Icon-Based Image Forming Command Transmission via SNS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing social networking service (SNS) based image forming systems lack operability in setting image forming conditions, requiring users to manually specify details such as printer selection, paper size, mode, and number of copies, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A server apparatus with a specific relation storage unit and command storage unit that connects terminal devices to image forming apparatuses via SNS, allowing users to select icons corresponding to pre-defined image forming conditions and instructions, which are then transmitted to the selected printer for image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually specify image forming conditions (printer selection, paper size, mode, number of copies) through traditional methods, then complete control over image forming parameters is achieved, but operability becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interface parameter from detailed text-based or menu-based settings to icon-based selection. Each icon represents a predefined combination of image forming parameters (printer, paper size, mode, copies), transforming complex parameter setting into simple visual selection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining full parameter control capability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring combinations of image forming conditions into ready-to-use icon commands. Instead of requiring users to set each parameter individually during operation, the system prepares multiple pre-defined condition sets in advance, which users can directly select via icons. This eliminates the need for manual specification of complex settings while preserving complete control over all image forming parameters.
2Productivity
If detailed image forming conditions are specified manually, then precise control over printing parameters is achieved, but the time required to complete the setting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple pre-defined condition sets in advance, each represented by an icon that encapsulates complete image forming parameters (printer selection, paper size, mode, number of copies). Users can instantly select a predefined combination by tapping an icon, eliminating the time-consuming process of manually configuring each parameter individually. This directly improves productivity while minimizing time loss in setting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple image forming parameters into single integrated icon commands. Each icon represents a consolidated package of settings including printer selection, paper size, image mode, and copy count. By combining these parameters into unified visual selectors, the system reduces the number of separate operations required, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the time needed to complete image forming instructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HTML programs are used to describe image forming conditions in e-mails, then automated transmission of settings is achieved, but the transmitting side cannot execute instructions if it does not understand the HTML format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal icon-based command system that functions across different devices and platforms without requiring interpretation of device-specific or format-specific languages. Icons serve as a universal visual language for image forming instructions, compatible with any terminal apparatus regardless of its HTML parsing capability or native format support. This enhances adaptability while eliminating dependency on specific description formats like HTML.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses icons as simplified visual copies or representations of complex image forming condition sets. Instead of transmitting detailed HTML programs or text descriptions that require interpretation, the system transmits compact icon identifiers that represent complete parameter configurations. This copying approach maintains compatibility across different devices while avoiding the complexity of format-dependent instruction execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A server apparatus provides a social networking service (SNS). The server apparatus stores a specific relation between a terminal apparatus and a printer that are allowed for communication using the SNS. The server apparatus stores relations between one or more icons and commands each corresponding to a respective one of the icons and including an image forming condition and an image forming instruction. Upon receiving a selected icon having been selected on the terminal apparatus, information indicating a selected printer having been selected on the terminal apparatus out of printers in specific relations with the terminal apparatus, and a piece of image data from the terminal apparatus, the server apparatus transmits a command corresponding to the selected icon and the piece of image data to the selected printer.