Wi-Fi Direct Device Discovery Merging for Duplicate Partner Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems using the Wi-Fi Direct standard, when a station discovers another station capable of using both conventional Probe Request and Service Discovery Frame methods, it treats the station as two separate devices, complicating user selection of a communication partner.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that integrates both Probe Request and Service Discovery Frame procedures to efficiently identify and select a compatible communication partner, utilizing a partner apparatus determination unit to consolidate information from both methods and facilitate seamless connection establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both Probe Request and Service Discovery Frame methods are used to discover communication partners, then discovery capability is improved, but device selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery capabilityVSAvoiddevice selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the results from Probe Request discovery and Service Discovery Frame discovery into a unified device list. When the same communication partner is discovered through both methods, the system consolidates the information and presents it as a single entry, eliminating duplicate listings and simplifying user selection while maintaining the benefits of both discovery approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal device list that can accommodate and unify results from multiple discovery methods (Probe Request and Service Discovery Frame). This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle different discovery protocols through a single interface, improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity in device selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple discovery methods are employed, then partner finding efficiency is improved, but information management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartner finding efficiencyVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines information from multiple discovery methods into a single unified device list. By merging the results from Probe Request and Service Discovery Frame methods and eliminating duplicates, the system improves partner finding efficiency while managing information complexity through consolidation rather than separate management of multiple lists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a station is treated as separate devices when discovered through multiple methods, then discovery completeness is improved, but user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery completenessVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges duplicate device entries that result from multi-method discovery into single unified entries. This ensures that all communication partners are discovered (maintaining completeness) while presenting them in a clean, non-redundant list that improves user experience by making device selection straightforward and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4676106A1Communication apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 CANON KK
  • EP4676106A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4676106A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4676106A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A communication apparatus that communicates a wireless frame compliant with a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) standard, performs (S1002) a first detection of another communication apparatus according to a first method of searching for a partner apparatus for communication using a first wireless frame defined by the WFD standard, performs (S1003) a second detection of another communication apparatus according to a second method of searching for the partner apparatus using a second wireless frame that is defined by the WFD standard and is not used in the first method, determines (S1004) whether the same apparatus has been detected in the first detection and the second detection by analyzing the first wireless frame and the second wireless frame, outputs (S1006) information indicating the apparatus as a single apparatus in a case where the same apparatus has been detected in the first detection and the second detection.