JP2022035729A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication device enabling easy-to-understand connection information setting work.SOLUTION: A communication device has a first mode and a second mode, as radio communication modes with another device. If connection information to be used in the first mode is made to be a regular setting at the start of radio communication processing based on the operation of operation means or power switching on, connection processing based on the connection information of the regular setting is executed in the first mode, whereas if connection information to be used in the first mode is not made to be a regular setting at the start of radio communication processing based on the operation of operation means or power switching on, the second mode is set. In the second mode, connection information is temporarily set based on the reception of the connection information, so that the connection processing is executed based on the connection information which is temporarily set in the first mode, until the connection becomes successful. When the connection based on the temporarily set connection information becomes successful, the temporarily set connection information is set to be a regular setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a communication device having a wireless communication function.

In recent years, various devices having a wireless communication function have become widespread. Some such devices do not provide an operation means or a display means for inputting connection information for connecting to a wireless network, and set connection information via another external terminal (for example). , Patent Document 1). In the device described in Patent Document 1, a mode that operates as an access point of a wireless network (AP mode in Cited Document 1) and a mode that operates as a client connected to another access point (STA mode in Cited Document 1) are set. It is possible. In Reference 1, in AP mode, connection information to other access points can be set via an external terminal connected to the own device, and in STA mode, other information is set according to the set connection information. It is configured to be able to connect to the access point of. If it is not possible to connect to another access point in STA mode, it will be automatically restarted and AP mode will be set.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-68249

In the device described in Patent Document 1, the AP mode is automatically set even when the device cannot connect to another access point due to a factor other than an error in the connection information. That is, there is a problem that the AP mode is set in the middle even when the communication environment is adjusted after setting the correct connection information. Also, if the external terminal used to set the connection information is connected to another network, it cannot be known that the communication device is automatically set to AP mode, so the connection information can be reset smoothly. There is a problem that it cannot be done.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that facilitates the setting work of connection information.

The communication device of the present invention that solves the above object is
A communication device having a first mode and a second mode as modes of wireless communication with other devices.
If the connection information used in the first mode is set when the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means or the power is turned on, the connection information used in the first mode is set in the first mode. Executes the connection process based on the connection information
When the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means or the power-on, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, the second mode is set. It is a thing
The connection information is temporarily set based on the reception of the connection information in the second mode, and the connection process based on the connection information temporarily set in the first mode is executed until the connection is successful. ,
If the connection based on the temporarily set connection information is successful, the temporarily set connection information is set.
It is characterized by that.

According to this communication device, connection information can be set by intuitive operation. In addition, it is possible to easily grasp the state in which connection information can be set while simplifying the configuration of the device.

Here, the above communication device is
When the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means or the power-on, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, the temporarily set connection information exists. The second mode may be set in a state where the second mode is not set.

In addition, the above communication device
When the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, it is transmitted from the peripheral device for wireless communication. Get the identification information that is
The acquired identification information may be provided to the device connected to the communication device in the second mode.

According to this communication device, it is possible to facilitate the setting of connection information.

In addition, the above communication device
Before setting the second mode, the process of acquiring the identification information may be executed.

According to this communication device, even when the number of simultaneous wireless communication, that is, the number of so-called antennas, is small, it can be adopted.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device that makes it easy to understand the setting work of connection information.

It is a figure which shows the example of the connection state of a communication device 1. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of a communication device 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the wireless connection at the time of power-on of a communication device 1. This is an example of a timing chart when the communication device 1 turned on without the connection information being set can connect to the access point 4. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a web page 501 for setting connection information, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed when the administrator information is correct, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a message. It is a figure which shows an example of the message which is displayed when the administrator information is incorrect. This is an example of a timing chart when the communication device 1 turned on without the connection information being set cannot connect to any access point.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The wireless communication method used in the following examples will be described as being compliant with the 802.11 series standard.

[Overview of Communication Device 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connection state of the communication device 1. The communication device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device capable of operating as a bridge that relays between a device connected by wire to the communication device 1 and a device wirelessly connected to the communication device 1. The wireless connection modes of the communication device 1 include an access point mode in which the communication device 1 operates as an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP mode) and a client mode in which the communication device 1 operates as a client connected to the access point (hereinafter referred to as AP mode). CL mode) and.

