Printer Information Display via Mobile Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulties interacting with printer functional modules due to their fixed location, requiring frequent movement between modules and the local user interface, especially with large printers, leading to inefficiencies in troubleshooting and maintaining printer operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a mobile device with near-field communication and a software application that provides targeted support information based on the operator's location and the status of the functional modules, allowing for immediate interaction and reducing the need for constant navigation to the local user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the local user interface is positioned at a fixed location on the printer, then the printer structure remains simple and stable, but operators cannot access or see the interface when standing at certain positions, especially with large printers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the user interface and support information system on the operator's mobile device. Instead of requiring physical access to the fixed local user interface, the system replicates the interface functionality and support information delivery on the mobile device, allowing operators to access support information from any position around the printer.
2Productivity
If the printer footprint is large, then more functional modules can be accommodated, but operators must move frequently between functional modules and the local user interface, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the printer's functional modules. It delivers support information directly to the operator's location, eliminating the need to physically return to the local user interface. The system mediates the interaction by using location detection to automatically provide relevant support information for the nearest functional module.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting the operator's location and providing relevant support information without requiring the operator to navigate to the local user interface or manually search for information. The system serves itself by using the mobile device's location capabilities to automatically determine which functional module the operator needs information about.
3Loss of information
If support information is only available at the local user interface or first page of operator manual, then the information system remains simple, but operators must navigate to find specific support information for functional modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering support information specific to the operator's current location and the nearest functional module. Instead of providing generic support information or requiring navigation through a manual, the system tailors the support information to the local context - i.e., the specific functional module the operator is interacting with based on their position detected by the mobile device.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising a printer comprising a plurality of functional modules and a control unit for controlling the print process, a storage unit for storing information regarding supporting an operator to interact with a functional module of the plurality of functional modules other than the local user interface of the printer, a presence detection system for detecting a presence of an operator near or at the functional module, an information presentation device for presenting information within a perception reach of the operator, wherein the system comprises a computer device connected to the presence detection system, the storage unit, the printer and the information presentation device, and wherein the computer device is configured to retrieve, upon detection of a presence of an operator near or at the functional module by the presence detection system, status information of the status of the functional module of the printer from the control unit and support information regarding supporting an operator to interact with the functional module from the storage unit, and to select part of the support information third taking into account the status information, and to provide the selected information to the information presentation device in order to present the selected information to the operator within the perception reach of the operator.