JP6128840B2 - Wireless communication apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network connection process of a communication apparatus.

  In recent years, digital cameras and devices equipped with digital cameras are rapidly spreading. In addition, devices that support communication based on a wireless communication standard (wireless LAN standard) typified by IEEE802.11x are expanding to devices other than notebook computers and laptop personal computers due to miniaturization and price reduction of communication devices. For example, a printer, a portable information terminal, a digital camera, and a mobile phone. Thereby, it is possible to communicate with various types of devices as compared with the case of wired connection.

  A wireless communication device having a simple access point function is also known. When the wireless communication device activates a simple access point function, another device detects the wireless communication device as an access point and participates in the network formed by the wireless communication device. By doing so, it is possible to establish a connection between wireless communication devices even in an environment where there is no wireless network formed by an access point.

  When connecting to a partner device using wireless communication, first, a two-step procedure is performed in which a wireless connection process for connecting to a wireless network is performed, and then a device connection process for connecting to a partner device existing in the selected network is performed. I often step on it.

  At that time, in each procedure, the user must select a network or device, enter a password, and operate on devices that do not have a lot of operation input means compared to a personal computer such as a digital camera. There is a need for simplified procedures.

  In Patent Document 1, it is possible to set which of the infrastructure mode and the ad hoc mode is prioritized in the wireless LAN connection of a device. Furthermore, when the infrastructure mode is prioritized, there is proposed a method of switching to infrastructure connection when an infrastructure environment is discovered even during connection in ad hoc.

JP 2006-340380 A

  However, in the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, the device can participate in the network according to the priority setting, but it does not support the connection with the counterpart device.

The communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a joining means for joining the network, a forming means for forming the network, a connecting means for connecting to an external device in the network joined by the joining means, and the joining means for joining. Holding means for holding information on a certain network, information on a network that has been formed by the forming means, and information on an external device that has been connected by the connecting means; When participating in a network formed by a device different from the communication device, the holding unit does not associate the information of the network joined by the joining unit with the information of the external device connected by the connection unit, and the connection by the connection unit If the holding before, using a network more the communication device is formed in the forming means, before Holding means after the connection with the external device by said connecting means, characterized in that it held in association with the information of the external device connected by said connecting means and forming information of the network by the forming means.

  According to the present invention, network participation and device connection can be provided as a series of procedures, and setting parameters at the time of connection can be handled appropriately.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone of this embodiment. The figure which shows the network structure of this embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the database which the communication apparatus of this embodiment hold | maintains. The flowchart which shows the process of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. The figure which illustrates the screen displayed during processing of the communication apparatus of this embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the communication apparatus according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the communication apparatus according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the communication apparatus according to the second embodiment.

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

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the communication apparatus of the present invention is mounted on an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a mobile phone or a portable media player, a so-called tablet device or a personal computer.

<Configuration of imaging device>
With reference to FIG. 1, an outline of a configuration and functions of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In FIG. 1, a control unit 101 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire apparatus, a plurality of hardware may share the processing to control the entire apparatus.

  The imaging unit 102 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in the buffer memory, and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the control unit 101 and recorded on the recording medium 110.

  The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the control unit 101.

  The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily holds image data picked up by the image pickup unit 102, an image display memory of the display unit 106, a work area of the control unit 101, and the like.

  The operation unit 105 is used for the user to accept an instruction for the digital camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the power of the digital camera 100, a release switch for instructing photographing, and a reproduction button for instructing reproduction of image data. including. A touch panel formed on the display unit 106 described later is also included in the operation unit 105. The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for making preparations for shooting such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is accepted. Further, when the release switch is in a fully-pressed state, SW2 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for photographing is received.

  The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, displays shot image data, and displays characters for an interactive operation screen. Note that the display unit 106 is not necessarily built in the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106 and only needs to have at least a display control function for controlling display on the display unit 106.

  The recording medium 110 can record the image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100 or may be built in the digital camera 100. That is, the digital camera 100 only needs to have a means for accessing at least the recording medium 110.

  The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The digital camera 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the connection unit 111. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with an external device by controlling the connection unit 111. The communication method is not limited to the wireless LAN.

  The digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment can operate as a slave device in a wireless LAN infrastructure mode. When operating as a slave device, it is possible to join a network formed by an AP by connecting to a peripheral access point (hereinafter referred to as AP). In addition, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is a kind of AP, but can also operate as a simple AP with a limited function (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP). The AP in this embodiment is an example of a relay device. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 forms a network by itself. Devices around the digital camera 100 can recognize the digital camera 100 as an AP and participate in a network formed by the digital camera 100. It is assumed that a program for operating the digital camera 100 is held in the nonvolatile memory 103 as described above.

  Although the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is a kind of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a slave device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if data is received from another device participating in the network formed by the own device, it cannot be transferred to a network such as the Internet. As another embodiment, the digital camera 100 can have a gateway function.

<Configuration of mobile phone>
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration and functions of a mobile phone 200 according to an embodiment to which the connection device of the present invention is applied will be described. In the following, a mobile phone is described as an example of the communication device of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to information processing apparatuses such as a digital camera with a wireless function, a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, a personal computer, and a smartphone.

