Automatic Printing System for External Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face cumbersome processes when printing multiple documents with different settings, as they need to manually configure print settings each time, even with default configurations, and navigating external memory devices can be frustrating due to unfriendly user interfaces on multi-function devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically prints files from external storage devices using pre-set printing preferences, which includes a peripheral port for communication and a control section with a processor to detect trigger events, fetch files, and determine availability of optional print instructions, allowing automatic printing with either default or user-defined settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If default print configuration settings are used, then printing time and effort are reduced, but users still need to manually select whether to execute print jobs with default settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects printable files in the external storage device and executes printing without requiring user selection or interaction. The printer independently determines which files to print and processes them using default settings, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for user confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures default print settings and automatically applies them to detected printable files before execution. By preparing the printing parameters in advance and automatically selecting files for printing, the system eliminates the need for real-time user decision-making during the printing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-function devices with display modules and graphical user interfaces are used, then direct access to external memory devices is enabled, but the user interface is not very user friendly and requires manual manipulation of file directories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cumbersome display module and graphical user interface from the multi-function device while retaining the core printing functionality. By extracting the unnecessary interface components, the system maintains direct external storage access capability but eliminates the frustrating manual file directory manipulation requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer automatically detects and processes printable files from external storage devices without requiring user interaction through a graphical interface. The system independently navigates file directories, identifies printable files, and executes printing, making the device self-servicing and eliminating the need for user-friendly interface design.
3Ease of operation
If computer systems are used to facilitate printing, then transfer of printable data from internal memory to printers is eased, but manual configuration of print settings becomes cumbersome when large varieties of documents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The printer system automatically detects printable files and executes printing without requiring computer system intervention for configuration. The system independently handles file detection, settings application, and print execution, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining easy data transfer capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures default print settings that are automatically applied to all printable files detected in external storage devices. By preparing settings in advance and automatically selecting files for printing, the system eliminates the need for real-time configuration when printing large varieties of documents.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system, an apparatus, and a method for automatically printing printable files stored inside an external storage device without any intervention of a user. The apparatus comprises a peripheral port for communicating with the external storage device and a control section comprising a memory for storing computer readable program code and a processor for executing the code to control the apparatus. The computer readable program code being configured to cause the apparatus to execute a process for determining availability of the optional instruction in the external storage device and printing at least one copy of the fetched printable files based on the determined availability of the optional instruction.