Portable Terminal Automatic Printer Selection Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple image forming apparatuses connected to a communication network, users face difficulties in efficiently designating the appropriate apparatus for specific image forming operations due to the complexity and number of available devices.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable medium and portable terminal program that simplifies the process of selecting image forming apparatuses by using predetermined decision criteria to automatically designate one apparatus for certain operations and allowing user selection of another, reducing the burden on the user by automating the decision process for the first designated apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of image forming apparatuses connected to the communication network increases, then the system capability and operation versatility improve, but the user operation complexity and device selection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing image forming apparatuses to automatically register themselves with the portable terminal via broadcast communication. The apparatuses autonomously provide their identification information and capabilities, eliminating the need for manual system configuration and reducing user burden in managing multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple image forming apparatuses. It receives broadcast information from all apparatuses, manages the device list, and presents simplified selection options to the user, thereby mediating the complexity between multiple devices and user operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of image forming operations that can be executed by the image forming apparatus increases, then the system functionality improves, but the user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex set of multiple image forming operations into individual, selectable options. Each operation type (printing, scanning, copying, etc.) is presented as a separate selectable item, allowing users to choose only the needed function without being overwhelmed by the full range of capabilities available in the system.
3Ease of operation
If manual designation of image forming apparatus is required, then user control flexibility improves, but the time and effort required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically registering and making available a list of image forming apparatuses before the user needs to perform any operation. The apparatuses proactively broadcast their presence and capabilities, so when the user initiates an operation, the selection process is already streamlined, reducing both time and effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable terminal has a memory having a program stored thereon and readably by a computer. The program causes the portable terminal to perform deciding an image forming apparatus enabling to execute a first operation as a first designated apparatus which executes the first operation in accordance with predetermined decision criteria, deciding an image forming apparatus designated by a user of the portable terminal as a second designated apparatus which executes a second operation different from the first operation, receiving a designation of designating at least one of the first operation and the second operation, transmitting first instruction information that instructs to execute the first operation to the first designated apparatus when the first operation is designated in the designation, and transmitting second instruction information that instructs to execute the second operation to the second designated apparatus when the second operation is designated in the designation.