Intelligent printing control system and intelligent printing control method

Abstract

This case discloses an intelligent printing control system, including a mobile device and a printing terminal. The mobile device includes a lens, a processor, a first communication module, and a display. The printing terminal includes a storage module, a control processing module, a second communication module, and multiple functional modules. The user uses the lens of the mobile device to photograph and scan the two-dimensional barcode on the printing terminal. By decoding the barcode, the user quickly connects to the printing terminal and pairs with it via the first and second communication modules. The control interface stored in the printing terminal's storage module is then displayed on the mobile device's display, forming the intelligent control interface. When the user selects a function on the intelligent control interface, the processor generates a corresponding execution instruction and sends it to the printing terminal, causing the corresponding functional module to execute that function. This case also relates to an intelligent printing control method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to a printing control system, and more particularly to an intelligent printing control system and method that displays the control interface of a physical printer on a mobile device by scanning a two-dimensional barcode, thereby displaying an intelligent control interface for the user to conveniently select and operate the required functions. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, multifunction printers are widely used in homes and offices. Traditional multifunction printers typically offer multiple functions, such as photocopying, printing, faxing, and scanning. This results in a relatively large size to accommodate these numerous functional modules. Users usually need to physically approach the printer and manually operate the control panel or numerous control buttons (not shown) to select the desired function. However, the control panel of a traditional multifunction printer has limited size. As the multifunction printer gains more functions, the control panel displays numerous options and requires adjusting a large number of parameters, making the display screen and control buttons appear crowded and complex. Furthermore, to save costs, traditional multifunction printers often use monochrome control panels with grayscale displays, which are not user-friendly. These complex operating procedures and the small, crowded display interface make it difficult and complicated for users to view, understand, and select functions, easily leading to errors and the need to reselect, causing inconvenience and frustration.

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an intelligent printing control system and intelligent printing control method, which displays the control interface of the printing machine on a mobile device by scanning a two-dimensional barcode, showing an intelligent control interface for users to conveniently select and operate the required functions, thereby solving the deficiencies of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent printing control system that displays the control interface of a physical printer on a mobile device by scanning a two-dimensional barcode, thereby providing an intelligent control interface for users to conveniently select and operate the required functions.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide an intelligent printing control method. By scanning the two-dimensional barcode of the printing machine with a mobile device, the mobile device can quickly connect and pair with the printing machine, and the control interface of the printing machine can be displayed on the mobile device to display an intelligent control interface. By operating the intelligent control interface, the user can conveniently and intuitively select and operate the required functions and send corresponding execution instructions to the printing machine to make the printing machine perform the corresponding functions, making the operation more user-friendly and convenient, while also saving the cost of the printing machine.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this application provides an intelligent printing control system, comprising: a mobile device and a printing machine. The mobile device includes a lens, a processor, a first communication module, and a display. The printing machine includes a storage module, a control processing module, a second communication module, and multiple functional modules. The user uses the mobile device's lens to capture and scan a two-dimensional barcode on the printing machine. The processor decodes the barcode to quickly connect to the printing machine, and the first communication module connects and pairs with the printing machine's second communication module. After successful pairing, the mobile device connects to the control interface stored in the printing machine's storage module and displays the control interface on the mobile device's display, thus forming an intelligent control interface. The user selects a function on the intelligent control interface, causing the processor to generate corresponding execution instructions based on the selected function and transmit them to the printing machine. Upon receiving the execution instructions, the printing machine's control processing module instructs the corresponding functional modules to perform the function.

[0007] In one embodiment, the transaction machine has a housing, and a two-dimensional barcode is disposed on the housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode is a matrix two-dimensional barcode, and the matrix two-dimensional barcode is a QR-CODE.

[0009] In one embodiment, the QR-CODE contains at least one of the following: the transaction machine's IP address, SSID, and password.

[0010] In one embodiment, the smart control interface is opened via a browser.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of such functional modules are a connection module, a photocopying module, a printing module, a scanning module, and a faxing module.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this application also provides an intelligent printing control method, comprising the following steps: (a) a user photographs and scans a two-dimensional barcode on a printing machine using a mobile device; (b) the processor of the mobile device decodes the two-dimensional barcode to read the IP address information within the barcode; (c) the mobile device quickly connects to the printing machine using the IP address information and pairs with the second communication module of the printing machine via a first communication module; (d) after successful pairing, the mobile device connects to the control interface stored in the storage module of the printing machine and displays the control interface on the display of the mobile device, which is the intelligent control interface; (e) the user selects a function on the intelligent control interface, causing the processor to generate a corresponding execution instruction based on the selected function and transmit it to the printing machine; and (f) the control processing module of the printing machine receives the execution instruction and executes the corresponding function.

