Communication Controller Switching NFC to Wi-Fi Direct
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing information processing systems, when the maximum number of Wi-Fi Direct connections is reached, new connections via NFC are not allowed, leading to user inconvenience as users are not prioritized for immediate access to the image processing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a communication-apparatus-side controller that switches wireless communication from NFC to Wi-Fi Direct using a dedicated line, allowing a new terminal to connect by prioritizing the connection-requesting terminal over existing Wi-Fi Direct connections, thereby enabling immediate access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the maximum number of Wi-Fi Direct connections is reached, then the connection capacity is maximized, but new connections via NFC are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection process into two distinct phases: NFC connection phase (for new connections) and Wi-Fi Direct connection phase (for data transmission). By separating these phases, the system allows NFC connections even when Wi-Fi Direct connection capacity is full, as NFC uses a different connection track. This resolves the contradiction by enabling new connections through NFC while maintaining maximum Wi-Fi Direct connections through the dedicated line mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary mechanism to establish initial connection requests. When a terminal wants to connect and the Wi-Fi Direct connection capacity is full, the system uses NFC as an intermediary to transmit connection information and establish a preliminary connection state. This intermediary approach allows the system to accept new connection requests even when the primary Wi-Fi Direct connection capacity is exhausted, resolving the accessibility issue.
2Reliability
If existing Wi-Fi Direct connections are maintained, then connection stability is preserved, but new urgent connections cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a dedicated line for NFC connection requests before actual data transmission begins. When a new connection request arrives and Wi-Fi Direct capacity is full, the system preliminarily establishes an NFC connection to transmit connection information. This preliminary NFC connection setup allows the system to prepare for new connections without disrupting existing Wi-Fi Direct connections, thereby maintaining stability while reducing connection establishment time for urgent requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic connection management where the system can switch between NFC and Wi-Fi Direct modes based on real-time connection status. The communication apparatus dynamically adjusts its behavior: when Wi-Fi Direct connection capacity is full, it dynamically uses NFC for new connections; when capacity is available, it uses Wi-Fi Direct. This dynamic approach maintains existing stable connections while enabling rapid establishment of new urgent connections, resolving the contradiction between stability and connection time.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a communication-apparatus-side controller. The first communication unit performs wireless communication with plural terminal apparatuses, the number of which is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum number of connections. The second communication unit performs wireless communication with a connection-requesting terminal apparatus that newly attempts to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit. The communication-apparatus-side controller switches the wireless communication via the second communication unit to wireless communication via the first communication unit, the wireless communication via the first communication unit being performed using a dedicated line prepared in advance.