Image Processing Apparatus Automatic Wi-Fi Configuration via Dual Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face cumbersome operations when configuring communication settings for image processing apparatuses, such as printers, to connect with information processing devices in specific communication systems, often requiring manual installation of application programs.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with dual communication interfaces (e.g., USB and Bluetooth Low Energy) and a controller that follows a specific setting protocol to receive and configure communication settings from an information processing device's OS, enabling automatic configuration of Wi-Fi connections without the need for additional application programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation of application programs is required to configure communication settings, then communication functionality can be established, but user operation complexity increases and setup time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus automatically transmits compliance information representing protocol compliance through its second communication interface, enabling the information processing device to automatically obtain communication settings without requiring manual application installation. The system serves itself by having the apparatus proactively provide necessary protocol information.
Solution Approach 2:
Compliance information acts as an intermediary element that enables automatic settings transmission. This information serves as a mediator between the image processing apparatus and the information processing device, allowing the OS to automatically configure communication parameters without user intervention or additional applications.
2Extent of automation
If compliance information transmission is implemented through a second communication interface, then automatic settings reception is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second communication interface serves multiple functions: it is used for both general communication purposes and specifically for transmitting compliance information representing protocol compliance. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated hardware while enabling automatic settings transmission.
3Ease of operation
If compliance information is transmitted to enable automatic OS-based settings reception, then application program installation is eliminated, but information transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus transmits compliance information representing protocol compliance in advance, before the actual communication settings are needed. This preliminary transmission of protocol compliance status enables the information processing device to automatically configure settings without requiring subsequent application installation or user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, which complies with a particular setting protocol including a procedure to receive setting information for a first communication system from an OS of an information processing device, includes a first communication interface for a first communication system, a second communication interface for a second communication system, and a controller configured to transmit, to the information processing device via the second communication interface, compliance information representing that the image processing apparatus complies with the particular setting protocol, after sharing mutual compliance recognition with the information processing device through transmitting the compliance information, receive the setting information from the OS via the second communication interface in accordance with the particular setting protocol, the mutual compliance recognition being recognition that the image processing apparatus and the OS comply with the particular setting protocol, and configure settings for the first communication system based on the setting information.