Wireless Terminal Controller for Simplified BLE-to-Wi-Fi Connection Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in setting wireless communication connections between multi-function printers and other devices due to the complexity of existing mechanisms, necessitating a more user-friendly approach.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus with a first wireless communication unit and a controller that transmits setting information to establish a second wireless communication connection, featuring a user interface to input necessary settings, such as SSIDs and passwords, to facilitate connections between devices and access points under different wireless communication schemes like BLE and Wi-Fi.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually sets wireless communication connections using existing mechanisms, then the connection can be established, but the operation becomes complex and difficult for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wireless connection settingVSAvoidcomplexity of connection setting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus automatically obtains setting information (SSID, password) for the second wireless communication by listening to conversations between the device and access point during the first wireless communication setup. The system serves itself by capturing and utilizing the setting information without requiring manual user input, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus acts as an intermediary that captures setting information transmitted during the first wireless communication setup. By positioning itself as a listener in the communication chain between the device and access point, it obtains the necessary configuration data without disrupting the primary connection establishment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the terminal apparatus listens to the conversation between the device and access point to obtain setting information, then the setting process is simplified, but wireless communication reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of setting processVSAvoidreliability of wireless communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus performs preliminary actions by establishing the first wireless communication connection before the device connects to the access point. This allows it to capture the setting information in advance during the setup phase, ensuring that the information is obtained reliably before being used for the second connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus maintains continuous wireless communication throughout the process - first establishing a connection to capture setting information, then using that information to enable the device's connection to the access point. The communication channel remains active and useful throughout the entire setup sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the terminal apparatus establishes first wireless communication before displaying the entry screen, then setting information can be transmitted, but the connection may be interrupted during user input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of setting information transmissionVSAvoidduration of wireless connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus establishes the first wireless communication connection in advance before displaying the entry screen, allowing setting information to be transmitted efficiently. The connection is set up preliminarily so that when the user inputs information, the communication channel is already ready and waiting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11178532B2Terminal apparatus, wireless connection control method, and storage medium storing wireless connection control program

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A terminal apparatus includes a first wireless communication unit and a controller. The first wireless communication unit conducts first wireless communication with a device under a first wireless communication scheme. The controller causes the first wireless communication unit to transmit setting information to the device; the setting information is required for the device to conduct second wireless communication under a second wireless communication scheme. When a predetermined display unit displays an entry screen through which the setting information is to be input, the controller breaks a connection of the first wireless communication between the first wireless communication unit and the device. When receiving the setting information through the entry screen, the controller establishes the connection of the first wireless communication between the first wireless communication unit and the device.