Printer Setting Switch for Network Query Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing systems face challenges in simplifying the selection of printers on a network, preventing unintended alteration of printer settings, and reducing network traffic, as they often require operators to navigate through unclear network addresses and generate unnecessary traffic with methods like Ping commands.

Innovation Solution

The proposed printing system includes a printer with a setting switch, decision unit, and response unit that allows only selected printers to respond to setup queries, enabling easier identification and reducing unnecessary responses, and a setting information writer that securely updates settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all printers respond to setup queries on the network, then the host device can discover available printers, but network traffic increases and operator selection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter selection easeVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the setting switch configured in advance to determine whether a printer will respond to queries. This pre-configuration allows the printer to selectively respond only when setting changes are intended, reducing unnecessary network traffic and simplifying operator selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the printer's response behavior changeable through the setting switch. The printer can dynamically transition between responding and not responding to setup queries based on the switch position, allowing flexible control over network traffic and selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the host device sends Ping commands to verify printer IP addresses, then printer selection accuracy improves, but network traffic increases and setup time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter identification accuracyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by using the setting switch state as a confirmation signal before setting operations. The host device can check the setting switch position to verify the correct printer is selected, eliminating the need for additional Ping commands and reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the setting switch allows printer setting information to be written, then setup flexibility improves, but unintended alteration of settings becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsettings protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The setting switch provides dynamic control over the printer's receptiveness to setting changes. By changing the switch position, the operator can transition between accepting and rejecting setting information, providing both flexibility and protection against unintended alterations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The setting switch provides feedback to the host device about the printer's readiness to receive settings. The host device can query the setting switch state and adjust its behavior accordingly, ensuring settings are only written when the operator intends them to be changed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple host devices can access the network, then system versatility improves, but the risk of unintended setting alterations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access flexibilityVSAvoidunauthorized setting modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The setting switch performs preliminary authorization by determining in advance whether the printer will accept setting information from any host device. This pre-authorization mechanism prevents unauthorized modifications while allowing legitimate setup operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The setting switch acts as an intermediary between host devices and the printer's memory. It mediates the setting information writing process by controlling whether information from any host device can be written, providing a layer of protection against unauthorized modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7826079B2Printing system and printer with setting switch

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

A host device is connected to at least one printer through a network. Before printing, the host device broadcasts a query on the network, selects a printer that replies to the query, and sends printer setting information to the printer. The printer includes a setting switch that can be set to different states to accept or reject the printer setting information. A printer replies to the query only if its setting switch is set to the state that accepts the printer setting information. The setting switch avoids the generation of unnecessary replies and thereby simplifies the selection of the printer, as well as protecting the printer from unwanted alteration of its settings.