Mobile Printing via NFC Storage Information

Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional anywhere printing function requires users to perform additional operation processes, including overlapped print document selection, leading to increased user operation time and printer occupation, especially when using pull printing and NFC technology.

Innovation Solution

A printing system that includes a print service device, a terminal device with near field communication, and an image processing device, where the terminal device instructs the print service device to print without specifying the image processing device, and the image processing device acquires and prints the print job based on storage information written in the near field communication unit, reducing user operations and printer occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the anywhere printing function is used with conventional pull printing, then the user can print from a mobile terminal without specifying the printer, but the user must perform additional operation processes such as overlapped print document selection, resulting in increased operation processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of printing operationVSAvoiduser operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing print job information and printer information in association with each other in the print service device before the user needs to print. When the user selects a document for printing from the mobile terminal, the system automatically acquires the associated printer information and transmits it to the selected printer via NFC, eliminating the need for the user to manually select the printer or perform additional operations at the printer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The print service device acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and the printer. It receives the print instruction from the mobile terminal, automatically retrieves the associated printer information from stored data, and transmits the print job to the printer via NFC. This intermediary function eliminates the need for the user to directly interact with the printer's operation panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anywhere printing function is used with pull printing, then the user can initiate printing from a mobile terminal, but the printer occupies time for user operations and document selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidprinter availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing print job information and printer information in association with each other in the print service device before the user needs to print. When the user selects a document for printing from the mobile terminal, the system automatically acquires the associated printer information and transmits it to the selected printer via NFC, eliminating the need for the user to manually select the printer or perform additional operations at the printer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically handling the printer selection and print job transmission processes. The mobile terminal, through the print service device, automatically identifies the target printer based on pre-stored associations and initiates the print job without requiring manual intervention at the printer. This allows the printer to be selected and the print job to be transmitted automatically, reducing the time the printer is occupied with user operations.

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

The system enables printing without user operation on the printer, reducing the number of operations required for document selection and printer occupation, similar to normal printing processes, thus enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a terminal device (2) having a non-contact near field communication unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9092178B2Printing system, control method thereof, and storage medium for printing from a mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 CANON KK

AI summary

Provided is a printing system in which a mobile terminal that instructs the print service device to print without specifying an image forming device that executes printing in response to a selection of document data, and the print service device transmits a command for causing the terminal device to write, in the near field communication unit of the terminal device, storage information related to a storage location on the network of the print job generated upon receiving the instruction, and the image processing device activates the near field communication unit of the image processing device, and acquires the print job based on the storage information acquired by the acquisition unit and print the print job.