Wireless Relay Communication Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find it difficult to set appropriate connection modes for wireless LAN connections, especially when connecting devices like printers and PCs, due to the complexity of available modes such as infrastructure, ad hoc, and WiFi Direct.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system and method that selects an appropriate connection mode based on setting information and connection history, allowing devices to determine and establish communication channels using either an access point or peer-to-peer connections, thereby simplifying the connection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection modes (infrastructure, ad hoc, WiFi Direct) are provided for wireless LAN, then communication versatility is improved, but connection setting complexity increases for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidconnection setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device automatically determines the appropriate connection mode by itself based on whether an access point is detected and connection history information, without requiring user intervention. The device performs self-service by autonomously selecting between infrastructure mode, ad hoc mode, and WiFi Direct mode, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between providing multiple connection modes and simplifying user setup procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device stores connection history information in advance, including access point connection status and previously used connection modes. This preliminary action enables the device to quickly determine the appropriate connection mode without requiring users to manually configure settings each time, thus maintaining versatility while reducing setup complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic connection mode selection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about connection history increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup easeVSAvoidconnection history information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device implements feedback by storing and referencing connection history information from previous communication sessions. This feedback mechanism allows the device to automatically select appropriate connection modes based on historical data, improving ease of operation while preserving valuable connection information for future use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes operational parameters by adjusting connection mode selection based on stored connection history. Instead of losing information, the system uses parameter changes in connection mode determination to achieve automatic setup, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining information integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2648461B1Wireless communication device, wireless communication system, method and computer readable medium to perform wireless relay communication
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP2648461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2648461B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2648461B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To reduce burden of a user's wireless LAN setting, a wireless communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device so as to perform a wireless communication with each other. The first communication device includes a determination part that determines whether the wireless communication device connects to a relay station which performs a wireless relay communication, and a communication part that performs a wireless communication in a first connection mode to communicate with the second communication device through the relay station in a case that the relay station is connected, and in a case that the relay station is not connected, the communication part that performs a wireless communication in a second connection mode with the second communication device, which do not communicate through the relay station.