Wi-Fi DPP Parameter Exchange Using Bluetooth Detection and QR Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Wi-Fi Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) lacks a specific method for exchanging public keys using wireless communication techniques and has room for improvement in parameter exchange methods, making it difficult for users to set up wireless LAN connections between devices.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that uses a first communication function with a short range, such as Bluetooth, to detect partner devices and exchange information like public keys, followed by a second communication function, like Wi-Fi, to share wireless LAN parameters, ensuring secure and reliable parameter exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless LAN parameters are set using traditional methods, then connection establishment is possible, but the setting process becomes complicated and difficult for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of parameter settingVSAvoidcomplexity of setting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating QR codes containing wireless LAN parameters before the user needs to configure anything. The parameter exchange is prepared in advance through the QR code, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex settings during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A QR code serves as an intermediary carrier that mediates the parameter exchange between devices. Instead of directly configuring wireless LAN parameters which is complex, the QR code acts as an intermediate medium that simplifies the interaction, allowing users to simply scan and connect without dealing with technical configuration details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If DPP is used for partner apparatus selection using QR Code, then parameter exchange is facilitated, but the protocol lacks specific methods for public key exchange and has room for improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of parameter exchangeVSAvoidreliability of parameter exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the parameter exchange method based on the communication capabilities of the partner device. It determines whether the partner supports wireless communication for parameter exchange, and adjusts the exchange protocol accordingly - using wireless LAN if supported, or falling back to other methods if not, ensuring both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by having devices exchange capability information first, then adjusting the parameter exchange method based on what the partner device supports. This feedback loop ensures reliable parameter exchange by matching the exchange method to the actual capabilities of both devices involved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single communication function is used for both detection and data transfer, then the process is simplified, but the likelihood of sharing parameters with unintended devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of communication processVSAvoidrisk of parameter sharing with unintended devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: first using a short-range communication function (like Bluetooth) for partner detection and identification, then using wireless LAN for actual parameter exchange. This segmentation allows the system to verify the intended partner through the first communication channel before establishing the data transfer channel, reducing the risk of parameter sharing with unintended devices while maintaining process clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3562256B1Communication apparatus, control method, program, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 CANON KK
  • EP3562256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3562256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3562256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication apparatus, which has first communication means and second communication means different from the first communication means, detects, by using the first communication means, a partner apparatus for parameter exchange processing performed by using the second communication means to participate in a network, exchanges information to be used in communication for the parameter exchange processing with the partner apparatus, and executes the parameter exchange processing using the information by using the second communication means.