JP6525592B2 - Communication apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to control technology of network formation and cancellation.

  In an environment where a home network exists, in order to provide temporary network connection to a guest communication device from the outside, there exists a technology of forming a network different from the home network. In such a technology, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, information such as an authentication key and a network address is notified to a communication device of a guest, and communication is established.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-537381

  However, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for connecting a guest's communication device to a wireless network, but does not consider the wireless network cancellation technique. That is, when the home network administrator does not manually change or cancel the setting of the wireless network for the guest, the parameter provided at the time of the previous connection is used for the wireless network to which the guest communication device previously connected. May be able to reconnect. Therefore, there is a problem that security problems may occur due to the occurrence of wireless network connection by a guest communication device not intended by the administrator.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an automatic generation and cancellation process of a temporary wireless network so that a connection to a wireless network by a guest's communication device not intended by the administrator occurs. The purpose is to

  In order to solve the above problems, a communication device according to the present invention is a communication device connected to a first wireless network formed by a first other communication device, wherein the communication device is connected to the first wireless network. The second wireless network, different from the first wireless network, for connecting a second other communication device to the first other communication device when being connected. A first request means for requesting one of the other communication devices, and the second wireless network formed by the first request means when the communication device leaves the first wireless network And second request means for requesting the first other communication device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform automatic generation and cancellation of a temporary wireless network so that a connection to a wireless network by a guest's communication device not intended by the administrator occurs.

The figure which shows the structural example of a radio | wireless communications system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a printer 101. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of smart devices 102 and 103. The sequence diagram which shows the flow of the process performed by a radio | wireless communications system. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the smart device 102. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the smart device 103. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the printer 101.

  Hereinafter, an apparatus configuration of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment and each process to be executed will be described with reference to the drawings. The technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

(Wireless communication system)
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present embodiment. The wireless communication system includes a printer 101, a smart device 102, and a smart device 103 each having a function as a communication device. Here, each of the printer 101, the smart device 102, and the smart device 103 can perform wireless communication with each other using, for example, at least one of the communication methods corresponding to the wireless LAN and the short distance wireless communication. Do. For example, the printer 101 forms a first wireless first wireless network 100 as a base station device of a wireless LAN, and the smart device 102 wirelessly communicates with the printer 101 via the first wireless first wireless network 100. Connecting. Also, the printer 101 may form a second wireless network 104 for a guest by wireless LAN, and the smart device 103 may connect to the printer 101 as a communication device of a guest via the second wireless network 104. it can. Then, the smart device 102 can detect the smart device 103 using, for example, a communication method of near field communication different from the communication method of the wireless LAN. In the following, it is assumed that the smart device 102 functions as a management device that manages parameters of each wireless network.

  Although the printer 101 and the smart devices 102 and 103 are illustrated as communication devices in the wireless communication system, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, it should be noted that the following discussion can be applied even if the wireless communication system is configured by any combination of communication devices.

(Configuration of Printer 101)
FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the printer 101 according to the present embodiment. The printer 101 includes, for example, a wireless LAN control unit 201, a control unit 203, a storage unit 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a packet transmission / reception unit 207, a printer driver control unit 208, an input / output control unit 209, a power supply unit 210, A distance wireless control unit 211 is provided. The printer 101 further includes, for example, a wireless LAN antenna 202 and a short distance wireless antenna 212. Note that these antennas may be configured by one multi-band compatible antenna, or a plurality of antennas for at least one of wireless LAN and near field communication may be prepared.

  The wireless LAN control unit 201 executes communication related processing such as control at a wireless frequency (RF) of a wireless LAN, various control of wireless LAN communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, and related protocol processing. The wireless LAN control unit 201 also performs base station control when operating as a wireless LAN base station (for example, access point) and station control when operating as a terminal (for example, station). The wireless LAN control unit 201 also executes control of a wireless setting method, for example, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (hereinafter referred to as "WPS"), or Wi-Fi Direct (hereinafter referred to as "WFD"). Do. Furthermore, the wireless LAN control unit 201 can also execute control related to a plurality of wireless networks. For example, the wireless LAN control unit 201 can form a plurality of wireless networks as base stations, or can connect to another base station as a terminal while forming a wireless network as a base station. The wireless LAN antenna 202 is an antenna used to perform communication by wireless LAN.

