Printer Ground Pattern Conflict Resolution via Bidirectional Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ground pattern printing techniques fail to prevent redundant or double ground pattern addition when both printer driver and printer add ground patterns, compromising security and functionality, especially in critical document printing environments.

Innovation Solution

A printing setting apparatus and apparatus that communicate bidirectionally to determine if a ground pattern is already added by the printer, preventing redundant addition by disabling or enabling ground pattern settings accordingly, ensuring only one ground pattern is applied to the printing data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ground pattern is added by both printer driver and printer, then security and functionality are improved, but redundant ground pattern addition occurs causing overlapping patterns that compromise security

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidredundant ground pattern addition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements bidirectional communication between the printing setting apparatus and printing apparatus to exchange ground pattern addition information. The printing apparatus communicates whether it will add a ground pattern, and the printing setting apparatus adjusts its behavior accordingly, preventing redundant addition while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Ground pattern addition information acts as an intermediary signal that mediates between the printing setting apparatus and printing apparatus. This information exchange enables coordinated control of ground pattern addition, ensuring only one component adds the pattern while maintaining the security function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ground pattern addition is controlled through bidirectional communication, then redundant addition is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidcommunication mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bidirectional communication mechanism serves multiple functions: it exchanges ground pattern addition information, coordinates between apparatus components, and prevents redundant pattern addition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8363283B2Print setting apparatus and printer for adding ground pattern to image and resolving conflicting settings

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A printing setting apparatus is disclosed that includes a first part to establish a connection to a printing apparatus; a second part to make a setting with respect to printing of printing data; a third part to add a first ground pattern to the printing data in response to the second part making a first setting for adding the first ground pattern; a fourth part to obtain information indicating whether a second setting for adding a second ground pattern is made in the printing apparatus; and a fifth part to disable the second part from accepting the first setting in response to the fourth part obtaining the information indicating that the second setting is made in the printing apparatus, and enable the second part to accept the first setting in response to the fourth part obtaining the information indicating that the second setting is not made in the printing apparatus.