Image Processor Destination Selection via Portable Terminal Address Book
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in efficiently selecting and sending image data to desired destinations using multifunction peripherals (MFPs) due to time-consuming operations required for pairing with portable terminal devices, especially when the destination is not pre-registered, and existing solutions do not simplify the process effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image processor that acquires destination information from a portable terminal device, allowing users to select a destination from the device's address book through a simple operation, by detecting the device's presence, establishing wireless communication, and generating a destination list for selection, thereby simplifying the sending process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user manually inputs destination information when the destination is not pre-registered, then the image data can be sent to the desired destination, but the operation time increases and the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal device stores destination information in an address book in advance. When the user wants to send image data, the MFP automatically acquires this pre-stored destination information through wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual input at the moment of sending.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal device acts as an intermediary between the user and the MFP. It stores destination information in its address book and provides this information to the MFP through wireless communication, serving as a mediator that simplifies the destination selection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user establishes near field communication between the portable terminal device and the MFP for pairing, then the wireless communication can be set up, but the operation becomes time consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP automatically detects the portable terminal device's presence and initiates wireless communication establishment without requiring the user to manually search for or select the device. The system serves itself by automatically managing the pairing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication mode from manual pairing to automatic connection. When the portable terminal device is detected in the effective area, the MFP automatically establishes wireless communication, changing the parameter of communication establishment from user-initiated to system-initiated.
3Ease of operation
If the MFP stores destination information locally, then the destination can be selected from registered destinations, but the user cannot easily access the portable terminal device's address book
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP merges its local destination storage capability with the portable terminal device's address book. By establishing wireless communication, the MFP accesses and utilizes the external address book, combining both local and external destination resources into a unified selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP achieves multi-functionality by既能 selecting from locally registered destinations又能 accessing the portable terminal device's address book. This universal capability allows the system to handle both pre-registered and external destinations through a single unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of an image processor, when detecting a portable terminal device's presence, accepts a selecting operation to select whether or not to refer to an address book held by a portable terminal device (step S32), when accepting the request for referring to the address book, establishes a near field communication with the portable terminal device (Step S34), and acquires, from the portable terminal device, the destination information in the address book (Step S35). When acquiring the destination information in the address book, the controller generates a destination list based on the destination information (Step S36), accepts a selecting operation to select a destination of the image data from the destination list (Step S37), and sends the image data to the accepted destination (Step S39).