Terminal Apparatus MFP Connection Priority Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote operation systems for multi-functional peripherals (MFPs) via radio communication face challenges in accurately determining the priority among multiple MFPs, leading to potential unintended connections and delayed responses due to the need for dedicated applications and real-time inquiry handling.
Innovation Solution
A terminal apparatus equipped with a communication device and hardware processor that detects MFPs with higher radio communication intensity, temporarily establishes communication to obtain necessary communication information, disconnects, and then establishes secure second radio communication with the MFP of highest intensity upon user confirmation, allowing smooth remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal apparatus detects an MFP based on communication intensity and establishes communication, then remote operation can be performed, but the terminal may connect to an unintended MFP when multiple MFPs are in proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal apparatus performs preliminary detection of communication intensity with multiple MFPs before establishing formal communication. By measuring and comparing communication intensity values in advance, the terminal identifies the intended MFP and presents it for user confirmation, preventing unintended connections while maintaining smooth operation flow.
2Reliability
If a dedicated application is installed in MFPs to determine priority based on inquiries, then connection priority can be managed, but the apparatus cannot respond in real time to inquiries
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the MFP determine priority in response to terminal inquiries, the invention inverts the approach by having the terminal apparatus actively measure and determine communication intensity with multiple MFPs. This reversal allows the terminal to identify the highest-priority MFP immediately without waiting for MFP responses, achieving real-time connection establishment.
3Loss of time
If the terminal apparatus continuously monitors communication intensity, then real-time MFP detection is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal apparatus performs communication intensity detection periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The terminal measures communication intensity when needed for connection establishment, maintaining fast response capability while avoiding constant monitoring that would drain battery power.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal apparatus can communicate by radio with an MFP in a defined range among a plurality of MFPs. When an MFP of which radio communication intensity is higher than a threshold value defined in advance is detected among the plurality of MFPs, the terminal apparatus quits radio communication before it accepts an operation to indicate connection of radio communication from a user. When such a user operation is accepted, the terminal apparatus establishes radio communication with an MFP of which radio communication intensity is highest at the time when the user operation is performed.