Cloud Print QR Display for Low-Friction Job Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

The burden of preparing and presenting a two-dimensional code with a cloud print ID for cloud printing is cumbersome for users of printing apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A printing system and apparatus that electronically displays a two-dimensional code encoding the cloud print ID on a display device, allowing users to reduce manual input and manage print jobs through a print server, with options to control the display of the code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a two-dimensional code encoding cloud print ID is printed onto paper and attached to a printing apparatus, then the cloud print ID can be presented to reduce user input operations, but the preparation of such presentation becomes burdensome work for the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input operationsVSAvoidpreparation work

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically generates and displays the two-dimensional code encoding its cloud print ID on its own display device, eliminating the need for users to manually prepare paper presentations. The system serves itself by autonomously creating the identification display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of printing and attaching paper codes with an electronic display system. The two-dimensional code is presented through the apparatus's built-in display device, substituting physical paper handling with electronic visualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the two-dimensional code is always displayed on the printing apparatus, then user operations are simplified, but the display device may show unnecessary information when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecloud printing setupVSAvoiddisplay management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display of the two-dimensional code is made dynamic rather than static. The code is displayed temporarily during cloud printing setup operations and can be hidden when not needed, allowing the display state to adapt to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares the two-dimensional code display in advance when cloud printing functionality is activated or when the apparatus detects that cloud printing setup is needed, rather than waiting for user request.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250370673A1Printing system, printing apparatus, control method for printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CANON KK

AI summary

The printing system includes a printing apparatus and a print server. The print server stores print jobs submitted by users along with their identification information, associating them with a comprehensive logical printer. The printing apparatus displays a two-dimensional code that encodes the identification information allocated to the logical printer. A mobile communication device reads this two-dimensional code and sends a print request to the print server. The print server receives the print request, which includes identification information for the logical printer and the user, and moves the associated print job to the logical printer. The printing apparatus then receives the print job from the logical printer.