Multi-Mode Communication Control Using Camera-Mediated Address Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication techniques, such as those described in PTL 1, are prone to channel blockages and lack convenience in establishing communication channels, particularly when using multiple communication modes for authentication and pairing between devices.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that control communication using multiple communication modes, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, by determining the communication capabilities of a control target apparatus and selectively using appropriate modes to establish connections and execute processes, thereby preventing unauthorized access and improving user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared communication channel is established for device pairing, then authentication between devices can be achieved, but the communication channel is more likely to be blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images containing short-range wireless communication addresses. Instead of direct infrared communication between devices, the camera mediates the information exchange by capturing and transmitting the address information through photographed images, thereby avoiding direct blocked communication channels while maintaining authentication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical infrared communication system with an optical imaging system. By using camera imaging to capture and transmit communication addresses instead of infrared signals, the system avoids the blocking issues inherent in direct infrared communication while achieving the same authentication function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple communication modes are used for device pairing, then authentication security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidcommunication mode complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication address information from the complex multi-mode communication process and encapsulates it within an image captured by the camera. This separates the authentication information transmission from the complex communication protocol establishment, simplifying the overall process while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera serves multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication device and the communication information transmission medium. By making the camera universal for both imaging and communication address transmission, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3275233B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing system, and program
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3275233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3275233B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3275233B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus is disclosed comprising a control circuity configured to control communication with another information processing apparatus using a first communication mode, control communication with the another information processing apparatus using a second communication mode, establish a first connection with the another information processing apparatus using the first communication mode and prompt the another processing apparatus to execute a process through the first connection after establishing the first connection with the another information processing apparatus but prior to completing, through the first connection, a second connection with the another information processing apparatus using the second communication mode.