Terminal Device AP Search and Connection Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems do not adequately consider the possibility that a printer may not be able to establish a normal AP connection with an access point using the SSID and password received from a terminal device, limiting the reliability of wireless connections.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device sends a search instruction to a communication device to locate nearby access points, receives search results, and determines whether the initial access point identifier exists within the results, sending a connection instruction to either maintain or switch to an alternative access point if necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal device sends the SSID and password of the AP to the printer using a SoftAP connection, then the printer can be configured to connect to the AP, but the printer may not be able to establish the normal AP connection with the AP using the received credentials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connection establishment reliabilityVSAvoidconnection establishment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs a preliminary search for available access points before instructing the printer to connect. By obtaining search result information including identifiers of accessible APs in advance, the terminal device can verify whether the target AP is actually reachable before the printer attempts connection, preventing failed connection attempts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal device receives search result information from available APs and uses this information to determine whether to send connection instructions. The terminal device compares the target AP identifier with the search results and only instructs the printer to connect if the AP is confirmed to be accessible, creating a closed-loop verification process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the terminal device disconnects the normal AP connection to establish a SoftAP connection with the printer, then the printer can receive AP credentials, but the terminal device loses its own AP connection temporarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter AP configuration easeVSAvoidterminal device AP connection interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device acts as an intermediary by establishing a SoftAP connection with the printer to transfer credentials, then using the obtained search result information to guide the printer's connection to the target AP. This intermediary approach allows the terminal device to facilitate the printer's connection while minimizing its own disconnection time by quickly verifying AP availability before reconnection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses a fixed AP identifier from the terminal device's OS program, then the connection process is straightforward, but the system cannot adapt if the AP is no longer available or changed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP availability adaptabilityVSAvoidAP selection logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static use of fixed AP identifiers to a dynamic approach where the terminal device performs searches to obtain current AP information. The system adaptively determines whether to use the original AP identifier or select an alternative based on real-time search results, making the connection process flexible and adaptive to changing network conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of AP identifier selection from a fixed predetermined value to a dynamically determined value based on search results. By comparing the original AP identifier with available APs and potentially selecting an alternative identifier, the system adapts to network changes while maintaining a relatively simple decision logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11252768B2Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for terminal device and communication device

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A terminal device may acquire a first identifier identifying a first AP from an OS program in a case where a first wireless connection has been established with the first AP, send a search instruction to a communication device using a second wireless connection in a case where the second wireless connection is established with the communication device, receive search result information including N identifiers identifying N access points from the communication device, and determine whether the first identifier exists in the N identifiers. The terminal device may send a first connection instruction including the first identifier to the communication device in a case where it is determined that the first identifier exists, and send a second connection instruction including a second identifier to the communication device in a case where it is determined that the first identifier does not exist.