JP7309937B2 - Communication device, control method and program - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Techniques for executing network setting processing for wirelessly connecting a communication device such as a printing device and an external device such as an access point are known.

Patent Literature 1 describes that a communication partner device transmits AP information (such as SSID) that identifies an external device to the communication device, thereby connecting the communication device and the external device.

JP 2015-023440 A

By the way, in recent years, communication devices that can use multiple frequency bands (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) have become widespread. However, conventionally, when a communication device capable of using a plurality of frequency bands does not receive information on a frequency band used for connection with an external device in network setting processing, an appropriate frequency band is selected from among the plurality of frequency bands. No consideration has been given to the control for connecting with an external device using

Therefore, in the present invention, when a communication device capable of using a plurality of frequency bands does not receive information regarding a frequency band used for connection with an external device, the communication device receives an appropriate frequency band from among the plurality of frequency bands. The purpose is to use the frequency band to connect with an external device.

In order to solve the above problems, a communication device of the present invention is a communication device capable of wireless communication in a first frequency band and a second frequency band,
a first receiving means for receiving external device information used in processing for wireless connection with an external device;
When neither the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band nor the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band is included in the external device information , the second frequency band is prioritized over the second frequency band. a first establishing means for establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device operating as a slave station and the external device operating as a master station using one frequency band;
a second establishing means for establishing a second wireless connection between the communication device operating as the master station and the device operating as the slave station;
a second receiving means for receiving a print job via the first wireless connection with the external device;
printing means for printing on a recording medium based on the print job;
a control means for controlling so that the second wireless connection is not established when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band;
When the external device information includes any one of the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, the frequency band information included in the external device information establishing the first wireless connection using a frequency band based on
The communication device is characterized by being able to maintain the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection in parallel .

Further, a communication device of the present invention is a communication device capable of wireless communication in a first frequency band and a second frequency band,
a first receiving means for receiving external device information used in processing for wireless connection with an external device;
When both the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band are included in the external device information , the first frequency is given priority over the second frequency band. a first establishing means for establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device operating as a slave station and the external device operating as a master station using a band;
a second establishing means for establishing a second wireless connection between the communication device operating as the master station and the device operating as the slave station;
a second receiving means for receiving a print job via the first wireless connection with the external device;
printing means for printing on a recording medium based on the print job;
a control means for controlling so that the second wireless connection is not established when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band;
When the external device information includes any one of the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, the frequency band information included in the external device information establishing the first wireless connection using a frequency band based on
The communication device is characterized by being able to maintain the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection in parallel .

According to the present invention, when a communication device capable of using a plurality of frequency bands does not receive information about a frequency band used for connection with an external device, the communication device receives an appropriate frequency among the plurality of frequency bands. It is possible to connect to an external device by using a belt.

1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile terminal; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus; FIG. 1 is an example of a wireless connection profile; 5 is a flowchart showing network setting processing by an automatic setting method executed by the printing apparatus; 5 is a flowchart showing network setting processing by an automatic setting method executed by the printing apparatus; 4 is a flowchart showing network setting processing using a terminal device, which is executed by the printing device; 4 is a flowchart showing network setting processing using a terminal device, which is executed by the printing device; 4 is a flowchart showing network setting processing using a terminal device, which is executed by the printing device;

Embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the relative arrangement of the components, the display screen, and the like described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them, unless there is a specific description.

(First embodiment)
An information processing device and a communication device included in the communication system of this embodiment will be described. As an information processing apparatus, a personal computer (PC) is exemplified in this embodiment, but the information processing apparatus is not limited to this. As the information processing device, various devices such as a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a digital camera can be applied. Further, although a printer is exemplified as a communication device in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and various devices can be applied as long as they are capable of wirelessly communicating with an information processing device. For example, if it is a printer, it can be applied to an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, a monochrome printer, and the like. In addition to printers, the present invention can also be applied to copiers, facsimile machines, mobile terminals, smart phones, PCs, tablet terminals, PDAs, digital cameras, music playback devices, televisions, and the like. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a copying function, a FAX function, and a printing function.

First, configurations of the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment and a communication apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. In addition, although the following configuration is described as an example in this embodiment, this embodiment is applicable to a device capable of communicating with a communication device, and in particular the functions are limited as shown in this figure. isn't it.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the terminal device 200, which is the information processing device of this embodiment.

The terminal device 200 has a main board 201 for main control of the device.

In the main board 201 , the CPU 202 is a system control unit and controls the terminal device 200 as a whole. The ROM 203 stores various programs such as a control program executed by the CPU 202 and an embedded operating system (OS) program. In this embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM 203 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the control of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 203 . The RAM 204 is composed of a memory such as SRAM (static RAM), stores program control variables, setting values registered by the user, management data of the terminal device 200, and the like, and is provided with various work buffer areas. Note that these setting information data may be stored in other storage areas such as the ROM 203 and the nonvolatile memory 205 instead of the RAM 204 .

A nonvolatile memory 205 is configured by a memory such as a flash memory, and stores data that should be retained even when the power is turned off. Specifically, the nonvolatile memory 205 stores network information such as a password and authentication information for connecting to a network, setting information of the terminal device 200 such as a list of previously connected communication devices such as MAC addresses and SSIDs, and the like. remembered. In addition, in this embodiment, connection information for a simple connection mode, which will be described later, is also stored. Note that these data may be stored in other storage areas such as the ROM 203 and the RAM 204 instead of the nonvolatile memory 205 . Alternatively, the setting information stored in the ROM 303 or the non-volatile memory 205 may be loaded into the RAM 204 by the CPU 202 to perform processing using the stored data.

The image memory 206 is composed of a memory such as a DRAM (dynamic RAM), and stores various data such as image data received via the wireless LAN unit 211 or the like and image data processed by the encoding/decoding processing unit 210 .

Note that the memory configuration of the terminal device 200 is not limited to this form, and the number, characteristics, storage capacity, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the application and purpose. For example, the image memory 206 and RAM 204 may be shared. Also, the image memory 206 is composed of a DRAM or the like, but is not limited to this, and may be composed of a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD), a non-volatile memory, or the like.

A data conversion unit 207 generates data such as a page description language (PDL), and performs data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion for image data.

An operation unit 208 and a display unit 209 accept various inputs to the terminal device 200 and display various information about the terminal device 200 .

The encoding/decoding processing unit 210 performs various types of processing such as encoding/decoding processing and enlargement/reduction processing on image data.

The wireless LAN unit 211 is a unit for realizing wireless LAN communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark). The wireless LAN unit 211 performs functions for establishing a wireless LAN connection, such as beacon detection processing, authentication processing, and transmission of a print job to a communication device that has established a wireless LAN connection. Also, the wireless LAN unit 211 is connected to the system bus 213 via a bus cable 212 . Note that the CPU 202 can control the wireless LAN unit 211 and operate an access point (AP) within the terminal device 200 .

