Direct Wireless Connection Switching for Stable Peer Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication apparatuses face challenges in establishing appropriate communication connections, particularly when employing multiple connection methods like Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Aware, leading to inefficiencies and potential disconnections.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication apparatus and method that supports enhanced communication protocols, including IEEE 802.11ax and Target Wake Time (TWT) to optimize power consumption and reduce disconnections, along with improved negotiation processes in Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) standards to facilitate stable peer-to-peer connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication apparatus supports multiple connection methods (Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Aware), then versatility is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to inappropriate connection establishment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection method supportVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of connection method selection by determining whether to use Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi Aware based on the role of the other communication apparatus (peer-to-peer vs. infrastructure mode). This parameter-based approach ensures that the appropriate connection method is selected, resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple methods and maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the role of the other communication apparatus and using this information to determine the appropriate connection method. This feedback mechanism prevents inappropriate connection establishment and ensures reliable communication while maintaining support for multiple connection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If Wi-Fi Direct is used for direct communication, then peer-to-peer connectivity is improved, but connection failures occur when infrastructure mode devices are involved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeer-to-peer connectionVSAvoidconnection success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the connection method dynamic by selecting between Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Aware based on the detected role of the other apparatus. This dynamic adaptation ensures that Wi-Fi Direct is used for peer-to-peer connections while Wi-Fi Aware is used when infrastructure mode devices are involved, preventing connection failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection method parameter based on the role detection result. When the other apparatus is in infrastructure mode, the system switches from Wi-Fi Direct to Wi-Fi Aware, ensuring connection success while maintaining ease of peer-to-peer operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication apparatuses use traditional connection methods, then compatibility is maintained, but power consumption increases and disconnections occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through Target Wake Time (TWT), where communication apparatuses wake up at scheduled intervals to exchange data instead of maintaining continuous connection. This periodic communication reduces power consumption while maintaining compatibility with existing standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power management parameter by introducing TWT mechanisms that allow apparatuses to sleep between data exchange periods. This parameter change reduces power consumption while maintaining compatibility through standard-based implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4694550A1Communication apparatus, control method thereof, program and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CANON KK
  • EP4694550A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4694550A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4694550A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A communication apparatus including a wireless direct function to perform direct wireless communication with a peer device without an external access point includes at least one memory and at least one processor which function as a first execution unit configured to operate the wireless direct function of a first method, a second execution unit configured to operate the wireless direct function of a second method including a connection process different from a connection process of the wireless direct function of the first method, and a control unit configured to switch to a peer device search using the wireless direct function of the first method in a case where a peer device search using the wireless direct function of the second method is performed and a peer device is not discovered within a predefined duration.