Access Point Service Search Signal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices with wireless LAN access point functions face confusion when searching for specific service-providing devices, as existing protocols often transmit service search signals to all connected devices, presenting unnecessary options.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus is designed to operate as an access point, featuring a transfer unit, transmission unit, and control unit that inhibit the transfer of service search signals to devices other than the intended service provider, ensuring only the desired service provider's information is relayed to the requesting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a service search request signal is multicasted to all devices on the network, then all service providing devices can be discovered, but unnecessary devices are also displayed causing user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different groups based on operational roles (access point group vs. client group). The access point transmits service search request signals only to devices in the client group, not to other access points. This segmentation prevents unnecessary devices from being displayed while maintaining complete service discovery within the intended group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the signal transmission behavior different for different device groups. Access points receive and process service search request signals differently from clients - they filter out requests intended for other access points and only respond to requests from clients. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing targeted service discovery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all devices operate as both client and access point, then device functionality is enhanced, but service search signal routing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where devices can switch between client and access point modes. When a device operates as an access point, it dynamically changes its signal handling behavior - transmitting service search request signals only to client groups and filtering out signals intended for other access points. This dynamic adaptation simplifies routing complexity while maintaining versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where access points act as mediators between clients and the network. Access points receive service search request signals from clients, filter them based on the access point group identifier, and selectively transmit or respond. This intermediary role simplifies the overall routing complexity by centralizing the filtering logic at access points rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer routing among all devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus operating as an access point on a network receives a signal transmitted by a communication apparatus on the network, transfers the signal to another communication apparatus on the network, and transmits, in response to a request signal, a response signal containing function information of the communication apparatus operating as the access point to a transmission source communication apparatus of the request signal on the network, which has transmitted the request signal. The communication apparatus controls transfer so that the transmission source communication apparatus of the request signal receives no response signal from a communication apparatus other than the communication apparatus operating as the access point on the network.