JP2019146273A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of suppressing an unnecessarily high processing load of a communication device by appropriately determining a wireless network to which the communication device belongs. When the printer 10 determines that the SSID "YYY" in the Probe Req. Signal received from the terminal device 50 matches the SSID "YYY" in the memory (YES in T18), the printer 10 operates. The state is changed from the state that does not belong to the alternative SoftAPNW to the master station state of the alternative SoftAPNW (T22). Then, the printer 10 forms an alternative SoftAPNW to which both the printer 10 which is the master station and the terminal device 50 which is the slave station belong (T36 to T40). On the other hand, when it is determined that the SSID in the Probe Req. Signal received from the terminal device 50 does not match the SSID "YYY" in the memory 34 (NO in T18), the operating state of the printer 10 is the alternative SoftAPNW. It is maintained in a state where it does not belong to. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

  The present specification discloses a technique for a communication device to form a wireless network.

  Various techniques are known for communication devices to form a wireless network. For example, a communication device that supports a so-called SoftAP function can activate SoftAP and operate as a master station of a wireless network. In this case, if another device operates as a slave station of the wireless network, both the communication device and the other device can belong to the wireless network. Communication devices that support the WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)) method established by the Wi-Fi Alliance have transitioned to the G / O (abbreviation of Group Owner) state in accordance with the WFD method. It can operate as a master station of a wireless network. In this case, if another device operates as a slave station of the wireless network (for example, a Client state according to the WFD method), both the communication device and the other device can belong to the wireless network.

JP 2013-115687 A JP 2009-44701 A

  For example, in response to receiving a wireless connection request from another device, the communication device operates as a master station (for example, the above-mentioned SoftAP or G / O device according to the WFD method) or a slave station, Can belong to a wireless network. However, since the communication device cannot appropriately determine the affiliation network to which it belongs, it can belong to a wireless network that the user does not want. Due to the communication device belonging to a wireless network that the user does not want, the processing load on the communication device can be unnecessarily high. The present specification provides a technique capable of suppressing an unnecessary increase in processing load on a communication device by appropriately determining a wireless network to which the communication device should belong.

  The communication device disclosed in the present specification includes a memory, a signal receiving unit, a determination unit, and a forming unit. The memory stores a predetermined character string. The signal receiving unit receives a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device. The determination unit determines whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including a predetermined character string in the memory. The first wireless identifier is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network. In one form disclosed by this specification, a formation part belongs to the 1st wireless network, and the operation state of a communication apparatus belongs to the 1st wireless network, when it is judged that a specific wireless identifier is a 1st wireless identifier. From the first unaffiliated state to the first parent station state that operates as the parent station of the first wireless network, both the communication device that is the parent station and the external device that is the child station belong. Forming a first wireless network. When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is the first wireless identifier including the predetermined character string, the communication device sets the operation state of the communication device to the first state. Shift from the unaffiliated state to the first master station state. Therefore, the communication device can form a first wireless network to which both the communication device and the external device belong. On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is not the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state. That is, in this case, the first wireless network to which both the communication device and the external device belong is not formed. For this reason, it can suppress that the processing load of a communication apparatus becomes unnecessarily high.

  In another form disclosed by the present specification, the forming unit may change the operation state of the communication device to the first wireless network when the specific wireless identifier is determined to be the first wireless identifier. Transition from a first unaffiliated state that does not belong to a first parent station state that operates as a parent station of the first wireless network, or a slave station state that operates as a child station of the first wireless network, A first wireless network is formed to which both a communication device that is a parent station or a slave station and an external device that is a slave station or a parent station belong. In this aspect, the communication device is an information receiving unit that receives specific wireless setting information from an external device using the first wireless network when the first wireless network is formed, The specific wireless setting information is wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, and that the external device currently belongs to the specific wireless network, and Use specific wireless setting information when specific wireless setting information is received from an information receiving unit and an external device that meet one of the conditions of belonging to a specific wireless network in the past And an affiliation unit belonging to a specific wireless network.

  According to the above configuration, the communication device changes the operation state of the communication device from the first unaffiliated state when the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is determined to be the first wireless identifier. 1 shifts to the master station state or the slave station state. Therefore, the communication device can form a first wireless network to which both the communication device and the external device belong. Then, the communication device receives the specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network, and belongs to the specific wireless network using the specific wireless setting information. Accordingly, the communication device can execute wireless communication via a specific access point using a specific wireless network. On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is not the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state. For this reason, it can suppress that the processing load of a communication apparatus becomes unnecessarily high.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the communication device are also novel and useful. A communication system including the communication device and the external device is also new and useful.

1 shows a configuration of a communication system. FIG. 3 shows a sequence diagram of the first embodiment in which the printer operates as SoftAP. FIG. 3 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. 2. FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram of a second embodiment in which the printer operates as G / O according to the WFD method. FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. 4. FIG. 9 shows a sequence diagram of a third embodiment in which the printer operates as a slave station.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration of communication system 2; FIG. 1)
The communication system 2 includes a printer 10, a terminal device 50, and a normal access point 100. Hereinafter, the normal access point 100 is referred to as “normal AP (abbreviation of normal access point) 100”.

(Configuration of Printer 10)
The printer 10 is a peripheral device that can execute a printing function (that is, a peripheral device such as the terminal device 50). The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wireless interface 20, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface is described as “I / F”.

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method.

  The wireless I / F 20 is an I / F for executing wireless communication according to IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11. Specifically, the wireless I / F 20 can establish a wireless connection with the normal AP 100 (hereinafter referred to as “normal AP (abbreviation of Normal AP) connection”) in accordance with IEEE802.11. Can participate as a slave station in a wireless network in which the normal AP 100 operates as a master station (hereinafter referred to as “normal APNW (abbreviation of normal AP Network)”). The printer 10 can perform wireless communication with another device (for example, the terminal device 50) belonging to the normal APNW via the normal AP 100.

