Printer Setting Data Management via Remote Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in selecting appropriate paper sizes for printing due to the inability to confirm the current paper setting in the printer when not physically near it, leading to wasted consumables and unnecessary effort in checking or replacing the paper.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable storage medium with program instructions that allows an information processing apparatus to access and manage printer setting data, including sheet size and mode information, enabling the acquisition and notification of the current paper size and mode from the printer, and registering or displaying this information for user-friendly selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user selects paper size on an image processing apparatus without being near the printer, then the user can perform the selection operation, but the user cannot confirm the current paper setting in the printer leading to potential mismatches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper size selectionVSAvoidcurrent paper setting information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus automatically acquires the current paper setting information from the printer via communication interface and notifies the user of this information before paper size selection. This feedback mechanism allows the user to make informed decisions about paper size selection without being physically present at the printer, resolving the contradiction between ease of remote operation and availability of current setting information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and the printer. It retrieves the current paper setting from the printer through communication, processes this information, and presents it to the user along with paper size selection options. This intermediary role eliminates the need for the user to physically check the printer while still providing accurate current setting information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the user goes to the printer to check the current paper setting, then the user can confirm the paper size, but the user must expend time and effort to travel to the printer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent paper setting informationVSAvoidtime to check paper setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automatic feedback by having the image processing apparatus query the printer for current paper settings and transmit this information back to the user interface. This eliminates the need for the user to physically travel to the printer to check settings, as the information is automatically retrieved and displayed during the paper size selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing apparatus performs the information-gathering task automatically without requiring user intervention to check the printer physically. The system self-services by autonomously acquiring current paper setting information from the printer through communication protocols and making this information available to the user during the selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the user selects an inappropriate paper size due to inability to confirm current setting, then the selection process is simple, but printing errors occur and consumables are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper size selection processVSAvoidprinting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by automatically acquiring and notifying the user of the current paper setting in the printer before paper size selection. This ensures that the user's selection is based on accurate, up-to-date information about what paper is actually loaded in the printer, preventing mismatches that would lead to printing errors and waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by automatically retrieving and presenting the current paper setting information to the user before the paper size selection is made. This preliminary provision of accurate information prevents the user from making incorrect selections that would result in printing errors and consumable waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10963193B2Information processing apparatus executing setting process for printing

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

In an information processing apparatus, a memory stores in advance a plurality of sets of setting data for printing. Each set of setting data is in association with a setting mode. The setting process in a first setting mode sets a set of setting data for a specific print whereas the setting process in a second setting mode sets a set of setting data used generally for printing. The control device executes the setting process in a current setting mode, and acquires from the printer a sheet size currently set in the printer. The control device extracts from the memory a set of setting data having a sheet size matching the acquired sheet size, and notifying information concerning a sheet size in a case where setting mode in association with the extracted set of setting data indicates a setting mode different from the current setting mode.