JP6961989B2 - Information processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a step in which a power is turned on to a wireless communication device, and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) of a wireless LAN communication standard without receiving an external command in response to the power on. ), A technique of a wireless communication method including a step of initiating a PBC (Push Button Configuration) operation is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-278536

In some cases, wireless communication is performed in the own device to control the operation of the radio in the own device. In such a case, if there is another device having a wireless communication function around the own device, the radio in the own device establishes a wireless connection with the other device, and the radio in the own device You may lose control of the operation.
An object of the present invention is to compare a radio device in the own device with another device as compared with a configuration in which a process of establishing a wireless connection is performed without considering other devices existing within a predetermined range from the own device. The purpose is to reduce the possibility of establishing a wireless connection between them.

The invention according to claim 1 relates to an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier for identifying a wireless communication connection destination from another device within a predetermined range from the own device, and a radio device in the own device. When the notification means for notifying an identifier different from the identifier acquired by the acquisition means and another device executing the wireless connection establishment process do not exist within the range, the wireless device starts the establishment process. The notification is provided with a connection establishment means for establishing a wireless connection with the radio by controlling the above, and a setting means for setting an identifier different from the identifier acquired by the acquisition means as an identifier of the connection establishment means. The means is an information processing device that notifies the radio of the identifier set by the setting means.
The invention according to claim 2 further includes a control means for controlling the operation of the own device, and the control means is provided by wireless communication after a wireless connection between the connection establishment means and the radio is established. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation of the radio is controlled.
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the notification means notifies the radio device of an identifier when another device performing a wireless connection establishment process does not exist within the range. The information processing device according to claim 1.
Invention, the notification unit according to claim 4, further, after the radio has begun the process of establishing a wireless connection, according to claim 3, wherein the notifying the identifier to the radio equipment Information processing device.
The invention according to claim 5 comprises a function of acquiring an identifier for identifying a wireless communication connection destination from another device within a predetermined range from the information processing device in a computer included in the information processing device. The wireless device has a function of notifying the wireless device in the information processing device of an identifier different from the acquired identifier, and when there is no other device in the range that is executing the process of establishing a wireless connection. A function of controlling to start the establishment process and establishing a wireless connection with the wireless device, and a function of setting an identifier notified to the wireless device as an identifier for establishing the connection. It is a program to realize.

According to the invention of claim 1, the radio device in the own device is compared with the configuration in which the process of establishing the wireless connection is performed without considering other devices existing within a predetermined range from the own device. The possibility of establishing a wireless connection with another device can be reduced.
According to the invention of claim 2, the operation of the radio device in the own device can be controlled by wireless communication.
According to the invention of claim 3 , as compared with the configuration in which the identifier is notified to the radio in the own device without considering other devices existing within a predetermined range from the own device, the inside of the own device is used. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the radio establishes a wireless connection with another device.
According to the invention of claim 4 , the radio device in the own device is another device as compared with the configuration in which the radio device in the own device notifies the identifier regardless of whether or not the wireless connection establishment process is started. It is possible to reduce the possibility of establishing a wireless connection with.
According to the invention of claim 5 , the radio device in the own device is compared with the configuration in which the process of establishing the wireless connection is performed without considering other devices existing within a predetermined range from the own device. A function that reduces the possibility of establishing a wireless connection with another device can be realized by a computer.

(A) and (b) are diagrams for explaining an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which showed the functional structure example of the access point which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the procedure of the process which an access point establishes a wireless connection with a wireless device. (A) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a specific example of a process in which an access point establishes a wireless connection with a wireless device. (C) and (d) are diagrams for explaining a specific example of a process in which an access point establishes a wireless connection with a wireless device. It is a figure which shows an example of the SSID of another access point acquired by the peripheral AP monitoring unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overall configuration of image processing system>
First, the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image processing device 100A and an image processing device 100B. In the image processing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the image processing device 100A and the image processing device 100B are shown, but when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are referred to as the image processing device 100. And.

The image processing device 100A and the image processing device 100B are so-called multifunction devices having various image processing functions such as an image reading function (scan function), a print function (print function), a copy function (copy function), and a facsimile function. It is a machine. Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the image processing device 100A includes a control unit 110A and an access point (AP) 120A.

