Patent Description:
A method called handover has been known as a method by which an information processing apparatus such as a smartphone transmits a job to a communication apparatus such as a network-capable printer. A handover refers to, for example, a method by which the information processing apparatus performs communication, which is used for establishment of a connection with the communication apparatus using a first communication method, with the communication apparatus by a second communication method, and then transmits a job to the communication apparatus via the connection with the communication apparatus using the first communication method. <CIT> discusses a configuration for communicating a job by handover.

A demand for more adaptable job communication control is increasing more than ever as configurations capable of handover-based job communication become widespread.

The present invention is directed to controlling job communication more appropriately in a configuration where a job can be communicated by handover.

<CIT>discusses an information processing apparatus that may communicate with a communication-target device, which is a device with which the information processing apparatus is to communicate, via a first type interface section. The information processing apparatus may store in a first storage area target identification information for identifying the communication-target device as a default identification information, in a case where a first network to which the communication-target device is belonging is identical to a second network to which the information processing apparatus is belonging via the second type interface section. The target identification information may be stored in association with at least one of a plurality of attributes. The information processing apparatus may cause the target identification information not to be stored in the first storage area as the default identification information in a case where the first network is not identical to the second network.

<CIT> discusses apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for synchronizing distributed states amongst a plurality of entities and authenticating devices to access information and/or services provided by a remote server. Synchronization techniques include client devices and remote servers storing buckets of information. The client device sends a subscription request to the remote serve identifying a bucket of information and, when that bucket changes, the remote server sends the change to the client device. Authentication techniques include client devices including unique default credentials that, when presented to a remote server, provide limited access to the server. The client device may obtain assigned credentials that, when presented to the remote server, provide less limited access to the server.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an information processing apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program as specified in claim <NUM>.

It should be understood that modifications and improvements made to the following embodiments based on ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention are also embraced within the scope of the present invention.

An information processing apparatus and a communication apparatus included in a communication system according to an embodiment will be described. While the present embodiment will be described using a smartphone as an example of the information processing apparatus, this is not restrictive. Various apparatuses such as a mobile terminal, a notebook personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a digital camera can be also applied. While the present embodiment will be described using a printer as an example of the communication apparatus, this is not restrictive. Various apparatuses that can communicate wirelessly with the information processing apparatus can be applied. Examples of printers include an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, and a monochrome printer. Examples other than printers include a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a PDA, a digital camera, a music player device, a television set, and a smart speaker. Other examples include a multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, and a print function.

A configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment and the communication apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will initially be described with reference to the block diagram of <FIG>. While the present embodiment is described using the following configuration as an example, the present embodiment can be applied to an apparatus that can communicate with a communication apparatus and is not limited to the illustrated functions in particular.

An information processing apparatus <NUM> is an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus <NUM> includes an input interface <NUM>, a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a read-only memory (ROM) <NUM>, a random access memory (RAM) <NUM>, an external storage device <NUM>, an output interface <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, and a short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>. A computer of the information processing apparatus <NUM> includes the CPU <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, and the RAM <NUM>.

The input interface <NUM> is an interface for accepting data input and operation instructions from a user performing an operation on an operation unit such as a keyboard <NUM>. The operation unit may be a physical keyboard or physical buttons. The operation unit may be a software keyboard or software buttons displayed on the display unit <NUM>. Specifically, the input interface <NUM> may accept user's input via the display unit <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> is a system control unit and controls the entire information processing apparatus <NUM>.

The ROM <NUM> stores fixed data such as a control program to be executed by the CPU <NUM>, data tables, and a built-in operating system (OS) program. In the present embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM <NUM> performs software execution controls such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under management of the built-in OS program stored in the ROM <NUM>.

The RAM <NUM> includes a static RAM (SRAM) using a backup power supply. Since the RAM <NUM> retains data by using a not-illustrated primary battery for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM <NUM> includes a memory area where setting information about the information processing apparatus <NUM> and management data of the information processing apparatus <NUM> are stored. The RAM <NUM> is also used as a main memory and a work memory of the CPU <NUM>.

The external storage device <NUM> stores an application that controls the communication apparatus <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a printing application) and a print information generation program that generates print information interpretable by the communication apparatus <NUM>. The printing application is used to set an access point for the communication apparatus <NUM> to connect to and to cause the communication apparatus <NUM> to perform printing. The printing application may have functions other than a print function. For example, the printing application may have a function of scanning a document set on the communication apparatus <NUM>, a function of setting an access point for the communication apparatus <NUM> to connect to, and a function of checking a state of the communication apparatus <NUM>. For example, the printing application is installed from an external server by Internet communication via the communication unit <NUM>, and stored in the external storage device <NUM>. The external storage device <NUM> also stores various programs including an information transmission and reception control program for performing transmission and reception with the communication apparatus <NUM> connected via the communication unit <NUM>, and various types of information to be used by the programs.

The output interface <NUM> is used to control data display and notification of the state of the information processing apparatus <NUM> by the display unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> includes a light-emitting diode (LED) and/or a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays data and issues a notification of the state of the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> communicates with apparatuses such as the communication apparatus <NUM> and the access point <NUM> for data communication. For example, the communication unit <NUM> can connect to an access point (not illustrated) in the communication apparatus <NUM>. The connection of the communication unit <NUM> with the access point in the communication apparatus <NUM> enables mutual communication between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> may communicate directly with the communication apparatus <NUM> by wireless communication, or communicate via an external apparatus outside the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>. Examples of the external apparatus include an external access point (such as the access point <NUM>) outside the information processing apparatus <NUM> and outside the communication apparatus <NUM>, and a non-access-point apparatus that can relay communication. Examples of the wireless communication method include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi®). Among examples of the access point <NUM> are devices such as a wireless local area network (LAN) router. In the present embodiment, the method by which the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> communicate directly without using an external access point will be referred to as a direct connection method. The method by which the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> communicate via an external access point will be referred to as an infrastructure connection method.

The short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> connects wirelessly to an apparatus such as the communication apparatus <NUM> at a short range for data communication. The short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> communicates by using a communication method different from that of the communication unit <NUM>. The short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> can connect to, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> in the communication apparatus <NUM>. Examples of the communication method include near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth® Low Energy, and Wi-Fi Aware.

In the present embodiment, the communication unit <NUM> is configured to communicate at higher speed and over a longer distance than the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>. The short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> is used to exchange communication information for performing communication using the communication unit <NUM> with an apparatus such as the communication apparatus <NUM>.

The communication apparatus <NUM> is a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. The communication apparatus <NUM> includes a ROM <NUM>, a RAM <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a print engine <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, and the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>. A computer of the communication apparatus <NUM> includes the ROM <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, and the CPU <NUM>.

As the access point in the communication apparatus <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM> includes an access point for connecting to an apparatus such as the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The access point can connect to the communication unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM>. If the communication unit <NUM> activates the access point, the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as an access point. The communication unit <NUM> may communicate directly with the information processing apparatus <NUM> by wireless communication, or communicate via the access point <NUM>. Examples of the communication method include Wi-Fi®. The communication unit <NUM> may include hardware functioning as an access point. The communication unit <NUM> may operate as an access point by using software for implementing the access point function.

