Image Forming Apparatus LAN Notification Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in notifying users of the need for setting changes when switching from USB to LAN communication, leading to potential system failures due to differing device driver settings and lack of awareness among users.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus and information processing terminal system includes communicators for peer-to-peer communication, notifiers, and controllers that detect network connections and notify users of setting changes required for transmitting formation instructing information through the appropriate communication network, ensuring seamless transitions between USB and LAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus uses peer-to-peer communication through a communication line, then the initial connection and device information transmission is simplified, but the apparatus cannot notify users of setting changes when switching to LAN communication mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification unit that acts as an intermediary between the communication units and the user. When the communication mode switches from peer-to-peer to LAN, the notification unit generates and outputs a notification signal to inform users of the setting change required, thus preventing information loss about the communication mode transition
2Reliability
If the apparatus relies on USB connection settings, then device driver configuration is straightforward, but the system fails when transitioning to LAN communication due to differing settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode switching capability. The image forming apparatus includes multiple communication units (first communication unit for USB, second communication unit for LAN) and can dynamically switch between them based on connection status. The control unit monitors communication modes and activates appropriate notification mechanisms when switching occurs, ensuring both USB stability and LAN adaptability
3Productivity
If users are not notified of setting changes, then the system operates without interruption, but system failures occur due to incompatible device driver settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the notification unit. When the control unit detects a change in communication mode (from USB to LAN), it triggers the notification unit to output a notification signal to the user. This feedback loop ensures users are aware of setting changes required for LAN communication, preventing system failures while maintaining continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
A memory is configured to store apparatus information that is information needed for an information processing terminal to transmit formation instructing information that instructs an image forming operation. The memory further stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by a controller, causing an image forming apparatus to execute: a first receiving process of receiving transmission requesting information from the information processing terminal through a first communicator; a first transmitting process of, in response to receiving the transmission requesting information, transmitting the apparatus information to the information processing terminal through the first communicator; a detecting process of detecting that a second communicator is connected to a communication network; and a notifying process of, in response to detecting that the second communicator is connected to the communication network, controlling a notifier to notify that a setting change of the information processing terminal is needed to transmit formation instructing information through the communication network.