FIG. 1A shows a communication device 1, a printer 2 wiredly connected to the communication device 1, a network 3, and an access point 4 for wirelessly connecting to the network 3. In the example of FIG. 1A, the communication device 1 is set to the CL mode and is wirelessly connected to the access point 4. As a result, the printer 2 is in a state of participating in the network 3 via the communication device 1 and the access point 4, and the output of the printer 2 can be controlled from the device connected to the network 3 side. Further, the information from the printer 2 (for example, the status information) can be acquired by the device connected to the network 3 side.

Further, in FIG. 1B, wireless communication is possible with the communication device 1, the printer 2 wiredly connected to the communication device 1, the network 3, and the access point 4 for wirelessly connecting to the network 3. The tablet 5 is shown. In the example of FIG. 1B, the communication device 1 is set to the AP mode, and the tablet 5 is wirelessly connected to the communication device 1 operating as an access point. In this example, the communication device 1 and the access point 4 are not wirelessly connected.

In order to connect the communication device 1 to a desired access point (access point 4 in FIG. 1A), it is necessary to set the connection information to this access point and then set the CL mode. However, since the connection information is not set in the factory default settings, it is not possible to connect to the access point as it is. The communication device 1 of the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which connection information to another access point is set via an external terminal (for example, the tablet 5 in FIG. 1B) connected to the communication device 1 in the AP mode. ing. Hereinafter, a specific configuration will be described.

[Communication device 1 hardware configuration]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the communication device 1.

The communication device 1 includes a CPU 10, a RAM 11, a ROM 12, an EEPROM 13, an operation unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

The CPU 10 controls the communication device 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12. The RAM 11 is used as a work area for executing various processes in the CPU 10. The EEPROM 13 is a non-volatile storage device, and can retain the information even when the power of the communication device 1 is turned off. The EEPROM 13 is used to store various information such as connection information to the access point.

The operation unit 14 includes a power switch of the communication device 1 and an initialization switch for returning to the factory default state. In a communication device without a power switch, power may be supplied directly from the printer 2 and the power supply may be switched by connecting / disconnecting from the printer 2. Further, the printer 2 may control the power ON / OFF.

The communication unit 15 controls wireless communication, controls wired communication such as a wired LAN, controls IP (Internet Protocol) communication, and the like. It should be noted that there are two operation modes, AP mode and CL mode, as the operation mode of wireless communication. Wireless communication with an external device is controlled by the communication unit 15, and information is transmitted / received to / from the connected external device.

[Flow chart of wireless connection of communication device 1]
Hereinafter, the operation when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of wireless connection when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on. Although not shown, when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on, a web page for setting connection information is provided in response to a request from an external terminal connected to the communication device 1, in addition to the processing shown in FIG. Processing is being executed. As a result, the connection information of the communication device 1 can be set through the web browser from the external terminal connected to the communication device 1. In the communication device 1, a program for each of the above processes is stored in the ROM 12, and when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on, the CPU 10 reads and executes this program.

First, in the first step S101, if there is connection information in the EEPROM 13, the process proceeds to step S112, and if there is no connection information, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, a beacon transmitted from an access point in the vicinity of the communication device 1 is received, and an identification name (hereinafter, SSID) of the access point in the vicinity is acquired. The SSID acquired here is incorporated in the data of the web page for setting the connection information, and is provided in response to the request from the external terminal connected to the communication device 1. In the external terminal that has received the data of this web page, the SSID acquired in this step S102 is displayed as a candidate on the web page for setting the connection information, and the SSID can be easily set. An operation example of setting this connection information will be described later.

