Information Processing Apparatus Communication Device Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses fail to perform appropriate processes based on the communication method of selected communication devices, as they do not consider the varying protocols for searching and acquiring capability information, leading to inefficient communication.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first search unit for devices using one communication method and a second search unit for another, with a selecting unit that registers devices without acquiring capability information for peer-to-peer communications, and acquires it only after selection for external access point communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the information processing apparatus acquires capability information for all communication devices during search, then the apparatus can recognize device functions, but the search process becomes slower and more resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capability information acquisition process into two phases: (1) during search, only basic device identification is acquired to maintain search speed, and (2) after device selection, detailed capability information is acquired to enable proper communication. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by acquiring capability information only when necessary, not for all devices during the entire search process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary device identification and selection before acquiring detailed capability information. The information processing apparatus first identifies available communication devices and allows user selection, then acquires capability information only after the device is selected. This preliminary action approach maintains fast search performance while ensuring capability information is available when needed for communication.
2Device complexity
If the information processing apparatus follows a unified protocol for all communication methods, then the process is simplified, but the apparatus cannot perform appropriate processes for different communication methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protocol selection mechanism where the information processing apparatus adapts its behavior based on the communication method of the selected device. For external access point communication, the apparatus follows a protocol that includes acquiring capability information during search. For peer-to-peer communication, the apparatus follows a different protocol where capability information is acquired after device selection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between different protocol approaches depending on the communication method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protocol parameters (specifically, the timing and method of capability information acquisition) based on the communication method. The system modifies its operational parameters to match the requirements of each communication method, enabling appropriate processing for external access point communication and peer-to-peer communication while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured parameter management.
3Productivity
If the apparatus acquires capability information after device selection for peer-to-peer communication, then unnecessary processing is reduced, but the apparatus must handle different acquisition timing for different communication methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication setup process into distinct phases with different capability information acquisition strategies. For peer-to-peer communication, capability information is acquired in the post-selection phase, reducing unnecessary processing during search. For external access point communication, capability information is acquired during the search phase. This segmentation improves productivity by avoiding unnecessary capability information acquisition while managing complexity through clear phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different process templates (copies of the capability information acquisition process) for different communication methods. The post-selection acquisition process for peer-to-peer communication is a distinct template from the during-search acquisition process for external access point communication. This allows the system to optimize each communication method independently while maintaining overall process manageability through standardized templates.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first search unit that searches for a communication device communicating in a first communication method while acquiring capability information of the communication device, a second search that searches for a communication device communicating in a second communication method different from the first communication method without acquiring at least some of the capability information acquired by the first search unit, a selecting unit that selects a communication device, and a registration unit that registers the selected communication device as a communication device to communicate with the information processing apparatus.