[0013] In one embodiment, step (e) further includes step (e1): the user selects a function on the smart control interface, enters a subpage, and sets at least one parameter of the function.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one parameter is at least one of the following: selecting file source, selecting paper source, number of copies / prints, single-sided / double-sided printing, black and white / color printing, density adjustment, reduction / enlargement ratio, page placement, and file storage location. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The following detailed description of the case and the schematic diagrams of the embodiments are intended to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the above content, and are not intended to limit the case.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device connections for the intelligent printing control system of a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the intelligent printing control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the intelligent printing control method disclosed in this case.

[0019] Figure 3B This is a flowchart of the sub-steps of the intelligent printing control method of the preferred embodiment of this case.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a user scanning a QR code on a transaction machine using a mobile device, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a user control panel for a mobile device according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0022] Figure 6 It is public Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of the intelligent control panel shown.

[0023] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0024] 1: Intelligent Printing Control System

[0025] 2: Mobile devices

[0026] 20: Shell

[0027] 21: Lens

[0028] 22: Processor

[0029] 23: First Communication Module

[0030] 24: Monitor

[0031] 25: Intelligent Control Interface

[0032] 250: Function

[0033] 251: Connection

[0034] 252: Photocopy

[0035] 253: Scan

[0036] 254: Fax

[0037] 255: Print

[0038] 3: Transaction machine

[0039] 30: Shell

[0040] 31: Two-dimensional barcode

[0041] 31': Two-dimensional barcode image

[0042] 32: Storage module

[0043] 320: Browser Module

[0044] 321: Control Interface

[0045] 33: Control Processing Module

[0046] 34: Second Communication Module

[0047] 35: Functional Modules

[0048] 351: First functional module

[0049] 352: Second functional module

[0050] S41~S46: Steps of the intelligent printing control method

[0051] S450: Sub-steps of the intelligent printing control method Detailed Implementation

[0052] Some typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this invention can have various variations in different implementations, all of which do not depart from the scope of this invention, and the descriptions and drawings herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the invention. For example, if the following description of a first feature disposed on or above a second feature indicates that it includes embodiments where the first and second features are in direct contact, and also includes embodiments where additional features may be disposed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, different embodiments in this disclosure may use repeated reference numerals and / or markings. These repetitions are for simplification and clarity and are not intended to limit the relationships between the various embodiments and / or the described appearance structures. Moreover, to facilitate the description of the relationship between one component or feature and another component(s) or feature(s) in the drawings, spatially related terms such as "inner," "outer," and similar terms may be used. In addition to the orientations illustrated in the accompanying drawings, spatially related terms are used to cover different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or there may be intervening components. Although the numerical ranges and parameters of the broad scope of this disclosure are approximate, values ​​are stated as precisely as possible in specific examples. Additionally, it is understood that while terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in the claims to describe different components, these components should not be limited by these terms, and the components described accordingly in the embodiments are represented by different component symbols. These terms are used to distinguish different components. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The term "and / or" as thus used includes any or all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0053] Please also refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device connections for the intelligent printing control system of a preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of the intelligent printing control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is public Figure 5An enlarged schematic diagram of the intelligent control panel is shown. This case discloses an intelligent printing control system 1, including a mobile device 2 and a transaction machine 3. As... Figure 2 As shown, the mobile device 2 includes a lens 21, a processor 22, a first communication module 23, and a display 24. The transaction machine 3 includes a storage module 32, a control processing module 33, a second communication module 34, and multiple function modules 35. The user uses the lens 21 of the mobile device 2 to capture and scan the two-dimensional barcode 31 of the transaction machine 3. The processor 22 of the mobile device 2 decodes the two-dimensional barcode 31 to quickly connect to the transaction machine 3, and the first communication module 23 connects and pairs with the second communication module 34 of the transaction machine 3. After successful pairing, the mobile device 2 connects to the control interface 321 stored in the storage module 32 of the transaction machine 3, and displays the control interface 321 on the display 24 of the mobile device 2, which is the intelligent control interface 25. The user selects a function 250 on the intelligent control interface 25, causing the processor 22 to generate a corresponding execution instruction based on the selected function 250 and transmit it to the transaction machine 3. After receiving the execution instruction, the control processing module 33 of the transaction machine 3 causes the corresponding function module 35 to execute the function.