  The control unit 203 controls the entire printer 101 by executing, for example, a control program stored in the storage unit 204. The storage unit 204 stores, for example, a control program executed by the control unit 203 and various information such as parameters required for communication or services that can be executed. Various operations described later are performed by the control unit 203 executing the control program stored in the storage unit 204.

  The operation unit 205 is a functional unit that operates the printer 101. The printer 101 receives an operation from the user via the operation unit 205, for example. The display unit 206 is a functional unit that performs various displays, and has, for example, at least one of an output function of visually recognizable information such as an LCD or an LED or an auditory recognizable information output such as a speaker. .

  The packet transmission and reception unit 207 transmits and receives packets involved in various communications. If the format of the signal to be transmitted / received is not a packet, the packet transmission / reception unit 207 may be replaced with a transmission / reception unit that transmits or receives the signal in a format suitable for the transmission / reception.

  A printer driver control unit 208 controls a printer driver for providing a printing function. Implements data input / output control necessary for various types of printing and controls such as paper feed and paper discharge. The input / output control unit 209 controls input / output data under the control of the printer driver control unit 208. The power supply unit 210 supplies power to the printer 101.

  The short distance wireless control unit 211 performs control when performing wireless communication with another communication device existing in the vicinity of the printer 101 by a communication method different from the wireless LAN. The near field communication is, for example, Near Field Communication (registered trademark) (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Infrared Data Association (IrDA) (registered trademark). The near-field wireless control unit 211 executes, for example, protocol processing related to various controls of the near-field wireless communication standard such as RF control. The short distance wireless communication antenna 212 is an antenna used to perform short distance wireless communication.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 101 can perform communication by at least one of the wireless LAN and the short distance wireless communication, but any communication method may be used as long as communication can be performed using different communication methods. It may be used. For example, the printer 101 has communication functions by a plurality of wireless LANs each having a different communication system (signal format, used frequency, etc.), and any of them may be used instead of the short distance wireless communication.

(Configuration of Smart Devices 102 and 103)
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the smart devices 102 and 103 according to the present embodiment. The smart devices 102 and 103 each have, for example, a wireless LAN control unit 301, a public wireless control unit 303, a short distance wireless control unit 305, a wireless LAN antenna 302, a public wireless antenna 304, and a short distance wireless antenna 306. . The smart devices 102 and 103 further include, for example, a packet transmission / reception unit 307, a control unit 308, a storage unit 309, a power supply unit 310, a display unit 311, an operation unit 312, a call unit 313, a microphone 314, and an imaging unit 315.

  The wireless LAN control unit 301 is a functional unit similar to the wireless LAN control unit 201 of the printer 101, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. The wireless LAN antenna 302 is an antenna used to perform communication by wireless LAN.

  The public wireless control unit 303 executes communication related processing such as control in RF of public wireless communication, various controls of public wireless communication, and related protocol processing. Public wireless communication is, for example, cellular wireless communication compliant with the International Multimedia Telecommunications (IMT) standard, Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, and the like. The public wireless antenna 304 is an antenna used to perform public wireless communication.

  The short-distance wireless control unit 305 is a functional unit similar to the short-distance wireless control unit 211 in the printer 101, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. The short distance wireless antenna 306 is an antenna used to perform short distance wireless communication. The smart devices 102 and 103 can also perform communication by at least one of the wireless LAN and the short distance wireless communication, but any communication method may be used as long as communication is performed using different communication methods. May be For example, the smart devices 102 and 103 each have a communication function by a plurality of wireless LANs different in communication scheme (signal format, used frequency, etc.), and either of them may be used instead of the short distance wireless communication. Also, the smart devices 102 and 103 may not necessarily have the public wireless communication function.

  The packet transmission / reception unit 307 is a functional unit similar to the packet transmission / reception unit 207 in the printer 101, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The control unit 308 controls the entire smart device 102 or 103, for example, by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 309. The storage unit 309 stores, for example, a control program executed by the control unit 308 and various information such as parameters required for communication. Various operations to be described later are performed by the control unit 308 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 309.

