Communication Device Network Role Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, such as those involving multi-function peripherals (MFPs) and mobile terminals, face challenges in seamlessly integrating devices into the same wireless network, especially when the MFP operates as a parent station with limited child station capacity, preventing additional devices from joining the network.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that allows a parent station to shift its operation state and establish a wireless connection with an external device as a child station in a different wireless network, enabling participation in that network, even when the child station limit is reached, by using NFC and Wi-Fi interfaces to manage network transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the MFP operates as a parent station in a wireless network, then it can establish wireless connections with child stations, but the number of child stations is limited and additional devices cannot join the network
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP dynamically changes its operational role between parent station and child station modes. When the child station limit is reached, the MFP shifts from being a parent station to becoming a child station of another parent station, allowing the system to adapt to changing network requirements and enable additional devices to join the wireless network.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple roles within the wireless network infrastructure. It can function as a parent station when needed to provide network access to devices, and as a child station when the parent station capacity is reached, thereby providing universal network access solutions regardless of the initial network configuration.
2Reliability
If the MFP maintains parent station operation to provide network access, then existing child stations remain connected, but new devices cannot establish wireless connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the MFP's role based on network conditions. When new devices need to join and the parent station capacity is reached, the MFP transitions to child station mode, enabling new devices to connect while maintaining network stability through automated role management.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP automatically manages its own role transitions between parent and child station modes based on network conditions. The device monitors its own connection status and autonomously shifts operational states to facilitate device integration, reducing the need for manual configuration and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP shifts from parent station to child station state, then new devices can join the wireless network, but the MFP loses its ability to operate as a parent station
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP's operational state is dynamically adjustable, allowing it to switch between parent station and child station modes as network conditions require. This dynamic capability enables the device to participate in various network configurations while maintaining ease of operation through automated state management.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device may shift an operation state of the communication device from a parent station state for operating as a parent station of a first wireless network to a specific state different from the parent station state, in a case where a predetermined communication with an external device not belonging to the first wireless network is executed under a first state where the communication device is operating as the parent station of the first wireless network; and after the operation state of the communication device has been shifted to the specific state, establish a first wireless connection with the external device operating as a parent station of a second wireless network via a first wireless interface of the communication device, so as to cause the communication device to participate in the second wireless network as a child station.