Printer Command Execution via External Coded Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers without a display unit or with restricted input and display units are inconvenient for users to perform manual operations using data from external storage, as they can only execute limited operations due to design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The printer employs a processor to execute commands based on coded or text-form information input via a command input unit, which is then printed on a medium for user guidance, allowing users to perform complex operations by reading coded information with a reader or using operation keys, even without a display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the printer does not employ a display unit or employs limited input and display units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a code reader as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the limited printer interface and the user. The code reader scans printed codes and transmits commands to the printer, enabling complex operations without requiring a display unit or complex input interface on the printer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/display-based interaction system with an optical recognition system. Instead of using a display unit to show operation steps and an input unit to receive commands, the system uses printed codes that are optically scanned by the code reader, substituting mechanical/display components with an optical recognition mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the printer employs a display unit and operation device, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display and complex input functions from the printer itself and relocates them to external components (printed instructions and code reader). The printer retains only the essential printing function and simple command execution, while the operational intelligence is moved to the external code reader and printed materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses printed codes as a copy of the command interface. Instead of implementing a full graphical user interface on the printer display, the system creates printed representations of commands and operations that can be scanned and executed, using static copies rather than dynamic displays.
3Ease of operation
If manual operations are simplified through printed instructions, then the ease of operation improves, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-printing all necessary operation instructions and command codes on the printed material before the user needs them. The complete operation sequence is prepared in advance on paper, allowing users to follow step-by-step without needing real-time display feedback or complex interactive interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer (1, 301) includes a connection port (P) that connects an external storage device (101) to the printer (1, 301), a command input unit (40, 51) that inputs coded information (203) or text-form information (204), and a processor (32) that executes a command corresponding to coded information (203) or text-form information (204) inputted in the command input unit (40, 51) by using data stored in the external storage device (101) connected to the connection port (P).