Imaging Apparatus Wireless Communication Priority Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems for imaging devices face challenges with obstacle interference and limited connectivity when multiple peripheral devices are present, leading to inappropriate switching that can impact the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly connectable imaging system with a communication unit, search unit, and determination unit that prioritizes activation of external devices based on their usage in the imaging process, allowing for efficient data communication and optimal device status management, even when the number of devices exceeds the maximum active connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical communication is used for device connection, then directivity and signal precision are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates when obstacles are present between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master imaging apparatus as an intermediary device that coordinates communication between multiple slave devices. The master apparatus receives images from multiple slave devices and manages data transmission, acting as a mediator that resolves the conflict between direct optical communication precision and reliability when obstacles are present. This allows the system to maintain both precision through direct optical links and reliability through centralized coordination.
2Reliability
If Bluetooth wireless standard is used for device connection, then communication reliability is improved by diffraction around obstacles, but device complexity increases due to limited connectivity and switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication system into a master imaging apparatus and multiple slave flash devices. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple devices by dividing roles and functions, where the master handles coordination and slave devices handle specific imaging tasks. This reduces the complexity that would arise from managing all devices equally, while maintaining reliable Bluetooth-based communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequential switching between active and park modes is implemented for slave devices, then connectivity management is improved, but imaging process accuracy deteriorates due to inappropriate switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the master imaging apparatus determine in advance which slave devices should be activated based on imaging requirements. Before the imaging process begins, the master device establishes the appropriate connectivity configuration and activates the necessary slave devices. This prevents inappropriate switching during the imaging process, ensuring both effective connectivity management and imaging accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a communication unit that executes data communication with a predetermined number of external devices, a search unit that searches for external devices that can executes data communication with the imaging apparatus, and a determination unit that, if the search unit finds a number of external devices that is greater than the predetermined number, determines with which of the external devices communication is to be activated. The determining unit is configured to, in case that the imaging unit executes an imaging process, preferentially activate communication with external devices that are used in the imaging process.