Communication Device WPS State Management for Secure Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices face challenges in enhancing user convenience for establishing wireless connections using the WPS process, as they often require complex button operations and may automatically establish connections with undesired devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with multiple wireless interfaces and a processor that shifts operation states to manage WPS processes, sending appropriate response signals and executing WPS processes only when requested by a valid external device, thereby improving user control and convenience in establishing wireless connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the communication device automatically establishes wireless connections using WPS process, then connection establishment speed is improved, but security and control over connection establishment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the communication device based on whether it is acting as a connection initiator or responder. When the device is in a state where it has not initiated a connection, the WPS process is enabled and automatic connection establishment occurs. When the device has already initiated a connection, the WPS process is disabled to prevent unauthorized automatic connections, thus maintaining security while allowing fast connections when appropriate.
2Reliability
If the communication device requires button operations for WPS process, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by requiring button operations only in specific states (when the device has already initiated a connection or is in a secure state), while allowing automatic connection establishment in other states (when the device has not initiated a connection). This selective application of the button operation requirement maintains security where needed while improving ease of operation where appropriate.
3Ease of operation
If the communication device enables WPS process in all states, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unintended connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively disabling the WPS process in states where automatic connection establishment could lead to unintended connections. The device checks its operational state before enabling WPS, and prevents the WPS process from starting in states where it could cause security issues, thus counteracting potential harmful effects before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device may shift an operation state from a first operation state to a second operation state in response to establishment of a first wireless connection via a first wireless interface with an external device. In the first operation state, a first response signal indicating that a WPS process is inexecutable is sent to the external device in a case where a first request signal is received from the external device, and in the second operation state, a second response signal indicating that the WPS process is executable is sent to the external device. The communication device may establish a second wireless connection via a second wireless interface with the external device by executing the WPS process, in a case where the first request signal is received from the external device via the second wireless interface after the operation state has been shifted to the second operation state.