Further, in this embodiment, the terminal device 200 transmits a print job for causing the printing device 300 to print via the wireless LAN unit 211 . Note that the job to be sent is not limited to a print job. For example, it may be a scan job for causing the printing apparatus 300 to scan, a copy job for causing the printing apparatus 300 to make copies, a setting command for changing settings of the printing apparatus 300, or the like. Also, if the communication device of the present embodiment is a storage or the like, data to be stored in the communication device (image data, moving image data, etc.) may be transmitted in addition to the job. Note that when a scan job is transmitted to the printing device 300 , image data generated by scanning a document based on the scan job is transmitted to the terminal device 200 .

The wireless LAN unit 211 may directly communicate with the printing apparatus 300 by wireless communication, or may communicate via an external apparatus existing outside the terminal apparatus 200 or the printing apparatus 300 . Note that the external device includes an access point, which is a device such as a router device, and a device other than the access point that can relay communication. In this embodiment, the wireless LAN unit 211 uses the IEEE 802.11 series standard (Wi-Fi), but Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, may also be used. In this embodiment, a direct connection method is a method in which the terminal device 200 and the printing device 300 are directly connected to each other without an external device. A method in which the terminal device 200 and the printing device 300 are connected via an external device is called an infrastructure connection method. Also, in this embodiment, the connection via the access point is assumed to be executed by the wireless LAN unit 211 .

The various components 202 to 212 described above are interconnected via a system bus 213 managed by the CPU 202 .

Note that the terminal device 200 may include a communication unit other than the wireless LAN unit 211. FIG. Moreover, the terminal device 200 may include a plurality of communication units and be capable of communicating by a plurality of types of communication schemes. The communication may be performed directly by wireless communication, or may be communicated via an access point outside the terminal device 200 installed on the network. Examples of communication methods include Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication; ISO/IEC IS18092), and Wi-Fi Aware. Also, communication may be performed by wire instead of by radio.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing device 300, which is a communication device of this embodiment.

The printing device 300 has a main board 301 for main control of the device.

In the main board 301 , a CPU 302 is a system control unit and controls the entire printing apparatus 300 . A ROM 303 stores various programs such as a control program executed by the CPU 302 and an embedded OS program. In this embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM 303 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the control of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 303 . A RAM 304 comprises a memory such as an SRAM, stores program control variables, setting values registered by the user, management data of the printing apparatus 300, setting information of mode change conditions described later, and the like, and is provided with various work buffer areas. ing. Note that these data may be stored in other storage areas such as the ROM 303 and the nonvolatile memory 305 instead of the RAM 304 .

A nonvolatile memory 305 is configured by a memory such as a flash memory, and stores data that should be retained even when the power is turned off. Specifically, network information such as passwords and authentication information for connecting to the network, a list of external devices connected in the past such as MAC addresses and SSIDs, menu items such as print modes, print head correction information, etc. Setting information and the like of the device 300 are stored. Note that these setting information data may be stored in other storage areas such as the ROM 303 and the RAM 304 instead of the nonvolatile memory 305 . Alternatively, the setting information stored in the ROM 303 or the non-volatile memory 305 may be loaded into the RAM 304 by the CPU 302 to perform processing using the setting information.

The image memory 306 is configured by a memory such as a DRAM, and stores various data such as image data received via the wireless LAN unit 316 or the like and image data processed by the encoding/decoding processing unit 312 .

Note that the memory configuration of the printing apparatus 300 is not limited to this form, and the number, characteristics, storage capacity, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the application and purpose. For example, the image memory 306 and RAM 304 may be shared. Also, the image memory 306 is composed of a DRAM or the like, but is not limited to this, and may be composed of a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD), a non-volatile memory, or the like.

A data conversion unit 307 performs various types of image processing such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction on image data included in the received job via an image processing control unit (not shown). By executing these processes, the data conversion unit 307 converts image data to be printed into high-definition print data, and outputs the converted print data to the recording unit 314 .

A reading unit 310 optically reads a document using a CIS image sensor (contact image sensor) or the like. The reading control unit 308 outputs high-definition image data by performing various image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing on the image signal read by the reading unit 310 .

An operation unit 309 and a display unit 311 receive various inputs to the printing apparatus 300 and display various information about the printing apparatus 300 .

The encoding/decoding processing unit 312 performs various types of processing such as encoding/decoding processing and enlargement/reduction processing on image data.

A paper feed unit 313 holds recording media for printing, and supplies the recording media to the recording unit 314 under the control of the recording control unit 315 . It is assumed that the paper feed unit 313 has a plurality of paper feed cassettes.

The recording control unit 315 controls from which part of the plurality of paper feed cassettes paper is fed. The recording control unit 315 also serves to update the information in the RAM 304 by periodically reading various information such as the status of the recording unit 314 . Specifically, the recording control unit 315 updates information such as the state of the apparatus, such as in use, sleep, or error, and the remaining amount of the ink tank.

A recording unit 314 performs image forming processing (printing) for forming (printing) an image on a recording medium using a recording material such as ink based on the print data output from the data conversion unit 307 and the print setting information included in the print job. process).
A wireless LAN unit 316 is a unit for realizing wireless LAN communication conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi. The wireless LAN unit 316 performs functions for establishing a wireless LAN connection, such as connection information transmission processing, authentication processing, and job reception from a terminal device that has established a wireless LAN connection. Also, the wireless LAN unit 316 is connected to the system bus 318 via a bus cable 317 . Note that the CPU 302 can control the wireless LAN unit 211 and operate the access point within the printing apparatus 300 . That is, it is possible to operate the printing apparatus 300 as a GroupOwner or a soft AP. Also, in this embodiment, the connection via the access point is assumed to be executed by the wireless LAN unit 316 . The various components 302 to 317 described above are interconnected via a system bus 318 managed by the CPU 302 .

Note that the printing apparatus 300 may include a communication unit other than the wireless LAN unit 316. FIG. The communication may be performed directly by wireless communication, or may be communicated via an access point outside the printing apparatus 300 installed on the network. In this embodiment, when communicating directly, the printing device 300 operates as a GroupOwner or a soft AP. Examples of communication methods include Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi aware. Moreover, not only wireless communication but also wired communication such as a wired LAN may be performed. accept. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 300 does not use the channel corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band, but uses the channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band in direct communication. However, it is not limited to this form. For example, the printing apparatus 300 performs direct communication using a channel that is not switched by DFS (a channel that is not used by a specific device such as a weather radar) among channels corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band. can be

In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 300 uses at least one frequency band of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for wireless connection based on the IEEE 802.11 series standards. The printing device 300 has communication channels corresponding to available frequency bands. For example, if the 2.4 GHz frequency band is available, the printing device 300 has 13 communication channels assigned to predetermined frequency bands of the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Also, for example, if a 5 GHz frequency band is available, the printing apparatus 300 has 24 communication channels assigned to predetermined frequency bands out of the 5 GHz frequency band.

