Cradle Apparatus Dynamic Printer Attachment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cradle apparatus for mobile printers requires a device driver installation on operation terminals, leading to unnecessary icon display even when the printer is not attached, hindering user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A cradle apparatus with a CPU that determines printer attachment, acquires connection identification information, establishes a communication connection with the operation terminal, and transmits this information to eliminate the need for a device driver installation by determining the printer's presence and establishing a connection only when it is attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device driver is installed on the operation terminal to enable communication with the cradle apparatus, then the communication function is improved, but unnecessary icons are displayed on the screen when the printer is not attached, reducing user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its operational state based on printer attachment. The cradle apparatus transitions between a state where it actively establishes communication (printer attached) and a state where it remains inactive (printer not attached), thereby dynamically controlling icon display on the operation terminal screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle apparatus autonomously determines whether to establish communication based on its own detection of printer attachment status. The attachment determination unit self-evaluates the connection state and autonomously controls the communication establishment unit to connect or disconnect, eliminating the need for manual driver management by the user.
2Speed
If the cradle apparatus maintains a constant communication connection with the operation terminal, then the responsiveness is improved, but unnecessary icons remain displayed even when the printer is detached, hindering user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous communication, the system performs periodic attachment determination checks. The communication connection is re-established periodically based on the printer's attachment status, allowing the system to respond quickly when needed while avoiding unnecessary icon display during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle apparatus performs preliminary attachment determination before establishing communication. By checking whether the printer is attached in advance and only then initiating communication connection, the system prepares the communication state proactively, ensuring responsiveness when the printer is actually needed while avoiding premature icon display.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores a cradle control program for executing steps on a CPU of a cradle apparatus. In an attachment determination step, it is determined whether or not a printer is attached to an attach/detach part. In an information acquisition step, connection identification information of the printer is acquired in the case that it is determined the printer is attached. In a connection establishing step, a communication connection with an operation terminal via the connection part is established after acquiring the connection identification information in the information acquisition step. In an information transmission step, the connection identification information acquired is transmitted to the operation terminal after establishing the communication connection in the connection establishing step.