Projector Access Point Router Dual-Mode Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projectors with access point functions can only communicate with a single access point, limiting their ability to connect to other communication counterparts without additional communication paths.

Innovation Solution

A projector with a projection section, communication section, evaluation section, and control section that determines the destination of communication data, allowing it to project images or transmit data to/from other apparatuses on different networks without disconnecting from the primary access point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image signal apparatus connects to the projector as a client using wireless LAN, then the projector can project images from the image signal apparatus, but the image signal apparatus cannot communicate with other communication counterparts (such as Internet) during the communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication path requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projector is equipped with both an access point function and a router function, allowing it to perform multiple communication roles simultaneously. The access point function enables wireless connection with the image signal apparatus, while the router function provides connectivity to external networks (such as the Internet), allowing the image signal apparatus to communicate with other communication counterparts without requiring additional communication paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The projector acts as an intermediary device between the image signal apparatus and external communication counterparts. By functioning as both an access point and a router, the projector mediates communication between the image signal apparatus and external networks, enabling data transmission without requiring the image signal apparatus to have direct communication capabilities with external counterparts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the image signal apparatus connects to one access point selected by the image signal apparatus, then the connection is stable, but the image signal apparatus cannot communicate with communication counterparts other than the projector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcommunication counterpart accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The projector simultaneously performs access point function and router function, enabling it to maintain stable wireless connection with the image signal apparatus while also providing access to external networks. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both connection stability and expanded communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If another communication path (such as mobile phone communication network) is provided to allow the image signal apparatus to communicate with other counterparts, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projector integrates both access point and router functions into a single device, eliminating the need for the image signal apparatus to have multiple communication paths. The projector's dual functionality provides both local wireless connection and external network access through one device, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The projector serves as an intermediary that consolidates multiple communication functions. Instead of requiring separate communication paths and devices, the projector mediates all communication needs by combining access point and router capabilities in one system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10534244B2Projector and method for controlling projector to communicate with an external instrument

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An external instrument that wirelessly communicates with a projector is allowed to communicate with a communication counterpart other than the projector. A projector includes a projection section, a communication section, which wirelessly communicates with a first apparatus and communicates with a second apparatus, an evaluation section, which determines the destination of communication data received via the communication section, and a control section. In a case where the evaluation section determines that the destination of the communication data is the projector, the control section causes the projection section to project an image based on image data included in the communication data. In a case where the evaluation section determines that the destination of the communication data received from the first apparatus is not the projector, the control section causes the communication section to transmit the communication data to the second apparatus.