FIG. 1 shows a communication system of this embodiment. The communication system of this embodiment includes a terminal device 200 , a printing device 300 and an access point 400 . The printing device 300 and the terminal device 200 can communicate with each other by wireless LAN connection via an access point 400 outside each device. In addition, the printing device 300 and the terminal device 200 can also operate as access points by activating the access points within the respective devices. Therefore, for example, if one of the devices becomes an access point and the other device connects to the access point, the terminal device 200 and the printing device 300 can be directly connected to the wireless LAN without going through the access point 400. is. Moreover, since both the terminal device 200 and the printing device 300 have a wireless LAN function, mutual authentication enables peer-to-peer (hereinafter referred to as P2P) communication.

Access point 400 is a router device. A router device is a device that relays data communication between devices (for example, between an information processing device and a communication device). In this embodiment, the router device serves as an access point and relays data communication between devices connected to the access point of the router device. The communication method used by the router device may be a wireless communication method, a wired communication method, or both. and has a wireless LAN router function.

In this embodiment, the printing device 300 is connected to the access point 400 via a wireless LAN. In other words, the terminal device 200 is ready to communicate with the printing device 300 via the access point 400 . In other words, the terminal device 200 is connected to the printing device 300 via infrastructure connection. By building an infrastructure connection, the printing device 300 and the terminal device 200 can communicate with devices belonging to the network formed by the access point 400 . Also, when the access point 400 is connected to the Internet, the printing device 300 and the terminal device 200 can also use the Internet via the access point 400 .

In this embodiment, in order to establish the infrastructure connection described above, setting processing (network setting processing) for connecting the printing apparatus 300 and the access point 400 will be described.

As a method of network setting processing, for example, there is a method in which the terminal device 200 transmits network setting information to the printing device 300 to connect the printing device 300 and the access point 400 . Here, the network setting information is, for example, connection information (Service Set Identifier (hereinafter referred to as SSID), password, etc.) used for connecting to the access point 400 to which the printing apparatus 300 is connected. The connection information is transmitted from the printing device 300 to the access point 400 when the printing device 300 requests connection to the access point 400 . Further, for example, there are methods called AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System), Rakuraku Wireless Start, and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) as network setting processing methods. These methods connect the printing device 300 and the access point 400 by having the printing device 300 directly receive the network setting information from the access point 400 without going through the terminal device 200. This is called the setting method.

By the way, a wireless connection is a connection made using a specific frequency band. In recent years, as the printing apparatus 300, an apparatus that can use multiple frequency bands (for example, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) has appeared. It is assumed that the printing apparatus 300 in this embodiment is also capable of wireless connection using a plurality of frequency bands. When connecting to an access point, the printing device 300 first searches for an access point (AP search) using a communication channel corresponding to an available frequency band. Thereafter, the printing apparatus 300 wirelessly connects to the access point corresponding to the connection information received as described above by transmitting a connection request using a communication channel corresponding to the available frequency band. .

Such a printing apparatus 300 cannot connect to an access point unless it knows which frequency band to use for wireless connection with the access point. For example, even if the printing apparatus 300 does not know which frequency band to use, it may execute an AP search using a frequency band that it can use and attempt to connect to an access point. . However, since the printing apparatus 300 generally cannot use multiple frequency bands at the same time, in the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 300 sequentially uses the frequency bands that it can use one by one. In that case, the printing device 300 may attempt connection using a frequency band other than the frequency band for connecting to the access point. That is, even in the above-described mode, the printing apparatus 300 may take time to connect to the access point or execute unnecessary processing.

For this reason, in the network setting process, it is preferable to notify the printing apparatus 300 of information (frequency band information) on frequency bands that can be used by the access point to be connected. Note that the frequency band information is also information about the frequency band used for connection with the access point to be connected.

However, depending on the method of network setting processing, the model of the access point to be connected and the type of installed software, the model of the terminal device 200 that executes the network setting processing and the type of installed software, the frequency that can be used by the access point to be connected may vary. Obi-related information may not be notified. Specifically, for example, in WPS, whether or not the frequency band information is notified to the printing apparatus 300 depends on the model of the access point. be. Further, for example, depending on the type of OS provided in the terminal device 200 , the terminal device 200 may not be able to acquire the frequency band information, so the information may not be notified to the printing device 300 . As a result, the problem arises that the printing apparatus 300 may not be able to specify which frequency band should be used in the network setting process.

Also, for example, when the access point to be connected supports multiple frequencies, multiple pieces of frequency band information (frequency band information) may be notified. Specifically, for example, both information corresponding to 2.4 GHz and information corresponding to 5 GHz may be notified as frequency band information (frequency band information). In this case as well, the problem arises that the printing apparatus 300 may not be able to specify which of the plurality of frequency bands should be used in the network setting process.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when frequency band information is not notified to the printing apparatus 300 in the network setting process, an attempt will be made to establish a connection with an access point using an appropriate frequency band.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the network setting process, even if the printing apparatus 300 is notified of a plurality of pieces of information regarding frequency bands that can be used by the access point to be connected, an appropriate frequency band is used to communicate with the access point. A mode for attempting connection will be described.

Specifically, in the case described above, the printing apparatus 300 tries to connect to the access point by using 2.4 GHz with priority over 5 GHz. The reason why the printing apparatus 300 attempts connection with an access point using 2.4 GHz with priority over 5 GHz in this embodiment will be described below.

In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 300 operates simultaneously (in parallel) in a mode of communication via infrastructure connection (infrastructure communication mode) and a mode of communication via direct connection (direct communication mode (P2P mode)). shall be possible. Therefore, the printing apparatus 300 can establish and maintain the infrastructure connection and the direct connection at the same time (in parallel).

A direct connection is a connection in a wireless network in which the printing device 300 or the terminal device 200 is an AP (that is, master station) and the device that is not the AP is a client (that is, slave station). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 300 serves as an AP in direct connection to construct a wireless network. The direct communication mode includes a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) mode in which the printing device 300 operates as a GroupOwner and a soft AP mode in which the printing device 300 operates as a soft AP. It is assumed that the AP SSID and password activated by the printing apparatus 300 are different in each mode.

An infrastructure connection is a connection in a wireless network built by access point 400 . The infrastructure connection is a connection in a wireless network constructed with the access point 400 as an AP (that is, master station) and the printing device 300 as a client (that is, slave station).

Further, hereinafter, establishing an infrastructure connection and a direct connection at the same time (parallel) and simultaneously (parallelly) communicating through the infrastructure connection and the direct connection will be referred to as simultaneous operation. In the simultaneous operation, the terminal device 200 to which the printing device 300 is connected by direct connection differs from the terminal device 200 to which the printing device 300 is connected by infrastructure connection. That is, the printing device 300 can be connected to multiple devices through simultaneous operation.

Communication by infrastructure connection and communication by direct connection are performed using a specific frequency band (specific channel). Therefore, in both communication by infrastructure connection and communication by direct connection, it is necessary to first determine a channel to be used for communication/connection between devices before starting communication. Note that in a configuration in which a plurality of channels are assigned to one wireless IC chip for communication at the same time, the configuration of each device that performs communication and the processing that each device executes become complicated. Therefore, for example, when the printing apparatuses 300 operate simultaneously, it is desirable to use a common channel for communication in each mode. That is, it is desirable that the printing devices 300 use only one channel even when they are operating simultaneously. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wireless LAN unit 316 has only one wireless IC chip for realizing communication through a predetermined channel, and the printing apparatus 300 does not communicate using a plurality of channels at the same time.

