Wireless Audio Mesh Network Controller for Automated Device Registration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless network connections for audio systems are more complex than traditional cable connections, requiring settings like SSIDs and passwords, and reconnection processes are similarly complicated, especially when changing the connection destination of a device.

Innovation Solution

A meshed WIFI-based audio communication system that automates the connection process by using a mobile phone as a controller to manage communication devices, allowing seamless shifting between network systems through a tree-form connection structure, eliminating the need for manual SSID and password input and simplifying reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless network connection is used to eliminate cables and increase connection freedom, then connection flexibility is improved, but connection complexity increases due to SSID and password settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages network connections between audio devices and wireless networks. The controller handles SSID and password settings, authentication, and connection management, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually configure these parameters on each audio device. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining wireless connection flexibility while reducing connection complexity through centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic connection establishment where audio devices can autonomously connect to wireless networks without manual user input. The system performs self-service by automatically obtaining network parameters, authenticating with the wireless network, and managing reconnections when devices are added or removed. This eliminates manual SSID and password input, reducing connection complexity while preserving wireless flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual network setting is required for wireless connection, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated setting work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves as a secure intermediary that manages wireless network authentication. It stores and transmits security credentials (SSIDs and passwords) centrally, ensuring that each audio device connects securely without requiring users to manually input sensitive information. This maintains connection security through proper authentication mechanisms while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating manual security configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network credentials in the controller before audio devices need to connect. The controller is pre-loaded with SSID and password information, and automatically provides these credentials to audio devices when they request network access. This preliminary preparation maintains security through proper credential management while making the connection process simple for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If reconnection processing is required when changing connection destination, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to complicated reconnection procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidreconnection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the connection status of audio devices and automatically detecting when reconnection is needed. When an audio device requests to change connection destinations or when network conditions change, the controller receives feedback about the current state and automatically initiates appropriate reconnection procedures. This maintains connection reliability through active monitoring while improving productivity by eliminating manual reconnection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connection parameters and maintaining connection state information in the controller. When reconnection is needed, the controller already has the necessary credentials and configuration data ready, allowing it to rapidly reestablish connections without requiring users to re-enter settings. This preliminary preparation maintains reliable connections while dramatically speeding up the reconnection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3340729B1Communication system, communication device and communication device management method
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3340729B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3340729B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3340729B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system (10) includes a control terminal device (1) connected by a network and one or more communication devices (4). The one or more communication devices is connected to a predetermined connection position of the network, and the control terminal device includes: a communication portion that communicates with the communication device through the network or by direct connection; and a storage portion that stores a system management table managing the one or more communication devices of the communication system. The control terminal device transmits a search message to the entire network when the communication device is registered into the communication system, and the communication device includes a communication portion that communicates with the control terminal device through the network or by direct connection. When the communication device is connected to the network, the communication device determines whether the connection position of the communication device on the network is the predetermined connection position, when the communication device is connected to the predetermined connection position, the communication device responds to the search message through the network, and when the communication device is connected to the network but is not connected to the predetermined connection position, the communication device cancels the connection with the network, and after directly connecting to the control terminal device and obtaining information for connecting to the predetermined connection position of the network, the communication device connects to the predetermined connection position of the network and responds to the search message through the network.