Wireless Interface Control for Frequency Channel Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multihome environments, the frequency channels used by infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode Wi-Fi wireless communication often differ, leading to connectivity issues and poor usability when ad hoc mode starts before infrastructure mode, as they must use the same frequency channel.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with both a first interface for wireless communication relayed through a base station and a second interface for communication not relayed through a base station, where the second interface starts only after the first interface has initiated communication, ensuring both modes use the same frequency channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ad hoc mode starts before infrastructure mode, then ad hoc mode can operate independently, but frequency channel mismatch occurs and connectivity to access point becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidconnectivity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking whether infrastructure mode is already operating before allowing ad hoc mode to start. The control unit performs this check in advance and only permits ad hoc mode initiation when infrastructure mode is confirmed to be running, thereby preventing frequency channel mismatch before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. It mediates the startup process by controlling the conditions under which ad hoc mode can begin, ensuring that infrastructure mode is already active and will provide the necessary frequency channel reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If ad hoc mode is not stopped temporarily to match frequency channel, then ad hoc mode communication can continue, but connection to access point by infrastructure mode becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvead hoc mode communication continuityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prevents the need to stop ad hoc mode by performing a preliminary check before allowing ad hoc mode to start. The control unit verifies that infrastructure mode is already operating, which establishes the correct frequency channel in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode use different frequency channels, then each mode can optimize for its specific communication needs, but hardware restriction prevents simultaneous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific optimizationVSAvoidfrequency channel management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies frequency channel management by performing preliminary action - checking infrastructure mode status before allowing ad hoc mode startup. This ensures frequency channel consistency is established in advance, avoiding complex real-time channel switching and coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10666833B2Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium, for controlling wireless communications of a first communication function and a second communication function

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus comprises a first interface that performs wireless communication relayed through a base station and a second interface that performs wireless communication not relayed through a base station, and the information processing apparatus allows the wireless communication by the second interface to start under a condition that the wireless communication by the first interface has been started so that it is possible to set the same frequency channel used in the two types of wireless communication.