected.

  The present invention is also a method for controlling a communication apparatus, wherein a base station to be connected to receive communication parameters is selected, and communication parameters are received from the base station or an external apparatus communicating with the base station. The base station connected when the reception of the communication parameter fails starts the communication parameter setting process as a providing device that provides the communication parameter, and selects the base station.

  According to the present invention, a base station can be selected when setting communication parameters.

Block diagram of the wireless communication device Software functional block diagram in the receiving apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention Network configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the communication parameter receiver in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the receiving device, access point A, and access point B in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the receiving device, the access point B, and the external providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of a receiving device, an access point A, an access point B, and an external providing device in the first embodiment The flowchart figure showing operation | movement of the communication parameter receiver in Embodiment 2. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of a receiving apparatus, access point A, and access point B in the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, an example using a wireless LAN system compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series will be described, but the communication form is not necessarily limited to the wireless LAN compliant with IEEE 802.11. Although the case where WPS is used as communication parameter automatic setting processing will be described, the present invention can also be applied to other automatic setting processing.

<Embodiment 1>
A hardware configuration in a case suitable for the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of each device described below. Reference numeral 101 denotes the entire apparatus. A control unit 102 controls the entire apparatus by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 102 also controls communication parameter automatic setting performed with other devices. A storage unit 103 stores a control program executed by the control unit 102 and various types of information such as communication parameters. Various operations described later are performed by the control unit 102 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 103.

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

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a setting button for giving a trigger for starting the communication parameter automatic setting process. When the control unit 102 detects an operation of the setting button 106 by the user, the control unit 102 starts processing to be described later.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an antenna control unit, and reference numeral 108 denotes an antenna. Reference numeral 109 denotes an input unit for the user to perform various inputs.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of software function blocks executed by a device (receiving device) that receives communication parameters in a communication parameter setting operation described later.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 202 denotes a communication parameter automatic setting function block. In the present embodiment, communication parameters necessary for wireless communication such as SSID as a network identifier, encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, and authentication key are automatically set.

  A packet receiving unit 203 receives packets related to various types of communication. A packet transmission unit 204 transmits packets related to various types of communication.

  A search signal transmission unit 205 controls transmission of a device search signal such as a probe request. The probe request can also be referred to as a network search signal for searching for a desired network. Transmission of the probe request is performed by the search signal transmission unit 205.

  A search signal receiving unit 206 controls reception of a response signal to a device search signal such as a probe response from another apparatus. The probe response is received by the search signal receiving unit 206. Various information (self information) of the transmission source device is added to the probe response.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a network control unit that controls participation and withdrawal from the network. The network control unit 207 performs processing such as wireless connection to the access point.

  In the communication parameter automatic setting function block 202, 208 is an automatic setting control unit for controlling communication parameter automatic setting processing. The communication parameter automatic setting process described later is performed based on the control of the automatic setting control unit 208. The automatic setting control unit 208 also determines whether or not the elapsed time since the communication parameter automatic setting process has started exceeds the time limit for the setting process. If it is determined that the time limit has been exceeded, the automatic setting process is stopped under the control of the automatic setting control unit 208.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes a communication parameter receiving unit that receives communication parameters from a device (providing device) that provides communication parameters. The communication parameter receiving process described later is performed by the communication parameter receiving unit 209 based on the control of the automatic setting control unit 208.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes an active access point detector that detects an active access point. Here, the active access point can communicate with the access point that is starting communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device itself, or the providing device that is starting communication parameter automatic setting processing (hereinafter referred to as an external providing device). It refers to a simple access point. The self-information added to the probe response sent from the access point includes information indicating whether or not communication parameters can be provided by communication parameter automatic setting processing (whether the communication parameter providing function is valid). Information indicating whether or not). In WPS, there is “Selected Registrar” as information indicating whether or not communication parameters can be provided.

  Information indicating that the communication parameter can be provided is added to the probe response transmitted from the access point that has started the communication parameter automatic setting process as the providing apparatus. In addition, the access point adds information indicating that communication parameters can be provided to the probe response even when it receives a notification message (startup notification) from the external provider that started the communication parameter automatic setting process. Then send. The active access point detection unit 210 detects the active access point from the access points existing in the vicinity by analyzing the self-information in the probe response received by the search signal receiving unit 206.