  The wireless I / F 20 particularly supports a SoftAP (abbreviation of Software Access Point) function in IEEE802.11. When SoftAP of the wireless I / F 20 is activated, the printer 10 operates as an AP (that is, a master station) of the wireless network, and wirelessly connects to other devices (for example, the terminal device 50) (hereinafter referred to as “SoftAP connection”). Can be established). That is, the other device can participate as a slave station in a wireless network in which the printer 10 operates as a master station (hereinafter referred to as “SoftAPNW (abbreviation of SoftAPNetwork)”).

  The wireless I / F 20 is physically one interface. However, the wireless I / F 20 includes a first MAC address for establishing a normal AP connection and a second MAC address (that is, a MAC address different from the first MAC address) for establishing a SoftAP connection. , Has been assigned. Therefore, the printer 10 can simultaneously execute both wireless communication using the normal AP connection and wireless communication using the SoftAP connection via the wireless I / F 20. In the modification, the interface for executing wireless communication using normal AP connection and the interface for executing wireless communication using SoftAP connection are configured by physically different chips. Also good.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 is a processor that executes various processes according to the program 36 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 is composed of RAM, ROM, and the like. The program 36 includes initial SoftAP (abbreviation for Initial SoftAP) setting information 38 and alternative SoftAP (abbreviation for Alternative SoftAP) setting information 40.

  The initial SoftAP setting information 38 is information used in SoftAPNW formed by SoftAP activated at the timing when the printer 10 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as “initial SoftAP”). The initial SoftAP setting information 38 is information provided in advance to a vendor from a specific company different from the vendor of the printer 10. The initial SoftAP setting information 38 includes an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier) “XXX”, a password “AAA”, and the like.

  The alternative SoftAP setting information 40 is information used in SoftAPNW formed by SoftAP (hereinafter referred to as “alternative SoftAP”) activated at a timing different from the timing when the printer 10 is turned on. The alternative SoftAP setting information 40 is information determined in advance by the vendor of the printer 10 and is different from the initial SoftAP setting information 38. The alternative SoftAP setting information 40 includes SSID “YYY”, password “BBB”, and the like. Hereinafter, the SoftAPNW in which the initial SoftAP setting information 38 is used and the SoftAPNW in which the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 is used are referred to as “initial SoftAPNW” and “alternative SoftAPNW”, respectively.

  The memory 34 includes a master station setting area 44 and a normal AP setting area 46. The master station setting area 44 is an area in which wireless setting information (that is, the initial SoftAP setting information 38 or the alternative SoftAP setting information 40) used in the SoftAPNW is stored in a state where the printer 10 operates as a SoftAPNW master station. is there. The normal AP setting area 46 is wireless setting information (that is, SSID, password, etc .; hereinafter referred to as “normal AP setting information”) used in the normal APNW in a state where the printer 10 operates as a slave station of the normal APNW. Is an area in which is stored.

(Normal AP100 configuration)
The normal AP 100 is a known AP called a wireless AP, a wireless LAN router or the like, and is different from SoftAP. The normal AP 100 relays communication between a pair of devices with which a normal AP connection with the normal AP 100 is established, that is, a pair of slave stations (for example, the printer 10 and the terminal device 50) of the normal APNW. The normal AP 100 stores normal AP setting information 150 currently used by the normal APNW. The normal AP setting information 150 includes an SSID “ZZZ” and a password “CCC”.

(Configuration of terminal device 50)
The terminal device 50 is a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC. The terminal device 50 can usually participate as a slave station in APNW or SoftAPNW. The terminal device 50 stores the normal AP setting information 150 when the terminal device 50 currently belongs to the normal APNW or when the terminal device 50 has previously belonged to the normal APNW. The terminal device 50 further stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as “setting application”) 200 for setting the normal AP setting information 150 in the printer 10. The setting application 200 is a program provided by the vendor of the printer 10 and includes information 40 that matches the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 stored in the printer 10 in advance.

(Processing of each device 10, 50, 100, etc .: FIGS. 2 and 3)
Next, the contents of each process executed by the printer 10 and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. In the initial state of FIG. 2, the terminal device 50 has established a normal AP connection with the normal AP 100 and belongs to the normal APNW. At T10, the user turns on the printer 10. Hereinafter, in describing the processing executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10, instead of describing “the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executes...”, “The printer 10 executes. It describes.

  In T12, the printer 10 uses the initial SoftAP setting information 38 to activate the initial SoftAP. Specifically, the printer 10 stores the initial SoftAP setting information 38 in the program 36 in the parent station setting area 44. Thereby, the operation state of the printer 10 shifts from a state not belonging to the first SoftAPNW to a parent station state that operates as a parent station of the first SoftAPNW.

  The reason why a configuration in which the first SoftAP is activated when the printer 10 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as “specific configuration”) will be described. First, the reason for starting SoftAP for the first time is as follows. In the initial SoftAPNW formed in accordance with the initial SoftAP, the initial SoftAP setting information 38, which is setting information with relatively low security levels of the authentication method and the encryption method, is used. As a result, the user can participate in the initial SoftAPNW with various devices as slave stations without performing complicated wireless settings. In this case, the printer 10 can execute wireless communication with the various devices using the initial SoftAPNW. As described above, the printer 10 activates the first SoftAP in order to enable communication with various devices.

