NFC Printing System Automatic Document Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless printing systems require cumbersome operations on the information processing apparatus to print documents, especially when multiple screens are displayed, and do not allow for designated printing from the printer side.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus are equipped with detection, generation, and transfer means to enable simple communication and printing. The apparatus detects possible communication, generates print data from displayed data, and transfers it to the printing apparatus upon detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless printing systems are used to print documents from information processing apparatus, then printing can be performed without physical cable connection, but the operation becomes cumbersome especially when multiple screens are displayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting operationVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system enables self-service operation where the printer automatically detects the information processing apparatus and initiates printing without requiring the user to manually select documents or configure settings. The system performs automatic document selection and printing based on detected display content, eliminating the need for complex user operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the information processing apparatus and pre-configures printing parameters before the actual printing operation. By detecting the apparatus in advance and preparing the printing environment, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time operations during the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual document selection and print command execution are required, then printing can be performed with basic connectivity, but the operation becomes especially troublesome when multiple screens are being displayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidtime for document selection and printing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies and selects documents for printing by detecting the display content of the information processing apparatus. This self-service mechanism eliminates the manual time-consuming process of document selection and print command execution, significantly improving printing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of display content and pre-selects documents before the user initiates printing. This preliminary action reduces the time required for document selection and printing operations by having the system ready with identified print targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If printing cannot be designated from the printer side, then the system maintains simple printer functionality, but the operation is inconvenient for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting initiationVSAvoidprinting control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the traditional printing initiation model by enabling the printer to detect and initiate printing operations autonomously, rather than requiring the information processing apparatus to send print commands. This inversion allows users to conveniently start printing from the printer side while maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The printer performs self-service by automatically detecting the information processing apparatus and initiating printing without requiring commands from the computer side. This self-service capability provides operational convenience while maintaining flexibility through automatic detection and adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the printing process by allowing documents to be printed directly from the information processing apparatus with minimal user intervention, eliminating the need for complex operations and document selection.

Implementation Method 1

a NFC unit which performs NFC (Near Field Communication)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12236144B2Printing system for determining whether another device is a specific printing apparatus based on information obtained by NFC, communication apparatus, method of controlling same and non-transitory computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 CANON KK

AI summary

In a system in which communication between an information processing apparatus and a printing apparatus is possible, the information processing apparatus detects that communication with the printing apparatus has become possible and, in response to detection that such communication has become possible, generates print data based upon data that the information processing apparatus is displaying on a display unit connected to or built in the information processing apparatus, and transfers the generated print data to the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus prints the data received from the information processing apparatus.