Printer Event Log Capture via Fatal Error Storage and Ring Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer and multi-function printer systems face challenges in accessing and retrieving event logs, especially during intermittent errors, as these logs are typically not accessible through the control panel and require specialized tools or network connections, making it difficult for users to capture and analyze print errors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to retrieve printer event logs by determining if a print error is fatal or non-fatal, enabling the printing of non-fatal error logs and saving fatal error logs to internal non-volatile storage, with a user interface guiding users to power cycle the printer, thus facilitating log capture without requiring technical expertise or specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If event logs are stored in a recyclable memory block, then storage space is conserved, but log data is lost when memory is full and overwritten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested storage structure where a small recyclable memory block (ring buffer) is nested within a larger non-volatile storage system. The ring buffer captures initial log data, which is then transferred to permanent storage, allowing the buffer to be reused. This nested approach enables both space efficiency and data preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously pre-loading event logs into the ring buffer memory before they are needed for analysis. This ensures that when an error occurs, the relevant log data is already captured and preserved in the buffer, preventing information loss while maintaining storage efficiency.
2Reliability
If specialized tools or network connections are required to access event logs, then log security is maintained, but user accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing end-users to directly access and retrieve event logs through the printer's control panel without requiring external specialized tools or network connections. The system provides built-in functionality for users to initiate log retrieval, transfer logs to USB storage devices, and view log data, making the process autonomous and user-friendly while maintaining security through controlled access mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel serves as an intermediary interface between the internal log storage system and the user. It provides a simplified menu-driven interface that mediates the complex processes of log retrieval, USB connection management, and data transfer, allowing users to access logs easily without needing to understand the underlying technical complexities or use specialized diagnostic tools.
3Ease of operation
If logs are made accessible through the control panel, then user accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the log retrieval functionality into distinct modular components: a USB interface module for connection management, a file transfer module for data movement, and a control panel menu system for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to be independently managed and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive user access to event logs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of retrieving printer error logs from a printer or a multi-function printer with a printer memory buffer and internal non-volatile storage involves receiving a print error. A processor determines if a print error is a fatal error or a non-fatal error. On condition the print error is a non-fatal error, the event log located in the printer memory buffer is printed using the printer or the multi-function printer. On condition the print error is a fatal error, the processor determines if there is enough storage capacity to save the fatal error into the internal non-volatile storage. On condition there is enough storage capacity, the processor saves the event log into the internal non-volatile storage. The user is then instructed to power cycle the printer or the multi-function printer.