Image Forming Apparatus Digital Signage Print Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital signage systems do not allow users to easily print content information displayed on the apparatus, limiting the ability to take out and check information about the displayed content.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is designed with an acquisition unit to receive user operations, a display control unit to show content on a display unit, and a control unit to print associated content when selected by the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If digital signage displays content information, then information is made accessible to users, but users cannot easily take out or print the displayed information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of printing content informationVSAvoidinability to take out displayed information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a print function as an intermediary mechanism between the displayed content and the user's physical record-keeping needs. When a user views digital signage content and wishes to retain information, they can invoke the print function to generate a physical copy, thus bridging the gap between digital display and tangible information retention without modifying the core display system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to independently print content information through a self-service mechanism. The digital signage apparatus itself provides the printing capability, allowing users to autonomously obtain physical copies of displayed content without requiring external systems or manual intervention from operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional digital signage only allows viewing content, then the display function is simple and reliable, but information management and user convenience are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation management capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the digital signage apparatus from a single-function display device into a multi-functional information management system. By integrating content display, content selection, and printing functions into one apparatus, the system provides universal access to information management tasks, allowing users to both view and physically retain content using the same device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250045001A1Image forming apparatus, method for controlling same, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus issues a content display trigger if a predetermined event related to a user operation is received. When the content display trigger is issued, the image forming apparatus acquires web content from a content server based on path information set on a signage setting screen, and displays the acquired web content. If a hyperlink in the web content is pressed on the displayed web content, the image forming apparatus downloads content to be printed that is the linked content, and displays a print dialog on the web content. The image forming apparatus prints the content to be printed if an instruction to print the content to be printed is issued using the print dialog.