Networked Printer Setting Transfer via Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face issues with unexpected print settings when executing print jobs on different image forming apparatuses, as preset setting information may not be compatible or available on other devices within a networked printing system.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that acquires identification information and user setting information from a preset device, allowing it to execute print jobs with defined settings, ensuring compatibility and proper printing when possible, and redirecting jobs to compatible devices if not.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user setting information is preset for a particular image forming apparatus, then printing can be performed with expected settings on that device, but when the print job is executed on another image forming apparatus, the settings may not be compatible or available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting reliabilityVSAvoiddevice adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that transfers user setting information from the originally targeted image forming apparatus to the actual executing apparatus. This mediator (the setting information transfer system) enables compatibility across different devices while preserving the user's intended settings, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the printing system universal by enabling print jobs with associated setting information to be executed on any image forming apparatus within the network, not just the originally targeted device. The setting information is adapted to work across different apparatus types, achieving multi-functionality and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If print jobs are made executable on multiple image forming apparatuses, then user convenience and system flexibility are improved, but unexpected settings may occur when executing on different devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsetting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-transferring the user's intended setting information to the executing image forming apparatus before the actual printing occurs. This ensures that the correct settings are already in place, preventing unexpected settings and maintaining reliability while enabling ease of operation across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by ensuring that the setting information follows the print job throughout the network, providing continuous assurance that the executing apparatus has the correct settings. This feedback mechanism maintains setting accuracy regardless of which device executes the job.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If setting information is transferred between different image forming apparatuses, then compatibility is improved, but additional processing steps and system complexity are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-device compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the setting information transfer process with the existing print job submission and execution workflow. By combining these functions into a unified process, the system achieves cross-device compatibility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the setting transfer occurs automatically as part of the standard printing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11609720B2Image forming apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and image forming method

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a processor configured to: acquire, from a print job, identification information that has been preset for a particular image forming apparatus in order to distinguish the particular image forming apparatus from plural image forming apparatuses connected to a network; acquire, from the particular image forming apparatus, user setting information that has been specified during instructing printing of the print job among pieces of user setting information that have been preset by a user for the particular image forming apparatus, information on settings to be used in printing being defined in the pieces of user setting information; and when it is possible to perform the printing with the settings defined in the specified user setting information, enable execution of the print job.