Communication Apparatus Dynamic State Shifting for Multi-Scheme Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in seamlessly switching between different communication schemes, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy, to optimize power consumption and communication efficiency in devices like printers and portable terminals.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that includes multiple interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optionally NFC) to dynamically shift between operating states based on stored identification information and received requests, allowing it to function as a parent or child station in wireless networks, thereby enabling efficient switching between communication schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the communication apparatus maintains multiple interface states simultaneously to support multiple communication schemes, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus dynamically shifts between parent station state and non-parent station state based on received identification information. The state transition is triggered when specific apparatus identification information is received via the second interface (BLE), causing the apparatus to shift from non-parent station state to parent station state to establish a wireless network. This dynamic state adjustment allows the apparatus to maintain multi-scheme capability while consuming power only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes its operational parameters by switching between different communication modes. When apparatus identification information is received via BLE, the apparatus transitions from Wi-Fi only mode to a mode where it can operate as a parent station, effectively changing its communication parameters to accommodate the specific external apparatus. This parameter change enables flexible adaptation without maintaining all capabilities simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the communication apparatus shifts to parent station state to establish wireless networks, then the communication efficiency and connection reliability are improved, but the device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus performs preliminary actions by maintaining a database of apparatus identification information in advance. When a specific external apparatus attempts to connect via BLE, the apparatus can quickly determine whether to transition to parent station state by checking the pre-stored identification information. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making and streamlines the connection establishment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses feedback from received apparatus identification information to determine its operational state. When identification information matching stored entries is received via the second interface, this feedback triggers the state transition to parent station mode. The feedback mechanism enables automatic, context-aware state management without requiring complex manual configuration or continuous monitoring.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the communication apparatus uses Bluetooth Low Energy for initial communication to exchange identification information, then the power consumption during the exchange phase is reduced, but the communication speed and data transfer efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is segmented into two distinct phases: an initial phase using BLE for low-power identification information exchange, and a subsequent phase using Wi-Fi for high-speed data communication. By dividing the communication task into segments with different requirements, the apparatus optimizes power consumption during the identification phase while preserving high-speed capability for the data transfer phase.
Solution Approach 2:
BLE serves as an intermediary communication channel that facilitates the initial exchange of apparatus identification information before transitioning to Wi-Fi for main data communication. The intermediary BLE connection enables low-power device discovery and authentication, after which the high-speed Wi-Fi interface takes over for bulk data transfer, combining the advantages of both communication schemes.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus may determine whether specific apparatus identification information for identifying a specific external apparatus is stored in a memory in a case where the specific apparatus identification information is received via a second interface from the specific external apparatus, shift an operating state of the communication apparatus from a non-parent station state to a parent station state in a case where it is determined that the specific apparatus identification information is stored in the memory, receive a wireless connection request from the specific external apparatus via a first interface after the operating state has been shifted from the non-parent station state to the parent station state, and form the wireless network in which the communication apparatus operates as the parent station and the specific external apparatus operates as a child station, in a case where the wireless connection request is received from the specific external apparatus.