Image Processing Device Load-Aware Radio Field Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems face inefficiencies when portable terminals automatically connect to busy image processing devices, leading to prolonged job execution times due to the complexity of adjusting access points and the need for users to manually select less busy devices.
Innovation Solution
The system includes first and second image processing devices that communicate via radio waves with portable terminals, with the first device detecting load status changes and requesting load status information from the second device to adjust radio field strengths, ensuring efficient communication by directing portable terminals to less busy devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the portable terminal automatically connects to the image processing device with the highest-intensity radio waves, then the connection is established quickly and automatically, but the terminal may connect to a busy device resulting in long job execution times
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing devices share their load status information with each other through network communication. Each device receives feedback about the load status of other devices in the group, allowing the terminal to make informed connection decisions based on real-time load information from multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for automatic connection from solely radio wave intensity to a composite parameter that includes both radio wave intensity and load status. This allows the terminal to prioritize devices that are both easily accessible (strong signal) and capable of processing jobs efficiently (low load).
2Productivity
If the system uses load status information to direct connections to less busy devices, then job execution efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases due to load status sharing and radio field adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of load monitoring, information sharing, and radio field adjustment into a coordinated system. Image processing devices perform multiple functions: processing jobs, monitoring their own load status, sharing this information with other devices, and adjusting their radio field strength based on load conditions. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image processing device autonomously monitors its own load status and makes decisions about adjusting its radio field strength based on its load conditions and the load status of other devices. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a central controller to manage load balancing, reducing system complexity while maintaining productivity benefits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows portable terminals to automatically connect to image processing devices with lower loads, reducing wait times and improving processing efficiency by dynamically adjusting radio field strengths to direct connections to less busy devices.
Implementation Method 1
the image processing device emits the radio waves around, and the portable terminal catches the radio waves
Implementation Method 2
adjusting to relatively lower a radio field strength from the first image processing device below the radio field strength from the second image processing device
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system includes a first image processing device including a first processor. The first processor executes a process including: detecting a change in a load status at the first image processing device; sending a request for information relating to a load status at the second image processing device to the second image processing device when the change in the load status at the first image processing device is detected; analyzing the information relating to the load status at the second image processing device, and determining whether or not the first image processing device establishes wireless communication with a portable terminal; and adjusting to relatively lower a radio field strength from the first image processing device below the radio field strength from the second image processing device when the first image processing device determines not to establish wireless communication with the portable terminal.