System and method for setting up peripheral device for use on wireless network

The present invention relates to systems and methods for setting up peripherals for use in wireless networks.

Many devices are configured for wireless communication. In recent years, peripheral devices capable of wireless communication have been developed. For example, printing devices have been developed that are configured to receive print data over a wireless network. In such a scenario, the printing device can communicate directly with the host device or via a suitable access point such as a wireless router.

Peripherals must be set up for such applications in advance before they can be used in wireless networks. The process typically involves identifying the network to which the device is connected and providing any security information, such as an encrypted passcode, needed to access the network.

The current setup procedure uses a software program that resides on the customer's personal computer (PC) and is configured for use by peripherals in wireless networks. If the PC cannot communicate wirelessly with the peripheral until the device is set up for wireless communication, in that procedure the customer connects the peripheral to the PC or the wired network to which the PC is connected and provides setup information. It needs to be available to peripheral devices.

<p> The above procedure is disadvantageous for several reasons. First, asking customers to connect communication cables to peripherals creates confusion for many customers who don't understand why they need "wires" to enable "wireless" communication. Second, the procedure is relatively complex, and customers must be relatively proficient in network technology to be able to successfully set up peripherals. In particular, little or no support is provided to the customer regarding the identification of the wireless network or the type of encryption used by the network.</p><p> From the above, it can be understood that it is desirable to provide a simplified procedure for setting up peripherals for use in wireless networks.</p>

<p> Systems and methods for setting up peripherals for use in wireless networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is to automatically identify the available wireless network to the user, thereby allowing the user to select the network to which the peripheral device is connected, identifying, selecting. Automatically determine the type of encryption (if any) used in the wireless network, and instruct the user to enter an appropriate passcode that conforms to the determined encryption type. Includes attempting to connect the peripheral to the selected wireless network before the user exits the setup procedure.</p><p> The systems and methods to be disclosed can be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawing are not necessarily scaled at a constant rate.</p>

As mentioned above, the existing steps to set up peripherals for use in wireless networks are confusing and / or too complex for customers unskilled in wireless network technology. However, as described below, by reducing this confusion and providing peripherals with an onboard wireless setup system that guides the customer through the setup process and at least partially automates the customer's process. Such a customer setup procedure can be simplified. With such a procedure, the customer does not need to connect cables to peripherals, understand much about wireless networks, and do not need to connect devices to such networks. Thus, relatively immature customers can successfully connect their peripherals to the network without much frustration and without much reliance on customer support provided by the peripheral manufacturer.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems and methods for setting up peripherals for use in wireless networks. Although specific embodiments are disclosed, these embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration only to facilitate the disclosed systems and methods.

From this, a system example 100 is shown in FIG. 1, with reference in more detail to a drawing showing the corresponding parts of the same numbers through several figures. As shown in this figure, the system 100 generally includes a peripheral device 102 and a user computer 104 capable of interacting with the peripheral device. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the peripheral device 102 is a printing device. In the rest of the disclosure, the peripheral device 102 will be referred to as the printing device. The printing device 102 can include any device capable of printing a hard copy document. Thus, the printing device 102 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) device capable of performing two or more of printers, photocopiers, facsimile machines, printing, copying, fax transmission / reception, and e-mail transmission / reception, and others. Any such printing apparatus can be included.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the user computer 104 includes a personal computer (PC). Although the PC is shown in FIG. 1 and specifically specified herein, the user computer 104 may be a different type of computer, such as a laptop computer, a MacIntosh computer, or a handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Can include. More generally, the user computer 104 includes any computing device that can communicate with the printing device 102, for example, by wirelessly transmitting print data to the device (eg, in the form of a print job).

As further shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 102 is not connected to the user computer 104, or more specifically to any other device, using a communication cable or other wire. Instead, the printing device 102 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the user computer 104 and / or the wireless access point 106 (after being properly set up). In the present disclosure, the communication between the printing device 102 and the computer 104 or the access point 106 is via a wireless network. Such a network can be a wireless personal area network (WPAN) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) 110. In practice, depending on the nature of the access point 106, the network can include a wireless wide area network (WWAN).

In embodiments where the wireless access point 106 is used, the access point includes a wireless router configured to route wireless communication between the devices, such as between the user computer 104 and the printing device 102. As an example, such communications are via a set of standards that fall within the American Association of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (eg, Bluetooth ) or IEEE 802.11 (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi). be able to.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the wireless access point 106 is connected to a network communication device 108 such as a digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modem. The network communication device 108 is then connected to, for example, a wide area network (WAN) including the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structural example of the printing apparatus 102 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 102 includes a processing apparatus 200, a memory 202, a user interface 204, a printing mechanism 206, and at least one input / output (I / O) apparatus 208. Each of these components is connected to the local interface 210.

