Image Forming Device OFDMA Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in providing wireless communication with high convenience, particularly in switching between infrastructure and ad hoc modes while managing orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes first and second setting means for enabling wireless communication via an external access point or not, respectively. It features receiving means for orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) information, communication means for executing OFDMA compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard in the first mode, and control means to disable OFDMA in the second mode even if it's enabled in the first mode, ensuring flexible communication modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If OFDMA is enabled in both first mode (infrastructure mode via external access point) and second mode (ad hoc mode), then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of OFDMA functionality based on the active communication mode. The control unit automatically enables OFDMA only in the first mode (infrastructure mode) when an external access point is used, and disables it in the second mode (ad hoc mode). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the communication protocol to the specific operational context, maintaining high efficiency where needed while simplifying device management in other scenarios.
2Productivity
If OFDMA is enabled in first mode for high communication efficiency, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively enabling OFDMA functionality only in specific contexts - specifically, only when operating in the first mode (infrastructure mode) with an external access point. The control unit monitors the operational mode and activates OFDMA processing only when appropriate, rather than maintaining it continuously. This resolves the contradiction by providing high communication efficiency precisely where the infrastructure supports it, while conserving power in ad hoc mode or when no external access point is available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication supports multiple modes simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mode switching complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic mode detection and configuration. The control unit automatically determines which communication mode is active (first mode with external access point or second mode ad hoc) and autonomously adjusts OFDMA settings accordingly. Users do not need to manually configure or switch between modes - the system detects the operational context and optimizes communication parameters automatically. This resolves the contradiction by providing multi-mode adaptability while eliminating the operational burden of manual mode switching.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes receiving means for receiving a first trigger frame including information regarding orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) compliant with an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, from an external access point provided on an outside of the image forming apparatus, while the first mode is enabled, communication means for executing communication processing in the first mode by the OFDMA compliant with the IEEE802.11 standard, based on the information regarding the first trigger frame, and control means for controlling the image forming apparatus in such a manner that the OFDMA compliant with the IEEE802.11 standard is not executed in wireless communication of the second mode, based on the second mode being enabled, even in a case where the OFDMA compliant with the IEEE802.11 standard is enabled in the first mode.