U.S. patent number 9,271,312 [Application Number 13/419,112] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-23 for communication apparatus, processing method thereof, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and communication system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The grantee listed for this patent is Fumihide Goto. Invention is credited to Fumihide Goto.
United States Patent |
9,271,312 |
Goto |
February 23, 2016 |
Communication apparatus, processing method thereof, non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium, and communication system
Abstract
A communication apparatus detects one or a plurality of
apparatuses which have been instructed to start
communication-parameter setting processing using identification
information and, moreover, in which this identification information
has already been set, outputs terminal identification information,
and executes the communication-parameter setting processing with an
apparatus, which is other than an apparatus detected before the
terminal identification information is output, from among detected
apparatuses.
Inventors: |
Goto; Fumihide (Naka-gun,
JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goto; Fumihide |
Naka-gun |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
47007253 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/419,112 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120265887 A1 |
Oct 18, 2012 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Apr 14, 2011 [JP] |
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2011-090405 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W
76/10 (20180201); H04W 28/18 (20130101); H04W
28/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04W
76/02 (20090101); H04W 28/06 (20090101); H04W
28/18 (20090101) |
Field of
Search: |
;709/228 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2004-312181 |
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Nov 2004 |
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JP |
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2007-151193 |
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Jun 2007 |
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JP |
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2007-274359 |
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Oct 2007 |
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JP |
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2008-219457 |
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Sep 2008 |
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JP |
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Other References
Wi-Fi CertifiedTM for Wi-Fi Protected Setup: Easing the User
Experience for Home and Small Office Wi-Fi Networks,
http://www.wi-fi.org/wp/wifi-protected-setup, 2007. cited by
applicant .
Wi-Fi Protected Setup Specification 1.0h Dec. 2006. cited by
applicant .
Japanese Office Action issued in corresponding application No.
2011-090405 on Nov. 21, 2014. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Lai; Michael C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Carter, DeLuca, Farrell &
Schmidt, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A communication apparatus comprising: an input unit configured
to input an instruction for a start of a first setting process
complying with a predetermined method for setting a wireless
communication parameter; a reception unit configured to receive,
from another communication apparatus, a certain signal indicating
that said another communication apparatus has started a second
setting process complying with the predetermined method for setting
a wireless communication parameter; and an output unit configured
to output identification information to be used in the first
setting process if a start of the first setting process is
instructed, wherein, if the reception unit receives, from said
another communication apparatus, the certain signal before the
output unit outputs the identification information, the
communication apparatus does not execute the first setting process
together with said another communication apparatus, and wherein, if
the reception unit receives, from said another communication
apparatus, which does not send the certain signal before the output
unit outputs the identification information, the certain signal
after the output unit outputs the identification information, the
communication apparatus executes the first setting process together
with said another communication apparatus.
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
certain signal is included in a probe response or beacon.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the certain signal
is included in a beacon signal compliant with IEEE 802.11 standard
series.
4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a generating unit configured to randomly generate the
identification information to be output by the output unit.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit
outputs the identification information to a displaying unit.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the certain signal
is included in a probe response signal compliant with IEEE 802.11
standard series.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification
information is a Personal Information Number (PIN) code.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined
method is compliant with Wi-Fi Protected Service Setup (WPS).
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless
communication parameter includes at least one of an encryption
method, an encryption key, an authentication method, or an
authentication key.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit
starts the receiving in response to inputting of the
instruction.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit
executes the receiving before and after the output unit outputs the
identification information.
12. A processing method of a communication apparatus, comprising:
inputting an instruction for a start of a first setting process
complying with a predetermined method for setting a wireless
communication parameter; receiving, from another communication
apparatus, a certain signal indicating that said another
communication apparatus has started a second setting process
complying with the predetermined method for setting a wireless
communication parameter; and outputting identification information
to be used in the first setting process if a start of the first
setting process is instructed, wherein, if the certain signal is
received from said another communication apparatus before the
identification information is output, the communication apparatus
does not execute the first setting process together with said
another communication apparatus, and wherein, if the certain signal
is received from said another communication apparatus, which does
not send the certain signal before the identification information
is output, after the identification information is output, the
communication apparatus executes the first setting process together
with said another communication apparatus.