[0054] Please see Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the mobile device 2 in this embodiment can be, but is not limited to, a smartphone. In other embodiments, the mobile device 2 can also be a tablet, or other portable electronic device or wearable device with a lens 21, a display 24, and wireless communication capability. In this embodiment, the mobile device 2 has a housing 20, the display 24 is disposed on the front of the housing 20, and the lens 21 is disposed on the back of the housing 20. The transaction machine 3 can be, but is not limited to, a multi-functional transaction machine, and also has a housing 30. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode 31 can be affixed or printed on the housing 30, and its placement can be on the upper surface of the housing 30, or on the side of the housing 30, etc. The placement method and position can be varied according to the actual implementation situation and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the two-dimensional barcode 31 can also be displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the transaction machine 3, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode 31 is a matrix two-dimensional barcode, i.e., a QR-CODE, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the QR-CODE corresponding to the transaction machine 3 contains the Internet Protocol Address (IP Address, hereinafter referred to as IP address) of the transaction machine 3 and wireless network communication connection information, such as Service Set Identifier (SSID), password, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0055] Please see Figure 2As shown in the figure, the mobile device 2 includes components such as a lens 21, a processor 22, a first communication module 23, and a display 24, but is not limited thereto. The lens 21, the first communication module 23, and the display 24 are all electrically connected to the processor 22. In addition, the mobile device 2 may also include sensing elements (not shown) to sense the area touched by the user, but is not limited thereto. The transaction machine 3 includes a storage module 32, a control processing module 33, a second communication module 34, and multiple functional modules 35, such as a first functional module 351 and a second functional module 352. These storage modules 32, the second communication module 34, and the multiple functional modules 35 are all electrically connected to the control processing module 33. However, the transaction machine 3 also includes more than just the above components; it may also have other components such as optical components (not shown) and cleaning modules (not shown). In some embodiments, the control processing module 33 includes components such as a central processing unit (not shown) and a graphics processor (not shown) to process and control the internal programs of the transaction machine 3 and to issue and execute various functional programs. In this embodiment, the mobile device 2 and the transaction machine 3 are connected via wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, and Near-field communication (NFC), but are not limited to these methods. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mobile device 2 and the transaction machine 3 are connected and paired wirelessly through the first communication module 23 and the second communication module 34.

[0056] Please also refer to Figure 3A , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 . Figure 3A This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the intelligent printing control method disclosed in this case. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a user scanning a QR code on a transaction machine using a mobile device, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a user control panel for a mobile device according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 6 It is public Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of the intelligent control panel is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 3A As shown, the intelligent printing control method using the intelligent printing control system 1 in this case includes the following steps: First, as described in step S41, the user captures and scans the two-dimensional barcode 31 of the transaction machine 3 using the lens 21 of the mobile device 2. As mentioned earlier, the two-dimensional barcode 31 can be, but is not limited to, a matrix-style two-dimensional barcode affixed to or printed on the casing 30 of the transaction machine 3, i.e., the aforementioned QR-CODE containing the IP address information of the transaction machine 3. Thus, as... Figure 4As shown, when a user photographs the QR-CODE, the two-dimensional barcode image 31' (i.e., the QR-CODE image) is displayed on the screen 24 of the mobile phone 2. Then, as described in step S42, the processor 22 of the mobile device 2 decodes the two-dimensional barcode 31 to read an IP address information within the barcode. In this embodiment, the processor 22 directly decodes the QR-CODE image on the screen 24 to quickly obtain the IP address and other information of the transaction machine 3 stored therein. As described in step S43, the mobile device 2 quickly connects to the transaction machine 3 using this IP address information, and pairs with the transaction machine 3's second communication module 34 via the first communication module 23. In some embodiments, it also decodes the SSID and password stored in the QR-CODE for wireless communication pairing between the first communication module 23 and the transaction machine 3's second communication module 34. When the SSID and password match, the mobile device 2 and the transaction machine 3 are successfully paired. Next, as described in step S44, after successful connection and pairing, the mobile device 2 connects to the control interface 321 stored in the storage module 32 of the transaction machine 3, and displays the control interface 321 on the display 24 of the mobile device 2, which is a smart control interface 25. Taking this embodiment as an example, after the first communication module 23 of the mobile device 2 and the second communication module 34 of the transaction machine 3 successfully connect and pair, it indicates that the transaction machine 3 has allowed the user to obtain control, so it can further connect to the control interface 321 stored in the storage module 32 of the transaction machine 3, and display the control interface 321 on the display 24 of the mobile device 2, which is as follows. Figure 5 The smart control interface 25 is shown. In some embodiments, the control interface 321 is stored in the browsing module 320, meaning that the control interface 321 is opened with a browser. Browser types may include, for example, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, etc., but are not limited thereto. Therefore, when the mobile device 2 displays the smart control interface 25, it is opened as a web page, but is not limited thereto. In this way, the user does not need to download or install any additional applications (APPs) on the mobile device 2; they can quickly open the smart control interface 25 through its built-in browser, allowing for more convenient and intuitive smart printing control.