  The power supply unit 310 supplies power to the smart device 102 or 103. The display unit 311 is a functional unit that performs various displays, and has a function of outputting visually recognizable information, such as an LCD or an LED, or outputting audiblely recognizable information such as a speaker. The operation unit 312 operates the smart device 102 or 103. The smart device 102 or 103 receives an operation from the user via the operation unit 312, for example. The call unit 313 provides the user with a call function. The microphone 314 is used to obtain external voice information, for example, when the user makes a voice call. The imaging unit 315 is, for example, a functional unit for controlling a camera (not shown) and capturing image data.

  All functional blocks of the printer 101 and the smart device 102 or 103 described above are interrelated in software or hardware. The above functional blocks are an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may be configured as one functional block, or any functional block may be further divided into blocks performing a plurality of functions.

(Flow of processing)
Subsequently, the flow of processing executed by the printer 101 and the smart devices 102 and 103 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

  In the present embodiment, on the condition that the smart device 102 functioning as a management apparatus is connected to the printer 101 functioning as a base station, formation of a second wireless network for guest is enabled. The smart device 102 may, for example, form the second wireless network when the communication device of the guest is detected under the condition that the printer 101 is connected via the first wireless network. To give permission. The first wireless network is, for example, a home network. Then, when the second wireless network is formed, the smart device 102 cancels the printer 101 so as to cancel the second wireless network in response to its own leaving the first wireless network. Control. It should be noted that the second wireless network does not have to be eliminated immediately when the smart device 102 leaves the first wireless network. For example, after the smart device 102 leaves the first wireless network, the printer 101 may be controlled to cancel the second wireless network, waiting for the data communication by the second wireless network to end. .

  In the following, a case where the smart device 102 takes the lead in this control and transmits an instruction for controlling the printer 101 to the printer 101 will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, for example, the printer 101 monitors whether or not the smart device 102 is connected to the first wireless network, and on condition that the smart device 102 is connected, the second wireless network for the guest is used. Control may be performed to form. That is, the printer 101 detects that the smart device 102 has left the first wireless network, for example, while forming a second wireless network and establishing a connection with the communication device of the guest, Eliminate the two wireless networks. Also in this case, for example, after the smart device 102 leaves the first wireless network, the printer 101 waits for the end of data communication by the second wireless network, and then cancels the second wireless network. Control may be performed.

  In the following example, in the initial state, the printer 101 serves as a base station apparatus to form a first wireless network 100, and the smart device 102 serves as a terminal to the printer 101 via the first wireless network 100. It is assumed to be connected. The smart device 102 functions as a management device that manages parameters of each wireless network to be formed as described above.

  In that state, when the smart device 103 appears, the printer 101 forms a second wireless network 104 for a guest, and connects the smart device 103 to the second wireless network 104 as a guest communication device. . Thereafter, the printer 101 cancels the second wireless network 104 in response to an instruction from the smart device 102. Regarding such processing, first, the flow of processing of the entire wireless communication system will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. 4.

(Flow of processing in wireless communication system)
The smart device 102 starts a detection process for detecting another communication device existing in the vicinity to be connected to the second wireless network 104 as a communication device of a guest (F401). In the smart device 102, for example, the near-field wireless control unit 305 performs a detection process by polling using near-field wireless communication. Similarly, the smart device 103 also starts detection processing of a management apparatus present in the vicinity in order to connect to the second wireless network 104 as a guest communication apparatus (F402). Also in the smart device 103, for example, the near-field wireless control unit 305 performs a detection process by polling using near-field wireless communication. Accordingly, the smart device 102 and the smart device 103 detect each other by the polling processing using the near-field wireless communication of the near-field wireless control unit 305, and the smart device 102 and the smart device 103 mutually detect each other (F403).