13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a
computer program for causing a computer, which is incorporated in a
communication apparatus, to function as: an input unit configured
to input an instruction for a start of a first setting process
complying with a predetermined method for setting a wireless
communication parameter; a reception unit configured to receive,
from another communication apparatus, a certain signal indicating
that said another communication apparatus has started a second
setting process complying with the predetermined method for setting
a wireless communication parameter; and an output unit configured
to output identification information to be used in the first
setting process if a start of the first setting process is
instructed, wherein, if the reception unit receives, from said
another communication apparatus, the certain signal before the
output unit outputs the identification information, the
communication apparatus does not execute the first setting process
together with said another communication apparatus, and wherein, if
the reception unit receives, from said another communication
apparatus which does not send the certain signal before the output
unit outputs the identification information, the certain signal
after the output unit output the identification information, the
communication apparatus executes the first setting process together
with said another communication apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a
processing method thereof, a non-transitory computer-readable
storage medium and a communication system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless communication typified by a wireless LAN compliant with
the IEEE 802.11 standard series is known in the art. In such
wireless communication, there are a large number of settings that
must be made before communication is carried out. For example, at
the time of communication, communication parameters such as an SSID
(Service Set Identifier), which is used as a network identifier, an
encryption method, an encryption key, an authentication method and
an authentication key are required to be set as setting items.
Manually inputting all of these settings is a very complicated
operation for the user.
In order to deal with such a complicated operation, WPS (Wi-Fi
Protected Service) has been standardized as an industrial-standard
automatic setting method for setting communication parameters in
simple fashion. An example of automatic setting of communication
parameters by WPS has been disclosed in "Wi-Fi CERTIFIED.TM. for
Wi-Fi Protected Setup: Easing the User Experience for Home and
Small Office Wi-Fi Networks".
In the above-mentioned technology, an access point (base station)
or any apparatus that is capable of communicating with an access
point serves as an apparatus that is a provider of communication
parameters (such an apparatus will be referred to as a "providing
apparatus" below). An apparatus on the receiving side of
communication parameters (this apparatus will be referred to as a
"receiving apparatus" below) is connected to the access point
temporarily and receives communication parameters from the
providing apparatus. According to WPS, the providing apparatus and
the receiving apparatus are referred to as a "registrar" and an
"enrollee", respectively.
A method employing terminal identification information [for
example, information referred to as a PIN (Personal Identification
Number)] for identifying an apparatus is known as one WPS method.
According to this method, terminal identification information
generated by an enrollee is registered with a registrar. In this
way the sending and receiving and setting of settings information
that enables communication in accordance with the above-mentioned
standard are carried out automatically and a connection between
both apparatuses is established. In relation to this technology, a
technique concerning the registration of terminal identification
information when wireless LAN settings are performed has been
disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2008-219457.
With regard to the above-mentioned terminal identification
information (PIN code), there are two cases, namely a case where
the information is assigned to an apparatus intrinsically and a
case where the information is generated whenever
communication-parameter setting processing is executed. In
particular, in a case where an apparatus has not been provided with
a rich user interface, often terminal identification information is
assigned fixedly and this fixed terminal identification information
is affixed to the surface of an apparatus as by a seal or the
like.
When there are multiple providing apparatuses in a case where
communication parameters are set by a method using the
above-mentioned terminal identification information, the receiving
apparatus must try to connect to each of these multiple providing
apparatuses.