The short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> wirelessly connects to an apparatus such as the information processing apparatus <NUM> at a short distance. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> can connect to the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> in the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Examples of the communication method include NFC, Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth® Low Energy, and Wi-Fi Aware.

In the present embodiment, the communication unit <NUM> communicates at higher speed and over a longer distance than the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>. The short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> is used to exchange communication information for performing communication using the communication unit <NUM> with an apparatus such as the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

The RAM <NUM> includes an SRAM using a backup power supply. Since the RAM <NUM> retains data by using a not-illustrated primary battery for data backup, important data such as program control variables can be stored without volatilization. The RAM <NUM> includes a memory area where setting information about the communication apparatus <NUM> and management data of the communication apparatus <NUM> are stored. The RAM <NUM> is also used as a main memory and a work memory of the CPU <NUM>. The RAM <NUM> functions as a reception buffer for temporarily storing print information received from the information processing apparatus <NUM>, and stores various types of information.

The ROM <NUM> stores fixed data such as a control program to be executed by the CPU <NUM>, data tables, and a built-in OS program. In the present embodiment, the control program stored in the ROM <NUM> performs software execution controls such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt handling under management of the built-in OS program stored in the ROM <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> is a system control unit and controls the entire communication apparatus <NUM>.

The print engine <NUM> forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by applying a recording agent such as ink onto the recording medium based on information stored in the RAM <NUM> and a print job received from the information processing apparatus <NUM>, and outputs the print result. Since a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus <NUM> typically has a large amount of data, the print job is desirably communicated by using a communication method capable of high speed communication. The communication apparatus <NUM> therefore receives the print job via the communication unit <NUM> that can communicate at higher speed than the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>.

A memory such as an external hard disk drive (HDD) and a Secure Digital (SD) card may be attached to the communication apparatus <NUM> as an optional device. The information to be stored in the communication apparatus <NUM> may be stored in the memory.

The communication apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment can operate in an infrastructure mode and a peer-to-peer (P2P) mode as modes where communication is performed by using the communication unit <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> communicate via a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi).

In the infrastructure mode, the communication apparatus <NUM> communicates with another apparatus such as the information processing apparatus <NUM> via an external apparatus that forms a network (for example, an external access point outside the communication apparatus <NUM> and outside the information processing apparatus <NUM>). The connection with the external access point established by the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in the infrastructure mode will be referred to as an infrastructure connection. In the present embodiment, the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as a slave station and the external access point operates as a master station in the infrastructure connection. In the present embodiment, a master station refers to an apparatus that determines a communication channel or channels to be used in the network to which the master station belongs. A slave station refers to an apparatus that does not determine the communication channel(s) to be used in the network to which the slave station belongs, and uses the communication channel(s) determined by the master station.

In the P2P mode, the communication apparatus <NUM> communicates directly with another apparatus such as the information processing apparatus <NUM> without using an external apparatus forming a network. In the present embodiment, the P2P mode includes access point (AP) mode <NUM> where the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as a first AP, and AP mode <NUM> where the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as a second AP. The first and second APs can be connected by using respective different pieces of connection information. The P2P may also include, for example, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode where the communication apparatus <NUM> communicates by WFD. Which of a plurality of WFD-capable devices operates as a master station is determined, for example, by a sequence called Group Owner Negotiation. Alternatively, a master station may be determined without Group Owner Negotiation. A WFD-capable apparatus that plays the role of the master station will be referred to as a group owner in particular. The connection directly established with another apparatus by the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in the P2P mode will be referred to as a direct connection. In the present embodiment, the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as a master station and the other apparatus operates as a slave station in the direct connection.

While the P2P mode in the present embodiment includes AP mode <NUM> and AP mode <NUM>, this is not restrictive. For example, the P2P mode may include AP mode <NUM> where the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as a third AP. Yet alternatively, the P2P mode may include either one of AP modes <NUM> and <NUM>. If, for example, the P2P mode includes AP mode <NUM> and not AP mode <NUM>, AP mode <NUM> in the following description shall be rephrased as AP mode <NUM>.

While the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> are described to share the processing in the foregoing manner by way of example, the manner of sharing is not limited thereto and the processing may be shared differently.

In the present embodiment, the short-range wireless communication units <NUM> and <NUM> communicate by Bluetooth® Low Energy. In the present embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> functions as an advertiser (or slave) that broadcasts advertising information to be described below, and the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> functions as a scanner (or master) that receives the advertising information.

Processing for transmitting advertising information and receiving a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request according to the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the present embodiment, as described above, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> operates as a slave device. The processing mentioned above is thus performed by the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>.

In Bluetooth® Low Energy communication, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> divides the <NUM>-GHz frequency band into <NUM> channels (i.e., 0th to 39th channels of <NUM> ch to <NUM> ch) for communication. Among these channels, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> uses the 37th to 39th channels to transmit advertising information and receive a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request, and the 0th to 36th channels for data communication after Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The data communication after Bluetooth® Low Energy connection is called Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) communication. The GATT refers to a profile for controlling reading and writing (transmission and reception) of information in the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard. In GATT communication, the information processing apparatus <NUM> plays a role of a GATT client and the communication apparatus <NUM> a GATT server, and the information processing apparatus <NUM> reads and writes information from/to the communication apparatus <NUM> based on the GATT-based profile.

The vertical axis of <FIG> indicates the power consumption of the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>, and the horizontal axis indicates time. <FIG> illustrates process by process the power consumption in transmitting advertising information by using a single channel. Total power consumption Tx <NUM> represents the total power consumption during transmission processing that is processing for broadcasting advertising information. Total power consumption Rx <NUM> represents the total power consumption during reception processing that is processing for maintaining a receiver that receives a Bluetooth® Low Energy request active. Transmission power <NUM> indicates instantaneous power consumption in the transmission processing. Reception power <NUM> indicates instantaneous power consumption in the reception processing. Microcomputer operating power <NUM> indicates instantaneous power consumption when a microcomputer in the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> is operating. The microcomputer operates even before, after, and between the transmission processing and the reception processing because the microcomputer is activated in advance to execute and stop the transmission processing and the reception processing. If advertising information is transmitted by using a plurality of channels, the power consumption increases as much as the number of channels used to transmit the advertising information. Sleep power <NUM> indicates the instantaneous power consumption of the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> when the microcomputer is not operating and the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> is in a power saving state. After thus performing the transmission processing by using a predetermined channel, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> waits for a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request to be transmitted from the information processing apparatus <NUM> by performing the reception processing for a certain time, using the same channel. If the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> receives a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request from the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> establishes a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection and performs GATT communication with the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> repeats the transmission processing and the reception processing of the advertising information three times channel by channel, and then stops the operation of the microcomputer to enter the power saving state for a certain time. The combination of the transmission processing and the reception processing of the advertising information on a predetermined channel will be hereinafter referred to as an advertisement. A time interval at which the advertising information is transmitted through a predetermined channel will be referred to as an advertising interval. The number of advertisements to be repeated between the initial advertisement and the power saving state can be freely changed to any numbers less than or equal to three.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a structure of the advertising information that the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> broadcasts to communication apparatuses <NUM> nearby.