  In this detection process, for example, the smart device 102 is touched by the smart device 102 held by another user who thinks that the user of the smart device 102 may connect to the wireless network as the communication device of the guest. It can be done by That is, by using proximity wireless communication such as NFC, the user of the smart device 102 can easily identify the communication device of the guest by touch or proximity operation and connect to the wireless network managed by the smart device 102. It is possible to Also, this detection process may be performed, for example, by the smart devices 102 and 103 receiving a user's operation from the operation unit 312 and executing a predetermined application. For example, upon execution of this application, the smart device 102 operating as a management device searches for a communication device of a guest, and the smart device 103 that wants to participate in a wireless network as a guest searches for a management device. This makes it possible to perform detection processing among a plurality of communication devices that have executed an application at the same timing. In addition, even if the communicable range of the short distance wireless communication is in the range of several meters, it is possible to prevent an unintended communication device from being treated as a guest communication device.

  When the smart device 102 detects the smart device 103, the smart device 102 transmits a start request for the second wireless network 104 for guest to the printer 101 operating as a base station, and starts the second wireless network 104. To indicate (F404). The activation request for the second wireless network 104 for guest includes information instructing the printer 101 to activate the second wireless network. At this time, the smart device 102 may generate a parameter for connecting to the second wireless network, add information of the generated parameter to the activation request, and transmit the information to the printer 101. The parameter information may be notified to the printer 101 separately from the start request, or the printer 101 may generate the parameter. The start request for the second wireless network may be made by, for example, a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or may be made by a signal such as another communication standard. Also, the activation request of the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Also, the start request for the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal of a layer higher than the Internet protocol layer (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)).

  Upon receiving the activation request for the second wireless network from the smart device 102, the printer 101 transmits a second wireless network activation response including information on whether or not the second wireless network can be activated (F405). The start response of the second wireless network may be performed by a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or may be performed by a signal such as another communication standard. Also, the activation response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. In addition, the start response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than that of the Internet protocol layer.

  The printer 101 forms a second wireless network 104 as a guest wireless network (F406). At this time, parameters of the second wireless network 104 (network name (identifier), authentication method, encryption method, encryption key, etc.) may be determined dynamically, or may be smart. The one notified from the device 102 may be used. The smart device 102, upon receiving the activation response of the second wireless network from the printer 101, transmits the parameters of the second wireless network 104 to the smart device 103 if the second wireless network 104 can be formed (F407). . When the smart device 103 receives the parameters of the second wireless network 104, the smart device 103 performs wireless LAN connection processing with the printer 101 via the second wireless network 104 (F408).

  After that, for example, the smart device 102 receives an instruction for a process of leaving the first wireless network 100 by the user via the operation unit 312, and starts the leaving process (F409). The smart device 102 may activate the leaving process by moving to a position where the reception level of the signal of the first wireless network formed by the printer 101 is less than or equal to a predetermined level. When the printer 101 can autonomously determine the detachment of the smart device 102, the smart device 102 does not have to actively start the detachment process.

  In the disconnection process, the smart device 102 transmits, to the printer 101, a cancellation request of the second wireless network including instruction information for canceling the second wireless network 104 (F410). The cancellation request of the second wireless network is made, for example, by a signal of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Also, the cancellation request of the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Further, the resolution request for the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer.

  When the printer 101 receives the cancellation request for the second wireless network from the smart device 102, the printer 101 transmits a cancellation response for the second wireless network including information on whether or not the second wireless network can be canceled (F411). The cancellation response of the second wireless network is performed, for example, by a signal of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Also, the cancellation response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, with a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Also, the resolution response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer.

  Then, the printer 101 and the smart device 103 execute the disconnection process of the second wireless network 104. At this time, the printer 101 may notify the smart device 103 that the connection by the second wireless network is disconnected without forcibly disconnecting the second wireless network 104. It may wait for the completion of communication (F412). Then, after the disconnection process is completed, the printer 101 cancels the second wireless network 104 (F413).

  When the printer 101 autonomously determines that the smart device 102 has left the first wireless network 100, the processes of F409 to F411 may be omitted. For example, the printer 101 determines that the smart device 102 has moved out of the communicable range of the first wireless network 100 by monitoring a signal that the smart device 102 periodically transmits. Then, in response to the smart device 102 moving out of the communicable range of the first wireless network 100, the printer 101 determines whether or not the second wireless network 104 can be eliminated. Wireless networks can be eliminated.

(Flow of processing for each device)
Subsequently, the flow of processing executed by the printer 101 and the smart devices 102 and 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the smart device 102. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the smart device 103. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the printer 101.

