Image Forming Apparatus Web Server Print Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require a highly-functional application on client devices to execute print processing, which is dependent on the operating system and requires significant development costs for mobile terminals like tablets and smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows client apparatuses to instruct image forming apparatuses to execute print processing without a highly-functional application, using a storage unit with a folder, setting unit for printing conditions, and a printing unit that communicates with external apparatuses, reducing dependency on the operating system and execution environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a highly-functional application is installed on the client apparatus to enable print processing, then the client apparatus can make print settings and transmit printing target files, but the device complexity and development costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint processing capabilityVSAvoidapplication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the print processing functionality from the client apparatus by providing a web server environment on the image forming apparatus itself. The client apparatus only needs a web browser, while all print processing capabilities (settings, file conversion, transmission) are moved to the server side, dramatically reducing client device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the client apparatus and the image forming apparatus. The web server handles all complex print processing operations through web-based interfaces, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for specialized applications on client devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a highly-functional application is installed on mobile terminals like tablets and smartphones, then print processing is enabled, but the development costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile terminal compatibilityVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal printing solution by implementing a web server environment on the image forming apparatus that can be accessed by any device with a web browser, including mobile terminals. This single server-based implementation serves multiple device types without requiring separate applications for each platform, dramatically reducing development costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the printing system uses a hot folder application on the client apparatus, then print processing can be executed, but the system becomes dependent on the operating system of the client apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint processing efficiencyVSAvoidoperating system dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operating system-dependent hot folder application from the client apparatus and relocates all print processing functions to a web server environment on the image forming apparatus. The client apparatus only needs a standard web browser, eliminating operating system dependency while maintaining efficient print processing through web-based interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10540123B2Image forming apparatus having a folder accessible from an external apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus capable of communicating with an external apparatus includes a storage unit having a folder, a setting unit configured to set a printing condition corresponding to the folder, and a printing unit configured to print a printing target file transmitted from the external apparatus and stored in the folder based on the printing condition set by the setting unit.