Proximity-Based Selective Printing for Terminal Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems do not allow printers to perform printing based on multiple stored image files, and they lack the capability to selectively print specific files when the distance between the terminal device and the printer is within a predetermined range.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device that receives file information from a printer, determines the proximity using a specific signal's radio field intensity, selects and transmits a print instruction for specific image files to the printer when within the predetermined distance, enabling selective printing from multiple stored files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device transmits print instructions for all M image files stored in the printer, then the printer can perform printing according to all stored files, but the terminal device cannot selectively control which files to print and may cause unnecessary printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of M image files into a subset of N files to be printed. The terminal device receives file information for all M files from the printer, then selectively transmits print instructions for only N files based on proximity determination, enabling selective printing while maintaining the ability to access all stored files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different printing behavior based on the local condition of proximity between terminal device and printer. When the distance is within the predetermined range, the terminal device enables selective printing for N files; when beyond the range, it prevents printing entirely. This local quality approach allows flexible control adapted to specific usage scenarios.
2Reliability
If the terminal device continuously monitors and communicates with the printer for all M image files, then the system maintains comprehensive file access, but the communication overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of proximity-based printing control from the full set of M file operations. Instead of managing print instructions for all files, the terminal device uses the received file information to determine proximity and then selectively activates printing only for the N files that need to be printed, reducing communication processing complexity while maintaining reliable access to the printer's storage.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses radio field intensity to determine proximity, then the terminal device can automatically control printing based on distance, but the measurement precision may be affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service proximity detection where the terminal device automatically determines its distance from the printer using radio field intensity without requiring user intervention or manual configuration. The system uses the received signal strength from the printer's broadcast to autonomously trigger or prevent printing based on proximity, making the system easy to operate while accepting the inherent limitations of radio-based measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the printer to perform printing on specific image files when the terminal device is within a certain distance, enhancing user control and reducing unnecessary printing or communication.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether an inter-device distance, which is a distance between the terminal device and the printer, is equal to or less than a predetermined distance by using a received radio field intensity of the specific signal
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device performs operations includes: a file information receiving process to receive M pieces of file information for identifying M image files from a printer storing M image files; a specific signal receiving process to receive a specific signal from the printer; a determination process to determine whether an inter-device distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance by using a received radio field intensity of the specific signal; a selection process to select N pieces of file information, which is a part of the M pieces of file information when it is determined in the determination process that the inter-device distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance; and a print instruction transmission process to not transmit the print instruction to the printer when it is determined that the inter-device distance is not equal to or less than the predetermined distance.