[0057] When the intelligent control interface 25 is displayed on the mobile device 2, its screen is as follows: Figure 6As shown, the intelligent control interface 25 displays different function blocks of multiple functions 250. Taking this embodiment as an example, these functions 250 include: connection function 251, photocopying function 252, scanning function 253, faxing function 254, printing function 255, etc., but are not limited to these. For example, connection function 251 can be, but is not limited to, confirming the connection status and data transmission status between mobile device 2 and office machine 3. As for photocopying function 252, scanning function 253, faxing function 254, printing function 255, etc., these are all commonly used functions and will not be described in detail here. In addition, the intelligent control interface 25 may also include other function blocks or function keys, etc. These configurations can vary according to the different models and functions of office machine 3, as well as its actual operation. Then, as described in step S45, the user can select and press any function block of function 250 on the intelligent control interface 25, so that the processor 22 of mobile device 2 generates a corresponding execution instruction according to the selected function 250 and sends it to office machine 3. As mentioned above, once the mobile device 2 and the transaction machine 3 are successfully connected and paired, it means that the transaction machine 3 has granted the user control through the intelligent control interface 25, and the user can operate various functions 250 through the intelligent control interface 25. Therefore, as described in step S46, after the control processing module 33 of the transaction machine 3 receives the execution instruction, it will transmit the execution instruction to the corresponding functional module 35 and execute the corresponding function.

[0058] Please see Figure 3B . Figure 3BThis is a flowchart of the sub-steps of the intelligent printing control method according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, step S45 further includes another sub-step S450: when the user selects function 250 on the intelligent control interface 25, a subpage (not shown) is entered to set at least one parameter of function 250. In other words, the content of this subpage displays various parameter options for the user to further select the required parameters. In some embodiments, at least one parameter includes at least one of the following: selecting file source, selecting paper source, number of copies / prints, single-sided / double-sided printing, black and white / color printing, density adjustment, reduction / enlargement ratio, page placement, and file storage location. For example, when the user selects the copy 252 function on the intelligent control interface 25, they can enter the copy function subpage (not shown) and further select the parameters displayed on the subpage, such as: selecting file source, selecting paper source, number of copies, single-sided / double-sided printing, black and white / color printing, page placement, and other different parameter options. After the user selects the parameters for photocopying 252 and presses the print button (not shown), the processor 22 packages this information into a photocopying function execution instruction packet, which is then transmitted wirelessly to the transaction machine 3 via the first communication module 23. The transaction machine 3's second communication module 34 receives the photocopying function execution instruction packet and transmits it to the control processing module 33. The control processing module 33 decrypts the packet and, based on its contents, transmits the execution instruction and related parameters to the corresponding functional module 35. For example, if the first functional module 351 is a photocopying module, when the transaction machine 3 decrypts the photocopying function execution instruction packet, it transmits the execution instruction and related parameters to the first functional module 351, enabling it to execute the photocopying function according to the user's selected parameters. In this way, the user only needs to operate the intelligent control interface 25 of the mobile device 2 to quickly and conveniently use the various functions of the transaction machine 3, and can easily and intuitively select and control various parameters, increasing ease of use. Furthermore, due to the increasing size of the display 24 on modern mobile devices 2, users can operate on this larger screen, which offers clear and larger display content for convenient selection and control, making it more user-friendly. Compared to traditional office machines (not shown), which require pressing on a small control panel (not shown) or numerous control buttons (not shown), operation is not only cumbersome but also prone to errors, requiring reselection and causing inconvenience. However, this invention further replaces the control panel of a traditional office machine by using an intelligent control interface 25 on the mobile device 2, thereby reducing panel costs.