In processing for setting communication parameters, generally the
receiving apparatus searches for a providing apparatus after the
receiving apparatus generates the terminal identification
information. At such time the receiving apparatus will try to
connect itself even to a providing apparatus in which terminal
identification information that is clearly different from that of
the receiving apparatus has been set.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a technique for curbing unnecessary
trial connection of a receiving apparatus to a providing apparatus
at the time of processing for setting communication parameters.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is
provided a communication apparatus comprising: a detection unit
configured to detect one or a plurality of apparatuses which have
been instructed to start communication-parameter setting processing
using identification information and, moreover, in which this
identification information has already been set; an output unit
configured to output terminal identification information; and a
setting control unit configured to execute the
communication-parameter setting processing with an apparatus, which
is other than an apparatus detected before the terminal
identification information is output by the output unit, from among
apparatuses detected by the detection unit.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is
provided a communication system including a providing apparatus
configured to provide communication parameters, and a receiving
apparatus configured to execute communication-parameter setting
processing with the providing apparatus and receive the
communication parameters; wherein when identification information
has already been set, the providing apparatus transmits a signal
inclusive of additional information indicative of this fact in a
case where the start of communication-parameter setting processing
using the identification information has been instructed; and the
receiving apparatus comprises: a detection unit configured to
detect, based upon receipt of the signal, one or a plurality of
providing apparatuses which have been instructed to start
communication-parameter setting processing using identification
information and, moreover, in which this identification information
has already been set; an output unit configured to output terminal
identification information; and a setting control unit configured
to execute the communication-parameter setting processing with a
providing apparatus, which is other than an apparatus detected
before the terminal identification information is output by the
output unit, from among providing apparatuses detected by the
detection unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is
provided a processing method of a communication apparatus,
comprising: detecting one or a plurality of already set apparatuses
which have been instructed to start communication-parameter setting
processing using identification information and, moreover, in which
this identification information has already been set; outputting
terminal identification information; and executing the
communication-parameter setting processing with an already set
apparatus other than an already set apparatus detected before the
terminal identification information is output.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is
provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing
a computer program for causing a computer, which is incorporated in
a communication apparatus, to function as: a detection unit
configured to detect one or a plurality of already set apparatuses
which have been instructed to start communication-parameter setting
processing using identification information and, moreover, in which
this identification information has already been set; an output
unit configured to output terminal identification information; and
a setting control unit configured to execute the
communication-parameter setting processing with an already set
apparatus other than an already set apparatus detected before the
terminal identification information is output by the output
unit.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is
provided a communication apparatus comprising: a detection unit
configured to detect one or a plurality of already set apparatuses
which have been instructed to start communication-parameter setting
processing using identification information and, moreover, in which
this identification information has already been set; an output
unit configured to output terminal identification information; and
a setting control unit configured to execute the
communication-parameter setting processing preferentially with an
already set apparatus other than an already set apparatus detected
before the terminal identification information is output by the
output unit
Further features of the present invention will be apparent from the
following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to
the attached drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall
configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware
configuration of a station 35 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration
implemented by a control unit 12 of station 35;
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the flow of
processing of the communication system shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of
processing executed by the station 35 shown in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
An exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be
noted that the relative arrangement of the components, the
numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these
embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless
it is specifically stated otherwise.
First Embodiment
A communication apparatus according to this embodiment of the
present invention will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings. Although an example using a wireless LAN system compliant
with the IEEE 802.11 series will be described below, the form of
communication is not necessarily limited to a wireless LAN
compliant with IEEE 802.11.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall
configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
The communication system includes a first access point 32, a second
access point 33 and a station 35.
The first access point 32 constructs a first network 31 and
functions as an apparatus for managing this network. The second
access point 33 constructs a second network 34 and functions as an
apparatus for managing this network. The station 35 is connectable
to either the first network 31 or the second access point 33.
At the time of processing for setting communication parameters, the
first access point 32 or second access point 33 serves as an
apparatus (providing apparatus) that is a provider of the
communication parameters, and the station 35 becomes an apparatus
(receiving apparatus) that receives these parameters. That is, the
first access point 32 and second access point 33 correspond to
registrars in WPS and the station 35 corresponds to an enrollee in
WPS.
