Adaptive BLE Pairing for Printers Without Operation Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for establishing Bluetooth connections between mobile terminals and printing apparatuses do not adequately account for the different information required based on the function of the printing apparatus, leading to potential difficulties in user access to necessary information for pairing processing.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and communication system that utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for advertising and pairing, where the information processing apparatus broadcasts and receives advertising information to establish a connection, and includes a pairing procedure guide based on the presence or absence of an operation panel in the communication apparatus, ensuring appropriate user interaction for successful pairing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pairing processing is executed using a standard Bluetooth connection establishment method, then the connection can be made between printing apparatus and mobile terminal, but the display information does not adapt to different printing apparatus functions, making it difficult for users to obtain necessary pairing information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser access to pairing informationVSAvoiddisplay adaptation to different functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by customizing the display information according to the specific function of the printing apparatus. Different pairing information is displayed based on the detected function type, ensuring that users receive relevant and appropriate pairing instructions for their specific device configuration rather than a generic one-size-fits-all approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the display content adaptive and changeable based on the printing apparatus function. The system dynamically adjusts the pairing information display according to the detected function type, allowing the interface to evolve and respond to different operational contexts rather than remaining static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If same pairing information is displayed for all printing apparatus functions, then the display process is simplified, but users cannot easily obtain the specific information needed for their device type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay process complexityVSAvoiduser access to correct pairing information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting and determining the printing apparatus function before displaying the pairing information. This pre-assessment allows the system to prepare and present the correct pairing instructions in advance, ensuring users receive accurate information specific to their device type before they attempt pairing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the display content based on the printing apparatus function parameter. The system changes the pairing information displayed according to the detected function type, transforming a static display into a dynamic one that adapts its content based on the specific device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3382987B1Information processing apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 CANON KK
  • EP3382987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3382987B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3382987B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a case where a specified printing apparatus (151) includes an operation screen on which authentication information used for authentication processing is displayed, a message for prompting an input of the authentication information displayed on the operation screen is displayed on display means (108) of an information processing apparatus (101). On the other hand, in a case where the specified printing apparatus does not include the operation screen on which the authentication information used for the authentication processing is displayed, a message for prompting printing is displayed on the display means of the information processing apparatus.