Communication System Automatic Connection Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Managing connection statuses of communication devices in a networked audio system is complex and cumbersome, especially when compared to traditional wired connections, as wireless networks require setup of SSID and password and are harder for users to manage.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a controller, such as a multifunctional portable phone, to distribute system information to connected devices, allowing for easy management of connections by generating and transmitting SSID and password automatically, and using internal and external access points to facilitate connection and reconnection within the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless network connection is used to eliminate cables and increase connection freedom, then connection flexibility is improved, but setup complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic connection management where devices self-register and self-configure in the network. The control device automatically detects newly connected audio devices, assigns them network identifiers, and updates the connection map without requiring manual user intervention for each connection change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously monitors network connection status, detects changes in real-time, and automatically updates the connection map. This feedback loop ensures the system state is always synchronized without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual management of connection forms is implemented, then connection status can be tracked, but user operation burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection status trackingVSAvoiduser operation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically performs connection status tracking by detecting when audio devices connect or disconnect from the network. The system self-updates the connection map data structure to reflect current network topology without requiring users to manually report or update connection states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated electronic monitoring. The control device uses network protocol detection and automatic message exchange to track connection status, substituting manual user actions with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If system information is distributed to all devices, then connection reliability can be verified, but network traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection verificationVSAvoidnetwork traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system distributes system information selectively rather than continuously to all devices. Connection verification messages are sent only when connection status changes or when specifically requested, rather than maintaining constant information synchronization across all network participants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary that centralizes connection management functions. Instead of all devices exchanging information directly with each other, the control device receives connection notifications, verifies status, and distributes only necessary information updates to relevant devices, reducing overall network traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3340685B1Communication system, communication device, and method for managing communication system
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3340685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3340685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3340685B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A communication system (10) having communication devices (4) which are connected to one another through a network, wherein: a root device (4) which is one of the communication devices stores system information including address information and information on availability of communication of each of the communication devices (4); the root device (4) transmits the system information to each of the communication devices (4) periodically; on receiving the system information, each of the communication devices (4) sends, to the root device (4), an acknowledgement message indicating that the system information has been received; and the root device (4) determines whether the acknowledgement message has been sent from each of the communication devices or not, and, when an acknowledgement message from one of the communication devices (4) has not been received by the root device (4), the root device (4) rewrites the information on availability of communication of that communication device, as incommunicable, and updates the system information accordingly.