(Flow of processing of smart device 102)
First, the flow of processing of the smart device 102 will be described. The smart device 102 receives an operation from the user via the operation unit 312, activates an application, and activates detection processing for connecting the smart device 103 to the second wireless network 104 (S501). At this time, the smart device 102 causes the near field wireless control unit 305 to start polling processing using near field wireless communication. Then, the smart device 102 determines whether the communication device of the guest is detected (S502). In the present embodiment, the case where NFC (registered trademark) is used will be described, but the detection processing of the communication device of the guest is performed using another short distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA (registered trademark). It may be performed. In the present embodiment, the smart device 102 performs detection processing of a guest communication device depending on whether the smart device 103 is held over the smart device 102 by using NFC communication.

  In response to the detection of the communication device of the guest (YES in S502), the smart device 102 shifts the processing to S503, and continues the detection processing when the detection is not detected (NO in S502). The smart device 102 may execute error processing such as displaying error information on the display unit 311 when the smart device 103 can not be detected within a predetermined time.

  The smart device 102 transmits a start request for the second wireless network to the printer 101 in step S503. Here, the start request for the second wireless network includes, for example, information for instructing the printer 101 to start the second wireless network 104. At this time, the smart device 102 may generate a parameter of the second wireless network 104 and add information of the generated parameter to the activation request of the second wireless network. The parameter information may be transmitted separately from the second wireless network activation request, or the parameter may be generated by another device such as the printer 101. Here, the parameters include, for example, at least one of information such as a network name (identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, and an encryption key. The start request for the second wireless network may be made by, for example, a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or may be made by a signal such as another communication standard. Also, the activation request of the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Also, the start request for the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal of a layer higher than the Internet protocol layer (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)).

  Subsequently, the smart device 102 determines whether the activation response of the second wireless network has been received from the printer 101 (S504). The start response of the second wireless network may be performed by a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or may be performed by a signal such as another communication standard. Also, the activation response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. In addition, the start response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than that of the Internet protocol layer.

  When the smart device 102 receives the activation response of the second wireless network (YES in S504), the process proceeds to S504, and when not received (NO in S504), the reception process is continued. The smart device 102 may execute error processing such as displaying error information on the display unit 311 when the smart device 102 can not receive the activation response of the second wireless network within a predetermined time.

  The smart device 102 determines whether the printer 101 can form a second wireless network based on the received second wireless network activation response. Then, if the printer 101 can form the second wireless network (YES in S505), the smart device 102 moves the process to S506, and if not (NO in S505), the smart device 102 moves the process to S512.

  In step S506, the smart device 102 performs wireless setting processing with the smart device 103, and provides the second wireless network parameters to the smart device 103. The parameters include, for example, at least one of a network name (identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, an encryption key, and the like. The wireless setting process may be performed based on a protocol that automatically sets parameters necessary for wireless communication, such as the above-described WPS and WFD. In the present embodiment, an example in which WPS-NFC is used will be described, but other protocols may be used. In the present embodiment, the smart device 102 uses the wireless LAN control unit 301 and the near-field wireless control unit 305 to transmit the parameters (network name (identifier), authentication method, encryption method, encryption key, etc.) of the second wireless network. Send to the smart device 103.

  Thereafter, the smart device 102 determines whether the wireless setting process with the smart device 103 is successful (S507). When the wireless setting process with the smart device 103 is successful (YES in S507), the smart device 102 shifts the process to S508, and when it is not successful (NO in S507), the smart device 102 shifts the process to S512.

  In step S <b> 508, the smart device 102 determines whether an operation by the user for activating the process of leaving the first wireless network 100 has been received in the operation unit 312. Here, although the case where the user explicitly performs the operation of activating the leaving process from the first wireless network 100 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the smart device 102 may start the disconnection process in response to detecting that the smart device 102 is about to move out of the communicable range of the first wireless network 100. Further, the process of leaving the first wireless network 100 may be started by accepting the termination operation of the predetermined application by the user.