In step S103, if the search execution time (for example, 20 seconds) has not elapsed, the process returns to step S102 to continue the SSID acquisition process, and when the search execution time elapses, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the operation mode of the wireless communication of the communication unit 15 is set to the AP mode. Since the communication device 1 set in the AP mode operates as an access point, an external terminal as a client can be connected to the communication device 1 by using the connection information such as the SSID corresponding to the access point. Further, the external terminal that has established the connection with the communication device 1 can activate the web browser to access the web page for setting the connection information of the communication device 1. The URL of this web page is set at the time of shipment from the factory, and the user shall enter this URL when setting the connection information. In addition to the configuration that uses a URL to access this connection information setting web page, for example, access is performed using an IP address (for example, http: //192.168.10.1) set at the time of shipment from the factory. It is not limited to the access method of the present embodiment.

In step S105, the external terminal connected to the communication device 1 waits until the connection information and the administrator information transmitted on the connection information setting web page are received, and when these information are received, the process proceeds to step S106. move on.

In step S106, it is determined whether or not the administrator information received in step S105 matches the administrator information stored in the EEPROM 13 in advance, and if they match, the process proceeds to step S107, and if they do not match, step S105. Return to. If the administrator information matches, information indicating that the reception of the connection information has been completed is transmitted to the external terminal connected to the communication device 1. On the external terminal that has received this information, a screen indicating that the reception of connection information has been completed is displayed on the web browser. If the administrator information does not match, information indicating that the reception of the connection information has failed is transmitted to the external terminal connected to the communication device 1. On the external terminal that received this information, a screen indicating that the administrator information is incorrect is displayed on the web browser.

In step S107, the connection information received in step S105 is stored in the RAM 11, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the operation mode of wireless communication of the communication unit 15 is set to CL mode. By changing the operation mode, the connection between the communication device 1 operating as an access point and the external terminal is released.

In step S109, the connection process to the access point corresponding to the connection information stored in the RAM 11 is executed.

In step S110, if the connection to the access point is not successful, the process returns to step S109 to repeat the connection process to the access point, and if the connection is successful, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, the connection information stored in the RAM 11 is stored in the EEPROM 13, and the wireless connection process when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on is terminated.

On the other hand, if there is connection information in the EEPROM 13 when the power is turned on, the operation mode of the wireless communication of the communication unit 15 is set to CL mode in step S112, and the connection information stored in the EEPROM 13 is supported in the subsequent step S113. The connection process to the access point is executed, and the wireless connection process when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on is terminated.

[Operation example of communication device 1]
Hereinafter, based on the contents described above, an operation example of the communication device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Operation example (1)]
FIG. 4 is an example of a timing chart when the communication device 1 turned on without the connection information being set can connect to the access point 4.

First, when the power of the communication device 1 is turned on, since the connection information is not set in the EEPROM 13, the peripheral SSIDs are searched and acquired over the search execution time (steps S101, S102, and S103 in FIG. 3). FIG. 4 shows that the SSID search is executed in the communication device 1 after the power is turned on.

Subsequently, the operation mode of wireless communication is set to the AP mode (step S104 in FIG. 3). As a result, the communication device 1 operates as an access point. FIG. 4 shows that the AP mode is set after the SSID search period. Then, the tablet 5 is connected to the communication device 1 operating as an access point, and the connection information to the access point 4 is set according to the following flow.

First, the tablet 5 is connected to the communication device 1 by inputting connection information such as the SSID corresponding to the communication device 1 (arrows of "connection attempt (1)" and "connection success (1)" in FIG. 4). Note that FIG. 1B is also an example of the connection state at this time. The web browser is started on the tablet 5, and the URL for setting the connection information of the communication device 1 is input. FIG. 5A shows an example of the web page 501 for setting the connection information, and in this page, the input field 502 for the connection information (SSID, security format, password) to the access point, and the input field 502. An example is shown in which an input field 503 for administrator information (administrator ID, password) for setting connection information and a send button 504 for transmitting such information are displayed. For SSID in the connection information, in addition to directly inputting characters, select from the SSID list (SSID searched earlier) displayed by tapping the button 505 at the right end of the input field and input it. It is also possible. The security format of the connection information is selected from the list of security formats displayed by tapping the button 506 at the right end of the input field and input. On the above web page, enter the SSID, security format, and password corresponding to the access point 4, further enter the administrator information preset in the communication device 1, and tap the send button 504 to enter these information. Is transmitted to the communication device 1.

