JP5724795B2 - Wireless communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a wireless communication apparatus that establishes a wireless connection with an access point.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless LAN terminal. The wireless LAN terminal stores an SSID (Service Set Identifier) and a BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) in association with each other. When the wireless LAN terminal receives the beacon signal from the access point, the wireless LAN terminal specifies the SSID stored in association with the BSSID of the access point included in the beacon signal, and transmits a Probe Request signal including the SSID.

JP 2005-94656 A

  There is a possibility that network identification information (for example, SSID) for identifying a wireless network including an access point is changed. The present specification discloses a technique for appropriately establishing a wireless connection between a wireless communication device and an access point when network identification information is changed.

  The technology disclosed by this specification is a wireless communication device. The wireless communication apparatus includes a connection control unit, a storage control unit, a reception control unit, and a specifying unit. The connection control unit uses the first network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including the first access point, and uses the first network identification information between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point. Establish a connection. When the first wireless connection is established, the storage control unit stores the first AP identification information, which is invariant identification information for identifying the first access point, in the memory. The reception control unit receives a predetermined signal from each of M (M is an integer of 1 or more) access points when the first wireless connection is disconnected after the first wireless connection is established. The predetermined signal includes network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal, and AP that is immutable identification information for identifying the access point that is the transmission source of the predetermined signal. Identification information. The identifying unit identifies the first predetermined signal including the first AP identification information from the M predetermined signals received from the M access points, using the first AP identification information in the memory. To do. The connection control unit further uses the second network identification information that is the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal and is different from the first network identification information. And establishing a second wireless connection between the first access point and the first access point.

  According to the above configuration, when the first wireless connection is established, the wireless communication apparatus stores the first AP identification information that is invariant identification information for identifying the first access point in the memory. Let For example, when the first network identification information set in the first access point is changed to the second network identification information after the first wireless connection is established, the first wireless connection is disconnected. Is done. In this case, the wireless communication apparatus receives a predetermined signal from each of the M access points. Then, the wireless communication device uses the first AP identification information in the memory, and uses the first predetermined signal (that is, the first access point) including the first AP identification information from among the M predetermined signals. 1st predetermined signal received from the first wireless communication device and the second access point between the wireless communication device and the first access point using the second network identification information included in the first predetermined signal. A connection can be established. That is, the wireless communication device can appropriately establish the second wireless connection with the first access point when the first network identification information is changed to the second network identification information.

  Note that a control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for the wireless communication apparatus are also novel and useful.

An example of a structure of a communication system is shown. The flowchart of a wireless connection process is shown. The flowchart of an automatic repair process is shown. A sequence diagram of case A is shown. A sequence diagram of case B is shown. A sequence diagram of case C is shown. A sequence diagram of case D is shown. The flowchart of the automatic repair process in 2nd Example is shown. A sequence diagram of case E is shown. A sequence diagram of case F is shown. A sequence diagram of case G is shown.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a plurality of access points 50 and 70 (hereinafter, “access points” are referred to as “AP”), and a PC 60. The printer 10 and the PC 60 can establish a wireless connection with any one of the APs 50 and 70. 1 indicates a state in which a wireless connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 50, and a wireless connection is established between the PC 60 and the AP 50. In this state, the printer 10 and the PC 60 are connected to a wireless network including the AP 50. Hereinafter, establishment of a wireless connection between the printer 10 and the AP may be expressed as “the printer 10 is wirelessly connected to the AP”.

  In this embodiment, the term “wireless connection” is used as the following meaning. That is, in a state where the printer 10 is wirelessly connected to the AP, the printer 10 can perform communication with another device (for example, the PC 60) via the AP. On the other hand, in a state where the printer 10 is not wirelessly connected to the AP, the printer 10 performs wireless communication for wireless connection to the AP (for example, wireless communication of a Probe Request signal and a Probe Response signal described below (S12 in FIG. 2). , S14)) can be executed, but communication with other devices cannot be executed via the AP.

(Configuration of Printer 10)
The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a wireless interface 16, a print execution unit 18, and a control unit 20. Each of the above-described units 12 to 20 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can give various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The wireless interface 16 is an interface for the printer 10 to perform wireless communication. The print execution unit 18 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method, and executes printing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to the program 26 stored in the memory 24. When the CPU 22 executes processing according to the program 26, the functions of the connection control unit 30, the storage control unit 34, the reception control unit 36, and the specifying unit 38 are realized. The connection control unit 30 includes a second determination unit 32, and the specifying unit 38 includes a first determination unit 40.

  The memory 24 includes a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The memory 24 includes a wireless profile storage area 28 for storing a wireless profile. The wireless profile includes the SSID, BSSID, authentication method, encryption method, and password. The wireless profile is stored in the wireless profile storage area 28 when the printer 10 is wirelessly connected to an AP (hereinafter referred to as “target AP”) (see S28 in FIG. 2).

  The SSID stored in the wireless profile storage area 28 is identification information for identifying the wireless network including the target AP. The BSSID stored in the wireless profile storage area 28 is the MAC address of the target AP. Further, the printer 10 has a plurality of authentication methods (for example, “WPA-PSK”, “WPA2-PSK”, etc.) and a plurality of encryption methods (for example, “TKIP”, “AES”, etc.). Supported. The combination of the authentication method and the encryption method stored in the wireless profile storage area 28 is one of a plurality of combinations of the authentication method and the encryption method supported by the printer 10 and used by the target AP. A combination (for example, a combination of “WPA-PSK” and “TKIP”). The password stored in the wireless profile storage area 28 is a password used by the target AP.