[0059] In summary, this invention provides an intelligent printing control system and an intelligent printing control method. By scanning the two-dimensional barcode of the printing machine with a mobile device, the mobile device can quickly connect and pair with the printing machine, displaying the printing machine's control interface on the mobile device. This results in an intelligent control interface, allowing the user to conveniently and intuitively select and operate the desired functions and send corresponding execution commands to the printing machine to perform the corresponding functions. This makes operation more user-friendly and convenient, eliminating the need to physically go to the printing machine and also saving on printing machine costs.

[0060] This case may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art, but all of them shall not deviate from the protection sought by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent printing control system, comprising: A mobile device, comprising a lens, a processor, a first communication module and a display; as well as A transaction machine includes a storage module, a control processing module, a second communication module, and multiple functional modules; In this system, a user uses the camera of the mobile device to capture and scan a two-dimensional barcode on the vending machine. The processor decodes the barcode to quickly connect to the vending machine. The mobile device then connects and pairs with the vending machine's second communication module via a first communication module. After successful pairing, the mobile device connects to a control interface stored in the vending machine's storage module and displays the control interface on the mobile device's screen, which is a smart control interface. The user selects a function on the smart control interface, causing the processor to generate a corresponding execution instruction based on the selected function and send it to the vending machine. Upon receiving the execution instruction, the vending machine's control processing module executes the corresponding function module.

2. The intelligent printing control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction machine has a housing, and the two-dimensional barcode is disposed on the housing.

3. The intelligent printing control system as described in claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional barcode is a matrix two-dimensional barcode, and the matrix two-dimensional barcode is a QR-CODE.

4. The intelligent printing control system as described in claim 3, wherein the QR-CODE includes at least one of the following information: an IP address, an SSID, and a password of the printing machine.

5. The intelligent printing control system as described in claim 1, wherein the intelligent control interface is opened in a browser.

6. The intelligent printing control system as described in claim 1, wherein the functional module comprises a connection module, a copying module, a printing module, a scanning module, and a fax module.

7. An intelligent printing control method, comprising the following steps: (a) A user photographs and scans a two-dimensional barcode on a kiosk using a mobile device; (b) A processor of the mobile device decodes the two-dimensional barcode to read an IP address information within the two-dimensional barcode; (c) Using the IP address information, the mobile device quickly connects to the transaction machine and pairs with a second communication module of the transaction machine through a first communication module; (d) After successful pairing, the mobile device connects to a control interface stored in a storage module of the transaction machine and displays the control interface on a display of the mobile device, which is a smart control interface. (e) The user selects a function on the intelligent control interface, causing the processor to generate a corresponding execution instruction based on the selected function and transmit it to the transaction machine; as well as (f) After receiving the execution instruction, a control processing module of the transaction machine executes the corresponding function.

8. The intelligent printing control method as described in claim 7, wherein the two-dimensional barcode in step (a) is a matrix two-dimensional barcode, and the matrix two-dimensional barcode is a QR-CODE.

9. The intelligent printing control method as described in claim 8, wherein the QR-CODE includes at least one of the following information: an IP address, an SSID, and a password of the transaction machine.

10. The intelligent printing control method as described in claim 7, wherein the intelligent control interface in step (d) is opened using a browser.

11. The intelligent printing control method as claimed in claim 7, wherein step (e) further includes step (e1): when the user selects the function on the intelligent control interface, a subpage is entered to set at least one parameter of the function.

12. The intelligent printing control method as described in claim 11, wherein the function is one of a connection, a photocopy, a print, a scan, a fax, etc.

13. The intelligent printing control method as described in claim 12, wherein the at least one parameter is at least one of the following: selecting a file source, selecting a paper source, a number of copies / prints, single-sided / double-sided printing, black and white / color printing, density adjustment, reduction / enlargement ratio, page placement, and file storage location.

Images