Mobile Print Server Interface via Status-Driven GUI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Print shop operators face challenges in interacting with complex print server software, particularly when skilled operators are absent, and there is a need for remote access to manage high-volume printing operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows mobile phones to interact with print servers via wireless communication, enabling the reception of printing status information, determining available actions, and generating customizable user interfaces for users to initiate these actions, with the print server monitoring and updating registered mobile devices on printer status changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If print server software is used to coordinate and schedule high-volume printing, then printing productivity is improved, but the complexity of the software makes it difficult for operators to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting productivityVSAvoidease of use of print server software

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the operator and the complex print server software. The mobile device receives status information from the print server, determines available actions based on stored rules, and presents a simplified user interface with graphical elements that trigger actions. This intermediary layer shields operators from the complexity of the underlying print server software while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the interaction into distinct components: the print server handles complex coordination and scheduling, the mobile device handles user interface presentation and rule-based action determination, and the graphical elements provide intuitive user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall ease of use while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If skilled operators are required to manage print servers, then printing productivity is maintained, but the system becomes vulnerable when skilled personnel are absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint production schedule maintenanceVSAvoidsystem reliability during operator absence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device autonomously determines available actions by evaluating printer status information against stored rules, without requiring skilled operator intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of print server interactions, allowing any operator to effectively manage printing operations regardless of their expertise level, thereby maintaining reliability during personnel absence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device stores rules for interacting with printers in advance, enabling it to automatically determine appropriate actions based on current status information. This preliminary preparation of interaction rules allows the system to function reliably without skilled operators present, as the decision logic is pre-configured and executed automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If operators need to interact with print servers remotely, then operational flexibility is improved, but communication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device leverages its existing universal communication capabilities (wireless transceiver, display, user interface) to interact with the print server. Rather than requiring specialized remote access hardware or complex communication protocols, the system uses the mobile device's inherent multi-functional abilities to provide remote access, thereby improving flexibility without significantly increasing communication complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9535643B2Mobile phone user interfaces for a print server that are generated based on printer status information

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for interactions between print servers and mobile phones. One embodiment is a mobile phone comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a control unit. The memory is operable to store rules for interacting with printers, and the transceiver is operable to communicate with a wireless telecommunication network via radio frequency transmissions. The control unit is operable to receive a notification from a print server via the transceiver that indicates status information for a printer controlled by the print server, to determine actions available for the printer based on the stored rules and the status information, and to generate a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that displays interactive graphical elements selectable by a user to initiate the available actions for the printer.