Integrated Print-Cut Control System for Simplified Media Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for cutting printed media require complex settings for print and cut conditions, leading to reduced usability and increased operational complexity when using separate printing and cutting machines.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus connected to a cutting machine that processes information for both printing and cutting, obtaining ability information from the cutting machine and generating cut condition information based on print job data, allowing for simplified settings and integrated operation from printing to cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate printing apparatus and cutting machine are used, then functional specialization is achieved, but setting operations become complicated and usability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidsetting operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the printing apparatus and cutting machine into an integrated system where the control unit of the printing apparatus can transmit print job information to the cutting machine and receive ability information, automatically generating cut condition information based on print condition information. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex setting operations while maintaining functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the printing apparatus, manages print job information, communicates with the cutting machine, and generates cut condition information. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both printing and cutting operations with unified control, simplifying user operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate printing apparatus and cutting machine are used, then device functionality is specialized, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the printing apparatus and the cutting machine. It receives print job information, transmits it to the cutting machine, receives ability information about cutting capacity, and automatically generates appropriate cut condition information. This intermediary function streamlines the operational workflow and reduces complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating cut condition information before the actual cutting operation based on the print job information received in advance. This preliminary generation of cutting parameters eliminates the need for manual setting during operation, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If integrated printing and cutting apparatus is used, then setting simplicity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting simplicityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the printing apparatus with its control unit, and the cutting machine with its control unit. Each module maintains its specialized functionality while communicating through standardized information exchange protocols. This segmentation allows the system to achieve setting simplicity through automated information flow while managing device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250126216A1Information processing apparatus connectable to cutting machine, control method therefor, storage medium storing control program therefor, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus capable of executing operations from start of printing to completion of cutting with simple settings. The information processing apparatus is communicably connected to a cutting machine that cuts a sheet medium printed and processes information transmitted and received to and from the cutting machine. The information processing apparatus includes a memory device that stores a set of instructions and at least one processor that executes the set of instructions to obtain ability information about cutting ability of the cutting machine from the cutting machine, obtain a print job including print condition information about a print condition, and generate cut condition information related to a cut condition in cutting the medium with the cutting machine based on the ability information obtained and the print condition information included in the print job obtained. The medium is cut by the cutting machine based on the cut condition information generated.