Wi-Fi Provisioning Control for Non-DPP Device Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for connecting communication apparatuses to access points lack convenience and efficiency, particularly in setups involving devices that do not support standard protocols like Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP).

Innovation Solution

Implementing the Wi-Fi Easy Connect function, which uses Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) to facilitate network setup by enabling an information processing apparatus to act as a Configurator and a communication apparatus as an Enrollee, exchanging bootstrapping information for secure wireless connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing connection methods are used, then connection can be established, but convenience and efficiency of network setup are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of network setupVSAvoidtime for network setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the information processing apparatus store access point connection information in advance. When a connection request is received, the apparatus retrieves pre-stored connection information and transmits it to the communication apparatus, eliminating the need for real-time manual configuration and significantly reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the information processing apparatus as an intermediary between the user and the communication apparatus. Instead of requiring direct user configuration of network parameters, the intermediary apparatus automatically manages connection information storage, retrieval, and transmission, simplifying the user's interaction to merely initiating the connection request.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If DPP protocol is used for connection, then secure wireless connection is established, but compatibility with devices not supporting DPP is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of wireless connectionVSAvoidcompatibility with different device models

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by enabling the information processing apparatus to function in multiple roles: it can act as a configurator using DPP protocol when the communication apparatus supports it, and simultaneously serve as an intermediary providing connection information to devices that do not support DPP. This multi-functionality ensures both security through DPP and broad compatibility across different device models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the connection method based on the capabilities of the communication apparatus. When DPP support is detected, secure DPP-based connection parameters are used; when DPP is not supported, the system transitions to using pre-stored connection information with alternative encryption methods, thus adapting the connection parameters to match device capabilities while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual configuration of connection information is required, then connection can be established, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidcomplexity of setup process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the information processing apparatus to automatically perform connection information management tasks. The apparatus autonomously stores access point connection information, retrieves appropriate connection parameters based on device capabilities, and transmits them to the communication apparatus without requiring manual user configuration, thereby reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reduces complexity through preliminary action by having connection information pre-stored in the information processing apparatus. This pre-prepared connection information eliminates the need for users to manually configure network parameters during the connection process, transforming a complex manual configuration task into a simple one-step connection request while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4050921B1Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 CANON KK

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Provided is a program that when executed on a computer of an information processing apparatus causes the computer to perform acquiring, via communication with a communication apparatus based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 using a first protocol, predetermined information for performing communication with the communication apparatus based on IEEE 802.11 using a second protocol, and performing predetermined control to control the information processing apparatus to transmit connection information, for connecting to an access point, to the communication apparatus via the communication with the communication apparatus based on IEEE 802.11 using the second protocol that is performed using the predetermined information.