Print Control Server Email Preview and Job Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of cloud computing systems for printing emails lack simple methods to control print jobs, including canceling erroneous transmissions, changing print settings, or confirming preview images.

Innovation Solution

A print control server transmits a print control page to users, allowing them to manage print execution, change settings, and confirm preview images, with features like creating preview data and laying out images in the print control page for confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cloud computing system prints email content by transmitting to printer-associated email addresses, then users can print without installing printer drivers, but users cannot perform simple print control operations such as canceling, changing settings, or confirming previews

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePrinter accessibilityVSAvoidPrint control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web page as an intermediary between the email-based print request and the printer execution. This web page serves as a control interface that receives print jobs via email, displays preview images, allows users to modify settings, and enables cancellation - thus mediating the interaction and resolving the contradiction between driverless accessibility and operational control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical driver installation approach with a web-based control system. Instead of requiring users to install printer drivers on their devices, the system uses a web page accessible through a browser to handle all print control operations, substituting the mechanical driver system with a more flexible software-based web interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the system automatically processes print jobs from emails, then printing can be initiated simply by sending an email, but users lack the ability to review or modify print settings before execution

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePrint job initiation speedVSAvoidPrint setting modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by displaying a preview image of the print job on the web page before execution. This allows users to review the content and settings in advance, making necessary modifications or cancellations before the actual printing occurs, thus balancing rapid initiation with thorough review capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by allowing users to modify print settings on the web page after receiving the print job but before execution. The system transitions from a static automatic processing mode to a dynamic controllable mode, enabling users to adjust settings such as copy number, paper size, and other parameters based on their needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the system processes print jobs automatically without user intervention, then printing efficiency is improved, but users cannot cancel erroneous transmissions or modify settings

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAutomatic print processingVSAvoidPrint job control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by providing a web page that displays the status and preview of the print job, allowing users to monitor progress and take corrective actions. This feedback mechanism enables users to cancel erroneous transmissions or modify settings before execution, ensuring reliability while maintaining automatic processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2479660B1Print control server, print controlling method, and print control program

Publication Date: 2018.08.08 SEIKO EPSON CORP

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AI summary

A print control server includes a print request receiving section which receives an e-mail to an e-mail address assigned to a specific printer as a print request; an induction section which transmits identification information related to the print request to a source of the print request by an e-mail; a print control demand receiving section which transmits the print control page related to the print request after acquiring a print control page demand based on the identification information, and receives a print execution demand to the print request related to the print control page; a data conversion section which creates the print data based on the print request; and a print data transmission section which transmits the print data to the specific printer depending on the print execution demand.