JP6398750B2 - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present specification discloses a communication device that can establish a wireless connection with an external device after belonging to an authentication network including an authentication server.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a network including an authentication server and an access point. The multi-function device transmits authentication information to the authentication server via the access point, and causes the authentication server to execute authentication of the multi-function device. The multi-function device can belong to the network when the authentication of the multi-function device is successful in the authentication server.

JP 2011-199458 A JP2013-157941A JP 2006-094004 A

  Patent Document 1 does not consider at all that a multi-function device establishes a wireless connection with an external device after belonging to a network including an authentication server. The present specification provides a technique capable of executing appropriate processing when a wireless connection with an external device is to be established in a state where the communication device belongs to an authentication network including an authentication server.

  A communication device disclosed in the present specification includes a determination unit, a first establishment unit, a first authentication information transmission unit, and a first relay unit. When the first connection request signal is received from the first external device, the determination unit determines whether the communication device belongs to an authentication network including an authentication server. When it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the first establishment unit performs a predetermined process for the communication device to operate as a master station of a wireless network to be formed by the communication device Later, a wireless connection with the first external device is established to form the wireless network in which the communication device operates as a master station and the first external device operates as a slave station, and the communication device belongs to the authentication network. If it is determined that the wireless connection is not made, the wireless connection with the first external device is established without executing the predetermined process. The first authentication information transmitting unit uses the authentication network to receive the first authentication when the first authentication information is received from the first external device in a situation where the communication device belongs to the authentication network. Send information to the authentication server. The first relay unit operates as a specific device belonging to the authentication network and a slave station of the wireless network when the authentication of the first external device using the first authentication information is successful in the authentication server. When the authentication of the first external device using the first authentication information in the authentication server fails, the communication between the first external device and the first external device is performed. Do not relay communication between.

  According to the above configuration, the communication device operates as a master station of the wireless network when receiving the first connection request signal from the first external device while the communication device belongs to the authentication network. After executing the predetermined process, the wireless connection with the first external device is established. Accordingly, the communication device can appropriately form a wireless network in which the communication device operates as a master station and the first external device operates as a slave station. In this way, the communication device executes appropriate processing to operate as a master station of the wireless network when it should establish a wireless connection with the first external device while belonging to the authentication network. Thus, the wireless connection with the first external device can be appropriately established. The communication device further receives the first authentication information from the first external device, and transmits the first authentication information to the authentication server using the authentication network. The communication device can appropriately relay the communication between the specific device and the first external device when the authentication of the first external device is successful.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the communication device are also novel and useful. A communication system including the communication device and at least one device (for example, an authentication server, a first external device, and a second external device) is also new and useful.

1 shows a configuration of a communication system. 2 is a flowchart of first connection processing executed by the printer of the first embodiment. 3 shows a flowchart of authentication processing executed by the printer of the first embodiment. 6 shows a flowchart of a second connection process executed by the printer of the first embodiment. The sequence diagram of case A where authentication of two terminal devices succeeds is shown. FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. 6. The sequence diagram of case B in which the printer does not belong to the enterprise network is shown. 7 is a flowchart of first connection processing executed by the printer of the second embodiment. The sequence diagram of case C where authentication of two terminal devices succeeds is shown.

(First embodiment)
(System configuration: Fig. 1)
FIG. 1 shows an enterprise network that is a LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) constructed in a company. Hereinafter, “network” is referred to as “NW”. The enterprise NW includes a terminal device 90 and an authentication server 100. In the present embodiment, each of the terminal device 90 and the authentication server 100 is connected to the wired cable 4. That is, the enterprise NW is a wired NW. The printer PR can belong to the enterprise NW. Further, the printer PR can establish a wireless connection with each of the plurality of terminal devices 70 and 80.

(Configuration of printer PR)
The printer PR is a peripheral device (that is, a peripheral device such as the terminal devices 70, 80, and 90) that can execute the printing function. The printer PR includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wired interface 20, a wireless interface 22, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface is described as “I / F”.

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the printer PR by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The wired I / F 20 is an I / F for executing wired communication. A wired cable 4 can be connected to the wired I / F 20.

  The wireless I / F 22 is an I / F for executing wireless communication in accordance with a WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method formulated by Wi-Fi Alliance. The printer PR can perform wireless communication via the wireless I / F 22 using the wireless NW when the printer PR belongs to the WFD wireless NW. A WFD wireless NW is formed by a device (hereinafter referred to as a “G / O device”) that operates in a G / O (abbreviation of Group Owner) state. By establishing a wireless connection with each of a plurality of devices, the G / O device can cause each device operating in the client state (hereinafter referred to as a “CL device”) to participate in the wireless NW. On the other hand, the CL device cannot normally establish a wireless connection with another device while maintaining a state where the wireless connection with the G / O device is established. Details of the WFD method are described in “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1” created by Wi-Fi Alliance. Details of the WFD method are also disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0260683, which is cited with reference to this document.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 is a processor that executes various processes according to the program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like. In addition to the program 36, the memory 34 further stores an authentication flag 38 and an intent value IVa. The memory 34 stores the wired profile 40 and the wired IP address 49 when the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW, and the wireless profile 50 and the wireless IP when the printer PR belongs to the wireless NW. Address 59 is stored.

  The authentication flag 38 is a flag indicating whether or not the authentication of the printer PR has been successful in the authentication server 100 (ie, “ON”) or whether the authentication of the printer PR has not been successful (ie, “OFF”). In a state where the wired cable 4 is connected to the wired I / F 20 (that is, a link-up state), the authentication flag 38 can be changed from “OFF” to “ON”. When the wired cable 4 is not connected to the wired I / F 20 (that is, the link down state), the authentication flag 38 is always “OFF”.

  The intent value IVa is a setting value that should be used in the WFD G / O Negotiation. The intent value IVa is determined in advance by the vendor of the printer PR and stored in the memory 34 in advance. G / O Negotiation is a process executed between two devices that should establish a wireless connection. Specifically, in G / O Negotiation, it is determined that a device having a relatively large intent value operates as a G / O device, and a device having a relatively small intent value operates as a CL device. In the following, Negotiation is referred to as “Nego.”

  The wired profile 40 is a profile used in the enterprise NW, and includes an authentication method 42, an encryption method 44, and authentication information 46. In the present embodiment, the authentication method 42 is an authentication method using IEEE (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.1x, for example, WPA (abbreviation of Wi-Fi-Protected Access)- Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise. The encryption method 44 is an encryption method corresponding to an authentication method using IEEE 802.1x, and is, for example, TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). The authentication information 46 is information for executing authentication of the printer PR in the authentication server 100, and includes a user ID 46a and a password 46b. In the modification, the authentication information 46 may include a device certificate.

