Automated Print Failure Reporting in Information Processing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for printing from information processing apparatuses to image forming devices complicate the process of generating and reporting print failure reports, requiring manual effort from users or service personnel.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with an input interface, communication interface, and processor that selectively executes a print mode and a report mode, allowing for automated generation and transmission of print failure reports, including print log information, to a designated destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual collection and reporting of print failure information is implemented, then complete failure analysis data can be obtained, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure analysis completenessVSAvoidreporting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus automatically performs the service of collecting, generating, and transmitting print failure reports without requiring manual intervention from users or service personnel. The system self-monitors print jobs, detects failures, gathers relevant log information, and autonomously transmits reports to designated destinations, eliminating the need for manual information collection and reporting processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automated reporting mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the print failure occurrence and the service personnel/administrator. This intermediary automatically captures failure information, formats it into structured reports, and transmits it to the appropriate destination, bridging the gap between failure detection and analysis without requiring direct manual involvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated print failure reporting is implemented, then the reporting process is simplified and efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereporting efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: it performs normal printing operations, monitors print job status, detects failures, collects log information, generates reports, and transmits them to designated destinations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual processes and external tools, achieving automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the failure detection, information collection, report generation, and transmission functions into a unified automated process within the image forming apparatus. By combining these previously separate operations into a single integrated system, the patent achieves high reporting efficiency while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If print failure reports are always transmitted, then complete failure information is reported, but information leakage and privacy concerns may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure information completenessVSAvoidinformation leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its reporting behavior based on user-defined settings and failure conditions. Users can configure which types of failures should trigger reports, what information should be included, and which destinations should receive reports. This dynamic configurability ensures that reports are transmitted selectively rather than unconditionally, maintaining information completeness for relevant failures while preventing unnecessary information leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different reporting qualities to different failure scenarios and destinations. Users can specify different information levels and recipient destinations for different types of failures. This local quality approach ensures that sensitive information is only transmitted when necessary and to appropriate recipients, balancing complete failure information reporting with information leakage prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11714584B2Information processing apparatus with print failure reporting capabilities

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes an input interface, a communication interface, and a processor. The input interface is configured to receive settings related to a print failure report. The communication interface is configured to facilitate communication with an image forming apparatus and a destination of the print failure report identified in the settings. The processor is configured to selectively execute a print mode for transmitting designated print data of a print object to the image forming apparatus and a report mode for transmitting print data for reporting including print log information to the destination based on the settings.