Printer Job Retention Control via Post-Print Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses cannot select whether to retain specific print jobs in the storage after printing, limiting user control over data management.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus equipped with a reception interface, display, print engine, storage, and controller, which allows users to select from job retention printing or job deletion printing before initiating the printing process, determining the fate of the print jobs post-printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the printing apparatus stores all print jobs in the storage after printing, then the print jobs are retained for future use, but the storage space is consumed and data management becomes less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retentionVSAvoidstorage space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic post-printing job management system where the fate of print jobs (retention or deletion) is determined after printing completion based on user selection. The controller presents a selection screen allowing users to choose between retaining the print job in storage or deleting it, transforming a static storage approach into a dynamic, adaptable system that responds to actual user needs post-printing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state parameter of print jobs from a fixed 'stored' state to a variable state where the retention status can be modified after printing. By introducing a post-printing decision mechanism, the system allows the storage status parameter to change based on user choice, enabling flexible data management that adapts to different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the printing apparatus provides detailed selection options for each print job, then user control over data management is enhanced, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser controlVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the print job management process into distinct phases: printing execution phase and post-printing selection phase. By separating these functions temporally and spatially (different screens), the system provides detailed control options without overwhelming the user during the printing process itself. The selection screen appears only after printing completes, dividing the complex management task into manageable stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary printing action before presenting the retention/deletion selection to the user. By completing the printing process first and then offering the fate selection, the system prepares the user with concrete context (the job has been printed) before asking for management decisions, reducing cognitive load and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12204804B2Printing apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and method for selecting whether to retain or delete selected jobs after printing based on enabling or not enabling a single check box which changes the wording of a print button

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a reception interface, a display, a print engine, a storage, and a controller. The controller displays, on the display, print jobs stored in the storage, and an operable selection object. In response to input operations received via the reception interface, the controller selects one or more print jobs from among the print jobs displayed on the display and sets the operable selection object to select one of job retention printing and job deletion printing. The controller determines whether to retain or delete the selected one or more print jobs after printing by the print engine, based on which of the job retention printing and the job deletion printing is selected by the operable selection object.