Mobile Print Release via QR Code Printer Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems require user intervention to enter information for output operations, which can be inconvenient and vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A system where a mobile terminal transmits print data to an image forming apparatus, captures a two-dimensional code image to identify the apparatus, and sends instructions with job and terminal IDs, allowing output operations without user input at the apparatus location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user information is manually input to identify output data, then the system can perform output operations, but the process becomes inconvenient and vulnerable to unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoiduser involvement in entering information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures images using the terminal device's camera to obtain identification information, eliminating the need for manual user input. The image processing unit automatically processes the captured image to extract identification data, enabling the system to perform output operations autonomously without user involvement while maintaining security through automated verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of typing or entering identification information is replaced with an optical recognition system. The terminal device's camera captures an image containing identification information, and the image processing unit automatically converts this visual data into usable identification data, substituting manual input with automated optical recognition and image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated image recognition is used to identify output data, then user involvement is eliminated, but the system requires additional components for image capture and processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated output operation without user inputVSAvoidimage capture and processing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device's existing camera and processor are utilized for dual purposes: their original functions plus the additional function of capturing and processing identification information images. This multi-functional approach enables automated identification without requiring dedicated separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving high automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

An image serving as an intermediary carrier is introduced between the user and the output data identification process. Instead of direct manual input or complex dedicated recognition hardware, a simple image containing identification information acts as a mediator that can be easily captured by standard camera equipment and processed by general-purpose image processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual input of identification information is required, then the system can verify output data, but errors may occur due to user mistakes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracy of output dataVSAvoidtime for user to enter information correctly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical input process is replaced with automated optical character recognition or image pattern recognition. The image processing unit automatically extracts identification information from the captured image, eliminating human errors associated with manual typing or entry while significantly reducing the time required for verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The identification verification process becomes continuous and seamless. As the user simply presents the identification image to the camera, the system continuously captures, processes, and verifies the information in real-time, eliminating the discontinuous back-and-forth of manual input correction and re-verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12634403B2Non-transitory computer readable medium, image forming system, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A non-transitory computer readable medium stores a program causing a computer to execute a process including: transmitting output data to an image forming apparatus; receiving, from the image forming apparatus serving as a destination of the output data, first identification information identifying the output data; photographing a code image identifying the image forming apparatus that performs an output operation; acquiring, from the photographed code image, second identification information identifying the image forming apparatus that performs the output operation; and transmitting, with the first identification information attached to the second identification information, an instruction to perform the output operation to the image forming apparatus that is identified in accordance with the second identification information.