Information Processing Device Wireless Connection Access Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing devices face challenges in conveniently connecting communication devices and access points, particularly when there is no external access point available, leading to increased complexity and potential communication charges.

Innovation Solution

The method involves executing a first process to establish a wireless connection between an information processing device and a communication device using a predetermined connection method, where the information processing device operates as an access point if no external access point is available, transmitting necessary connection information to the communication device using Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) protocols, allowing the communication device to connect directly or through an external access point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the information processing device waits for an external access point to be available for connection, then the connection process can use existing access point infrastructure, but the connection establishment is delayed and user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidconnection establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing device performs preliminary action by autonomously establishing an access point function before the user completes the connection process. When no external access point is detected, the device proactively creates a virtual access point and transmits connection information to the communication device, eliminating waiting time and improving connection convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the information processing device operates as an access point when no external access point is available, then connection independence is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidaccess point function complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing device implements multi-functionality by integrating both client mode (connecting to external access points) and access point mode (creating wireless networks) within the same device. This universal design allows the device to adapt to different connection scenarios without requiring separate systems, improving flexibility while managing complexity through unified architecture.

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

3Ease of operation

If connection information is transmitted to the communication device, then the connection process is simplified, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Wi-Fi Easy Connect as an intermediary protocol that securely transmits connection information between the information processing device and communication device. This standardized intermediary mechanism ensures secure authentication and key exchange, simplifying the connection process while mitigating security risks through established security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230135980A1Information processing device, method, and storage medium for storing method
Publication Date: 2023.05.04 CANON KK
  • US20230135980A1 patent drawing
  • US20230135980A1 patent drawing
  • US20230135980A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing device executes first process for a communication, between an information processing device and a communication device, for establishing, between an access point that is different from the communication device and the communication device, a wireless connection by a predetermined connection method. Information of the access point is transmitted to the communication device in the communication. In a case where there is no external access point that is different from the information processing device and to which the information processing device is able to connect, information processing device is set to operate as an access point and second process for transmitting information of the access point as which the information processing device is operating is executed.