Communication Apparatus Autonomous Role Determination Wi-Fi Direct

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face increased operational complexity when establishing wireless connections between devices with integrated wireless LAN access point and terminal functions, requiring manual disconnection and reconnection based on device roles, which complicates the connection process.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with integrated control units and functional blocks that autonomously execute wireless connection control using Wi-Fi Direct protocols, determining device roles and optimizing connection processing to reduce user operations by automatically managing base station and terminal functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the service discovery function is implemented to identify partner apparatus and exchange service information, then the user convenience is improved, but the number of user operations increases due to required disconnection and reconnection based on wireless LAN connection state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidnumber of user operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus automatically determines its own role (base station or terminal) based on the connection state of the partner apparatus, eliminating the need for user intervention. The system performs self-service by autonomously executing role switching and connection management without requiring user operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the wireless LAN connection state of the partner apparatus and adjusts its role accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the communication apparatus to automatically adapt its configuration based on real-time connection status, resolving the contradiction between service discovery functionality and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the communication apparatus autonomously controls wireless connection by determining device roles using Wi-Fi Direct protocols, then user operations are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to integrated control units and functional blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of user operationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus integrates both base station and terminal functions within a single device, allowing it to perform multiple roles universally. This multi-functionality enables the apparatus to adapt to different connection scenarios without requiring separate devices, reducing user operations while managing complexity through integrated design.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between base station and terminal modes based on the partner apparatus's connection state. This dynamic role assignment allows the communication apparatus to optimize its configuration in real-time, reducing user operations while the complexity is managed through automated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If manual disconnection and reconnection is required based on device roles in wireless LAN connection, then connection accuracy is maintained, but the connection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus determines the appropriate role (base station or terminal) in advance based on the partner apparatus's connection state before establishing the connection. This preliminary role determination eliminates the need for manual disconnection and reconnection, maintaining connection accuracy while significantly reducing connection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages the connection process by autonomously determining roles and executing appropriate connection procedures without user intervention. This self-service approach maintains connection reliability while eliminating the time loss associated with manual disconnection and reconnection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2939494B1Communication apparatus, control method, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 CANON KK
  • EP2939494B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939494B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939494B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication apparatus has a base station function and a terminal function, and performs communication using at least one of the base station function and the terminal function. The communication apparatus identifies a partner apparatus for communication among one or more other communication apparatuses based on a service to be executed by the communication apparatus and services to be executed by the other communication apparatuses, and decides whether the communication apparatus uses the base station function or the terminal function when connecting to the partner apparatus, based on the execution states of the base station functions and terminal functions of the communication apparatus and the partner apparatus.