Print Apparatus Communication Control for Seamless Multi-Function Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print apparatuses require temporary disconnection and reconnection of communication with the host machine when a scanner is connected, leading to periods of unavailable communication and reduced user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A print apparatus with a communication connection controlling section that maintains communication with the host machine as a device with print and image read functions, even when the scanner is connected, and allows user permission to restart and reestablish connections for multi-function operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanner is connected to the print apparatus in a state where communication has been established between the host machine and the print apparatus, then the print apparatus can have expanded functionality with image read function, but the communication with the host machine must be temporarily blocked and re-connected, causing communication unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The print apparatus dynamically changes its operational mode between single-function printer mode and multi-function printer mode based on whether a scanner is connected. The communication connection controlling section detects scanner connection status and automatically transitions the apparatus between modes, allowing it to adapt to different configurations without interrupting host machine communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The print apparatus is designed to universally support both single-function printer operation and multi-function printer operation (with integrated scanner). By incorporating the communication connection controlling section that automatically detects and adapts to the presence of a scanner, the apparatus becomes a universal device that can function as either a simple printer or a combined printer-scanner system without requiring separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the communication connection is temporarily disconnected and re-established when the scanner is connected, then the print apparatus can operate as a multi-function device, but the host machine experiences a period where communication is not possible, reducing user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The communication connection controlling section performs preliminary detection of scanner connection status before any communication disruption occurs. By detecting whether a scanner is connected in advance and proactively preventing unnecessary disconnections, the system avoids interrupting user workflow and maintains continuous communication with the host machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication connection controlling section acts as an intermediary between the scanner connection event and the host machine communication. It monitors scanner connection status and intelligently determines whether to allow communication disconnection, thereby mediating between the need for multi-function operation and the need for continuous communication availability.
3Reliability
If the print apparatus maintains communication with the host machine as a single-function printer even when a scanner is connected, then communication continuity is preserved, but the apparatus cannot operate as a multi-function device
Solution Approach 1:
The print apparatus dynamically adjusts its functionality based on real-time detection of scanner connection status. When a scanner is detected, the communication connection controlling section transitions the apparatus from single-function printer mode to multi-function printer mode, enabling both communication continuity and multi-function capability through dynamic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication connection is established with respect to a computer so as to operate as a single-function printer when a connection with the computer is detected in a state where a communication connection with a scanner is not established, and the communication connection is established with respect to the computer so as to operate as a multi-function printer when the connection with the computer is detected in a state where the communication connection with the scanner is established. When a connection with the scanner is detected in a state where the communication connection is established with respect to the computer as the single-function printer, then in a case where the user gives permission, a temporary restart takes place and the communication connection is reestablished as the multi-function printer, and in a case where the user does not give permission, the communication connection with the computer is maintained without alteration.