Printer Distance Control via Radio Wave Intensity

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing printing system faces issues where a user may not be able to rapidly collect printed materials due to incorrect setting of predetermined distances, leading to potential unauthorized access or delayed receipt of printed materials.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that uses a printer and a portable device to determine distances via radio wave intensity, where the printer receives data from a server only when within a specific range, ensuring secure and timely printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the predetermined distance is set as a relatively large value, then the printing apparatus can execute printing when the user is distant, but the user cannot rapidly collect printed materials and unauthorized access may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting execution availabilityVSAvoidsecurity of printed materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single distance threshold into two segmented thresholds: a first predetermined distance for permitting printing data reception, and a second predetermined distance (smaller than the first) for permitting actual printing execution. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between data preparation phase and execution phase, enabling secure data transfer while ensuring the user is close during actual printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the printing apparatus to receive and store printing data from the server when the user is within the first predetermined distance, but delaying actual printing execution until the user approaches within the second predetermined distance. This preliminary data reception ensures the printing queue is prepared in advance while maintaining security through the distance-based execution control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the predetermined distance is set as a relatively small value, then security is improved, but it takes much time for the user to receive printed materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of printed materialsVSAvoidtime to receive printed materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing the printing apparatus to receive and store printing data from the server when the user is within the first predetermined distance, but delaying actual printing execution until the user approaches within the second predetermined distance. This preliminary data reception ensures the printing queue is prepared in advance while maintaining security through the distance-based execution control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring the user's distance through radio wave intensity measurements and autonomously controlling the printing execution timing. When the user approaches within the second predetermined distance, the system automatically initiates printing without requiring additional user input, thus reducing waiting time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the printing apparatus receives printing data immediately when the user is close, then rapid printing is achieved, but the user experiences delay in collecting printed materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting execution speedVSAvoidtime to collect printed materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring the user's distance through radio wave intensity measurements and autonomously controlling the printing execution timing. When the user approaches within the second predetermined distance, the system automatically initiates printing without requiring additional user input, thus reducing waiting time while maintaining security.

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

This solution prevents unauthorized access and ensures rapid delivery of printed materials by controlling the printing process based on precise distance determination, enhancing user convenience and security.

Implementation Method 1

determine whether an inter-device distance between the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus is equal to or smaller than a first predetermined distance by using a first reception radio wave intensity of the received specific signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave intensity measurement: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10552096B2Communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A first communication apparatus including a control device configured to: receive a specific signal from a second communication apparatus; determine whether an inter-device distance between the communication apparatuses is equal to or smaller than a first distance; cause a server to supply printing data to a printer when the inter-device distance is equal to or smaller than the first distance; again receive the specific signal from the second communication apparatus; determine whether the inter-device distance is equal to or smaller than a second distance that is smaller than the first distance by using a second reception radio wave intensity of the again-received specific signal; and cause the printing execution unit to execute printing in accordance with the printing data when it is determined that the inter-device distance is equal to or smaller than the second distance.