(Configuration of AP50, 70)
The AP 50 is a device for relaying wireless communication between a pair of devices. In the AP 50, the SSID “ABC” and the BSSID “MAC50” are set. The user can change the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 to another SSID. BSSID “MAC50” is the MAC address of AP50. The MAC address is unique identification information set in the AP 50 from the time of shipment of the AP 50. That is, the SSID is variable information, but the BSSID is unchanged information.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password are further set in the AP 50. The user can set a combination of an authentication method and an encryption method to be used by the AP 50 (for example, a combination of “WPA-PSK” and “TKIP”) in the AP 50. In addition, the user can set a password in the AP 50. The AP 70 is set with SSID “DEF”, BSSID “MAC 70”, an authentication method, and the like.

(Wireless connection processing; Fig. 2)
Next, the wireless connection process executed by the control unit 20 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user desires to connect the printer 10 to the wireless network, the user operates the operation unit 12 of the printer 10 to execute a predetermined wireless connection operation. In this case, the control unit 20 determines YES in S10, and proceeds to S12.

  In S12, the control unit 20 wirelessly transmits a Probe Request signal (hereinafter referred to as “PReq signal”). Upon receiving the PReq signal from the printer 10, the APs 50 and 70 existing around the printer 10 transmit a Probe Response signal (hereinafter referred to as “PRes signal”) to the printer 10 wirelessly. As a result, in S14, the reception control unit 36 (see FIG. 1) receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 50 and 70. The PRes signal includes the SSID and BSSID set in the AP that is the transmission source of the PRes signal. For example, the PRes signal received from the AP 50 includes the SSID “ABC” and the BSSID “MAC50” (see FIG. 1).

  In S16, the specifying unit 38 (see FIG. 1) displays a list of SSIDs (in the present embodiment, two SSIDs “ABC” and “DEF”) included in each PRes signal received in S14 on the display unit. 14 is displayed. The user operates the operation unit 12 to specify the SSID of a desired AP from the list. In this case, the specifying unit 38 determines YES in S18 and proceeds to S20.

  In S20, the identifying unit 38 identifies the SSID designated by the user (for example, the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50). Note that specifying the SSID in S20 is equivalent to specifying one PRes signal including the SSID from one or more PRes received in S14, and exists around the printer 10. This is equivalent to specifying one AP from one or more APs. This also applies to S58 and S70 in FIG. 3 described later and S104 in FIG. In the following, the specific process such as S20 may be expressed as “specify SSID”, may be expressed as “specify a PRes signal”, or may be expressed as “specify AP”. is there. In the following, the contents of each process will be described by taking as an example the case where the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 is identified in S20.

  Next, in S22, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 14 to display a screen that prompts input of a password. The user operates the operation unit 12 and inputs a password. In this case, the control unit 20 determines YES in S22, and proceeds to S24.

  In S24, the connection control unit 30 (see FIG. 1) executes an all-challenge process for establishing a wireless connection between the AP 50 specified in S20 and the printer 10. As described above, the printer 10 supports a plurality of combinations of authentication methods and encryption methods. In the all challenge process, the connection control unit 30 first selects one combination from the plurality of combinations described above. Next, the connection control unit 30 wirelessly transmits to the AP 50 a connection request signal including combination information indicating one selected combination and the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 identified in S20.

  The connection request signal includes the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50. Therefore, the AP 50 can know that the transmission destination of the connection request signal is the AP 50 itself. In this case, the AP 50 executes first and second authentication described later. The AP 70 can receive the connection request signal, but the SSID “ABC” included in the connection request signal is different from the SSID “DEF” of the AP 70. Therefore, the AP 70 can know that the transmission destination of the connection request signal is not the AP 70 itself, and does not execute the first authentication described later.

  In the first authentication, the AP 50 determines whether or not the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method indicated by the combination information included in the connection request signal is currently set in the AP 50. When the first authentication fails (that is, when the combination indicated by the combination information is not set in the AP 50), the AP 50 indicates the first error information indicating an error of the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method. To the printer 10 wirelessly. On the other hand, when the AP 50 succeeds in the first authentication (that is, when the combination indicated by the combination information is set in the AP 50), the first success indicating that the first authentication is successful. Information is transmitted to the printer 10 wirelessly.

  When receiving the first error information from the AP 50, the connection control unit 30 selects another one combination from a plurality of combinations of the authentication method and the encryption method. Next, the connection control unit 30 transmits a connection request signal to the AP 50 and receives the first error information or the first success information from the AP 50 in the same manner as described above. Until receiving the first success information from the AP 50, the connection control unit 30 repeatedly selects another combination from the plurality of combinations and transmits a connection request signal. If the first success information is not received even if all of the plurality of combinations are selected, the connection control unit 30 determines NO in S26 and ends the wireless connection process.

  When receiving the first success information from the AP 50, the connection control unit 30 generates encrypted data by encrypting the original data using the password input in S22. Then, the connection control unit 30 wirelessly transmits the encrypted data to the AP 50.