Further, the image processing device 100A is provided with a radio device 130A, which is a component for which a wireless connection is made with the access point 120A. Examples of the radio 130A include an authentication module that authenticates a user, a storage module that stores data, and the like. Similarly, the image processing device 100B includes a control unit 110B, an access point 120B, and a radio 130B.

Then, in the image processing device 100A, the wireless connection is made between the access point 120A and the wireless device 130A, so that the control unit 110A controls the operation of the wireless device 130A by wireless communication via the access point 120A. .. Similarly, in the image processing device 100B, the wireless connection is made between the access point 120B and the wireless device 130B, so that the control unit 110B controls the operation of the wireless device 130B by wireless communication via the access point 120B. ..

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, when a wireless connection is erroneously made between the wireless device 130A of the image processing device 100A and the access point 120B of the image processing device 100B, image processing is performed. The control unit 110A of the device 100A does not control the radio 130A. Therefore, in the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment, the wireless device in the own device makes a wireless connection with the access point in the own device, and does not make a wireless connection with another access point. To control. Hereinafter, the image processing device 100 and the like for realizing such control will be described.

Although only two image processing devices 100 are shown in the image processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, three or more image processing devices 100 may be provided. Further, in the present embodiment, the image processing device 100 is used as an example of the information processing device.

<Hardware configuration of image processing device>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 110, an access point 120, a radio 130, a FAX communication unit 140, an image reading unit 150, and an image forming unit 160. It includes an operation panel 170, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 180, and a wired communication interface (hereinafter, referred to as "wired communication I / F") 190.

The control unit 110 controls the operation of each unit of the image processing device 100. The control unit 110 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110b, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110c.
The CPU 110a realizes each function in the image processing device 100 by loading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 110c or the like in the RAM 110b. The RAM 110b is a memory (storage unit) used as a working memory or the like of the CPU 110a. The ROM 110c is a memory (storage unit) that stores various programs and the like executed by the CPU 110a. In the present embodiment, the control unit 110 is used as an example of the control means for controlling the operation of the own device.

The access point 120 is a type of wireless device having a wireless communication function, and connects a device (component) having a wireless communication function to another network (for example, a wired network) or a device having a wireless communication function (for example, a wired network). It is used to connect components) to each other. More specifically, the access point 120 has an antenna for performing wireless communication, and establishes a wireless connection with a device (component) having a wireless communication function. Then, the access point 120 transmits / receives various data by wireless communication or wired communication, and relays the exchange of various data between the devices.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the access point 120 makes a wireless connection with the wireless device 130. By making a wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the wireless device 130 by wireless communication via the access point 120.

The process of establishing a wireless connection is performed based on, for example, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Set®), which is a standard established by Wi-Fi Alliance. In the following, it will be described that WPS is used for the process of establishing a wireless connection. However, in the present embodiment, the standard used for the process of establishing a wireless connection is not limited to WPS. For example, AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System (registered trademark)) or the like may be used.
In the present embodiment, the access point 120 is used as an example of the first radio.

The radio 130 is, for example, an authentication module that authenticates a user when performing image processing (image reading by the image reading unit 150, etc.), and a storage module that stores data related to image processing. Here, the radio 130 has an antenna for performing wireless communication, and as described above, establishes a wireless connection with the access point 120. Then, the radio 130 transmits and receives various data to and from other components such as the control unit 110 via the access point 120.

In the present embodiment, the radio 130 is used as an example of the radio in the own device. Further, the radio 130 is used as an example of the second radio. Further, the radio 130 is used as an example of a radio used when performing image processing.

The FAX communication unit 140 is, for example, a FAX modem. The FAX communication unit 140 is connected to a public telephone line (not shown), and functions as an interface for the image processing device 100 to perform FAX communication with another device via the public telephone line.

The image reading unit 150 reads an image formed on a recording material such as paper set on a platen and generates image data indicating the read image. Here, the image reading unit 150 is, for example, a scanner, and a CCD method in which the reflected light with respect to the light radiated from the light source to the document is reduced by a lens and received by a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices), or the LED light source irradiates the document in order. It is preferable to use a CCD (Contact Image Sensor) that receives the reflected light with respect to the light.

