Printer Control Apparatus for Shared Paper Settings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-function printers, paper settings are stored for each mode, leading to redundant input of paper information and potential contradictions, reducing usability as the same information often needs to be input multiple times due to differences in paper handling requirements across modes.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus with a setting unit for print medium information, a determination unit to assess if the set information can be reflected in a specific mode, and an update unit to update the settings accordingly, allowing users to optionally reflect paper cassette information across modes without redundant input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If paper settings are stored for each individual mode, then mode-specific paper handling requirements can be met, but the same paper information must be input multiple times across different modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-specific paper handlingVSAvoidredundant input

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges paper setting management across multiple modes by introducing a shared paper setting storage mechanism. When paper information is registered in one mode, the system automatically reflects it in other modes through the update unit, eliminating redundant input while preserving mode-specific handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The paper setting registration function is designed to serve multiple modes simultaneously. The setting unit, determination unit, and update unit work together to create a universal paper setting management system that can be accessed and reflected across different operational modes (print, copy, fax) without requiring separate registration for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If paper settings are stored in a shared manner across modes, then redundant input is eliminated, but contradictions in settings may arise frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveno redundant inputVSAvoidsetting contradiction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by allowing mode-specific overrides of shared paper settings. Each mode can maintain its own paper setting preferences while benefiting from the shared registration system, enabling localized adjustments without affecting other modes. This resolves setting contradictions by permitting mode-specific customization where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The paper setting management system is designed to be dynamic, allowing settings to be automatically reflected across modes while permitting mode-specific modifications. The system adaptively manages the balance between shared settings and mode-specific requirements, resolving contradictions by allowing flexible adjustment at the mode level while maintaining overall consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9654652B2Control apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 CANON KK

AI summary

A control apparatus includes a setting unit that sets information on a print medium for a paper feed unit, a determination unit that, if the setting unit sets the information on the print medium, determines whether the set information on the print medium can be reflected in a setting condition for a specific mode, and an update unit that, if the determination unit determines that the set information on the print medium can be reflected, updates the setting condition for the specific mode to the information on the print medium.