Communication Apparatus Protocol Detection Encryption Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing apparatuses, such as digital cameras and smartphones, face challenges in securely establishing communication connections, particularly when using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for remote activation, as they often lack encryption, compromising security in scenarios requiring secure communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with a control unit that determines the communication protocol supported by an external device based on an advertise signal, sending a request for encrypted communication if the device supports the protocol, and unencrypted communication otherwise, allowing secure and convenient connection establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encryption is implemented in BLE communication, then security is improved, but connection convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidconnection convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the communication parameter from unencrypted to encrypted mode based on the detected protocol type. When BTC is detected, encryption is enabled; when BLE is detected, encryption remains disabled. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by applying encryption only when necessary for security while preserving connection convenience for low-security scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If protocol compatibility is improved by supporting multiple protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication system into two distinct protocol handling paths: one for BTC and one for BLE. Each protocol has its own connection establishment process and encryption settings. This segmentation allows the device to support multiple protocols without mixing their specific requirements, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through clear separation of protocol handling logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11503656B2Communication apparatus, method for controlling communication apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 CANON KK
  • US11503656B2 patent drawing
  • US11503656B2 patent drawing
  • US11503656B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a communication apparatus. A first communication unit receives an advertise signal from an external apparatus. A second communication unit wirelessly communicates with the external apparatus by using a predetermined protocol. A control unit determines whether the external apparatus supports the predetermined protocol on the basis of the advertise signal from the external apparatus. If it is determined that the external apparatus does not support the predetermined protocol, the control unit performs control so that a request to start encrypted communication is sent to the external apparatus via the first communication unit. If it is determined that the external apparatus supports the predetermined protocol, the control unit performs control so that a request to start unencrypted communication is sent to the external apparatus via the first communication unit.