Image Forming Device Print Mode Switching for OS Standard Drivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices cannot mix the direct print mode and authentication print mode when using an OS standard printer driver, limiting flexibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device with an authentication information reception unit and printing unit that executes print jobs in direct or authentication modes based on different conditions, allowing mixing of these modes even with OS standard printer drivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If OS standard printer driver is used, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to mix direct print mode and authentication print mode deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The printing mode is made dynamic and adjustable based on authentication results. The system automatically switches between direct print mode and authentication print mode depending on whether the authentication information satisfies the predetermined condition, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring manual mode selection or additional software configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the printing mode parameter based on authentication condition satisfaction. When authentication information satisfies the predetermined condition, direct print mode is activated; when it does not satisfy, authentication print mode is activated. This parameter-based switching enables mode mixing while maintaining OS standard driver compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If authentication print mode is used, then security is improved, but printing speed and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidprinting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies authentication requirements selectively rather than universally. Authentication print mode is activated only when authentication information does not satisfy the predetermined condition, while direct print mode is used when the condition is satisfied. This partial application of authentication reduces overhead for trusted users while maintaining security for untrusted users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250278225A1Image forming device, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

The multifunction peripheral 2 includes an authentication information reception unit 22 that receives authentication information from a user terminal 3, and a printing unit 25 that receives a print job from the user terminal 3, executes printing of the print job in a direct print mode 25a when the authentication information received by the authentication information reception unit 22 satisfies a first condition, and executes printing of the print job in an authentication print mode 25b when the authentication information received by the authentication information reception unit 22 satisfies a second condition different from the first condition.