The first access point 32, second access point 33 and station 35
support processing for setting communication parameters using a PIN
code. With processing for setting communication parameters using a
PIN code, identification information (a PIN code) is set beforehand
on the side of the access point, and the access point provides
communication parameters to the station having the PIN code that
matches this identification information.
It should be noted that, in a case where the first access point 32
is the providing apparatus, the station 35 sends the first access
point 32 information necessary for it to join the first network 31.
In response, the station 35 receives the provision of the
communication parameters from the first access point 32. Similarly,
in a case where the second access point 33 is the providing
apparatus, the station 35 sends the second access point 33
information necessary for it to join the second network 34. In
response, the station 35 receives from the second access point 33
the provision of the communication parameters.
The foregoing is a description of one example of the overall
configuration of a communication system. It should be noted that
the configuration of the communication system shown in FIG. 1 is
strictly one example and the system is not limited to this
configuration. For instance, the first access point 32, second
access point 33 and station 35 may each just as well be implemented
as a dual terminal having the functions of both an access point and
station, by way of example.
Next, reference will be had to FIG. 2 to describe an example of the
hardware configuration of the station 35 shown in FIG. 1.
The station 35 comprises, as hardware components, an input unit 11,
a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a wireless unit 14, an output
unit 15, an antenna control unit 17 and an antenna 18.
The control unit 12 is implemented by, e.g., a CPU (Central
Processing Unit) or the like and exercises overall control of each
of the above-mentioned components. The control unit 12 controls
also the setting of communication parameters between this station
and another apparatus.
The storage unit 13 is implemented by, e.g., a RAM (Random-Access
Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory) or an external storage device
(e.g., a memory card) or the like and stores various information.
By way of example, a control program and communication parameters
and the like are stored in the storage unit 13. Various operations
in the station 35 are carried out by having the control unit 12
execute the control program that has been stored in the storage
unit 13.
The antenna control unit 17 controls the antenna 18. The wireless
unit 14 performs wireless communication via the antenna control
unit 17 and antenna 18. The wireless unit 14 implements wireless
LAN (Local-Area Network) communication compliant with the IEEE
802.11 series, by way of example.
The output unit 15 is implemented by, e.g., an LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display) or LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) and speaker, etc., and
outputs various information to the user. Specifically, the output
unit 15 produces an output of visually recognizable visual
information in the manner of an LCD or LEDs, and an output of audio
information using a speaker or the like. It should be noted that it
will suffice if the output unit 15 is capable of outputting at
least either of visual information and audio information.
The input unit 11 is implemented by, e.g., a touch-sensitive panel
and buttons or the like and inputs instructions from the user. The
input unit 11 is provided with a setting button 16 for issuing an
instruction that triggers the start of processing for setting
communication parameters. For example, when the setting button 16
is operated by the user, processing for setting (automatically)
communication parameters starts.
The foregoing is a description of one example of the hardware
configuration of the station 35. It should be noted that the first
access point 32 and second access point 33 also incorporate
computers, although a description thereof based on the drawings is
omitted. That is, the access points 32 and 33 have a hardware
configuration similar to that of the station 35.
Next, reference will be had to FIG. 3 to describe an example of a
functional configuration implemented by the control unit 12 of
station 35. Each of the components in the control unit 12 is
implemented by having a CPU read out and execute a program that has
been stored in a ROM or the like. It should be noted that it is
permissible as a matter of course for some or all of the components
in the control unit 12 to be implemented by dedicated hardware.