  Reference numeral 211 denotes a set access point detection unit that detects an access point (hereinafter referred to as a set access point) in which a communication parameter different from the communication parameter set at initialization is set. The communication parameter set at the time of initialization is a communication parameter set in the access point at the time of factory shipment. The self information added to the probe response transmitted from the access point includes information indicating whether or not the own device is a set access point. In WPS, “Wi-Fi Protected Setup State” is information indicating whether a communication parameter different from the communication parameter set at initialization is set.

  The set access point detection unit 211 detects the set access point from the access points existing around by analyzing the self information in the probe response received by the search signal reception unit 206.

  Note that a communication parameter received from an external provider that can communicate with the access point may be set in the set access point. That is, the presence of a set access point means that there may be an external providing device that provides communication parameters to the set access point.

  In addition, among external providing devices, there are devices that can start communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device after recognizing the presence of a receiving device that desires to receive communication parameters. In this case, the receiving device wirelessly connects to the set access point, and notifies the external providing device of the existence of the own device, whereby the external providing device can transition to a state where the automatic setting processing can be activated. As a specific example, when a communication parameter request is received from a receiving device, information prompting a setting start operation (such as an icon of the receiving device) is displayed on the display unit of the external providing device, and the user performs the setting start operation. The automatic setting process in the external providing device is activated.

  An access point selection unit 212 selects an access point to be wirelessly connected in the communication parameter automatic setting process.

  The access point selection process described later is performed by the access point selection unit 212 based on the detection results of the active access point detection unit 210 and the set access point detection unit 211 under the control of the automatic setting control unit 208.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a communication device 301, a first access point A302 (hereinafter referred to as access point A), and a second access point B303 (hereinafter referred to as access point B). FIG. 3 further shows an external device 304 connected to the access point B via a wired LAN.

  The communication device 301 has a function of receiving communication parameters by communication parameter automatic setting processing, and has the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. The access point A and the external device 304 have a function of providing communication parameters by communication parameter automatic setting processing. The external device 304 provides communication parameters to the access point B as an external providing device, and the communication parameters received from the external device 304 are set in the access point B. That is, access point B is a set access point. The external device 304 can activate communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device after recognizing the presence of a receiving device that wishes to receive communication parameters. The access point B does not operate as a communication parameter providing device, but relays various messages for automatic communication parameter setting between the external device 304 operating as the providing device and the communication device 301 operating as the receiving device. . Further, it is assumed that the access point A performs communication using a wireless LAN channel (frequency channel) number smaller than that of the access point B.

  Here, consider a case where the setting button 106 of the communication device 301 is operated in order for the communication device 301 to receive communication parameters.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the receiving apparatus according to this embodiment. When the setting button 106 of the communication device 301 is operated, the process illustrated in FIG. 4 is started.

  First, the automatic setting control unit 208 checks whether or not peripheral access point information is stored in the storage unit 103 (S401). In the peripheral access point information, identifiers of access points existing in the vicinity and self-information added to the probe response received from each access point are stored. Information regarding whether or not each access point has performed communication parameter automatic setting processing with its own device is also stored. As will be described later, the case where the communication parameter automatic setting process is performed is a case where an error occurs in the protocol process for automatic communication parameter setting.

  If the peripheral access point information is not stored, the automatic setting control unit 208 uses the search signal transmission unit 205 and the search signal reception unit 206 to search for access points existing in the vicinity (S402). Specifically, the search signal transmission unit 205 transmits a probe request, and the search signal reception unit 206 waits for reception of a probe response returned from an access point existing in the vicinity. The search result includes at least an identifier of an access point existing in the vicinity and self-information added to the probe response received from each access point. After the search, the automatic setting control unit 208 stores the search result acquired in step S402 in the storage unit 103 as peripheral access point information (S411).

  If the peripheral access point information is stored, the automatic setting control unit 208 reads the stored peripheral access point information (S403).

  Thereafter, the access point selection unit 212 selects an access point to be wirelessly connected based on the information acquired in step S402 or step S403 (S404, S405).

