Information Processing Apparatus Connection Area Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face increased burden when connecting an information processing apparatus to multiple printing apparatuses due to the complexity of managing various communication paths and connection areas, leading to inefficient operation and user intervention.
Innovation Solution
The information processing apparatus includes a communication section, an area determination section, and a connection control section that automatically determines the connection area and controls the communication path to connect to a printing apparatus based on predefined conditions, reducing user intervention by switching between local and wide area networks as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the information processing apparatus is connected to multiple printing apparatuses through various communication paths, then the connectivity and functionality are improved, but the user burden and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection control section automatically determines the connection area and selects the appropriate communication path without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the connection process by autonomously deciding whether to use local area network or wide area network based on the detected connection area, thereby eliminating user burden while maintaining versatile connectivity to multiple printing apparatuses
Solution Approach 2:
The area determination section preliminarily identifies the connection area before the connection process begins. By pre-determining which communication path to use based on the connection area, the system prepares the connection configuration in advance, allowing the connection control section to directly execute the connection without requiring user selection or manual setup
2Ease of operation
If the system provides manual selection of connection destination apparatus, then the user has control over the connection, but the operation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The area determination section performs preliminary identification of the connection area and the connection control section pre-determines the appropriate communication path before the user needs to initiate connection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual selection processes, significantly reducing connection time while still respecting user preferences by automatically executing the pre-determined connection
Data Source
AI summary
When an information processing apparatus having local connection to a first printing apparatus is moved from a first connection area to a third connection area, the information processing apparatus is caused to have wide area connection to the first printing apparatus in the third connection area, and when the information processing apparatus having wide area connection to a second printing apparatus is moved from the third connection area to the first connection area, a user is requested to select the first printing apparatus or the second printing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus is connected to the apparatus selected by the user in response to the request.