If the printing device 300 operates as a GroupOwner or soft AP, the channel used for direct connection can be freely determined by the printing device 300, which is the parent station. However, the channel used for infrastructure connection is determined by access point 400, which is the master station for infrastructure connection. Therefore, when operating simultaneously, the printing apparatus 300 preferably determines the channel to be used for infrastructure connection determined by the access point 400 as the channel to be used for direct connection.

However, in a direct connection using a channel corresponding to 5 GHz, a function called DFS, which will be explained below, is applied. Due to the existence of this function, depending on the device configuration, the printing apparatus 300 may not be able to execute a direct connection using a channel corresponding to 5 GHz, or it may not be preferable to execute a direct connection using a channel corresponding to 5 GHz. There is Specifically, for example, the wireless IC chip of the wireless LAN unit 316 may not be able or preferable to operate as a GroupOwner or soft AP (that is, master station) using a channel corresponding to 5 GHz. The DFS will be described below.

A device that operates as a GroupOwner or a soft AP, and a parent station such as an access point must implement a technique called DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) in communication using a specific frequency band such as 5 GHz. DFS is a technique for controlling communications between devices so that they do not affect weather radar or the like. In addition, when a specific device such as a weather radar uses a specific frequency, an interference wave is generated by the specific frequency. In some cases, DFS is also a technique for switching the frequency (channel) used by the parent device within a specific frequency band including the specific frequency. Specifically, when detecting an interference wave in the frequency used by the parent device, the parent device first suspends communication using the specific frequency band for a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute). During suspension of communication, the printing apparatus 300 determines whether a new channel to be used after the suspension of communication is released (whether a specific device such as a weather radar is using the frequency corresponding to the channel). to confirm. After confirming that the channel is available, the parent device releases the suspension of communication and resumes communication on the new channel. It should be noted that the detection of an interference wave by a base unit on the frequency that the base unit is using for communication means that a specific device such as a weather radar is using the frequency that the base unit is using for communication. It corresponds to the fact that the parent device specifies that the device is present. A technology called TPC (Transmit Power Control) is also a technology similar to DFS.

It should be noted that when it is detected that a specific device such as a weather radar is using the communication channel in use, it is the master unit in the communication system that must perform control to switch the communication channel in use. be. The child device side follows this process when the communication channel being used is switched by the parent device.

DFS and TPC are applied to communication in a specific frequency band such as 5 GHz, and are not applied to communication in a frequency band such as 2.4 GHz. That is, the printing apparatus 300 does not switch the channel used for communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band according to the communication status of a specific device such as a weather radar. This is because a specific device such as a weather radar performs communication using the frequency band of 5.0 GHz, but does not perform communication using the frequency band of 2.4 GHz. That is, when communication between devices is performed using a frequency band of 5 GHz, channel switching is performed by DFS or TPC. At this time, as described above, when the channel is switched by DFS, the channel is switched between channels corresponding to the frequency band of 5 GHz.

If the printing apparatus 300 uses a wireless chip that does not support DFS, the printing apparatus 300 cannot switch the communication channel being used by DFS and cannot perform direct connection at 5 GHz if it is a parent device. Also, as described above, in simultaneous operation, the channels used for infrastructure and direct connections are shared. The printing apparatus 300 that cannot perform direct connection using 5 GHz has a problem that it cannot perform simultaneous operations if 5 GHz is used for infrastructure connection.

Further, even if the printing apparatus 300 uses a DFS-compatible wireless chip and can execute a direct connection at 5 GHz, the following problems arise. DFS may change the channel used for the direct connection as described above. However, as described above, in simultaneous operation, the channels used for infrastructure connection and direct connection are shared, and the channel used for infrastructure connection cannot be determined by the printing apparatus 300 side. That is, even if the channel used for direct connection is changed by DFS during simultaneous operation, the channel used for infrastructure connection cannot be changed on the printing apparatus 300 side, so the channel used for infrastructure connection and direct connection cannot be shared. become unable. Therefore, there is a problem that infrastructure connection and direct connection cannot be maintained in parallel.

For this reason, even if the printing apparatus 300 can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, it is preferable to preferentially use 2.4 GHz in consideration of simultaneous operations.

Also, even in the printing apparatus 300 that does not execute simultaneous operations, the following problems may arise if infrastructure connection is performed using 5 GHz. As described above, when DFS causes a channel switch, communication between devices is suspended for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, for example, delays and packet losses may occur in communication between devices using 5 GHz.

Therefore, in the network setting process, the printing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment preferentially uses 2.4 GHz over 5 GHz to attempt connection with an access point when frequency band information is not notified to the printing apparatus 300 . In addition, in the network setting process, when a plurality of pieces of information regarding frequency bands that can be used by the access point to be connected is notified to the printing apparatus 300, 2.4 GHz is preferentially used over 5 GHz, and try to connect to

On the other hand, there is also an advantage of using 5 GHz. For example, 5 GHz communication generally has a higher communication speed than 2.4 GHz communication. In general, 5 GHz communication is more stable than 2.4 GHz communication. There are also cases where access points support 5 GHz but not 2.4 GHz. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when only 5 GHz information is notified as the frequency band information, or when the user or the like instructs to use 5 GHz, the printing apparatus 300 uses 5 GHz to communicate with the access point. try to connect.

First, the network setting process by the automatic setting method will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing network setting processing by the automatic setting method executed by the printing apparatus 300 in this embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is realized, for example, by the CPU 302 reading a program stored in the ROM 303, the nonvolatile memory 305, or the like into the RAM 304 and executing the program. Further, the processing shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started when a user operation (instruction to execute the network setting processing) that triggers the network setting processing by the automatic setting method is performed. A user operation that triggers network setting processing by the automatic setting method is, specifically, an operation of pressing a predetermined button of the printing apparatus 300 .

In S501, the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in the automatic setting mode. The automatic setting mode is a mode in which network setting processing is executed by an automatic setting method. Note that when S501 is executed while the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the direct connection mode, the printing apparatus 300 temporarily stops operating as an AP. In this embodiment, it is assumed that information regarding the operation mode of the printing apparatus 300 is stored in an operation mode storage area within a predetermined memory. Even if step S501 is executed while the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the direct connection mode, information indicating that the direct connection mode is valid is continuously stored in the operation mode storage area. and

The network setting process by the automatic setting method is executed in a state where not only the printing apparatus 300 but also the access point to which the printing apparatus 300 is connected operates in the automatic setting mode. As with the printing apparatus 300, the access point starts operating in the automatic setting mode when the user presses a predetermined button.

When the printing device 300 and the access point start operating in the automatic setting mode, they emit a signal indicating that they are operating in the automatic setting mode. By obtaining these signals between devices, each device discovers a device to be subjected to network setting processing by the automatic setting method. Then, each device connects to exchange information (wireless connection profile) for executing network setting processing by the automatic setting method.