  In S404, the active access point detection unit 210 detects the active access point by analyzing the self-information of each access point in the peripheral access point information. In the present embodiment, the active access point detection unit 210 excludes, from among the access points included in the peripheral access point information, access points for which communication parameter automatic setting processing has been performed with the communication device 301, from detection targets. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the access point that has once undergone the setting process, that is, the access point when the protocol process for the automatic setting has an error during the process from being selected again.

  If an active access point is not detected, the process proceeds to step S405 described later. If an active access point is detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the access point as an access point for wireless connection, and the process proceeds to step S406 described later. If a plurality of active access points are detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the access point with the smallest wireless LAN channel number for communication.

  In S405, the set access point detection unit 211 detects the set access point by analyzing the self information of each access point in the peripheral access point information. In the present embodiment, the set access point detection unit 211 excludes, from the detection targets, access points for which communication parameter automatic setting processing has been performed with the communication device 301 among access points included in the peripheral access point information. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the access point that has once undergone the setting process, that is, the set access point when an error occurs during the protocol process for automatic setting from being selected again.

  When the set access point is not detected, the automatic setting control unit 208 discards the stored peripheral access point information (S412), returns to step S402, and searches again for access points existing in the vicinity. When a set access point is detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the access point as an access point for wireless connection, and the process proceeds to step S406 described later. When a plurality of set access points are detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the access point with the smallest wireless LAN channel number for communication.

  In step S406, the network control unit 207 establishes a wireless connection to the selected access point. After the wireless connection, the automatic setting control unit 208 performs protocol processing for automatic communication parameter setting (S407). Here, the protocol process for automatic setting refers to a process of transmitting and receiving various predetermined messages for providing communication parameters from the providing apparatus to the receiving apparatus. In WPS, the above protocol processing is called “Registration Protocol”. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that a message for requesting communication parameters is transmitted from the receiving device to the providing device, and the providing device transmits a message for providing communication parameters in response to the message. explain. Authentication between the providing device and the receiving device for providing communication parameters, and message transmission / reception processing related to encryption processing may be performed.

  The automatic setting control unit 208 confirms the processing result of the communication parameter automatic setting protocol performed in step S407 (S408). When the automatic setting protocol process is successful and the communication parameter receiving unit 209 can receive the communication parameter, the peripheral access point information stored in the storage unit 103 is discarded (S409), and the process of FIG. To do.

  If the automatic setting protocol processing fails, the peripheral access point information is updated so that the access point that has performed the automatic setting protocol processing in step S407 is the access point that has undergone the communication parameter automatic setting processing (S410). After the information update, the process returns to step S401, and a new connection destination access point is selected based on the peripheral access point information.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence between devices in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the communication apparatus 301 receives communication parameters from the access point A that operates as a providing apparatus.

  When the user operates the setting button of the communication device 301, the communication device 301 starts the process of FIG. At this time, since the peripheral access point information is not stored in the storage unit 103 (No in S401), the communication device 301 transmits a probe request to search for the surrounding access points (F501, S402).

  When the user performs an operation for starting automatic setting processing at the access point A, the access point A starts communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device. In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point A returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is an active access point is added (F502). In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point B returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is a set access point is added (F502).

  The communication apparatus 301 analyzes the received probe response (Yes in S411 and S404), and selects the access point A, which is the active access point, as an access point for wireless connection (F503).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point A (F504, F505, S406). After wireless connection, the communication apparatus 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point A (F506), and receives communication parameters from the access point A (Yes in F507, S407, and S408).

  In this way, the receiving apparatus can automatically select the active access point and establish a wireless connection, and can quickly receive communication parameters.

  Next, an operation when the communication apparatus 301 receives communication parameters from the external apparatus 304 via the access point B will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a sequence between the apparatuses in the present embodiment. Here, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the access point A is not operating.

  When the user operates the setting button of the communication device 301, the communication device 301 starts the process of FIG. At this time, since the peripheral access point information is not stored in the storage unit 103 (No in S401), the communication device 301 transmits a probe request to search for a surrounding access point (F601, S402).

  In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point B returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is a set access point is added (F602).

  The communication device 301 analyzes the received probe response (No in S411, S404, Yes in S405), and selects the access point B that is the set access point as an access point for wireless connection (F603).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point B (F604, F605, S406). After wireless connection, the communication device 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point B (S407), and the access point B transfers the received request message to the external device 304 (F606).

