Image Forming Apparatus Frequency Band Switching Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing communication over multiple frequency bands, particularly in adjusting the number of connected devices and maintaining stable connections due to differences in communication quality and speed between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes communication means capable of switching frequency bands based on predetermined conditions, such as the receipt of a print job, to optimize the number of connected devices and maintain stable connections by switching from the 5 GHz band to the 2.4 GHz band, thereby increasing the availability of higher-speed and more stable communication channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the image forming apparatus communicates over the 5 GHz band to achieve higher communication speed and stability, then communication quality improves, but the number of simultaneous connections is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidnumber of simultaneous connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the communication load by frequency band, dedicating the 5 GHz band for high-quality connections and the 2.4 GHz band for additional connections, thereby resolving the conflict between connection quality and connection capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between frequency bands based on communication conditions, allowing flexible allocation of communication resources to balance connection quality and number of simultaneous connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the image forming apparatus switches frequency bands to adjust the number of connected devices, then connection capacity increases, but communication stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that monitors communication conditions and automatically switches frequency bands, allowing the system to expand connection capacity while maintaining stability through intelligent management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the frequency band parameter based on communication conditions, switching between 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands to balance connection capacity and communication stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the apparatus prioritizes 5 GHz band communication for high speed, then communication speed improves, but availability of channels decreases when the band is full

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidchannel availability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds another dimension (2.4 GHz frequency band) to the communication architecture, providing an additional channel dimension when the primary 5 GHz band reaches capacity, thus maintaining both speed and availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3300346B1Image forming apparatus, program, and image forming system
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3300346B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3300346B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3300346B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes communication means (206) capable of communication over a plurality of frequency bands and control means (201) configured to determine whether the content of communication of the communication means (206) satisfies a predetermined condition. The control means (201) is configured to execute control for switching the frequency band of communication via the communication means (206) to another frequency band over the frequency bands when the content of communication of the communication means (206) satisfies a predetermined condition.