  When the AP 50 receives the encrypted data from the printer 10, the AP 50 executes the second authentication. In the second authentication, the AP 50 generates encrypted data by encrypting the original data using the password currently set in the AP 50. Next, the AP 50 determines whether the encrypted data generated by the AP 50 itself and the encrypted data received from the printer 10 match. When the second authentication fails (that is, when the two encrypted data do not match), the AP 50 wirelessly transmits second error information indicating a password error to the printer 10. On the other hand, when the second authentication is successful (that is, when the two encrypted data match), the AP 50 wirelessly sends the second success information indicating that the second authentication is successful to the printer 10. Send with.

  When receiving the second error information from the AP 50, the connection control unit 30 determines NO in S26 and ends the wireless connection process. In the modified example, when receiving the second error information from the AP 50, the control unit 20 may return to S22 and prompt the user to re-enter the password. When the second success information is received from the AP 50, a wireless connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 50. When receiving the second success information from the AP 50, the connection control unit 30 determines YES in S26 and proceeds to S28.

  In S28, the storage control unit 34 (see FIG. 1), the SSID “ABC” included in the PRes signal specified in S20 (that is, the PRes signal received from the AP 50) and the BSSID “MAC50” included in the PRes signal. ”Is stored in the wireless profile storage area 28. In S28, the storage control unit 34 further stores in the wireless profile storage area 28 the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method in which the first authentication is successful and the password in which the second authentication is successful. When S28 ends, the wireless connection process ends.

  When the wireless connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 50 by the wireless connection process in FIG. 2, for example, the PC 60 can transmit print data to the printer 10 via the AP 50. In this case, the printer 10 can receive the print data and execute printing according to the print data.

(Automatic repair processing; Fig. 3)
Next, the automatic restoration process executed by the control unit 20 of the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The automatic restoration process is executed in a state where the printer 10 is wirelessly connected to any AP. Hereinafter, the contents of each process will be described by taking as an example the case where the printer 10 is wirelessly connected to the AP 50.

  In S50, the control unit 20 monitors that the wireless connection between the printer 10 and the AP 50 is disconnected. The control unit 20 periodically transmits a signal including the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 (that is, a signal for confirming the existence of the AP 50), and monitors reception of a response signal to the signal from the AP 50. Yes.

  For example, when the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 is changed to another SSID by the user, the AP 50 does not transmit a response signal even when receiving a signal including the SSID “ABC”. Further, for example, when the radio wave condition between the printer 10 and the AP 50 deteriorates, or when the power of the AP 50 is turned off, the AP 50 cannot receive a signal from the printer 10 and sends a response signal. Do not send. When the response signal is not received from the AP 50, the control unit 20 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S52. In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 20 of the printer 10 periodically transmits a signal. However, in a modified example, the AP 50 periodically transmits a signal for confirming the presence of the printer 10. It may be configured to transmit automatically. In this case, when receiving a signal from the AP 50, the control unit 20 of the printer 10 transmits a response signal to the AP 50. Note that if the control unit 20 stops receiving a signal from the AP 50 periodically, the control unit 20 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S52.

  S52 and S54 are the same as S12 and S14 of FIG. In S54, the reception control unit 36 normally receives one or more PRes signals from one or more APs (for example, APs 50 and 70).

  In S56, the first determination unit 40 (see FIG. 1) determines whether or not the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 is included in the one or more SSIDs received in S54. . That is, the first determination unit 40 determines whether or not a PRes signal including the SSID “ABC” is included in the one or more PRes signals received in S54. If YES is determined in S56, the process proceeds to S58. If NO is determined in S56, the process proceeds to S68. Note that if one PRes signal is not received in S54, NO is determined in S56.

  In S58, the identifying unit 38 identifies the SSID “ABC” from the one or more SSIDs received in S54 (that is, the SSID “ABC” from the one or more PREs signals received in S54. ). In S58, unlike S20 of FIG. 2, the specifying unit 38 specifies the SSID “ABC” in the absence of a user instruction (ie, S18 of FIG. 2).

  Next, in S60, the connection control unit 30 transmits a connection request signal including combination information indicating the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method in the wireless profile storage area 28 and the SSID “ABC” specified in S58. To do. Further, in S60, when receiving the first success information, the connection control unit 30 transmits the encrypted data as in S24 of FIG. When receiving the second success information (that is, when the wireless connection is established), the connection control unit 30 determines YES in S62 and proceeds to S64. On the other hand, when the first or second error information is received, the connection control unit 30 determines NO in S62 and proceeds to S52.

  In S64, the storage control unit 34 determines whether or not the BSSID included in the Pres signal specified in S58 matches the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28. If YES is determined in S64, the process returns to S50 without executing S66, and if NO is determined in S64, the process proceeds to S66.

  In S66, the storage control unit 34 updates the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the BSSID (for example, the BSSID “MAC70” of the AP 70) included in the Pres signal specified in S58. When S66 ends, the process returns to S50.

  On the other hand, in S68, the specifying unit 38 determines whether or not the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28 is included in the one or more BSSIDs received in S54. That is, the specifying unit 38 determines whether or not a PRes signal including BSSID “MAC50” is included in one or more PRes signals received in S54. If YES is determined in S68, the process proceeds to S70, and if NO is determined in S68, the process proceeds to S52. Note that if one PRes signal is not received in S54, NO is determined in S68.

