Voice-Controlled Print Management via Smart Speaker Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems require manual button pressing or limited voice control, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in modern multi-functional environments where improved operability is needed.
Innovation Solution
A print control system that integrates a voice device, app management service, and print management service, allowing users to control multifunctional peripherals (MFPs) via voice instructions, automating the printing process by transmitting voice data over a network and utilizing apps to manage print jobs and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice control is implemented for printing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voice device as an intermediary between the user and the printing apparatus. The voice device receives voice instructions, processes them through app management services, and transmits print jobs to the printing apparatus. This mediator handles the complexity of voice recognition and command processing, keeping the printing apparatus itself relatively simple while achieving easy voice-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice device is designed with multi-functionality, serving not only for printing control but also for managing various apps and services. By consolidating multiple functions (voice recognition, app management, print job transmission) into a single universal device, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate specialized devices for each function.
2Device complexity
If manual button pressing is required for printing, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of pressing physical buttons with acoustic interaction through voice commands. The voice device captures voice instructions and converts them into digital commands that trigger print jobs. This substitution eliminates the need for users to physically navigate menus and press buttons, significantly improving ease of operation while the underlying digital system manages the complexity.
3Productivity
If voice-controlled printing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring app management services and print job parameters before the actual printing is needed. Users can prepare voice commands and app selections in advance, and the system pre-processes these inputs through automated workflows. This preliminary preparation accelerates the actual printing process, improving productivity while the complexity is managed through automated setup procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a case where based on a receipt by a voice device of an utterance requesting a use of a print content generation service, the print content generation service generates a print content, and from first and second print services, the first print service is identified, a print control system acquires the print content generated by the print content generation service. Then, the print control system identifies print setting information for executing a printing process based on the print content.