  The wired IP address 49 is an ID address of the printer PR to be used in the wired NW. For example, the wired IP address 49 may be automatically assigned to the printer PR from an IP address assignment server (not shown) belonging to the wired NW, or may be manually assigned to the printer PR by the user of the printer PR. . The memory 34 stores the wired IP address 49 in association with the I / FID that identifies the wired I / F 20.

  The wireless profile 50 is a profile used in the wireless NW, and includes an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier), an authentication method 54, an encryption method 56, and a password 58. The SSID is an identifier for identifying the wireless NW. The authentication method 54, the encryption method 56, and the password 58 are information used for authentication and encryption in the wireless NW.

  The wireless IP address 59 is an IP address of the printer PR to be used in the wireless NW. The wireless IP address 59 is determined by the G / O device. For example, when the printer PR operates as a G / O device, the wireless IP address 59 is determined by the printer PR. When the terminal device 70 operates as a G / O device, the wireless IP address 59 is determined by the terminal device 70 and assigned from the terminal device 70 to the printer PR. The memory 34 stores the wireless IP address 59 in association with the I / FID that identifies the wireless I / F 22.

(Configuration of terminal devices 70 to 90)
The terminal devices 70 to 90 may be portable devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, notebook PCs, and tablet PCs, and may be stationary devices such as desktop PCs and televisions. Each of the terminal devices 70 and 80 supports the WFD method, like the printer PR.

  The terminal device 70 and the terminal device 80 store an intent value IVx and an intent value IVy, respectively. Each intent value IVx, IVy is determined in advance by the vendor of each terminal device 70, 80 and stored in advance in each terminal device 70, 80. The intent value IVx of the terminal device 70 is larger than the intent value IVa of the printer PR. That is, the terminal device 70 is a device that is more easily determined to operate as a G / O device than the printer PR. On the other hand, the intent value IVy of the terminal device 80 is smaller than the intent value IVa of the printer PR. That is, the terminal device 80 is a device that is less likely to be determined to operate as a G / O device than the printer PR, that is, a device that is easily determined to operate as a CL device.

(Configuration of authentication server 100)
The authentication server 100 is a server for executing device authentication. For example, in order to make the printer PR belong to the enterprise NW, the following operations and processes are executed. The administrator of the enterprise NW registers authentication information 46 for the printer PR in the authentication server 100. Then, the user of the printer PR (which may be the above-mentioned administrator or another person) connects the wired cable 4 to the wired I / F 20, and then uses the authentication method 42 and the encryption method used in the enterprise NW. 44 is input to the printer PR, and authentication information 46 is input to the printer PR. In this case, the printer PR transmits the authentication information 46 to the authentication server 100 via the wired I / F 20 and causes the authentication server 100 to perform authentication of the printer PR. If authentication information that matches the authentication information 46 received from the printer PR is registered in the authentication server 100, the authentication server 100 transmits a success notification indicating that the authentication is successful to the printer PR. In this case, the printer PR changes the authentication flag 38 in the memory 34 from “OFF” to “ON” and belongs to the enterprise NW. On the other hand, if the authentication server 100 does not store authentication information that matches the authentication information 46 received from the printer PR, the authentication server 100 transmits a failure notification indicating that the authentication has failed to the printer PR. In this case, the printer PR maintains the authentication flag 38 in the memory 34 at “OFF”. Note that the same operations and processes as described above are executed to cause the terminal device 90 to belong to the enterprise NW.

(First connection process; FIG. 2)
Next, the contents of the first connection process executed by the CPU 32 of the printer PR will be described with reference to FIG. The first connection process is executed in a situation where the operation state of the printer PR is the device state. Unlike the G / O state and the CL state, the device state is a state where the printer PR does not belong to the wireless NW.

  In S10, the CPU 32 monitors reception of a Probe Request signal from a terminal device (for example, the terminal device 70, the terminal device 80, etc.) via the wireless I / F 22. The Probe Request signal is a signal transmitted from the terminal device when a search operation for searching for a device that is a target for establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device is executed by the user. If the CPU 32 receives a Probe Request signal from the terminal device via the wireless I / F 22 (YES in S10), the process proceeds to S12. In the following, Request is referred to as “Req.”, And the terminal device that has transmitted the Probe Req. Signal in S10 is referred to as “first terminal device”. In addition, since all communication executed between the printer PR and the terminal device described in FIG. 2 and the like is executed via the wireless I / F 22, the description “through the wireless I / F 22” is omitted. To do.

  In S12, the CPU 32 transmits a Probe Response signal including the device name “xxx” of the printer PR to the first terminal device. In the following, Response is referred to as “Res.”

  In S14, the CPU 32 monitors whether a G / O Negotiation Req. Signal including the intent value IVx stored in the first terminal device is received from the first terminal device. The G / O Nego. Req. Signal indicates that the operation of selecting the device name “xxx” of the printer PR as a device that is a target for establishing a wireless connection with the first terminal device in the first terminal device is performed by the user. Is transmitted from the first terminal device. When receiving the G / O Nego. Req. Signal from the first terminal device (YES in S14), the CPU 32 proceeds to S16. On the other hand, when the CPU 32 does not receive the G / O Negotiation Req. Signal from the first terminal device after the probe res. Signal is transmitted in S12 and until a predetermined period elapses, the CPU 32 returns to S10.

  In S16, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW. Specifically, the CPU 32 first determines whether or not the wired I / F 20 is in a link-up state. When the wired cable 4 is not connected to the wired I / F 20, the CPU 32 determines that the wired I / F 20 is not in the link-up state (that is, the link-down state), and as a result, the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW. It is determined that it has not been made (NO in S16). On the other hand, the CPU 32 determines that the wired I / F 20 is in a link-up state when the wired cable 4 is connected to the wired I / F 20. In this case, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the authentication flag 38 in the memory 34 indicates “ON”. When the authentication flag 38 indicates “ON”, the CPU 32 determines that the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW. On the other hand, when the authentication flag 38 indicates “OFF”, the CPU 32 determines that the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW. When determining that the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW (YES in S16), the CPU 32 proceeds to S18, and when determining that the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW (NO in S16), S30. Proceed to

  In S18, the CPU 32 transmits a G / O Nego. Res. Signal not including the intent value IVa of the printer PR to the first terminal device. The G / O Nego. Res. Signal not including the intent value IVa is a response signal to the G / O Nego. Req. Signal received in S14, and the first terminal does not execute G / O Nego. This is a signal for notifying the device.