  In FIG. 2, the control unit 201 controls each unit of the mobile phone 200 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire apparatus, the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  The imaging unit 202 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in the buffer memory, and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the control unit 201 and recorded on the recording medium 210.

  The nonvolatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores various programs executed by the control unit 201. It is assumed that a program for communicating with the digital camera 100 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 203 and installed as a camera communication application. Note that the processing of the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment is realized by reading a program provided by a camera communication application. It is assumed that the camera communication application has a program for using the basic functions of the OS installed in the mobile phone 200. Note that the OS of the mobile phone 200 may have a program for realizing the processing in the present embodiment.

  The work memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data generated by the imaging unit 202, an image display memory for the display unit 206, a work area for the control unit 201, and the like.

  The operation unit 205 is used to receive an instruction for the mobile phone 200 from the user. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for the user to instruct ON / OFF of the power supply of the mobile phone 200 and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

  The display unit 206 displays image data, characters for interactive operation, and the like. Note that the display unit 206 is not necessarily built in the mobile phone 200. The mobile phone 200 can be connected to the display unit 206 and has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 206.

  The recording medium 210 can record image data output from the imaging unit 202. The recording medium 210 may be configured to be detachable from the mobile phone 200 or may be built in the mobile phone 200. That is, the mobile phone 200 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 210.

  The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The cellular phone 200 of this embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the connection unit 211. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 211 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 201 realizes wireless communication with an external device by controlling the connection unit 211. Note that the digital camera 100 in this embodiment can operate as at least a slave device in the infrastructure mode, and can participate in a network formed by neighboring APs.

  The public network connection unit 212 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The mobile phone 200 can make a call with another device or perform data communication via the public network connection unit 212. During a call, the control unit 201 inputs and outputs an audio signal via the microphone 213 and the speaker 214. In this embodiment, the public network connection unit 212 includes an interface for performing communication using 3G. Not only 3G but other communication methods such as LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, FTTH, so-called 4G may be used. Further, the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not necessarily need to be configured by independent hardware, and may be shared by, for example, one antenna.

<System configuration>
Next, a system configuration in which the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment are connected will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 transmit and receive data via a wireless LAN, two data communication modes shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are possible.

  FIG. 3A shows a first data communication mode in which the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 participate in a wireless LAN network formed by an external AP 300 that is an example of an external relay device. The digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 detect a beacon signal periodically transmitted by the external AP 300 and participate in a wireless LAN network formed by the external AP 300. After participating in the same wireless LAN network, the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 are ready to transmit and receive data via the wireless LAN through mutual device discovery, device capability acquisition, etc. (establish connection between devices). .

  In addition, the external AP 300 in this embodiment can be connected to an external network such as the Internet using a public network or the like. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 can transmit data over the Internet via the external AP 300.

  FIG. 3B illustrates a second data communication mode in which the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 are directly connected without using the external AP 300. In this case, the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP to form a wireless LAN network. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 starts to periodically transmit a beacon signal. The mobile phone 200 detects the beacon signal and participates in the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100. As in the case of FIG. 3A, a connection is established through mutual device discovery, device capability acquisition, and the like, and data can be transmitted and received.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment does not have a function of communicating with an external network such as the Internet. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 participating in the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100 cannot transmit data to the Internet or the like via the simple AP.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 have two data communication modes. In this embodiment, an example in which appropriate control is performed according to these data communication modes will be described.

<Data structure of connection history>
Next, a database held by the digital camera 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the digital camera 100 connects to a partner device, it first joins the network (including the case where the device itself forms a network as a simple AP), and then establishes a connection with the partner device. In the present embodiment, the network information and the information of the partner device to be connected are managed in separate databases. In the database held by the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment, the connected device information 410, the network participation parameter 420, and the network formation parameter 430 are recorded.

  The connected device information 410 is information for managing a partner device to which the digital camera 100 has been connected via a network. The connected device information 410 is an example of history information stored by the first storage unit. The connected device information 410 includes “connected device information number” given to each connected device information, “connection order”, “device type”, “registered name”, “UUID”, “viewing permission setting”, “ "Network generation parameter number" is recorded. Here, the “connection order” is the order in which the digital camera 100 has connected to the connection device stored in the connection device information 410 in the past, and the larger number indicates the most recent connection. “Registered name” is a connected device name that can be set by the user, and can be freely changed so that the user can identify the connected device. Note that “device type”, “registered name”, “UUID”, and the like are not necessarily separate information, and for example, such information can be specified by one ID obtained by concatenating the type, name, and unique character string. It may be. The “network formation parameter number” indicates which parameter of the network formation parameters 430 is used to form the network. Further, N pieces of connected device information 410 can be stored, and in order to store more, it is necessary to delete the already stored connected device information 410. Note that the connected device information 410 may be deleted by an operation from the user of the digital camera 100, or when referring to the “connection order” when N is newly stored in the state of storing N numbers, May be deleted.