When power supply is started, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> performs initialization processing and enters an advertising state. Entering the advertising state, the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM> periodically broadcasts the advertising information around based on the advertising interval. The advertising information is a signal including basic header information (such as identification information for identifying the apparatus transmitting the advertising information), and includes a header <NUM> and a payload <NUM>. The information processing apparatus <NUM> can recognize the presence of the communication apparatus <NUM> by receiving the advertising information. The information processing apparatus <NUM> can also establish a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection with the communication apparatus <NUM> by transmitting a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection request to the communication apparatus <NUM>. The header <NUM> is an area storing information such as the type of advertising information and the size of the payload <NUM>. The payload <NUM> stores information such as a device name <NUM> serving as identification information, loaded profile information, connection information <NUM> for establishing a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection with the communication apparatus <NUM>, and the transmission power (Tx Power) <NUM> of the advertising information. Identification information <NUM> about the communication apparatus <NUM> may be included in the advertising information. Examples of the identification information <NUM> about the communication apparatus <NUM> include a serial number of the communication apparatus <NUM>, service information about the communication apparatus <NUM>, a service set identifier (SSID) of the communication apparatus <NUM> operating as an AP, and a password. Such information may be communicated not as advertising information but by GATT communication.

In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> perform pairing processing (authentication processing) for authentication therebetween. In the present embodiment, GATT communications include a communication that can be performed without pairing between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>, and a communication that can only be performed with the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> paired. Such a configuration can prevent important information retained by the communication apparatus <NUM> from being accidentally obtained by an information processing apparatus <NUM> not yet authenticated (not having performed the pairing processing with the communication apparatus <NUM>).

A method called handover, using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® Low Energy has been known as a method by which the information processing apparatus <NUM> transmits a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> by the printing application. Specifically, in a handover, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs communication for performing Wi-Fi communication with the communication apparatus <NUM> by Bluetooth® Low Energy communication after a job transmission instruction is issued (print button is pressed). Specific examples of the communication for performing Wi-Fi communication with the communication apparatus <NUM> include reception of information (connection information) for performing Wi-Fi communication with the communication apparatus <NUM> and transmission of an instruction for shifting the communication apparatus <NUM> into a state capable of Wi-Fi communication. The information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the communication for performing Wi-Fi communication with the communication apparatus <NUM> as described above, and then transmits a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> by Wi-Fi communication.

A handover is effective, for example, in a case where the information processing apparatus <NUM> retains no connection information when the job transmission instruction is given, or where the communication apparatus <NUM> has activated only the Bluetooth® Low Energy function and not the Wi-Fi function. However, there is an issue that performing Bluetooth® Low Energy communication and then Wi-Fi communication to transmit a job as described above takes a long time, compared to performing only Wi-Fi communication to transmit the job without Bluetooth® Low Energy communication.

In other words, when job transmission is instructed by the user, whether to perform Bluetooth® Low Energy communication before performing Wi-Fi communication for job transmission or perform only Wi-Fi communication for job transmission without Bluetooth® Low Energy communication is desired to be appropriately controlled. The present embodiment describes a configuration for performing such a control.

In the present embodiment, to transmit a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> by the printing application, the information processing apparatus <NUM> obtains predetermined information from the communication apparatus <NUM> and registers the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application. The processing for registering the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application will be referred to as registration processing.

<FIG> is a diagram including flowcharts of <FIG> and <FIG> illustrating a processing procedure that the information processing apparatus <NUM> executes in the registration processing according to the present embodiment. For example, the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is implemented by the CPU <NUM> reading the printing application stored in the ROM <NUM> or the external storage device <NUM> into the RAM <NUM> and executing the printing application. The flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is started in response to activation of the printing application.

In step S501, the CPU <NUM> displays an inquiry screen on the display unit <NUM> to inquire of the user whether to perform the registration processing.

In step S502, the CPU <NUM> determines whether an input to execute the registration processing from the user is accepted. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an input to execute the registration processing from the user is accepted (YES in step S502), the processing proceeds to step S503. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an input to execute the registration processing from the user is not accepted (NO in step S502), the processing of the present flowchart ends, and the CPU <NUM> displays a top screen for executing various functions of the printing application on the display unit <NUM>.

In step S503, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an input to execute the registration processing from the user is accepted (YES in step S502), the CPU <NUM> searches a Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs for a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application (supporting the printing application). Specifically, the CPU <NUM> broadcasts information for requesting a response from a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application to the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs, and waits for a response to the information. By receiving a response to the information, the CPU <NUM> finds the communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application. For example, the response includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address, and the CPU <NUM> can communicate with the communication apparatus <NUM> found by the search by using the IP address included in the response. An example of the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs is a network formed by the external AP that the information processing apparatus <NUM> is in Wi-Fi connection with. Specifically, for example, a communication apparatus <NUM> in Wi-Fi connection with the external AP that the information processing apparatus <NUM> is in Wi-Fi connection with is searched for in the present processing.

In step S504, the CPU <NUM> determines whether a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application is found by the search in step S503. The determination of this determination processing is equivalent to whether a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application is connected to the external AP that the information processing apparatus <NUM> is in Wi-Fi connection with. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application is found (YES in step S504), the processing proceeds to step S505. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application is not found (NO in step S504), the processing proceeds to step S507.

In step S505, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application is found (YES in step S504), the CPU <NUM> identifies a communication apparatus <NUM> to be registered in the printing application among communication apparatuses <NUM> found by the search in step S503. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> identifies a communication apparatus <NUM> transmitting the earliest response received by the information processing apparatus <NUM> among the communication apparatuses <NUM> found by the search in step S503 as the communication apparatus <NUM> to be registered in the printing application.

In step S506, the CPU <NUM> registers the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S505 in the printing application. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> initially obtains information for registering the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application from the communication apparatus <NUM> via the infrastructure connection. Examples of the information for registering the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application include information about capabilities of the communication apparatus <NUM>, and the serial number and a media access control (MAC) address of the communication apparatus <NUM>. Examples of the information about the capabilities of the communication apparatus <NUM> include information about recording media that the communication apparatus <NUM> can use for printing, information indicating whether the communication apparatus <NUM> can perform two-sided printing, and information indicating whether the communication apparatus <NUM> can perform color printing. The registration of the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application enables a button for accepting job transmission instructions from the user. In other words, the information processing apparatus <NUM> can transmit a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application by using the printing application. The printing application can also display a print setting screen based on the received information about the capabilities of the communication apparatus <NUM>. The printing application can generate a print job based on print settings input on the print setting screen.

In step S507, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of communication using the printing application is not found (NO in step S504), the CPU <NUM> determines whether the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the information processing apparatus <NUM> is enabled. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the information processing apparatus <NUM> is enabled (YES in step S507), the processing proceeds to step S509. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines whether the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the information processing apparatus <NUM> is not enabled (NO in step S507), the processing proceeds to step S508.

In step S508, the CPU <NUM> performs processing for enabling the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> displays a screen for prompting the user to enable the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the information processing apparatus <NUM> on the display unit <NUM>. Alternatively, for example, as the processing of step S508, the CPU <NUM> may display a system screen for enabling the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the information processing apparatus <NUM> on the display unit <NUM>, or automatically enable the Bluetooth® Low Energy function without accepting user operations. The processing then returns to step S507.