  In S20, the CPU 32 voluntarily shifts the operation state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state, and forms a wireless NW to which only the printer PR operating as a G / O device belongs. That is, the CPU 32 forms a wireless NW without executing G / O Nego. The CPU 32 further prepares a wireless profile 50 used in the wireless NW, and stores the wireless profile 50 in the memory 34 (see FIG. 1). The wireless profile 50 is prepared as follows, for example. The CPU 32 generates a unique SSID. The CPU 32 generates a password 58 by randomly selecting a character string. The CPU 32 specifies a predetermined authentication method 54 and encryption method 56. Further, the CPU 32 generates a wireless IP address 59 different from the wired IP address 49 and stores the wireless IP address 59 in the memory 34 in association with the I / FID for identifying the wireless I / F 22. As described above, since the printer PR spontaneously shifts to the G / O state, the wireless IP address 59 to be used in the wireless NW can be determined. As a result, the wireless IP address different from the wired IP address 49 can be determined. The address 59 can be determined appropriately.

  In S22, the CPU 32 transmits an Invitation Req. Signal to the first terminal device. The Invitation Req. Signal is a signal for inviting a terminal device to the wireless NW formed in S20.

  In S24, the CPU 32 establishes a wireless connection with the first terminal device. Specifically, the CPU 32 receives an Invitation Res. Signal from the first terminal device. The Invitation Res. Signal is a response signal to the Invitation Req. Signal. Next, the CPU 32 receives an Association Req. Signal from the first terminal device, and transmits an Association Res. Signal to the first terminal device. The Association Req. Signal is a signal for requesting connection, and the Association Res. Signal is a response signal. Next, the CPU 32 executes WSC Exchange and 4-Way Handshake with the first terminal device. WSC Exchange is communication for supplying various information such as a password included in the wireless profile 50 to the first terminal device. 4-Way Handshake is a communication for executing authentication. Further, the CPU 32 generates an IP address different from the wireless IP address 59 and supplies the generated IP address to the first terminal device. Accordingly, an IP address is assigned from the printer PR to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device can execute communication via the wireless NW using the IP address. By executing S24, the CPU 32 can establish a wireless connection with the first terminal device and allow the first terminal device to participate in the wireless NW as a CL device.

  Next, the CPU 32 activates the authenticator mode of the printer PR in S26, and executes authentication processing in S36. The authenticator mode is an operation mode for transmitting an authentication request including authentication information received from the terminal device to the authentication server 100. When S36 ends, the process of FIG. 2 ends.

  Next, processing executed in a situation where the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW (NO in S16) will be described. In S30, the CPU 32 acquires the intent value IVa (see FIG. 1) of the printer PR from the memory 34, and transmits a G / O Nego. Res. Signal including the intent value IVa to the first terminal device. . The G / O Nego. Res. Signal including the intent value IVa is a response signal to the G / O Nego. Req. Signal received in S14, and the first terminal device executes G / O Nego. It is a signal for notifying.

  In S32, the CPU 32 executes G / O Nego. Specifically, the CPU 32 compares the intent value IVa of the printer PR with the intent value of the first terminal device included in the G / O Nego. Req. Signal received in S14, and determines the printer PR. The operation state of PR is shifted from the device state to the G / O state or the CL state. For example, the intent value IVx included in the G / O Nego. Req. Signal received from the terminal device 70 is larger than the intent value IVa of the printer PR (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the CPU 32 determines that the intent value IVa of the printer PR is smaller than the intent value IVx of the terminal device 70, and shifts the operation state of the printer PR to the CL state. Further, for example, the intent value IVy included in the G / O Nego. Req. Signal received from the terminal device 80 is smaller than the intent value IVa of the printer PR (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the CPU 32 determines that the intent value IVa of the printer PR is larger than the intent value IVy of the terminal device 80, and shifts the operation state of the printer PR to the G / O state.

  When the first terminal device receives the G / O Nego. Res. Signal of S30 from the printer PR, the intent value IVa of the printer PR included in the G / O Nego. Res. Signal and the first terminal The device intent value is compared, and a transition is made to the CL state or G / O state.

  In S34, the CPU 32 establishes a wireless connection with the first terminal device. Specifically, the CPU 32 executes an Association Req./Res. Signal, WSC Exchange, and 4-way handshake communication with the first terminal device. The Association Req. Signal is transmitted from the printer PR and the CL device of the first terminal devices. The Association Res. Signal is transmitted from the printer PR and the G / O device among the first terminal devices. Thereby, the CPU 32 establishes a wireless connection with the first terminal device. For example, when a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 is to be established, that is, when the printer PR is to operate as a CL device, the CPU 32 receives the wireless profile 50 from the terminal device 70 and receives the wireless profile 50. Is stored in the memory 34 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the CPU 32 further receives the wireless IP address 59 determined by the terminal device 70 from the terminal device 70 and stores the received wireless IP address 59 in the memory 34. Then, the CPU 32 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 70. As a result, a wireless NW is formed in which the terminal device 70 operates as a G / O device and the printer PR operates as a CL device. When a wireless connection with the terminal device 80 is to be established, that is, when the printer PR is to operate as a G / O device, the CPU 32 prepares the wireless profile 50 by the same method as S20, The wireless profile 50 is stored in the memory 34. In this case, the CPU 32 further generates a wireless IP address 59 and stores the generated wireless IP address 59 in the memory 34. Then, the CPU 32 establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 80. As a result, a wireless NW is formed in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device and the terminal device 80 operates as a CL device.

(Authentication process; Fig. 3)
Next, the contents of the authentication process in S36 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication process is a process for causing the authentication server 100 to execute authentication of the terminal device. In a situation where the authentication process is executed, the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW (see YES in S16 of FIG. 2), and the operation state of the printer PR is the G / O state (see S20 of FIG. 2).

  In S100, the CPU 32 monitors reception of a transmission request from the first terminal device using the wireless NW formed in S24 of FIG. The transmission request is a command for requesting the printer PR to transmit input screen data representing an input screen for inputting authentication information. The transmission request is transmitted from the first terminal device to the printer PR when the user of the first terminal device inputs an authentication execution instruction to the first terminal device. When receiving a transmission request from the first terminal device (YES in S100), the CPU 32 proceeds to S102. On the other hand, as a result that the user of the first terminal device does not input the authentication execution instruction to the first terminal device, the CPU 32 starts the authentication process in FIG. 3 until the predetermined period elapses. When a transmission request is not received from one terminal device (NO in S100), S102 to S110 are skipped, and the process in FIG.