The control unit 12 comprises, as functional components, a
communication parameter setting unit 21, a packet receiving unit
22, a packet transmitting unit 23, a search signal transmitting
unit 24, a search signal receiving unit 25 and a network control
unit 26. Here the description will emphasize the components
concerning processing for setting communication parameters
necessary in order to carry out wireless LAN communication. It
should be noted that the communication parameters necessary for
carrying out wireless LAN communication are a network identifier
(SSID), an encryption method (it may be called encryption type,
encryption scheme or encryption algorithm), an encryption key, an
authentication method (it may be called authentication type,
authentication scheme or authentication algorithm) and an
authentication key, etc. This illustration is strictly one example
and the communication parameters may include other information as a
matter of course.
The packet receiving unit 22 controls the receipt of packets
relating to various communication. The packet receiving unit 22
controls the receipt of a beacon (annunciation signal), by way of
example. The packet transmitting unit 23 controls the transmission
of packets relating to various communication. The packet
transmitting unit 23 controls the transmission of a beacon, by way
of example. It should be noted that various information concerning
the apparatus at the source of transmission is added to the
beacon.
The search signal transmitting unit 24 controls the transmission of
a search signal (a probe request, for example). It should be noted
that a probe request performs the function of a network search
signal for the purpose of finding a desired network. Further, in a
case where it has received a probe request, the search signal
transmitting unit 24 also controls transmission of a probe response
as the response to the request.
The search signal receiving unit 25 controls the receipt of a
search signal (a probe request, for example) from another
apparatus. The search signal receiving unit 25 further receives a
probe response. Various information relating to the apparatus at
the source of transmission is added to the search signal and its
response signal.
The network control unit 26 controls the network connection. More
specifically, the network control unit 26 executes processing such
as processing for connecting to a wireless LAN.
The communication parameter setting unit 21 executes processing for
setting (automatically) the communication parameters. The
communication parameter setting unit 21 is provided with a
communication parameter receiving unit 41, a communication
parameter setting control unit 42, a provider candidate detecting
unit 43, a communication parameter storage processing unit 44 and a
terminal identification information generating unit 45.
The terminal identification information generating unit 45
generates terminal identification information (a PIN code) for
identifying its own apparatus. The PIN code is generated as a
random value whenever processing for setting communication
parameters is executed. The provider candidate detecting unit 43
detects a candidate for an apparatus (providing apparatus) that
will be the source of provision of communication parameters.
Detection of a providing apparatus is carried out based upon
transmission of a search signal and the response thereto performed
by the search signal transmitting unit 24 and search signal
receiving unit 25. It should be noted that detection of a providing
apparatus candidate may also be performed based upon receipt of a
beacon by the packet receiving unit 22. In a case where provision
of communication parameters is to be received from the providing
apparatus, the station 35 requests this providing apparatus for
provision of the communication parameters and then receives
provision of the communication parameters. In the description that
follows, there will also be instances where the apparatus that
receives provision of communication parameters is referred to as a
"receiving apparatus".
The communication parameter receiving unit 41 receives
communication parameters from the apparatus that is the
communicating party. The communication parameter setting control
unit 42 exercises overall control of processing relating to the
communication parameters. For example, the communication parameter
setting control unit 42 controls various protocols in processing
for setting communication parameters. In addition, the
communication parameter setting control unit 42 also determines
whether time that has elapsed from the start of processing for
setting communication parameters has exceeded a predetermined time
(a time limit on processing for setting communication parameters).
If it determines that the predetermined time has been exceeded, the
communication parameter setting control unit 42 suspends the
processing for setting communication parameters.
The communication parameter setting control unit 42 is provided
with a determination unit 46 and an exclusion list management unit
47. From one or a plurality of providing apparatus candidates
detected by the provider candidate detecting unit 43, the
determination unit 46 determines a providing apparatus that matches
a predetermined condition. Using the storage unit 13, the exclusion
list management unit 47 manages an exclusion list in which
apparatuses excluded from the providing apparatus candidates are
registered. For example, the exclusion list management unit 47
registers apparatuses in the exclusion list and deletes apparatuses
from the list.
