Printer Selection via Automatic Identifier Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in selecting an intended printer from a list of identifiers, especially when they are unaware of the IP address or model name of the printer, as existing techniques rely heavily on displaying these details for selection.
Innovation Solution
A device selecting apparatus and printing system that includes a display unit, communication unit, and controller to display a list of device identifiers, receive device information, and perform a selection process to put the identified device into a selected state, allowing users to select printers even without knowing their identifiers through transmission instructions and unicast transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IP addresses and model names are displayed as printer information, then the list of printer information can be narrowed down according to specified conditions, but users cannot select the intended printer when they do not know the IP address or model name
Solution Approach 1:
The printer automatically transmits its own identifier information to the computer without requiring the user to manually input or search for it. The printer initiates the information transmission process itself, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for users to know specific identifiers beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer transmits its identifier information in advance before the user needs to select it. By proactively providing the identifier information to the computer, the system prepares the selection interface with relevant data before the user makes their choice, improving the ease of selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a list of printer identifiers is displayed for user selection, then the user can choose from multiple printers, but the selection process becomes difficult when users are unaware of the identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The computer acts as an intermediary between the printer and the user. It receives identifier information from the printer, processes it, and presents it in a user-friendly format on the display interface. This intermediary role bridges the gap between the technical identifier and the user's selection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user by displaying the received identifier information in a comprehensible format. The computer confirms receipt of printer information and presents it for selection, creating a feedback loop that guides the user through the selection process even when they don't know the identifiers beforehand.
3Ease of operation
If printer information transmission is implemented, then users can select printers without knowing identifiers, but additional communication protocols and interfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is designed to handle multiple functions: it receives identifier information from the printer, processes the data, displays it to the user, and manages the selection process. By making the computer's communication interface multi-functional, the system reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A device selecting apparatus is provided, which includes a display unit, a communication unit configured to connect the device selecting apparatus communicably with one or more devices therethrough, a controller configured to display, on the display unit, a list of one or more identifiers of the one or more devices, to receive, from a specified device, device information for identifying the specified device via the communication unit, and to perform a selection process to put, into a selected state, an identifier of the specified device identified by the device information received via the communication unit, on the list displayed on the display unit.