If the administrator information transmitted to the communication device 1 is incorrect, the information indicating that fact is returned to the tablet 5, and the state of waiting for the input of the connection information and the administrator information again (Yes in step S105 of FIG. 3). Determination, determination of No in step S106). FIG. 5C shows an example of a message displayed on the tablet 5 in this case.

On the other hand, if the administrator information is correct, information indicating that fact is returned to the tablet 5 (Yes determination in step S105 of FIG. 3 and Yes determination in step S106). FIG. 5B shows an example of a message displayed on the tablet 5 in this case. Further, after the connection information is stored in the RAM 11, the operation mode of wireless communication is set to the CL mode (step S107, step S108 in FIG. 3). As a result, the communication device 1 operates as a client. FIG. 4 shows that the state in which the AP mode is set is switched to the state in which the CL mode is set. At this time, the tablet 5 connected to the communication device 1 is disconnected as the operation mode is changed.

The communication device 1 set in the CL mode starts the connection process to the access point corresponding to the set connection information (step S109 in FIG. 3). In this example, it is assumed that the connection information corresponding to the access point 4 is correctly set, and the connection between the communication device 1 and the access point 4 is successful based on this connection information, and the communication is possible. At this time, the connection state shown in FIG. 1A is established, and the printer 2 connected to the communication device 1 can also be controlled by the device on the network 3 side. FIG. 4 shows that the communication device 1 is connected to the access point 4 and can communicate (arrows of “connection attempt (2)” and “connection success (2)” in FIG. 4). Since the connection is successful, the connection information stored in the RAM 11 is stored in the EEPROM 13 (steps S110 and S111 in FIG. 3).

In the state where the connection information is stored in the EEPROM 13, the CL mode is set at the next power-on, and the connection process to the access point corresponding to this connection information is started (Yes in step S101 of FIG. 3, step S112). , Step S113). In this example, since the connection information corresponding to the access point 4 is correctly set, the communication device 1 connects to the access point 4 based on this connection information, and the connection state shown in FIG. 1A is obtained again. FIG. 4 shows that the CL mode was set when the power was turned on for the second time, the communication device 1 was connected to the access point 4, and communication was possible (“connection attempt (connection trial) in FIG. 4). 3) ”and“ Successful connection (3) ”arrows).

The communication device 1 is configured such that when the power is turned on with the connection information stored in the EEPROM 13, the peripheral SSID search process (step S102 in FIG. 3) is not executed, but the SSID search is performed. It may be configured to execute the process. However, in the case of the communication device 1, when the connection information is stored in the EEPROM 13, the SSID search process that requires a certain amount of time is not executed, so that the startup during operation should be speeded up. Can be done.

[Operation example (2)]
FIG. 6 is an example of a timing chart when the communication device 1 turned on without the connection information being set cannot connect to any access point.

In this example, it is assumed that the AP mode is set and the connection information is set using the tablet 5 in the same flow as the example of FIG. However, this example differs from the example of FIG. 4 in that the connection information is erroneously set. Since the operation until the connection information is set and the CL mode is started is the same as in FIG. 4, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation after the CL mode is set will be described.

The communication device 1 set in the CL mode starts the connection process to the access point corresponding to the set connection information (step S109 in FIG. 3). In this example, the connection information corresponding to the access point is erroneously set, and the communication device 1 cannot connect to any access point. FIG. 6 shows that the communication device 1 cannot connect to the access point 4 (arrows of “connection attempt (4)” and “connection failure or no response (4)” in FIG. 6). .. In this case, the communication device 1 repeatedly executes the connection process (No in step S110 of FIG. 3). At this time, the connection information of the RAM 11 is not stored in the EEPROM 13.

Since the connection information is not set in the EEPROM 13 in the state where the connection is not successful, once the power is turned off and then turned on again, the same processing as when the power was turned on last time is executed (No in step S101 in FIG. 3). FIG. 6 shows that the same operation as when the power is turned on for the first time is performed when the power is turned on for the second time.

