Wireless Communication Apparatus Power Mode Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication apparatuses, such as printers, face challenges in efficiently suppressing power consumption while maintaining user convenience, especially when using both Bluetooth and NFC communication methods.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a control unit that switches between a high-power operation mode and a low-power operation mode based on the presence and proximity of other devices using Bluetooth Low Energy communication, allowing only the necessary communication units to operate when not actively required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the first wireless communication unit (high-power communication) is continuously operated to ensure quick response to connection requests, then user convenience is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operation modes based on the detection state of the second wireless communication unit. In the first operation mode, the first wireless communication unit is activated for high-speed data transmission. In the second operation mode, only the low-power second wireless communication unit operates for periodic presence detection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining user convenience and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second wireless communication unit performs preliminary detection of other apparatuses in advance before actual data transmission is needed. By detecting the presence of nearby devices periodically using low-power NFC or Bluetooth Low Energy, the system prepares for potential connection requests, allowing it to quickly switch to the first operation mode when needed, thus maintaining user convenience without continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the first wireless communication unit is switched off to reduce power consumption during idle periods, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to connection requests increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second wireless communication unit continuously or periodically detects the presence of other apparatuses in advance. When another device is detected, the system proactively switches to the first operation mode before an actual connection request is made, ensuring immediate response capability while maintaining low power consumption during idle periods when no devices are nearby.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the second wireless communication unit's detection results to control the operation state of the first wireless communication unit. When the second unit detects another apparatus, it triggers a switch to the first operation mode. This feedback mechanism ensures the high-power unit is activated only when necessary, balancing power consumption with response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If both wireless communication units operate simultaneously to ensure comprehensive communication capability, then communication versatility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication functionality is segmented into two distinct operation modes with different communication units active in each mode. The first operation mode uses the first wireless communication unit for high-speed data transmission when needed. The second operation mode uses only the second wireless communication unit for low-power presence detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive communication capability while significantly reducing power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second wireless communication unit is designed to perform multiple functions: periodic presence detection, triggering mode switching, and initial connection establishment. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain versatile communication capability through a single low-power unit during idle periods, eliminating the need for simultaneous operation of both high-power units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10412675B2Wireless communication apparatus, printing apparatus, and control method

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A wireless communication apparatus includes: a first wireless communication unit performing first wireless communication; a second wireless communication unit performing second wireless communication that consumes less power than the first wireless communication; and a control unit that switches between a first operation mode and a second operation mode consuming less power than the first operation mode. The control unit switches between the first operation mode and the second operation mode on a basis of a search result of searching for another apparatus performed in the second wireless communication.