The image forming unit 160 is a printing mechanism that forms an image on a recording material such as paper. Here, the image forming unit 160 is, for example, a printer, and forms an image by an electrophotographic method in which toner attached to a photoconductor is transferred to a recording material to form an image or by ejecting ink onto the recording material. It is preferable to use an inkjet method.

The operation panel 170 displays various information and accepts operations from the user. The operation panel 170 is composed of a display panel composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, a touch panel arranged on the display panel to detect a position touched by the user, a physical key pressed by the user, or the like. Then, the operation panel 170 displays various screens such as the operation screen of the image processing device 100 on the display panel, and accepts operations from the user by the touch panel and physical keys.

The HDD 180 is a storage unit that stores various types of data. The HDD 180 stores, for example, image data generated by reading the image of the image reading unit 150, image data received from the outside by the wired communication I / F 190, and the like.

The wired communication I / F 190 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various data by wired communication with other devices via a network (not shown).

Then, in the image processing device 100, under the control of the control unit 110, the scanning function is realized by the image reading unit 150, the printing function is realized by the image forming unit 160, and the image reading unit 150 and the image forming unit 160 copy. The function is realized, and the facsimile function is realized by the image reading unit 150, the image forming unit 160, and the wired communication I / F 190. In the present embodiment, the control unit 110, the image reading unit 150, the image forming unit 160, and the wired communication I / F 190 are used as an example of the image processing means for performing image processing.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, only one wireless device 130 is shown as a component for which wireless connection is made with the access point 120, but in the present embodiment, two or more wireless devices 130 are shown. May be provided. Further, the wireless device 130 is not limited to the authentication module and the storage module, and may be any component as long as it is wirelessly connected to the access point 120. For example, as the radio 130, a processor module equipped with a CPU may be used.

<Functional configuration of access point>
Next, the functional configuration of the access point 120 included in the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the access point 120 according to the present embodiment.

The access point 120 according to the present embodiment has access to a module detection unit 121 that detects that the radio 130 is attached, a peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 that monitors access points existing around the image processing device 100, and an access point 120. It includes an SSID setting unit 123 that sets the SSID of the point 120, and a wireless connection control unit 124 that controls the wireless connection at the access point 120.

The module detection unit 121 detects that the radio unit 130 is attached to the image processing device 100. More specifically, the module detection unit 121 detects that the switch provided in the insertion mechanism unit (not shown) into which the radio unit 130 is inserted is pressed, so that the radio unit 130 performs image processing. It detects that it is attached to the device 100. Further, the module detection unit 121 communicates with the insertion mechanism unit into which the radio unit 130 is inserted by, for example, short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), so that the radio unit 130 is connected to the image processing device 100. It may be detected that it is attached.

The peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 monitors (detects) access points existing around the image processing device 100. Here, the access point to be monitored is an access point that exists within the range where the radio wave reaches the image processing device 100, in other words, the access point that exists within the range where the beacon signal reaches the image processing device 100. That is, it is an access point that exists within a range in which wireless communication with the image processing device 100 is possible. In the present embodiment, the range in which the radio wave (beacon signal) reaches the image processing device 100 and the range in which wireless communication with the image processing device 100 is possible are used as an example of a predetermined range from the own device.

Here, the beacon signal is a radio signal emitted by the access point to notify its existence, and is transmitted from each access point, for example, periodically (for example, every 100 milliseconds). The access point to be monitored by the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 is not limited to the access point 120 mounted on the other image processing device 100, and is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) having an access point function (not shown). ) And wireless router (not shown).
In the following, an access point that exists outside the image processing device 100 and is different from the access point 120 may be referred to as an “other access point”.

More specifically, when the radio device 130 is attached to the image processing device 100, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 determines the execution status of the wireless communication connection process for other access points existing around the image processing device 100. That is, the WPS execution status is monitored. Then, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 determines whether or not there is another access point that is executing the process of establishing the wireless connection, in other words, whether or not there is another access point that is executing WPS. The WPS execution status is monitored based on, for example, a beacon signal transmitted from another access point, a response signal to a packet spontaneously transmitted from the image processing device 100 (response signal from another access point), and the like. It is said.

