NFC Tag Mediated Mobile Printing Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting mobile terminals to image forming apparatuses via wireless communication are complex and inconvenient, requiring prior knowledge of wireless networks, and users unfamiliar with mobile applications face difficulties in using image forming apparatuses due to environmental differences between PC and mobile operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A method using near field communication (NFC) where a mobile terminal launches a mobile application upon detecting an NFC tag, generates job data based on the application state, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus, including authentication and wireless connection setup using tag information, allowing for simplified and secure connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connection is established between mobile terminal and image forming apparatus, then communication capability is improved, but connection complexity increases and requires prior wireless network knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring NFC tags with connection information (device identifiers, authentication codes, IP addresses) before the actual wireless connection is needed. When a mobile terminal touches the NFC tag, it automatically retrieves this pre-stored information and uses it to establish the wireless connection, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network settings or understand wireless protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wireless connection method is used, then mobility is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary NFC tag that acts as a mediator between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus. The NFC tag contains all necessary connection information and authentication credentials. By touching the NFC tag, the mobile terminal automatically obtains the information needed to connect to the image forming apparatus, simplifying the connection process from a complex manual configuration to a simple touch operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PC environment is used for image forming application, then functionality is complete, but usability deteriorates for users unfamiliar with PC operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adapting the user interface and interaction model from PC-based operations to mobile-based operations. The system provides a mobile-optimized application with touch-friendly interfaces, simplified navigation, and mobile-appropriate input methods. The NFC-based connection mechanism also changes the interaction paradigm from manual network configuration (PC-style) to automatic proximity-based connection (mobile-style), making the system more accessible to users unfamiliar with PC operations while maintaining complete functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A method of forming an image using a mobile terminal supporting near field communication (NFC) includes launching a mobile application corresponding to an application identifier of tag information of an NFC tag obtained through first NFC tagging, generating data of a job to be performed by an image forming apparatus through the mobile application when the NFC tag is detected again through second NFC tagging, the job being determined according to a state of the mobile application during the second NFC tagging, and transmitting the generated data to the image forming apparatus.