Communication Apparatus Unicast Broadcast Authentication

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication apparatuses face inefficiencies in setting communication parameters for Wi-Fi Direct connections, leading to potential security risks due to broadcast message transmission, which can be received by unintended devices, increasing the likelihood of denial-of-service attacks.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus is designed to transmit authentication request messages by unicast when the destination is identified and by broadcast when it is not, allowing for secure and efficient provision of communication parameters, using a QR Code for authentication and parameter sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If communication parameter setting messages are transmitted by broadcast to improve communication efficiency, then communication efficiency is improved, but security deteriorates because many unspecified apparatuses can receive the message

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the transmission method based on the specific situation: unicast transmission is used when the destination is identified (providing targeted, secure delivery), while broadcast transmission is used when the destination is not identified (providing broad reach). This localized adaptation of transmission quality resolves the contradiction between efficiency and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission method flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between unicast and broadcast modes based on whether the destination apparatus is identified, allowing optimal performance characteristics to be achieved in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If communication parameter setting messages are transmitted by unicast to improve security, then security is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to multiple message transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the transmission method based on the specific situation: unicast transmission is used when the destination is identified (providing targeted, secure delivery), while broadcast transmission is used when the destination is not identified (providing broad reach). This localized adaptation of transmission quality resolves the contradiction between efficiency and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission method flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between unicast and broadcast modes based on whether the destination apparatus is identified, allowing optimal performance characteristics to be achieved in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If two different messages (search message and communication parameter setting message) are transmitted to the same destination, then detection accuracy is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the search message and communication parameter setting message into a single broadcast message. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate message transmissions, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining the ability to detect and establish connections with destination apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the communication parameter setting message multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a search message and as a parameter transmission message. This universal message performs multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating redundant transmissions and improving overall communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10212582B2Communication apparatus, providing method, and program

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that, when providing communication parameters for communication in a wireless network, transmits an authentication request message for requesting authentication by unicast in a case where a transmission destination of the authentication request message is identified and transmits the authentication request message by broadcast in a case where a transmission destination of the authentication request message is not identified, a reception unit that receives a response message responding to the authentication request message from another communication apparatus, and a provision unit that provides the another communication apparatus with the communication parameters upon receipt of the response message.