  In S102, the CPU 32 transmits the input screen data to the first terminal device using the wireless NW. As a result, an input screen represented by the input screen data is displayed on the first terminal device, and authentication information (that is, user ID and password) is input to the first terminal device by the user of the first terminal device.

  In S104, the CPU 32 receives the authentication information input by the user of the first terminal device using the wireless NW.

  In S <b> 106, the CPU 32 transmits an authentication request including the authentication information received in S <b> 104 to the authentication server 100 via the wired I / F 20 using the enterprise NW. Thereby, the CPU 32 causes the authentication server 100 to execute authentication of the first terminal device. For example, the administrator of the enterprise NW registers authentication information for the first terminal device in the authentication server 100 in advance. In this case, when the registered authentication information matches the authentication information received from the printer PR, the authentication server 100 transmits a success notification to the printer PR, and is received from the registered authentication information and the printer PR. If the authentication information does not match, a failure notification is transmitted to the printer PR.

  In S108, the CPU 32 determines whether or not to receive a success notification from the authentication server 100 via the wired I / F 20 using the enterprise NW. When receiving a success notification from the authentication server 100 (YES in S108), the CPU 32 proceeds to S110. On the other hand, when receiving a failure notification from the authentication server 100 (NO in S108), the CPU 32 skips S110 and ends the process of FIG.

  In S110, the CPU 32 changes the routing function for the first terminal device from “OFF” to “ON” (that is, sets the routing flag (not shown) for the first terminal device to “ON”). ). The routing function is a function for relaying communication between the terminal device 90 belonging to the enterprise NW and the first terminal device. When the routing function for the first terminal device is “ON”, the CPU 32 relays communication between the terminal device 90 and the first terminal device, and the routing function is “OFF”. Does not relay communication between the terminal device 90 and the first terminal device.

  When the routing function for the first terminal device is “ON”, the following processing for relaying communication may be executed. For example, the CPU 32 receives a file in which the first terminal device is designated as the transmission destination from the terminal device 90 via the wired I / F 20 using the enterprise NW. In this case, the CPU 32 transmits (that is, transfers) the file to the first terminal device via the wireless I / F 22 using the wireless NW. Further, for example, the CPU 32 receives a file in which the terminal device 90 is designated as the transmission destination from the first terminal device via the wireless I / F 22 using the wireless NW. In this case, the CPU 32 transmits (that is, transfers) the file to the terminal device 90 via the wired I / F 20 using the enterprise NW.

(Second connection process; FIG. 4)
Next, the contents of the second connection process executed by the CPU 32 will be described with reference to FIG. The second connection process is executed with the activation of the authenticator mode in S26 of FIG. 2 as a trigger. In the situation where the second connection process is executed, the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW (see YES in S16 of FIG. 2), and the operation state of the printer PR is the G / O state (FIG. 2). (See S20). In S200, the CPU 32 monitors reception of a Probe Req. Signal from the terminal device via the wireless I / F 22. When receiving the Probe Req. Signal from the terminal device via the wireless I / F 22 (YES in S200), the CPU 32 proceeds to S202. Hereinafter, the terminal device that has transmitted the Probe Req. Signal in S200 will be referred to as a “second terminal device”.

  In S202, the CPU 32 transmits a Probe Res. Signal including the SSID included in the wireless profile 50 in the memory 34, that is, the SSID generated in S20 of FIG. 2, to the second terminal device. S204 is the same as the processing in the case where the printer PR operates as a G / O device in S34 of FIG. Thereby, the CPU 32 can establish a wireless connection with the second terminal device and allow the second terminal device to participate in the wireless NW as a CL device.

  In S206, the CPU 32 executes the authentication process of FIG. The authentication process in S206 is as described above except that the target of the authentication process is not the first terminal device but the second terminal device. When the routing function for the second terminal device is changed from “OFF” to “ON” (S110), the CPU 32 relays communication between the terminal device 90 and the second terminal device.

(Specific cases; Figs. 5 to 8)
Next, specific contents of cases A and B realized according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Case A: FIGS. 5 to 7)
In this case, the printer PR, the terminal device 90, and the authentication server 100 belong to the enterprise NW. The operating state of the printer PR is a WFD device state, and no wireless connection is established with any device.

  In T <b> 10, the user performs a search operation on the terminal device 70. In this case, the printer PR receives the Probe Req. Signal from the terminal device 70 at T12 (YES in S10 of FIG. 2), and at T14, sends the Probe Res. Signal including the device name “xxx” of the printer PR to the terminal. It transmits to the apparatus 70 (S12). In addition, when a master station device (that is, a G / O device or an access point) that operates as a master station of the wireless NW exists around the terminal device 70, the terminal device 70 receives the master station from the master station device. A Probe Res. Signal including the SSID that identifies the wireless NW formed by the device is received. When another device device that operates in the WFD device state exists around the terminal device 70, the terminal device 70 sends a probe including the device name of the other device device from the other device device. Receive Res. Signal.

  In T16, the terminal device 70 displays a connection selection screen including the device name “xxx” of the printer PR. The connection selection screen may further include the SSID received from the master station device and / or the device name received from another device device. In T18, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 70 to select the device name “xxx” of the printer PR from the connection selection screen.

  At T20, the printer PR receives the G / O Nego. Req. Signal including the intent value IVx of the terminal device 70 from the terminal device 70 (YES in S14 of FIG. 2). In T22, the printer PR determines that the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW (YES in S16). Then, at T24, the printer PR transmits a G / O Nego. Res. Signal not including the intent value IVa of the printer PR to the terminal device 70 (S18). At T26, the operation state of the printer PR is changed to the device state. Is spontaneously shifted to the G / O state (S20). Accordingly, the printer PR forms a wireless NW to which only the printer PR that operates as a G / O device belongs.

  The printer PR transmits an Invitation Req. Signal to the terminal device 70 at T27 (S22 of FIG. 2), and at T28, the Invitation Res. Signal, the Association Req./Res. Signal, WSC Exchange, and 4-Way. Various signals such as Handshake are communicated with the terminal device 70 to establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 (S24). Accordingly, the printer PR can cause the terminal device 70 to participate in the wireless NW as a CL device. In T30, the printer PR activates the Authenticator mode (S26).

  FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. When the user desires the terminal device 70 to belong to the enterprise NW, the user performs an inquiry operation on the terminal device 70 at T110. In this case, at T112, the terminal device 70 transmits an inquiry signal to the printer PR using the wireless NW. The inquiry signal is a signal for inquiring of the printer PR whether or not the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW.

  When the printer PR receives the inquiry signal from the terminal device 70 using the wireless NW, the printer PR determines that the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW in T113. In this case, in T114, the printer PR transmits a reply signal including affiliation information indicating that the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW to the terminal device 70. Note that the processing of the printer PR at T113 and T114 is realized by the CPU 32 of the printer PR executing processing (not shown) different from that in FIGS.

  In T116, the terminal device 70 displays an authentication selection screen. The authentication selection screen is a screen for the user to select whether or not to authenticate the terminal device 70, and includes an “OK” button and a “Cancel” button. In T118, the user inputs an authentication execution instruction to the terminal device 70 by selecting an “OK” button from the authentication selection screen. If the user selects the “Cancel” button from the authentication selection screen, the authentication execution instruction is not input to the terminal device 70, and as a result, the processing after T120 is not executed. That is, the terminal device 70 cannot belong to the enterprise NW.

  In T120, the printer PR receives a transmission request from the terminal device 70 using the wireless NW (YES in S100 in FIG. 3), and transmits the input screen data to the terminal device 70 using the wireless NW. (S102).

  In T124, the terminal device 70 displays an input screen. At T126, the user inputs authentication information (that is, user ID and password) to the terminal device 70.

  In T128, the printer PR receives the authentication information already input from the terminal device 70 using the wireless NW (S104). In T130, the printer PR uses the enterprise NW to send an authentication request including the authentication information to the authentication server. 100 (S106). As a result, at T131, the authentication server 100 succeeds in authenticating the terminal device 70 using the authentication information.

  The printer PR receives a success notification from the authentication server 100 using the enterprise NW at T132 (YES in S108 in FIG. 3), and at T134, the routing function for the terminal device 70 is changed from “OFF” to “ “ON” (S110). Thereby, the terminal device 70 can belong to the enterprise NW. In other words, the terminal device 70 can belong to the enterprise NW via the printer PR. As a result, the printer PR uses the wireless NW at T136 to receive the file designated as the transmission destination by the terminal device 90 from the terminal device 70, and uses the enterprise NW at T138 to transmit the file. Can be transmitted to the terminal device 90.

  FIG. 7 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. T210 and T212 in FIG. 7 are the same as T10 and T12 in FIG. 5 except that the processing subject or target is the terminal device 80 instead of the terminal device 70. In T214, the printer PR transmits a Probe Res. Signal including the SSID “AAA” of the wireless NW in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device to the terminal device 80 (S202 in FIG. 4).

  In T216, the terminal device 80 displays a connection selection screen including the SSID “AAA” received from the printer PR. In T218, the user selects SSID “AAA” from the connection selection screen.

  In T220, the printer PR performs communication of various signals such as Association Req./Res. Signal, WSC Exchange, and 4-way handshake with the terminal device 80, and establishes a wireless connection with the terminal device 80. (S204 in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the printer PR can cause the terminal device 70 to participate in the wireless NW as a CL device.

  T310 to T332 are the same as T110 to T132 in FIG. 6 except that the processing subject or target is the terminal device 80 instead of the terminal device 70. However, the authentication information for the terminal device 80 input at T326 is usually different from the authentication information for the terminal device 70 input at T126. In T334, the printer PR changes the routing function for the terminal device 80 from “OFF” to “ON” (S110 in FIG. 3). Thus, the terminal device 80 can belong to the enterprise NW via the printer PR. As a result, the printer PR uses the wireless NW at T336 to receive the file designated by the terminal device 90 as the transmission destination from the terminal device 80, and uses the enterprise NW at T338 to transmit the file. Can be transmitted to the terminal device 90.

(Effect of Case A)
A configuration in which a wireless NW in which the printer PR operates as a CL device and the terminal device 70 operates as a G / O device with the printer PR belonging to the enterprise NW is formed (hereinafter referred to as “comparison example configuration”). The following problems may occur. That is, in the configuration of the comparative example, the wireless IP address 59 of the printer PR is determined by the terminal device 70 that is a G / O device. Therefore, a wireless IP address 59 that matches the wired IP address 49 can be assigned from the terminal device 70 to the printer PR. In this case, there is a possibility that the printer PR cannot appropriately execute communication with a device belonging to the enterprise NW or the wireless NW. For example, even if the printer PR receives the request packet from the outside and confirms the transmission destination IP address (that is, the IP address of the printer PR) in the request packet, the request packet is sent from either the I / F 20 or 22 It is not possible to determine whether it has been received. For this reason, the printer PR cannot determine through which of the I / Fs 20 and 22 the response packet should be transmitted when the response packet to the request packet should be transmitted. As a result, the printer PR may not be able to properly transmit the response packet to the request packet transmission source device.

  On the other hand, as shown in case A, the printer PR of this embodiment has executed a process (T26 in FIG. 5) that spontaneously shifts to the G / O state without executing G / O Nego. Later, a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 is established, and the printer PR operates as a G / O device and forms a wireless NW in which the terminal device 70 operates as a CL device (T28). As a result, the printer PR can generate a wireless IP address 49 different from the wired IP address 59, so that the duplication of the two IP addresses 49 and 59 can be suppressed. For this reason, the printer PR can appropriately execute communication with a device belonging to the enterprise NW or the wireless NW.

  In the configuration of the above comparative example, the printer PR that is a CL device cannot further establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 80 while maintaining a state of belonging to the wireless NW. That is, in this case, the printer PR cannot relay communication between the terminal device 90 belonging to the enterprise NW and the terminal device 80. In other words, the printer PR cannot make the terminal device 80 belong to the enterprise NW. On the other hand, according to case A, the printer PR forms a wireless NW in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device and the terminal device 70 operates as a CL device (T28 in FIG. 5). For this reason, after forming the wireless NW, the printer PR can further establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 80 and allow the terminal device 80 to participate in the wireless NW as a CL device (T220 in FIG. 7). As a result, the printer PR can relay communication between the terminal device 90 and the terminal device 70 (T136 and T138 in FIG. 6), and also relay communication between the terminal device 90 and the terminal device 80. (T336, T338 in FIG. 7). In this way, the printer PR executes the process of spontaneously shifting to the G / O state, so that a plurality of terminal devices 70 and 80 can belong to the enterprise NW. For this reason, the printer PR can appropriately relay communication between the terminal device 90 and the plurality of terminal devices 70 and 80.