  The network participation parameter 420 is information for managing a network formed by an external AP or the like to which the digital camera 100 has participated. The network participation parameter 420 is an example of history information stored by the second storage unit. The network participation parameter 420 includes “network participation parameter number”, “connection order”, “ESSID”, “authentication method”, “encryption type”, “encryption key”, “channel” assigned to each network participation parameter. , “IP address acquisition method” and “DNS acquisition method” are stored. Here, “connection order” is the order in which the digital camera 100 has joined the wireless network stored in the network participation parameter 420 in the past, and the larger number indicates the more recent participation. Further, M network participation parameters 420 can be stored, and in order to store more, it is necessary to delete the already stored network participation parameters 420. Note that the network participation parameter 420 may be deleted by an operation from the user of the digital camera 100. Or, when trying to store a new memory with M stored, the network participation parameter 420 having the smallest number may be deleted with reference to “connection order”. When the own apparatus forms a network as a simple AP, the information is managed by a network formation parameter 430 described below as information that can be distinguished from the network participation parameter 820.

  The network formation parameter 430 manages network information formed by the digital camera 100 as a simple AP. The network formation parameter 430 stores “network generation parameter number”, “ESSID”, and “encryption key” assigned to each network formation parameter. An authentication method, encryption type, channel, IP address acquisition method, DNS acquisition method, and the like may be stored in the network formation parameter 430, but items common to all networks generated by the digital camera 100 need not necessarily be stored. . Further, the network formation parameters 430 can be stored in the same number N as the connected device information 410. When the connected device information 410 is deleted, deleting the associated network formation parameter 430 eliminates the storage of more than N network formation parameters 430.

  The database held by the digital camera 100 may be used by the control unit 101 expanding from the nonvolatile memory 103 to the work memory 104. In the following description, it is assumed that the database held by the digital camera 100 is expanded in the work memory 104.

<Device registration process>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C, processing in the digital camera 100 when the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment first communicates with a communication device including the mobile phone 200 will be described. Note that the processing described below is realized by the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 controlling each unit of the digital camera 100 in accordance with an input signal or a program. The same applies to other flowcharts showing processing of the digital camera 100 unless otherwise specified. This processing is started in response to a user of the digital camera 100 instructing connection with another device through a menu operation or the like.

  FIG. 6A illustrates a UI screen displayed on the display unit 106 when connection with a connected device is started. The user of the digital camera 100 selects the camera 601, the mobile phone 602, the PC 603, the printer 604, the Web service 605, etc. as the device type of the connected device. When MENU 606 is selected, the screen returns to the previous screen. In this embodiment, a case where the mobile phone 602 is selected will be described.

  FIG. 6B illustrates a UI screen displayed on the display unit 106 when the device type to be connected is selected by the user of the digital camera 100 and the device registration process or the second and subsequent connection processes are selected. . The user of the digital camera 100 selects the connection destination device registration 607 and registers the connection device of that device type, or selects the connection devices 608 and 609 that have already been registered, and performs connection processing for the second and subsequent times. Do.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5A, a description will be given of processing of the digital camera 100 when performing device registration processing (network participation / formation) when “register destination device” is selected.

  5A, in step S501, the control unit 101 determines whether the network participation parameter 420 is stored. If it is determined that the network participation parameter 420 is stored, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S502, and performs an AP search process to participate in the wireless network. If it is determined that the network participation parameter 420 is not stored, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S504 to perform a wireless network formation process.

  In step S <b> 502, the control unit 101 searches for APs existing around by controlling the connection unit 111. FIG. 6C illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 during the AP search.

  In step S503, the control unit 101 determines whether an AP stored in the network participation parameter 420, that is, a registered AP has been found by the AP search in step S502. When it determines with having been found by AP search, the control part 101 advances a process to step S506. If it is determined that the application has not been found by the AP search, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S504, and performs a wireless network formation process using the own simple AP. In the present embodiment, whether or not the AP stored in the network participation parameter 420 is found by comparison of ESSIDs is determined by the AP search in step S502, but is determined using another identifier such as BSSID. May be.

  If the network participation parameter 420 is not stored in step S501, the process proceeds to step S504 because the registered AP cannot be found in step S503 even if the AP search is performed in step S502. Therefore, it is intended to shorten the time until the connection is established by omitting the search process in step S502. Further, as another intention, when the network participation parameter 420 is not stored, when attempting to join the network, it is necessary to select the network or input parameters in order to participate, and the operation of the digital camera 100 can be performed. It becomes complicated. For this reason, priority is given to network formation by a simple AP that requires less time to input parameters.

  In step S504, the control unit 101 generates an ESSID, an authentication method, an encryption type, an encryption key, and a channel necessary for forming a wireless LAN network. In the case of a new registration process, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment generates a different one at least one of ESSID, encryption key, authentication method, encryption type, and channel each time. In this embodiment, different ESSIDs and encryption keys are generated each time. In this embodiment, at the timing of step S504, the control unit 101 does not register the generated network information in the network formation parameter 430. The registration to the network formation parameter 430 is stored at the time when connection with a connection device to be described later is established.

