Printer Wireless Setup via Intermediary Communication Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in setting up wireless connections for devices like printers in wireless networks, especially when the access point is distant or uses encryption standards not supported by the device, making it challenging to establish connections without manual operation, which can be impractical during certain conditions like product arrival or ongoing copy processing.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus is designed to facilitate network setup by transmitting connection information to a communication device, allowing it to establish a connection with an access point, even when the printer is inoperable, using temporary connection SSIDs and password authentication, enabling automated network configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printer is in an inoperable state (arrival mode or copy processing), then the display operating unit cannot be operated, but manual setup operation is still required for wireless network connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication apparatus (smartphone, tablet, or PC) as an intermediary between the user and the printer. This intermediary device can display connection information and receive user input even when the printer's display operating unit is inoperable, enabling wireless network setup without requiring direct user interaction with the printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer automatically transmits connection information (SSID and password) to the communication apparatus without requiring user intervention on the printer side. The system performs self-service by autonomously providing network credentials through the communication apparatus, eliminating the need for manual setup operations on the printer itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the access point uses encryption standards not supported by the device, then connection cannot be established, but the user cannot manually input connection information during inoperable states
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus serves as an intermediary that receives connection information from the printer and presents it to the user. This intermediary can handle various encryption standards and display appropriate connection details, enabling users to connect to access points with different security protocols even when the printer cannot be manually operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by automatically transmitting connection information from the printer to the communication apparatus. This feedback mechanism ensures that users receive accurate connection details (including SSID and password) without needing to manually input information, improving both compatibility and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If wireless connection setup requires user input during inoperable printer states, then connection can be established, but the process becomes impractical during arrival mode or copy processing
Solution Approach 1:
The printer performs self-service by automatically transmitting connection information to the communication apparatus without requiring user input. This automation eliminates the need for users to manually input connection details during inoperable states, making the setup process practical and efficient even when the printer is in arrival mode or copy processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically transmitting connection information before the user needs to establish the connection. The connection details are prepared and transmitted in advance through the communication apparatus, so when the user is ready to connect, the information is already available, improving setup efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a first setup unit configured to execute first wireless setup in order to establish connection between a communication apparatus and an access point; and a display unit configured to display information for establishing the connection between the communication apparatus and the access point on a display unit of the information processing apparatus in a case where the connection between the communication apparatus and the access point is not established by the first setup unit.