Wi-Fi Direct Content Protection Capability Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi direct communication schemes lack a standard procedure for determining whether connected devices support content protection, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience when trying to play protected content across devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a method to receive and transmit information about content protection capabilities during device discovery procedures using Wi-Fi Display Information Elements (WFD IE), allowing devices to determine if a connection setup should proceed based on supported content protection standards like HDCP 2.0.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi direct connection is established without checking content protection capability, then device connectivity is achieved, but content protection compatibility cannot be ensured leading to playback failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking content protection capability during the device discovery phase, before connection is established. The first device receives information about the second device's content protection capability and determines whether to proceed with connection setup based on this pre-acquired information, preventing wasted connection attempts on incompatible devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having devices exchange content protection capability information during discovery. The first device receives feedback about the second device's capabilities and uses this information to make informed connection decisions, creating a closed-loop system that ensures compatibility
2Reliability
If device discovery includes content protection capability checking, then compatible connections are ensured, but discovery procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges content protection capability checking with the existing device discovery procedure. Instead of creating a separate checking mechanism, the capability information is exchanged during the normal discovery phase using standardized Wi-Fi Display Information Elements, integrating multiple functions into a unified process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal Wi-Fi Display Information Elements that can convey multiple types of device capability information. This multi-functional approach allows content protection capability to be transmitted along with other device specifications using the same standardized message structure, avoiding protocol complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If connection attempts are made to all discovered devices, then maximum connectivity options are provided, but power and time are wasted on incompatible devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining connection suitability based on pre-received content protection capability information before actually establishing connections. This allows the first device to filter out incompatible devices in advance, avoiding wasted power on connection setup procedures with devices that cannot play protected content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by establishing connections only with devices that meet the content protection capability requirements. Rather than attempting to connect to all discovered devices, the system performs connection setup only for compatible devices, reducing unnecessary power consumption while still providing adequate connectivity options
4Reliability
If content protection capability information is exchanged during discovery, then compatible device pairing is achieved, but information exchange overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges content protection capability information with existing device discovery data structures. The capability information is embedded within standard Wi-Fi Display Information Elements that are already being exchanged during discovery, combining multiple information types into a single data transmission package without increasing overall message volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by encoding content protection capability as specific bits or fields within existing information elements. Rather than transmitting separate messages, the capability information is represented as parameter values within the standardized discovery protocol, minimizing data overhead while maintaining information accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing communication between a first device and a second device by using a Wi-Fi direct scheme is provided. The method may include receiving, by the first device, information on relating to a content protection capability of the second device in during a device discovery procedure; and determining, by the first device, whether to perform a connection setup procedure with the second device based on the received information on relating to the content protection capability of the second device.