In S502, the CPU 302 determines whether or not it has connected to an access point in automatic setting mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S503, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S504.

In step S<b>505 , the CPU 302 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out) after the printing apparatus 300 started operating in the automatic setting mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 assumes that an error has occurred and terminates the process. On the other hand, when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 performs the processing of S502 again.

An access point connected to the printing device 300 operating in automatic setting mode transmits a wireless connection profile to the printing device 300 . A wireless connection profile is information including connection information used for connection with an access point. If the access point has multiple SSIDs, the wireless connection profile includes multiple profiles corresponding to each SSID. FIG. 4(a) is an example of a wireless connection profile acquired by AOSS. Up to 8 profiles are included in the wireless connection profiles obtained by AOSS. FIG. 4B is an example of a wireless connection profile acquired by Raku Raku Wireless Start. A maximum of two profiles are included in the wireless connection profiles acquired by Raku Raku Wireless Start. FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d) are examples of wireless connection profiles acquired by WPS. A maximum of 6 profiles are included in the wireless connection profile obtained by WPS.

As shown in FIG. 4, one profile consists of "SSID", "frequency", "authentication method", "encryption method", and "passphrase". By using each piece of information included in one profile, the printing device 300 can connect to the access point. Specifically, for example, the printing apparatus 300 uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band to connect to the access point having the wireless connection profile shown in FIG. use. The information included in the "frequency" may be information indicating a channel corresponding to each SSID instead of information indicating a frequency corresponding to each SSID. As described above, the wireless connection profile acquired by WPS may not include information on "frequency" (Fig. 4(d)), so information on the frequency band that can be used by the access point may not be included. The printing device 300 may not be notified.

In S503, the CPU 302 determines whether or not a wireless connection profile has been received from the connected access point. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S504. Note that the wireless connection profile received from the access point includes multiple profiles. Therefore, when receiving a wireless connection profile, the CPU 302 specifies the number n of profiles included in the wireless connection profile. Then, if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S506.

In step S<b>506 , the CPU 302 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out) after the printing apparatus 300 started operating in the automatic setting mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 assumes that an error has occurred and terminates the process. On the other hand, when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 performs the processing of S503 again.

In S504, the CPU 302 initializes a wireless connection profile counter variable m. Specifically, 1 is substituted for the wireless connection profile counter variable m. Note that the wireless connection profile counter variable m is information stored in the nonvolatile memory 305 or the like.

In S505, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the m-th profile among the n profiles is a profile indicating that the access point to be connected supports 2.4 GHz. Specifically, the CPU 302 determines that information indicating "2.4 GHz" or information indicating "a channel corresponding to 2.4 GHz" is included in the "frequency" area of the m-th profile among the n profiles. Determine whether or not If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S508, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S511.

In S511, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the m-th profile among the n profiles is a profile indicating that the access point to be connected supports 5 GHz. Specifically, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the "frequency" region of the m-th profile among the n profiles includes information indicating "5 GHz" or information indicating "a channel corresponding to 5 GHz". judge. When the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S512, and when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S513.

If the determination in S507 is NO and the determination in S511 is NO, it means that the m-th profile among the n profiles does not include information on the frequency band. That is, the frequency band information is not notified depending on the m-th profile among the n profiles. As described above, in this embodiment, 2.4 GHz is preferentially used in such a case.

Therefore, in S513, the CPU 302 searches for an access point having an SSID corresponding to the m-th profile among the n profiles using the channel corresponding to 2.4 GHz.

In S514, the CPU 302 determines whether or not an access point having an SSID corresponding to the m-th profile among the n profiles was found in the search in S513. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S508, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S515.

In S515, the CPU 302 searches for an access point having an SSID corresponding to the m-th profile among the n profiles using the channel corresponding to 5 GHz.

In S516, the CPU 302 determines whether or not an access point having an SSID corresponding to the m-th profile among the n profiles was found in the search in S515. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to step S512, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 terminates the processing assuming that an error has occurred.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the search in S513 (search using 2.4 GHz) is performed prior to the search in S515 (search using 5 GHz), thereby preferentially using 2.4 GHz. is realized.

In S508, the CPU 302 stores the m-th save the profile of

In S512, the CPU 302 saves the m-th profile in a storage area in a predetermined memory such as the nonvolatile memory 305 and in a storage area for connection information of access points connectable by 5 GHz (storage area for 5 GHz). do.

In S509, the CPU 302 increments the wireless connection profile counter variable m.

In S510, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the incremented wireless connection profile counter variable m exceeds the number n of profiles included in the wireless connection profiles. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S517, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S507 again. By repeating the process in this way, each profile included in the wireless connection profile is saved in the 2.4 GHz storage area or the 5 GHz storage area.

Processing after S517 will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is realized, for example, by the CPU 302 reading a program stored in the ROM 303, the nonvolatile memory 305, or the like into the RAM 304 and executing the program.

In S517, the CPU 302 determines whether information is stored in the 2.4 GHz storage area. That is, it is determined whether or not the access point to be connected is an access point that can be connected by 2.4 GHz. When the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S518, and when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S523.

In S518, the CPU 302 attempts connection with the access point to be connected using the information stored in the 2.4 GHz storage area and the channel corresponding to 2.4 GHz. At this time, if a plurality of profiles are stored in the storage area for 2.4 GHz, connection is attempted using them in order. The order of profiles to be used at this time is not particularly limited, but for example, profiles of authentication methods or encryption methods with high security levels may be preferentially used. Specifically, for example, the profile of the “WPA2-PSK” method authentication method may be preferentially used over the profile of the “OPEN” method authentication method. Further, specifically, for example, the priority of the encryption method may be "AES">"TKIP">"WEP128">"WEP64". Also, the CPU 302 tries to connect to the target access point by sequentially using a plurality of channels corresponding to 2.4 GHz one by one until the connection is successful, but the order of the channels to be used is not particularly limited.

In S519, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the connection with the connection target access point was successful in S518. When the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S520, and when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S523.

In S520, the CPU 302 saves the profile used for the successful connection in a predetermined memory such as the nonvolatile memory 305. FIG. At this time, the 2.4 GHz connection between the printing apparatus 300 and the access point is completed, and the 2.4 GHz infrastructure connection can be established. Let

In S521, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the operation mode storage area contains information indicating that the direct connection mode is enabled. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to step S522, and if the determination is NO, the process ends.

In S522, the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in direct connection mode. At this time, if the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the infrastructure connection mode, the simultaneous operation will be executed. In addition, as described above, the channel used in the simultaneous operation is the channel used in the infrastructure connection mode. Even if the channel used in direct connection mode before the network setting process is executed and the channel used in infrastructure connection mode are different, in direct connection mode after the network setting process is executed the latter is used.

