Print Manager Device Synchronizes Image Processing and Print Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

In print processing systems, there is a mismatch between image processing information used to generate print data and print settings information used for printing, leading to potential low-quality printouts, as these processes are handled separately on different devices without assurance of matching settings for the print medium.

Innovation Solution

A print manager device that stores and synchronizes media print information, including image processing and print settings information, to ensure that the correct information is applied to both the image processing device and the printer, preventing mismatches and allowing for high-quality printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image processing and print settings are handled separately on different devices, then each device can be optimized independently, but there is no assurance that the settings will match the same print medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent device optimizationVSAvoidsettings matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a print manager device as an intermediary between the image processing device and the printer. The print manager stores media print information that relates image processing information to print settings information, and distributes the appropriate information to each device based on selected print medium type, ensuring they match correctly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The print manager device serves multiple functions: it acts as a storage unit for media print information, a distribution center for sending information to image processing devices and printers, and a coordination hub to ensure settings matching across different devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a print manager device is introduced to coordinate between image processing and printing, then settings matching is ensured, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings matchingVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of storing media print information, distributing image processing information, and distributing print settings information into a single print manager device, streamlining the system architecture while ensuring reliable settings matching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10956096B2Print manager device, printer, print manager program

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided to prevent mismatches in processing and settings related to print media. A print manager device includes a media print information storage storing media print information, which is information relating image processing information used to generate print data for a specific print medium with print settings information used to print on the print medium. The image processing information and the print settings information are relationally stored to each printer configured to print based on the print data according to the print settings information. A processor that controls communication. The processor can send the image processing information stored in the media print information storage relationally to a print medium specified by media selection information to an image processing device that generates print data and can send the print settings information stored in the media print information storage to the printer.