Image Forming Apparatus Mobile Input via QR Code

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users are reluctant to perform input operations on operation panels that may have been touched by an unspecified number of people, leading to a demand for a method to enable input operations without touching the panel, while avoiding complex procedures.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is equipped with a network interface and an operation panel featuring a touch panel. The apparatus provides a mobile input function, allowing input operations to be performed via a mobile terminal. The controller displays access information on the touch panel to initiate the mobile input function, enabling the mobile terminal to request and establish the function via the network interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users perform input operations on the operation panel, then the image forming apparatus can accept input operations, but users are reluctant to touch the panel due to hygiene concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput operation convenienceVSAvoidhygiene concern from touching panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the user and the image forming apparatus. The mobile terminal communicates with the apparatus via network interface, allowing users to perform input operations remotely without physically touching the operation panel. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling operation convenience while eliminating direct contact with the panel surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction (physical touching of the operation panel) with a network-based communication system. Instead of direct mechanical contact with buttons or touch panel, users interact through wireless network communication via their mobile terminals. This substitution eliminates the harmful factor of physical contact while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the image forming apparatus provides a mobile input function via network interface, then users can perform input operations without touching the panel, but the procedure to start the function becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless input operationVSAvoidprocedure complexity to start mobile input function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus automatically generates and manages the connection environment for mobile input. The controller creates a wireless network connection, generates access information (QR code), and prepares the mobile input function without requiring users to manually configure network settings or complex parameters. The system serves itself by providing the necessary connection infrastructure, reducing the perceived complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus performs preliminary actions by automatically establishing the network connection environment and generating access information before the user needs to use the mobile input function. The QR code with connection details is pre-generated and displayed on the operation panel, so users only need to scan it with their mobile terminal without dealing with complex setup procedures. This preliminary preparation simplifies the user's task significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus displays access information on the touch panel, then the mobile terminal can access the apparatus to start the mobile input function, but the access information must be kept secure and updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile access capabilityVSAvoidaccess information security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access information (QR code) displayed on the operation panel is designed to be temporary and single-use. After a mobile terminal successfully scans and uses the QR code to establish connection, the apparatus discards that specific access information and generates a new one for the next user. This approach ensures security by preventing reuse of old access codes while maintaining adaptability for multiple users over time. The systematic replacement of access information balances security requirements with continuous usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20250193324A1Image forming apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and method for accepting input operations from mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a network interface, an operation panel including a touch panel, and a controller configured to provide a mobile input function to a mobile terminal via the network interface. The mobile input function enables the image forming apparatus to accept input operations from the mobile terminal via the network interface. The controller displays access information on the touch panel when the mobile input function is not provided, and starts providing the mobile input function in response to receiving access from the mobile terminal using the access information via the network interface. After starting to provide the mobile input function, the controller sends display data to the mobile terminal via the network interface, thereby causing the mobile terminal to display an operation screen for operating the image forming apparatus from the mobile terminal.