Voice-Activated Print System Using Audio Control Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print systems require users to manually press a print button, which can be cumbersome and does not enhance operability, especially in situations where easier and more intuitive control methods are needed.

Innovation Solution

A print apparatus that communicates with an audio control device capable of receiving instructions via audio, utilizing a dual wireless communication system for connecting to an external access point and obtaining print data, allowing for voice-activated print instructions and operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users press a print button manually to initiate printing, then the printing process can be started, but the operability is cumbersome and user experience is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of print instructionVSAvoidcomplexity of interaction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interaction with voice-based acoustic interaction. The audio control device receives print instructions through voice commands, converting mechanical input (button press) into acoustic input (voice command), thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an audio control device as an intermediary between the user and the print apparatus. This mediator receives voice commands from the user, processes them, and transmits appropriate instructions to the print apparatus, simplifying the user's interaction while managing the complexity within the intermediary device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If a single wireless communication method is used for connecting to external access point, then the system is simpler, but the communication speed and reliability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcomplexity of communication system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication function into multiple independent communication methods (first wireless communication and second wireless communication). Each communication method operates independently with different characteristics, allowing the system to select the most appropriate method based on current conditions, thereby achieving higher speed without requiring all complexity to be active simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic selection between different wireless communication methods based on communication conditions. The system can adaptively switch between the first and second wireless communication methods depending on factors such as signal quality, speed requirements, and power consumption considerations, optimizing performance while managing complexity through conditional activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11210036B2Print system, print apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 CANON KK

AI summary

An audio control device receives a print instruction by audio and causes a print apparatus connected to an external access point to execute a print process in accordance with the print instruction received by audio.