  In S70, the identifying unit 38 identifies the SSID received together with the BSSID “MAC50” from the one or more SSIDs received in S54 (that is, among the one or more Pres signals received in S54). From the above, a Pres signal including BSSID “MAC50” is specified). Note that when S70 is executed, NO is determined in S56 (that is, SSID “ABC” has not been received), and therefore, in S70, an SSID different from SSID “ABC” is specified. In S70, unlike S20 in FIG. 2, the specifying unit 38 specifies the SSID in the absence of a user instruction (ie, S18 in FIG. 2).

  Next, in S72, the connection control unit 30 transmits a connection request signal including combination information indicating a combination of the authentication method and the encryption method in the wireless profile storage area 28 and the SSID specified in S70. Other processes executed in S72 are the same as S60. S74 is the same as S62. If YES is determined in S74, the process proceeds to S76, and if NO is determined in S74, the process proceeds to S52.

  In S76, the storage control unit 34 updates the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the SSID specified in S70 (that is, the SSID included in the Pres signal specified in S70). When S76 ends, the process returns to S50.

(Case A; Fig. 4)
Next, specific cases A to D realized by the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described. As shown in case A of FIG. 4, when a wireless connection operation is executed by the user (YES in S10 of FIG. 2), the control unit 20 transmits a Preq signal (S12). As a result, the reception control unit 36 receives a Pres signal from each AP 50, 70 (S14). Next, the specifying unit 38 specifies the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 (that is, specifies the Pres signal received from the AP 50) according to the user's instruction (S20).

  Next, when a password is input by the user (YES in S22), the connection control unit 30 executes an all challenge process using the SSID “ABC” included in the specified Pres signal (S24). As a result, the connection control unit 30 establishes the wireless connection WC1 between the printer 10 and the AP 50 (YES in S26). The storage control unit 34 stores the SSID “ABC” and BSSID “MAC50” included in the specified Pres signal in the wireless profile storage area 28 (S28). Here, the storage control unit 34 further stores the authentication method, encryption method, and password in the wireless profile storage area 28.

(Case B; Fig. 5)
As shown in case B of FIG. 5, after the wireless connection WC1 is established, when the user changes the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 to the SSID “GHI”, the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected (FIG. 5). 3 S50 YES). In this case, the control unit 20 transmits a Preq signal (S52). As a result, the reception control unit 36 receives a Pres signal from each AP 50, 70 (S54).

  Since the SSID of the AP 50 is changed from “ABC” to “GHI”, the Pres signal received from the AP 50 includes the SSID “GHI” and the BSSID “MAC50”. In this case, the first determination unit 40 determines NO in S56, and the specifying unit 38 determines YES in S68. Next, the specifying unit 38 specifies the SSID “GHI” included in the Pres signal received from the AP 50 using the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28 in a state where there is no instruction from the user (ie, The Pres signal received from the AP 50 is specified) (S70).

  Next, the connection control unit 30 executes a connection trial process using the SSID “GHI” included in the identified Pres signal (S72). Here, the connection control unit 30 further executes a connection trial process using the authentication method, encryption method, and password in the wireless profile storage area 28. As a result, the connection control unit 30 establishes the wireless connection WC2 between the printer 10 and the AP 50 (YES in S74). The storage control unit 34 updates the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the SSID “GHI” included in the specified Pres signal (S76).

  As described in the cases A and B, the printer 10 of this embodiment has the wireless connection WC1 due to the change of the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 to “GHI” after the wireless connection WC1 is established. Is disconnected, the Pres signal received from the AP 50 is specified using the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28 without the user's instruction. Then, the printer 10 establishes the wireless connection WC2 using the SSID “GHI” included in the identified Pres signal (and further using the authentication method in the wireless profile storage area 28). That is, the printer 10 can automatically restore the wireless connection between the printer 10 and the AP 50.

(Case C; FIG. 6)
As shown in case C of FIG. 6, if the radio wave condition between the printer 10 and the AP 50 deteriorates after the wireless connection WC1 is established, the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected (YES in S50 of FIG. 3). In this case, the control unit 20 transmits a Preq signal (S52). When the radio wave condition is recovered, the reception control unit 36 receives the Pres signal not only from the AP 70 but also from the AP 50 (S54).

  The Pres signal received from the AP 50 includes the SSID “ABC” and the BSSID “MAC50”. In this case, the first determination unit 40 determines YES in S56, and the specifying unit 38 receives from the AP 50 using the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 without a user instruction. The SSID “ABC” included in the Pres signal is specified (that is, the Pres signal received from the AP 50 is specified) (S58).

  Next, the connection control unit 30 executes a connection trial process using the SSID “ABC” included in the identified Pres signal (and further using an authentication method or the like in the wireless profile storage area 28) (S60). ). As a result, the connection control unit 30 establishes the wireless connection WC3 between the printer 10 and the AP 50 (YES in S62).

  As described above, the identified Pres signal (that is, the Pres signal received from the AP 50) includes the BSSID “MAC50”. Accordingly, the storage control unit 34 determines YES in S64 and does not execute S66.

