Terminal Device Wireless Connection Switching Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack an efficient method to switch between establishing wireless connections between a communication device and an external device versus a terminal device, requiring manual input of network information and lacking seamless switching between normal Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connections.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device executes computer-readable instructions to obtain a public key and identification information from a communication device, determine the connection type, send authentication requests, and send specific connection information to establish either a normal Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct connection based on the authentication response, using protocols like Device Provisioning Protocol and Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a communication device establishes wireless connection with external device using manual network information input, then connection can be established, but operation complexity increases and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically performs authentication and connection establishment by obtaining public keys and identification information from the communication device, eliminating the need for manual network information input. The system self-configures the wireless connection parameters and completes the authentication process automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device acts as an intermediary between the communication device and the external device, managing the authentication and connection establishment process. It obtains public keys, determines connection types, and coordinates the wireless connection setup, simplifying the user experience while maintaining secure connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports multiple connection types (normal Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct), then connection versatility improves, but connection establishment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidconnection establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device obtains public keys and identification information in advance before the actual connection is needed. By preparing authentication credentials beforehand, the system can quickly determine the appropriate connection type and establish the wireless connection without delays caused by manual configuration or lengthy authentication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines the appropriate connection type (normal Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct) based on the authentication response and current conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to select the most efficient connection method in real-time, balancing versatility with connection speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If automated authentication and connection establishment is implemented, then user convenience improves, but security requirements and authentication complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsecurity requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (typing network information) with automated cryptographic authentication using public keys. The terminal device automatically performs public key verification and authentication exchanges, providing both automation and enhanced security through cryptographic methods rather than manual password entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11709639B2Non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions for terminal device and terminal device

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A terminal device may obtain a public key and target identification information from a communication device, search for the communication device via a wireless interface of the terminal device, based on the target identification information and a result of the search for the communication device, determine whether the communication device is to establish a wireless connection with an external device or with the terminal device, in a case where it is determined that the communication device is to establish the wireless connection with the external device, send first connection information to the communication device, in a case where it is determined that the communication device is to establish the wireless connection with the terminal device, send second connection information different from the first connection information to the communication device, establish the wireless connection with the communication device via the wireless interface by using the second connection information.