Terminal Device Network Switching for Communication Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network connection methods fail to automatically switch to a direct connection method when the communication environment changes, leading to communication failures between terminal devices and communication peers.

Innovation Solution

A control method for terminal devices that determines the availability of communication with a registered communication device on the current network and switches to the network used during registration if communication is unavailable, using saved connection information to establish a new connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the terminal device uses a fixed network connection method (infrastructure mode or P2P) based on initial registration, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability to communication environment changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to communication environment changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network switching by enabling the terminal device to transition between infrastructure mode and P2P connection based on real-time communication availability. The system continuously monitors whether the communication device is reachable on the current network and automatically switches connection methods when communication fails, transforming a static connection approach into a dynamic adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by checking communication availability with the communication device and using this information to determine whether to switch network connection methods. The system receives feedback about communication success/failure and adjusts its connection strategy accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the terminal device automatically switches network connection methods, then the communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork switching logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network switching decision into distinct functional modules: a determination module that checks communication availability using stored identification information, and a switching module that executes the connection method change. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by dividing the switching logic into manageable, independent components with clear responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by storing the communication device's identification information and initial network connection details during the registration phase. This advance preparation enables the terminal device to quickly determine communication availability and switch networks without complex real-time analysis, reducing the complexity of the switching decision process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the terminal device checks communication availability and switches networks, then the communication error prevention is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication error preventionVSAvoidnetwork switching processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by storing the communication device's identification information and network connection details during initial registration. When network switching is needed, the terminal device can immediately check communication availability using this pre-stored information without time-consuming searches or analyses, significantly reducing the processing time required for network switching decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9971553B2Control method of terminal device, terminal device, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 CANON KK

AI summary

A method of controlling a terminal device includes the steps searching for a communication device, registering, if the communication device is detected, communication information used for a first network connection by which the detection of the communication device is performed, and determining if communication with the communication device is available by a second network connection to which the terminal device is currently connected. A second determining step determines if communication with the communication device is available by the first network connection, based on the registered communication information, and a communicating step communicates with the communication device using the first network connection if it is different from the second network connection and communication with the communication device is determined to be unavailable, and also if communication is determined to be available in the second determining step.