Wireless Connection Switching for Mixed Communication Apparatus Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Certain communication apparatus models do not support the transmission of information relating to an access point from an information processing apparatus, making it difficult to establish a communication state between the two devices.

Innovation Solution

The information processing apparatus executes a first process to search for communication apparatuses on the network, receives user input indicating a desired communication apparatus not found, displays a confirmation screen to determine the apparatus type, and then executes a second process for connection using a different method based on user input, improving user-friendliness by accommodating various communication apparatus types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single search method and connection method are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate certain communication apparatus models that do not support access point information transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different communication apparatus typesVSAvoidcomplexity of search and connection processes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between a first search method and a second search method based on whether the communication apparatus is discovered. It also dynamically selects between a first connection method (using access point information) and a second connection method (without access point information) based on the apparatus type determined by user input. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible enough to handle different device types while maintaining operational simplicity through automated method selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the search parameters by switching between different search methods (first search method vs. second search method) and changes the connection parameters by selecting different connection methods (first connection method with access point information vs. second connection method without access point information). These parameter changes enable the system to accommodate various communication apparatus models, resolving the adaptability-complexity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple search methods and connection methods are implemented, then compatibility with various communication apparatus types is improved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple communication apparatus modelsVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining which search method and connection method to use based on the discovered communication apparatus and user input about apparatus type. The control unit automatically executes the appropriate processes without requiring the user to manually select or configure multiple methods, thereby maintaining ease of operation while supporting multiple device types through automated multi-method capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and executes only the necessary search and connection methods based on real-time conditions (whether the apparatus is discovered and the determined apparatus type). This dynamic approach allows the system to have multiple methods available while actually executing only what is needed, preserving operational simplicity while achieving broad compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the system automatically determines communication apparatus type, then connection success rate improves, but additional user input requirements increase operational steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment success rateVSAvoidtime for user input and confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying a confirmation screen that asks the user to determine the communication apparatus type before executing the connection process. This preliminary determination allows the system to pre-select the appropriate connection method (first connection method with access point information or second connection method without), ensuring reliable connection establishment while minimizing delays by making the decision early in the process rather than during connection attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260052508A1Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium that stores one or more programs
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 CANON KK
  • US20260052508A1 patent drawing
  • US20260052508A1 patent drawing
  • US20260052508A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Based on an operation indicating that a communication apparatus that a user desires to use is not a communication apparatus of a predetermined type, a first process for connection for establishing a wireless connection of the communication apparatus according to a first processing method is executed. Based on an operation indicating that the communication apparatus is a communication apparatus of the predetermined type, at least one process out of: a second process for connection for establishing a wireless connection of the communication apparatus according to a second processing method that is different from the first processing method; and a second process for search for searching for the communication apparatus according to a second search method that is different from the first search method is executed.