Multi-function Device Print Settings Adjustment for Memory Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-function devices (MFDs) face memory shortages during high-quality printing, leading to forced termination of print jobs due to insufficient memory capacity when large facsimile or image data is received, requiring users to reconfigure print settings for each sheet.
Innovation Solution
An MFD with an initializing unit for print settings, a data receiver, a storage unit, a data size calculator, a comparator, and a print settings adjuster that modifies settings to fit available storage capacity, allowing continuous printing by reducing print resolution or transferring data to external storage when memory is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution printing mode is selected for photo-quality printing, then printing quality is improved, but memory consumption increases causing print jobs to be forcibly stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the print resolution adjustable during the printing process. The control unit dynamically changes the print resolution from high-resolution to standard-resolution based on available memory capacity, allowing the system to adapt to changing memory conditions and prevent job termination while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality output when resources permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the print resolution parameter in response to memory capacity changes. When memory capacity falls below a threshold during high-resolution printing, the system changes the resolution parameter to standard-resolution, ensuring continuous operation. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high printing quality and managing limited memory resources.
2Quantity of substance
If print resolution is reduced to fit memory capacity, then memory availability is improved, but printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts print resolution based on real-time memory capacity monitoring. Rather than permanently reducing quality, the system maintains high resolution when memory is sufficient and temporarily reduces to standard resolution only when memory capacity becomes insufficient, thus preserving printing quality to the maximum extent possible while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of the printing operation by automatically adjusting resolution to prevent job termination. The control unit continuously monitors memory capacity and maintains printing operations by switching between high and standard resolution as needed, eliminating interruptions and ensuring the printing task completes successfully regardless of memory fluctuations.
3Ease of operation
If temporary print mode setting is retained for multiple sheets, then ease of operation is improved, but memory consumption increases when large facsimile data is received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor memory capacity during printing operations. When facsimile data is received and memory consumption increases, the system detects this change and responds by adjusting print resolution to standard-resolution if already in high-resolution mode, thereby managing memory consumption while maintaining operational convenience through automatic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing its own memory resources without user intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors memory capacity, receives facsimile data, and adjusts print settings in real-time to prevent memory overflow and job termination, allowing the MFD to serve itself in managing the contradiction between operational convenience and memory consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a print mode initializing unit, a print mode modifying unit, a data retaining unit that retains the modified print settings for a predetermined period, a data receiving unit that receives data, a storage unit that stores the data, a data size calculating unit that calculates a size of an available storage area of the storage unit and a size of print data in accordance with the modified print settings when the data receiving unit receives the data when the modified print settings are retained. A comparing unit outputs a signal in response to a condition where the size of print data exceeds the available storage area. A print mode adjustor modifies, in response to the signal, the print settings so that the print data can be stored in the available storage area.