If the determination in S517 is NO, it means that the profile is included in the storage area for 5 GHz. Therefore, in S523, the CPU 302 attempts connection with the access point to be connected using the information stored in the 5 GHz storage area and the channel corresponding to 5 GHz. At this time, if a plurality of profiles are stored in the storage area for 5 GHz, connection is attempted using them in order. The order of profiles to be used at this time is not particularly limited, but for example, profiles of authentication methods or encryption methods with high security levels may be preferentially used. Also, the CPU 302 tries to connect to the target access point by sequentially using a plurality of channels corresponding to 2.4 GHz one by one until the connection is successful, but the order of the channels to be used is not particularly limited.

In S524, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the connection with the connection target access point was successful in S523. When the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S525, and when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S521.

In S525, the CPU 302 saves the profile used for the successful connection in a predetermined memory such as the nonvolatile memory 305. FIG. At this time, the 5-GHz connection between the printing apparatus 300 and the access point is completed, and the 5-GHz infrastructure connection can be established. Therefore, the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in the 5-GHz infrastructure connection mode.

In S526, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the operation mode storage area contains information indicating that the direct connection mode is enabled. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to step S527, and if the determination is NO, the process ends.

In S522, the CPU 302 disables the direct connection mode. That is, the information contained in the operation mode storage area is rewritten to information indicating that the direct connection mode is disabled. This is because, as mentioned above, simultaneous operation using 5 GHz presents several challenges. At this time, the CPU 302 may display on the display unit 311 a screen for notifying the user that the direct connection mode will be disabled.

Note that the printing apparatus 300 can operate in the direct connection mode by directly receiving a predetermined operation from the user via the operation unit 309 . However, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 300 does not operate in the direct connection mode (that is, does not perform simultaneous operations) when operating in the 5 GHz infrastructure connection mode. Therefore, when the predetermined operation is accepted while the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the 5 GHz infrastructure connection mode, the CPU 302 displays a screen for confirming whether to cancel the infrastructure connection mode. It may be displayed in the section 311 . When the user confirms that the infrastructure connection mode may be canceled, the CPU 302 cancels the 5 GHz infrastructure connection mode and causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in the direct connection mode. Note that canceling the 5 GHz infrastructure connection mode corresponds to disconnecting the connection with the 5 GHz access point. Instead of such a form, for example, when the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the 5 GHz infrastructure connection mode, it may be configured such that the predetermined operation for operating the printing apparatus 300 in the direct connection mode is not accepted.

Next, network setting processing using the terminal device 200 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing network setting processing using the terminal device 200 executed by the printing device 300 in this embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is realized, for example, by the CPU 302 reading a program stored in the ROM 303, the nonvolatile memory 305, or the like into the RAM 304 and executing the program. 7 is started when a user operation (execution instruction for network setting processing) that triggers network setting processing using the terminal device 200 is performed on the printing apparatus 300. be.

In step S<b>701 , the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in a predetermined mode called a setup mode based on the user's operation that triggers network setting processing. The setup mode is a mode for the printing apparatus 300 to accept network setting processing. Note that when S701 is executed while the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the direct connection mode, the printing apparatus 300 temporarily stops operating as an AP. Even if S701 is executed while the printing apparatus 300 is operating in the direct connection mode, information indicating that the direct connection mode is valid is continuously stored in the operation mode storage area. User operations that trigger network setting processing include, for example, operations on a predetermined screen for operating the printing apparatus 300 in the setup mode, and turning the printing apparatus 300 in the initial setting state from the power-off state to the power-on state. This is an operation to migrate. The initial setting state is a state in which the printing apparatus 300 has never performed network setting processing.

In step S<b>702 , the CPU 302 executes AP search, which is processing for searching for access points existing around the printing apparatus 300 , using a channel corresponding to 2.4 GHz. As a result, an access point connectable by 2.4 GHz is searched.

In S703, the CPU 302 executes AP search using the channel corresponding to 5 GHz. As a result, an access point that can be connected by 5 GHz is searched.

In S704, the CPU 302 saves the results of the AP search in S702 and S703 in a memory such as the RAM 304 or the like. The AP search results are, for example, a list of access points found by the AP search, connection information for connecting to the access points, frequency and channel information used for the access point search, and the like. This allows CPU 302 to identify which access point was discovered using which frequency or channel. That is, CPU 302 can identify frequencies and channels that can be used by access points discovered by AP search.

In S705, the CPU 302 activates a predetermined access point within the printing apparatus 300 that is valid only in the setup mode. The predetermined access point has an SSID containing a predetermined character string.

The network setting process using the terminal device 200 is executed by the terminal device 200 using a setup program, which is a program for executing the network setting process. The terminal device 200 searches for the predetermined access point when a user operation (instruction to execute the network setting process) that triggers the network setting process is performed on the screen displayed by the setup program. When the terminal device 200 finds the predetermined access point, the terminal device 200 uses the connection information stored in advance in the setup program to directly connect to the printing device 300 via Wi-Fi via the predetermined access point. .

In S705, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the printing apparatus 300 is directly connected to the terminal apparatus 200 via the predetermined access point. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S707, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S708.

In step S<b>708 , the CPU 302 determines whether a predetermined time has passed (timed out) after the printing apparatus 300 started operating in the setup mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 assumes that an error has occurred and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 performs the processing of S706 again.

In S<b>707 , the CPU 302 transmits the AP search result to the terminal device 200 .

In S<b>709 , the CPU 302 determines whether network setting information has been received from the terminal device 200 . The network setting information transmitted from the terminal device 200 may be information for connecting to the access point included in the AP search result transmitted from the printing device 300 . Alternatively, information for connecting to an access point included in the AP search result executed by the terminal device 200 may be used. Alternatively, the information may be information for connecting to an access point specified by the user via the terminal device 200 . In this embodiment, the network setting information transmitted from the terminal device 200 includes, as frequency band information, information indicating the channel used by the access point to be connected. The CPU 302 can refer to the information about the channel to identify whether the channel corresponds to the frequency band of 2.4 GHz or the frequency band of 5 GHz.
In addition, the printing apparatus 300 may receive the network setting information in multiple batches rather than collectively. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S711, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S710.

In S710, the CPU 302 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (due to timeout) since the printing apparatus 300 started operating in the setup mode. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 assumes that an error has occurred and terminates the process. On the other hand, when the determination is NO, the CPU 302 performs the processing of S709 again.

In S711, the CPU 302 disables a predetermined access point within the printing apparatus 300 that is valid only in the setup mode. That is, the CPU 302 temporarily disconnects from the terminal device 200 .

In S712, the CPU 302 determines whether the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 includes information indicating that the frequency used by the access point to be connected is 2.4 GHz. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S713, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S714.

In S713, the CPU 302 stores the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 in the 2.4 GHz storage area.

In S714, the CPU 302 determines whether the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 includes information indicating that the frequency used by the access point to be connected is 5 GHz. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S715, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S716.

In S715, the CPU 302 stores the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 in the 5 GHz storage area.

If the determination in S712 is NO and the determination in S714 is NO, the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 does not include information on the frequency used by the access point to be connected. As described above, in this embodiment, 2.4 GHz is preferentially used in such a case. Therefore, in S716, the CPU 302 specifies that the frequency used by the access point to be connected is 2.4 GHz. .

