MFP Multi-Printer Job Routing via Language Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-function peripheral (MFP) devices require users to manually scan and send documents to multiple network printers separately, lacking the ability to send a single print job to multiple printers simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An MFP device system and method that selects multiple network printers, converts documents into compatible languages, and sends a single print request to all selected printers based on stored location and language data, allowing simultaneous printing across multiple entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually scan and send documents to multiple network printers separately, then each printer can be controlled individually, but the operation time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate printing operations into a single unified printing job. The MFP device scans the document once and sends it to multiple network printers simultaneously through a single operation, combining what would otherwise be separate scanning and sending actions into one integrated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing printer information (location data and print associated information) in advance on the MFP device. This pre-stored information allows the device to automatically identify and send the document to multiple printers without requiring users to manually configure each printer setting during the printing operation.
2Extent of automation
If the MFP device stores print associated information for multiple printers, then the device can automatically select and send to appropriate printers, but the device memory requirements and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing simplified print associated information (location data and language compatibility) for multiple printers on the MFP device. This creates a lightweight data structure that mirrors essential printer characteristics without duplicating full printer configurations, enabling automatic selection while keeping memory requirements manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP device converts scanned data into respective supporting languages for each printer, then compatibility with different printers is ensured, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing print associated information that includes the supporting language of each printer. This allows the MFP device to determine the appropriate language conversion needed before scanning, and perform conversions in an optimized sequence, rather than discovering language requirements during the printing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method, for communicating data between a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device and a plurality of networked printing entities, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting, at an MFP device, a plurality of networked printing entities, wherein information associated with printing, being compatible with the MFP device, is stored on the MFP device, and wherein the print associated information includes at least a location data of each of the selected printing entities. The method also comprises i) receiving, at the MFP device, a single print request for a document to be printed in the selected printing entities, and ii) sending the single print request to the selected printing entities based on the location data and the print associated information such that a copy of the same document is printed in all selected printing entities. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of networked printing entities includes one of the following: a single printer, a group of printers including at least one printer, and the combination thereof.