Wi-Fi DPP Configurator AKM Adaptation for Enrollee Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

When using the Wi-Fi Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP), configurators may provide communication parameters with new AKM types, but enrollees that do not support function extensions may incorrectly identify these parameters as invalid, leading to discarded parameters and inability to connect to a wireless network.

Innovation Solution

The communication device, acting as a configurator, determines whether the enrollee supports DPP function extensions and updates the AKM in the provided communication parameters to a recognizable value if the enrollee does not support these extensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the configurator provides communication parameters with new AKM types to support DPP function extensions, then the communication parameters can include advanced features, but the enrollee not supporting function extensions cannot recognize the new AKM type and discards the parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDPP function extension supportVSAvoidparameter recognition reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The configurator dynamically adjusts the AKM type in communication parameters based on the enrollee's capability. The system detects whether the enrollee supports DPP function extensions and accordingly selects appropriate AKM types, making the parameter provision adaptable to different device versions while ensuring reliable recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter (AKM type) based on the partner device's capability. The configurator modifies the AKM type in the communication parameters to match the enrollee's supported version, ensuring that the parameters are both versatile enough to support extensions when needed and compatible enough to be recognized by older devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the configurator always provides communication parameters with the latest AKM type, then the system can utilize new DPP features, but older enrollees without function extension support cannot connect to the wireless network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless network connection speedVSAvoidcompatibility with different DPP versions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate AKM type based on the enrollee's capability rather than always using the latest version. This dynamic adaptation allows the configurator to maintain high connection speed for supported devices while ensuring compatibility with older devices, thus balancing productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The configurator is designed to handle multiple DPP versions universally. By detecting the enrollee's capability and adjusting the AKM type accordingly, the system achieves multi-functionality that works with both older and newer DPP versions, ensuring broad compatibility while supporting feature extensions when possible.

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

3Device complexity

If the enrollee does not support DPP function extensions, then the device maintains simplicity and backward compatibility, but the enrollee cannot recognize new AKM types and may wrongly determine communication parameters as invalid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenrollee device complexityVSAvoidparameter validation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The configurator acts as an intermediary that translates or adapts the communication parameters before providing them to the enrollee. It detects the enrollee's lack of function extension support and adjusts the AKM type accordingly, preventing misinterpretation of parameters as invalid while maintaining simplicity for the enrollee device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configurator performs preliminary detection of the enrollee's capability before providing communication parameters. By identifying whether the enrollee supports function extensions in advance, the system can pre-adjust the AKM type to ensure proper recognition, preventing validation errors before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3962054B1Communication device, control method of communication device, and program
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 CANON KK
  • EP3962054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3962054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3962054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device determines the version of Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) supported by another communication device; based on the determined version, determines the type of communication parameter to be provided to this other communication device; and provides information indicating the determined type of communication parameter and a communication parameter corresponding to the type to this other communication device.