(Case B; Fig. 8)
In this case, the terminal device 90 and the authentication server 100 belong to the enterprise NW, and the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW. The operation state of the printer PR is a device state, and no wireless connection is established with any device. T410 to T420 are the same as T10 to T20 in FIG.

  The printer PR determines that the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW at T422 (NO at S16 in FIG. 2), and at T424, outputs a G / O Nego. Res. Signal including the intent value IVa of the printer PR. It transmits to the terminal device 70 (S30). In T425, the printer PR executes G / O Nego., Determines that the intent value IVa of the printer PR is smaller than the intent value IVx of the terminal device 70, and changes the operation state of the printer PR from the device state. Shift to the CL state (S32). In T426, the terminal device 70 executes G / O Nego., Determines that the intent value IVx of the terminal device 70 is larger than the intent value IVa of the printer PR, and shifts to the G / O state. .

  In T428, the printer PR executes communication of various signals with the terminal device 70 to establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 (S34 in FIG. 2). As a result, a wireless NW is formed in which the terminal device 70 operates as a G / O device and the printer PR operates as a CL device. As a result, in T430, the printer PR can receive the image data from the terminal device 70 using the wireless NW. In T432, the printer PR can print an image represented by the image data.

(Effect of Case B)
The processing load of the G / O device is usually higher than the processing load of the CL device. For example, the G / O device needs to periodically transmit a beacon signal toward the CL device. The intent values IVa and IVx of the printer PR and the terminal device 70 are determined in advance by the vendor of each device according to the specifications (that is, processing capability) of each device. For example, since the terminal device 70 is a device having a relatively high specification, a relatively large intent value IVx is set, and since the printer PR is a device having a relatively low specification, a relatively small intent value is set. A tent value IVa is set. In Case B, when the printer PR determines that the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW (T422), the printer PR executes G / O Nego. That compares the intent values IVa and IVx, and The operating state is shifted to the CL state (T425). As described above, when the printer PR does not belong to the enterprise NW, the printer PR executes G / O Nego. Without executing the process of spontaneously shifting to the G / O state, and Establish a wireless connection. For this reason, the printer PR can operate in an appropriate state (that is, CL state) according to the specifications of the printer PR and the terminal device 70 and belong to the wireless NW. In case B, if the printer PR receives the G / O Nego. Req. Signal from the terminal device 80, the printer PR is in an appropriate state (that is, according to the specifications of the printer PR and the terminal device 80). G / O state) and can belong to the wireless NW.

(Correspondence)
The printer PR and the terminal device 90 are examples of “communication device” and “specific device”, respectively. The enterprise NW is an example of an “authentication network”. 5 to 8, the terminal device 70 and the terminal device 80 are examples of “first external device” and “second external device”, respectively. The G / O device and the CL device are examples of “master station” and “slave station”, respectively. The wired I / F 20 and the wireless I / F 22 are examples of “first interface” and “second interface”, respectively.

  The processes in S20 and S32 in FIG. 2 are examples of “predetermined process” and “operation determination process”, respectively. The G / O Nego. Req. Signal at T20 in FIG. 5 (or T420 in FIG. 8), the Probe Req. Signal at T212 in FIG. 7, and the Invitation Req. Signal at T27 in FIG. It is an example of “signal”, “second connection request signal”, and “invitation signal”. The G / O Nego. Res. Signal at T424 in FIG. 8 is an example of the “first response signal”. The intent value IVa and the intent value IVx are examples of “first set value” and “predetermined set value”, respectively. The instruction input at T118 in FIG. 6 and the authentication flag 38 indicating “ON” are examples of “authentication execution instruction” and “success information”, respectively. The authentication information input at T126 in FIG. 6 and the authentication information input at T326 in FIG. 7 are examples of “first authentication information” and “second authentication information”, respectively.

(Second embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the first connection process of FIG. 9 is executed instead of the first connection process of FIG. More specifically, the printer PR replaces the operation state of the printer PR with the G / O state spontaneously (S20 in FIG. 2), and uses an intent value different from the intent value IVa of the printer PR. Utilizing this, processing for shifting the operation state of the printer PR to the G / O state is executed. Hereinafter, the intent value IVa of the printer PR stored in advance in the memory 34 of the printer PR is referred to as an “initial intent value”.

(First connection process; FIG. 9)
S310 to 316 are the same as S10 to 16 in FIG. In S317, the CPU 32 specifies an intent value IVb that is different from the intent value IVa (that is, the initial intent value) of the printer PR. The intent value IVb is a maximum value (for example, “15”) in a range of intent values (for example, “0” to “15”) that can be used in the WFD method.

  In S318, the CPU 32 transmits a G / O Nego. Res. Signal including the specified intent value IVb to the first terminal device.

  In S320, the CPU 32 executes G / O Nego. Specifically, the CPU 32 compares the specified intent value IVb with the intent value of the first terminal device included in the G / O Nego. Req. Signal received in S314. Since the intent value IVb is the maximum value, the CPU 32 determines that the intent value IVb is larger than the intent value of the first terminal device, and shifts the operation state of the printer PR to the G / O state.

  When the first terminal device receives the S / 318 G / O Nego. Res. Signal from the printer PR, the printer PR in which the intent value of the first terminal device is included in the G / O Nego. Res. Signal. Is determined to be smaller than the intent value IVb, and shifts to the CL state.

  In S324, the CPU 32 executes communication of various signals with the first terminal device to establish a wireless connection with the first terminal device. As a result, a wireless NW is formed in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device and the first terminal device operates as a CL device. S326 to S336 are the same as S26 to S36 of FIG.

(Case C; FIG. 10)
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the contents of case C realized according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described. The initial state of this case is the same as the initial state of case A in FIG. T710 to T722 are the same as T10 to T22 of FIG. The printer PR specifies the maximum intent value IVb in T723 (S317 in FIG. 9), and sends a G / O Nego. Res. Signal including the specified intent value IVb to the terminal device 70 in T724. Transmit (S318). In T726, the printer PR determines that the intent value IVb of the printer PR is larger than the intent value IVx of the terminal device 70, and shifts the operation state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state (S320). In T727, the terminal device 70 determines that the intent value IVx of the terminal device 70 is smaller than the intent value IVb of the printer PR, and shifts to the CL state.

  At T728, the printer PR executes various signal communications with the terminal device 70 to establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 (S324 in FIG. 9). As a result, a wireless NW is formed in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device and the terminal device 70 operates as a CL device. T730 is the same as T30 in FIG. Further, following FIG. 10, the processes of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be executed.