  As described in Case C, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment is disconnected from the wireless connection WC1 because the radio wave condition between the printer 10 and the AP 50 temporarily deteriorates after the wireless connection WC1 is established. In this case, the Pres signal received from the AP 50 is specified using the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 in a state where there is no instruction from the user. Then, the printer 10 wirelessly connects between the printer 10 and the AP 50 using the SSID “ABC” included in the specified Pres signal (and further using an authentication method in the wireless profile storage area 28). WC3 can be established.

(Case D; FIG. 7)
As shown in case D of FIG. 7, when the power of the AP 50 is turned off after the wireless connection WC1 is established, the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected (YES in S50 of FIG. 3). Moreover, in Case D, the SSID “DEF” of the AP 70 is changed to “ABC” that has been set in the AP 50 until now (hereinafter referred to as “specific change”). In this case, the reception control unit 36 receives the Pres signal only from the AP 70 (S54).

  The Pres signal received from the AP 70 includes the SSID “ABC” and the BSSID “MAC70”. In this case, the first determination unit 40 determines YES in S56, and the specifying unit 38 is received from the AP 70 using the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 without a user instruction. The SSID “ABC” included in the Pres signal is specified (that is, the Pres signal received from the AP 70 is specified) (S58).

  Next, the connection control unit 30 executes a connection trial process using the SSID “ABC” included in the identified Pres signal (and further using an authentication method or the like in the wireless profile storage area 28) (S60). ). If the authentication method in the wireless profile storage area 28 matches the authentication method set in the AP 70, the connection control unit 30 establishes a wireless connection WC4 between the printer 10 and the AP 70 (S62). YES)

  As described above, the identified Pres signal (that is, the Pres signal received from the AP 70) includes the BSSID “MAC70”. Accordingly, the storage control unit 34 determines NO in S64, and updates the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the BSSID “MAC70” (S66).

  As described in Case D, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected because the specific change is performed after the wireless connection WC1 is established, The Pres signal received from the AP 70 is specified using the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 in the absence of a user instruction. Then, the printer 10 wirelessly connects between the printer 10 and the AP 70 using the SSID “ABC” included in the specified Pres signal (and using the authentication method in the wireless profile storage area 28). WC4 can be established. For example, in the case of forming a new wireless network by replacing the AP 50 constituting the wireless network with the AP 70, the above-described specific change is executed and the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 is set to the AP 70. For example, since it is not necessary to change the SSID set in each device (for example, the PC 60) connected to the AP 50, it is possible to easily reconfigure a wireless network similar to the wireless network configured by the AP 50. it can.

(Correspondence)
The printer 10, the AP 50, and the AP 70 are examples of a “wireless communication apparatus”, a “first access point”, and a “second access point”, respectively. SSID “ABC” and SSID “GHI” are examples of “first network identification information” and “second network identification information”, respectively. BSSID “MC50” and BSSID “MAC70” are examples of “first AP identification information” and “second AP identification information”, respectively. A plurality of combinations of authentication methods and encryption methods supported by the printer 10 is an example of “plural types of security methods”, and a combination of authentication methods and encryption methods stored in S28 of FIG. Is an example of a “specific type of security scheme”.

  Also, a Pres signal received from the AP 50 in case B of FIG. 5, a Pres signal received from the AP 50 in case A of FIG. 4, a Pres signal received from the AP 50 in case C of FIG. 6, and a case D of FIG. Pres signals received from the AP 70 are examples of “first to fourth predetermined signals”, respectively. The wireless connections WC1 to WC4 in FIGS. 4 to 7 are examples of “first to fourth wireless connections”, respectively. Further, the case of NO in S56 of FIG. 3 and the case of YES in S56 are examples of “first case” and “second case”, respectively.

(Second embodiment)
Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, in the automatic repair process of FIG. 3, if NO in S68, the process proceeds to S52. In the second embodiment, the process proceeds to S100 in FIG. In the first embodiment, the process proceeds to S52 if NO in S74 of FIG. 3, but the process proceeds to S130 in FIG. 8 in the second embodiment.

  In S100, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 14 to display a screen for inquiring the user whether or not the printer 10 is to be wirelessly connected to a new AP different from the AP 50. The user operates the operation unit 12 to select whether or not to wirelessly connect the printer 10 to a new AP. When it is selected that the printer 10 is to be wirelessly connected to the new AP, the control unit 20 determines YES in S100, proceeds to S102, and is selected not to wirelessly connect the printer 10 to the new AP. If so, the process proceeds to S52 of FIG.

  In S102, the specifying unit 38 causes the display unit 14 to display a list of each SSID included in each PRes signal received in S54 of FIG. The subsequent processes S102 to S112 are the same as S18 to S28 in FIG. If NO in S110, the process proceeds to S52 in FIG. When S112 ends, the process proceeds to S50 in FIG.

  In S130, the second determination unit 32 (see FIG. 1) identifies the cause that the wireless connection could not be established in the connection trial process executed in S72 in FIG. 3 in the printer 10 and S70 in FIG. It is determined whether or not there is a password mismatch with a completed AP (hereinafter referred to as “target AP”). Specifically, when the second determination unit 32 receives the first error information (that is, information indicating an error of the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method) from the target AP, NO is determined in S130. The process proceeds to S132. On the other hand, when receiving the second error information (that is, information indicating a password error) from the target AP, the second determination unit 32 determines YES in S130 and skips S132 to S136. Then, the process proceeds to S138.