Further, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 acquires an SSID (Service Set Identifier) from another access point existing around the image processing device 100. The SSID is an identifier for identifying an access point, in other words, an identifier for identifying a wireless communication connection destination. For example, when the SSID is included in the beacon signal, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 acquires the SSID of the other access point by receiving the beacon signal from the other access point. Further, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 may acquire the SSID from another access point as a response signal to the packet transmitted spontaneously, for example.

The SSID setting unit 123 sets the SSID of the access point 120. Here, the SSID setting unit 123 sets a value (data) different from the SSID of the other access point acquired by the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 as the SSID of the access point 120. That is, the SSID setting unit 123 sets a unique value different from the SSID of the other access point as the SSID of the access point 120.

In addition, if there is an SSID that has already been set as the SSID of the access point 120, the SSID setting unit 123 changes the SSID of the access point 120 from the already set SSID to a SSID different from the SSID of the other access point. change. Here, if the SSID of the access point 120 that has already been set is different from the SSID of the acquired other access point, the set SSID may be used as it is without being changed.

The wireless connection control unit 124 controls the wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130. Here, the wireless connection control unit 124 starts the process of establishing the wireless connection when it is determined by the monitoring of the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 that there is no other access point that is executing the process of establishing the wireless connection. The radio 130 is controlled so as to do so. In other words, the wireless connection control unit 124 controls the wireless device 130 to start WPS when it is determined that there is no other access point during WPS execution. Further, the wireless connection control unit 124 also controls the access point 120 so as to start WPS.

Further, the wireless connection control unit 124 controls the wireless device 130 so as to start the process of establishing the wireless connection, and then notifies the wireless device 130 of the SSID of the access point 120 set by the SSID setting unit 123. do. In addition, when the SSID of the access point 120 is notified, the radio 130 performs a process of establishing a wireless connection with the access point 120 using the notified SSID. Then, the wireless connection control unit 124 establishes a wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130.

As means for causing the radio 130 to start WPS, for example, supplying power to the radio 130, notifying the radio 130 to start WPS by a signal line, and starting WPS by short-range wireless communication such as NFC. Notifying them to do so, etc.
Further, the wireless connection control unit 124 may notify the SSID of the access point 120 when controlling the wireless device 130 to start WPS.

Then, each functional unit constituting the access point 120 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, for example, a program stored in the ROM (not shown) of the access point 120 is read into the RAM (not shown) of the access point 120 and executed by the CPU (not shown) of the access point 120. As a result, each functional unit such as the module detection unit 121, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122, the SSID setting unit 123, and the wireless connection control unit 124 is realized.

In the present embodiment, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 is used as an example of the acquisition means and the detection means. As an example of the setting means, the SSID setting unit 123 is used. The wireless connection control unit 124 is used as an example of the notification means, the connection establishment means, and the wireless control means.

<Explanation of processing procedure for establishing wireless connection>
Next, the procedure of the process in which the access point 120 of the image processing device 100 establishes a wireless connection with the wireless device 130 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process in which the access point 120 establishes a wireless connection with the wireless device 130. As an initial state, it is assumed that the radio device 130 is attached to the image processing device 100.

When the radio device 130 is mounted on the image processing device 100, the module detection unit 121 detects the mounting of the radio device 130 (step 101). Next, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 determines whether or not there is another access point (that is, another access point executing WPS) that is executing the wireless connection establishment process (step 102). If a positive determination (Yes) is made in step 102, the process proceeds to step 102, and subsequent determination is made as to whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process.

If a negative determination (No) is made in step 102, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 acquires the SSID (Service Set Identifier) from another access point (step 103). Next, the SSID setting unit 123 sets a value different from the SSID of the other access point acquired by the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 as its own SSID (SSID of the access point 120) (step 104).

Next, the wireless connection control unit 124 controls the wireless device 130 so as to start the process of establishing the wireless connection (step 105). For example, the wireless connection control unit 124 starts WPS at the wireless device 130 by supplying power to the wireless device 130. Further, the wireless connection control unit 124 controls the access point 120 to start WPS as well.