In step S509, the CPU <NUM> searches the vicinity of the information processing apparatus <NUM> for a communication apparatus <NUM> capable of Bluetooth® Low Energy communication using the printing application. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> enables a function of receiving Bluetooth® Low Energy advertising information by the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>, and searches the vicinity of the information processing apparatus <NUM> for an apparatus transmitting advertising information.

In step S510, the CPU <NUM> identifies a communication apparatus <NUM> to be registered in the printing application from among communication apparatuses <NUM> found by the search in step S509. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> identifies a communication apparatus <NUM> transmitting the earliest advertising information received by the information processing apparatus <NUM> among the communication apparatuses <NUM> found by the search in step S509 as the communication apparatus <NUM> to be registered in the printing application.

In step S511, the CPU <NUM> establishes a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 and the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S512, the CPU <NUM> communicates various types of information with the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> receives information about the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510, and transmits information about the name of the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S513, the CPU <NUM> determines whether a power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is a soft-on state based on the information received in step S512. The soft-on state refers to a state where the components of the communication apparatus <NUM> for performing various functions such as printing, scanning, and screen display are powered on and the communication apparatus <NUM> can perform the various functions. Examples of states other than the soft-on state include a soft-off state. The soft-off state refers to a state where some of the components of the communication apparatus <NUM> are not powered on, the power consumption is lower than power consumption in the soft-on state, and the communication apparatus <NUM> is unable to perform various functions such as printing, scanning, and screen display. The possible states of the communication apparatus <NUM> may also include a state where the power consumption is lower than power consumption in the soft-on state and higher than power consumption in the soft-off state. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not a soft-on state (NO in step S513), the processing proceeds to step S514. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is a soft-on state (YES in step S513), the processing proceeds to step S515.

In step S514, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not a soft-on state (NO in step S513), the CPU <NUM> performs processing for changing the power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 to the soft-on state. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> displays a screen for prompting the user to change the power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 to the soft-on state on the display unit <NUM>. Alternatively, for example, the CPU <NUM> may change the power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 to the soft-on state by transmitting information for changing the power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> to the soft-on state to the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The processing then returns to step S513.

In step S515, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that a power supply state of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is a soft-on state (YES in step S513), the CPU <NUM> determines whether the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is in a pairing acceptance state based on the information received in step S511. The pairing acceptance state refers to a state where the communication apparatus <NUM> can perform pairing processing. For example, if a predetermined pairing processing button on the communication apparatus <NUM> is pressed, or if a power button of the communication apparatus <NUM> is pressed in a state where initial settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> have not been made (product delivery state), the communication apparatus <NUM> enters the pairing acceptance state for a predetermined time. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not in a pairing acceptance state (NO in step S515), the processing proceeds to step S516. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is in a pairing acceptance state (YES in step S515), the processing proceeds to step S517.

In step S516, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not in a pairing acceptance state (NO in step S515), the CPU <NUM> performs processing for shifting the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 into the pairing acceptance state. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> displays a screen for prompting the user to shift the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 into the pairing acceptance state on the display unit <NUM>. Alternatively, for example, the CPU <NUM> may shift the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 into the pairing acceptance state by transmitting information for shifting the communication apparatus <NUM> into the pairing acceptance state to the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The processing then returns to step S515.

In step S517, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is in a pairing acceptance state (YES in step S515), the CPU <NUM> performs pairing processing between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The pairing processing is processing for enabling secure communication between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> by the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> authenticating each other. The processing to be performed here may be pairing processing defined by the Bluetooth® Low Energy standard or pairing processing specific to the vendor of the communication apparatus <NUM>.

The pairing processing according to the present embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus <NUM> initially obtains information called a key seed, which is information retained by the communication apparatus <NUM>, from the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> then each generate key information (authentication information) from the key seed according to their respective rules recognized in advance. The generated pieces of key information are stored in a storage area (for example, ROM <NUM>) of the information processing apparatus <NUM> and a storage area (for example, ROM <NUM>) of the communication apparatus <NUM>, respectively. In other words, the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> retain the same key information. Since the key information is thus generated and GATT communication can be performed using the key information, the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> are authenticated with each other, whereby the pairing processing is completed. After the completion of the pairing processing, the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> communicate information encrypted based on the key information. If the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> receive information encrypted based on the key information, the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> can recognize the unencrypted information by decrypting the information using the key information retained by the own apparatus. The pairing method is not limited to the foregoing. For example, a method using a personal identification number (PIN) code may be used.

In step S518, the CPU <NUM> determines whether an automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is enabled based on the information received in step S511. The automatic power-on setting refers to a setting of a function for automatically shifting the communication apparatus <NUM> into the soft-on state if the communication apparatus <NUM> is in the soft-off state and wireless communication is made to the communication apparatus <NUM>. In the present embodiment, if the automatic power-on setting is enabled, the communication apparatus <NUM> maintains the Bluetooth® Low Energy communication function enabled even in the soft-off state. If the automatic power-on setting is disabled, the communication apparatus <NUM> disables the Bluetooth® Low Energy communication function in the soft-off state. As in the processing of the present flowchart, Bluetooth® Low Energy communication is performed as appropriate after the registration processing of the communication apparatus <NUM> is performed using Bluetooth® Low Energy. The determination is thus made to enable the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the communication apparatus <NUM> even when the communication apparatus <NUM> is in the soft-off state. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not enabled (NO in step S518), the processing proceeds to step S519. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is enabled (YES in step S518), the processing proceeds to step S520.

In step S519, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not enabled (NO in step S518), the CPU <NUM> performs processing for enabling the automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> displays a screen for prompting the user to enable the automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 on the display unit <NUM>. Alternatively, for example, the CPU <NUM> may enable the automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 by transmitting information for enabling the automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> to the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The processing then returns to step S518.

In step S520, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that an automatic power-on setting of the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is enabled (YES in step S518), the CPU <NUM> communicates various types of information with the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> obtains first connection information for connecting directly to the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM>, second connection information for connecting directly to the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM>, and identification information about the communication apparatus <NUM>. Specific examples of connection information include an SSID and a password. Examples of the identification information about the communication apparatus <NUM> include the serial number of the communication apparatus <NUM>, the MAC address of the communication apparatus <NUM>, and a Bonjour name of the communication apparatus <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> may obtain the second connection information not by Bluetooth® Low Energy communication in step S520 but by Wi-Fi communication in step S526 to be described below.

In step S521, the CPU <NUM> transmits an instruction to operate the communication apparatus <NUM> in AP mode <NUM> to the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The communication apparatus <NUM> thereby starts to operate in AP mode <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the communication apparatus <NUM> uses the <NUM>-GHz frequency band for direct connection when operating in AP mode <NUM>. However, the <NUM>-GHZ frequency band may be used.

In step S522, the CPU <NUM> disconnects the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> may omit the processing of step S522 to maintain the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection.

In step S523, the CPU <NUM> establishes a Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> by using the first connection information obtained in step S520. Before establishing the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> stores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> prior to the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection.

In step S524, the CPU <NUM> searches the Wi-Fi network established in step S523 for the communication apparatus <NUM> by using the serial number obtained in step S520. A specific search method in step S524 is similar to that in step S503, whereas the search target in step S524 is the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 (i.e., the communication apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the serial number obtained in step S520). Instead of the serial number, other identification information about the communication apparatus <NUM>, such as the MAC address, may be used for the search.