  In step S505, the control unit 101 forms a wireless LAN network using the network parameters generated in step S504. The control unit 101 displays at least the ESSID and the encryption key on the display unit 106 as information necessary for the external device to participate in the network. FIG. 6D illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 while waiting for connection. In the screen of FIG. 6D, as shown in the dialog 610, the ESSID is determined to be “CAMERA-123” and the encryption key is “12345678”. The user of the external apparatus can easily participate in the network formed by the digital camera 100 by confirming this display. In step S505, in order to enable communication with other devices, IP address assignment and subnet setting are performed, and the control unit 101 advances the process to step S521.

  Next, a case where the process proceeds from step S503 to step S506 will be described. In step S506, the control unit 101 determines whether a plurality of APs stored in the network participation parameter 420 have been found by the AP search in step S502. If it is determined that a plurality of AP searches have been found, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S508. If it is determined that a plurality of AP searches have not been found, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S507.

  In step S507, the control unit 101 selects an AP stored in the network participation parameter 420 from the APs discovered by the AP search in step S502, and the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S508, the control unit 101 selects a recently joined AP from the APs discovered in the AP search in step S502, among APs stored in the network participation parameter 420, and the process proceeds to step S509. The control unit 101 refers to the “connection order” information of the network participation parameter 420 and can select the AP that has participated most recently by selecting the one with the largest value. For example, it is assumed that three APs NETWORK-100, NETWORK-101, and NETWORK-102 are searched in the AP search in step S502 in a state where the network participation parameter 420 of FIG. 4 is stored. In this case, the NETWORK-100 stored in 421 and the NETWORK-101 stored in 422 are stored in the network participation parameter 420. Also, the “connection order” of the network participation parameter 420 corresponding thereto is “6” for NETWORK-100 and “2” for NETWORK-101, so NETWORK-100 (421) having a large value is selected as the AP that recently joined. Is done.

  In step S509, the control unit 101 refers to the network participation parameter 420 and participates in the wireless LAN network of the AP selected in step S507 or step S508. FIG. 6E illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 during the wireless LAN network participation process.

  In step S510, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection to the wireless LAN network has succeeded. If it is determined that the connection is successful, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S511. If it is determined that the connection has failed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S513 to display an error.

  In step S511, the control unit 101 refers to the IP address acquisition method and DNS acquisition method of the network participation parameter 420, assigns an IP address, sets a subnet, and advances the process to step S512.

  In step S512, the control unit 101 determines whether the IP address assignment has been successful. If it is determined that the IP address assignment has been successful, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S521 to execute a device search process. If it is determined that the IP address allocation has failed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S513 to display an error.

  In step S513, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 106 that the connection to the wireless LAN network has failed or the IP address allocation has failed. If the user of the digital camera 100 notifies that the error content has been confirmed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S541. This is the process when the digital camera 100 joins the network.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5B, processing of the digital camera 100 when performing device registration processing (connection with a connected device) will be described.

  In FIG. 5B, in step S521, the control unit 101 searches for connectable devices in the same network. The control unit 101 performs a search using SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol), mDNS (Multicast Domain Name Service), and the like, and detects a service notified by the mobile phone 200. In this embodiment, the user also performs a predetermined operation on the mobile phone 200 side to shift the mobile phone 200 to a state where the digital camera 100 can search. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 200 shifts to a state where the digital camera 100 can search by activating a predetermined communication application. 6D and 6F illustrate screens displayed on the display unit 106 during device search. FIG. 6D is a screen example when a wireless LAN network is formed using the simple AP function of the digital camera 100. The control unit 101 displays a message prompting the user to activate the SSID and encryption key of the formed wireless network and the application of the mobile phone 200 on the display unit 106, as in 610. FIG. 6F shows an example of a screen when participating in a wireless LAN network formed by an external AP, and transitions from FIG. The control unit 101 displays a message prompting the user to start the application of the mobile phone 200 on the display unit 106. Thus, when the user activates the application of the mobile phone 200, the mobile phone 200 issues a service notification to the connection network, so that the digital camera 100 can search for the mobile phone 200.

  In step S522, the control unit 101 determines whether a connectable device has been found. If it is determined that a connectable device has been found, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S524 to display a list of found devices. If it is determined that no connectable device has been found, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S523.

  In step S523, the control unit 101 determines whether there is an instruction to change the wireless network from the user of the digital camera 100. If it is determined that there is an instruction to change the wireless network, the control unit 101 eliminates the currently formed wireless LAN network or leaves the currently participating network, and the process proceeds to step S541. If it is determined that there is no instruction to change the wireless network, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S521. For example, in FIG. 6D, which is an example of a screen when a wireless LAN network is formed, when the network change 612 is selected, it is determined that there is an instruction to change the wireless network, and the currently formed wireless LAN network is displayed. The process proceeds to step S541. Further, in FIG. 6F, which is an example of a screen when participating in a wireless LAN network, when the network change 614 is selected, it is determined that there is an instruction to change the wireless network, and the wireless LAN network currently participating is used. The process leaves and the process proceeds to step S541. Also, when the network change 613 in FIG. 6E, which is an example of a screen displayed during the wireless LAN network participation process, is selected, the wireless LAN network participation process is interrupted, and the process proceeds to step S541.

  In step S524, the control unit 101 displays a list of device names included in the service notification on the display unit 106. FIG. 6G illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 as a list of connectable devices. In FIG. 6G, “mobilePhone1” is detected as a connectable device. In this step, the UUID and the device name included in the service notification are associated with each other and stored in the work memory 104.

