Voice-Controlled Print Settings via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multifunction peripherals (MFPs) in office environments are difficult to operate user-friendlyly, especially for individuals with disabilities, due to reliance on touch panels or button interfaces, and implementing voice-assisted interfaces is challenging and costly, lacking compatibility with existing devices.
Innovation Solution
A mobile app on portable devices like smartphones and tablets enables users to create and invoke preset print settings using verbal shortcuts, allowing wireless communication with MFPs via Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi, converting natural language inputs into text to control printer settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch panel or button panel interface is used to control MFP, then device operation is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button panels and touch interfaces with a voice-based control system. Users can issue verbal commands through a microphone to control MFP functions, eliminating the need for physical interaction with buttons or touch screens. This substitution makes the device accessible to users with disabilities while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary between the user and the MFP. The mobile device runs an application that captures voice commands, processes them, and transmits control signals to the MFP via wireless communication. This intermediary layer enables voice-assisted control without requiring modifications to the existing MFP hardware.
2Ease of operation
If voice-assisted interface is implemented in MFP, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile device as an intermediary to handle all voice processing and control logic. The MFP itself requires only basic wireless communication capabilities and a microphone input, while the complex voice recognition and command processing occur on the mobile device. This approach provides voice-assisted functionality without significantly increasing MFP complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functional capabilities of mobile devices (microphone, speaker, processor, wireless communication) to provide voice-assisted control. Rather than building a dedicated voice recognition system into the MFP, the solution utilizes the universal functionality already present in smartphones and tablets, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If voice-assisted interface is implemented in MFP, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an cost-effective intermediary that handles all expensive voice processing components. The MFP only needs minimal hardware additions (microphone jack or input, wireless capability), significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to building integrated voice recognition hardware into the MFP itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution allows users to leverage their own existing mobile devices with built-in microphones and processing power. No additional specialized hardware needs to be manufactured or distributed, as users utilize equipment they already possess. This self-service approach eliminates the need for costly dedicated voice interface hardware in the MFP.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for language-based multifunction peripheral control includes receiving a user selection of an electronic document via a user interface of wireless portable data device. User selected print settings are also received via the user interface for printing the selected electronic document. The selected electronic document is then printed in accordance with the user selected print settings. The user associates a verbal shortcut with their current print settings, and the verbal instruction and settings are stored associatively. When the user wishes to print again, they can select their document and issue verbal print instructions which include their verbal shortcut. Print settings associated with this verbal shortcut are retrieved from memory and the document is printed using the print settings.