Network Setup Time Reduction via Targeted Channel Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for establishing a connection between a communication apparatus and an access point are inefficient, particularly in terms of time, as they often require searching multiple communication channels, which prolongs the network setting processing.
Innovation Solution
A method where the information processing apparatus controls the communication apparatus to search for a predetermined access point using a specific communication channel initially, and if not detected, it switches to searching using other available channels, thereby reducing the time taken for network setting by designating specific communication channels for the search process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication apparatus searches for access points using multiple communication channels simultaneously, then the completeness of access point detection is improved, but the time required for network setting processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channels into two groups: a first group containing channels used by access points already connected to the information processing apparatus, and a second group containing other available channels. The search process is divided into two phases: first searching using only the first group of channels (fast, targeted search), then optionally searching using the second group of channels (comprehensive search only if needed). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling fast initial detection while maintaining the option for complete detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by first utilizing existing connection information to identify access points that are already connected to the information processing apparatus. The communication apparatus is instructed to search for these predetermined access points using specific communication channels before performing a comprehensive search. This preliminary targeted search reduces the time required while ensuring that already-connected access points are detected first.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the communication apparatus uses all available communication channels for access point search, then the adaptability to different network environments is improved, but the processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic search strategy where the communication apparatus adjusts its search behavior based on the results of the initial search. If predetermined access points are detected in the first search phase, the system can dynamically decide whether to proceed to the second search phase using additional channels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain adaptability to different network environments while improving processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary comprehensive searches when the initial targeted search suffices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing a limited initial search using only the first group of communication channels (channels used by already-connected access points). This partial search is sufficient for many common scenarios where the user wants to reconnect to the same access point. Only when the initial partial search fails does the system expand to a more comprehensive search using the second group of channels. This approach improves efficiency while maintaining necessary adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the information processing apparatus designs a simple access point search process, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of connection establishment may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the information processing apparatus receives search results from the communication apparatus and uses this feedback to determine the next steps. After the initial search using the first group of channels, the system checks whether predetermined access points were detected. Based on this feedback, the system automatically decides whether to proceed to a comprehensive search using the second group of channels. This feedback-driven approach maintains operational simplicity while ensuring reliable connection establishment through adaptive search behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method includes transmitting, based on reception of a predetermined operation a first command to cause a communication apparatus to search for a predetermined access point using at least one communication channel including a communication channel used by the predetermined access point among a plurality of communication channels available for use by the communication apparatus and without using at least one other communication channel other than the at least one communication channel among the plurality of communication channels available for use by the communication apparatus, the predetermined access point being connected to an information processing apparatus at least when the predetermined operation is received.