Label Printer Network Broadcast Control for Selection Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a network environment with multiple connected apparatuses, users face difficulty in selecting the appropriate label producing apparatus, especially when multiple options are available, leading to potential selection of inadequately prepared devices and communication deterioration as the number of connected devices increases.
Innovation Solution
A communication processing program for label producing apparatuses that receives and compares state and performance information from other apparatuses, determining superiority based on attributes like battery life and printing capabilities, and adjusts broadcast transmissions to highlight only the most superior apparatuses, ensuring easy connection to the best available device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple label producing apparatuses are displayed to the user, then the user has more options to choose from, but it becomes difficult for the user to select the appropriate apparatus and may lead to selection of inadequate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual differentiation by causing the operation terminal to visually distinguish between superior and inferior apparatuses. The display presents apparatus information with visual indicators that highlight the superior apparatus, making it easily identifiable to the user without requiring technical knowledge to compare specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and highlights only the most relevant information for selection - specifically identifying which apparatus is superior based on predetermined conditions. Rather than presenting all apparatus details equally, it extracts the key differentiating factor (superiority status) and presents it prominently to guide user selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all label producing apparatuses perform broadcast transmission, then each apparatus can be discovered, but it causes communication deterioration as the number of connected devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary broadcast transmission function - specifically, only superior apparatuses perform broadcast transmission of their information. This selective approach maintains apparatus discoverability while significantly reducing the total amount of broadcast traffic on the wireless network, thereby preventing communication deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of all apparatuses performing full broadcast transmission, the patent implements partial action where only superior apparatuses transmit. This partial transmission approach is sufficient for discovery purposes while avoiding the excessive communication load that would result from all apparatuses transmitting simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If the operation terminal displays detailed information from multiple apparatuses, then the user can make informed decisions, but it increases the complexity of the display and information processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for user decision-making - specifically, the superiority status of each apparatus and basic identification information. This selective information presentation maintains decision-making quality while dramatically simplifying the display system compared to showing all possible apparatus details.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores a communication processing program. When the program is read, a computer of a label producing apparatus executes a reception start step, machine determination step and a transmission start step. In the reception start step, reception of second state information and second performance/attribute information are started. In the machine determination step, it is determined whether any other label producing apparatus superior with respect to a label producing condition is present or not. In the transmission start step, in the case that any other label producing apparatus superior is present, broadcast transmission of the first state information and the first performance/attribute information is disabled. In the case that no other label producing apparatus superior is present, the broadcast transmission is performed.