Image Forming Apparatus Location Guidance Using Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in locating and selecting image forming apparatuses for printing jobs without visual identification, leading to inefficient task management.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a communication unit and a controller to register the location of image forming apparatuses using portable electronic devices and beacons, allowing users to calculate distances and display maps for easy selection and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users rely on visual identification to locate image forming apparatuses, then they can identify devices, but users must manually check locations and identification information with naked eyes, which is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of manually checking device locations with an electronic navigation system. The portable electronic device uses beacon signals to automatically determine its location and calculate distances to image forming apparatuses, then displays this information on a map interface, eliminating the need for manual visual search and significantly reducing time to locate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary devices placed throughout the facility. These beacons emit signals that enable the portable electronic device to calculate its position and determine distances to image forming apparatuses without requiring direct visual contact or manual searching, serving as a mediator between the user and the target devices
2Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed location information for all image forming apparatuses, then users can find devices easily, but the system complexity increases due to multiple beacons and location calculation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable electronic device multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a conventional mobile device and as a location determination device. The same device that users already carry is enhanced with capabilities to receive beacon signals, calculate distances to image forming apparatuses, and display location information on a map, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the portable electronic device to self-determine its location and automatically calculate distances to image forming apparatuses without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The device uses beacon signals to autonomously compute position information and present it to the user, reducing the need for additional control infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to easily register and select image forming apparatuses for printing jobs by providing a user-friendly interface for location guidance, improving efficiency and convenience in finding the nearest device.
Implementation Method 1
a beacon 2 and a portable electronic device 10. The portable electronic device 10 calculates a location of the portable electronic device 10 based on information about a distance between the portable electronic device 10 and the beacon 2
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a communication unit configured to communicate with a portable electronic device and a controller configured to receive a location-related information that includes information about distances between the portable electronic device and a plurality of beacons, and store a location of the portable electronic device to register a location of the image forming apparatus.