  In the present embodiment, the device notification and the UUID are included in the service notification. However, the digital camera 100 that has received the service notification may inquire the mobile phone 200 for the device name and the UUID. In addition, when the connected device with the UUID included in the service notification is already stored in the connected device information 410, the device is stored in the connected device information 410 instead of the device name included in the service notification displayed on the display unit 106. The registered name may be displayed.

  In step S525, the control unit 101 causes the user of the digital camera 100 to select one of the device names listed in step S524. In FIG. 6G, which is a screen example displayed as a list in step S524, a connectable device 615 can be selected. In addition, when the connected device search is continued during this step and a newly connectable device is detected, the control unit 101 displays a list of device names included in the service notification on the display unit 106.

  In step S526, the control unit 101 transmits a connection request to the mobile phone 200 using the UUID of the device selected in step S525, starts processing for establishing a connection with the selected device, and performs processing. The process proceeds to step S527. In this embodiment, the connection is performed using the UUID of the connected device, but the connection may be performed by specifying the IP address or the port number from the UUID. Further, the IP address may be obtained at the time of performing the search. FIG. 6H illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 as the connection request destination device. In the screen of FIG. 6H, a connection request is transmitted to “mobilePhone1”.

  In step S527, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection with the selected device has been successfully established. If it is determined that the connection has been established, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S528. If it is determined that the connection could not be established, the control unit 101 displays an error on the display unit 106 and ends the device registration process. FIG. 6I illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 when a connection is established. In the screen of FIG. 6 (i), a disconnect button 616, a resize selection button 617, an image transmission button 618, and the like are displayed. When the disconnect button 616 is selected, a connection with an established device is established. Disconnect. When the resize selection button 617 is selected, the resize setting can be changed, and can be changed to “no resize”, “M size”, “S size”, or the like. When the image transmission button 618 is selected, the image is resized to the size selected in the resize setting and transmitted to the connected device.

  In step S528, the control unit 101 determines whether the currently connected wireless LAN network is a network formed by the digital camera 100 using its simple AP function. When it is determined that the digital camera 100 is a network formed by itself, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S529.

  If it is determined that the digital camera 100 is not a network formed by itself, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S530.

  In step S529, the control unit 101 stores the network parameters formed by the digital camera 100 in the network formation parameters 430. For example, when nothing is stored in the network formation parameter and the ESSID of the network formed by the digital camera 100 is “CAMERA-123” and the encryption key is “12345678”, the network formation parameter 431 in FIG. Become.

  Only when it is determined that the digital camera 100 is a network formed by itself, the intention of storing the network parameters is as follows. That is, the network formation parameter is a parameter that can be used for the second and subsequent connections described later by storing the connection parameters in a one-to-one relationship with the connected device. Therefore, the parameters are not stored immediately after the network is formed, but are stored after the connected device to be associated is determined. In addition, when it is determined that the network is not a network formed by the digital camera 100, the network parameter is not stored because it is stored at the time of a network change process described later.

  In step S530, the control unit 101 stores information on the connected device in the connected device information 410. For example, in the state where the information numbers 2 and 3 of the connected device information are already registered and the connected device is “mobilePhone1”, the connected device information is the column (411) of the connected device information number 1 in FIG. It becomes like this. At this time, the connected device information number needs to be a number exclusive to the already stored stored device information. The connection order needs to be set to a value larger than the connection order of the already-stored connected device information. As the UUID, the UUID saved in the work memory in step S524 may be stored, or the mobile phone 200 may be inquired. The browsing permission may be selected and saved by the user of the digital camera 100, or may be configured so that it can be changed later by saving permission or non-permission as a default. If it is determined that the network formation parameter number is a network formed by the digital camera 100 in step S528, the network formation parameter number saved in step S529 is saved. If it is determined in step S528 that the digital camera 100 is not a network formed by itself, nothing is stored.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5C, processing of the digital camera 100 when performing device registration processing (network change) will be described.

  In FIG. 5C, in step S541, the control unit 101 searches for nearby APs, and advances the process to step S542.

  In step S542, the control unit 101 displays a list of ESSIDs included in the beacon signal detected as a result of scanning in step S541 on the display unit 106. FIG. 6J illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 as an AP search result. In the screen of FIG. 6 (j), ESSIDs “NETWORK-100” and “NETWORK-102” are detected. If update 619 is selected, APs existing around are searched again, and the same screen as in FIG. 6J is displayed. Further, in the present embodiment, only two APs existing around are displayed. However, when a plurality of APs are found, a plurality of APs existing around may be displayed by scrolling the screen. At this time, by referring to the “connection order” of the network participation parameter 420, APs that have participated in the past may be sorted higher in the order of recent participation. Moreover, you may sort into a high rank from the thing with strong radio field intensity.

  In step S543, the control unit 101 determines whether to participate in the wireless LAN network. In FIG. 6J, when the detected APs 621 and 622 are selected, it is determined to participate in the wireless LAN network, and the control unit 101 advances the process to step S546 to perform the participation process in the selected wireless LAN network. When 620 for instructing formation of a wireless LAN network is selected, it is determined that the wireless LAN network is not joined, and the control unit 101 advances the process to step S544.

