Image Preview System for Wireless Print Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems do not provide user confirmation of printing results prior to image processing.

Innovation Solution

A communication system comprising a relay apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a terminal apparatus, utilizing short-distance wireless communication technology for data exchange, where the terminal apparatus displays a preview of the image data before printing, allowing user confirmation of the print result.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If image data is sent directly to the image processing apparatus for printing, then printing efficiency is improved, but the user cannot confirm the print result before printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting timeVSAvoiduser confirmation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a preview copy (thumbnail image) of the target image data and displays it on the terminal apparatus before printing. This allows users to confirm the print content without delaying the actual printing process, as the preview is generated and displayed quickly without requiring full image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and the image processing apparatus. It receives image data, generates a preview, and transmits both the preview and print command to the image processing apparatus, thereby enabling user confirmation while maintaining efficient printing workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a preview function is added to allow user confirmation before printing, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser confirmation capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus performs the preview generation function itself using its own processing capabilities and display hardware. The image processing apparatus focuses solely on executing print commands, maintaining its original simplicity while the terminal apparatus handles the preview functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as an image receiver, preview generator, display device, and command transmitter. By consolidating these functions in one device, the system avoids adding separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9883059B2Image forming apparatus and terminal apparatus using short-range communication for retrieving image data from a network apparatus, displaying the image data on the terminal apparatus and printing the image data on the image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A communication system may include a relay apparatus, an image processing apparatus and a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus may receive first access information for accessing converted data from the image processing apparatus in accordance with the short distance wireless communication technology. The terminal apparatus may display a converted image represented by converted data after the converted data is received from the relay apparatus in response to the receiving of the first access information. The image processing apparatus may receive an image processing command from the terminal apparatus in accordance with the short distance wireless communication technology after the first access information is received by the terminal apparatus. The image processing apparatus may receive a target image data from the relay apparatus and execute image process toward the target image data.