Nearby Image-Forming Apparatus Discovery for Compatible Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems only determine if printing is possible with print settings but fail to identify which image forming apparatus can actually perform the printing, leading to user inconvenience when approaching an apparatus that cannot print with the settings, requiring manual search for a capable device.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that receives function information from nearby image forming apparatuses within a certain distance, stores this information, and notifies the user of compatible devices capable of printing with the set settings, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy and Near Field Communication for communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the system only determines whether printing is possible with print settings, then the determination process is simple, but the user cannot identify which image forming apparatus can actually print, requiring manual search

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUser ability to identify compatible printing apparatusVSAvoidSystem complexity for receiving and processing function information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus receives and stores function information from multiple image forming apparatuses in advance, before the user needs to print. This preliminary action of gathering compatibility data allows the system to quickly notify the user of compatible devices without requiring manual searching at the moment of printing need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple image forming apparatuses. It receives function information from the apparatuses, determines compatibility with print settings, and notifies the user of suitable devices, thereby mediating the complex interaction between user printing needs and multiple potential target devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the system notifies the user of compatible image forming apparatuses by receiving and storing function information, then the user can easily identify suitable devices, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTime required for user to find compatible printing apparatusVSAvoidComplexity of information reception and notification system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing function information from image forming apparatuses before the user actually needs to print. This advance preparation of compatibility data eliminates the time users would otherwise spend searching for compatible devices at the moment of printing need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus automatically performs the functions of receiving function information, determining compatibility with print settings, and notifying the user of suitable devices. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual searching and comparison by the user, saving time while the automated system handles the complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the system receives function information from multiple image forming apparatuses, then comprehensive compatibility information is available, but the information processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccuracy of printing compatibility determinationVSAvoidEnergy consumption of information processing apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus extracts only the necessary function information from multiple image forming apparatuses that is relevant to determining compatibility with the user's print settings. By extracting only essential compatibility-related data rather than processing all possible information, the system maintains accurate compatibility determination while reducing information processing load and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12423034B2Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, information processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing information processing program

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to in a case of executing printing with print settings using a predetermined function, receive, from an image forming apparatus within a predetermined first distance, information on a function executable by an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus within the first distance, the information on the function being stored in the image forming apparatus within the first distance, and store the information on the function, and notify of an image forming apparatus capable of printing with the print settings, based on the information on the function.