Printer Guide Screen for Invoice Sheet Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in recognizing and performing operations on image forming apparatuses for printing invoices without an information processing apparatus, leading to potential misprints and waste of expensive invoice printing sheets, especially when the printer is far from the processing apparatus.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a receiving unit for user instructions, an obtaining unit to access a server system for print data, and a control unit to display sheet setting methods on a display unit, allowing users to easily recognize operations for printing invoices directly from the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated terminal with pre-stored invoice printing sheets is used, then printing operations are simplified and misprints are prevented, but the transmitter must go directly to the carrier's delivery counter which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting accuracyVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A guide screen is introduced as an intermediary between the printer and the user. The guide screen displays operation instructions (sheet type, placement direction, tray selection) on the printer's own display unit, mediating the communication between the system and user without requiring external terminals or physical presence at the carrier counter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The printer is equipped with its own display unit and control capabilities, allowing it to independently provide guidance and perform printing operations without requiring a dedicated terminal or external information processing apparatus. The system serves itself by displaying instructions directly on the printer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a special printer driver with guide screen on information processing apparatus is used, then sheet setting information is provided to user, but user must go back and forth between information processing apparatus and printer which is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation provisionVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display function is relocated from the information processing apparatus (2D screen) to the printer's own display unit (another dimension of interaction). This spatial relocation allows the guide screen to appear directly at the printing location, eliminating the need for users to physically move between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit and control functions are merged into the printer itself rather than being separated in an external information processing apparatus. This integration combines the guidance function with the printing function in a single device, reducing operational steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If printer is located far from information processing apparatus, then printing can be done independently, but user cannot easily check guide screen and must go back and forth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent printing capabilityVSAvoidguide screen visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printer's display unit acts as a local intermediary that brings the guide screen information directly to the printing location. This eliminates the dependency on remote information processing apparatus and allows users to obtain guidance information at the point of operation regardless of physical distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If invoice printing sheet is used without proper settings, then printing can be performed quickly, but misprint occurs and expensive sheet is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidprinting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide screen displays sheet setting information (type, placement direction, tray selection) before the printing operation begins. This preliminary provision of information allows users to correctly configure the sheet settings in advance, preventing misprints and waste while maintaining efficient printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through the guide screen showing the correct sheet type, placement direction, and tray selection. This feedback mechanism guides users to make correct settings, reducing errors and waste while maintaining printing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12019923B2Image forming apparatus, method of controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium for displaying guide screens for setting sheets

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 CANON KK

AI summary

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction from a user, an obtaining unit configured to obtain, from a server system, print data by accessing the server system in response to the instruction received by the receiving unit, and a control unit configured to display a method of setting a sheet on which the print data is printed on a display unit in a case where the obtained print data by the obtaining unit includes information of a predetermined sheet.