Printer Cable Integrated Memory for Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-technical users face difficulties in quickly and accurately setting printer information, such as IP addresses and printing conditions, when replacing printers in environments like supermarkets, due to the need for external memory devices which can be misplaced, incorrectly prepared, or lost, and require technical knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A control method for printers that involves physically attaching memory storing printer information to the communication cable, allowing for direct connection and reading of this information during printer setup, eliminating the need for external memory devices and simplifying the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external memory devices are used to store and transfer printer information, then printer information can be transferred between printers, but the external memory devices are easily lost, misplaced, or incorrectly prepared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memory device with the communication cable by integrating a connector into the cable structure. This allows the memory device to be permanently attached to the cable, eliminating the need for separate external memory devices. The memory device is inserted into the connector on the communication cable, creating a unified structure that is transferred together with the cable when replacing printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication cable acts as an intermediary carrier that transports both power/data signals and the memory device containing printer information. By using the cable as a mediator, the system eliminates the need for separate memory management while ensuring reliable transfer of printer information during printer replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external memory devices are prepared manually with printer information, then printer configuration can be customized, but the preparation process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The printer information is pre-loaded into the memory device that is permanently attached to the communication cable. When a printer is replaced, the entire cable with the pre-configured memory device is simply connected to the new printer, eliminating the need for manual information transfer or configuration. The preliminary configuration is done once and reused across multiple printer replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory device containing printer information is copied or transferred along with the communication cable to the replacement printer. Instead of manually copying information from one device to another, the entire cable assembly with the memory device is moved together, ensuring accurate replication of the original printer's configuration.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated technical knowledge is required to set printer information, then accurate configuration can be achieved, but non-technical users cannot perform the setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service printer replacement by automatically transferring printer information through the communication cable with the integrated memory device. When the cable is connected to the replacement printer, the printer automatically detects and loads the configuration information from the memory device, eliminating the need for users to manually configure technical settings. The printer performs the configuration task itself based on the pre-loaded information.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer control method enables even non-technical users to quickly and accurately set printer information in a printer. A control method of a printer having a first interface that connects through a first communication cable to a host computer, and a second interface that connects to nonvolatile memory storing printer information through a second communication cable, the nonvolatile memory being attached to the first communication cable, reads the printer information from the nonvolatile memory through the second communication cable and the second interface, and sets the read printer information in the printer, at a specific time.