  At this point, since the external device 304 has not started the communication parameter automatic setting process as the providing device, an error notification is transmitted in response to the received request message (F607). Here, when the external device 304 receives the request message, the external device 304 recognizes the presence of the communication device 301 that desires to receive the communication parameter, and can enter the communication parameter automatic setting process as a providing device.

  Therefore, when the user performs an operation for starting automatic setting processing in the external device 304 (F608), the external device 304 starts communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device. When the external device 304 starts the automatic setting process, the external device 304 transmits a message (startup notification) notifying the access point B that the own device has started the operation as the providing device (F609). When the access point B receives a probe request after receiving the activation notification, the access point B transmits the self-information added to the probe response including information indicating that the own device is an active access point.

  When the communication device 301 receives the error notification (No in S408), it updates the peripheral access point information so that the access point B is the access point that has undergone the communication parameter automatic setting processing (S410), and returns to S401. The communication device 301 confirms the stored peripheral access point information again (S403). Here, since there is no set access point that has not yet been selected (No in S404, No in S405), the peripheral access point information is discarded (S412), and the process returns to S402.

  Then, the communication device 301 transmits a probe request in order to search again for surrounding access points (F610, S402). In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point B returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is an active access point is added (F611).

  The communication apparatus 301 analyzes the received probe response (Yes in S411 and S404), and selects the access point B that is the active access point as an access point to be wirelessly connected (F612).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point B (F613, F614, S406). After wireless connection, the communication device 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point B (S407), and the access point B transfers the received request message to the external device 304 (F615). At this point, the external device 304 has started communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device, and therefore provides communication parameters to the communication device 301 (F616, S408).

  In this way, the receiving apparatus can automatically select the set access point and wirelessly connect to receive communication parameters from the external providing apparatus.

  Next, an operation when there are a plurality of set access points will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing still another example of the sequence between the apparatuses in the present embodiment. Note that, similarly to the access point B, the access point A is set with communication parameters different from those at the time of initialization. In addition, it is assumed that the access point A has not started communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing apparatus.

  When the user operates the setting button of the communication device 301, the communication device 301 starts the process of FIG. At this time, since the peripheral access point information is not stored in the storage unit 103 (No in S401), the communication device 301 transmits a probe request to search for a surrounding access point (F701, S402).

  In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point A returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is a set access point is added (F702). Further, the access point B also returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the own device is a set access point is added to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301 (F702).

  The communication device 301 analyzes the received probe response (No in S411 and S404), and detects the access point A and the access point B that are the set access points (Yes in S405). Since the access point A performs communication using a wireless LAN channel number smaller than that of the access point B, the communication device 301 selects the access point A as an access point for wireless connection (F703).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point A (F704, F705, S406). After wireless connection, the communication apparatus 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point A (F706, S407). Since the access point A has not started the communication parameter automatic setting process as the providing device, the access point A transmits an error notification to the communication device 301 (F707).

  Receiving the error notification, the communication device 301 updates the peripheral access point information so that the access point A is an access point that has undergone the communication parameter automatic setting process (No in S408, S410), and returns to S401. The communication apparatus 301 analyzes the peripheral access point information again (No in S404, Yes in S405), and selects the access point B that is the set access point as an access point for wireless connection (F708).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point B (F709, F710, S406). After wireless connection, the communication device 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point B (S407), and the access point B transfers the received request message to the external device 304 (F711).

  At this point, since the external device 304 has not started the communication parameter automatic setting process as a providing device, an error notification is transmitted in response to the received request message (F712). Here, when the external device 304 receives the request message, the external device 304 recognizes the presence of the communication device 301 that desires to receive the communication parameter, and can enter the communication parameter automatic setting process as a providing device.

  Therefore, when the user performs an operation for starting automatic setting processing in the external device 304 (F713), the external device 304 starts communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device. When the external device 304 starts the automatic setting process, the external device 304 transmits a message (startup notification) notifying the access point B that the own device has started the operation as the providing device (F714). When the access point B receives the probe request after receiving the activation notification, the self-information added to the probe response includes information indicating that the own device is an active access point.

  Upon receiving the error notification, the communication device 301 updates the peripheral access point information so that the access point B is an access point that has undergone the communication parameter automatic setting process (No in S408, S410), and returns to S401.

