Wireless Relay Access Point Registration via Automated Signal Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication setups, such as AOSS and WPS, require cumbersome button pressing or wired connections for registering relay access points, making it difficult to establish wireless communication between devices at different locations without the need for fixed line cables.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with a communication unit, identification unit, transmission unit, reception unit, and registration unit that allows for the easy registration of a relay access point via wireless communication, enabling devices to operate in infrastructure mode without the need for simultaneous button pressing or wired connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If button pressing method is used for registration, then wireless communication setting can be established, but devices must be placed at locations where buttons can be pressed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication settingVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button pressing operation with an automated wireless communication-based registration process. The communication apparatus automatically transmits and receives registration information through wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual button pressing and enabling device registration regardless of physical proximity or placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If wired interface connection is used for registration, then communication setting can be conducted, but fixed line cables must be prepared and devices mutually connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication settingVSAvoidcable connection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The communication apparatus performs registration entirely through wireless transmission and reception of information, eliminating the need for fixed line cables and reducing physical connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If wired interface connection is used for registration, then communication setting can be conducted, but devices must be physically connected by fixed line cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication settingVSAvoiddevice placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based connection with wireless communication, allowing devices to be registered and connected without physical cable connections. This enables greater flexibility in device placement and eliminates the constraint of requiring fixed line cables for registration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10645640B2Communication apparatus, communication method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication apparatus identifies an access point with which the communication apparatus can perform wireless communication and transmits information indicating the identified access point to a communication partner apparatus by way of the wireless communication. In response to this, an access point designated by the communication partner apparatus is registered as a relay access point.