The processor 200 is adapted to execute commands stored in memory 202, including general purpose processors, microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and a plurality of appropriately configured digital logic gates. And can include other known electrical configurations consisting of discrete elements that coordinate the overall operation of the printing apparatus 102 individually and in various combinations. Memory 202 includes any one or combination of volatile memory elements (eg, random access memory (RAM)) and non-volatile memory elements (eg, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk, etc.).

The user interface 204 includes tools that allow the user (eg, the customer) to set up the printing device 102 for wireless communication and adjust the device settings. As an example, the user interface 204 comprises one or more function keys or buttons included in the control panel of the device. Such a control panel further comprises a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

The printing mechanism 206 includes components used for printing. The particular nature of these components may vary depending on the particular type of printing apparatus 102 in question. For example, when the printing device 102 is a laser printer, the printing mechanism may include one or more of a photosensitive member, a charging device, a laser scanner, a paper transfer system, and the like.

One or more I / O devices 208 are useful for communication between the printing device 102 and the other device. These I / O devices 208 include at least a wireless (eg, radio frequency (RF)) transmitter / receiver.

The memory 202 includes various programs including an operating system 212 and a wireless setup system 214 used to assist the user in setting up the printing device 102 for use in a wireless network. With this feature, the wireless setup system 214 can be called a wireless setup "wizard". The operation of the wireless setup system 214 will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Various programs (ie, logic) have been described herein. These programs can be stored on any computer-readable medium used or used by any computer-related system or method. In the context of this specification, a computer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that houses or stores a computer program used or used by a computer-related system or method. Is. These programs are used by instruction execution systems, devices, or devices, such as computer-based systems, processors with built-in systems, or other systems that can fetch and execute instructions from instruction execution systems, devices, or devices. , Or any computer-readable medium used in combination.

The system example has been described above, but the operation of the system will be considered from now on. A flow chart is provided in the following discussion. A process step or block in these flow diagrams may represent a module, segment, or code portion containing one or more executable instructions for performing a particular logical function or step within the process. Although specific process step examples will be described, alternative implementations can also be implemented. Further, the steps can be performed in any order, including substantially simultaneous or reverse order, depending on the function involved.

FIG. 3 provides an example of how to set up a peripheral device such as the printing device 102 (FIG. 1) for use in a wireless network. Beginning at block 300, the user (eg, the customer) initiates the wireless setup system 214 (FIG. 2) from the printing device 102. Such a start can be achieved, for example, by selecting the Wireless Setup Wizard option from the appropriate menu displayed on the control panel display of the device. If the wireless setup system 214 resides on the printing device 102 and is run on the printing device 102, there is no need to connect a communication cable to the printing device, which is less confusing to the user.

When the wireless setup system 214 is started, the printing device 102 automatically identifies the available wireless network, as shown in block 302. As described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4, this identification is scanned for accessible wireless networks (ie, wireless networks within range) and presented to the user to select these networks. Can include doing. In such cases, the printer 102 automatically finds a network that the user may want to connect to, thereby simplifying the setup process. The network found can be identified using an appropriate identifier, such as the network name, which, in contrast to requiring the user to remember the appropriate network name and enter it manually. Allows the user to simply select the exact network.

Then, referring to block 304, the user selects a network. For example, the user selects WPAN or WLAN that covers the user's home or office. Upon receiving that selection, the printer 102 must automatically determine the type of encryption used on the selected network (if any) and use it to access the network, as shown in block 306. Tell the user a certain type of passcode (if any). Determining, as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4, can include determining the type of encryption from a signal output from a wireless network (eg, from a wireless access point). Through such a determination, the printing device 102 "recognizes" the passcode in the exact format used for the encryption method in question, and thus indicates to the user, for example, what type of passcode to enter. You can also assist the user in entering the correct passcode by making sure that the string entered is in the proper format.

The user then enters the passcode, as shown in block 308, and the printer 102 attempts to connect to the selected network, as shown in block 310. Since the printing device 102 attempts to connect to the wireless network before leaving the setup process, the user is immediately provided with feedback as to whether or not the printing device was set up correctly. This tells the user that the setup process was successful only when he later tried to communicate with the printer 102 over the wireless network (at this point, the user started the setup process again). The situation (which may need to be done) is avoided.

