Dynamic Communication Unit Switching for Speed Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems in devices like smartphones and image processing apparatuses do not optimize the selection of communication units during ongoing communications, leading to suboptimal performance due to the use of slower communication units even when faster units are available, resulting in increased time for completing communication tasks.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with multiple communication units and a controller that switches between communication units based on priority, remaining data amount, and communication time to ensure optimal communication speed, allowing the use of faster units for higher-priority tasks and reallocating channels to optimize overall communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a communication unit is selected based on initial availability without dynamic switching, then the communication can start promptly, but the communication speed may be suboptimal when faster units become available during ongoing communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommunication unit selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between communication units based on real-time availability and priority levels. The system continuously monitors the status of multiple communication units and dynamically reassigns ongoing communications to faster available units, transforming a static selection process into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes communication speed throughout the transmission process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of communication unit selection by introducing priority levels and real-time status monitoring. Instead of using a fixed selection criterion, the system adjusts the selection parameters dynamically based on current communication unit availability, data remaining, and task priority, enabling optimization of communication speed without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple communication units are used simultaneously for different tasks, then communication throughput increases, but the time to complete individual high-priority tasks increases when faster units are occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall communication throughputVSAvoidcommunication task completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automatic priority-based reassignment. When a high-priority task requires a faster communication unit that is currently occupied by a lower-priority task, the system automatically switches the lower-priority task to an alternative available unit without requiring external intervention. This maintains high overall throughput while ensuring low-priority tasks can be seamlessly migrated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor communication unit status, task priority levels, and data transmission progress. This feedback enables the system to make real-time decisions about switching communication units, ensuring that high-priority tasks can access faster units when needed while maintaining efficient utilization of all available communication resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If communication units are statically assigned to tasks, then the system operation is simple, but the communication efficiency decreases when communication unit status changes during ongoing tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication unit management simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing communication unit assignments based on real-time conditions. The controller autonomously monitors communication unit status changes and reassigns tasks without requiring manual intervention or complex management protocols, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10182173B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes plural communication units, a switching unit, and a controller. The communication units are configured to conduct a wireless communication. The switching unit is configured to switch a first communication unit having a relatively fast communication speed to a second communication unit having a relatively slow communication speed if a communication is attempted to start and if the first communication unit is being used. The controller is configured to perform a control to start the communication by the first communication unit.