WiFi Direct Network Manager for Automatic Print Job Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in connecting mobile devices to image forming apparatuses using WiFi Direct connections due to complex setting processes, requiring manual network configuration and authentication.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a network manager that automatically activates and manages WiFi Direct connections, searches for nearby image forming devices, and transmits print data without requiring separate user settings, using preset authentication information for seamless connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual WiFi Direct connection settings are implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic apparatus automatically performs WiFi Direct connection settings and authentication without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the connection process including searching for image forming apparatus, initiating connection requests, and completing authentication, thereby eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic apparatus pre-configures WiFi Direct connection parameters and authentication information before the actual printing operation. By preparing connection settings in advance and automatically executing them when a print job is initiated, the system ensures reliable connections without requiring users to perform complex setup procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic WiFi Direct activation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The WiFi Direct connection management functions are merged with the existing print job processing workflow. The network manager integrates connection activation, apparatus searching, and authentication processes into the standard printing operation sequence, so that users simply need to initiate a print job while the system handles all connection complexities in the background

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A network manager component acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the WiFi Direct protocol stack. This intermediary layer automatically manages the complex connection procedures including parameter configuration, apparatus discovery, and authentication, shielding users from technical complexity while enabling seamless connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9521271B2Electronic apparatus having automatically activated WiFi direct function, print controlling method, and computer-readable recording medium to activate the WiFi direct function

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a network manager to deactivate a WiFi Direct function of the electronic apparatus when an application to perform a print job is operated and which is connected to an image forming apparatus around the electronic apparatus using a WiFi Direct method, a job generator to generate print data regarding a file based on an input print command to print the file, and a controller to transmit the generated print data to the image forming apparatus that is connected using the WiFi Direct method.