Communication Device Dynamic Wireless Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices face challenges in seamlessly switching between Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth for data transmission based on data size, and in coordinating wireless communication across unreliable links, especially in intermittent signal conditions.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that includes a Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) capable of performing NFC, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), and normal Wi-Fi communication, allowing it to dynamically switch between these modes and manage network settings to ensure efficient data transfer, even in environments with poor signal strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If NFC is used for data transmission, then short-distance communication is achieved, but transmission speed is insufficient for large data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidcommunication mode switching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device dynamically switches between NFC and Bluetooth communication modes based on real-time detection of data size and transmission conditions. When data size exceeds a threshold, the system automatically transitions from NFC to Bluetooth to maintain high transmission speed, and can switch back to NFC when data size is small, optimizing performance across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the communication parameter (mode selection) based on the data size parameter. By monitoring the size of data to be transmitted and comparing it against a predetermined threshold, the device adjusts its communication mode accordingly - using NFC for small data and Bluetooth for large data, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If Bluetooth is used for data transmission, then transmission speed is improved, but connection establishment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidconnection handover complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of data size before initiating communication. By pre-judging whether the data size exceeds the threshold, the device can proactively select the appropriate communication mode (NFC for small data, Bluetooth for large data), avoiding the need for complex real-time handover decisions during data transmission and simplifying the connection establishment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device autonomously determines the optimal communication mode by monitoring its own data size and comparing it against the predetermined threshold. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external control or complex manual configuration, allowing the system to automatically select between NFC and Bluetooth based on intrinsic conditions, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless networks are supported, then communication versatility is improved, but network selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless network compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork settings coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device integrates support for multiple wireless networks (NFC, Bluetooth, and other wireless networks) to provide universal communication capability. By incorporating this multi-functionality, the system can adapt to various communication scenarios and network environments, improving versatility while managing the complexity of network settings through a unified selection mechanism based on data size and conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2690910B1Communication device
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2690910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2690910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2690910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first communication device is configured to: transmit first wireless settings for joining to a first type of wireless network to a second communication device in a first case where the second communication device can join the first type of wireless network in a specific mode for performing direct wireless communication with the first communication device; transmit second wireless settings for joining to a second type of wireless network to the second communication device in a second case where the second communication device cannot join the first type of wireless network in the specific mode; perform direct wireless communication with the second communication device using the first type of wireless network in the first case; and perform wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device through a specific relaying device using the second type of wireless network in the second case.