Processing after S717 will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is realized, for example, by the CPU 302 reading a program stored in the ROM 303, the nonvolatile memory 305, or the like into the RAM 304 and executing the program.

In S717, the CPU 302 determines whether network setting information is stored in the 2.4 GHz storage area. That is, it is determined whether or not the access point to be connected is an access point that can be connected by 2.4 GHz. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S718, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S724.

In S718, the CPU 302 saves the network setting information saved in the 2.4 GHz storage area in a predetermined memory such as the non-volatile memory 305 or the like.

In S719, the CPU 302 attempts connection with the access point to be connected using the network setting information stored in the 2.4 GHz storage area and the channel corresponding to 2.4 GHz. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the frequency band information is information indicating the channel, the channel indicated by the information among the channels corresponding to 2.4 GHz is used to establish a connection with the access point to be connected. try.

In S720, the CPU 302 determines in S719 whether or not the connection with the access point to be connected was successful. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S721, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S722. If the connection with the access point to be connected is successful, the 2.4 GHz connection between the printing apparatus 300 and the access point is completed, and the 2.4 GHz infrastructure connection can be established. Therefore, the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in the 2.4 GHz infrastructure connection mode.

In S<b>722 , the CPU 302 displays on the display unit 311 a screen indicating that the connection with the connection target access point has failed. At this time, the CPU 302 may transmit to the terminal device 200 information for displaying on the display unit 209 a screen indicating that the connection with the target access point has failed. Alternatively, the CPU 302 may advance to S725 and try to connect to the access point to be connected using a channel corresponding to 5 GHz. Alternatively, the CPU 302 may attempt connection with the access point to be connected using a channel other than the channel used in S719 among the channels corresponding to 2.4 GHz.

In S721, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the operation mode storage area contains information indicating that the direct connection mode is enabled. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to step S723, and if the determination is NO, the process ends.

In S723, the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in direct connection mode. This process is the same as S522.

If the determination in S717 is NO, it means that the 5 GHz storage area contains the network setting information. Therefore, in S724, the CPU 302 stores the network setting information stored in the 5 GHz storage area in a predetermined memory such as the nonvolatile memory 305. FIG.

In S725, the CPU 302 attempts connection with the access point to be connected using the network setting information stored in the 5 GHz storage area and the channel corresponding to 5 GHz. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the frequency band information is information indicating a channel, the channel indicated by the information among the channels corresponding to 5 GHz is used to attempt connection with the access point to be connected.

In S726, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the connection with the connection target access point was successful in S725. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S727, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S728. If the connection with the access point to be connected is successful, the 5 GHz connection between the printing apparatus 300 and the access point is completed, and the 5 GHz infrastructure connection can be established. Therefore, the CPU 302 causes the printing apparatus 300 to operate in the 5 GHz infrastructure connection mode.

In S<b>728 , the CPU 302 displays on the display unit 311 a screen indicating that connection with the target access point has failed. At this time, information for displaying on the display unit 209 a screen indicating that the connection with the target access point has failed may be transmitted to the terminal device 200 . Alternatively, the CPU 302 may advance to S719 and attempt to connect to the access point to be connected using a channel corresponding to 2.4 GHz. Alternatively, the CPU 302 may attempt connection with the access point to be connected using a channel other than the channel used in S728 among the channels corresponding to 5 GHz.

In S727, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the operation mode storage area contains information indicating that the direct connection mode is enabled. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to step S729, and if the determination is NO, the process ends.

In S729, the CPU 302 disables the direct connection mode. This process is the same as S522.

Next, a mode of appropriately executing the network setting process via the terminal device 200 by a method different from the above-described mode will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing network setting processing executed by the printing apparatus 300 in this embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is realized, for example, by the CPU 302 reading a program stored in the ROM 303, the nonvolatile memory 305, or the like into the RAM 304 and executing the program. 9 is started when a user operation (execution instruction for network setting processing) serving as a trigger for network setting processing is performed on the printing apparatus 300 .

Since S901 to S916 are the same as S701 to S716, description thereof is omitted.

If the determination in S914 is NO, the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 does not include the frequency band information. Therefore, the CPU 302 determines whether information included in the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 is included in the AP search result saved in S904. Information included in the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 is, for example, the SSID, authentication method, encryption method, MAC address, and the like. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S918, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S916. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 identifies frequency information corresponding to information included in the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 from the AP search result.

In S918, the CPU 302 determines whether the frequency information corresponding to the information included in the network setting information received from the terminal device 200 specified from the AP search result is 2.4 GHz. If the determination is YES, the CPU 302 proceeds to S913, and if the determination is NO, the CPU 302 proceeds to S915.

Since the processing after S913 and S915 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 8, the description is omitted.

In the above description, a mode of receiving network setting information for setting the infrastructure connection mode from the terminal device 200 has been described, but network setting information for setting the direct connection mode may be received. In this case, the printing device 300 notifies the terminal device 200 of connection information for connecting to an access point within the printing device 300 that is enabled in the direct connection mode, and then enables the access point. connect directly with

Also, the terminal device 200 preferably transmits information for connecting to the access point to which the terminal device 200 was connected before the network setting process as network setting information for setting the infrastructure connection mode. As a result, since the printing device 300 connects to the access point, infrastructure connection is established between the terminal device 200 and the printing device 300 when the terminal device 200 reconnects to the access point.

By adopting the above-described mode, when the frequency band information is not notified to the printing apparatus 300 in the network setting process, 2.4 GHz is preferentially used over 5 GHz to attempt connection with the access point. can be done. In addition, in the network setting process, when a plurality of pieces of information regarding frequency bands that can be used by the access point to be connected is notified to the printing apparatus 300, 2.4 GHz is preferentially used over 5 GHz, and connection can be attempted.

(Other embodiments)
In the above description, the printing device 300 is compatible with at least one of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, but is not limited to this configuration. That is, the frequency bands that the printing apparatus 300 supports may be frequency bands other than 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Also, the printing apparatus 300 may support three or more frequency bands.

In the above description, when frequency band information is not received or a plurality of frequency band information is received in the network setting process, the printing apparatus 300 preferentially uses the channel corresponding to the 2.4 GHz frequency band and communicates with the AP. was connected. However, it is not limited to this form. For example, in the case described above, the printing apparatus 300 preferentially selects a channel that is not switched by DFS (a channel that is not used by a specific device such as a weather radar) among the channels corresponding to the 5 GHz frequency band. may be used to connect to the AP.

In the above description, in the network setting process using the terminal device 200, the network setting information is set while the printing device 300 is operating in the setup mode and the printing device 300 and the terminal device 200 are connected by Wi-Fi. I explained how to receive it. However, it is not limited to this form, and for example, a form in which setting information is received via a communication method other than Wi-Fi while the printing device 300 and the terminal device 200 are connected by a communication method other than Wi-Fi. can be That is, for example, in response to an operation that triggers operation in the setup mode, the printing apparatus 300 starts operating in a state in which it is possible to communicate with the host terminal 102 using a communication method other than WLAN. Also good. Communication methods other than WLAN are, for example, Bluetooth Classic (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), and NFC.

