Function Execution Device Short-Range Communication Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users may struggle to effectively execute print functions on multifunction peripherals (MFPs) due to diverse external device models and operating systems, leading to confusion and potential failure in executing functions like printing without proper guidance.
Innovation Solution
A function execution device equipped with a communication device for short-range wireless communication, a function device, a display device, and a processor that displays operation guides on the external device screen, such as smartphones, to facilitate the execution of MFP functions via NFC or Wi-Fi communication, ensuring users perform the necessary operations to initiate and complete print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the MFP automatically detects external devices and initiates communication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different device models and operating systems deteriorates due to diverse communication protocols and operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP displays feedback information on the external device's screen (smartphone, tablet) indicating that communication has been established and guiding the user through the next steps. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the current state and required actions regardless of their device type, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability to different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the external device's own screen as an intermediary to display communication status and operation guides. Instead of requiring the MFP to have different display interfaces for different devices, it leverages the universal presence of screens on smartphones and tablets to provide consistent feedback and guidance across various device types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP provides detailed operation guides for each external device type, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple communication protocols and operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that works across multiple external device types (smartphones, tablets, laptops) using standard protocols like NFC and Wi-Fi. The MFP displays operation guides tailored to each device type through a single unified interface, avoiding the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each device type and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
3Reliability
If the MFP maintains continuous communication monitoring, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous detection and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP periodically monitors for external devices and communication status rather than continuously active monitoring. The system checks for device presence and communication establishment at appropriate intervals, maintaining reliable operation while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A function execution may device determine whether the function execution device can communicate with an external device using a short-range communication protocol when a first screen is displayed on a display screen. When the function execution device determines that the function execution device can communicate with the external device using the short-range communication protocol, the function execution device may display a second screen that indicates an operation to be performed using the external device to start executing a predetermined function of the function execution device.