  When the disconnection process from the first wireless network 100 is activated (YES in S508), the smart device 102 moves the process to S509, and when not activated (NO in S508), the smart device 102 waits for activation of the detachment process. To continue. In S509, the smart device 102 transmits a cancellation request for the second wireless network to the printer 101 (S509). The cancellation request for the second wireless network includes, for example, information for instructing the printer 101 that the second wireless network should be canceled. The cancellation request of the second wireless network is made, for example, by a signal of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Also, the cancellation request of the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Further, the resolution request for the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer.

  Subsequently, the smart device 102 determines whether the cancellation response of the second wireless network has been received from the printer 101 (S510). The cancellation response of the second wireless network is performed, for example, by a signal of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Also, the cancellation response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, with a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Also, the resolution response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer. If the smart device 102 receives the cancellation response of the second wireless network (YES in S510), the process proceeds to S511. If not received (NO in S510), the smart device 102 continues waiting for the cancellation response. When the smart device 102 can not receive the cancellation response of the second wireless network within a predetermined time, the smart device 102 may perform error processing such as displaying error information on the display unit 311.

  In S511, the smart device 102 determines whether the printer 101 can cancel the second wireless network based on the received second wireless network cancellation response. If the printer 101 can cancel the second wireless network (YES in S511), the smart device 102 ends the process. If the smart device 102 can not cancel the second wireless network (NO in S510), the smart device 102 shifts the process to S512.

  In S512, the smart device 102 executes error processing. In the error processing, the smart device 102 displays error information on the display unit 311, for example. Alternatively, the smart device 102 may retransmit the activation request or cancellation request of the second wireless network or may transmit error information.

  Here, the printer 101 may delete the parameter set as the second wireless network when the second wireless network can be resolved in S511. As a result, the printer 101 will form a wireless network for the guest next time using different parameter information. As a result, even if the smart device 103 has a record of connecting as a guest communication device, it is possible to prevent the smart device 103 from reconnecting using parameters at the time of the connection, thereby improving security. be able to. On the other hand, also in the smart device 103 which is a guest's communication device, by eliminating the parameter information from the communication history information when canceling the second wireless network, useless connection is not made by wireless automatic connection based on history. You can do so.

(Flow of processing of smart device 103)
Next, the flow of processing of the smart device 103 will be described. The smart device 103 receives an application activation operation from the user via the operation unit 312, and activates detection processing of a management apparatus for connecting to the second wireless network (S601). At this time, the smart device 103 causes the short distance wireless control unit 305 to start polling processing using short distance wireless communication. Then, the smart device 103 determines whether the smart device 102 which is a management device is detected (S602). In the present embodiment, the case where NFC (registered trademark) is used will be described, but the detection processing of the communication device of the guest is performed using another short distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA (registered trademark). It may be performed. In the present embodiment, the smart device 103 performs detection processing of the management apparatus depending on whether the smart device 102 is held over the smart device 103 by using the NFC communication.

  In response to the detection of the smart device 102 (YES in S602), the smart device 103 moves the process to S603, and when not detected (NO in S602), continues the detection process. When the smart device 103 can not detect the smart device 102 within a predetermined time, the smart device 103 may execute error processing such as displaying error information on the display unit 311.

  In step S603, the smart device 103 uses the wireless LAN control unit 301 and the near-field wireless control unit 305 to start wireless setting processing with the management apparatus, and receives a parameter of the second wireless network. The parameters include, for example, at least one of a network name (identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, an encryption key, and the like. The wireless setting process may be performed based on a protocol that automatically sets parameters necessary for wireless communication, such as the above-described WPS and WFD. In the present embodiment, an example in which WPS-NFC is used will be described, but other protocols may be used.

  The smart device 103 subsequently determines whether error information has been received from the smart device 102 (S604). The error information is, for example, information indicating that the second wireless network could not be formed. When the smart device 103 receives error information from the smart device 102 from either the wireless LAN control unit 301 or the short-distance wireless control unit 305 (YES in S604), the process proceeds to S607, and if not received (S604) No) moves the process to S605.