  The communication device 301 confirms the stored peripheral access point information again (S403). Here, since there is no set access point that has not yet been selected (No in S404, No in S405), the peripheral access point information is discarded (S412), and the process returns to S402.

  Then, the communication device 301 transmits a probe request in order to search again for surrounding access points (F715, S402). In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point A returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is a set access point is added (F716). In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point B returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is an active access point is added (F716).

  The communication apparatus 301 analyzes the received probe response (Yes in S411 and S404), and selects the access point B that is the active access point as an access point for wireless connection (F717).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point B (F718, F719, S406). After wireless connection, the communication device 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point B (S407), and the access point B transfers the received request message to the external device 304 (F720). At this time, the external device 304 has started communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device, and therefore provides the communication parameter to the communication device 301 (F721, Yes in S408).

  In this way, even when there are a plurality of set access points, the receiving device can automatically select an access point and wirelessly connect to receive communication parameters from the external providing device.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an apparatus that desires to receive communication parameters automatically selects an access point to be wirelessly connected and performs automatic setting protocol processing. Therefore, it is possible to receive communication parameters from the providing apparatus without manually selecting an access point to be wirelessly connected by the user. In addition, when both the active access point and the configured access point are detected, the active access point that is likely to succeed in receiving communication parameters is preferentially selected. Can be shortened. In addition, it is possible to receive communication parameters by the same processing without distinguishing whether the access point itself operates as a providing device or an external device that communicates with the access point operates as a providing device.

  In the search process in step S402, a method (active scan) for searching for an access point by waiting for reception of a probe response to a probe request has been described. Since the access point periodically transmits a beacon signal (notification signal) to which self-information is added, the receiving device uses a method (passive scan) of searching for an access point by monitoring the beacon for a certain period of time. May be. Further, an access point may be searched using both active scan and passive scan.

  In step S404 and step S405, when a plurality of active access points or set access points are detected, the access point with the smallest wireless LAN channel number for communication is selected.

  Here, as a method for selecting an access point, the access point having the largest wireless LAN channel number may be selected, or may be selected based on other information. For example, the received signal strength, SSID, BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), the MAC address of the access point, or the like may be used for selection.

<Embodiment 2>
In the process of FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment, the receiving apparatus first searches for nearby access points, and when a plurality of set access points are detected, one of the detected access points is selected as a connection destination. And request to provide communication parameters. When an error notification is transmitted from the access point in response to the request, the connection is switched to another set access point, and the provision of communication parameters is similarly requested. These processes are repeated until communication parameters can be received, and when an error notification is received from all detected access points that have been detected, that is, when all detected access points have been selected, the peripheral access points are searched again. .

  Here, as described above, some external providing apparatuses connected to the set access point can start the communication parameter automatic setting process upon receiving a communication parameter request. Even if such an external provider receives a communication parameter request as a trigger, automatic setting processing is started, and even if the configured access point is switched to the active access point, the access is not performed until re-searching is performed. The point is not reconnected. Therefore, there is a possibility that it takes a long time to complete the reception of the communication parameters even though there is an external providing device that has already started the communication parameter automatic setting processing. In addition, even when the access point itself operates as a providing device, the same problem may occur when the receiving device starts communication parameter automatic setting processing prior to the access point. Therefore, in the second embodiment, even when the providing apparatus starts the communication parameter automatic setting process later than the receiving apparatus, a processing example for reducing the time until reception of the communication parameter is described. explain.

  Also in the second embodiment, the apparatus configuration and the network configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the receiving apparatus according to this embodiment. When the setting button 106 of the communication device 301 is operated, the process illustrated in FIG. 8 is started.

  First, the automatic setting control unit 208 uses the search signal transmission unit 205 and the search signal reception unit 206 to search for access points existing in the vicinity (S801).

  The active access point detection unit 210 analyzes the self-information of each access point included in the search result acquired in step S801, and detects the active access point (S802).

  If an active access point is not detected, the process proceeds to step S803 to be described later. If an active access point is detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the detected access point as an access point for wireless connection, and the process proceeds to step S807 described later. As a result of the analysis, when a plurality of active access points are detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the access point with the smallest wireless LAN channel number for communication.