  The reason why the first SoftAP is started when the power is turned on is as follows. If the first SoftAP is not started when the power is turned on, the user needs to execute an operation for starting the first SoftAP after the power is turned on. On the other hand, when the first SoftAP is started when the power is turned on, the user does not need to separately execute the operation for turning on the power and the operation for starting the first SoftAP. Convenience is improved. A specific configuration is adopted for the above two reasons.

  When the user of the terminal device 50 desires the printer 10 to belong to the normal APNW to which the terminal device 50 belongs, in T14, the user performs an operation for starting the setting application 200 on the terminal device 50. As a result, the terminal device 50 starts the setting application 200, reads the SSID “YYY” included in the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the setting application 200 at T16, and sends a Probe Request signal including the SSID “YYY” to the printer 10. Send to. In the following, Request and Response are described as “Req.” And “Res.”, Respectively.

  When the printer 10 receives the Probe Req. Signal including the SSID “YYY” from the terminal device 50, the TSID “YYY” in the Probe Req. Signal is included in the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the memory 34 at T 18. It is determined whether or not it matches the SSID “YYY”. When the SSID “YYY” in the Probe Req. Signal matches the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (YES in T18), the printer 10 proceeds to T20.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user desires that the terminal device 50 establish a wireless connection with an AP different from the normal AP 100, an operation for starting the setting application 200 is not performed on the terminal device 50, An operation for establishing a wireless connection is performed on the terminal device 50. In this case, the printer 10 can receive a Probe Req. Signal that does not include the SSID “YYY” from the terminal device 50. In such a situation, the printer 10 determines that the SSID in the Probe Req. Signal does not match the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (NO in T18), and does not execute the processing from T20 onward. The process of 2 is finished. In this case, the operation state of the printer 10 is maintained in a state where it does not belong to the alternative SoftAPNW identified by the SSID “YYY”.

  At T20, the printer 10 stops the initial SoftAP. Specifically, the printer 10 deletes the initial SoftAP setting information 38 in the master station setting area 44. As a result, the printer 10 eliminates the initial SoftAP NW. The operation state of the printer 10 shifts from a parent station state that operates as a parent station of the first SoftAPNW to a state that does not belong to the first SoftAPNW. In the present embodiment, since the printer 10 has only one MAC address for SoftAP (that is, the second MAC address), both the initial SoftAP and the alternative SoftAP are activated simultaneously. Can not build. Since the printer 10 needs to start an alternative SoftAP in the process described later, the first SoftAP is stopped at T20.

  In T22, the printer 10 uses the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 to activate the alternative SoftAP. Specifically, the printer 10 stores the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the program 36 in the parent station setting area 44. Thereby, the operation state of the printer 10 shifts from a state not belonging to the alternative SoftAPNW to a parent station state that operates as a parent station of the alternative SoftAPNW.

  Since the printer 10 has not activated the alternative SoftAP at the time of T16, even if it receives the Probe Req. Signal including the SSID “YYY” used in the alternative SoftAPNW, a response signal to the Probe Req. Signal ( That is, Probe Res. Signal) is not transmitted. Accordingly, the terminal device 50 does not receive a response signal from the printer 10 even after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the Probe Req. Signal at T16. Therefore, at T24, the terminal device 50 transmits the Probe Req. Signal including the SSID “YYY” to the printer. 10 again.

  The printer 10 activates the alternative SoftAP at time T24, that is, when the Probe Req. Signal including the SSID “YYY” is received from the terminal device 50 again. Accordingly, in T26, the printer 10 transmits a Probe Res. Signal including the SSID “YYY” to the terminal device 50.

  In T32, the terminal device 50 sequentially transmits disassociation signals to the normal AP 100 using the normal APNW. As a result, the normal AP connection between the terminal device 50 and the normal AP 100 is disconnected. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 50 can establish only a wireless connection with one device. Then, since the terminal device 50 needs to establish a SoftAP connection with the printer 10 by a process described later, the normal AP connection with the normal AP 100 is disconnected at T32.

  Next, the printer 10 receives the Association Req. Signal including the SSID “YYY” from the terminal device 50 at T36, and transmits the Association Res. Signal including the SSID “YYY” to the terminal device 50 at T38. In T40, the printer 10 executes communication of various signals (for example, 4-way handshake) with the terminal device 50, and establishes SoftAP connection with the terminal device 50. Thereby, the printer 10 can form an alternative SoftAPNW to which both the printer 10 as the master station and the terminal device 50 as the slave station belong.

  At T <b> 42, the printer 10 receives the normal AP setting information 150 in the memory of the terminal device 50 from the terminal device 50 using the alternative SoftAPNW. As described above, the normal AP setting information 150 is information currently used in the normal APNW, and includes the SSID “ZZZ”, the password “CCC”, and the like.

  In T44, the printer 10 sets the normal AP setting information 150. Specifically, the printer 10 stores the normal AP setting information 150 in the normal AP setting area 46.

  Next, the printer 10 transmits a Probe Req. Signal including the SSID “ZZZ” to the normal AP 100 at T46 in FIG. 3, and receives a Probe Res. Signal including the SSID “ZZZ” from the normal AP 100 at T48.

  At T50, the printer 10 executes communication of various signals (Association Req./Res. Signal, 4-way handshake, etc.) with the normal AP 100 to establish a normal AP connection with the normal AP 100. As a result, the printer 10 can participate as a slave station in the normal APNW formed by the normal AP 100 that is the master station. The printer 10 can perform various communications with other devices via the normal AP 100. For example, the printer 10 can receive an image file representing an image from the other device via the normal AP 100 and cause the print execution unit 16 to print the image.

