Communication Apparatus Automatic Mode Switching on User Logout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication apparatuses in direct wireless communication mode do not automatically stop operating when the user has ended their usage, leading to unnecessary power consumption and resource allocation issues.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with a user authentication function that logs out users and automatically switches from access point mode to infrastructure mode when no active connections are detected, utilizing a CPU to manage wireless LAN operations and user settings to determine when to stop access point mode operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication apparatus continues operating in access point mode after the user has ended usage, then the apparatus remains ready for immediate connection, but unnecessary power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for connectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors connection status and user authentication state to automatically determine when to switch from access point mode to infrastructure mode, eliminating the need for manual user input while optimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication apparatus automatically manages its own operation mode transitions based on detected connection states, performing the mode switching without requiring external user commands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If the communication apparatus automatically switches to infrastructure mode when no connections are detected, then power consumption is reduced, but the switching logic becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidswitching logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from connection status monitoring and user authentication state to automatically trigger mode transitions, implementing a simple event-driven approach that reduces complexity compared to continuous manual control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual user input is required to stop access point mode operation, then the user has full control, but the operation becomes less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus automatically manages its own operation mode transitions based on detected connection states, performing the mode switching without requiring external user commands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors connection status and user authentication state to automatically determine when to switch from access point mode to infrastructure mode, eliminating the need for manual user input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3381238B1Communication apparatus and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.17 CANON KK

Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3C

AI summary

A communication apparatus automatically stops operating in a direct wireless communication mode in conjunction with a user's logging out from the communication apparatus.