Communication Apparatus Network Discrimination Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras with simple access point functions cannot participate in networks connected to the Internet, as they lack a gateway function, making it difficult to distinguish between networks formed by normal and simple access points, leading to limitations in data communication with external networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a data communication unit, reception unit, and control unit that determines whether to transmit or receive data via the Internet based on notifications from a data processing apparatus, allowing it to participate in networks formed by relay apparatuses and control data transmission accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digital camera uses a simple access point function to form a network, then other apparatuses can easily detect and participate in the network, but the digital camera cannot communicate with external networks such as the Internet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay apparatus as an intermediary component that bridges the simple access point network and the external network (Internet). The relay apparatus receives data from apparatuses in the simple AP network and forwards it to external networks, enabling indirect Internet access without requiring the digital camera itself to have gateway functionality. This resolves the contradiction by adding a mediating element that provides external network connectivity while maintaining the simplicity of the original network formation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an apparatus participates in a network formed by a simple access point, then network participation is achieved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish from networks formed by normal access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the concept of visual differentiation (analogous to color changes) by having the relay apparatus transmit identification information that distinguishes simple access point networks from normal access point networks. This identification information acts as a marker or indicator that allows participating apparatuses to recognize the network type, similar to how color changes provide visual distinction. This resolves the contradiction by introducing a discriminative feature that maintains network participation capability while enabling network type identification.
3Device complexity
If a digital camera lacks a gateway function, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform data communication via the Internet is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication functionality into separate components: the digital camera maintains its simple access point function without gateway capabilities, while a separate relay apparatus provides the gateway function. This segmentation allows the digital camera to remain simple and low-complexity while still enabling Internet communication through the dedicated relay apparatus. The functionality is divided such that each component has a specific role, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and Internet connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus capable of participating in a network formed by a relay apparatus establishes communication with a data processing apparatus via a first network, receives a notification indicating whether the data processing apparatus forms the first network as the relay apparatus from the data processing apparatus, and controls whether to transmit or receive data via the Internet according to contents of the notification received from the data processing apparatus via the relay apparatus forming the first network in which the communication apparatus participates at present.