With reference to decision block 312, the flow from this point depends on whether the connection to the network was successful. If successful, the flow continues to block 316, which will be described later. However, if unsuccessful, the flow continues to block 314, where the printer 102 notifies the user of the connection failure. With such notifications, the user recognizes that something is wrong and therefore should not leave the setup process. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow can then be returned to block 302 and the various networks found are presented to the user again for selection. In particular, the flow can return to other points in the flow diagram of Figure 3, or the user can choose to end the entire setup process.

Returning to block 312, if the connection is successful, the flow continues to block 316 and the printing device 102 notifies the user that the printing device is now available on the selected wireless network. At this point, the setup session flow ends.

4A-4E provide detailed examples of an embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system 214 (FIG. 2) resident in the printing apparatus 102 (FIG. 1). The wireless setup system 214 begins at block 400 in FIG. 4A and is activated by the user. As mentioned above in connection with FIG. 3, such activation or initialization is achieved, for example, by selecting the "Wireless Setup Wizard" option from the appropriate menu displayed on the control panel display of the printer. be able to.

When activated, the wireless setup system 214 scans for wireless networks within range of the printing device 102, as shown in block 402. As an example, this process involves receiving a beacon signal emitted by one or more wireless networks and obtaining information about the network (s) from the signal (s). In such cases, the beacon signal can be transmitted and received by the plurality of wireless access points 106 and / or computers. For example, if the user has set up the printer 102 for use in the user's home wireless network, the wireless setup system 214 will have a beacon signal from a wireless router in the user's network and one or more in the vicinity of the user. It can receive one or more other beacon signals from the wireless network.

With reference to the decision block 404, if the wireless network is not found, the flow continues to block 450 in Figure 4D below. On the other hand, if one or more wireless networks are found, the flow follows block 406 and the wireless setup system 214 presents the user to select one or more network identifiers. Network identifiers usually include names that distinguish the networks from each other. As an example, network identifiers include service set identifiers (SSIDs) assigned to the various networks found. Such an identifier can communicate with the wireless setup system 214 in the information contained in the beacon signal emitted by the network.

The various identifiers can be presented to the user on the appropriate interface screen shown on the control panel display. For example, the identifier can simply be provided in a list that allows the user to select a valid (eg, the user's own) network using the keys or buttons on the control panel of the printer. In such cases, the selection is entered by pressing one or more buttons until the desired network is highlighted or otherwise identified, and then pressing the "Select" or "Enter" button. Can be done. Alternatively, if the control panel includes a touch-sensitive screen, the user can simply press and select the desired network. Regardless of how the selection is entered, the wireless setup system 214 receives the user network selection as shown in block 408.

If the network that the user wants to select is not found and therefore not presented to the user for selection, the user's selection may not include the presented network selection. For example, the user can select a "new" wireless network that was not found. Such a scenario can occur, for example, if the desired network is configured so that it does not emit a beacon signal (eg, as a security measure). Therefore, referring to judgment block 410, if the user does not select the presented network, the flow diagram follows block 450 in FIG. 4D, which will be described later.

For the time being, assuming the user selects the network found and is therefore presented by the wireless setup system 214, the flow continues to block 412 in Figure 4A, whether the system uses encryption on the selected network or not. To judge. As an example, this determination is made from the information provided in the beacon signal received by system 214. Referring to judgment block 414, if encryption is not used in the wireless network of the user's choice, the flow follows block 428 in FIG. 4B, which will be described later. However, if encryption is used, the flow follows decision block 416 in Figure 4B, where the wireless setup system 214 determines if the encryption type is one supported by the system. If not supported, the printer 102 cannot be used in a wireless network as long as the type of encryption used is active. In such a case, the flow follows block 446 in Figure 4D, where the top-level wireless network menu for printer 102 is presented to the user (for example, the same menu that the user activated the wireless setup system in block 400). ). At that point, the current setup session flow ends.

Returning to block 416 in Figure 4B, if the encryption type associated with the selected wireless network is supported, the flow follows block 418, and the wireless setup system 214 automatically determines the encryption type. Again, this determination can be made with reference to the information provided in the beacon signal. With such automatic determination, the user does not need to know what type of encryption is used by the selected network, and thus does not need to tell. Once the encryption type is identified, the wireless setup system 214 can present the user with an interface screen for entering a passcode based on the identified encryption type, as shown in block 420. .. In other words, the system 214 can present an interface that instructs the user to enter the passcode of the specific encryption type required by the encryption type system. For example, the network is WEP (wired equivalency) When using privacy (wired equivalent privacy) encryption, System 214 can instruct the user to enter a WEP passcode. As another example, if the network uses WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) encryption, System 214 can instruct the user to enter a WPA passcode. As is known in the art, each encryption can specify a different passcode format. For example, a WEP encryption system requires you to enter 5 alphanumeric characters or 10 hexadecimal numbers for 40-bit encryption, and 13 alphanumeric characters or 26 hexadecimal numbers for 128-bit encryption. The WPA encryption system requires a passkey with a length of 8 to 63 alphanumeric characters. Regardless of the type of encryption used and the type of passcode required, system 214 may present a virtual keypad to the control panel display to assist in entering the passcode. In such cases, the user can move back and forth between virtual keys, for example, using buttons on the control panel of the device.

