Print Control Device Data Form Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling printing apparatuses are inefficient when dealing with a large number of devices, as they require a server device and are not scalable, and lack the ability to determine the appropriate data form for communication without prior knowledge of the apparatus's specifications.

Innovation Solution

A print control device that determines the applicable data form based on the responding state of the printing apparatus, allowing communication and control without a server device, by transmitting requests via specific communication ports and selecting the appropriate data format based on responses received.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a server device is used to manage multiple printing apparatuses, then the system can handle plural devices, but the efficiency decreases when the number of apparatuses is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle multiple printing apparatusesVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Each printing apparatus autonomously responds to communication requests from the control device, eliminating the need for a centralized server. The printing apparatus itself performs the function of announcing its supported protocols and data forms,实现 self-service capability that improves efficiency while maintaining multi-device compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If prior knowledge of printing apparatus specifications is required, then the data form can be selected accurately, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata form selection accuracyVSAvoidspecification management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device transmits inquiry data to the printing apparatus and receives response data containing protocol support information. This feedback mechanism allows the control device to automatically determine the appropriate data form based on the actual response, achieving accurate selection without requiring prior knowledge or complex specification management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus pre-configures its supported protocols and data forms, making this information available for immediate inquiry. The control device performs preliminary communication tests by sending inquiry packets before actual printing operations, ensuring the correct data form is selected in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If specific communication functions are mounted on the printing apparatus, then the communication capability is enhanced, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidapparatus configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus is designed with universal communication capabilities that support multiple protocols (ESC/P, PCL, PDF, PostScript) through a single communication interface. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware to handle various data forms without requiring additional specific communication functions or complex configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3153962B1Printing control device, printing system, and printing control method

Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(D)
Figure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A device controlling a printing apparatus is enabled to efficiently acquire information on a data form or the like applicable to the printing apparatus. A terminal device includes a communication interface that can communicate with a printer. The terminal device includes a terminal control unit that requests the printer to communicate using a specific communication port via the communication interface and receives a responding state of the printer to the request. The terminal control unit determines a data form applicable to the printer based on the response and communicates with the printer via the communication interface using data in the determined data form.