(Effect of this embodiment)
According to this embodiment, the printer PR determines the maximum intent value IVb different from the initial intent value IVa when determining that the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW (S317 in FIG. 9). After executing T723 in FIG. 10, a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 is established, and a wireless NW in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device and the terminal device 70 operates as a CL device is formed (FIG. 9). S324, T728 of FIG. 10). For this reason, as in the first embodiment, the printer PR can generate a wireless IP address 49 that does not match the wired IP address 59, and therefore, the duplication of the two IP addresses 49 and 59 of the printer PR is suppressed. can do. For this reason, the printer PR can appropriately execute communication with a device belonging to the enterprise NW or the wireless NW. Further, after forming the wireless NW, the printer PR can further establish a wireless connection with the terminal device 80 and allow the terminal device 80 to participate in the wireless NW as a CL device (see FIG. 7). As described above, since the printer PR executes the process using the maximum intent value IVb, a plurality of terminal devices 70 and 80 can belong to the enterprise NW. For this reason, the printer PR can appropriately relay communication between the terminal device 90 and the plurality of terminal devices 70 and 80. In this embodiment, the initial intent value IVa, the maximum intent value IVb, and the G / O Nego. Res. Signal at T724 in FIG. 10 are respectively “first set value” and “second set value”. It is an example of “value” and “second response signal”.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) The printer PR may include a wireless I / F different from the wireless I / F 22. In this case, the printer PR may establish a wireless connection with an access point using the different wireless I / F and belong to an enterprise NW that is a wireless network including the access point and an authentication server. Thereafter, the printer PR may establish a wireless connection with each terminal device 70 and 80. In this modification, in a situation where the printer PR belongs to the enterprise NW, the wireless IP address of the printer PR to be used in the enterprise NW (hereinafter referred to as “first wireless IP address”) is assigned to the printer PR. Assigned. The printer PR operates as a G / O device when establishing a wireless connection with the terminal device 70 to form a new wireless NW, so that the second wireless device different from the first wireless IP address is used. An IP address can be determined. That is, the printer PR can appropriately determine the second wireless IP address different from the first wireless IP address as the wireless IP address of the printer PR to be used in the new wireless NW. Generally speaking, the “authentication network” may be a wired network or a wireless network. In this modification, in S16 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 links the wireless I / F for executing communication using the authentication network when the printer PR has already established the wireless connection with the access point. Judge that it is up.

(Modification 2) In each of the above embodiments, the printer PR, which is a G / O device, can establish a wireless connection with two or more terminal devices (that is, two or more CL devices). It may be possible to establish a wireless connection with only the terminal device (that is, only one CL device).

(Modification 3) In each of the above embodiments, the CPU 32 receives the authentication information from the terminal device using the wireless NW after the wireless connection with the terminal device is established (S104 in FIG. 3). Alternatively, the CPU 32 may receive authentication information from the terminal device before the wireless connection with the terminal device is established. For example, the CPU 32 may receive the authentication information from the terminal device by performing wireless communication in the data link layer of the OSI reference model before the wireless connection with the terminal device is established. That is, the “first authentication information” (or “second authentication information”) is stored in the first external device before the wireless connection with the first external device (or the second external device) is established. (Or a second external device).

(Modification 4) In the first embodiment, the CPU 32 transmits the Invitation Req. Signal to the terminal device (S22 in FIG. 2), receives the Invitation Res. Signal from the terminal device (S24), and Various communications for establishing the wireless connection are executed (S24). Instead of this, the CPU 32 may not transmit the Invitation Req. Signal to the terminal device. Then, similarly to S200 of FIG. 4, the CPU 32 waits until the Probe Req. Signal is received again from the terminal device, and executes the processes of S202 and S204 when receiving the Probe Req. Signal again from the terminal device. Then, a wireless connection with the terminal device may be established. That is, the “first establishment unit” does not have to send an invitation signal.

(Modification 5) In the second embodiment, the CPU 32 specifies the maximum intent value IVb in S317 of FIG. Instead, the CPU 32 may specify a value larger by a predetermined value (for example, “1”) than the intent value of the terminal device included in the G / O Nego. Req. Signal in S314. Also in this modification, in S320, the CPU 32 can appropriately shift the operation state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state. In this modification, a value that is larger than the intent value of the terminal device by a predetermined value is an example of the “second set value”.

(Modification 6) In each of the above embodiments, the CPU 32 transmits the input screen data to the terminal device in S102 of FIG. 3, and receives the authentication information input on the input screen from the terminal device in S104. Instead, the input screen data may be stored in advance in the terminal device. In this case, the CPU 32 may receive the authentication information from the terminal device without transmitting the input screen data to the terminal device. That is, the “input screen data transmission unit” can be omitted.

(Modification 7) In the first embodiment, the CPU 32 spontaneously shifts the operation state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O device to form a WFD wireless network (FIG. 2). S24). Alternatively, the CPU 32 may form a wireless network in which the printer PR operates as an access point (that is, an example of “parent station”) by activating so-called SoftAP. Thereafter, the CPU 32 may establish a wireless connection with the terminal device and allow the terminal device to participate in the wireless network as a slave station. In the present modification, the process of starting SoftAP is an example of “predetermined process”.

(Modification 8) The “communication device” is not limited to the printer PR, and may be, for example, a scanner, a multi-function device, a PC, a server, a mobile terminal (a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, or the like). That is, the “communication device” includes any device that can belong to the authentication network and can establish a wireless connection with another device.

