NFC Communication Unit IP Address Switching for Print Data Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing apparatuses with near field wireless communication (NFC) face issues when a print processing apparatus is connected, as the NFC communication information transmitted does not correctly route print data to the processing apparatus, preventing successful printing.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus includes a near field wireless communication unit that determines whether a print processing apparatus is connected and writes the appropriate IP address in its memory, switching between the printing apparatus' IP address and the processing apparatus' IP address for NFC communication information, ensuring correct routing of print data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the printing apparatus transmits its own IP address via NFC when a print processing apparatus is connected, then the NFC communication function is simple, but the print data cannot reach the print processing apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNFC communication simplicityVSAvoidprint data routing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching of the IP address transmitted via NFC based on the connection state of the print processing apparatus. When the print processing apparatus is connected, the system dynamically changes the NFC transmission target from the printing apparatus's own IP address to the print processing apparatus's IP address, ensuring print data is routed correctly while maintaining simple NFC operation for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of the IP address transmitted through NFC communication based on the operational state. By detecting whether the print processing apparatus is connected and accordingly changing which IP address is transmitted, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining simple NFC operation and ensuring correct print data routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the printing apparatus always transmits its own IP address via NFC, then the communication information is consistent, but print data cannot be correctly routed when a print processing apparatus is connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication information consistencyVSAvoidprinting operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the NFC transmission content based on real-time connection status. When the print processing apparatus is detected as connected, the system switches to transmitting that apparatus's IP address; otherwise, it transmits the printing apparatus's own IP address. This dynamic adaptation ensures both communication consistency within each state and overall printing efficiency across different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting the connection state of the print processing apparatus and using this information to determine which IP address to transmit via NFC. This feedback mechanism ensures that the communication information is appropriate for the current system configuration, maintaining consistency while enabling correct print data routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the print processing apparatus is connected to the printing apparatus, then PDL interpretation capability is improved, but the NFC communication routing becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDL interpretation capabilityVSAvoidNFC communication routing logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the routing decision logic from the NFC communication unit itself and places it in the control unit that manages overall system state. By separating the detection of print processing apparatus connection from the actual NFC transmission, the system simplifies the NFC communication routing logic while maintaining the ability to handle PDL interpretation through the connected print processing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that detects the connection state of the print processing apparatus and determines the appropriate IP address for NFC transmission. This intermediary role simplifies the NFC communication routing by centralizing the decision-making logic in a single component that has access to system state information, rather than distributing complex routing logic throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10496344B2Printing apparatus capable of performing near field wireless communication, method for controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 CANON KK

AI summary

When a print processing apparatus is not connected to a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus generates communication information using an IP address of the printing apparatus and writes the generated communication information into a memory of an NFC communication unit. When the print processing apparatus is connected to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus generates communication information using an IP address of the print processing apparatus and writes the generated communication information into the memory of the NFC communication unit.