Wireless Parameter Setting via Role-Based Network Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication, especially in ad hoc connections, setting communication parameters such as SSID and frequency is cumbersome and insecure, leading to potential security issues and operability problems due to lack of standardization and unclear transfer directions.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with modules for creating networks, searching for other networks, determining roles, joining networks, and executing communication parameter setting processes, including deciding whether to provide or receive parameters, and checking the activation state of the parameter providing function to ensure secure and efficient parameter setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic setting methods are used for wireless parameters, then ease of operation is improved, but compatibility between different apparatuses deteriorates due to lack of standardization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of parameter settingVSAvoidcompatibility between apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal automatic parameter setting method that can be applied across different apparatuses by defining standardized message formats and procedures. The wireless parameter setting message includes standardized fields for SSID, encryption schemes, and authentication parameters that can be universally interpreted by any apparatus supporting the standard, enabling cross-vendor compatibility while maintaining automatic setting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If temporary parameters are used for ad hoc connection setting, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to potential parameter leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ad hoc connectionVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing role determination and network search before actual parameter exchange. The apparatus first determines whether it should provide or receive parameters, searches for appropriate target apparatuses, and establishes secure communication channels before transmitting sensitive wireless parameters, thereby preventing unauthorized access and parameter leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a standardized message format as an intermediary for parameter exchange. The wireless parameter setting message acts as a secure container that encapsulates all necessary parameters (SSID, encryption keys, authentication schemes) in a standardized structure, enabling secure transmission through defined protocols rather than direct exposure of raw parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If parameter setting is performed without role determination, then productivity is improved by simultaneous setting, but reliability deteriorates due to erroneous information exchange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting speedVSAvoidaccuracy of parameter exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry by defining distinct roles (parameter providing apparatus and parameter receiving apparatus) with different responsibilities and message transmission directions. This asymmetric role assignment ensures that parameters flow in the correct direction from the apparatus that should provide them to the apparatus that should receive them, preventing erroneous exchanges while maintaining efficient automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of operation

If ad hoc connection is established without network search, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to find communication partners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connectionVSAvoidsuccess rate of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the apparatus to autonomously perform network search and role determination without user intervention. The apparatus automatically searches for other apparatuses creating ad hoc networks, determines its own role based on the search results, and initiates parameter setting procedures automatically, combining simplicity of operation with reliable connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8792391B2Communication apparatus, communication method therefor, and program

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication apparatus searches for another network after a network is created, participates in another network in accordance with a role, in communication parameter setting processing, of a communication apparatus existing in another network, and executes the communication parameter setting processing. After the communication apparatus decides to receive the communication parameters from another communication apparatus, the communication apparatus determines an activation state of a providing function of a provider apparatus of the communication parameters, and requests the provider apparatus to provide the communication parameters in accordance with the determination.