  In S605, the smart device 103 determines whether or not the parameters (network name (identifier), authentication method, encryption method, encryption key, and the like) of the second wireless network are received from the smart device 102 (management device). If the smart device 103 receives a parameter of the second wireless network from the smart device 102 (YES in S605), the process moves to S606, and if not received (NO in S605), the smart device 103 moves the process to S604. When the smart device 103 does not receive the parameter of the second wireless network within a predetermined time, the smart device 103 may perform error processing such as displaying error information on the display unit 311. When the smart device 103 receives the parameter of the second wireless network from the smart device 102 (YES in S605), the wireless LAN control unit 301 performs wireless connection with the printer 101 (S606). On the other hand, when the smart device 103 receives error information from the smart device 102 (YES in S604), the smart device 103 executes error processing (S607). The error processing is, for example, displaying error information on the display unit 311.

(Flow of processing of printer 101)
Next, the flow of processing of the printer 101 will be described. First, the printer 101 waits for a start request for the second wireless network from the smart device 102 (S701). When the printer 101 receives the activation request for the second wireless network (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S702, and when it is not received (NO in S701), the standby state is continued. The start request for the second wireless network may be made by, for example, a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or may be made by a signal such as another communication standard. Also, the activation request of the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. In addition, the start request for the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer.

  In step S702, the printer 101 determines whether the second wireless network can be formed. If the printer 101 can form the second wireless network (YES in step S702), the process advances to step S703. If the printer 101 can not form the second wireless network (NO in step S702), the process advances to step S704. In step S703, the printer 101 transmits, to the smart device 102, an activation response of the second wireless network. The activation response of the second wireless network may include information indicating that the second wireless network can be activated, and the second wireless network may not include such information. It may indicate implicitly that it can be activated. The start response of the second wireless network may be performed by a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series, or may be performed by a signal such as another communication standard. Also, the activation response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. In addition, the start response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than that of the Internet protocol layer.

  The printer 101 then forms a second wireless network 104, which is a wireless network for guests (S705). At this time, the printer 101 can form the second wireless network 104 using dynamically determined parameters (network name (identifier), authentication method, encryption method, encryption key, etc.). Also, if a parameter of the second wireless network is added to the start request of the second wireless network received from the smart device 102 in S701, the printer 101 executes the second wireless network using the parameter. You may form.

  After that, the printer 101 monitors whether or not a request for removing the second wireless network has been received from the smart device 102 (S706). When the printer 101 receives the cancellation request for the second wireless network (YES in S706), the process proceeds to S707, and when it is not received (NO in S706), monitoring is continued. The cancellation request of the second wireless network is made, for example, by a signal of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Also, the cancellation request of the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Further, the resolution request for the second wireless network may be made, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer.

  In step S707, the printer 101 determines whether the second wireless network can be canceled. Then, if the second wireless network can be resolved (YES in S707), the printer 101 moves the process to S708, and if not (NO in S707), the process moves to S704. If the second wireless network can not be resolved (NO in S707), the printer 101 may stand by until the second wireless network can be eliminated.

  In S 708, the printer 101 transmits a cancellation response of the second wireless network to the smart device 102. The cancellation response of the second wireless network may include information indicating that the second wireless network can be canceled. In addition, it is implicitly smart that the network can be resolved because the resolution response of the second wireless network does not include such information or because the resolution response of the second wireless network is not transmitted. The device 102 may be notified. The cancellation response of the second wireless network is performed, for example, by a signal of the IEEE 802.11 standard series. Also, the cancellation response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, with a signal (probe, action frame, etc.) of the physical layer. Also, the resolution response of the second wireless network may be performed, for example, by a signal (a command of a communication protocol such as HTTP) higher than the Internet protocol layer.

  Subsequently, the printer 101 cancels the second wireless network 104 which is a network for guest (S709). At this time, the printer 101 may notify the smart device 103 that the connection by the second wireless network 104 is disconnected, instead of immediately canceling the second wireless network. Also, the printer 101 may execute the second wireless network cancellation process after waiting for the completion of the data communication of the smart device 103.

