Communication System Unauthorized Device Detection and Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems connected to mobile communication networks are vulnerable to unintended data communication, leading to excessive data usage and security risks when unauthorized network devices connect, exceeding contracted data plans and potentially disrupting service operations.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that includes a relay apparatus and an information processing apparatus, where the latter detects connections of external devices different from the relay apparatus and sends requests to restrict communication via the mobile communication network, using a transmission unit to manage operation settings and a restriction unit to prevent unauthorized data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the relay apparatus allows multiple devices to connect via the local area network, then network versatility and ease of operation are improved, but unintended data communication and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidunauthorized data communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus performs preliminary detection of connected devices and proactively transmits restriction requests before unauthorized communication occurs. The system monitors the local area network for external devices and preemptively sends communication restriction requests to the relay apparatus, preventing potential data leakage before it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the information processing apparatus continuously monitors network connections, detects external devices, and dynamically adjusts communication restrictions based on detected device status. When an external device is detected, the system automatically transmits restriction requests and continues to monitor for device disconnection, adjusting restrictions accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If communication restriction is implemented to prevent unauthorized data usage, then security and data control are improved, but network functionality and ease of operation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication controlVSAvoidnetwork access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication restriction mechanism is dynamic rather than static. The information processing apparatus continuously monitors network connections and adjusts restriction levels based on real-time device detection. Restrictions are automatically applied when external devices are detected and automatically relaxed when devices disconnect, ensuring network functionality is maintained for authorized devices while blocking unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates autonomously without requiring manual user intervention. The information processing apparatus automatically detects external devices, determines whether they are authorized, transmits appropriate restriction requests to the relay apparatus, and monitors for device disconnection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually configure network restrictions while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the system monitors and restricts communication for each external device, then security control is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidcommunication management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay apparatus serves as an intermediary between external devices and the mobile communication network. Instead of the information processing apparatus directly managing complex communication control for each device, it sends restriction requests to the relay apparatus, which then enforces the restrictions. This intermediary approach simplifies the information processing apparatus while maintaining security control through the relay apparatus's communication management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220321205A1Communication system, control method thereof, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.10.06 CANON KK

AI summary

A control method for a communication system, the communication system including a relay apparatus configured to connect to a mobile communication network, and an information processing apparatus configured to connect to the relay apparatus via a local area network, includes transmitting a request for changing an operation setting for the relay apparatus in a case where the information processing apparatus detects a connection of an external apparatus different from the relay apparatus on the local area network, and restricting communication of the external apparatus different from the relay apparatus via the mobile communication network in a case where the relay apparatus receives the request.