[Characteristic configuration and modification of communication device 1]
Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the communication device 1 and other configurations that can be adopted will be described with reference to the embodiment of the communication device 1 described above. In addition, the configuration in the examples corresponding to the configuration of the communication device of the present invention is described in parentheses.

The communication device 1 described above is the communication device 1.
A communication device having a first mode (for example, CL mode) and a second mode (for example, AP mode) as modes of wireless communication with other devices (for example, access point 4, tablet 5).
The connection information (eg, SSID, security method, password) used in the first mode when starting the wireless communication process (for example, the process shown in FIG. 3) based on the power-on is set (for example, for example). If it is stored in the EEPROM 13, the connection process based on the connection information set in the first mode is executed (for example, Yes in step S101 of FIG. 3).
When the wireless communication process is started based on the power-on, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, the second mode is set (for example, FIG. 3). No in step S101, step S104),
The connection information is temporarily set (for example, stored in RAM 11) based on the reception of the connection information in the second mode, and the connection process based on the connection information temporarily set in the first mode is performed until the connection is successful. Execution (for example, steps S105 to S110 in FIG. 3),
When the connection based on the temporarily set connection information is successful, the temporarily set connection information is set (for example, step S111 in FIG. 3).

The hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment as long as it is a communication device having the above configuration. Further, the temporary setting is a state corresponding to connection information having no connection record, and this setting is a state corresponding to connection information having a connection record.

In the communication device 1, the connection information used in the first mode is set based on the fact that the connection information is received in the second mode. That is, an external terminal can be connected to the communication device 1 in which the second mode is set, and the above connection information can be set using this external terminal. In the communication device 1, a temporary setting is first made when setting the connection information, and when the connection is successful with the temporarily set connection information, this connection information is mainly set. If there is the connection information set in this setting, the connection processing in the first mode will be executed using this connection information when starting the subsequent wireless communication processing ([Operation example (1)]. See operation).

On the other hand, since the connection process according to the temporarily set connection information described above is repeatedly executed until the connection is successful, the connection information is not actually set unless the connection is successful. If the power of the communication device 1 is turned off and then on again in this state and the wireless communication process is repeated, the second mode is set again because the set connection information does not exist, and the connection information is set using the external terminal. Is possible again (see the operation in [Operation example (2)]).

The communication device 1 employs a configuration in which connection information in the first mode can be set via a wirelessly connected external terminal, but the connection information is incorrect or the power of the connected device is turned off. In some cases, the connection may not be successful. In the communication device 1, after the connection information is temporarily set, the connection process is repeated unless the connection is successful (the connection information is not actually set), and there is no opportunity to correct the connection information during that time. Then, when the power is turned on again while the connection information is not set, the communication device 1 enters the second mode in which the connection information can be set. If the connection is not successful, a person who does not have the skill to identify the problem may turn the power off and then on again, but the communication device 1 makes the connection information reconfigurable by such an intuitive operation. be able to.

In recent years, some terminals such as smartphones and tablets cannot automatically switch the access point of the connection destination by the application from the viewpoint of security, and require an operation to set the access point of the connection destination. Here, it is assumed that the connection between the terminal and the communication device 1 is canceled by temporarily setting the connection information of the communication device 1 using such a terminal and then setting the communication device 1 to the second mode. In this situation, if the connection according to the connection information temporarily set in the communication device 1 is not successful, the power of the communication device 1 is turned off and on again in order to temporarily set the connection information, and then the communication device 1 is turned on on the terminal side. The operation to set as the access point of the connection destination will be performed. That is, in the communication device 1, a series of operations for redoing the temporary setting of the connection information can be performed without discomfort when the power of the communication device 1 is turned off and on again.

The communication device 1 employs a configuration in which wireless communication processing is started by turning the power off and then on again, but by operating some operating means (for example, a reset button) in combination with (or separately) this configuration. The configuration may be such that the processing of wireless communication is started. Even when a configuration using such an operating means is adopted, the connection information can be set again by intuitive operation. In the case of adopting a configuration in which the wireless communication processing is started by turning the power off and then on as in the communication device 1, it is not necessary to separately provide an operating means for starting the wireless communication processing. The configuration can be simplified.