  In step S <b> 803, the automatic setting control unit 208 confirms whether the peripheral access point information is stored in the storage unit 103. If the peripheral access point information is stored, the peripheral access point information is updated based on the search result acquired in S801 (S804). When the peripheral access point information is not stored, the automatic setting control unit 208 stores the search result acquired in step S801 as the peripheral access point information in the storage unit 103 (S812), and proceeds to step 805.

  The set access point detection unit 211 detects the set access point by analyzing the self information of each access point in the peripheral access point information (S805). In the present embodiment, the set access point detection unit 211 excludes, from the detection targets, access points for which communication parameter automatic setting processing has been performed with the communication device 301 among access points included in the peripheral access point information. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the access point that has once undergone the setting process, that is, the set access point when the automatic setting protocol process has an error during the process from being selected again.

  When the set access point is not detected, the automatic setting control unit 208 discards the stored peripheral access point information (S806), returns to step S801, and searches again for access points existing in the vicinity. If a set access point is detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the detected access point as an access point for wireless connection, and the process proceeds to step S807 described later. When a plurality of set access points are detected, the access point selection unit 212 selects the access point with the smallest wireless LAN channel number for communication.

  In step S807, the network control unit 207 establishes a wireless connection to the selected access point. After the wireless connection, the automatic setting control unit 208 performs protocol processing for automatic communication parameter setting (S808).

  The automatic setting control unit 208 confirms the processing result of the communication parameter automatic setting protocol performed in step S808 (S809). When the automatic setting protocol process is successful and the communication parameter receiving unit 209 can receive the communication parameter, the peripheral access point information stored in the storage unit 103 is discarded (S810), and the process of FIG. To do.

  If the automatic setting protocol processing has failed, the information of the peripheral access points is updated so that the access point that has performed the automatic setting protocol processing in step S808 is the access point that has already undergone the communication parameter automatic setting processing (S811). After the information update, the automatic setting control unit 208 returns to step S801 and searches for an access point again. As described above, at the time when the automatic setting protocol processing of S808 is started, the automatic setting protocol processing ends with an error because the access point or the external provider connected to the access point has not started the automatic setting processing. There is a case. However, after receiving the automatic setting protocol processing message, there is a possibility that the access point starts communication parameter automatic setting processing as the providing device and switches to the active access point. There is also a possibility that the communication parameter automatic setting process in the external providing apparatus is activated by receiving the message of the automatic setting protocol process as a trigger, and the access point is switched to the active access point. Therefore, when the automatic setting protocol processing ends in error, the access point switched to the active access point can be quickly detected by searching for the access point again, and the automatic setting protocol processing can be performed again. When re-searching for an access point, take into account the time when the automatic setting process is started in the external provider and the time for sending the start notification to the access point, etc. It is advisable to perform the search again after a certain period of time.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence between devices in the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, an operation when the communication apparatus 301 receives a communication parameter from the access point A will be described. It is assumed that communication parameters different from those at the time of initialization are set in the access point A. Further, it is assumed that the access point A has not started the communication parameter automatic setting process.

  When the user operates the setting button of the communication device 301, the communication device 301 starts the processing in FIG. First, the communication device 301 transmits a probe request to search for surrounding access points (F901, S801).

  In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication apparatus 301, the access point A returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self apparatus is a set access point is added (F902). Further, the access point B also returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the own device is a set access point is added to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301 (F902).

  The communication apparatus 301 analyzes the received probe response (No in S802, No in S803, S812), and detects the access point A and the access point B that are the set access points (Yes in S805). Since the access point A performs communication using a wireless LAN channel number smaller than that of the access point B, the communication apparatus 301 selects the access point A as an access point for wireless connection (F903).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point A (F904, F905, S807). After wireless connection, the communication apparatus 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point A (F906, S808). At this time, since the access point A has not started the communication parameter automatic setting process as the providing device, the access point A transmits an error notification to the communication device 301 (F907).

  Here, when the user performs an operation for starting automatic setting processing at the access point A (F908), the access point A starts communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device.

  Upon receiving the error notification (No in S809), the communication device 301 updates the peripheral access point information so that the access point A is the access point that has undergone the communication parameter automatic setting process (S811), and returns to S801. Then, the communication apparatus 301 transmits a probe request in order to search again for surrounding access points (F909).