In step S525, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is found by the search in step S524. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is found by the search in step S524 (YES in step S525), the processing proceeds to step S526. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not found by the search in step S524 (NO in step S525), the processing proceeds to step S529. An example of the case where the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is unable to be found by the search in step S524 is when a network fault occurs.

In step S526, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is found by the search in step S524 (YES in step S525), the CPU <NUM> registers the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 in the printing application. A specific method for registration in step S526 is similar to that in step S506.

In step S527, the CPU <NUM> transmits an instruction for stopping operation in AP mode <NUM> to the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 via the Wi-Fi connection. Receiving the instruction, the communication apparatus <NUM> stops operating in AP mode <NUM>, and restores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those before the operation in AP mode <NUM>.

In step S528, the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> to those before the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection in step S523. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> restores the destination of the Wi-Fi connection of the information processing apparatus <NUM> to that before the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection in step S523 based on the information stored in step S523. If there has been no Wi-Fi connection established before the processing of the present flowchart is performed, the CPU <NUM> simply disconnects the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S529, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 is not found by the search in step S524 (NO in step S525), the CPU <NUM> transmits an instruction for stopping operation in AP mode <NUM> to the communication apparatus <NUM> identified in step S510 via the Wi-Fi connection. Since the communication apparatus <NUM> is not found by the search in step S525, the instruction usually does not reach the communication apparatus <NUM>. However, the instruction can be delivered if the network failure is resolved and the Wi-Fi connection is restored. The instruction in step S529 is transmitted just in case.

In step S530, the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> to those before the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection in step S523. Details of this processing are similar to those of step S528.

In the above described manner, the communication apparatus <NUM> that is the communication target is registered in the printing application. This enables the information processing apparatus <NUM> to transmit a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> that is the communication target afterward.

In the present embodiment, if there is a communication apparatus <NUM> on the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs (YES in step S504), the information processing apparatus <NUM> registers the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application by using only Wi-Fi communication without using a Bluetooth® Low Energy communication. Meanwhile, in a case where there is no communication apparatus <NUM> on the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs (NO in step S504), the information processing apparatus <NUM> registers a communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application by Wi-Fi communication performed via Bluetooth® Low Energy communication.

With the above described configuration, the information processing apparatus <NUM> can quickly register the communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application in a case where there is a communication apparatus <NUM> on the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs (YES in step S504). Even if there is no communication apparatus <NUM> on the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs (NO in step S504), the information processing apparatus <NUM> can register a communication apparatus <NUM> in the printing application by using Bluetooth® Low Energy.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure that the communication apparatus <NUM> performs in the registration processing according to the present embodiment. For example, the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is implemented by the CPU <NUM> reading a program stored in the ROM <NUM> or an external storage device (not illustrated) included in the communication apparatus <NUM> into the RAM <NUM> and executing the program. The processing illustrated in the present flowchart is started in a state where the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the communication apparatus <NUM> is enabled. The Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the communication apparatus <NUM> is enabled, for example, based on power-on of the communication apparatus <NUM> in a state where the initial settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> have not been completed (product delivery state) or pressing of a predetermined button for the Bluetooth® Low Energy function on the communication apparatus <NUM>. The processing illustrated in the present flowchart is processing in a case where the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> do not belong to the same Wi-Fi network.

In step S601, the CPU <NUM> starts to transmit Bluetooth® Low Energy advertising information by using the short-range wireless communication unit <NUM>.

In step S602, the CPU <NUM> receives a response to the advertising information transmitted in step S601 from the information processing apparatus <NUM>, and thereby establishes a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>.

In step S603, the CPU <NUM> communicates various types of information with the information processing apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> transmits the information about the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> and receives the information about the name of the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S604, the CPU <NUM> performs the pairing processing between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Details of the pairing processing are as described above. The CPU <NUM> manages which apparatus is paired with the communication apparatus <NUM> based on the information about the name of the information processing apparatus <NUM> received in step S603.

In step S605, the CPU <NUM> communicates various types of information with the information processing apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> transmits the first connection information, the second connection information, and the identification information about the communication apparatus <NUM>.

In step S606, the CPU <NUM> operates the communication apparatus <NUM> in AP mode <NUM> based on the instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus <NUM> in step S521. Before operating the communication apparatus <NUM> in AP mode <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> stores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM>.

In step S607, the CPU <NUM> disconnects the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> may omit the processing of step S607 to maintain the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection.

In step S608, the CPU <NUM> establishes a Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> based on the reception of the first connection information from the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S609, the CPU <NUM> responds to the search processing by the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S610, the CPU <NUM> transmits the information about the capabilities of the communication apparatus <NUM> and the serial number of the communication apparatus <NUM> to the information processing apparatus <NUM> via the Wi-Fi connection.

In step S611, the CPU <NUM> receives an instruction for stopping operation in AP mode <NUM> from the information processing apparatus <NUM> via the Wi-Fi connection, and stops operation in AP mode <NUM>. The Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> is thereby disconnected.

In step S612, the CPU <NUM> determines whether to start operation in AP mode <NUM>. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> determines whether an infrastructure connection (connection with an AP) has been established using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band before the start of the operation in AP mode <NUM>. If an infrastructure connection has been established using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band before the start of the operation in AP mode <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines to not start operation in AP mode <NUM>. If no infrastructure connection has been established using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band before the start of the operation in AP mode <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> determines to start operation in AP mode <NUM>. Examples of the case where no infrastructure connection has been established using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band include where an infrastructure connection has been established using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band and where no infrastructure connection has been established at all. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines to start operation in AP mode <NUM> (YES in step S612), the processing proceeds to step S613. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines to not start operation in AP mode <NUM> (NO in step S612), the processing proceeds to step S614.

In step S613, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines to start operation in AP mode <NUM> (YES in step S612), the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those before the operation in AP mode <NUM> based on the information stored in step S606, and allows the communication apparatus <NUM> to start to operate in AP mode <NUM>. Specifically, for example, if the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> before the operation in AP mode <NUM> is where an infrastructure connection is established using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band, the CPU <NUM> initially reestablishes the infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. The CPU <NUM> then starts simultaneous operations by operating the communication apparatus <NUM> in AP mode <NUM> using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. The processing of the present flowchart ends. In the present embodiment, the CPU <NUM> uses not the <NUM>-GHz frequency band but the <NUM>-GHz frequency band in AP mode <NUM> started here, even if the state before the operation in AP mode <NUM> is where no infrastructure connection is established.

In step S614, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines to not start operation in AP mode <NUM> (NO in step S612), the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those before the operation in AP mode <NUM> based on the information stored in step S606. In other words, the CPU <NUM> reestablishes the infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. Here, the CPU <NUM> does not allow the communication apparatus <NUM> to start operation in AP mode <NUM>. The processing of the present flowchart ends.

The CPU <NUM> may perform the processing for restoring the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those prior to the operation in AP mode <NUM> before the determination of step S612, instead of in step S613 or S614.

The reason why the processing of steps S612 to S614 is performed will be described.

