Wireless Communication Device Network Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices, such as printers, face limitations in simultaneous network connections due to increased CPU load and limited MAC address allocation, restricting the number of possible connections and requiring users to reset network settings when switching from Wi-Fi Direct to Wi-Fi Connection or vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device with a memory unit and communication control unit that stores and manages communication setting information, allowing seamless switching between Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Connection without user intervention by storing and retrieving necessary settings, enabling automatic reconnection to the previous network after Wi-Fi Direct Connection is ended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device connects to multiple networks simultaneously, then communication versatility is improved, but CPU load increases and device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network connection management into distinct modes (Wi-Fi Direct mode and infrastructure mode) with separate communication setting information stored in the memory unit. The communication control unit selectively activates one mode at a time, dividing the complex multi-network management into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different network connection modes based on operational needs. The communication control unit can transition between Wi-Fi Direct Connection and infrastructure mode connections, and between different infrastructure networks, allowing the system to adapt its connectivity dynamically without maintaining all connections simultaneously, thus balancing versatility with manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device switches from Wi-Fi Direct Connection to infrastructure mode, then communication flexibility is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to manual resetting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores communication setting information for multiple networks in advance in the memory unit before switching is needed. When the user initiates a network switch, the system retrieves the pre-stored settings automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually reconfigure network parameters. This preliminary preparation of communication settings significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication control unit automatically manages the switching between network modes and retrieves appropriate communication settings without requiring user intervention for resetting. The system serves itself by automatically selecting and applying the correct network settings from stored information, freeing users from manual resetting tasks while enabling flexible network switching.
3Device complexity
If the device maintains only a single network connection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication control unit that can operate in multiple network modes (Wi-Fi Direct mode and infrastructure mode) and connect to different networks sequentially. The memory unit stores communication setting information for multiple networks, enabling the single device to serve multiple communication functions and adapt to different network environments without requiring simultaneous multi-network support, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device includes a memory unit that stores a communication setting information, and a communication control unit that controls a wireless communication in accordance with the communication setting information. When the first wireless communication switches to the second wireless communication, the communication control unit keeps the communication setting information of the first wireless communication being stored. After that, when the second wireless communication is turned off, the communication control unit controls the first wireless communication in accordance with the communication setting information of the first wireless communication.