The above-described embodiments are also implemented by executing the following processes. That is, the software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. It is a process to Also, the program may be executed by one computer or may be executed by a plurality of computers in conjunction with each other. Further, it is not necessary to implement all of the above-described processing by software, and part or all of the processing may be implemented by hardware such as ASIC. Also, the CPU is not limited to a single CPU that performs all the processing, and a plurality of CPUs may perform the processing while appropriately cooperating.

200 terminal device 300 printer

Claims (25)

A communication device capable of wireless communication in a first frequency band and a second frequency band,
a first receiving means for receiving external device information used in processing for wireless connection with an external device;
When neither the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band nor the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band is included in the external device information , the second frequency band is prioritized over the second frequency band. a first establishing means for establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device operating as a slave station and the external device operating as a master station using one frequency band;
a second establishing means for establishing a second wireless connection between the communication device operating as the master station and the device operating as the slave station;
a second receiving means for receiving a print job via the first wireless connection with the external device;
printing means for printing on a recording medium based on the print job;
a control means for controlling so that the second wireless connection is not established when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band;
When the external device information includes any one of the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, the frequency band information included in the external device information establishing the first wireless connection using a frequency band based on
A communication device, wherein the communication device is capable of maintaining the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection in parallel . Neither the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band nor the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band is included in the external device information , and the first wireless connection is performed using the first frequency band. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band when the wireless connection cannot be established. When both the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band are included in the external device information , the first frequency is given priority over the second frequency band. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless connection is established using bands. The external device information includes both frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, and the first wireless connection is established using the first frequency band. 4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein said first wireless connection is established using said second frequency band if it cannot be established. searching for the external device in the first frequency band when the external device information includes neither the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band nor the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band; , if the external device is not found as a result of searching for the external device in the first frequency band, searching for the external device in the second frequency band gives priority to the second frequency band. 5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said first radio connection is established using said first frequency band. A communication device capable of wireless communication in a first frequency band and a second frequency band,
a first receiving means for receiving external device information used in processing for wireless connection with an external device;
When both the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band are included in the external device information , the first frequency is given priority over the second frequency band. a first establishing means for establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device operating as a slave station and the external device operating as a master station using a band;
a second establishing means for establishing a second wireless connection between the communication device operating as the master station and the device operating as the slave station;
a second receiving means for receiving a print job via the first wireless connection with the external device;
printing means for printing on a recording medium based on the print job;
a control means for controlling so that the second wireless connection is not established when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band;
When the external device information includes any one of the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, the frequency band information included in the external device information establishing the first wireless connection using a frequency band based on
A communication device, wherein the communication device is capable of maintaining the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection in parallel . The external device information includes both frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, and the first wireless connection is established using the first frequency band. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein said first wireless connection is established using said second frequency band if it cannot be established. 8. The external device information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the external device information is received by any one of AirStation One-Touch Secure System, Rakuraku Wireless Start, and Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Communication device. When the external device information includes frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and a plurality of pieces of profile information corresponding to the first frequency band, and the first wireless connection is established, the plurality of 9. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, of profile information, a profile of an authentication method with a higher security level or a profile of an encryption method with a higher security level is preferentially used. . 10. The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the external device information is information including a plurality of profiles when the external device has a plurality of SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers). Device. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said external device information is received from a device other than said external device. 12. The communication device of claim 11, wherein the external device information is received via a direct connection between a device other than the external device and the communication device. a first specification for specifying a communication channel to be used in the first wireless connection as a communication channel to be used in the second wireless connection when the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection are maintained in parallel; 13. A communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising steps. The second wireless connection is established based on the operation unit accepting a predetermined operation from the user in a state where the first wireless connection is not established using the second frequency band,
14. The operating unit is controlled so as not to accept the predetermined operation while the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band. 1. The communication device according to claim 1 . The second wireless connection is established based on the operation unit accepting a predetermined operation from the user in a state where the first wireless connection is not established using the second frequency band,
a predetermined screen is displayed on the communication device based on the operation unit accepting the predetermined operation from the user in a state where the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band; and 15. A communication device according to any preceding claim, wherein said second wireless connection is not established. 16. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein said master station determines a communication channel to be used in wireless connection. The external device information includes connection information for wirelessly connecting with the external device, information regarding an authentication method used in wireless connection with the external device, and information regarding an encryption method used in wireless connection with the external device. 17. A communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one of: The frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band is information about a communication channel corresponding to the first frequency band, and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band is communication corresponding to the second frequency band. 18. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , characterized in that it is information about channels. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , wherein the second frequency band is a frequency band to which Dynamic Frequency Selection is applied. The first frequency band is a frequency band of 2.4 GHz,
20. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 , wherein said second frequency band is a frequency band of 5 GHz. receiving means for receiving a specific operation for receiving the external device information ;
When the specific operation is accepted while the communication device is operating in the master station, and the first wireless connection is established using the first frequency band based on the external device information , the control is performed such that the first wireless connection and the operation of the communication device at the master station are maintained in parallel, and the specific operation is accepted while the communication device is operating at the master station; and when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band based on the external device information , the first wireless connection and the operation of the communication device at the master station are performed in parallel. a control means for controlling not to be maintained;
21. A communication device according to any preceding claim, further comprising: 21. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein printing is performed on the recording medium using ink based on the print job . A control method for a communication device capable of wireless communication in a first frequency band and a second frequency band,
a first receiving step of receiving external device information used in processing for wireless connection with an external device;
When neither the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band nor the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band is included in the external device information , the second frequency band is prioritized over the second frequency band. a first establishment step of establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device operating as a slave station and the external device operating as a master station using one frequency band;
a second establishing step of establishing a second wireless connection between the communication device operating as the master station and the device operating as the slave station;
a second receiving step of receiving a print job over the first wireless connection with the external device;
a printing step of printing on a recording medium based on the print job;
a control step of controlling so that the second wireless connection is not established when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band;
When the external device information includes any one of the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, the frequency band information included in the external device information establishing the first wireless connection using a frequency band based on
The control method , wherein the communication device can maintain the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection in parallel . A control method for a communication device capable of wireless communication in a first frequency band and a second frequency band,
a first receiving step of receiving external device information used in processing for wireless connection with an external device;
When both the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band are included in the external device information , the first frequency is given priority over the second frequency band. a first establishment step of establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device operating as a slave station and the external device operating as a master station using a band;
a second establishment step of establishing a second wireless connection between the communication device operating as the master station and the device operating as the slave station;
a second receiving step of receiving a print job over the first wireless connection with the external device;
a printing step of printing on a recording medium based on the print job;
a control step of controlling so that the second wireless connection is not established when the first wireless connection is established using the second frequency band;
When the external device information includes any one of the frequency band information corresponding to the first frequency band and the frequency band information corresponding to the second frequency band, the frequency band information included in the external device information establishing the first wireless connection using a frequency band based on
The control method , wherein the communication device can maintain the first wireless connection and the second wireless connection in parallel . A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 22 .

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