PJL Data Conversion Filter for Image Forming Apparatus Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in image forming systems is the increased burden of reconstructing the system when an image forming apparatus is updated, as existing technologies require significant efforts to regenerate PJL data compliant with new specifications, leading to inefficiencies and potential disruptions in operations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a data interface, non-volatile memory, and a controller that converts non-target PJL data into target PJL data using filter data stored in the memory, allowing the system to execute the intended processes without requiring new PJL data regeneration, thereby minimizing the need for system reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus is updated to address diversification and performance improvements, then the functionality and performance of the apparatus are improved, but the burden required for reconstructing the image forming system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component that translates between different PJL data formats. When the image forming apparatus is updated, the filter remains unchanged and continues to convert legacy PJL commands from PCs into formats compatible with the updated apparatus, thereby maintaining system functionality without requiring complete system reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed and configured in advance to anticipate format incompatibilities that may arise from future updates. By pre-establishing the translation capability between old and new PJL formats, the system prepares for updates beforehand, reducing the reconstruction burden when updates occur
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing PCs send legacy PJL commands to updated image forming apparatus, then compatibility with existing software is maintained, but the apparatus cannot execute the commands due to format incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The filter acts as a mediator between legacy PCs and updated apparatus. It receives legacy PJL commands from PCs, translates them into the new format required by the updated apparatus, and forwards the translated commands for execution, thereby bridging the compatibility gap
Solution Approach 2:
The filter creates a translated copy of the legacy PJL commands in the new format. Instead of modifying the original commands or the apparatus, the filter generates equivalent commands in the target format that achieve the same functional outcome
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to obtain PJL data via a data interface, obtain filter data via the data interface, store the obtained filter data in a non-volatile memory, the filter data associating non-target PJL data with target PJL data, the non-target PJL data being PJL data not intended for causing the image forming apparatus to a particular process, the target PJL data being PJL data intended for causing the image forming apparatus to perform the particular process, and when the obtained PJL data is the non-target PJL data associated with the target PJL data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory, convert the obtained PJL data into the target PJL data associated with the non-target PJL data in the filter data stored in the non-volatile memory.