Printer Memory Device Reader for Reliable Settings Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer replacement methods require technical knowledge or dedicated devices to set network and printer settings, making it difficult for non-technical users, especially in environments like supermarkets, and existing solutions face issues with reliable setting configuration due to variable RF tag and reader positions or incompatibility with printers with multiple circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration system that includes a network communicator, a connector for a memory device storing settings, a detector to identify the memory device connection, and a reader to configure network settings based on stored information, ensuring consistent and accurate setting transfer, even for printers with multiple circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF tag is attached to flexible communication cable, then settings information can be transferred wirelessly, but the relative positions of RF tag and reader/writer are not always the same causing unreliable reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a memory device as an intermediary carrier that stores settings information. Instead of relying on wireless RF tags that require precise positioning, the memory device is physically attached to the cable and read through the connector when the cable is inserted into the printer, eliminating positioning issues while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless RF tag system with a physical memory device insertion system. The memory device is read through the connector interface when the cable is mechanically inserted, substituting the wireless electromagnetic field-based system with a physical connection-based system that guarantees reliable reading
2Ease of operation
If settings are set using external memory device connection method, then settings can be transferred, but it does not work properly with printers having first circuit board and second circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the memory device reader and settings transfer mechanism universal by designing it to work with both printers having a single circuit board and printers having multiple circuit boards (first circuit board with network interface and second circuit board with connector). The system automatically adapts to different printer configurations, ensuring broad compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the printer into functional modules (first circuit board for network communication, second circuit board for memory reading and settings processing) and designs the settings transfer system to operate independently across these segments. This modular approach allows the memory device to be read and processed regardless of the specific circuit board configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-technical users to quickly and accurately configure settings by simply connecting a memory device to the printer, ensuring reliable network settings and printer operation, even in complex printer configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a reader configured to read the settings information from the memory of the member when installation of the member to the connector is detected by the first detector
Data Source
AI summary
To reliably read settings information PD (network settings PD1, printer settings PD2) from memory and correctly set the settings information PD in a printer, a wireless tag 62 storing the settings information PD is disposed to a cover member 40b that is removably installable to a network-connectable printing unit 40a, a reading device 60 that reads the settings information PD from the wireless tag 62 is disposed to the printing unit 40a, and a configurator 50b configures settings based on the read settings information PD.