Cross-Platform Program Setup via QR Code Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face time-consuming and effort-intensive processes when setting up programs for controlling image processing apparatuses on multiple terminal devices with different platforms, as each platform requires a unique program and distinct setting information, and accessing the correct program supply sources can be cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a terminal device compatible with one platform selects an image processing apparatus, obtains necessary setting information, generates and displays QR code images for access and setting information, allowing a second terminal device with a different platform to read and use this information to install compatible programs and configure settings efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user manually sets up programs on each terminal device with different platforms, then each device can control the image processing apparatus, but the time and effort required for setup increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility across different platformsVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the first terminal device obtain setting information from the image processing apparatus and generate access information (including QR codes) before the second terminal device needs to set up. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the second terminal device to manually input settings, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining cross-platform compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the first terminal device acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the image processing apparatus and the second terminal device. It obtains setting information, generates access information including QR codes, and transmits this information to the second terminal device, enabling automatic setup without manual configuration on each platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different programs are installed on each platform to control the image processing apparatus, then platform-specific compatibility is achieved, but the complexity of the setup process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform compatibilityVSAvoidsetup process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional setup system where the first terminal device can serve multiple purposes: obtaining setting information from the image processing apparatus, generating access information, creating QR codes, and transmitting this information to the second terminal device. This universal approach simplifies the overall setup process across different platforms while maintaining platform-specific program compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copying by having the first terminal device obtain setting information from the image processing apparatus and create access information (including QR codes) that can be copied and transferred to the second terminal device. This copying mechanism allows the second terminal device to acquire all necessary configuration data without manual input, reducing setup complexity while maintaining platform compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If users manually input setting information on each terminal device, then accurate configuration is achieved, but the effort and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsetup effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling the second terminal device to automatically obtain and configure setting information through QR code scanning. Instead of requiring manual input, the second terminal device autonomously reads the access information and setting information from the first terminal device, automatically configures itself, and completes the setup process. This maintains configuration accuracy while dramatically reducing user effort and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11553101B2Computer-readable medium, information processing device, and system for setting up program on each terminal device

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions that are executable by a processor of a first terminal device compatible with a first platform. The instructions are configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the first terminal device to accept selection of an image processing apparatus from among one or more devices connected with the first terminal device, obtain setting information from the selected image processing apparatus, install, into the first terminal device, a first program compatible with the image processing apparatus and the first platform, display access information on a display of the first terminal device, the access information being based on an address of a web page representing a site of a supply source for a second program that is compatible with the image processing apparatus and a second platform, and display the setting information on the display.