When the user enters his or her passcode and signals completion (eg, by pressing the "Enter" button or equivalent), the wireless setup system 214 receives the passcode, as shown in block 422. At this point, system 214 determines if the passcode is in the correct format, as shown in determination block 424. Specifically, system 214 automatically identifies the type of encryption and essentially "recognizes" the exact format of the passcode used for that type of encryption, so the passcode entered. Can be determined whether is compliant or non-compliant. If the passcode is not in the correct format (it is non-compliant), the flow continues to block 426, where system 214 notifies the user about this and provides the user with guidance on the correct passcode format. For example, the system 214 presents a screen on the control panel display explaining the required number of characters, the type of required number of characters (eg, alphanumeric characters or hexadecimal numbers), and the like. The flow can then return to block 420 as described above, giving the user the opportunity to re-enter the passcode. By operating in this way, the wireless setup system 214 assists users who may not have experience with wireless networks in entering a valid passcode.

Assuming that the passcode entered is in the correct format (on the first or subsequent attempt), the flow follows block 428, instructing the user to confirm the choices the user has made up to this point. For example, the selected network identifier and the entered passcode are presented to the user on the screen of the control panel display for review before attempting a connection. Next, referring to the judgment block 430 in FIG. 4C, the flow depends on whether or not the user confirms (that is, approves) the setting. If not confirmed, the flow returns to block 406 in FIG. 4A in this embodiment and is presented again to the user to select the various networks found. By operating in this way, the system 214 provides the user with the opportunity to change one or both of the selected network and the entered passcode.

Assuming the user confirms the settings, the flow follows block 432 in FIG. 4C, where the wireless setup system 214 determines if the communication cable is connected to the printing device 102. This step is optional and this performance depends on whether the printer can connect to a wireless network while still connected to a wired (eg Ethernet®) network. obtain. If this step is taken, the flow from this point depends on whether such a cable is connected (judgment block 434). If connected, instruct the user to disconnect the cable from the printer 102, as shown in block 436, and system 214 later (for example, after the user indicates that the cable has been disconnected), cable. Can be checked to see if is still connected (block 432). However, if such a cable is not connected, the flow continues to block 438 below, and the wireless setup system 214 begins trying to connect the printing device 102 to the selected wireless network, as shown in block 438.

Attempts to connect to a wireless network can take seconds to minutes. Generally, if the connection is not realized after a given amount of time, the connection attempt timed out and is considered a failure. With reference to decision block 440, if the connection is unsuccessful (ie, the connection is not realized within a predetermined amount of time), the flow follows block 442 and system 214 informs the user of the error status. As an example, failure can occur because the passcode entered by the user (eg, WEP or WPA passkey) is invalid for a given wireless network. In some embodiments, it is possible to convey to the user an error message that the passcode entered is incorrect in these situations. As mentioned above in connection with Figure 3, such error messages notify the user during the setup process that the setup was unsuccessful, for example due to incorrect selected settings. The user then has the opportunity to correct the setup error during the setup procedure, rather than knowing that the setup was successful only when the user later tried to use the printer 102 over the wireless network. Can be provided.

The flow then follows decision block 444 in Figure 4D, which gives the user the option to cancel the setup process. If the user wishes to cancel the process, the flow continues to block 446, the top level wireless network menu is presented to the user, and the current session flow ends. However, if cancellation is not desired, the flow can be returned to block 428 in Figure 4B, which allows the user to check the settings selected by the user during the setup process. According to the flow described above, if the user does not confirm the settings (for example, admits an error), the flow returns to block 406 in Figure 4A to reselect the wireless network and / or enter the passcode. It can provide the user with an opportunity to fix it.

Returning to decision block 440 in Figure 4C, if the connection is successful, the flow follows block 448 in Figure 4D, where the wireless setup system 214 tells the user success. The reported success can be the successful configuration of the printing device 102 until it is used in a wireless network, for example, in the signal strength graph presented on the control panel display. In situations where the signal strength is relatively weak, the system 214 can optionally recommend that the user place the printing device 102 closer to the access point to improve the signal strength.

