Communication Apparatus Connection Setup via Wi-Fi Direct and BLE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently establishing connections between information-processing apparatuses and communication apparatuses using connection information, particularly in direct and infrastructure modes, leading to suboptimal performance in establishing and maintaining connections.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication system that utilizes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication methods to facilitate connection setting processes, allowing for direct peer-to-peer connections and infrastructure connections by activating specific modes and functions within the communication apparatus, such as Wi-Fi Direct and software access points, to manage and transmit connection information effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If connection information is transmitted using existing communication methods, then connection establishment is possible, but connection establishment efficiency and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment efficiencyVSAvoidconnection establishment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus transmits connection information to the information-processing apparatus in advance before actual connection is needed. This preliminary transmission of connection information (including access point details, authentication credentials, and network parameters) enables the information-processing apparatus to be pre-configured, significantly accelerating subsequent connection establishment and improving both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dedicated connection information transmission mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the communication apparatus and information-processing apparatus. This intermediary channel specifically handles connection setup data, separating it from regular data transmission and ensuring reliable delivery of critical connection parameters, thereby improving overall connection establishment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication modes (direct and infrastructure) are supported, then versatility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication mode versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to support both direct connection mode and infrastructure connection mode. By integrating multiple communication modes into a single unified system, the apparatus can adapt to different network environments and connection requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through integration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between direct connection mode and infrastructure connection mode based on available resources, network conditions, and connection requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for each specific scenario while maintaining a unified underlying architecture, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3605955B1Communication apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 CANON KK
  • EP3605955B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3605955B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3605955B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A communication apparatus (151) includes a control unit (154) that causes the communication apparatus (151) to operate, based on that a predetermined command is received through a second connection, in a first exclusive state in which the communication apparatus (151) does not receive connection information through a first connection or a second exclusive state in which the communication apparatus (151) is not connected to an external device (131) corresponding to the connection information that is received through the first connection.