In the present embodiment, the communication apparatus <NUM> can perform simultaneous operations. Simultaneous operations refer to performing operations while maintaining an infrastructure connection and a direct connection simultaneously (in parallel). In simultaneous operations, the communication apparatus <NUM> may be connected to respective different apparatuses by the direct connection and the infrastructure connection. In other words, the communication apparatus <NUM> can connect to a plurality of apparatuses in parallel by simultaneous operations.

Communication by the infrastructure connection and communication by the direct connection are performed by using specific frequency bands (specific channels). In each of the communications by the infrastructure connection and the direct connection, the channel to be used for the communication and connection between the apparatuses is initially determined before the communication is started. Concurrent allocation of a plurality of channels to a wireless integrated circuit (IC) chip for communication complicates the configuration of the communicating apparatuses and the processing to be performed by the apparatuses. In performing simultaneous operations, the communication apparatus <NUM> therefore desirably uses the same channel for the communications in the respective modes. In other words, the communication apparatus <NUM> desirably uses a single channel even during simultaneous operations. In the present embodiment, the communication unit <NUM> includes only one wireless IC chip that implements communications on a predetermined channel. The communication apparatus <NUM> does not communicate by using a plurality of channels at a time.

If the communication apparatus <NUM> operates as a group owner or AP, the communication apparatus <NUM> serving as the master station can freely determine the channel to be used for direct connection. By contrast, the channel to be used for infrastructure connection is determined by the apparatus serving as the master station in the infrastructure connection, such as an external AP. In performing simultaneous operations, the communication apparatus <NUM> therefore desirably determines the channel used for infrastructure connection, determined by the external AP, to be the channel used for direct connection.

A function called dynamic frequency selection (DFS) to be described below is applied to direct connections using specific channels among those corresponding to the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. Depending on the apparatus configuration, the presence of the function can preclude the communication apparatus <NUM> from establishing a direct connection using a channel corresponding to the <NUM>-GHz frequency band, or make it undesirable for the communication apparatus <NUM> to establish a direct connection using a channel corresponding to the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. Specifically, for example, the wireless IC chip included in the communication unit <NUM> can be unable or undesirable to operate as a group owner or AP (i.e., master station) using a channel corresponding to the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. DFS will now be described.

An apparatus operating as a group owner or AP, and a master station such as an external AP, execute DFS during communication using a specific frequency band such as the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. DFS is a technique for controlling communication between apparatuses to not affect weather radars. If a specific apparatus such as a weather radar uses a certain frequency, interference waves occur at the certain frequency. The DFS technique switches the frequency (channel) used by the master station within a specific frequency band including the certain frequency. Specifically, if interference waves are detected at the frequency that the master station is using, the master station initially suspends communication in the specific frequency band for a predetermined time (for example, one minute). While the communication is suspended, the communication apparatus <NUM> checks whether a new channel is available after the suspension of the communication is cancelled (whether the frequency corresponding to the channel is used by a specific apparatus such as a weather radar). If the channel is confirmed to be available, the master station cancels the suspension of the communication and resumes communication on the new channel. Detection of interference waves by a master station at the frequency the master station uses for communication means that the master station detects that the frequency the master station is using for communication is used by a specific apparatus such as a weather radar. A technique called transmit power control (TPC) is a technique similar to DFS.

If the communication channel in use is detected to be used by a specific apparatus such as a weather radar, it is the master station in the communication system that controls switching of the communication channel in use. The slave station follows the processing if the communication channel in use is switched by the master station. Specifically, in the infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band, if the external AP switches channels by DFS, the communication apparatus <NUM> follows to switch the channels. DFS and TPC apply to communication in a specific frequency band such as the <NUM>-GHz frequency band and not to communication in frequency bands such as <NUM>-GHz frequency band. The communication apparatus <NUM> will not switch the channel used for communication in the <NUM>-GHz frequency band based on the communication condition of a specific apparatus such as a weather radar. The reason is that specific apparatuses such as a weather radar communicate using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band and not the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. That is, DFS or TPC channel switching occurs when the apparatuses communicate using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. As described above, DFS channel switching occurs between channels corresponding to the <NUM>-GHz frequency band.

Some wireless IC chips support DFS and some do not. If the wireless IC chip used in the communication apparatus <NUM> does not support DFS, the communication apparatus <NUM> is unable to switch the used communication channel by DFS when operating as a master station. The communication apparatus <NUM> using the wireless IC chip not supporting DFS is thus incapable of <NUM>-GHz direct connection. As described above, in simultaneous operations, an infrastructure connection and a direct connection share the same channel. The communication apparatus <NUM> using the wireless IC chip not supporting DFS (communication apparatus <NUM> incapable of <NUM>-GHz direct connection) is therefore unable to perform simultaneous operations if the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is used for the infrastructure connection.

Even if the communication apparatus <NUM> uses a wireless IC chip supporting DFS (capable of <NUM>-GHz direct connection), there is the following issue. As described above, the channel used for the direct connection can be changed by DFS. Meanwhile, as described above, the infrastructure connection and the direct connection share the same channel in simultaneous operations. In addition, the channel used for the infrastructure connection is unable to be determined by the communication apparatus <NUM>. In other words, if the channel used for the direct connection is changed by DFS during simultaneous operations, the channel used for the infrastructure connection is unable to be changed by the communication apparatus <NUM>. As a result, the infrastructure connection and the direct connection can no longer be maintained in parallel since the infrastructure connection and the direct connection can no longer share the same channel.

Under the circumstances, in the present embodiment, the communication apparatus <NUM> will not be operated in AP mode <NUM> (in a state capable of direct connection) if the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> before the operation in AP mode <NUM> is where the infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established. This prevents a direct connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band from being established in a state where an infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established.

With such a configuration, the communication apparatus <NUM>, even in an environment where the communication apparatus <NUM> is unable to be registered in the printing application by using only Wi-Fi communication, can be registered in the printing application by performing Bluetooth® Low Energy communication and then performing Wi-Fi communication. In the present embodiment, the communication apparatus <NUM> automatically operates itself in AP mode <NUM> based on the stop of the operation in AP mode <NUM>. After the registration processing is completed, the communication apparatus <NUM> continues operating in AP mode <NUM>. The information processing apparatus <NUM> can thus establish a direct connection between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> at any timing afterward. In other words, in job transmission processing, the information processing apparatus <NUM> can transmit a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> by using only Wi-Fi communications without using the Bluetooth® Low Energy communication.

In the foregoing description, a direct connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is controlled to not be established in a state where an infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established. However, this is not restrictive. The <NUM>-GHz frequency band includes frequency bands to which DFS (or TPC) is applied and ones to which DFS (or TPC) is not applied. For example, simultaneous operations may be controlled to not be performed in a state where an infrastructure connection using a DFS-applied frequency band in the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established. Specifically, for example, in step S612, the CPU <NUM> may determine whether an infrastructure connection (connection with an AP) has been established by using a DFS-applied frequency band in the <NUM>-GHz frequency band before the operation in AP mode <NUM> is started.

Moreover, for example, even if the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> before the operation in AP mode <NUM> is where an infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established, the communication apparatus <NUM> may operate in a state capable of direct connection. Specifically, for example, to give higher priority to operating the communication apparatus <NUM> in a state capable of direct connection, the communication apparatus <NUM> may remain unrestored to its state before the operation in AP mode <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of job transmission processing performed by the information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment. For example, the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is implemented by the CPU <NUM> reading the printing application stored in the ROM <NUM> or the external storage device <NUM> into the RAM <NUM> and executing the printing application. The flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is started after the completion of the registration processing of the communication apparatus <NUM> and in a state where the printing application is running.

