Printer Wi-Fi Availability Signaling Before Bluetooth Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently notify a mobile terminal when a printing device reaches the Wi-Fi connection limit, necessitating a Bluetooth Low Energy connection for status updates, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and terminal device system that uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interfaces to send distinct signals indicating the availability of Wi-Fi connections, allowing the terminal to prioritize devices capable of immediate Wi-Fi connections over those requiring additional setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GATT communication over Bluetooth is used to notify the terminal of Wi-Fi connection status, then the terminal can be notified of the printing device's Wi-Fi connection limit status, but the notification process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device pre-calculates and stores the maximum number of Wi-Fi connections in advance. When a connection request arrives, it immediately compares the current connection count with the pre-stored limit and sends a notification without needing to perform complex real-time calculations, thus reducing notification time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate notification mechanism that provides connection status information without requiring full GATT communication. This intermediary approach allows the terminal to receive essential status updates (connected/disconnected states) through a simplified channel, reducing the time overhead while preserving the reliability of status notification
2Loss of information
If Bluetooth connection is established before Wi-Fi connection to check connection status, then the terminal can obtain accurate connection information, but the overall connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device continuously monitors and maintains the count of connected Wi-Fi devices in real-time. This continuous tracking ensures that when a Bluetooth inquiry occurs, the device can immediately provide accurate connection status information without needing to perform additional counting or calculation operations, thus reducing the time penalty of sequential Bluetooth-Wi-Fi connection checks
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the printing device actively notifies the terminal of connection status changes (when the maximum number of connections is reached or when connections are released). This feedback approach ensures the terminal always has up-to-date connection information without needing to continuously query via Bluetooth, reducing both information loss and time consumption
3Ease of operation
If the terminal displays confirmation screens for all printers, then the user can make informed decisions, but the user interface becomes complex and the selection process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal applies different display treatments to different printers based on their connection status. Printers that have available Wi-Fi connections are displayed with simplified information and automatic selection eligibility, while printers at connection limit are marked distinctly. This localized differentiation reduces interface complexity by showing only relevant information for each device type without requiring uniform detailed confirmation screens for all printers
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal pre-evaluates the connection status of all detected printers before presenting the selection interface to the user. It automatically filters out printers that have reached their connection limit and prepares a list of eligible printers in advance. This preliminary filtering action reduces the complexity of the user interface by removing unavailable options before the user even sees the selection screen, while still providing sufficient information for informed decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device may cause a first wireless interface of the communication device to send a first signal in a case where a state of the communication device is a respondent state. The respondent state may be a state in which a Wi-Fi connection is able to be established between the communication device and a terminal device. The first signal may be sent from the first wireless interface before a Bluetooth connection is established between the communication device and a terminal device. The communication device may cause the first wireless interface to send a second signal in a case where a state of the communication device is a non-respondent state. The non-respondent state may be a state in which the Wi-Fi connection is not able to be established. The second signal may be sent from the first wireless interface before the Bluetooth connection is established.