Mobile Device Image Printer Job Selection via Alias PIN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in easily selecting and connecting to the desired image forming apparatus due to the complexity of designating devices on a network, where information like IP addresses or model numbers are often displayed, making the process cumbersome for both mobile and stationary devices.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system comprising an information terminal and image forming apparatus that communicate via a network, where the terminal transmits job information and certification details to multiple apparatuses, allowing users to select and execute jobs without manually inputting device-specific identification, simplifying the selection process by using alias and PIN codes for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually search and select image forming apparatus using IP addresses or model numbers, then device identification accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (automatic device selection system) that mediates between the user and the image forming apparatus. The system automatically identifies and selects the target device based on proximity detection or pre-established associations, eliminating the need for users to manually handle complex identification information while maintaining accurate device selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus performs self-identification and self-selection functions. The device automatically provides its identification information and enables the terminal device to automatically select it without requiring manual intervention from the user, thus simplifying the operation while ensuring accurate device identification.
2Measurement precision
If detailed device information is displayed for selection, then selection accuracy is improved, but user effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing associations between terminal devices and image forming apparatuses, or by pre-detecting available devices in the vicinity. This preliminary work is done automatically before the user needs to select a device, so when selection is needed, the system can quickly present only relevant options or automatically select the appropriate device, maintaining accuracy while minimizing user effort.
3Ease of operation
If automatic device selection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device selection mechanism that can work across different types of terminal devices and image forming apparatuses. By establishing a standardized association and detection framework, the system achieves automatic selection functionality that is applicable to various device combinations without requiring complex device-specific implementations, thus managing system complexity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an information terminal that communicates with the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The information terminal comprises a processor configured to: communicate with the image forming apparatus, and transmit first information relating to a job to the image forming apparatus, receive certification information corresponding to the first information from the image forming apparatus, output the received certification information, and instruct the image forming apparatus to execute the job in response to receiving, from the image forming apparatus, transmission start information associated with the job.