  In T <b> 52, the printer 10 transmits the setting result to the terminal device 50 using the alternative SoftAPNW. In this case, the setting result indicates that the setting of the normal AP setting information 150 in the printer 10 is successful, that is, the establishment of the normal AP connection between the printer 10 and the normal AP 100 is successful. If the normal AP connection between the printer 10 and the normal AP 100 is not successfully established, a setting result indicating failure is transmitted from the printer 10 to the terminal device 50.

  When the terminal device 50 receives the setting result from the printer 10 using the alternative SoftAPNW, the terminal device 50 displays the setting result in T54. By viewing the setting result, the user can know that the setting of the normal AP setting information 150 in the printer 10 is successful.

  Next, the printer 10 transmits a Deauthentication signal to the terminal device 50 at T56, and receives a Disassociation signal from the terminal device 50 at T60. As a result, the printer 10 disconnects the SoftAP connection with the terminal device 50.

  At T64, the printer 10 stops the alternative SoftAP. Specifically, the printer 10 deletes the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the master station setting area 44. As a result, the printer 10 eliminates the alternative SoftAPNW. The operation state of the printer 10 shifts from a parent station state that operates as a parent station of the alternative SoftAPNW to a state that does not belong to the alternative SoftAPNW.

  In T66, the terminal device 50 executes communication of various signals, reestablishes a normal AP connection with the normal AP 100, and participates in the normal APNW as a slave station. As a result, the normal AP 100, which is the master station, the printer 10, which is the slave station, and the terminal device 50, which is the slave station, belong to the normal APNW. Therefore, for example, the printer 10 can receive an image file from the terminal device 50 via the normal AP 100 and execute printing.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
When the printer 10 determines that the SSID “YYY” in the Probe Req. Signal received from the terminal device 50 matches the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (YES in T18), the operation state of the printer 10 is The state of not belonging to the alternative SoftAPNW is shifted to the parent state of the alternative SoftAPNW (T22 in FIG. 2). Then, the printer 10 forms an alternative SoftAPNW to which both the printer 10 as the master station and the terminal device 50 as the slave station belong (T36 to T40). On the other hand, when it is determined that the SSID in the Probe Req. Signal received from the terminal device 50 does not match the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (NO in T18), the operation state of the printer 10 is the alternative SoftAPNW. It is maintained in the state that does not belong to. That is, the printer 10 does not need to execute processing for stopping the initial SoftAP, processing for starting alternative SoftAP, and the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the processing load of the printer 10 from becoming unnecessarily high.

  Further, when forming the alternative SoftAPNW, the printer 10 receives the normal AP setting information 150 from the terminal device 50 using the alternative SoftAPNW (T42 in FIG. 2), and uses the normal AP setting information 150. Usually belongs to APNW (T46 to T50 in FIG. 3). Thus, the printer 10 can execute wireless communication via the normal AP 100 using the normal APNW.

  In particular, the present embodiment employs the above-described specific configuration in which the first SoftAP is activated when the printer 10 is turned on. Then, it is conceivable to adopt the configuration of a comparative example in which the initial SoftAP setting information 38 is registered in advance in the setting application 200 instead of the alternative SoftAP setting information 40. In this case, the terminal device 50 uses the initial SoftAP setting information 38 to participate as a slave station in the initial SoftAPNW in which the printer 10 operates as a parent station, and then uses the initial SoftAPNW to update the normal AP setting information 150. It can be sent to the printer 10. According to the configuration of the comparative example, the printer 10 does not need to stop the initial SoftAP and does not need to start the alternative SoftAP. However, as described above, in the initial SoftAPNW using the initial SoftAP setting information 38, an authentication method and an encryption method with a relatively low security level are used. For this reason, in the initial SoftAPNW in which the initial SoftAP setting information 38 is used, it is difficult to ensure security, and there is a possibility that information may be leaked to a third party via other devices participating in the initial SoftAPNW. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the alternative SoftAP is activated using the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 instead of the initial SoftAP is adopted. In the alternative SoftAPNW in which the alternative SoftAP is used, the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 including an authentication method and an encryption method having a relatively high security level can be used. That is, in this embodiment, the printer 10 can use an alternative SoftAPNW having a higher security level than the initial SoftAPNW.

(Correspondence)
The printer 10, the terminal device 50, and the normal AP 100 are examples of “communication device”, “external device”, and “specific access point”, respectively. The alternative SoftAPNW, the initial SoftAPNW, and the normal APNW are examples of the “first wireless network”, the “second wireless network”, and the “specific wireless network”, respectively. The SSID “YYY” is an example of “predetermined character string”, “specific wireless identifier”, and “first wireless identifier”. The normal AP setting information 150 and the alternative SoftAP are examples of “specific wireless setting information” and “access point function”, respectively. The Probe Req. Signal of T16, Probe Req. Signal of T24, and Probe Res. Signal of T26 in FIG. 2 are respectively “first specific signal”, “second specific signal”, and “response signal”. It is an example. The state that operates as the parent station of the alternative SoftAP, the state that operates as the child station of the alternative SoftAP, and the state that operates as the parent station of the first SoftAP are respectively “first parent station state”, “slave station state”, “first” This is an example of “2 master station status”.

(Second embodiment)
A description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the printer 10 shifts to the WFD G / O state instead of starting the alternative SoftAP.

  The wireless I / F 20 further supports the WFD method of IEEE802.11. The wireless I / F 20 uses the second MAC address to shift to a G / O state in accordance with the WFD method, and wirelessly connects to other devices (for example, the terminal device 50) (hereinafter referred to as “WFD connection”). Can be established). The terminal device 50 also supports the WFD method. Accordingly, the terminal device 50 is connected to a wireless station (hereinafter referred to as “WFDNW (abbreviation of WFD Network)”) in which the printer 10 operates as a master station (that is, G / O device). You can participate as "CL equipment")). Details of the WFD method are described in “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1” created by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Details of the WFD method are also disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0260683, which is cited with reference to this document. In this embodiment, the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 includes SSID “DIRECT-VVV” instead of SSID “YYY”.