  In S132, the connection control unit 30 executes an all-challenge process as in S24 of FIG. Next, in S134, the connection control unit 30 determines whether or not a wireless connection has been established by the all challenge process. If YES is determined in S134, the process proceeds to S144. If NO is determined in S134, the process proceeds to S136.

  In S136, as in S130, the second determination unit 32 determines whether the cause of the failure to establish the wireless connection by the all-challenge process is a password mismatch. If YES is determined in S136, the process proceeds to S138. If NO is determined in S136, the process proceeds to S52 in FIG.

  In S138, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 14 to display a screen that prompts input of a password. The user operates the operation unit 12 to execute an operation for inputting a password. In this case, the control unit 20 determines YES in S138, and proceeds to S140.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the AP first performs the first authentication relating to the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method, and if successful, executes the second authentication relating to the password. In the stage where S140 is executed, the first authentication executed by the target AP (the first authentication executed in S72 of FIG. 3 or the first authentication executed in S132) is successful, The second authentication performed by the target AP has failed. In S140, the connection control unit 30 uses the combination information indicating the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method in which the first authentication has succeeded and the password input in S138 (S72 in FIG. 3). The same processing is executed.

  Next, in S142, the connection control unit 30 determines whether a wireless connection has been established by the connection trial process in S140. If YES is determined in S142, the process proceeds to S144. If NO is determined in S142, the process proceeds to S138.

  In S144, the storage control unit 34 updates the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the SSID included in the Pres signal identified in S70. When the all challenge process of S132 is executed, in S144, the storage control unit 34 further succeeds in the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method in the wireless profile storage area 28 by the all challenge process of S132. Update to the combination of authentication method and encryption method. If YES is determined in S130 or S136, in S144, the storage control unit 34 further updates the password in the wireless profile storage area 28 with the password input in S138. When S144 ends, the process proceeds to S50 in FIG.

(Case E; Fig. 9)
Subsequently, specific cases E to G realized by the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 8 will be described. As shown in case E of FIG. 9, when the power of the AP 50 is turned off after the wireless connection WC1 is established, the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected (YES in S50 of FIG. 3). In the case E, unlike the case D in FIG. 7, the SSID “DEF” of the AP 70 is not changed to “ABC” that has been set in the AP 50 until now. In this case, the reception control unit 36 receives the Pres signal only from the AP 70 (S54).

  The Pres signal received from the AP 70 includes the SSID “DEF” and the BSSID “MAC70”. In this case, the first determination unit 40 determines NO in S56, and the specifying unit 38 determines NO in S68. In this case, the processing after S100 in FIG. 8 is executed. For this purpose, the specifying unit 38 specifies the SSID “DEF” included in the Pres signal received from the AP 70 (that is, specifies the Pres signal received from the AP 70) in accordance with a user instruction (S104).

  Next, when a password is input by the user (YES in S106), the connection control unit 30 executes an all challenge process using the SSID “DEF” included in the specified Pres signal (S108). As a result, the connection control unit 30 establishes the wireless connection WC5 between the printer 10 and the AP 70 (YES in S110). The storage control unit 34 updates the SSID “ABC” and the BSSID “MAC50” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the SSID “DEF” and the BSSID “MAC70” included in the specified Pres signal (S144). Further, the storage control unit 34 updates the authentication method and encryption method in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the authentication method and encryption method for which the all challenge process of S108 has been successful. Further, the storage control unit 34 updates the password in the wireless profile storage area 28 with the password input in S106.

  As described in Case E, the printer 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment allows the user's user to connect the wireless connection WC1 when the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected after the wireless connection WC1 is established. According to the instruction, the Pres signal received from the AP 70 is specified. The printer can establish the wireless connection WC5 between the printer 10 and the AP 70 using the SSID “DEF” included in the specified Pres signal.

(Case F; FIG. 10)
As shown in case F of FIG. 10, after the wireless connection WC1 is established, the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 is changed by the user to the SSID “GHI”, and the authentication method and the encryption method of the AP 50 are further changed by the user. When the combination is changed, the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected (YES in S50 of FIG. 3). In this case, the connection trial process (S72) using the SSID “GHI” is executed until the connection trial process (S72) is executed. However, in case F, the combination of the authentication method and encryption method of the AP 50 is changed. Therefore, the wireless connection is not established by the connection trial process (S72) (NO in S74), and as a result, the processes after S130 in FIG. 8 are executed.

  The second determination unit 32 determines NO in S130. In this case, the connection control unit 30 executes an all challenge process (S132). As a result, the connection control unit 30 establishes the wireless connection WC6 between the printer 10 and the AP 50 (YES in S134). The storage control unit 34 updates the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the SSID “GHI” included in the specified Pres signal (S144). Further, the storage control unit 34 uses the authentication method and encryption method in the wireless profile storage area 28 as the authentication method and encryption method in which the all-challenge process of S132 is successful (authentication method and encryption method after changing the AP 50). Update to

  As described in Case F, the printer 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment has changed not only the SSID of the AP 50 but also the combination of the authentication method and the encryption method after the wireless connection WC1 is established. When the wireless connection WC1 is disconnected, the wireless connection WC6 can be established between the printer 10 and the AP 50.

