Wireless Access Point Selection via Stored History for Stealth Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network setting methods for devices, such as printing apparatuses, often require users to manually input network settings or search for access points, which can be inconvenient, especially when trying to connect to a regularly used access point with a stealth function set to valid, as these points are not easily displayed as connection candidates.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that selectively displays access points previously connected to it, allowing users to easily select and set a connection destination, even for access points with a stealth function set to valid, by storing and managing connection history and using this information to facilitate direct wireless communication with connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device searches for access points around it and displays them as connection candidates, then the device can find available networks, but access points with stealth function set to valid cannot be easily displayed or found
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus stores access point information in advance, including stealth access points that would not be discoverable through normal scanning. When setting up the device, the system retrieves pre-stored access point information rather than relying solely on real-time scanning, enabling users to connect to stealth access points without needing to detect them first.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual network setting input is required, then network configuration can be customized, but user convenience is reduced and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies access point information from the information processing apparatus to the device, including connection credentials and configuration parameters. This allows automatic population of network settings fields, eliminating the need for users to manually input complex network parameters while maintaining the ability to customize settings when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the information processing apparatus displays all accessible access points, then users have complete options, but users may be overwhelmed by too many choices including stealth access points
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different display characteristics to different types of access points in the connection candidate list. Stealth access points are displayed with distinct visual indicators or formatting compared to regular access points, allowing users to identify and select stealth networks without being overwhelmed by uniform presentation of all options.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is configured to acquire the history of access points previously connected to the information processing apparatus and to enable selection, based on the acquired history, an access point to be set for a device. Based on information on an access point selected from the displayed access points, the information processing apparatus notifies the device of a setting for connection to the selected access point.