Wearable Terminal for Printer Error Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printer error handling, such as jam removal and ink replacement, is inefficient due to the need for users to move between the operation panel and the error location, leading to wasteful consumption of sheets and ink, and requiring one-handed operation with a mobile device.
Innovation Solution
A print system comprising a printer connected to a wearable terminal via wireless communication, which displays error information in a virtual space superimposed on the actual printer using a transmissive display, allowing users to view guidance for jam removal and ink replacement with both hands, and directs users to alternative printers if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If error information is displayed on the operation panel located in the upper portion of the printer, then the display is accessible, but the user has to move back and forth between the operation panel and the error location in the lower portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable terminal device as an intermediary between the printer and the user. The terminal receives error information from the printer and displays it on its own display unit, which the user can view at the error location without needing to return to the operation panel. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing error information display functionality at the user's current position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the error information display from the traditional two-dimensional operation panel on the printer body to a mobile wearable terminal that can be positioned in three-dimensional space near the error location. This dimensional change allows the user to view error information at any location around the printer, eliminating the need to move to a fixed upper panel position.
2Ease of operation
If steps for removing jammed sheet are printed on a sheet, then the user can refer to the printed sheet, but sheets and ink are wastefully consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable terminal acts as an intermediary that provides guidance information digitally instead of printing it on sheets. The terminal receives error information including removal steps from the printer and displays them on its screen, eliminating the need to consume physical sheets and ink for printing guidance instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of guidance information on the wearable terminal display instead of physical printing on sheets. The error information and removal steps are transmitted electronically and displayed as visual copies, providing the same informational function without consuming physical materials.
3Loss of information
If the user captures an image of the jam occurrence portion with a mobile terminal device, then guidance image is superimposed on the captured image, but the user has to perform the operation with one hand while holding the device
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable terminal serves as an intermediary that automatically receives and displays error information from the printer without requiring the user to manually capture images or operate the device with one hand. The terminal's display unit presents the guidance information in a format that can be viewed with both hands free, eliminating the manual image capture step.
4Device complexity
If the operation panel is provided in the upper portion of the printer, then the printer structure is compact, but the user has to move between the panel and the error location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error information display function from the fixed operation panel on the printer and relocates it to a separate wearable terminal device. This extraction allows the printer structure to remain compact with its upper-mounted panel while providing error information access at the error location through the wearable device, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and operational convenience.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print system includes an image forming apparatus and a wearable terminal configured to communicate with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an error and a controller configured to send a guidance information used to remove the error to the wearable terminal. The wearable terminal includes a transmissive display, a fixing portion configured to fix the transmissive display in front of eyes of a user, a communication unit configured to receive the guidance information, and a display controller configured to display the guidance information on the transmissive display for the image forming apparatus viewed through the transmissive display.