  In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point A returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is an active access point is added (F910). In response to the probe request transmitted from the communication device 301, the access point B returns a probe response to which self information indicating that the self device is a set access point is added (F910).

  The communication device 301 analyzes the received probe response (Yes in S802), and selects the access point A, which is an active access point, as an access point for wireless connection (F911).

  The communication device 301 is wirelessly connected to the access point A (F912, F913, S807). After wireless connection, the communication apparatus 301 transmits a message requesting communication parameters to the access point A (F914, S808). At this point, since the access point A has started communication parameter automatic setting processing as a providing device, the access point A provides the communication parameter to the communication device 301 (F915, Yes in S809).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the access point search is performed every time the communication parameter automatic setting protocol processing ends in error, so that even when the set access point is switched to the active access point, it is immediately detected. can do. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even when the providing apparatus starts the communication parameter automatic setting process later than the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus can promptly receive the communication parameters from the providing apparatus.

  In the search process in step S801, a method (active scan) for searching for an access point by waiting for reception of a probe response to a probe request has been described. Since the access point periodically transmits a beacon signal to which self information is added, the receiving device may use a method (passive scan) of searching for an access point by monitoring the beacon for a certain period of time. Further, an access point may be searched using both active scan and passive scan.

  If a plurality of active access points or set access points are detected in steps S802 and S805, the access point with the smallest wireless LAN channel number for communication is selected. Here, as a method for selecting an access point, the access point having the largest wireless LAN channel number may be selected, or may be selected based on other information. For example, the selection may be made using received signal strength, SSID, BSSID, MAC address of access point, or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the above-described functions are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on an instruction of the program code partially or entirely of the actual processing. To realize the above-described function. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 201 Reception apparatus 202 Communication parameter automatic setting functional block 203 Packet receiving part 204 Packet transmission part 205 Search signal transmission part 206 Search signal reception part 207 Network control part 208 Automatic setting control part 209 Communication parameter reception part 210 Active access point detection part 211 Set access point detector 212 Access point selector

Claims (12)

A communication device,
Request means for requesting communication parameters to other communication devices;
Receiving means for receiving, from the other communication device, a first signal indicating that communication parameter setting processing for the request has failed;
Determining means for determining whether or not the other communication device is transmitting a second signal indicating that communication parameter setting processing is started when the receiving means receives the first signal. When,
Have
In response to the determination result by the determination unit, the request unit requests the communication parameter from the other communication device again.   2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a search unit that searches for the other communication device in response to the reception of the first signal by the reception unit.   The request unit re-requests the other communication apparatus to perform a communication parameter setting process including at least encryption key information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception unit received the first signal. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a communication parameter including at least encryption key information when the other communication apparatus starts communication parameter setting processing as a providing apparatus that provides a communication parameter. 4. The communication device according to any one of items 3.   When the other communication device starts communication parameter setting processing as a providing device that provides communication parameters, or when communication with an external device that has started communication parameter setting processing becomes possible, information on at least the encryption key The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit configured to acquire a communication parameter including:   When the other communication device has not started the communication parameter setting process as a providing device for providing communication parameters, the receiving means indicates that the communication parameter setting process for the request by the request means has failed. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus receives a message from the other communication apparatus. The other communication device is a base station,
The communication device searches for a base station that is starting communication parameter setting processing as a providing device that provides communication parameters, or a base station that can communicate with an external device that is starting communication parameter setting processing. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   8. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the other communication apparatus in conformity with the IEEE802.11 series using the communication parameter acquired from the other communication apparatus. The communication device according to item.   9. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication parameter setting process is a setting process compliant with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).   10. The process according to claim 1, wherein a process for searching for another communication apparatus is performed again in response to a failure of a communication parameter setting process with the other communication apparatus. Communication device. A communication device control method comprising:
A first requesting step for requesting communication parameters from another communication device;
A receiving step of receiving from the other communication device a first signal indicating that communication parameter setting processing for the request has failed;
A determination step of determining whether or not the other communication device is transmitting a second signal indicating that a communication parameter setting process is started when the first signal is received;
A second request step for requesting communication parameters to the other communication device again according to the result of the determination;
A control method characterized by comprising:   A computer program for causing a computer to function as the communication device according to claim 1.

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