  The program 36 of the printer 10 includes WFD setting information 40 instead of the alternative SoftAP setting information 40. The WFD setting information 40 includes an SSID “DIRECT-VVV”, a password “BBB”, and the like. The setting application 200 of the terminal device 50 includes WFD setting information 40 instead of the alternative SoftAP setting information 40.

(Processing of each device 10, 50, 100, etc .; FIGS. 4 and 5)
Next, the contents of each process executed by the printer 10 and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. In the initial state of FIG. 4, the terminal device 50 does not currently belong to the normal APNW. However, since the terminal device 50 has belonged to the normal APNW in the past, the terminal device 50 stores the normal AP setting information 150.

  T110 to T114 are the same as T10 to T14 in FIG. At T <b> 116, the printer 10 receives a Probe Req. Signal including the character string “DIRECT-” from the terminal device 50. The character string “DIRECT-” is a character string indicating that the terminal device 50 supports the WFD method. The Probe Req. Signal including the character string “DIRECT-” is a signal for searching for another device that supports the WFD system. As described above, the printer 10 supports the WFD method. Accordingly, at T118, the printer 10 transmits a Probe Res. Signal including the character string “DIRECT-” to the terminal device 50.

  In T120, the terminal device 50 reads the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” included in the WFD setting information 40 in the setting application 200, and transmits an Invitation Req. Signal including the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” to the printer 10. The Invitation Req. Signal is a signal for requesting the printer 10 to form WFDNW.

  When the printer 10 receives the Invitation Req. Signal including the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” from the terminal device 50, the TSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the Invitation Req. Signal is stored in the WFD setting information in the memory 34 at T 122. It is determined whether or not it matches the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” included in 40. If the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the Invitation Req. Signal matches the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the memory 34 (YES in T122), the printer 10 proceeds to T124.

  On the other hand, for example, a situation is assumed in which the terminal device 50 operates as a G / O device and forms a WFDNW. In the WFDNW, an SSID different from the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” is used. When the user of the terminal device 50 desires the printer 10 to participate in the WFDNW, an operation for that purpose is performed on the terminal device 50. In this case, the printer 10 can receive an Invitation Req. Signal including the different SSID. In such a situation, the printer 10 determines that the SSID in the Invitation Req. Signal does not match the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the memory 34 (NO in T122), and does not execute the processing after T124. The process of FIG. 4 is terminated. In this case, the operation state of the printer 10 is maintained in a state not belonging to the WFDNW identified by the SSID “DIRECT-VVV”.

  In T <b> 124, the printer 10 transmits an Invitation Res. Signal to the terminal device 50. T126 is the same as T20 in FIG. Next, at T128, the printer 10 shifts the operation state of the printer 10 from the device state (that is, the state not belonging to WFDNW) to the G / O state. Specifically, the printer 10 stores the WFD setting information 40 in the program 36 in the master station setting area 44. As a result, the operation state of the printer 10 shifts from a state not belonging to the WFDNW to a parent station state that operates as a parent station of the WFDNW. T136 to T140 are the same as T36 to T40 in FIG. 2 except that the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” is used and the WFD connection is established instead of the SoftAP connection. As a result, the printer 10 can form a WFDNW to which both the printer 10 that is a master station (that is, a G / O device) and the terminal device 50 that is a slave station (that is, a CL device) belong. T142 is the same as T42 in FIG. 2 except that WFDNW is used instead of SoftAPNW. T144 is the same as T44 of FIG.

  T146 to T154 in FIG. 5 are the same as T46 to T54 in FIG. T156 to T160 are the same as T56 to T60 in FIG. 3 except that the WFD connection is disconnected instead of the SoftAP connection. In T162, the terminal device 50 shifts the operation state of the terminal device 50 from the CL state to the device state. In T164, the printer 10 shifts the operation state of the printer 10 from the G / O state to the device state. As a result, the printer 10 causes WFDNW to disappear.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
In this embodiment, if it is determined that the SSID in the Invitation Req. Signal received from the terminal device 50 does not match the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the memory 34 (NO in T122 of FIG. 4), the printer The operation state of 10 is maintained in a state not belonging to WFDNW. That is, the printer 10 does not need to execute processing for stopping the initial SoftAP, processing for shifting to the G / O state, and the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the processing load of the printer 10 from becoming unnecessarily high. In addition, when the terminal device 50 rejoins the normal APNW after the processing of FIG. 5 is completed, the printer 10 uses the normal APNW to perform wireless communication with the terminal device 50 using the normal APNW. Can do.

(Correspondence)
WFDNW is an example of a “first wireless network”. The SSID “DIRECT-VVV” is an example of “predetermined character string”, “specific wireless identifier”, and “first wireless identifier”. The Invitation Req. Signal at T120 in FIG. 4 is an example of the “first specific signal”. The device state, G / O state, and CL state are examples of “first unaffiliated state”, “first parent station state”, and “slave station state”, respectively.

(Third embodiment)
A description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment. The terminal device 50 supports the SoftAP function, activates SoftAP using the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the setting application 200, establishes a SoftAP connection with the printer 10, and establishes a connection with the terminal device 50 that is the master station. An alternative SoftAP NW can be formed to which both the slave station printer 10 belongs. The terminal device 50 is assigned both a MAC address for establishing a normal AP connection and a MAC address for establishing a SoftAP connection. Accordingly, the terminal device 50 can simultaneously execute both wireless communication using the normal AP connection and wireless communication using the SoftAP connection.

