Access Point Connection Control via Preliminary Search and Intermediary Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting communication apparatuses and access points lack user-friendliness, particularly in transmitting connection information effectively.

Innovation Solution

A control method and apparatus that acquire a search result for access points, attempt connections with multiple access points, and transmit connection information for a successfully established access point, improving user-friendliness by automatically switching between access points if the initial connection fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connection information for a single access point is transmitted to the communication apparatus, then the connection setup process is simple, but the connection may fail if the access point is unavailable or incompatible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus performs preliminary actions by acquiring search results for multiple access points and preparing connection information for several candidates before the communication apparatus attempts connection. This allows the system to have backup options ready, improving reliability without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the communication apparatus and multiple access points. It acquires search results, determines connection information for multiple access points, and transmits this information to the communication apparatus, which then autonomously attempts connections. This intermediary role simplifies the overall process while enabling reliable connection through multiple candidates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the communication apparatus autonomously attempts connection to multiple access points, then the user-friendliness is improved, but the time required for connection setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidconnection setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication apparatus is enabled to autonomously attempt connections to multiple access points using the connection information provided by the information processing apparatus. This self-service capability improves user-friendliness by eliminating the need for manual intervention when connection failures occur, while the pre-prepared multiple candidates help minimize the time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If connection information for multiple access points is transmitted, then the reliability of connection establishment is improved, but the amount of information transmitted increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidamount of connection information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus extracts and transmits only the necessary connection information for multiple access points to the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus then autonomously processes this information and attempts connections without requiring additional control data from the information processing apparatus, thereby reducing the overall amount of information that needs to be transmitted while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20230138231A1Control method, information processing apparatus, and computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.05.04 CANON KK

AI summary

A control method for an information processing apparatus connectable with a communication apparatus and an access point is provided. The method comprises acquiring a first search result acquired via a search for access points performed by the communication apparatus or the information processing apparatus; attempting to establish a connection between a first access point, from access points and the information processing apparatus; attempting to establish a connection between a second access point, from the access points, to which the information processing apparatus has not attempted to establish a connection with, in a case in which establishing a connection with the first access point fails; and transmitting, to the communication apparatus, connection information for connecting to an access point corresponding to the connection established successfully.