(Case G; FIG. 11)
As shown in case G of FIG. 11, after the wireless connection WC1 is established, the SSID “ABC” of the AP 50 is changed by the user to the SSID “GHI”, and the password of the AP 50 is changed by the user. The wireless connection WC1 is disconnected (YES in S50 of FIG. 3). In this case, the connection trial process (S72) using the SSID “GHI” is executed until the connection trial process (S72) is executed. However, in case G, the password of the AP 50 is changed. Therefore, the wireless connection is not established by the connection trial process (S72) (NO in S74), and as a result, the processes after S130 in FIG. 8 are executed.

  The second determination unit 32 determines YES in S130. In this case, the connection control unit 30 executes a connection trial process using the password input by the user (YES in S138) (S140). As a result, the connection control unit 30 establishes the wireless connection WC7 between the printer 10 and the AP 50 (YES in S142). The storage control unit 34 updates the SSID “ABC” in the wireless profile storage area 28 to the SSID “GHI” included in the specified Pres signal (S144). Furthermore, the storage control unit 34 updates the password in the wireless profile storage area 28 with the password input in S138.

  As described in Case G, after the wireless connection WC1 is established, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment has disconnected the wireless connection WC1 due to the change of the password as well as the SSID of the AP 50. In this case, the wireless connection WC 7 can be established between the printer 10 and the AP 50. As is apparent from a comparison between cases F and G, when the wireless connection cannot be established by the connection trial process in S72, the printer 10 appropriately establishes the wireless connection WC6 or WC7 depending on the cause. Can do.

(Correspondence)
The Pres signal received from the AP 70, the SSID “DEF”, and the AP 70 in the case E of FIG. 9 is an example of “third access point”, “third network identification information”, and “fifth predetermined signal”, respectively. It is. Further, the password stored in S28 of FIG. 2 and the password input in S138 of FIG. 8 are examples of “first password” and “second password”, respectively. The all challenge process of S132 of FIG. 8 is an example of “specific connection process”. Also, the wireless connections WC5 to WC7 in FIGS. 9 to 11 are examples of “fifth to seventh wireless connections”, respectively.

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

(Modification 1) In S24 of FIG. 2, the connection control unit 30 executes the connection trial process using a combination of the authentication method and the encryption method input by the user instead of executing the all-challenge process. Also good. Further, in S24 of FIG. 2, the connection control unit 30 acquires a combination of the authentication method and the encryption method currently set in the AP 50 from the AP 50, and executes the connection trial process using the combination. Good. Generally speaking, the “first wireless connection” may be established using any of the various methods described above.

(Modification 2) In each of the above embodiments, two APs 50 and 70 exist around the printer 10, but only one AP may exist around the printer 10. Further, three or more APs may exist around the printer 10. Generally speaking, “M” may be an integer of 1 or more, and “N” may be an integer of 1 or more. “M” and “N” may be the same value or different values.

(Modification 3) The “wireless communication device” is not limited to the printer 10, and other types of devices capable of performing wireless communication (PC, server, copier, FAX device, scanner, multi-function device, portable terminal, PDA) Etc.).

(Modification 4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the functions of the units 30 to 40 are realized by the CPU 22 executing a process according to software (that is, the program 26). Instead, at least a part of the functions of the units 30 to 40 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

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

  2: wireless communication system, 10: printer, 50, 70: AP, 60: PC, WC1 to WC7: wireless connection

Claims (10)