  The printer 10 can participate as a slave station in the alternative SoftAPNW formed by the terminal device 50 without activating the alternative SoftAP. The memory 34 of the printer 10 includes a slave station setting area 48. The slave station setting area 48 is an area for storing alternative SoftAP setting information 40 used in the alternative SoftAPNW in a state where the printer 10 operates as a slave station of the alternative SoftAPNW.

(Processing of each device 10, 50, 100, etc .; FIG. 6)
Next, the contents of each process executed by the printer 10 and the like will be described with reference to FIG. The initial state of FIG. 6 is the same as the initial state of FIG. T210 to T214 are the same as T10 to T14 in FIG.

  In T216, the terminal device 50 uses the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the setting application 200 to activate the alternative SoftAP. Next, at T218, the terminal device 50 reads the SSID “YYY” included in the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the setting application 200 and transmits a Beacon signal including the SSID “YYY” to the printer 10. The Beacon signal is a signal for searching for a device to participate in the alternative SoftAPNW formed by the terminal device 50.

  When receiving the Beacon signal including the SSID “YYY” from the terminal device 50, the printer 10 determines whether or not the SSID “YYY” in the Beacon signal matches the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 at T220. To do. If the SSID “YYY” in the Beacon signal matches the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (YES in T220), the printer 10 proceeds to T222.

  On the other hand, for example, a situation is assumed in which the terminal device 50 is activating SoftAP using other setting information in another application program instead of the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the setting application 200. In this case, the terminal device 50 transmits a Beacon signal including an SSID (that is, an SSID different from “YYY”) included in the other setting information. Therefore, the printer 10 can receive the Beacon signal including the different SSID from the terminal device 50. In such a situation, the printer 10 determines that the SSID in the Beacon signal does not match the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (NO in T220), and does not execute the processing from T222 onward, as shown in FIG. The process ends. In this case, the operation state of the printer 10 is maintained in a state where it does not belong to the alternative SoftAPNW identified by the SSID “YYY”.

  T222 is the same as T20 of FIG. In the modification, the printer 10 may maintain the state in which the initial SoftAP is activated without executing T222. Next, the printer 10 transmits an Association Req. Signal including the SSID “YYY” to the terminal device 50 at T224, and receives an Association Res. Signal including the SSID “YYY” from the terminal device 50 at T225. In T226, the printer 10 performs communication of various signals (for example, 4-way handshake) with the terminal device 50, and establishes SoftAP connection with the terminal device 50. At this time, the printer 10 stores the alternative SoftAP setting information 40 in the slave station setting area 48. As a result, the operating state of the printer 10 shifts from a state not belonging to the alternative SoftAPNW to a slave station state that operates as a slave station of the alternative SoftAPNW. As a result, the printer 10 can form an alternative SoftAPNW to which the printer 10 as a slave station and the terminal device 50 as a master station belong.

  T228 is the same as T42 in FIG. The printer 10 receives a Deauthentication signal from the terminal device 50 at T230, and transmits a Disassociation signal to the terminal device 50 at T234. In T238, the terminal device 50 stops the alternative SoftAP. Thereby, the terminal device 50 eliminates the alternative SoftAPNW.

  T244 to T250 are the same as T44 of FIG. 2 to T50 of FIG. 3, respectively. In T248, the printer 10 displays a setting result indicating that the setting of the normal AP setting information 150 is successful on the display unit 14.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
According to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the SSID in the Beacon signal received from the terminal device 50 does not match the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34 (NO in T220), the operation state of the printer 10 is It remains in a state not belonging to the alternative SoftAPNW. In other words, the printer 10 does not need to execute processing for stopping the initial SoftAP, processing for establishing a SoftAP connection from T224 to T226, and the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the processing load of the printer 10 from becoming unnecessarily high. The printer 10 can execute wireless communication via the normal AP 100 using the normal APNW. In this embodiment, the Beacon signal at T218 in FIG. 6 is an example of “first specific signal”.

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

(Modification 1) In the first to third embodiments described above, the printer 10 may not receive the normal AP setting information 150 from the terminal device 50 using the alternative SoftAPNW or WFDNW. It is not necessary to establish a normal AP connection. In this case, the printer 10 may use an alternative SoftAPNW or WFDNW to receive an image file representing an image from the terminal device 50 and print the image. In other words, the “communication device” may not include the “information receiving unit” and the “affiliation unit”.

(Modification 2) In the first embodiment described above, the printer 10 stops the alternative SoftAP (T64 in FIG. 3), but may keep the alternative SoftAP activated. In this case, the printer 10 can maintain a state in which communication with the terminal device 50 can be performed using the alternative SoftAPNW. That is, the “communication device” may not include the “disappearance unit”.

(Modification 3) In the first to third embodiments, the printer 10 does not have to start the initial SoftAP when the power is turned on. In other words, the “communication device” may not include the “migration unit”.

(Modification 4) In the third embodiment, the following processing may be executed instead of T216 to T220 in FIG. After starting the setting application 200 in T214, the user further executes a predetermined operation on the printer 10. In this case, the printer 10 transmits a Probe Req. Signal not including the SSID to the terminal device 50. When the terminal device 50 receives a Probe Req. Signal not including an SSID from the printer 10, the terminal device 50 activates an alternative SoftAP. Then, the printer 10 transmits the Probe Req. Signal not including the SSID to the terminal device 50 again, and receives the Probe Res. Signal including the SSID “YYY” from the terminal device 50. The printer 10 determines whether or not the SSID in the Probe Res. Signal matches the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34. If the SSID in the Probe Res. Signal matches the SSID “YYY” in the memory 34, the printer 10 proceeds to T222. In the present modification, the Probe Res. Signal is an example of a “first specific signal”.