Revisiting decision blocks 404 and 410 in Figure 4A, if the wireless network is not found during the scan (block 402), or if the user enters a "new" wireless network that was not presented to the user for selection. The flow continues to block 450 in Figure 4D. In that block, the wireless setup system 214 presents the user with an interface screen for entering a network identifier that identifies the wireless network to which the user wants to connect the printing device 102. As an example, the user can enter the SSID of the network.

When that input is made, system 214 receives a network identifier, as shown in block 452. In some embodiments, system 214 assesses the entered network identifier. For example, system 214 can assess the network identifier to determine if it is unique. If System 214 determines that the identifier is not unique because it contains industry common defaults such as "linsys", "dlink", or "hpsetup", it warns the user about the security risks posed by the selected identifier and the user. Can be advised to choose a unique identifier.

At this point, as shown in block 454, the wireless setup system 214 scans for the network entered by the user. The flow then follows decision block 456 in Figure 4E, where system 214 determines if the input network was found by scanning. In some embodiments, system 214 also assesses the network identifier to determine if there are duplicate access points broadcasting the identifier within range. In such cases, system 214 also warns the user about possible problems (including possible security problems) that may occur in such scenarios and prompts the user to choose a different network identifier. I can recommend it.

If the entered network is found in the scan, the flow continues to block 412 in Figure 4A, and system 214 determines if encryption is being used on that network (see discussion above). However, if not found, the user must manually describe the network to system 214. Thus, system 214 can instruct the user to choose either an "infrastructure" network configuration or an "ad hoc" network configuration, depending on the particular configuration of the network to which the user wants to connect the printing device 102. The distinction between infrastructure and ad hoc is to assist users in entering passcodes from a passcode perspective, given that the network configuration in question determines the types of encryption that can be used. It is important from the point of view.

When a user selection is entered, system 214 receives the selection, as shown in block 460, and then, as shown in block 462, the type of encryption for that network, if encryption is used. Can be instructed to select. The user response is then received, as shown in block 464. The flow from this point depends on whether encryption is being used. If encryption is used, the flow follows block 420 in Figure 4B, where the user is instructed to enter the appropriate passcode. On the other hand, if encryption is not used (ie, the user indicated this in their own response), the flow continues to block 428 in Figure 4B, with system 214 in the selected configuration (ie, the selected wireless network). ) Is instructed to confirm. The flow then continues as described above, depending on the point at which the flow returns.

In some embodiments, the setup of printing apparatus 102 can be automated in whole or in part for the user. For example, if various settings and configuration information are included in, for example, a file stored in a portable mass storage device, the setup process may be automatically performed for the user. FIG. 5 shows the operation of the wireless setup system 214 (Fig. 2) in such a case.

The wireless setup system 214 starts at block 500 and detects the connection of the storage device to the printing device 102 (FIG. 1). Examples of storage devices include portable solid-state large-capacity memory devices such as flash drives or flash cards. When a storage connection is detected, does system 214 include a configuration file that can be used to read the storage and configure the printing device for use in a wireless network, as shown in block 502? Judge whether or not. As an example, such a file can include a WSETTING.WFC file formatted according to a standard developed by Microsoft Corporation.

With reference to determination block 504, the flow depends on whether such a configuration file is contained in the storage device. If not included, the setup of printing device 102 must be achieved in another way, for example using the process described in connection with FIGS. 4A-4E. However, if included, the flow follows block 504, and system 214 automatically configures the printer 102 for wireless communication according to the configuration settings specified in the configuration file. At that point, the flow follows block 438 in Figure 4C, where an attempt is made to connect to a wireless network.

<figref num="1">FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system in which peripheral devices can be set up for use in a wireless network.</figref><figref num="2">It is a block diagram of one Embodiment of the peripheral device shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="3">It is a flow chart which shows one Embodiment of the method of setting up a peripheral device for use in a wireless network.</figref><figref num="4A">It is a flow chart which shows one Embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="4B">It is a flow chart which shows one Embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="4C">It is a flow chart which shows one Embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="4D">It is a flow chart which shows one Embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="4E">It is a flow chart which shows one Embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a further embodiment of the operation of the wireless setup system shown in FIG.</figref>

Code description

100 ... System, 102 ... Peripheral device, 104 ... User computer, 110 ... Wide area network, 200 ... Processing device, 202 ... Memory, 204 ... User interface, 206 ... Print mechanism, 208 I / O device, 210 Local interface, 212 Operating system, 214 Wireless setup system,