Terminal Device Multi-Scheme Wireless Connection Fallback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in establishing reliable connections between devices using different Wi-Fi standards, particularly when traditional access point connections fail, leading to user inconvenience and inefficient process execution.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device equipped with multiple Wi-Fi communication schemes, including DPP and WFD, employs a controller to sequentially attempt connections using different schemes, sending request signals to establish either an access point connection or a direct device connection based on success or failure, ensuring a stable wireless link.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal device uses only traditional access point connection methods, then the connection process is simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates when access point connection fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device dynamically switches between different connection modes (access point connection and direct connection) based on real-time connection status. The controller monitors whether access point connection succeeds or fails and automatically selects the appropriate connection method, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the connection mode parameter from a fixed traditional method to a variable state that can switch between access point connection and direct connection. By modifying this parameter based on connection outcomes, the system achieves both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal device supports multiple Wi-Fi communication schemes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication scheme adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both first communication scheme (access point connection) and second communication scheme (direct connection) capabilities within a single device. The wireless interface and controller work together to provide universal connectivity across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that manages multiple communication schemes. It receives connection status information and determines which communication scheme to use, coordinating between the different protocols without requiring complex user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the terminal device automatically switches between connection methods, then the ease of operation improves, but the process execution time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidconnection establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs preliminary actions by attempting access point connection first before trying direct connection. This predetermined sequence of operations allows the system to try the preferred method first, reducing the need for switching and minimizing overall connection time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips unnecessary steps by making decisions based on connection outcomes. When access point connection fails, the controller immediately proceeds to direct connection without requiring user input or additional verification steps, rushing through the fallback process efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS11743732B2Terminal device and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer readable instructions for terminal device

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

In a case where a public key of a communication device is obtained, a terminal device may send a first request signal in which the public key is used to the communication device and execute a first-type communication in conformity with the first communication scheme with the communication device. The first-type communication may include sending first connection information for establishing a first wireless connection between the communication device and the access point to the communication device. In a case where the first-type communication has been failed, the terminal device may send a second request signal to the communication device and execute a second-type communication in conformity with the second communication scheme with the communication device. The second-type communication may include communicating second connection information for establishing a second wireless connection between the terminal device and the communication device with the communication device.