Print Data Control Apparatus for Cross-Device Printing Compatibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In a printing system, there is a challenge where print data transmission from one printing apparatus to another may result in the destination apparatus being unable to process the data or having insufficient performance, leading to prolonged waiting times or incomplete printing processes due to differences in model, performance, or software versions among the printing apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A print data control apparatus is introduced, comprising a reception section, a transmission section, an information acquisition section, and an acceptance section, which allows for the selection of the appropriate processing type for the print data based on acquired information about the destination printing apparatus, enabling efficient processing and instruction of the desired process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If print data is transmitted from one printing apparatus to another, then data sharing and printing flexibility are improved, but the destination apparatus may lack the performance or compatibility to process the data, resulting in printing failures or extended waiting times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring information about the destination printing apparatus's specifications and capabilities before transmitting print data. This allows the source apparatus to determine compatibility and select appropriate processing methods in advance, preventing transmission failures and ensuring reliable processing at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the destination printing apparatus report its specifications and processing capabilities back to the source apparatus. This feedback mechanism enables the source to adjust transmission parameters and select compatible processing methods based on the actual capabilities of the destination device, ensuring reliable data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If print data is transmitted to a printing apparatus with different model or software version, then printing flexibility is improved, but waiting time until printing is performed becomes long or printing is not performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary compatibility assessment by acquiring destination apparatus information before data transmission. This allows the source apparatus to pre-determine the appropriate processing method and avoid transmission delays or failures, significantly reducing waiting time while maintaining printing flexibility across different models and software versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters based on the destination apparatus's capabilities. By adjusting the processing method according to the destination's model and software version, the system ensures compatible and efficient processing, eliminating waiting times caused by incompatibility while maintaining the ability to print across diverse devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If no instruction is provided to the destination printing apparatus about the type of process, then the transmission process is simple, but the destination apparatus cannot perform the desired process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission process complexityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The destination printing apparatus provides feedback about its capabilities, and the source apparatus uses this information to automatically determine and specify the appropriate processing method. This feedback-based automatic determination maintains simple transmission processes while ensuring the destination apparatus can perform the desired process efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The destination printing apparatus serves itself by reporting its own capabilities, and the source apparatus automatically selects the appropriate processing method based on this self-reported information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while ensuring processing efficiency and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11200016B2Print data control apparatus to instruct another printing apparatus at transmission destination to perform desired process, printing apparatus thereof, and printing system
Publication Date: 2021.12.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11200016B2 patent drawing
  • US11200016B2 patent drawing
  • US11200016B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A print data control apparatus includes a reception section that receives print data which is to be printed in a first printing apparatus; a transmission section that transmits the print data, which is received by the reception section, to a second printing apparatus; an information acquisition section that acquires information related to the second printing apparatus; and an acceptance section that accepts an instruction which is to be provided to the second printing apparatus that designates a type of processing with respect to the print data transmitted by the transmission section, that is, an instruction which is selected based on information acquired by the information acquisition section.