  Since the processing of steps S544 and S545 is the same as that of steps S504 and S505, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S546, the control unit 101 participates in the wireless LAN network of the AP selected in step S543, and the process proceeds to step S547. At this time, if the selected AP is an AP stored in the network participation parameter 420, it may participate in the wireless LAN network without inputting an encryption key or the like. Alternatively, the encryption key stored as the initial value of the encryption key input screen may be input. As the IP address acquisition method and DNS acquisition method, a method stored without selection may be used, or the user of the digital camera 100 may select again. If the selected AP is an AP that is not stored in the network participation parameter 420, the user of the digital camera 100 may input necessary parameters. The IP address acquisition method and DNS acquisition method may be input by the user of the digital camera 100, or Auto may be used as a default.

  Since the processing from step S547 to S549 is the same as that from step S510 to S512, the description thereof is omitted. If it is determined in step S547 that the connection to the wireless LAN network has failed, the control unit 101 advances the processing to step S553, and displays an error on the display unit 106. If it is determined in step S549 that the IP address assignment has been successful, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S550. If it is determined that the IP address allocation has failed, the control unit 101 advances the processing to step S553 and displays an error on the display unit 106.

  In step S550, the control unit 101 refers to the network participation parameter 420 and determines whether the currently participating wireless LAN network has been stored. If it is determined that the data has been stored, the control unit 101 advances the process to S552 and updates the network parameter. If it is determined that it has not been stored, the control unit 101 advances the processing to S551 and newly stores the network parameter.

  In step S551, the control unit 101 stores the parameters of the currently participating wireless LAN network in the network participation parameter 420, and the process proceeds to step S521.

  For example, when the network NETWORK-102 is selected in the AP list displayed in step S542, the network participation parameter number 3 (423) includes the ESSID “NETWORK-102”, the authentication method, the encryption type, and the encryption key. , Channel, IP address acquisition method, DNS acquisition method appropriate values are stored. Since the connection order needs to be the largest value, “7” is stored.

  In step S552, the control unit 101 updates the network participation parameter 420 using the parameters of the currently participating wireless LAN network, and advances the process to step S521. For example, when the network NETWORK-101 is selected in the AP list displayed in step S542, it is necessary to set the connection order of the network participation parameter number 2 (422) to the largest value, so “7”. Update to

  Since the process of step S553 is the same process as step S513, description is abbreviate | omitted. After displaying the error in step S553, if the user of the digital camera 100 is notified that the error content has been confirmed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S541.

<Connection after the second>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C, processing of the digital camera 100 when connecting to the connection device including the mobile phone 200 for the second time and thereafter will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 7A, the processing of the digital camera 100 when performing the second and subsequent connection processing (network participation / formation) will be described.

  In step S <b> 701, the control unit 101 receives a connected device selection from the user of the digital camera 100. As described above, when the devices 608 and 609 that are already registered in FIG. 6B are selected, connection processing is performed for the second and subsequent times. Here, the already registered connected devices display a list of devices stored in the connected device information 410. For example, when the device information is in the state shown in FIG. 4, the already connected devices are “mobilePhone1” (411), “mobilePhone2” (412), and “PC1” (413). Here, since the mobile phone 602 is selected in FIG. 6A, only “mobilePhone1” (411) and “mobilePhone2” (412) whose device type is the mobile phone are displayed as already connected devices.

  The processing from step S702 to S704 is the same as the processing from step S501 to S503 in FIG.

  In step S702, if the control unit 101 determines that the network participation parameter 420 is not stored, the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S704, the control unit 101 determines whether the AP stored in the network participation parameter 420 is found by the AP search in step S703, and when it is determined that the AP is found by the AP search, Advances to step S709. When it is determined that the control unit 101 has not found the AP search, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S705, the control unit 101 refers to the connected device information 410, and determines whether there is a wireless network formation history associated with the connected device selected in step S701. For example, when the connected device information 410 is in the state shown in FIG. 4, if “mobilePhone1” (411) is selected in step S701, the network formation parameter number is associated, so the control unit 101 performs processing. The process proceeds to S706. On the other hand, if “mobilePhone2” (412) is selected in step S701, the network formation parameter number is not associated, and the control unit 101 advances the process to step S707.

  In step S706, the control unit 101 refers to the connected device information 410 and identifies a wireless network formation parameter number associated with the connected device selected in step S701. Then, the network formation parameter 430 is referred to, the network formation parameter is read, and the process proceeds to S708. For example, when the connected device information 410 and the network formation parameter 430 are in the state shown in FIG. 4, if “mobilePhone1” (411) is selected in step S701, the network formation parameter number 1 (431) is associated. . Therefore, the control unit 101 refers to the network formation parameter number 1 (431) from the network formation parameter 430, and reads the ESSID “CAMERA-123” and the encryption key “12345678”.

