Printing Apparatus Signal Direction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses perform unintended print processing due to strong reception of beacon signals from mobile terminals placed behind partitions, leading to incorrect calculation of distance and timing of print operations.

Innovation Solution

The printing apparatus acquires the incoming direction and reception strength of beacon signals and performs predetermined processing only when the signal is received from a set detection range, allowing for controlled and intended print operations based on user-defined settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If print processing is performed based on only the distance calculated from reception strength of beacon signal, then the printing apparatus can automatically perform print processing, but unintended print processing may be executed when mobile terminal is placed behind partitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic print processingVSAvoidaccuracy of print processing timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a spatial dimension (incoming direction/angle) to the existing distance-based detection system. By measuring not just the signal strength (distance) but also the direction from which the signal arrives, the system can distinguish between terminals in front of the apparatus versus those behind partitions, preventing unintended print operations while maintaining automatic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus detects beacon signal from any direction, then it can respond to mobile terminals anywhere, but it may perform print processing at unintended timing due to signals from behind partitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidunintended print processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the detection sensitivity direction-dependent. Instead of uniformly detecting signals from all directions, the system configures different detection characteristics for different spatial zones - allowing sensitive detection in front of the apparatus while filtering or reducing sensitivity in directions corresponding to partition locations, thus eliminating harmful unintended operations while preserving useful detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11516352B2Printing apparatus that acquires an incoming angle and direction of a signal strength from another apparatus and performs printing process based on the acquired signal strength, incoming angle and direction

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus acquires an incoming direction and reception strength of a signal received from another apparatus, and performs predetermined processing relating to printing based on the acquired incoming direction and the acquired reception strength.