Automated Printer Medium Specification Update

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face cumbersome printing settings when switching between multiple types of print-receiving media with different paper sizes in existing printing systems, requiring manual input and configuration in both the terminal and printer, leading to inefficient operations.

Innovation Solution

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a printed-matter producing program that automates the process by acquiring and updating medium specification information for the print-receiving medium, allowing the system to automatically adjust settings for the printer, eliminating the need for repeated input when changing paper sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual printing setting is performed in both terminal and printer when replacing print-receiving media, then printing settings can be accurately configured, but user operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting setting accuracyVSAvoiduser operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the printer to automatically acquire medium specification information from the terminal and update its own settings without requiring manual user input. The printer autonomously performs the setting configuration based on information received from the terminal, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings in both devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the printing setting operations of the terminal and printer into a unified process. By establishing communication between the terminal and printer, the setting information is transmitted and synchronized automatically, combining what were previously separate manual configuration tasks into a single automated workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If printing settings are configured in both terminal and printer, then complete printing control is achieved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting control completenessVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs preliminary action by acquiring medium specification information and transmitting it to the printer before the actual printing operation begins. This preliminary transmission of settings ensures that the printer is pre-configured with the correct parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual setup at the printer during the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the printer automatically receive and update its settings based on information from the terminal. The printer's settings are dynamically adjusted according to the medium specification information received, creating a feedback loop that ensures accurate configuration without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual medium specification input is required each time print-receiving medium is replaced, then accurate medium information is stored, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedium information accuracyVSAvoidprinting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The printer performs self-service by automatically acquiring medium specification information from the terminal and updating its internal storage without requiring manual user input. This automated information acquisition and storage process maintains accurate medium information while eliminating the time-consuming manual input required in traditional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual input process with an automated electronic information transmission system. Instead of users manually entering medium specifications, the system uses digital communication between the terminal and printer to automatically transfer and store medium information, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10613804B2Print setting process for a medium and printed-matter producing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a printed-matter producing program for executing steps on a controller of a printed-matter producing apparatus. In a consistency determination step, it is determined whether or not medium specification information acquired is identical to medium specification information stored in a medium specification information storage memory. In a medium specification information replacement step, the stored medium specification information is not replaced with the acquired medium specification information in the case that the acquired medium specification information is identical, and the stored medium specification information is replaced with the acquired medium specification information in the case that the acquired medium specification information is not identical. In a printed-matter production step, a feeder and a printing head is controlled on the basis of one piece of the medium specification information stored in the medium specification information storage memory to produce a printed matter.