NAN Wireless LAN Printer Discovery Circuit Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies that use both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and wireless LAN for printer detection and connection require separate communication circuits, increasing component costs and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication system that uses Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) for low-power printer detection and wireless LAN for high-speed data transmission, sharing the same communication circuit and reducing power consumption and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used for printer detection before wireless LAN connection, then power saving is achieved, but separate communication circuits are required increasing component cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function and data transmission function into a single wireless LAN system. The wireless LAN performs both device discovery (detection) and subsequent high-speed data transfer, eliminating the need for separate BLE hardware circuits while maintaining the ability to save power through selective activation of the wireless LAN for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless LAN is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a low-power detection mode for device discovery and switch to a high-speed mode for data transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single communication circuit to replace what would traditionally require separate BLE and wireless LAN hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both BLE and wireless LAN communication functions are implemented, then printer detection and high-speed data transmission are enabled, but separate communication circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection capability and high-speed data transmission capability into a single wireless LAN system. The wireless LAN communication unit performs both functions by switching between different operational modes, thereby eliminating the need for separate BLE and wireless LAN communication circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless LAN communication unit is designed with universal functionality to perform both device detection (in a low-power manner) and high-speed data transmission. This multi-functional design allows one communication circuit to fulfill the roles that would traditionally require two separate communication systems.
3Device complexity
If wireless LAN is used for both detection and data transmission, then component cost is reduced, but power consumption increases during detection
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless LAN operates in periodic intervals: it is activated only when device detection is required, performs the detection function, and then enters a low-power state until data transmission is needed. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous operation, even though the wireless LAN is used for both detection and transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless LAN system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the current task requirement. It switches between an active detection mode and a low-power standby mode, optimizing power consumption by activating the higher-power wireless LAN only when necessary for detection or data transmission, rather than maintaining continuous high-power operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication apparatus (100), which has a first communication function (302) for executing communication based on a Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) and a second communication function (302) for executing communication by a wireless LAN by sharing at least a part of a communication circuit with the first communication function, searches a printer (101) by determining whether a value of a Service ID or a value of Service Info of a NAN Attribute included in a Publish message received by the first communication function is a value indicating a print service, and transmits print data to a printer discovered by the search.