The communication parameter storage processing unit 44 stores
communication parameters, which have been received by provision
from the providing apparatus, in the storage unit 13. In this
embodiment, when provision of communication parameters has been
received from another apparatus, these communication parameters are
stored in the storage unit 13 as already set parameters. Already
set parameters that have been stored in the storage unit 13 may be
discarded at the end of communication in the network constructed
using these already set parameters. Further, after being stored in
the storage unit 13, the already set parameters may discarded as
when the apparatus power supply is turned off upon elapse of a
fixed period of time. Alternatively, the already set parameters may
be retained semipermanently as long as there is no explicit
instruction to delete them.
Next, reference will be had to FIG. 4 to describe an example of the
flow of processing in the communication system shown in FIG. 1.
Described will be an example of the flow of processing in a case
where the station 35 executes processing with an access point for
setting communication parameters by a method using terminal
identification information (a PIN code).
First, the terminal identification information (a PIN code) is
input at the first access point 32 (step F101). The first access
point 32 then transmits a beacon or probe response (step F102). At
this time the beacon or probe response contains additional
information indicating that processing for setting communication
parameters has already started. That is, if setting of a PIN code
has already been performed in the providing apparatus in processing
for setting communication parameters using a PIN code, then the
apparatus incorporates the above-mentioned additional information
in the beacon or response and transmits the beacon or response.
It should be noted that, in WPS, information indicating that
processing for setting communication parameters has already started
means that "1" has been set as a selected-registrar flag, by way of
example. In the method using a PIN code, the selected-registrar
flag is "1" only in a case where a PIN code has already been set in
the providing apparatus. As a consequence, the state attained is
one in which the processing at step F102 notifies surrounding
apparatuses of the fact that the PIN code has already been set.
Accordingly, the station 35 starts processing for setting
communication parameters using the terminal identification
information (step F103). When this processing starts, the station
35 first executes search processing for finding a network (step
F104). In network search processing, an apparatus (the first access
point 32) that has already started processing for setting
communication parameters and an apparatus (the second access point
33) that has not yet started processing for setting communication
parameters are detected. At this time whether or not the detected
access point has started processing for setting communication
parameters can be determined based upon the above-mentioned
additional information.
In a case where the PIN code in station 35 is variable (that is, a
case where the PIN code has a different value every time processing
for setting communication parameters is executed), a PIN code will
not have been generated in the station 35 and notification thereof
will not have been given (not displayed) at the timing at which the
processing of step F104 is executed. Consequently, the probability
that a PIN code that has already been set in the first access point
32 will match the PIN code of the station 35 is extremely low. The
reason for this is that, since the PIN code has eight digits and
the final single digit is a check sum, the likelihood that PIN
codes will accidentally be identical is 1/10.sup.7. In a case where
a variable PIN code is utilized, therefore, the station 35 will
exclude the first access point 32 detected at the timing of step
F104 (namely the apparatus that has already started processing for
setting communication parameters) from candidates for providing
apparatuses that execute processing for setting communication
parameters (step F105).
Next, in order to execute processing for setting communication
parameters started at step F103, the station 35 generates a PIN
code internally and outputs the PIN code to a user interface such
as the output unit 15 (step F106).
Upon referring to the PIN code, which is displayed on the output
unit 15 of station 35, the user inputs the PIN code (step F107) to
the second access point 33 via an input unit (not shown). Owing to
input of the PIN code, the second access point 33 launches
processing for setting communication parameters. Then, in a manner
similar to that of the first access point 32, the second access
point 33 transmits a beacon or probe response upon incorporating
information indicating that processing for setting communication
parameters has already started (step F108).
After the processing for generating and displaying the PIN code at
step F105, the station 35 again executes network search processing
(step F109). Since the first access point 32 detected at the timing
of the processing of step F104 was excluded, at this time the
station 35 executes processing for setting communication parameters
between itself and the second access point 33 (steps F110, F111).
Specifically, communication parameters are provided from the second
access point 33 and the station 35 receives and sets these provided
communication parameters.