In step S701, the CPU <NUM> accepts selection of image data to be printed from the user on an image data selection screen illustrated in <FIG>.

In step S702, the CPU <NUM> accepts pressing of a print button displayed by the printing application from the user. The print button may be displayed on the image data selection screen illustrated in <FIG>. The print button may be displayed on a screen illustrated in <FIG>, which is displayed after the selection of the image data and displays the selected image data. The print button may be displayed on both the screens.

In step S703, the CPU <NUM> searches the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs for the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application by using the serial number obtained during the registration processing. As described above, the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs refers to the network formed by the external AP that the information processing apparatus <NUM> is in Wi-Fi connection with. In other words, for example, the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is searched for from among apparatuses in Wi-Fi connection with the external AP that the information processing apparatus <NUM> is in Wi-Fi connection with. The search may be performed by using other identification information about the communication apparatus <NUM>, such as a MAC address and a Bonjour name, instead of the serial number. The search may use identification information obtained by Bluetooth® Low Energy in step S512, or identification information obtained by Wi-Fi in step S526.

In step S704, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is found by the search in step S703. The determination in this determination processing corresponds to a determination whether the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is connected to the external AP that the information processing apparatus <NUM> is in Wi-Fi connection with. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is found by the search in step S703 (YES in step S704), the processing proceeds to step S705. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is not found by the search in step S703 (NO in step S704), the processing proceeds to step S706.

In step S705, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is found by the search in step S703 (YES in step S704), the CPU <NUM> transmits a print job to the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application via the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs. The print job transmitted by the CPU <NUM> is a job for causing the communication apparatus <NUM> to print the image data selected in step S701. The processing of the present flowchart ends.

In step S706, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application is not found by the search in step S703 (NO in step S704), the CPU <NUM> determines whether the communication apparatus <NUM> is registered in the printing application by the registration processing (processing after the determination of NO in step S504) using Bluetooth® Low Energy. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> is registered in the printing application by the registration processing (YES in step S706), the processing proceeds to step S707. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the communication apparatus <NUM> is not registered in the printing application by the registration processing (NO in step S706), the processing of the present flowchart ends.

In step S707, the CPU <NUM> executes attempting processing for attempting to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> that is registered in the printing application and operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> by using the second connection information obtained in step S520. Before executing the attempting processing, the CPU <NUM> stores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> prior to the execution of the attempting processing. In the present embodiment, if the information about the capabilities is obtained via a Wi-Fi connection established by Bluetooth® Low Energy communication, the CPU <NUM> thus executes the attempting processing. Meanwhile, if the information about the capabilities is obtained via a Wi-Fi connection established without Bluetooth® Low Energy communication, the CPU <NUM> does not execute the attempting processing. The reason is that if the CPU <NUM> obtains the information about the capabilities via the Wi-Fi connection established without Bluetooth® Low Energy communication, neither the first connection information nor the second connection information is obtained. Examples of the case where the information about the capabilities is obtained via the Wi-Fi connection established without Bluetooth® Low Energy communication include where the communication apparatus <NUM> is registered in step S506. In the foregoing description, the attempting processing is executed by using the second connection information obtained in step S520. However, this is not restrictive. For example, the attempting processing may be executed by using second connection information obtained from the communication apparatus <NUM> at different timing or executed by using second connection information manually input to the information processing apparatus <NUM> by the user.

In step S708, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the connection is successfully established in step S707. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is successfully established in step S707 (YES in step S708), the processing proceeds to step S709. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is not successfully established in step S707 (NO in step S708), the processing proceeds to step S712. Examples of the case where the connection fails to be established despite the execution of the registration processing illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> will be described. An example is where the communication apparatus <NUM> establishes an infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band and does not start to operate in AP mode <NUM> (NO in step S612). Another example is where the communication apparatus <NUM> starts to operate in AP mode <NUM> by the processing of step S613 and then stops operating in AP mode <NUM> based on user operations on the communication apparatus <NUM>.

In step S709, in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is successfully established in step S707 (YES in step S708), the CPU <NUM> transmits the print job for printing the image data selected in step S701 to the communication apparatus <NUM> that is registered in the printing application and operating in AP mode <NUM> via the Wi-Fi connection.

In step S710, the CPU <NUM> disconnects the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> that is registered in the printing application and operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S711, the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> to those before the execution of the attempting processing based on the information stored in step S707. The processing of the present flowchart ends. In step S712, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is not successfully established in step S707 (NO in step S708), the CPU <NUM> attempts to establish a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application and the information processing apparatus <NUM> by using the advertising information obtained in step S509. Specifically, the CPU <NUM> starts to receive advertising information, and attempts to identify the advertising information obtained in step S509 in the received advertising information. If the advertising information obtained in step S509 is successfully identified, the CPU <NUM> successfully establishes a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection by transmitting a response to the identified advertising information.

In step S713, the CPU <NUM> determines whether the connection is successfully established in step S712. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is successfully established in step S712 (YES in step S713), the processing proceeds to step S714. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is not successfully established in step S712 (NO in step S713), the processing of the present flowchart ends.

In step S714, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that the connection is successfully established in step S712 (YES in step S713), the CPU <NUM> transmits an instruction for operating the communication apparatus <NUM> in AP mode <NUM> (instruction to enter AP mode <NUM>) to the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The communication apparatus <NUM> thereby starts to operate in AP mode <NUM>.

In step S715, the CPU <NUM> disconnects the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Before disconnecting the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection, the CPU <NUM> may obtain the first connection information from the communication apparatus <NUM> via the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection. The CPU <NUM> may omit the processing of step S715 to maintain the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection.

In step S716, the CPU <NUM> establishes a Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> by using the first connection information obtained in step S520 or S715. Before establishing the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the CPU <NUM> stores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> prior to the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection. Examples of the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> include a setting about the Wi-Fi connection state of the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S717, the CPU <NUM> transmits the print job for printing the image data selected in step S701 to the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> via the Wi-Fi connection.

In step S718, the CPU <NUM> transmits an instruction for stopping operation in AP mode <NUM> to the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> via the Wi-Fi connection. Receiving the instruction, the communication apparatus <NUM> stops operating in AP mode <NUM>, and restores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those before the operation in AP mode <NUM>.

In step S719, the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM> to those before the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> based on the information stored in step S716. The processing of the present flowchart ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, if a job transmission instruction is accepted, the information processing apparatus <NUM> does not immediately attempt a handover but attempts a method for transmitting the job without a handover. Specifically, if a job transmission instruction is accepted, the information processing apparatus <NUM> attempts to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> that is registered in the printing application and operating in AP mode <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> before performing a handover. If the job transmission instruction is accepted, the information processing apparatus <NUM> also determines the presence or absence of the communication apparatus <NUM> registered in the printing application on the Wi-Fi network to which the information processing apparatus <NUM> belongs before performing a handover.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus <NUM>, if in a state where a job can be transmitted without a handover, quickly transmits the job by performing only Wi-Fi communication without performing a handover (i.e., without using Bluetooth® Low Energy communication). Meanwhile, if in a state where a job can only be transmitted after a handover, the information processing apparatus <NUM> transmits the job by performing a handover (i.e., by using Bluetooth® Low Energy communication). In such a manner, if the information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment is instructed to transmit a job by the user, the information processing apparatus <NUM> appropriately controls whether to transmit the job by performing Bluetooth® Low Energy communication and then performing Wi-Fi communication or transmit the job by performing only Wi-Fi communication without Bluetooth® Low Energy communication. In other words, in the configuration where a job is transmitted by a handover, the information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment can transmit the job more appropriately.

