Wireless Connection for Image Forming Apparatus Without Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inexpensive image forming apparatuses without displays face challenges in wireless connectivity to smartphones, as methods requiring display-based QR-codes are not feasible and result in paper wastage and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a first communication device for wireless communication, a second communication device for transmitting connection information, and a controller to establish wireless communication based on user interface-provided connection requests, allowing connection without display-based QR-codes and reducing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display-based QR-code method is used for wireless connection, then ease of connection for smartphone users is improved, but device complexity increases and paper wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the QR-code generation and display function from the image forming apparatus itself and relocates it to an external terminal device (smartphone or PC). The image forming apparatus only retains the essential function of receiving connection information and establishing wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for an expensive display while maintaining ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where connection information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to an external terminal device, which then displays the QR-code. This intermediary terminal device serves as a mediator between the simple image forming apparatus and the smartphone, enabling the display function without requiring the image forming apparatus to have expensive display hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If QR-code is printed on paper sheet for connection, then connection capability is enabled, but paper wastage and toner consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical printing system with a wireless digital transmission system. Instead of printing QR-codes on paper sheets using the printing device, the connection information is transmitted wirelessly to external terminal devices, which then display the QR-codes. This eliminates the need for physical paper consumption while maintaining connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of connection information instead of physical printing. The QR-code is generated as a digital image on the external terminal device's display, which can be viewed multiple times without consuming additional physical resources. This digital copy approach eliminates paper wastage while preserving the connection information.
3Ease of operation
If QR-code is printed for connection, then connection function is provided, but security risks increase due to potential printing of important network information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the QR-code display function from the image forming apparatus and places it in an external terminal device. This separation ensures that the image forming apparatus does not handle or expose important network information through its own display or printing mechanisms, thereby reducing security risks while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The external terminal device acts as an intermediary that receives connection information from the image forming apparatus and displays it securely. This intermediary layer isolates the image forming apparatus from direct exposure of sensitive network information, reducing security vulnerabilities while still enabling the connection function.
4Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive image forming apparatus without display is used, then cost is reduced, but wireless connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the inexpensive image forming apparatus to perform wireless connection without requiring its own display. The apparatus uses its existing communication capabilities in conjunction with external terminal devices to achieve both printing and wireless connectivity functions, thereby maintaining versatility while keeping costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses external terminal devices as intermediaries to bridge the gap between inexpensive image forming apparatuses without displays and the requirement for wireless connection capability. These intermediaries provide the necessary display and user interface functions, allowing the simple image forming apparatus to maintain connectivity without incurring additional display costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus to be connected to a first information processing apparatus including a user interface, the image forming apparatus including: a first communication device configured to perform wireless communication; a second communication device configured to transmit, to the first information processing apparatus, connection information required for establishing the wireless communication using the first communication device. The image forming apparatus further comprises a controller configured to establish the wireless communication using the first communication device to/from a second information processing apparatus in accordance with a connection request based on the connection information, transmitted from the second information processing apparatus which has acquired the connection information via the user interface of the first information processing apparatus which has received the connection information; and a printing device configured to execute printing based on print data transmitted from the second information processing apparatus through the established wireless communication.