It should be noted that if the PIN code in the station 35 is fixed,
then a match between the PIN code of station 35 and the PIN code of
first access point 32 is fully possible even at the timing of the
processing of step F104. The reason is that, by way of example, it
is possible for the user to refer to the PIN code affixed to the
surface of the station 35 as by a seal and to input the PIN code to
the first access point 32. In this case, it is unnecessary to
exclude the first access point 32 by the processing of step F105
and the first access point 32 also becomes a candidate for a
providing apparatus of processing for setting communication
parameters. Therefore, it may be arranged so that, if the PIN code
in station 35 is fixed, processing for setting communication
parameters is executed at the moment (step F104) the station 35
detects that the first access point 32 has already started
processing for setting the communication parameters.
Further, in the processing of step F109, the station 35 detects
that both the first access point 32 and second access point 33 have
already started processing for setting communication parameters. At
this time the station 35 may just as well try executing processing
for setting communication parameters alternatingly with the first
access point 32 and with the second access point 33.
Next, reference will be had to FIG. 5 to describe an example of
processing in the station 35 shown in FIG. 1.
This processing starts when an instruction to start processing for
setting communication parameters according to the PIN code method
is issued by the user ("YES" at step S201). By way of example, the
instruction to start processing for setting communication
parameters is issued in response to the user pressing the setting
button 16 provided on the station 35.
When this processing starts, the station 35 first executes network
search processing by using the provider candidate detecting unit 43
(step S202). In this processing, the station 35 receives a beacon,
for example, transmitted from another apparatus. Further, the
station 35 conducts active scanning and broadcasts a probe request,
after which is receives a probe response from the access point.
Using the provider candidate detecting unit 43, the station 35
determines whether it has received a signal (beacon or probe
request) that contains additional information indicating that
processing for setting communication parameters has already
started. Specifically, the station 35 determines whether an access
point that has already started processing for setting communication
parameters has been detected (step S203). In WPS, as mentioned
above, a beacon and probe response will contain predetermined
additional information if processing for setting communication
parameters has started at an access point. If a selected registrar
has been set in the probe response and this information flag is
logical "1", then the station 35 will determine that an access
point that has already started processing for setting communication
parameters has been detected. It should be noted that although a
concrete example regarding WPS has been described, this does not
impose any limitation. It will suffice if it can be determined
whether processing for setting communication parameters has already
started at an access point or whether a PIN code has already been
set at an access point; any method may be used.
If the result of the determination is that such as access point
cannot be detected ("NO" at step S204), then the station 35 uses
the terminal identification information generating unit 45 to
generate a PIN code and to display the generated PIN code on the
output unit 15 (step S207).
On the other hand, if an access point is detected ("YES" at step
S204), then the station 35 uses the determination unit 46 to
determine the method of processing for setting communication
parameters. If the pertinent access point is implementing a method
other than a PIN method ("NO" at step S205), the station 35
executes the processing of step S207 described above.
Further, if this access point is implementing the PIN method ("YES"
at step S205), the station 35 uses the exclusion list management
unit 47 to register this access point in the exclusion list (step
S206). That is, this access point is excluded from candidates for
processing for setting communication parameters.
On the other hand, if the result of the determination made at step
S205 is that the pertinent access point is not implementing the PIN
method ("NO" at step S205), then the station 35 executes the
processing of step S207 described above.
After the PIN code is displayed on the output unit 15, the station
35 uses the communication parameter setting control unit 42 to
determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed from
the start instruction of step S201. It should be noted that the
predetermined period of time is indicative of a time limit in terms
of protocol specifications in processing for setting communication
parameters.
If the predetermined time period has elapsed ("YES" at step S208),
the station 35 terminates this processing. At this time the station
35 may present a timeout error display or the like on the output
unit 15.
On the other hand, if the predetermined time period has not elapsed
("NO" at step S208), then the station 35 executes network search
processing (step S209) and searches for an access point that
satisfies the above-mentioned condition (step S210) in a manner
similar to that of the processing of steps S202 and S203.