Further, in the communication device 1, since the connection setting can be set via the external terminal, the communication device 1 itself does not require an input / output means such as an operation panel or an indicator, and the configuration of the device can be simplified. Further, since the communication device 1 is in a state where the connection information can be set again due to the operation of the user, it is in a state where it can be set (a state in which an external terminal can be connected) even if there is no display means. It is easy to understand what is happening, and the connection information setting work can be performed smoothly. Since the connection process is repeated unless the connection is successful, it is possible to take time to verify whether or not there is a problem other than the communication device 1 in this state.

Further, in FIGS. 3 to 6, a configuration in which the CL mode, which is the first mode, and the AP mode, which is the second mode, are switched and set has been described. As described above, the configuration of the communication device 1 is a wireless antenna. It can be adopted even when the number is small and multiple modes cannot be set at the same time.

Further, the communication device 1 conforms to the IEEE802.11 series standard, and an example using a CL mode corresponding to an example of the first mode and an AP mode corresponding to an example of the second mode has been described. , An ad hoc mode that does not use an access point, or a communication mode that uses WiFi Direct (registered trademark) may be used. Further, the configuration is not limited to the 802.11 series standard, and may be a configuration that employs Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or wireless USB, or may be a configuration in which these standards are mixed. The connection information may be in accordance with each communication method. In achieving the above effects, the communication method such as these standards and modes is not limited, and the first mode for connecting to other devices based on the connection information and other modes in this first mode are used. Any configuration may be provided with a second mode that provides an environment in which connection information for connecting to a device can be set from an external terminal.

It should be noted that various configurations can be adopted as long as they do not contradict the effects described above. For example, in the communication device 1, the AP mode, which is the second mode, is used for setting the connection information, but the printer 2 is used from the tablet 5 in the state of FIG. 1B, and the connection is made in the AP mode. It may be possible to use a device connected by wire from the terminal. Further, the device connected to the communication device 1 by wire is not limited to the printer, and may be another device. Further, an external terminal (for example, a notebook computer) may be connected to the communication device 1 by wire, and the connection information in the CL mode, which is the first mode, may be set from the external terminal. Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the communication device 1 is a bridge has been described, but the device is not limited to such a device, for example, a device in which the communication device 1 and the printer 2 are integrated (a device capable of wireless communication). In addition, any communication device including the above configuration may be used.

Further, in the operation examples of FIGS. 3 to 6, the configuration in which both the connection information and the administrator information are transmitted at once on the web page for setting the connection information has been described, but first, the web page for authenticating the administrator information has been described. Is displayed, and when the authentication of the administrator information is normally performed, the web page for setting the connection information is displayed, and the like may be configured to transmit these information separately. Further, when transmitting the connection information, a configuration may be configured in which a dedicated application is used without using a web browser, and the means and format for transmitting the information are not limited.

Further, in the communication device 1 described above, storing the connection information in the RAM 11 corresponds to an example of temporary setting, but the temporary setting and the main setting may be distinguished from each other. For example, in both the temporary setting and the main setting, the connection information may be stored in the EEPROM 13, and then the temporary setting and the main setting may be determined by using an identifiable flag. Since the communication device 1 described above is temporarily set by storing the connection information in the RAM 11, if the power is turned off and then on again in order to set the connection information again when the connection information is not actually set. The temporarily set connection information is not retained. However, it is not limited to the configuration in which the temporarily set connection information is not retained, and when the connection information is set again when the connection information is not actually set, the previously temporarily set connection information is not used. It may be configured. Therefore, for example, when the power is turned off and on again in order to set the connection information again in the state where this setting is not made, the temporarily set connection information may be overwritten by the new connection information being temporarily set. Further, it may be configured to execute a process of clearing the temporarily set connection information when the power is turned off and on again.

It should be noted that the connection information temporarily set in advance is retained, and when the power is turned off and then on again to temporarily set the connection information, the retained connection information should be entered in advance in the input field. May be good. If a configuration that uses the connection information that was temporarily set earlier is adopted in this way, the temporary setting can be made by identifying the cause of the connection failure and then modifying the connection information as necessary. .. However, on the other hand, those who do not have the skill to identify the cause do not know which item should be corrected, but rather may make unnecessary corrections to complicate the problem. If the configuration does not use the connection information temporarily set earlier as in the communication device 1 described above, such a problem can be prevented from occurring.

