Network Terminal for Printer Cartridge Status Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printers cannot properly detect and utilize cartridges without a memory for storing residual ink quantity information, making it difficult to perform printing operations when such cartridges are transferred to another printer.

Innovation Solution

A terminal device that communicates over a network between two printers to transfer residual quantity information from the source printer to the destination printer, allowing the destination printer to update and use this information for cartridges without internal memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a cartridge without internal memory is used, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to detect and transfer status information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge structure complexityVSAvoidstatus information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a terminal device as an intermediary that mediates between the source printer and destination printer. This terminal device acquires status information from the source printer and transmits it to the destination printer, enabling information transfer without requiring internal memory in the cartridge. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by externalizing the information storage and transfer function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention shifts the information storage dimension from the cartridge (internal memory) to the printer system (first memory in source printer, second memory in destination printer) and communication network. This dimensional change allows status information to be preserved and transferred without requiring the cartridge itself to have memory capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If status information is stored in the cartridge memory, then the reliability of status information transfer is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus information transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcartridge manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures accurate transmission of status information from the source printer to the destination printer. This mediator approach maintains reliability by using structured communication protocols and confirmation mechanisms, while avoiding the need to manufacture cartridges with embedded memory and associated programming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the physical memory component in the cartridge with a digital communication system. Instead of relying on physical memory hardware in the cartridge, the system uses network-based data transmission, substituting mechanical/electrical memory components with software-based information exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cartridge is transferred between printers without memory, then the adaptability of the cartridge is improved, but the productivity of the printing system is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge compatibilityVSAvoidprinting operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device acts as a productivity-enhancing intermediary that automates the status information transfer process. When a cartridge is moved between printers, the system automatically retrieves and transfers the necessary status information, enabling the destination printer to immediately recognize and properly utilize the transferred cartridge without manual intervention or productivity loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10089052B2Terminal device capable of transmitting status information indicative of usage status of cartridge mounted in first printer to second printer

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A terminal device includes a controller and is capable of communicating over a network with a first printer and a second printer. The first printer includes a first memory storing status information about usage status of a cartridge currently mounted in the first printer. The second printer includes a second memory. The controller is configured to perform: transmitting a request to the first printer, the request requesting to transmit the status information; in response to transmitting the request, receiving the status information; and in response to a specific condition being satisfied, transmitting the received status information to the second printer, the specific condition including a condition that the controller receives the status information. The status information transmitted to the second printer is stored in the second memory and used by the second printer after the cartridge is removed from the first printer and then mounted in the second printer.