Next, the wireless connection control unit 124 notifies the wireless device 130 of the SSID of the access point 120 set by the SSID setting unit 123 (step 106). Then, the wireless connection control unit 124 performs a process of establishing a wireless connection with the wireless device 130, such as exchanging authentication packets, and establishes a wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130 (step 107). ). Here, the wireless connection is established without the user performing an operation such as password input. Then, this processing flow ends.

In the above operation, the processing of step 103 and step 104 and the processing of step 105 may be performed first. That is, for example, after controlling the radio 130 to start the process of establishing the wireless connection (after the process of step 105), the SSID of the access point 120 is set (process of step 103 and step 104). May be good.

<Specific example of the process of establishing a wireless connection>
Next, a process in which the access point 120 of the image processing device 100 establishes a wireless connection with the wireless device 130 will be described with reference to specific examples. 5-1 and 5-2 are diagrams for explaining a specific example of the process in which the access point 120 establishes a wireless connection with the wireless device 130.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 5-1 (a), an image processing device 100A and an image processing device 100B are provided as two image processing devices 100. Here, the image processing device 100A includes a control unit 110A, an access point 120A, and an authentication module 131A as a radio device 130. Further, the image processing device 100B includes a control unit 110B, an access point 120B, an authentication module 131B as a radio device 130, and a storage module 132B.

Then, the authentication module 131A establishes a wireless connection with the access point 120A. Further, the authentication module 131B and the storage module 132B establish a wireless connection with the access point 120B. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5-1 (b), the storage module 132A is newly attached to the image processing device 100A.

When the storage module 132A is mounted on the image processing device 100A, the module detection unit 121 of the access point 120A detects the mounting of the storage module 132A. Then, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 of the access point 120A determines whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 5-2 (c), it is assumed that the access point 120B of the image processing device 100B is executing WPS. In this case, when the storage module 132A starts WPS, the storage module 132A may establish a wireless connection with the access point 120B as shown in the figure. In addition, here, even if the access point 120A of the image processing device 100A is executing WPS, there is a possibility that a wireless connection may be established between the storage module 132A and the access point 120B.

Therefore, when it is determined that the other access point (access point 120B in this example) is executing WPS, the wireless connection control unit 124 of the access point 120A keeps the storage module 132A until the access point 120B finishes the WPS process. Controls not to start WPS. Then, when the WPS processing of the access point 120B is completed and it is determined that there is no other access point in which WPS is being executed, the next processing is performed.

Here, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 of the access point 120A acquires the SSID from other access points existing around the image processing device 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the SSID of another access point acquired by the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122. In the example shown in FIG. 6, four SSIDs are shown as SSIDs of other access points. That is, it can be said that there are four access points around the image processing device 100A.

For example, the SSID of item No. 1 is "RMP_AP001", and the SSID of item No. 2 is "RMPB_AP002". These indicate, for example, the SSID of another image processing apparatus 100. For example, "RMP_AP001" is the SSID of the access point 120B of the image processing device 100B. Further, although "RMP_AP002" is not shown in FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2, it is another image processing device 100 around the image processing device 100A, and is an image different from the image processing device 100B. This is the SSID of the access point 120 included in the processing device 100. Further, for example, the SSID of item No. 3 is "PC01", and the SSID of item No. 4 is "PC02". These indicate, for example, the SSID of a PC having the function of an access point.

Then, the SSID setting unit 123 of the access point 120A sets a value different from the SSID of the other access point shown in FIG. 6 as the SSID of the access point 120. For example, the SSID setting unit 123 sets "RMP_AP101" as the SSID of the access point 120 as a value different from the SSID shown in FIG. Here, for example, when "RMP_AP001" is already set as the SSID of the access point 120, the SSID setting unit 123 changes the SSID of the access point 120 from "RMP_AP001" to "RMP_AP101".

Then, the wireless connection control unit 124 of the access point 120A controls the storage module 132A so as to start the process of establishing the wireless connection (that is, the process of WPS). Further, the wireless connection control unit 124 controls the access point 120 to start WPS as well. Further, the wireless connection control unit 124 notifies the storage module 132A of the SSID of the access point 120 (“RMP_AP101” in this example). Then, the wireless connection control unit 124 exchanges an authentication packet or the like with the storage module 132A, and as shown in FIG. 5-2 (d), establishes a wireless connection between the access point 120A and the storage module 132A. Establish.