Further, in the communication device 1 described above, when the power is turned on when the connection information is not set, a process of acquiring the SSID of the peripheral device is executed to make it easier to set the connection information, and this information is connected. The configuration provided at the time of setting the information is adopted (see step S102, step S103 in FIG. 3, and the connection information input field 502 in FIG. 5). This process may not be provided (a configuration in which the SSID is directly input). In devices such as smartphones, the current location may be inferred by acquiring the SSID in the vicinity, and there may be restrictions on the acquisition of the SSID from the viewpoint of security. Since it is difficult to know the SSID of the periphery with such a device, it is possible to facilitate the setting of connection information by adopting a configuration in which the SSID of the periphery is acquired and provided as in the communication device 1. Even if the communication method or the like is different, the above effect can be obtained if the configuration is such that the identification information transmitted from the peripheral device is acquired and provided. Further, as in the operation examples of FIGS. 3 to 6, the SSID acquisition process is performed before setting the AP mode, which is the second mode, so that even when the number of wireless antennas is small. Can be adopted.

In the communication device 1 described above, when the power is turned on when the connection information is not actually set, a process of acquiring the SSID of the peripheral device is executed in order to facilitate the setting of the connection information. For the configuration of the communication device 1, the AP mode is set without executing the process of acquiring the SSID of the peripheral device, and the process of acquiring the SSID in response to the request from the connected external terminal is executed. If this happens, the following problems will occur.

First, when the number of antennas of this communication device is one, the process of switching the operation mode of wireless communication and acquiring the SSID is executed during the operation in the AP mode, and the waiting time of this switching process is long. Occurs. Further, there is a possibility that the external terminal connects to another network during the execution of the process of acquiring the SSID, which causes time and effort for wireless connection on the external terminal side. Then, the external terminal is connected after the process of acquiring the SSID is completed, but since the timing of the end of this process cannot be determined, it is necessary to wait until the timing at which the process will surely be completed is reached. .. In this way, the AP mode is set without executing the process of acquiring the SSID of the peripheral device, and the operation mode of wireless communication is switched according to the request from the connected external terminal to execute the process of acquiring the SSID. If the configuration is adopted, the work cannot be performed smoothly.

In response to these problems, the communication device 1 does not need to perform a process of switching the operation mode of wireless communication and acquiring the SSID again when executing the operation mode of wireless communication after step S104, and first. The SSID acquired in step S102 can be incorporated into the web page. At this time, even if the number of antennas of the communication device 1 is only one, the above-mentioned problem due to the switching of the operation mode of wireless communication does not occur, and the work can be performed more smoothly.

1 Communication device 10 CPU
11 RAM
12 ROM
13 EEPROM
14 Operation unit 15 Communication unit 2 Printer 3 Network 4 Access point 5 Tablet

Claims (4)

A communication device having a first mode and a second mode as modes of wireless communication with other devices.
If the connection information used in the first mode is set when the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means or the power is turned on, the connection information used in the first mode is set in the first mode. Executes the connection process based on the connection information
When the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means or the power-on, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, the second mode is set. It is a thing
The connection information is temporarily set based on the reception of the connection information in the second mode, and the connection process based on the connection information temporarily set in the first mode is executed until the connection is successful. ,
If the connection based on the temporarily set connection information is successful, the temporarily set connection information is set.
A communication device characterized by that. The communication device according to claim 1.
When the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means or the power-on, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, the temporarily set connection information exists. The second mode is set in the non-existing state.
A communication device characterized by that. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.
When the wireless communication process is started based on the operation of the operating means, if the connection information used in the first mode is not set, it is transmitted from the peripheral device for wireless communication. Get the identification information that is
It is possible to provide the acquired identification information to the device connected to the communication device in the second mode.
A communication device characterized by that. The communication device according to claim 3.
Before setting the second mode, the process of acquiring the identification information is executed.
A communication device characterized by that.

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