Information Processing Apparatus Printer Setup via Dynamic Connection Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scenarios where network security settings restrict communication between devices connected to the same network, existing methods struggle to facilitate the registration and setup of printers, particularly when the information processing apparatus and printer cannot maintain simultaneous internet connections, leading to cumbersome user operations.

Innovation Solution

A method employing a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that enables an information processing apparatus to control wireless communication using multiple methods, including direct peer-to-peer connections and infrastructure modes, to acquire and transmit necessary information for printer registration and setup, even when conventional network communication is restricted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the information processing apparatus connects to the printer via direct connection method, then communication between the apparatus and printer is enabled, but Internet connection of the apparatus is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliability between apparatus and printerVSAvoidInternet connection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between connection modes (direct connection and infrastructure mode via access point) based on operational requirements. The information processing apparatus can transition from direct P2P connection to AP-mediated connection, enabling flexible adaptation between local communication reliability and Internet connectivity needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection parameters (communication mode, network interface state) are changed based on the operational phase. During printer setup, direct connection parameters are used; during Web service registration, infrastructure mode parameters are activated to restore Internet access while maintaining printer connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the information processing apparatus switches connection destination manually between external apparatus and printer, then both Internet connection and printer communication can be maintained, but user operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual connection capabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus automatically manages connection switching without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously determines when to use direct connection mode versus infrastructure mode based on the operational context (printer setup vs. Web service registration), eliminating the need for manual connection destination switching by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the operational state (whether printer setup is complete, whether Web service registration is needed) to automatically adjust the connection mode. This closed-loop control ensures the apparatus is always in the optimal connection state without user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If network security settings restrict communication between devices on the same network, then network security is improved, but printer registration and setup cannot be executed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidprinter setup feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary connection method (direct P2P connection between apparatus and printer) that bypasses the access point's security restrictions. By establishing a direct communication channel independent of the AP's privacy separator function, the system enables printer setup while respecting network security settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication path is segmented into two independent channels: direct P2P connection for printer communication and AP-mediated connection for Internet access. This segmentation allows each channel to operate independently under different security constraints, enabling both printer setup and Web service registration without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240345782A1Information processing apparatus, communication control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus that communicates with an external apparatus controls to perform wireless communication with a communication apparatus by a first communication method of performing communication without intervention of an external access point, acquires, from the communication apparatus, specification information for specifying the communication apparatus by communication of the first communication method, controls to start, after the specification information is acquired, wireless communication of a second communication method as a communication method via the external access point, and controls to transmit the acquired specification information to a specific server system connected to an external network by the started communication of the second communication method.