Print Control Apparatus Wireless Setup Concurrency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing apparatuses require significant time for initial setup and preparation, including cleaning and connection processes, which delays their readiness for use.

Innovation Solution

A print control apparatus that executes print preparation processing and sets necessary connection parameters upon activation, allowing concurrent execution of cleaning, registration adjustment, and wireless communication setup, thereby reducing the overall processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning process, position adjustment, and connection settings are performed sequentially at initial setup, then each process can be completed thoroughly, but the total time until the printing apparatus becomes ready for use increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompletion of print preparation processesVSAvoidtime until apparatus becomes ready for use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection settings are performed in advance during the print preparation processing before the user needs to use the apparatus. The setting unit automatically executes connection parameter configuration (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB) during the cleaning and position adjustment phase, so that when the user completes the initial setup, the connection is already established and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple processes that were previously performed sequentially (cleaning, position adjustment, and connection settings) are merged into a combined execution flow. The setting unit integrates connection parameter setting with the existing print preparation processing, allowing these tasks to overlap and execute concurrently rather than waiting for one to complete before starting the next.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If connection settings are performed after print preparation processing completes, then the apparatus ensures all print processes are finished, but the user experiences longer waiting time before the apparatus is fully operational

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompletion of print preparation processingVSAvoidreadiness for user use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Connection settings are executed as a preliminary action during the print preparation processing phase. The setting unit automatically configures connection parameters (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB) before the user needs to access the apparatus, ensuring that when the initial setup is complete, the connection is already established and the apparatus is ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the connection setting process with the print preparation processing. Instead of waiting for cleaning and position adjustment to complete before starting connection settings, the setting unit initiates connection parameter configuration during this phase, ensuring uninterrupted progress toward full operational readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10268427B2Print control apparatus for performing wireless communication, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 CANON KK

AI summary

A print control apparatus enables a network setting to be changed during print preparation processing executed at the arrival, thereby enabling the user to bring start time to use the print control apparatus forward.