Terminal Device SoftAP Probing for Reliable Printer Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in establishing a wireless connection between a printing device and a terminal device, particularly when the printer is non-Wi-Fi setup-compliant, as they do not support a Wi-Fi setup function, leading to inefficiencies in network setup and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores instructions that cause the terminal device to provide specific signals to the operating system, including a first sending instruction to initiate a SoftAP connection and a second sending instruction upon receiving related information, allowing for the establishment of a wireless connection with the printing device using predefined connection information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal device sends a Probe Req. signal to the printer, then the terminal device attempts to establish a wireless connection, but the printer does not respond because it has not activated its SoftAP
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device sends a preliminary Probe Req. signal with a specific SSID to trigger the printer to activate its SoftAP before attempting the actual connection. This preliminary action ensures the printer is ready to respond to subsequent connection attempts, resolving the timing issue where the printer would otherwise not respond.
2Reliability
If the terminal device waits for a response from the printer, then it can establish a connection, but the connection process is delayed when the printer does not respond promptly
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring whether the printer responds to the Probe Req. signal within a predetermined time period. Based on this feedback, the terminal device determines whether to proceed with the connection attempt or display an error message, optimizing the connection process by avoiding unnecessary delays.
3Loss of information
If the terminal device displays an error screen when connection fails, then it provides clear feedback to the user, but the user must manually terminate the error display which adds operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The error screen is designed to terminate automatically after a predetermined time period without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service approach maintains clear error information communication while eliminating the need for users to manually close error dialogs, improving operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
The computer-readable instructions, when executed by a processor of a terminal device, may cause the terminal device to provide a first sending instruction to an operating system (OS) program of the terminal device. In a case where related information is received, the computer-readable instructions may cause the terminal device to provide a second sending instruction to the OS program. The related information may be provided according to the OS program in response to a predetermined operation being received. The error screen may be displayed on a display of the terminal device according to the OS program in a case where a predetermined time period has elapsed without a response to the specific signal being received after the first sending instruction has been provided to the OS program. The second sending instruction may be for sending a Probe request including first connection information.