As described above, the access point 120 of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment monitors other access points existing around the image processing device 100. Then, when the radio 130 is attached to the image processing device 100, it is determined whether or not there is another access point around the image processing device 100 that is executing the wireless connection establishment process. Here, if it is determined that there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, the other access point waits until the wireless connection establishment process is completed. Then, when it is determined that there is no other access point executing the wireless connection establishment process around the image processing device 100, the wireless device 130 is controlled so as to start the wireless connection establishment process.

For example, when there is another access point in the vicinity of the image processing device 100 that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, when the wireless connection establishment process is started by the wireless device 130, the other access point and the wireless device 130 There is a possibility of establishing a wireless connection between them. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process around the image processing device 100, the wireless device 130 is prevented from starting the wireless connection establishment process. To control. By performing such control, for example, the radio 130 is connected to the other access point as compared with the configuration in which the wireless connection establishment process is performed without considering the other access points existing around the image processing device 100. The possibility of establishing a wireless connection between them is reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the access point 120 acquires an SSID from another access point existing around the image processing device 100, and sets an SSID different from the acquired SSID. By performing such processing, there is no other access point having the same SSID as the SSID of the access point 120. Therefore, the radio 130 identifies the access point 120 and wirelessly connects to the access point 120. Is easier to establish.

Further, for example, after the wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130 is established, the connection may be disconnected and reconnected. In such a case, it is conceivable that the radio 130 stores the SSID notified when the connection is made once, and reconnects using the stored SSID. Therefore, if another access point having the same SSID as the SSID of the access point 120 exists, the radio 130 uses the stored SSID of the access point 120 to establish a wireless connection with the other access point. there is a possibility.

Therefore, by setting an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point as in the present embodiment, for example, the wireless connection establishment process can be performed without considering the other access points existing around the image processing device 100. Compared to the configuration performed, the possibility that the radio 130 establishes a wireless connection with another access point is reduced.

In this way, the access point 120 controls the radio device 130 so as not to establish a wireless connection with another access point. In addition, the wireless connection control unit 124 of the access point 120 establishes a wireless connection between the wireless device 130 and the other access point based on the information acquired by the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122 from the other access point (other device). It can be regarded as something that controls not to do so.

Further, in the above-described example, the SSID setting unit 123 decides to set an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point when it is determined that there is no other access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the SSID setting unit 123 may set an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point before determining whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process.

However, after setting the SSID different from the SSID of the other access point to the access point 120, it is conceivable that another access point having the same SSID as the set SSID is newly installed. Therefore, the timing for setting the SSID different from the SSID of the other access point should be closer to the timing for causing the radio 130 to start WPS, such as immediately before the radio 130 starts WPS.

Further, the peripheral monitoring unit 122 may acquire the SSID of another access point at an arbitrary timing, for example, periodically, and confirm whether or not its own SSID is different from the SSID of the other access point. Then, as a result of the confirmation, when another access point having the same SSID as its own SSID exists, the SSID setting unit 123 may set an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point. Examples of arbitrary timing include when the power of the image processing device 100 is turned on, when the power of the access point 120 is turned on, and the like.

Further, the image processing device 100 may be equipped with a plurality of radios 130. Here, the process of setting the SSID different from the SSID of the other access point may be performed each time each of the plurality of radios 130 is mounted, or when the first radio 130 is mounted. It may be done only once. However, if it is performed only once when the first radio 130 is attached, it is conceivable that another access point having the same SSID as the set SSID is newly installed thereafter. Therefore, as described above, for example, the peripheral monitoring unit 122 may periodically acquire the SSID of another access point and check whether or not its own SSID is different from the SSID of the other access point.

Further, in the above-described example, the access point 120 determines whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, and sets an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point. However, in the present embodiment, only one of these processes may be executed.

