Wireless Device AP Switching Control for Print Job Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless LAN systems face issues with properly switching access points as a connection destination, leading to potential disconnections and interruptions during data transmission, especially when switching occurs during critical operations like printing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a wireless device, such as a mobile terminal or MFP, assesses the radio field intensities and congestion status of nearby access points before switching, and strategically delays or rejects connection changes during data reception to prevent interruptions, using mechanisms like BTM Request frames and Wi-Fi Agile Multiband specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the STA switches the connection destination AP based on congestion degree and radio wave status, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but data transmission stability deteriorates due to potential disconnections during critical operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the STA evaluate whether to switch APs in advance based on predetermined conditions (congestion degree, radio wave status) before actually performing the switch. The STA determines switching eligibility beforehand and only executes the switch when conditions are favorable, preventing disruptive switches during critical data transmission periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the AP switching decision adaptive and flexible rather than rigid. The STA dynamically adjusts its switching behavior based on real-time network conditions and operational state, allowing it to balance between seeking better APs for efficiency and maintaining stability during critical operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the AP transmits connection change requests frequently to optimize routing, then network adaptability is improved, but communication interruptions increase during data reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the STA respond to AP change requests based on its current operational state. The STA sends feedback information (indication of data reception status) to the AP, allowing the AP to adjust its switching requests accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents the AP from forcing switches during critical periods while still allowing optimization when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the AP switching process adaptive and flexible rather than rigid. The STA dynamically adjusts its switching behavior based on real-time network conditions and operational state, allowing it to balance between seeking better APs for efficiency and maintaining stability during critical operations.
3Productivity
If the STA always accepts AP change requests to maintain optimal connection, then connection optimization is improved, but data reception interruptions occur during printing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the STA prepare counter-measures against unwanted AP switches during critical operations. When the STA detects it is receiving data (particularly for printing operations), it proactively prevents AP switching by sending indication information to the AP, thereby protecting the ongoing print job from disruption before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the STA evaluate whether to switch APs in advance based on predetermined conditions (congestion degree, radio wave status) before actually performing the switch. The STA determines switching eligibility beforehand and only executes the switch when conditions are favorable, preventing disruptive switches during critical data transmission periods.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An electronic device includes : reception means that receives a change request of an access point serving as a connection destination from a connected access point; printing control means that controls to receive print data from another device via the connected access point and print the print data; and a control unit that, in a first state that is not a state in which the print data is received from the other device, controls to perform change of the connection destination based on the change request. In a second state in which part of the print data is received from the other device and reception of remaining print data is not completed, control not to perform the change of the connection destination based on the change request.