Print Server Participant Attribute-Based Print Setting Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing print control systems, when participant attributes change, users must re-register documents with updated print settings, which is inefficient and requires manual intervention for each participant.

Innovation Solution

A print server that acquires participant information from an event information storage device and user attribute storage device, automatically adjusts print settings based on participant attributes, eliminating the need for re-registration by linking participant attributes with predefined print setting levels and adjustment rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If print settings are manually re-registered for each participant when attributes change, then print setting accuracy is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint setting accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects participant attribute changes and re-assigns print settings without requiring manual intervention. The print control device monitors participant information storage devices, automatically determines appropriate print settings based on updated attributes, and applies them to registered documents, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain accuracy autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback mechanism where participant attribute changes are continuously monitored and detected. When changes are detected, the system automatically triggers re-assignment of print settings, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains print setting accuracy through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual re-registration is performed for each participant, then print settings are updated accurately, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint setting accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The print control device autonomously performs the entire process of detecting attribute changes, determining appropriate print settings, and re-assigning them to participants. This automated self-service eliminates the time-consuming manual re-registration process while maintaining print setting accuracy, reducing operational time from multiple manual steps to automatic background processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes the relationship framework between participant attributes and print settings in advance. When attribute changes occur, the system can immediately re-assign settings based on pre-configured rules and participant information, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration and enabling rapid automatic updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple print settings are registered for one document, then flexibility increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint setting flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system manages multiple print settings by parameterizing them according to participant attributes such as job title, department, or role. Instead of treating each print setting as a separate complex configuration, the system uses attribute-based parameters to automatically select and apply appropriate settings, reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility through systematic parameter management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The print control device is designed with multi-functional capability to handle diverse participant attributes and corresponding print settings through a single unified system. The device can automatically adapt to different participant types and apply appropriate print settings without requiring separate manual configurations for each case, achieving versatility through universal automated attribute-based control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3118735B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP3118735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3118735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3118735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a reception unit, an attribute acquisition unit, and a determination unit. The reception unit receives registration of a document to be printed. The document is registered in correlation with an event. The attribute acquisition unit acquires attribute information on each participant in the event corresponding to the document to be printed. The attribute information is acquired from a user attribute storage device that stores attribute information on each person at a determination timing when print setting for the participant for the document to be printed is determined. The determination unit determines, on the basis of the attribute information on the participant acquired by the attribute acquisition unit, print setting to be applied when the participant prints the document to be printed.