  The processing in step S707 is the same as that in step S504 in FIG. In step S708, the control unit 101 forms a wireless LAN network using the network parameter read in step S706 or the network parameter generated in step S707. That is, a new network is formed as a simple AP, and a process for participating in a connection partner is performed. The subsequent processes are the same as those in step S505 in FIG. The control unit 101 advances the process to step S721. If it is determined in step S705 that there is a wireless network formation history, the intention to form a wireless LAN network with reference to the network formation parameter 430 is as follows. That is, when the digital camera 100 forms the same network as the previous time when connecting to the connected device for the second time or later, the connected device side can perform connection processing using the stored network parameters, and the user can use an encryption key or the like. This is because it is possible to save the trouble of inputting again.

  The processing from steps S709 to S716 is the same as the processing from steps S506 to S513 in FIG. If it is determined in step S713 that the connection to the wireless LAN network has failed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S716. If it is determined in step S715 that the IP address has been successfully allocated, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S721. If it is determined that the IP address assignment has failed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S716. After the error display in step S716, if the user of the digital camera 100 is notified that the error content has been confirmed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S731.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7B, processing of the digital camera 100 when performing the second and subsequent connections with the connected device will be described.

  In FIG. 7B, in step S721, the control unit 101 searches for the connected device selected in step S701 from connectable devices in the same network. Details of the processing of the search method are the same as those in step S521 in FIG. The control unit 101 refers to the connected device information 410 and searches for connectable devices that match the UUID of the connected device selected in step S701. For example, when the connected device information 410 is in the state of FIG. 4 and “mobilePhone1” (411) is selected in step S701, a connectable device whose UUID is “0000-ABCD-EFGH” is searched. FIG. 6D and FIG. 6F illustrate screens displayed on the display unit 106 while searching for connectable devices.

  In step S722, the control unit 101 determines whether the device selected in step S701 is found from connectable devices. When it is determined that the device selected in step S701 has been found, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S724. If it is determined in step S701 that the selected device has not been found, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S723.

  The process in step S723 is the same as that in step S523 in FIG. If it is determined in step S723 that a network change instruction has been issued, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S731. If it is determined that the network change instruction has not been given, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S721.

  In step S724, the control unit 101 transmits a connection request to the mobile phone 200 using the UUID of the device selected in step S701, and starts processing for establishing a connection with the selected device. The control unit 101 advances the process to step S725. Details of the process for establishing the connection are the same as those in step S526 in FIG. FIG. 6H illustrates a screen displayed on the display unit 106 when “mobilePhone1” is selected in step S701.

  The processing from steps S725 to S726 is the same as the processing from steps S527 to S528 in FIG. If it is determined in step S726 that the digital camera 100 is a network formed by itself, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S727. If it is determined that the digital camera 100 is not a network formed by itself, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S729.

  In step S727, the control unit 101 determines whether a network parameter has been generated in step S705. When it is determined that the network parameter has been generated, the control unit 101 advances the processing to step S728 and stores the network parameter. If it is determined that the network parameter is not generated, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S729.

  In step S728, the control unit 101 stores the network parameters formed by the digital camera 100 in the network formation parameters 430, and ends the second connection. For example, when the network formation parameter is in the state shown in FIG. 4, “mobilePhone2” is selected in step S701, the network ESSID formed by the digital camera 100 is “CAMERA-456”, and the encryption key is “11112222”. The ESSID “CAMERA-456” and the encryption key “11112222” are stored in the network formation parameter number 2 column (432) of the formation parameter 430.

  In step S729, the control unit 101 updates the parameter of the connected device in the connected device information 410. For example, when the connected device information 410 is in the state of FIG. 4, when “mobilePhone2” is selected in step S701, the other connected device information is arranged in the connection order of the connected device information number 2 column (412) in the connected device information 410. “7”, which is a value larger than the connection order of, is stored. When the network parameter is generated in step S727, the network formation parameter number in the column (412) of the connected device information number 2 is stored in the network formation parameter number of the network formation parameter 430 stored in step S728. As a result, the same wireless LAN parameters can be used when a network is subsequently formed in “mobilePhone2” to establish a connection.

  Next, processing of the digital camera 100 when performing the second connection processing (network change) will be described with reference to FIG. 7C.

  In FIG. 7C, the processing from step S731 to S733 is the same as the processing from step S541 to S543 in FIG. When it determines with participating in a wireless LAN network in step S733, the control part 101 advances a process to step S738. If it is determined not to participate in the wireless LAN network, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S734.

  Since the processing from step S734 to S737 is the same as that from step S705 to S708, description thereof will be omitted. After the process of step S737, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S721.

  The processing from step S738 to S745 is the same as that from step S546 to S553 in FIG. After the process of step S743, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S721. After the process of step S744, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S721. After displaying the error in step S745, if the user of the digital camera 100 is notified that the error content has been confirmed, the control unit 101 advances the process to step S731.

  As described above, when a digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment designates a device having a connection history, the digital camera 100 starts joining an appropriate network, and connects to a designated device after joining the network. From the user's point of view, if a device that the user wants to connect to is selected, a series of processing from joining the network to connection with the device is appropriately executed, so that operability can be improved.

