DLNA Control Point Dynamic Connection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with DLNA connectivity maintain continuous wireless links, leading to excessive power consumption in portable terminals, as they do not efficiently manage DLNA connections during print jobs.
Innovation Solution
A control point and image forming apparatus system that selectively controls DLNA connections based on a connection policy, allowing for disconnection after print data transmission and reconnection based on predetermined times or SMS notifications, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous wireless link is maintained between control point and image forming apparatus, then reliable print job completion notification is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where the wireless link between control point and image forming apparatus is selectively maintained or disconnected based on operational state. The connection is kept active only when print jobs are being processed or notifications are pending, and disconnected during idle periods, thus adapting the connection state to actual needs rather than maintaining continuous connection
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic connection checks and status notifications instead of continuous connection maintenance. The image forming apparatus periodically notifies the control point of print job completion status, and the control point periodically checks connection status, allowing the connection to be temporarily established only when necessary rather than remaining continuously active
2Use of energy by moving object
If DLNA connection is selectively disconnected, then power consumption is reduced, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary notification mechanisms where the image forming apparatus sends advance notifications about print job completion status before the control point would need to check. This allows the control point to maintain disconnected state longer while still receiving timely notifications, thus reducing power consumption without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where the image forming apparatus actively notifies the control point of status changes (print job completion, errors, etc.). This feedback mechanism ensures that even when disconnected, the control point receives reliable information about system state, maintaining reliability while allowing connection disconnection for power savings
Data Source
AI summary
A control point includes a communication interface to search for one or more image forming apparatuses using digital living network alliance (DLNA), a user interface unit through which at least one piece of content is selected for printing using a user interface of the control point, and through which an image forming apparatus is selected from among the searched image forming apparatuses to perform printing, a DLNA stack unit to set a connection policy regarding connection to the selected image forming apparatus, and to selectively control the DLNA connection status to the selected image forming apparatus according to the connection policy, and a controller to control the communication interface to transmit print data corresponding to the selected content-for-printing and the connection policy to the selected image forming apparatus.