Printing Apparatus Web Service Registration via Integrated Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for registering a printing apparatus to a Web service require separate settings and manual input of device identification information, making the process inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that allows an information processing apparatus to obtain apparatus information from the printing apparatus, display a user interface screen, and transmit this information to a server for registration, while also executing initial settings for the Web service, all within a single instruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate settings are performed for printing apparatus registration and Web service initial settings, then registration can be completed, but user convenience deteriorates and operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of registration processVSAvoidcomplexity of registration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the registration process and initial setting process into a single integrated operation. When a user registers a printing apparatus to a Web service, both the registration and the necessary initial settings (such as setting the printing apparatus as a default destination) are executed simultaneously through one instruction, eliminating the need for separate setting operations and improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The registration instruction is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it both registers the printing apparatus to the Web service and executes the necessary initial settings. This multi-functional approach allows a single operation to accomplish what previously required separate steps, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manual input of device identification information is required, then registration can be completed, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration efficiencyVSAvoidtime for registration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically provides its own device identification information during the registration process without requiring manual input from the user. The apparatus self-services by supplying the necessary identification data, which is then transmitted to the Web service server, thereby reducing the time required for registration and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device identification information is prepared and made available in advance within the printing apparatus before the registration process begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual input during registration, allowing the process to proceed more quickly and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10719745B2Information processing apparatus, communication method, and system

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 CANON KK

AI summary

Apparatus information of a printing apparatus is obtained from a printing apparatus, and a user interface screen of the printing apparatus is displayed. In accordance with receiving an instruction to register to a Web service from the user interface screen, obtained apparatus information of the printing apparatus is transmitted to a server, and an instruction for execution of a predetermined setting related to the Web service is made to the printing apparatus. Both the transmission and the instruction are executed in accordance with the instruction to register.