If the result of the processing at step S210 is that such an access
point can be detected ("YES" at step S211), then, in a manner
similar to that of the processing at step S205, the station 35
determines whether this access point is implementing the PIN
method. If it is implementing the PIN method ("YES" at step S212),
then the station 35 further determines whether this access point
has been registered in the exclusion list.
If the result of this determination is that this access point has
not been registered in the exclusion list ("YES" at step S213),
then the station 35 uses the communication parameter setting
control unit 42 to execute processing for setting communication
parameters between itself and this access point (step S214). That
is, the station 35 receives communication parameters from an access
point other than the apparatuses that have been registered in the
exclusion list and sets these parameters, after which the station
terminates this processing.
It should be noted that in a case where the result of the
processing of step S210 is that the pertinent access point could
not be detected ("NO" at step S211) and in a case where the
pertinent access point is implementing a method other than the PIN
method ("NO" at step S212), the station 35 returns to the
processing of step S208. Also in a case where the pertinent access
point has been registered in the exclusion list ("NO" at step
S213), the station 35 returns to the processing of step S208.
The foregoing is a description regarding an example of the flow of
processing executed in the station 35. It should be noted that in
the processing of step S206, it will suffice if an access point
that has been registered in the exclusion list is deleted from the
exclusion list at the timing at which processing for setting
communication parameters ends normally or at a timing at which
processing for setting communication parameters is started afresh.
In addition, deletion may be performed at a timing at which the
value of the selected-registrar flag of an access point that has
been registered in the exclusion list has transitioned to a value
other than "1".
Further, in the description rendered above, an access point is
registered in the exclusion list by the processing of step S206.
However, this processing need be executed only in a case where the
PIN code of station 35 is variable. That is, if the PIN code is
fixed, registration of the access point in the exclusion list is
not carried out.
In the foregoing description, an access point that has been
registered in the exclusion list is excluded from among those that
execute processing for setting communication parameters. However,
it may be arranged so that processing for setting communication
parameters is executed preferentially with an access point that has
not been registered in the exclusion list. In other words,
processing for setting communication parameters is executed with an
access point that has not been registered in the exclusion list
from among detected access points executing the PIN method. It may
be arranged so that in the event that processing with all access
points that have not been registered in the exclusion list fails,
the processing for setting communication parameters is executed
with regard to an access point that has been registered in the
exclusion list.
In accordance with this embodiment, as described above, it is
possible to suppress, prior to display of a PIN code, trials of
processing for setting communication parameters with respect to
access points that have already started processing for setting
communication parameters based upon the PIN method. As a result,
processing for setting communication parameters is no longer
executed unnecessarily and needless network traffic can be reduced,
by way of example.
The foregoing is an example of a typical embodiment. However, the
present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above
and illustrated in the drawings. The present invention can be
worked upon being suitably modified within limits that do not
depart from the gist of the present invention.
In the description rendered above, the invention is described
taking as an example a case utilizing a wireless LAN (wireless LAN
network) compliant with IEEE 802.11, by way of example. However,
this does not impose any limitation. For example, it is permissible
to use other wireless media such as a wireless USB (Universal
Serial Bus), MBOA (Multi-Band OFDM Alliance), Bluetooth (registered
trademark), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) and ZigBee. Furthermore, a
communication medium utilizing a wired scheme such as a wired LAN
may also be used. It should be noted that MBOA and UWB include
wireless USB, wireless 1394 and WINET, etc.
Other Embodiments
Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer
of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that
reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to
perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s), and by
a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a
system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a
program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the
above-described embodiment(s). For this purpose, the program is
provided to the computer for example via a network or from a
recording medium of various types serving as the memory device
(e.g., computer-readable storage medium).
While the present invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of
the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures
and functions.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2011-090405, filed on Apr. 14, 2011, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
* * * * *
References