Soft AP Timeout Control for Secure Connection Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication apparatuses do not adequately control the timeout time in soft AP mode, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and inefficient connection setting processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control mechanism to manage timeout times in connection setting modes, ensuring timely completion of default settings and enhancing security by varying timeout durations based on user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the timeout time in soft AP mode is extended to allow more time for connection setting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened due to prolonged exposure to unauthorized connections

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the timeout time adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the timeout time based on whether setting information is successfully received - extending it when settings are pending and shortening it when settings are complete or rejected. This resolves the contradiction by allowing sufficient time for legitimate connection settings while automatically limiting exposure time to prevent security vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors whether setting information has been received from the terminal device. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the timeout time - maintaining a longer duration when settings are in progress and reducing it when settings are complete. This feedback-driven adjustment ensures both adequate connection setting time and enhanced security by preventing prolonged unauthorized access windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the timeout time is shortened to enhance security, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to insufficient time for connection setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity vulnerabilityVSAvoidconnection setting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts timeout duration based on real-time operational status. When connection setting is in progress, the timeout is extended to allow sufficient time for configuration. When connection setting is complete or rejected, the timeout is automatically shortened to minimize security exposure. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing adequate time when needed and security when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timeout parameter based on the state of connection setting. The control unit modifies the timeout time value according to whether setting information is received - maintaining a longer parameter value during setting operations and reducing it afterward. This parameter change strategy ensures both operational ease during configuration and security enhancement after completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed timeout time is used in soft AP mode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is worsened due to inability to respond to different connection scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetimeout control mechanismVSAvoidconnection scenario response
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic timeout control that automatically adapts to different connection scenarios. The control unit adjusts the timeout time based on whether setting information is received from terminal devices, enabling the system to respond appropriately to various connection situations without requiring complex manual configuration. This dynamic approach enhances adaptability while maintaining relatively simple implementation through automated state-based adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own timeout parameter based on the connection setting state. The control unit monitors the reception of setting information and autonomously modifies the timeout time without external intervention. This self-adjusting mechanism provides high adaptability to different connection scenarios while keeping the device complexity low through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4120709B1Communication apparatus and control method for the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CANON KK
  • EP4120709B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4120709B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4120709B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Control means (154) is provided for performing second control for stopping operation in a predetermined mode based on a second time shorter than a first time, the second time having elapsed with connection setting not made since the operation in the predetermined mode by a communication apparatus (151) was started in a case where the communication apparatus (151) is operating in the predetermined mode and the predetermined processing is completed.