In the foregoing description, a print job for causing the communication apparatus <NUM> to perform printing is transmitted. However, this is not restrictive. For example, a scan job for causing the communication apparatus <NUM> to perform scanning may be transmitted. In such a case, the CPU <NUM> receives scan data obtained by the communication apparatus <NUM> performing scanning via the Wi-Fi connection, and then restores the Wi-Fi settings of the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In the foregoing description, in a case where a job transmission instruction from the user is accepted in step S702, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the search processing in step S703 and then performs the attempting processing in step S707. However, this is not restrictive. For example, in a case where a job transmission instruction from the user is accepted in step S702, the information processing apparatus <NUM> may perform the attempting processing of step S707 before performing the search processing of step S703. In such a configuration, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the search processing of step S703 in a case where the attempting processing of step S707 fails. In a case where the communication apparatus <NUM> is not found by the search processing in step S703, the information processing apparatus <NUM> then performs a handover that is the processing of step S712 and the subsequent steps. Alternatively, for example, the information processing apparatus <NUM> may omit the search processing of step S703. In such a configuration, in a case where a job transmission instruction from the user is accepted in step S702, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the attempting processing of step S707 without the search processing of step S703. In a case where the attempting processing of step S707 fails, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs a handover that is the processing of step S712 and the subsequent steps, without the search processing in step S703.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing performed by the communication apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment. For example, the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is implemented by the CPU <NUM> reading a program stored in the ROM <NUM> or the external storage device (not illustrated) included in the communication apparatus <NUM> into the RAM <NUM> and executing the program. The processing illustrated in the present flowchart is started in a state where the Bluetooth® Low Energy function of the communication apparatus <NUM> is enabled. The processing illustrated in the present flowchart is print processing in a case where the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> do not belong to the same Wi-Fi network and the communication apparatus <NUM> is not operating in AP mode <NUM>.

In step S801, the CPU <NUM> establishes a Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM> by receiving a response to the advertising information transmitted by the communication apparatus <NUM> from the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S802, the CPU <NUM> operates the communication apparatus <NUM> in AP mode <NUM> based on the instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus <NUM> in step S714.

In step S803, the CPU <NUM> disconnects the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection between the information processing apparatus <NUM> and the communication apparatus <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> may omit the processing of step S803 to maintain the Bluetooth® Low Energy connection.

In step S804, the CPU <NUM> establishes a Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> based on reception of the first connection information from the information processing apparatus <NUM>.

In step S805, the CPU <NUM> performs printing based on the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus <NUM> in step S717.

In step S806, the CPU <NUM> stops operating in AP mode <NUM> by receiving an instruction for stopping operation in AP mode <NUM> from the information processing apparatus <NUM> via the Wi-Fi connection. The Wi-Fi connection between the communication apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> is thereby disconnected. The processing of step S806 and the subsequent steps may be performed after the communication apparatus <NUM> receives the print job from the information processing apparatus <NUM>, e.g., before the completion of the printing based on the print job.

In step S807, the CPU <NUM> determines whether to start operation in AP mode <NUM>. Details of this processing are similar to those of step S612. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that operation is started in AP mode <NUM> (YES in step S807), the processing proceeds to step S808. In a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that operation is not started in AP mode <NUM> (NO in step S807), the processing proceeds to step S809.

In step S808, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that operation is started in AP mode <NUM> (YES in step S807), the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those before the operation in AP mode <NUM>, and causes the communication apparatus <NUM> to start operation in AP mode <NUM> using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band.

In step S809, which is performed in a case where the CPU <NUM> determines that operation is not started in AP mode <NUM> (NO in step S807), the CPU <NUM> restores the Wi-Fi settings of the communication apparatus <NUM> to those before the operation in AP mode <NUM>. In other words, the CPU <NUM> reestablishes the infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. Here, the CPU <NUM> does not allow the communication apparatus <NUM> to start operation in AP mode <NUM>. The processing of the present flowchart ends.

With the foregoing configuration, the communication apparatus <NUM> can receive the job from the information processing apparatus <NUM> by performing Bluetooth® Low Energy communication and then performing Wi-Fi communication, even in an environment where a job is unable to be received from the information processing apparatus <NUM> by using only Wi-Fi communication. After the reception of the job from the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the communication apparatus <NUM> automatically operates itself in AP mode <NUM>. The communication apparatus <NUM> can thereby construct an environment where a job can be received from the information processing apparatus <NUM> by using only Wi-Fi communication. In other words, on the next job transmission, the information processing apparatus <NUM> can transmit a job to the communication apparatus <NUM> by using only Wi-Fi communication without using Bluetooth® Low Energy communication.

For example, simultaneous controls may be controlled to not be performed in a state where an infrastructure connection is established using a DFS-applied frequency band in the <NUM>-GHz frequency band. Specifically, for example, the CPU <NUM> may determine in step S807 whether an infrastructure connection (connection with an AP) using a DFS-applied frequency band in the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established before starting operation in AP mode <NUM>.

In addition, for example, if the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> before operation in AP mode <NUM> is where an infrastructure connection using the <NUM>-GHz frequency band is established, the communication apparatus <NUM> may be operated in a state capable of direct connection. Specifically, for example, to give higher priority to the operation of the communication apparatus <NUM> in the state capable of direct connection, the communication apparatus <NUM> may be left unrestored to the state of the communication apparatus <NUM> before the operation in AP mode <NUM>.

An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by processing for supplying a program for implementing one or more functions of the foregoing embodiment to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and reading and executing the program by one or more processors of a computer in the system or apparatus. A circuit for implementing one or more functions (for example, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) may be used for implementation.

Claim 1:
A control method of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating using a first communication method and communicating using a second communication method, the control method comprising:
performing (S503) a search for a communication apparatus (<NUM>) on a network using the first communication method, the search being for a communication apparatus capable of communication using an application of the information processing apparatus;
performing (S520), by using the second communication method, predetermined communication for obtaining predetermined connection information for establishing a connection with the communication apparatus using the first communication method, based on not finding the communication apparatus on the network in the performed search; and
obtaining (S526) information about a capability of the communication apparatus via the connection with the communication apparatus using the first communication method and registering in the application the communication apparatus and the obtained information about the capability,
wherein in the event that the predetermined communication is performed, the connection is established based on the predetermined connection information obtained by the predetermined communication, the method further comprising:
accepting (S702), by the application and after obtaining the information about the capability of the communication apparatus, a communication instruction from a user for communicating predetermined data; and
after the communication instruction is accepted, performing (S703) a second search processing for searching for the communication apparatus on the network,
wherein in a case where the communication apparatus is found by the second search processing, the predetermined data is communicated with the communication apparatus via the network using the first communication method.