Access Point Search Prioritization for Multi-Link Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulty in identifying a desirable access point from a list of search results, especially when multiple access points are present, particularly in environments where Multi-Link communication is available.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that prioritizes the display of access points compatible with a predetermined communication standard, such as IEEE 802.11be, by sorting and displaying them preferentially over non-compatible access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a list of all searched access points is displayed, then the user can see all available options, but it becomes difficult for the user to find a desirable access point when there are many surrounding access points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay completenessVSAvoidaccess point selection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access point list is segmented into multiple categories based on communication standard compatibility (e.g., IEEE 802.11be compatible vs. non-compatible). This segmentation allows users to quickly identify and select from relevant categories rather than searching through an undifferentiated list of all access points, thereby maintaining display completeness while improving selection ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the display are assigned different qualities or characteristics based on access point compatibility. Access points compatible with the predetermined communication standard are highlighted or placed in a distinct section with visual differentiation, allowing users to quickly locate desirable access points without losing visibility of other options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If access points are sorted by compatibility with predetermined function, then compatible access points are displayed in preference, but the display structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point list is segmented into multiple categories based on communication standard compatibility (e.g., IEEE 802.11be compatible vs. non-compatible). This segmentation allows users to quickly identify and select from relevant categories rather than searching through an undifferentiated list of all access points, thereby maintaining display completeness while improving selection ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the display are assigned different qualities or characteristics based on access point compatibility. Access points compatible with the predetermined communication standard are highlighted or placed in a distinct section with visual differentiation, allowing users to quickly locate desirable access points without losing visibility of other options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250254610A1Information processing apparatus and method, and storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus searches for an access point, displays a search result on a display unit, wherein control is performed to, as part of displaying the search result, display access point information of an access point that has been searched for, and control is performed to display, in a case where a plurality of access points have been searched for, access point information of an access point that is compatible with a predetermined function complying with a communication standard as the search result in preference to access point information of an access point that is not compatible with the predetermined function.