Ad Hoc Network Parameter Configuration via Role Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ad hoc networks with an unspecified number of participating devices, existing methods fail to automatically configure communication parameters, leading to difficulties in establishing and managing wireless LAN connections, especially with devices having inadequate operation systems like printers or cameras.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that determine the capabilities of other devices on the network to automatically configure communication parameters by designating a providing apparatus and a receiving apparatus, and notifying the transfer direction of these parameters, enabling efficient communication parameter configuration among multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic communication parameter configuration is implemented in ad hoc networks, then configuration ease is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for capability determination and role assignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically determine their own capabilities and roles without external intervention. The system performs self-configuration by having each device assess its own communication capabilities and autonomously determine whether to act as a parameter provider or receiver, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Communication parameters are configured in advance before actual data transmission begins. The system performs capability determination and role assignment during the initial connection phase, so that when data communication starts, all devices already have the necessary parameters configured, improving operational ease without adding complexity to the main communication function
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication parameters are transferred among multiple devices in ad hoc networks, then network adaptability is improved, but information loss increases due to parameter transfer failures or inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices confirm successful reception and configuration of communication parameters. When parameters are transferred from provider to receiver devices, acknowledgment signals ensure that the transfer was successful, allowing for retransmission if necessary and preventing information loss while maintaining adaptability across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
A coordinated control mechanism acts as an intermediary to manage parameter transfers among multiple devices. The system designates specific devices as parameter providers based on capability assessment, and coordinates the transfer process to ensure all necessary parameters reach the appropriate receivers, preventing information loss while enabling flexible multi-device networking
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices with inadequate operation systems are included in the network, then device versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to operate devices for parameter configuration
Solution Approach 1:
Devices with inadequate operating systems automatically have their capabilities assessed and are assigned appropriate roles without requiring user intervention. The system handles the entire parameter configuration process for these devices automatically, including determining whether they should provide or receive parameters, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining broad device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is designed to work universally with various types of devices regardless of their operating system capabilities. By implementing a unified capability assessment mechanism that can evaluate and accommodate different device types, the system enables devices with inadequate operating systems to participate in the network without requiring complex operational interfaces, thus improving versatility while maintaining ease of use through automation
Data Source
AI summary
In a communication apparatus on a network where communication apparatuses perform direct communication with other apparatuses, a providing apparatus that provides communication parameters, and a reception apparatus that receives the communication parameters are determined based on information indicating the capabilities of communication apparatuses existing on the network, and a transfer direction of the communication parameters is notified to the providing apparatus and the reception apparatus thereby determined.