A wireless communication device,
A first wireless connection is established between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point using first network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including the first access point. A connection control unit,
A storage control unit that stores, in a memory, first AP identification information that is invariant identification information for identifying the first access point when the first wireless connection is established;
A reception control unit that receives a predetermined signal from each of M (M is an integer of 1 or more) access points when the first wireless connection is disconnected after the first wireless connection is established. The predetermined signal includes network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal, and an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal. The reception control unit including AP identification information which is immutable identification information;
Using the first AP identification information in the memory without the user's instruction, the first AP identification information is obtained from the M predetermined signals received from the M access points. A specifying unit for specifying a first predetermined signal including,
The connection control unit further uses second network identification information that is second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal and is different from the first network identification information. Establishing a second wireless connection between the wireless communication device and the first access point;
The reception control unit further receives the predetermined signal from each of N (N is an integer of 1 or more) access points before the first wireless connection is established,
The specifying unit further includes, in accordance with an instruction from the user, out of N predetermined signals received from the N access points, the first network identification information, the first AP identification information, A second predetermined signal containing
The connection control unit establishes the first wireless connection using the first network identification information included in the specified second predetermined signal,
The said memory | storage control part is a radio | wireless communication apparatus which memorize | stores the said 1st AP identification information contained in the said specified 2nd predetermined signal in the said memory, when the said 1st radio | wireless connection is established . The storage control unit further stores the first network identification information in the memory when the first wireless connection is established,
The specific part is:
First determining whether or not a specific predetermined signal including the first network identification information is included in the M predetermined signals using the first network identification information in the memory It has a judgment part,
In the first case where it is determined that the specific predetermined signal is not included in the M predetermined signals,
The specifying unit specifies the first predetermined signal,
The connection control unit establishes the second wireless connection using the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal,
In a second case where it is determined that the specific predetermined signal is included in the M predetermined signals,
The specifying unit further includes a third predetermined signal that is the specific predetermined signal among the M predetermined signals, the third predetermined signal further including the first AP identification information. Identify,
The connection control unit establishes a third wireless connection between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point using the first network identification information included in the specified third predetermined signal. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, which is established. A wireless communication device,
A first wireless connection is established between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point using first network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including the first access point. A connection control unit,
When the first wireless connection is established, first AP identification information , which is invariant identification information for identifying the first access point, and the first network identification information are stored in a memory. A storage control unit,
A reception control unit that receives a predetermined signal from each of M (M is an integer of 1 or more) access points when the first wireless connection is disconnected after the first wireless connection is established. The predetermined signal includes network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal, and an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal. The reception control unit including AP identification information which is immutable identification information;
Using the first AP identification information in the memory, a first predetermined signal including the first AP identification information is identified from among M predetermined signals received from the M access points. And a specific part
The specific part is:
First determining whether or not a specific predetermined signal including the first network identification information is included in the M predetermined signals using the first network identification information in the memory It has a judgment part,
In the first case where it is determined that the specific predetermined signal is not included in the M predetermined signals,
The specifying unit specifies the first predetermined signal,
The connection control unit, a second network identification information included in said first predetermined signal JP Jozumi, wherein the first network identification information with different second network identification information, Establishing a second wireless connection between the wireless communication device and the first access point ;
In a second case where it is determined that the specific predetermined signal is included in the M predetermined signals,
The specifying unit further includes a third predetermined signal that is the specific predetermined signal among the M predetermined signals, the third predetermined signal further including the first AP identification information. Identify,
The connection control unit establishes a third wireless connection between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point using the first network identification information included in the specified third predetermined signal. A wireless communication device to establish . The specific part is:
In the second case, when the third predetermined signal is included in the M predetermined signals, the third predetermined signal is specified,
In the second case, among the M predetermined signals, a second predetermined identification signal that is a fourth predetermined signal that is the specific predetermined signal and is different from the first AP identification information. If the fourth predetermined signal further includes the fourth predetermined signal,
The second AP identification information is immutable identification information for identifying a second access point different from the first access point,
The connection control unit
In the second case, when the specifying unit specifies the third predetermined signal, the third network identification information included in the specified third predetermined signal is used to determine the third predetermined signal. Establish a wireless connection,
In the second case, when the specifying unit specifies the fourth predetermined signal, the wireless communication apparatus uses the first network identification information included in the specified fourth predetermined signal. The wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein a fourth wireless connection is established between the first access point and the second access point. The specific part is:
In the first case, when the first predetermined signal is included in the M predetermined signals, the first predetermined signal is specified,
In the first case, when the first predetermined signal is not included in the M predetermined signals, a third network identification is selected from the M predetermined signals according to a user instruction. Identify a fifth predetermined signal containing information;
The third network identification information is identification information for identifying a wireless network including a third access point different from the first access point;
The connection control unit
In the first case, when the specifying unit specifies the first predetermined signal, the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal is used to determine the second predetermined signal. Establish a wireless connection,
In the first case, when the specifying unit specifies the fifth predetermined signal, the wireless communication apparatus uses the third network identification information included in the specified fifth predetermined signal. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a fifth wireless connection is established between the first access point and the third access point. The storage control unit further stores, in the memory, a specific type of security method for establishing the first wireless connection when the first wireless connection is established,
The connection control unit establishes the second wireless connection using the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal and the specific type of security method in the memory. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is established. A wireless communication device,
A first wireless connection is established between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point using first network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including the first access point. A connection control unit,
When the first wireless connection is established, first AP identification information that is invariant identification information for identifying the first access point and a specification for establishing the first wireless connection A storage control unit for storing the types of security methods in a memory;
A reception control unit that receives a predetermined signal from each of M (M is an integer of 1 or more) access points when the first wireless connection is disconnected after the first wireless connection is established. The predetermined signal includes network identification information that is identification information for identifying a wireless network including an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal, and an access point that is a transmission source of the predetermined signal The reception control unit including AP identification information which is immutable identification information;
Using the first AP identification information in the memory, a first predetermined signal including the first AP identification information is identified from among M predetermined signals received from the M access points. And a specific part
The connection control unit further includes second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal, the second network identification information different from the first network identification information, and A wireless communication device that establishes a second wireless connection between the wireless communication device and the first access point using the specific type of security scheme in memory . The connection control unit further performs a specific connection process using the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal when the second wireless connection cannot be established. Run
The specific connection process is a process for establishing a sixth wireless connection between the wireless communication apparatus and the first access point by sequentially using each of a plurality of predetermined security methods. The wireless communication device according to claim 7 , wherein The storage control unit further stores, in the memory, a first password for establishing the first wireless connection when the first wireless connection is established,
The connection control unit includes the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal, the specific type of security method in the memory, the first password in the memory, To establish the second wireless connection,
The connection control unit determines whether the first password is a cause of the failure to establish the second wireless connection when the second wireless connection cannot be established. With a judgment part
The connection control unit further includes:
When the cause is determined to be the first password, the second network identification information included in the specified first predetermined signal, the specific type of security method, and a user input And establishing a seventh wireless connection between the wireless communication device and the first access point using the second password different from the first password. And
The wireless communication device according to claim 8 , wherein the specific connection process is executed when it is determined that the cause is not the first password. The network identification information is an SSID;
The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the AP identification information is a BSSID.

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