Printing Apparatus Wireless Mode Selection Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in understanding whether a printing apparatus is operating in access point mode or Wi-Fi Direct mode, which affects the usability of connecting mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus allows users to set and distinguish between access point mode and Wi-Fi Direct mode through a user-friendly interface, enabling them to select and control the operation mode for wireless direct connections, with options for continuous operation and negotiation settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus supports both access point mode and Wi-Fi Direct mode, then the adaptability and versatility of the wireless connection capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot understand which mode is being used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connection capabilityVSAvoiduser understanding of operation mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel displays different visual indicators (such as different icons or color codes) to represent access point mode and Wi-Fi Direct mode, allowing users to immediately understand which mode is currently active without needing to read detailed technical documentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus provides real-time feedback on the operation panel about which wireless mode is currently active and what connection status is achieved, enabling users to understand the current state and make appropriate operational decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the printing apparatus provides detailed mode information and settings, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection and controlVSAvoidinterface and control structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless connection control interface is segmented into distinct sections for access point mode and Wi-Fi Direct mode, with each mode having its own dedicated settings and control options, making the complex functionality more manageable and easier to navigate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operation panel dynamically adjusts the displayed information and available controls based on the currently active wireless mode, showing only relevant options and hiding unnecessary settings, thereby simplifying the user interface while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3428787B1Printing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and computer program

Publication Date: 2022.10.12 CANON KK

Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A

AI summary

A printing apparatus (100) sets one of an access point (AP) mode and a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) mode as an operation mode to be used for wireless direct connection with an external apparatus, in accordance with an instruction given through a setting screen (300) by a user. The printing apparatus (100) controls a wireless LAN I/F (210) so as to start an operation in the AP mode if the AP mode is set as the operation mode, and start an operation in the WFD mode if the WFD mode is set as the operation mode.