Communication Apparatus Network Selection Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulty in selecting the desired connection destination when attempting to connect two communication apparatuses, as they cannot determine whether the target apparatus can form a new network or is already connected to an existing network.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus is designed with an instruction unit to prompt users to select whether to join an existing network or establish a new network, featuring a search unit that distinguishes between apparatuses already part of a network and those capable of forming one, allowing for accurate connection to the appropriate device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic network determination is implemented, then network establishment becomes easier, but user cannot determine connection destination status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork establishmentVSAvoidconnection destination status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection process into two distinct modes: joining an existing network and establishing a new network. The search unit is divided to handle these two cases separately, searching for apparatuses with different network states based on user selection. This segmentation allows the system to provide targeted information for each connection scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of automatically determining network status without user knowledge, the patent inverts the approach by having the user specify the desired connection type first, then providing tailored search results. The system asks the user what they want to do (join existing or create new) and then searches accordingly, giving the user control and information about the connection destination status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If search scope is expanded to find all apparatuses, then connection options increase, but user cannot distinguish between network types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection optionsVSAvoidnetwork type distinction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the search results to the user's specific connection intent. When the user selects to join an existing network, the search unit specifically identifies and presents apparatuses that are already part of a network. When the user selects to establish a new network, the search unit identifies apparatuses not yet in a network. This localized information presentation makes it easy for users to distinguish between network types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by having the user specify their connection preference before the search is executed. The instruction unit prompts the user to choose whether to join an existing network or establish a new one, and only then does the search unit conduct the search with appropriate parameters. This preliminary user input allows the system to filter and present only relevant connection options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9807583B2Communication apparatus, control method thereof, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 CANON KK

AI summary

According to an instruction for starting processing for connecting to another communication apparatus, a communication apparatus prompts a user to select whether the communication apparatus joins an existing network or establishes a new network, searches another communication apparatus establishing the existing network when the user selects to join the existing network, searches another communication apparatus not establishing the existing network when the user selects to establish the new network, and then connects to the another searched communication apparatus.