Wireless Network Setup Guidance for Higher-Security Device Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses lack the ability to transmit appropriate network connection information, leading to suboptimal network settings and potential security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that includes a setup application to acquire and manage wireless setting information, determine appropriate settings based on the capabilities of connected devices, and provide user guidance for enhancing security and frequency band selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If basic network connection information is transmitted to communication apparatus, then connection capability is achieved, but network security and optimization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidsetting control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication apparatus autonomously determines its own capabilities (wireless communication standards, frequency bands, security protocols) and receives targeted setting information from the information processing apparatus without requiring manual user configuration. The system self-optimizes by automatically selecting appropriate networks and security settings based on detected capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus receives capability information from the communication apparatus and uses this feedback to determine and transmit appropriate network setting information. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt the level of security and optimization to the actual capabilities of the communication apparatus, resolving the contradiction between enhanced security and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual network setting configuration is required, then user control is maintained, but user burden and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup easeVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus pre-determines appropriate network setting information based on capability information received from the communication apparatus before actual connection is needed. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for users to manually configure settings during setup, significantly reducing both user burden and setup time while maintaining optimal security and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If generic network information is transmitted to all devices, then compatibility is improved, but appropriateness and security optimization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting appropriatenessVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus transmits different network setting information tailored to the specific capabilities of each communication apparatus. Instead of using generic settings for all devices, the system provides localized, customized configuration information that matches each device's wireless communication standards, frequency band capabilities, and security protocol support, thereby optimizing both appropriateness and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4440045B1Information processing apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 CANON KK
  • EP4440045B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4440045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4440045B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control method for an information processing apparatus includes acquiring first information about a first network, the first information is information transmitted previously to another apparatus different from a communication apparatus by the information processing apparatus, and executing a predetermined process for transmitting second information about a second network to the communication apparatus based on the communication apparatus being able to communicate with a network using a second setting different from a first setting in a case that the second setting indicates an encryption method with higher security strength than that indicated by the first setting, the first setting being a setting that is indicated by the acquired first information and is for use in communication with the first network, the second network being a network that is different from the first network and with which the information processing apparatus is able to communicate using the second setting.