Proxy Response for Wireless Print Request Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable wireless communication, as image forming apparatuses in power saving mode may experience communication errors due to positional relationships with host devices, leading to inefficient instruction execution and increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a proxy response method where an image forming apparatus in a waiting state requests another apparatus to act as a base unit, which determines if a communication error has occurred and instructs another connected apparatus to receive packets from the host, ensuring proper instruction execution and reducing overall power consumption by maintaining other apparatuses in a power saving state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image forming apparatuses maintain waiting state to accept print requests via wireless network, then print request acceptance capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network function into two parts: the image forming apparatus enters power saving mode with reduced functionality, while a separate base unit (another image forming apparatus) maintains the network listening function. This allows the primary apparatus to save power while the system as a whole remains accessible for print requests.
Solution Approach 2:
A base unit acts as an intermediary between the host apparatus and image forming apparatuses in power saving mode. The base unit receives print requests via wireless network, forwards them through wired network to the target apparatus, enabling indirect communication that allows power saving while maintaining functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If image forming apparatus enters power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but wireless communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit serves as a mediator that maintains reliable wireless communication with the host apparatus while the target image forming apparatus remains in power saving mode. The base unit receives and forwards packets, ensuring communication reliability without requiring the target apparatus to maintain active wireless interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the base unit pre-position itself to receive packets destined for image forming apparatuses in power saving mode. The base unit proactively monitors for packets and forwards them when they arrive, ensuring that communication reliability is maintained before any communication error occurs.
3Ease of operation
If base unit receives packets for apparatuses in power saving mode, then print request acceptance is maintained, but communication errors may occur due to positional relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the base unit monitors communication status with the host apparatus. When communication errors are detected (due to positional relationships or obstructions), the system can respond by switching to wired network communication or selecting an alternative base unit, ensuring print request acceptance is maintained despite wireless issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the communication path between wireless and wired networks based on actual communication conditions. When wireless communication proves unreliable due to positional factors, the system transitions to using the wired network for packet transmission, maintaining flexibility and reliability in print request acceptance.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes plural image forming apparatuses and a host apparatus. Each image forming apparatus is configured to work in one of a waiting state and a power saving state. An image forming apparatus as a sub-unit includes a control section configured to, on changing from the waiting state to the power saving state, request another image forming apparatus connected to the wired network to make a proxy response to the host apparatus for the sub-unit. An image forming apparatus as a base unit includes a control section configured to, in response to receiving a request to make the proxy response, receive a packet sent from the host apparatus to the sub-unit through the wireless network, and on determining that a communication error has occurred, instruct another image forming apparatus connected to the wired network to receive a packet sent from the host apparatus.