[Embodiment 2]
The processing of the digital camera 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

  In the first embodiment described above, the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 have two data communication modes, and an example in which appropriate control is performed according to these data communication modes has been described. However, depending on the hardware configuration of the connected device, the usage pattern of the user, and the usage environment, it may be desirable to change the access point search method as appropriate. As described in the first embodiment, the access point search is performed when each device participating in the same wireless LAN network detects a beacon signal from the access point. However, depending on timing, radio wave conditions, the number of wireless LAN networks, and other factors, a target access point may not be found in a single search process.

  In step S502 of FIG. 5A, after performing an access point search, the control unit 101 determines whether there is a registered access point in step S503. However, even if it is determined in step S503 that the registered access point is not found, the control unit 101 may return the process to step S502 and perform an access point search. However, in the situation where the registered access point is not found, the process takes time if the access point search is tried many times. Therefore, for example, if a registered access point is not found in three trials, the control unit 101 does not return the process to the search process in step S502 but proceeds to the wireless network formation process in steps S504 and S505. You may decide. As a result, the access point search is repeated up to the upper limit number of times even when the desired access point cannot be found by one search due to the timing and radio wave condition at the time of access point search, so it is possible to connect to the desired wireless LAN network. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, the processing flow may be changed depending on the surrounding network environment. The possibility that there is an access point that cannot be found by a single access point search is as described above. Even in that case, although some access points were discovered, some access points could not be found in many cases. Few.

  Therefore, the control unit 101 searches for an access point in step S502, and if no access point is found as a result, the process does not return to the search process in step S502, but proceeds to the wireless network formation process in steps S504 and S505. Also good. As a result, in an environment where there is no access point around the digital camera 100, that is, there is no wireless LAN environment, the wireless network formation in steps S504 and S505 is performed without taking time for unnecessary search processing. Proceed to processing.

  The same applies to the access point search in step S541 in FIG. 5C. Again, there is a possibility that not all access points will be found in a single search. Therefore, for example, if a search is tried three times and a list of discovered access points is displayed in step S542, more accurate information can be provided to the user.

  Moreover, it may be better to change the connection sequence as appropriate depending on the purpose of use of the user.

  As described in the first embodiment, the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100 in this embodiment does not have a communication function to an external network such as the Internet. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 participating in the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100 cannot transmit data to the Internet or the like via the simple AP. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user whose main purpose is to connect to an external network such as the Internet to perform the wireless network formation processing in steps S504 and S505 in FIG. 5A. Further, also when there is no registered access point at step S501 and when a registered access point cannot be found at step S503, the control unit 101 does not proceed to steps S504 and S505. In this case, the process proceeds to step S541 (when branched from S501) or step S542 (when branched from S503) in FIG. 5C.

  In step S543, the user can select whether to participate in an unregistered wireless network or start a wireless network formation process. Therefore, a user whose main purpose is to connect to an external network such as the Internet can participate in a wireless network at an unregistered access point without performing wireless network formation processing. It is also possible to select a connection by wireless network formation processing.

  Whether the main purpose is to connect to an external network such as the Internet may be determined by the control unit 101 by inquiring of the mobile phone 200 or may be switched by an input from the user of the digital camera 100. It may be.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code. It is processing to do. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims (12)

A communication device,
A means of joining the network,
Forming means for forming a network;
Connection means for connecting to an external device in the network joined by the participation means;
And holding means for holding information on networks that have been joined by the joining means, information on networks that have been formed by the forming means, and information on external devices that have been connected by the connecting means. And
When the joining unit joins a network formed by a device different from the communication device, the holding unit does not associate the information of the network joined by the joining unit with the information of the external device connected by the connecting unit. , held before the connection by the connecting means,
When using the more the network to which the communication device is formed in the forming means, the external device wherein the holding means which is connected after the connection with the external device by the connection means, by the connecting means and forming information of the network by said forming means A communication apparatus characterized in that the information is held in association with the information. The communication apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the network information held in association with the external apparatus is used when connecting to the associated external apparatus. The communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network information held in association with the external apparatus is not used when connecting to an external apparatus that is not associated with the external apparatus. When the network formed by the forming unit is used for connection with an external device, and the information of the connected external device is not associated with the network information held by the holding unit, the forming unit 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the network is formed using a new parameter. It said communication apparatus, the communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that to form a network to operate as a relay device. The communication apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the relay apparatus is an access point in a wireless LAN. Communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication device is an imaging device. Communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the communication device characterized in that it is a mobile phone. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is a tablet device. The participation in the network by the participation unit or the formation of the network by the formation unit and the connection to the external device by the connection unit are executed as a series of processes. The communication device according to item. A communication device control method comprising:
Participation process to join the network,
Forming process to form a network;
A connection step of connecting to an external device in the network that participated in the participation step;
A holding step for holding network information that has been joined in the joining step, network information that has been formed in the forming step, and external device information that has been connected in the connecting step; And
In the participation step, when participating in a network formed by a device different from the communication device, the network information participating in the participation step is not associated with the information of the external device connected in the connection step, and the connection step Holding in the holding step before connection of
When using a network to which the communication device is formed in said forming step, after the connection with the external device in the connecting step, the information of the external apparatus connection information of the network formed in the forming step and in the connecting step A method for controlling a communication apparatus, characterized in that the information is held in the holding step.   A computer-readable program that causes a computer to function as each unit of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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