For example, a case will be described in which the access point 120 determines whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, but does not perform the process of setting an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point. do. In this case, for example, when it is determined that there is no other access point in the vicinity of the image processing device 100 that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, the access point 120 does not acquire the SSID of the other access point. Let the radio 130 start WPS.

Here, since there is no other access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, the wireless connection is established between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130. However, if another access point having the same SSID as the access point 120 exists, the radio 130 may establish a wireless connection with the other access point, for example, when reconnecting, as described above. There is sex. However, if it is determined whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process and the wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130 is surely established once, the access can be accessed. Unless there is another access point having the same SSID as the point 120, a wireless connection will be established between the access point 120 and the radio 130 even when reconnecting.

Further, for example, when the access point 120 performs a process of setting an SSID different from the SSID of another access point, but does not determine whether or not there is another access point in which a wireless connection establishment process is being executed. explain. In this case, for example, the access point 120 sets the SSID different from the SSID of the other access point to the access point 120 without determining whether or not there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process. Then, the radio 130 is started to start WPS.

Here, when the radio 130 starts WPS, if there is another access point that is executing the wireless connection establishment process, as described above, the wireless connection between the other access point and the radio 130 It may establish a connection. However, if an SSID different from the SSID of the other access point is set and a wireless connection is established once between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130, the wireless device 130 will also be reconnected. It becomes easy to identify the access point 120 and establish a wireless connection with the access point 120.

Further, in the above-described example, the control unit 110 and the access point 120 are connected by wire, but in the present embodiment, the control unit 110 and the access point 120 are also wirelessly connected. May be good. In this case, the process of establishing a wireless connection between the access point 120 and the control unit 110 is performed in the same manner as the process of establishing a wireless connection between the access point 120 and the wireless device 130.

Further, in the above-described example, the control unit 110 and the access point 120 are separate components, but in the present embodiment, the control unit 110 may have the access point 120. In this case, for example, the OS (Operating System) program or application program stored in the ROM 110c is read into the RAM 110b and executed by the CPU 110a, so that the module detection unit 121, the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122, and the peripheral AP monitoring unit 122, Each functional unit such as the SSID setting unit 123 and the wireless connection control unit 124 is realized.

The processing by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment may be realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a PC. For example, when a general-purpose computer such as a PC is provided with an access point 120 of the image processing device 100, the components in the own device wirelessly connect to the access point in the own device to access other devices. Control so that no wireless connection is made with the point. In this case, the computer provided with the access point 120 can be regarded as an example of the information processing device.

Further, the program that realizes the embodiment of the present invention can be provided not only by communication means but also by storing it in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, it is of course possible to combine these embodiments and modifications.
Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

100 ... Image processing device, 120 ... Access point, 121 ... Module detection unit, 122 ... Peripheral AP monitoring unit, 123 ... SSID setting unit, 124 ... Wireless connection control unit, 130 ... Radio

Claims (5)

An acquisition means for acquiring an identifier for identifying a wireless communication connection destination from another device within a predetermined range from the own device, and
A notification means for notifying the radio in the own device of an identifier different from the identifier acquired by the acquisition means, and
When another device that is executing the wireless connection establishment process does not exist within the range, the wireless device is controlled to start the wireless connection process to establish a wireless connection with the wireless device. Means and
A setting means for setting an identifier different from the identifier acquired by the acquisition means as an identifier of the connection establishment means.
With
The notification means is an information processing device that notifies the radio of the identifier set by the setting means. Further equipped with a control means for controlling the operation of the own device,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means controls the operation of the radio by wireless communication after a wireless connection between the connection establishment means and the radio is established. .. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the radio device of an identifier when another device performing a wireless connection establishment process does not exist within the range. .. The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the notification means further notifies the radio device of an identifier after the radio device starts a process of establishing a wireless connection. For computers equipped with information processing devices
A function to acquire an identifier for identifying a wireless communication connection destination from another device within a predetermined range from the information processing device, and
A function of notifying the radio in the information processing device of an identifier different from the acquired identifier ,
A function of controlling the radio to start the establishment process and establishing a wireless connection with the radio when another device executing the wireless connection establishment process does not exist within the range. ,
A program for realizing a function of setting an identifier notified to the radio as an identifier for establishing a connection.

Images