(Modification 9) In each of the above embodiments, the CPU 32 of the printer PR executes the program (that is, software), thereby realizing the processes shown in FIGS. Instead, at least one of the processes in FIGS. 2 to 9 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  4: wired cable, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 20: wired interface, 22: wireless interface, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 36: program, 38: Authentication flag, 40: Wired profile, 42, 54: Authentication method, 44, 56: Encryption method, 46: Authentication information, 46a: User ID, 46b: Password, 49: Wired IP address, 50: Wireless profile, 59: Wireless IP address, 58: Password, 70, 80, 90: Terminal device, 100: Authentication server, IVa, IVb, IVx, IVy: Intent value, PR: Printer

Claims (12)

Communication equipment ,
Affiliation to have that if the authentication network to which the communication device comprises an authentication server, after the communication device and executes predetermined processing for operating as a master station of the wireless network to be formed by the communication device, the Establishing a wireless connection with one external device, forming the wireless network in which the communication device operates as the master station and the first external device operates as a slave station, and the communication device is connected to the authentication network to have field if a not belong to, without executing the predetermined processing, a first establishment unit that establishes a wireless connection with the first external device,
When the first authentication information is received from the first external device in a situation where the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the authentication network is used to convert the first authentication information to the authentication A first authentication information transmission unit to be transmitted to the server;
In the authentication server, when authentication of the first external device using the first authentication information succeeds, the authentication server operates as a specific device belonging to the authentication network and the slave station of the wireless network. When the communication between the first external device is relayed and the authentication of the first external device using the first authentication information fails in the authentication server, the specific device and the first external device A first relay unit that does not relay communication with one external device. The communication device further includes:
A determination unit that determines whether the communication device belongs to the authentication network when the first connection request signal is received from the first external device;
The first establishment unit
If it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, after executing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, a wireless connection with the first external device is established without executing the predetermined process. . The communication device further includes:
In a situation where the communication device belongs to the authentication network, and the wireless network in which the communication device operates as the master station and the first external device operates as the slave station is formed, When a second connection request signal is received from a second external device that is different from the first external device, a wireless connection with the second external device is established, and the second external device is A second establishing unit for joining the wireless network as the slave station;
When the second authentication information is received from the second external device in a situation where the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the authentication network is used to convert the second authentication information to the authentication A second authentication information transmitter for transmitting to the server;
In the authentication server, when the authentication of the second external device using the second authentication information is successful, the specific device belonging to the authentication network and the slave station of the wireless network operate. Relaying communication between the second external device and the authentication server when the authentication of the second external device using the second authentication information fails in the authentication server. and a second relay unit does not relay the communication between the second external device, the communication device according to claim 1 or 2. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first authentication information is received from the first external device via the wireless network after the wireless network is formed. . The predetermined process executed when it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the operation state of the communication device is voluntarily changed from a state different from the master station state and the slave station state. Transition to a master station state, including processing to form the wireless network to which only the communication device operating as the master station belongs,
The first establishing unit, after the non Sen'ne Ttowaku only the communication device operating as the master station belongs is formed, to establish the wireless connection between the first external device, The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the first external device is allowed to participate in the wireless network as the slave station. The first establishing unit, wherein only the communication device operating as a master station belongs after no Sen'ne Ttowaku is formed, said invitation signal for inviting the wireless network the first external The communication device according to claim 5 , wherein the communication device is transmitted to a device to establish the wireless connection with the first external device. The communication device further includes:
A determination unit that determines whether the communication device belongs to the authentication network when the first connection request signal is received from the first external device;
The first establishment unit
If it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, after executing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
If it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, without performing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
The first connection request signal includes a predetermined setting value stored in advance in the first external device,
The communication device further includes:
A memory that stores in advance a first setting value to be used in an operation determination process for determining whether the communication device should operate as the master station or the slave station;
When it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, the first response signal to the first connection request signal is the first response signal including the first set value in the memory. A first response transmitter that transmits one response signal to the first external device;
When it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, the first setting value in the memory is compared with the predetermined setting value in the first connection request signal. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a first operation determination process execution unit that executes the operation determination process. The communication device further includes:
A determination unit that determines whether the communication device belongs to the authentication network when the first connection request signal is received from the first external device;
The first establishment unit
If it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, after executing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
If it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, without performing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
The first connection request signal includes a predetermined setting value stored in advance in the first external device,
The communication device further includes:
A memory that stores in advance a first setting value to be used in an operation determination process for determining whether the communication device should operate as the master station or the slave station;
When it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, the first response signal to the first connection request signal is the first response signal including the first set value in the memory. A first response transmitter that transmits one response signal to the first external device;
When it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, the first setting value in the memory is compared with the predetermined setting value in the first connection request signal. A first action determination process execution unit that executes the action determination process,
The predetermined process executed when it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network is a second setting value different from the first setting value, and the first connection request Including the process of specifying the second setting value that is more easily determined that the communication device should operate as the master station than the predetermined setting value in the signal,
The communication device further includes:
When it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the second response signal is a second response signal to the first connection request signal, and includes the specified second setting value. A second response transmitter for transmitting the response signal to the first external device;
When it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the specified second setting value is compared with the predetermined setting value in the first connection request signal. The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: a second operation determination process execution unit that executes the operation determination process for determining that the communication device should operate as the master station. machine. The communication device further includes:
An input screen data transmitting unit configured to transmit input screen data representing an input screen for inputting authentication information to the first external device using the wireless network in a state where the wireless network is formed; The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the first authentication information is authentication information input to the input screen by a user of the first external device. The first authentication information is:
Received from the first external device when an authentication execution instruction is input to the first external device by a user of the first external device;
If the authentication execution instruction is not input to the first external device by said user, said first not received from the external device, the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The communication device further includes:
A determination unit that determines whether the communication device belongs to the authentication network when the first connection request signal is received from the first external device;
The first establishment unit
If it is determined that the communication device belongs to the authentication network, after executing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
If it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, without performing the predetermined process, establish a wireless connection with the first external device,
The communication device further includes:
A first interface;
A second interface different from the first interface;
The first connection request signal is received from the first external device via the second interface;
The determination unit
When the first interface is linked up and success information indicating that the authentication of the communication device in the authentication server has been successful is stored in the memory of the communication device, the communication device Is belonging to the authentication network,
When the first interface is not linked up, it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network;
If the success information is not stored in the memory, it is determined that the communication device does not belong to the authentication network, the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A computer program for a communication device,
In the computer mounted on the communication device, the following processes, that is ,
Affiliation to have that if the authentication network to which the communication device comprises an authentication server, after the communication device and executes predetermined processing for operating as a master station of the wireless network to be formed by the communication device, the Establishing a wireless connection with one external device, forming the wireless network in which the communication device operates as the master station and the first external device operates as a slave station, and the communication device is connected to the authentication network to have field if a not belong to, without executing the predetermined processing, a first establishment process for establishing wireless connection with the first external device,
When the first authentication information is received from the first external device in a situation where the communication device belongs to the authentication network, the authentication network is used to convert the first authentication information to the authentication A first authentication information transmission process to be transmitted to the server;
In the authentication server, when authentication of the first external device using the first authentication information succeeds, the authentication server operates as a specific device belonging to the authentication network and the slave station of the wireless network. When the communication between the first external device is relayed and the authentication of the first external device using the first authentication information fails in the authentication server, the specific device and the first external device A first relay process that does not relay communication with one external device;
A computer program that executes

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