Wireless Communication Parameter Setting with Time-Based Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting communication parameters in wireless communication devices are cumbersome, especially when devices are not connected to a PC, and there is a risk of parameter interception or unauthorized access due to the need for physical connections or narrow radio wave ranges.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows communication parameters to be set without an authentication process within a predetermined time, and after authentication if the request is made after the time has expired, using a timer and a communication-parameter setting unit to manage the process, enabling flexible parameter setting in various device environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a web browser and HTTP server are used to set communication parameters in an AP, then parameter setting is enabled, but the method is limited to wired connections and requires PC involvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting operationVSAvoidconnection method flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (HTTP server requiring physical cable connection to PC) with a wireless communication system. The access point transmits setting information wirelessly to the terminal device, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and PC involvement while maintaining parameter setting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the parameter setting method universal by enabling it to work with multiple types of terminal devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) through wireless communication. The access point can receive setting information from any device with a wireless interface, not just PCs connected via cable, thus expanding adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a wizard interface is used on PC to set communication parameters, then parameter input is simplified, but the device must be connected to PC through wired or wireless connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter input convenienceVSAvoidconnection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the parameter setting functionality from the PC-based wizard interface and embeds it directly into the access point. The access point autonomously manages the parameter setting process by receiving information wirelessly from terminal devices, eliminating the need for PC connection and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point performs self-service by independently handling the parameter setting process. It automatically receives setting information from terminal devices through wireless communication, processes the parameters, and configures itself without requiring external PC intervention or complex connection setups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If user interface with cursor keys and menu keys is used on digital camera, then parameter setting is enabled, but it becomes cumbersome for inputting character strings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting capabilityVSAvoidinput operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the terminal device and the access point. This intermediary enables efficient parameter input by allowing the terminal device to transmit setting information wirelessly to the access point, bypassing the cumbersome manual input requirements of traditional camera interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the parameter setting system universal by accepting input from various terminal devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) with different input methods. The access point can receive parameter information through wireless communication from any device, not just cameras with physical buttons, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If device is connected to PC through wired LAN or USB cable to set communication parameters, then parameter setting is possible, but physical connection is required which reduces flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting reliabilityVSAvoidconnection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical wired connection system (LAN or USB cable) with a wireless communication system. The access point communicates with terminal devices through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining reliable parameter setting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter from wired connection type to wireless connection type. By transitioning from physical cable connections to wireless communication, the system maintains parameter setting reliability while significantly improving connection flexibility and adaptability to different environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

5Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is used to set communication parameters, then physical connection is eliminated, but risk of parameter interception or unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidparameter interception risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a secure wireless connection before parameter setting occurs. The access point verifies the terminal device's identity and establishes authentication before allowing parameter input, preventing unauthorized access and parameter interception from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an authentication mechanism as an intermediary between the terminal device and the parameter setting process. This intermediary verifies the identity of devices attempting to access the parameter setting function, preventing unauthorized access and parameter interception while maintaining the flexibility of wireless connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8103003B2Method for setting communication parameters and communication device

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A method for setting communication parameters in a plurality of communication devices includes setting communication parameters without an authentication process being performed for a second communication device in a case where a first communication device has received a request for setting communication parameters from the second communication device within a predetermined period of time from the start of setting communication parameters. The method further includes setting communication parameters after the authentication process has been performed for the second communication device in a case where the first communication device has received a request for setting communication parameters from the second communication device after the expiration of the predetermined period of time from the start of setting communication parameters.