  On the other hand, when the printer 101 determines that the second wireless network can not be formed (NO in S702), the printer 101 adds error information to the activation response of the second wireless network, and transmits it to the smart device 102 (S704) . Note that the fact that the second wireless network can not be formed can be achieved by not returning a start response for the second wireless network, or by not including additional information indicating that the second wireless network can be started. It may be notified to the smart device 102 implicitly. Also, if the printer 101 determines that the second wireless network can not be canceled (NO in S707), the printer 101 adds error information to the second wireless network cancellation response and transmits it to the smart device 102 (S704). ). Also in this case, including the additional information indicating that the cancellation response of the second wireless network is not returned or that the second wireless network can be canceled is a load that the second wireless network is resolved. Otherwise, the smart device 102 may be notified implicitly.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the smart device 102 detects the smart device 103, the smart device 102 controls the printer 101 to form a second wireless network for the communication device of the guest. Then, the smart device 102 provides the smart device 103 with information (for example, a network name (identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, an encryption key, and the like) of the second wireless network. As a result, the smart device 103 can be wirelessly connected to the second wireless network formed by the printer 101. Furthermore, the smart device 102 transmits an instruction to cancel the second wireless network to the printer 101 when the smart device 102 leaves the first wireless network. As a result, when the smart device 102 is not connectable to the printer 101, there is no second wireless network to which the guest's communication device can be connected, which leads to improved security. Further, since the second wireless network is dynamically formed and canceled according to the state of the smart device 102, the home network administrator does not have to manage the setting change or cancellation of the second wireless network. Therefore, the convenience is improved.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Can also be realized. It can also be implemented by a circuit (eg, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

  100: first wireless network, 101: printer, 102 to 103: smart device, 104: second wireless network, 201 and 301: wireless LAN controller, 211 and 305: near field wireless controller, 207 and 307: Packet transmission / reception unit, 203 and 308; control unit

Claims (15)

A communication device connected to a first wireless network formed by a first other communication device, the communication device comprising:
Different from the first wireless network for connecting a second other communication device to the first other communication device when the communication device is connected to the first wireless network. First requesting means for requesting the first other communication device to form two wireless networks;
The first other communication device is requested to cancel the second wireless network formed by the first request unit when the communication device leaves the first wireless network 2 request means,
A communication apparatus comprising: And a notification unit that notifies parameters related to the second wireless network to the second other communication device when the second wireless network is formed.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising: generation means for generating the parameter related to the second wireless network. The notification means further requests the first other communication apparatus to form the second wireless network, the generated parameter relating to the second wireless network being the first other Notify the communication device of
The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that: It further comprises detection means for detecting the second other communication device,
The first request means requests the first other communication device to form the second wireless network in response to detection of the second other communication device.
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The detection means detects the second other communication device using a communication method different from the communication method used when connecting to the first wireless network.
The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first request means and the second request means make requests by signals conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first request means and the second request means make a request by a signal of a physical layer or a signal of a layer higher than an internet protocol layer.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A communication device forming a wireless network,
Based on the first other communication apparatus is connected to the first wireless network, for connecting the second other communication device to the communication device, different from the first wireless network, the Forming a second wireless network, and in response to an instruction from the first other communication device performed when the first other communication device leaves the first wireless network, the second wireless Having control means to control to cancel the network ,
A communication device characterized by The control means receives the instruction by a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard series.
The communication device according to claim 9 , characterized in that: The control means receives the instruction by a signal of a physical layer or a signal of a layer higher than an internet protocol layer.
The communication device according to claim 9 or 10 , When canceling the second wireless network, the control means cancels the second wireless network after data communication with the second other communication device is completed.
The communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that: A control method of a communication apparatus connected to a first wireless network formed by a first other communication apparatus, comprising:
The first request means is for connecting a second other communication device to the first other communication device when the communication device is connected to the first wireless network. Different from the first wireless network, the first request process and the second request means for requesting the first other communication device to form a second wireless network, the communication device being the first wireless network A second request process for requesting the first other communication device to cancel the second wireless network formed in the first request process when leaving the network;
A control method characterized by comprising: A control method of a communication device forming a wireless network, comprising:
Control means, a first other communication apparatus based on the fact that is connected to the first wireless network, for connecting the second other communication device to the communication device, the first wireless network And forming a second wireless network different from the first wireless communication network according to an instruction from the first other communication device performed when the first other communication device leaves the first wireless network. Having a control step of controlling to cancel the second wireless network ,
Control method characterized by A computer provided in the communication device, a program for executing the control method according to claim 1 3 or 1 4.

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