Communication Apparatus Handover Notification via Sensory Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handover methods in wireless communication devices lack user notification for the state of switching from a first communication method to a second, potentially requiring user attention to a screen, which can be inconvenient, especially during long or complex processes.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that transmits request and response signals between devices to determine communication feasibility, and uses a notification unit to inform the user of handover progress through sensory stimulation, such as visual, acoustic, or tactile means, without requiring constant screen attention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If handover process is made more secure or complicated, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to requiring constant screen attention

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a notification unit as an intermediary device that communicates handover status to the user through alternative sensory channels (sound, vibration, light) instead of requiring direct screen monitoring. This mediator bridges the gap between complex security processes and user awareness without compromising convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If display screen is used to show handover state, then information visibility is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates for devices without screens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation visibilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The notification unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of providing information through multiple output modalities (acoustic notifications, vibration notifications, light notifications) that can be universally applied across different device types regardless of whether they have display screens, thereby achieving universal compatibility.

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

3Reliability

If handover process time is extended for thorough authentication, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to longer completion time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidhandover completion speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification unit provides continuous or periodic status updates throughout the extended authentication process, maintaining user awareness and confidence without requiring intermittent user intervention or screen checking, thereby allowing the security process to proceed continuously without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3723402B1Communication apparatus, notification method, and program product
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3723402B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3723402B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3723402B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a communication apparatus including: a first communication unit having a first communication range; a second communication unit having a second communication range wider than the first communication range; a control unit which transmits a request signal for starting communication via the second communication unit from the first communication unit to another communication apparatus, and transmits authentication information from the second communication unit to the another communication apparatus in the case where it is determined that communication with the another communication apparatus via the second communication unit is possible based on a response signal after the first communication unit receives the response signal in response to the request signal; and a notification unit which notifies a user after the second communication unit receives a result of authentication based on the authentication information.