(Modification 5) In the second embodiment described above, at T120 in FIG. 4, the printer 10 uses the G / O Negotiation Req. Signal including the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” instead of the Invitation Req. You may receive from. At T122, the printer 10 may determine whether the SSID in the G / O Negotiation Req. Signal matches the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the memory 34. When the SSID in the G / O Negotiation Req. Signal matches the SSID “DIRECT-VVV” in the memory 34 (YES in T122), the printer 10 replaces the Invitation Res. Signal in T124 with the G / O Negotiation Req. A Negotiation Res. Signal is transmitted to the terminal device 50. In T128, the printer 10 may shift to the G / O state or the CL state as a result of G / O Negotiation. In this modification, the G / O Negotiation Req. Signal is an example of a “first specific signal”.

(Modification 6) The “communication device” is not limited to a printer, and may be a scanner, a PC, or the like. That is, the “communication device” includes any device that can communicate with other devices.

(Modification 7) In each of the embodiments described above, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executes a program (that is, software), thereby realizing the processes shown in FIGS. Instead, at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

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

  2: communication system, 10: printer, 12: operation unit, 14: display unit, 16: print execution unit, 20: wireless interface, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 36: program, 38: first time SoftAP setting information, 40: alternative SoftAP setting information (WFD setting information), 44: master station setting area, 46: normal AP setting area, 48: slave station setting area, 50 to 70: terminal device, 100: normal access point, 150: Normal AP setting information, 200: Setting application

The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.
The following is a description corresponding to the claims at the time of filing.
(Item 1)
Communication equipment,
A memory for storing a predetermined character string;
A signal receiving unit that receives a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including the predetermined character string in the memory; The identifier is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network, and the determination unit;
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The first wireless network to which both the communication device as the parent station and the external device as the slave station belong is moved to the first parent station state that operates as a parent station of the wireless network The operating state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier, Forming part;
A communication device comprising:
(Item 2)
The communication device further includes:
An information receiving unit that receives specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network when the first wireless network is formed, and the specific wireless setting information is Wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, the external device currently belonging to the specific wireless network, and the specific wireless The information receiving unit that satisfies any of the conditions of belonging to the network in the past;
When the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device, using the specific wireless setting information, an belonging unit belonging to the specific wireless network;
The communication device according to Item 1, comprising:
(Item 3)
The forming part is
In response to receiving the first specific signal, the operation state of the communication device is shifted from the first unaffiliated state to the first master station state, and a response signal is sent to the external device. Do not send,
Item 3. The communication according to item 1 or 2, wherein after the first specific signal is received, a response signal is transmitted to the external device in response to the second specific signal being received from the external device. machine.
(Item 4)
The first specific signal is a Probe Request signal;
The forming unit shifts from a state where an access point function, which is a function for the communication device to operate as an access point of the first wireless network, is not activated to a state where the access point function is activated. Accordingly, the communication device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the operation state of the communication device is shifted from the first unaffiliated state to the first master station state.
(Item 5)
The first specific signal is an Invitation Request signal according to a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) system,
The forming unit shifts the operation state of the communication device from the first unaffiliated state to the first master station state by shifting from the device state according to the Wi-Fi Direct method to the Group Owner state. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein:
(Item 6)
Communication equipment,
A memory for storing a predetermined character string;
A signal receiving unit that receives a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including the predetermined character string in the memory; The identifier is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network, and the determination unit;
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The communication device that is the master station or the slave station by shifting to a first master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network or a slave station state that operates as a slave station of the first wireless network And the slave station or the external device that is the master station is a forming unit that forms the first wireless network, and the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier When determined, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state, the forming unit,
When the first wireless network is formed, the information receiving unit receives specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network, and the specific wireless setting information is Wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, the external device currently belonging to the specific wireless network, and the specific wireless The information receiving unit that satisfies any of the conditions of belonging to the network in the past;
When the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device, using the specific wireless setting information, an belonging unit belonging to the specific wireless network;
A communication device comprising:
(Item 7)
When the forming unit determines that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the forming unit shifts the operation state of the communication device from the first unaffiliated state to the slave station state, Item 7. The communication device according to Item 6, which forms the first wireless network to which both the communication device that is the slave station and the external device that is the master station belong.
(Item 8)
The first specific signal is a Beacon signal transmitted from the external device that has activated an access point function that is a function for operating as an access point of the first wireless network. Communication equipment.
(Item 9)
The communication device further includes:
Item 9. The communication device according to any one of Items 2, 6 to 8, further comprising an annihilation unit that annihilates the first wireless network when the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device.
(Item 10)
The communication device further includes:
When the communication device is powered on, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a second unaffiliated state that does not belong to the second wireless network identified by a predetermined second wireless identifier. A transition unit for transitioning to a second master station state that operates as a master station of the second wireless network,
The signal receiving unit receives the first specific signal from the external device while the operation state of the communication device is the second master station state,
The transition unit further changes the operation state of the communication device from the second master station state to the second unaffiliated state when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier. 10. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9, which is shifted to
(Item 11)
A computer program for a communication device,
In the computer mounted on the communication device, each of the following processes:
A signal reception process for receiving a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination process for determining whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including a predetermined character string in a memory of the communication device; The determination process is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network,
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The first wireless network to which both the communication device as the parent station and the external device as the slave station belong is moved to the first parent station state that operates as a parent station of the wireless network The operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier. Forming process;
A computer program that executes
(Item 12)
A computer program for a communication device,
In the computer mounted on the communication device, each of the following processes:
A signal reception process for receiving a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination process for determining whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including a predetermined character string in a memory of the communication device; The determination process is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network,
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The communication device that is the master station or the slave station by shifting to a first master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network or a slave station state that operates as a slave station of the first wireless network And the slave station or the external device that is the master station to form the first wireless network, and the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier If determined, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state, the formation process;
When the first wireless network is formed, information receiving processing for receiving specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network, wherein the specific wireless setting information is Wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, the external device currently belonging to the specific wireless network, and the specific wireless The information receiving process that satisfies any of the conditions of belonging to the network in the past;
When the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device, using the specific wireless setting information, affiliation processing belonging to the specific wireless network,
A computer program that executes

Claims (12)

Communication equipment,
A memory for storing a predetermined character string;
A signal receiving unit that receives a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including the predetermined character string in the memory; The identifier is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network, and the determination unit;
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The first wireless network to which both the communication device as the parent station and the external device as the slave station belong is moved to the first parent station state that operates as a parent station of the wireless network The operating state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier, Forming part;
A communication device comprising: The communication device further includes:
An information receiving unit that receives specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network when the first wireless network is formed, and the specific wireless setting information is Wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, the external device currently belonging to the specific wireless network, and the specific wireless The information receiving unit that satisfies any of the conditions of belonging to the network in the past;
When the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device, using the specific wireless setting information, an belonging unit belonging to the specific wireless network;
The communication device according to claim 1, comprising: The forming part is
In response to receiving the first specific signal, the operation state of the communication device is shifted from the first unaffiliated state to the first master station state, and a response signal is sent to the external device. Do not send
3. The response signal according to claim 1, wherein after the first specific signal is received, a response signal is transmitted to the external device in response to a second specific signal being received from the external device. Communication equipment. The first specific signal is a Probe Request signal;
The forming unit shifts from a state where an access point function, which is a function for the communication device to operate as an access point of the first wireless network, is not activated to a state where the access point function is activated. Accordingly, the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation state of the communication device is shifted from the first unaffiliated state to the first master station state. The first specific signal is an Invitation Request signal according to a Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) system,
The forming unit shifts the operation state of the communication device from the first unaffiliated state to the first master station state by shifting from the device state according to the Wi-Fi Direct method to the Group Owner state. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Communication equipment,
A memory for storing a predetermined character string;
A signal receiving unit that receives a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including the predetermined character string in the memory; The identifier is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network, and the determination unit;
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The communication device that is the master station or the slave station by shifting to a first master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network or a slave station state that operates as a slave station of the first wireless network And the slave station or the external device that is the master station is a forming unit that forms the first wireless network, and the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier When determined, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state, the forming unit,
When the first wireless network is formed, the information receiving unit receives specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network, and the specific wireless setting information is Wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, the external device currently belonging to the specific wireless network, and the specific wireless The information receiving unit that satisfies any of the conditions of belonging to the network in the past;
When the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device, using the specific wireless setting information, an belonging unit belonging to the specific wireless network;
A communication device comprising:   When the forming unit determines that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the forming unit shifts the operation state of the communication device from the first unaffiliated state to the slave station state, The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the first wireless network to which both the communication device as the slave station and the external device as the parent station belong is formed.   The first specific signal is a Beacon signal transmitted from the external device that activates an access point function that is a function for operating as an access point of the first wireless network. The communication device described. The communication device further includes:
The communication device according to any one of claims 2 and 6 to 8, further comprising: an erasure unit that annihilates the first wireless network when the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device. The communication device further includes:
When the communication device is powered on, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a second unaffiliated state that does not belong to the second wireless network identified by a predetermined second wireless identifier. A transition unit for transitioning to a second master station state that operates as a master station of the second wireless network,
The signal receiving unit receives the first specific signal from the external device while the operation state of the communication device is the second master station state,
The transition unit further changes the operation state of the communication device from the second master station state to the second unaffiliated state when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the communication device is shifted to. A computer program for a communication device,
In the computer mounted on the communication device, the following processes, that is,
A signal reception process for receiving a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination process for determining whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including a predetermined character string in a memory of the communication device; The determination process is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network,
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The first wireless network to which both the communication device as the parent station and the external device as the slave station belong is moved to the first parent station state that operates as a parent station of the wireless network The operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state when it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier. Forming process,
A computer program that executes A computer program for a communication device,
In the computer mounted on the communication device, the following processes, that is,
A signal reception process for receiving a first specific signal including a specific wireless identifier from an external device;
A determination process for determining whether or not the specific wireless identifier in the first specific signal is a first wireless identifier including a predetermined character string in a memory of the communication device; The determination process is a wireless identifier for identifying the first wireless network,
When it is determined that the specific wireless identifier is the first wireless identifier, the operation state of the communication device is changed from a first unaffiliated state not belonging to the first wireless network to the first The communication device that is the master station or the slave station by shifting to a first master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network or a slave station state that operates as a slave station of the first wireless network And the slave station or the external device that is the master station to form the first wireless network, and the specific wireless identifier is not the first wireless identifier If determined, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the first unaffiliated state, the formation process;
When the first wireless network is formed, information receiving processing for receiving specific wireless setting information from the external device using the first wireless network, wherein the specific wireless setting information is Wireless setting information currently used in a specific wireless network formed by a specific access point, the external device currently belonging to the specific wireless network, and the specific wireless The information receiving process that satisfies any of the conditions of belonging to the network in the past;
When the specific wireless setting information is received from the external device, using the specific wireless setting information, affiliation processing belonging to the specific wireless network,
A computer program that executes

Images